HK1027929B - Combined mobile telephone and remote control terminal - Google Patents

Description

Combined mobile telephone and remote control terminal

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is hereby incorporated by reference into the following commonly assigned patent applications which detail the subject matter concerned: U.S. patent Application serial number 08/476,504 entitled "MODULAR UNIT headphones" (Docket No. (record) 27946-; U.S. patent Application Serial number 08/471,606 entitled "ELECTRONIC device AUDIO SYSTEM", filed 6.6.1995 (Docket No.: 27946-; U.S. patent Application Serial number 08/577,086, filed on 12/22/1995, entitled "IDENTIFICATION OF MOBILE phone CALLS WITHIN A MOBILE phone SYSTEM" (Docket No. (record number) 27943-; and U.S. patent Application Serial No. (U.S. patent Application No.) 08/353,966 entitled "MODULAR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM" (Docket No.) 27946-00070; inventor: Per Stein), filed 12/1994; the present application is a continuation of part of U.S. patent application Serial No. (U.S. patent application No.) 08/616,054, entitled "AN INTEGRATED LOCAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM" (Docket No. (record No.) 27946) 00141; inventor: Torbj  orn KarlH and kan Johansson, filed 3, 14.1996.

Background

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to communication systems, and more particularly to mobile telephones providing mobile telephone and remote control functions.

Description of related Art

Recent developments in wireless telecommunications are multifaceted, creating countless new products and services. In the field of mobile cellular telecommunications, some new services include private services, which are typically provided in the residential or commercial environment of private mobile users, and public services, which are provided to public mobile users over public land mobile networks. Private and public mobile services may be provided on a cellular basis, with mobile users being allowed to roam between the geographical coverage areas of different base stations of each private and public system.

The private mobile services are typically provided by a private mobile Telephone network, implemented using a private Cordless system Standard, such as the Cordless Telephone Standard 2 (Cordless Telephone Standard CT-2). The private telephone system may be provided as a separate network or connected to a fixed telephone network.

Public Mobile services, on the other hand, are typically provided over cellular telecommunications networks using one of the public cellular transmission standards, such as the Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) System Standard or the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) Standard.

Another related development is in the field of cordless telephone products. Cordless telephone communication systems connected to the public switched telephone system (PSTN) have been known for a long time. Cordless telephones operate with a portable telephone unit that communicates with a base station through a pair of Radio Frequency (RF) transceivers in the portable unit and the base station. When the device is used and a call is made, dial tones and voice signals are transmitted from the RF transmitter in the portable unit to the RF receiver in the base station and then through the PSTN line in the usual manner. Similarly, when a call is received, voice signals are transmitted from an RF transmitter in the base station to an RF receiver in the portable unit.

While cordless telephones are convenient in that they eliminate the loss of mobility associated with corded phones and allow telephone communications to take place, they still require the use of one hand to hold the portable unit for operation as with conventional corded phones. Current efforts to address the limitations of conventional cordless telephones have resulted in portable units that are head-mounted, allowing hands-free operation. In Silver, U.S. Pat. No.4,882,745, a "cordless headset" is described, which comprises only a single earpiece covering one ear, the other not. Another related device is disclosed in Wilson, U.S. Pat. No.4,741,030, which features a cordless headset provided with a dial positioned proximate to a microphone for easy viewing by a user. Like the Silver device, the Wilson device does not disclose the use of two earphones and volume controls, which are intended to enhance sound quality and block external ambient noise. Another cordless telephone headset that uses only a single headset is disclosed in Kennedy, U.S. Pat. No.4,484,029.

A recent development of these above-mentioned cordless telephone headsets is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,113,428, in which the portable unit is fully contained within a headset having its own keypad, associated control keys, a rechargeable battery, an RF transceiver and two headsets with volume control.

A commonly assigned pending u.s. patent application entitled MODULAR UNIT HEADSET, referred to above and incorporated herein by reference, describes an integrated system in which the main electronic system is connected to the PSTN, with the addition of a MODULAR UNIT capable of communicating with the HEADSET via cordless and wireline means. Another co-pending u.s. patent application, entitled "E1 electronic device AUDIO SYSTEM," referred to above and incorporated herein by reference, describes a modular port having a modular connector capable of communicating with a microphone by both wireless and wired means.

It is apparent that these logical processes of multi-level evolution are oriented towards interoperability enhancement and multi-physical device module integration with the aim of increasing operator convenience. For example, it would be advantageous to have a mobile station equipped with a modular unit capable of communicating with a cordless telephone base station so that it can operate as an extension of a cordless telephone to enable land-line communications. Having a wireless headset that is capable of communicating with a mobile station and a cordless telephone base station over a single protocol has the added benefit of. In such a system, the operator has the advantage of hands-free operation of a plurality of telecommunication devices without having to interchange different modular units.

Furthermore, it is readily appreciated that it would be advantageous to interoperably integrate an electronic data terminal into such a Local Area Communication System (LACS), thereby further maximizing the use of the terminal. It will be appreciated that such electronic data terminals may be computers (either alone or in a local area network), pagers, printers, or hand-held data organizers. Furthermore, the integration of a conventional telephone answering machine (for playing greetings or recording caller messages and recording incoming messages) into the LACS will undoubtedly enhance operator convenience and use of the device. The present method and apparatus, and the various units therein, provide these advantages.

Additional benefits are realized by providing dual functionality for the mobile station, enabling it to provide general telephony functionality and to act as a remote control unit for various peripheral devices, which are accessed via some type of local area communication system or related communication systems. In this manner, an individual may perform various functions using the multi-function mobile phone.

Summary of The Invention

The present invention overcomes the foregoing and other problems of providing a mobile telephone station that combines the functions of a mobile telephone and a remote control terminal. The mobile station includes a transceiver section that provides general mobile telephone functionality for enabling a user to interact with the public land mobile network. One or more peripheral devices are associated with the mobile station and remotely executed according to a set of predetermined control commands. A control command module within the mobile station generates a plurality of predetermined control commands for the peripheral devices to respond to. The control commands are transmitted to the peripheral device over a wireless communication link established between the peripheral device and the control command module. Or the mobile station may include only means for generating and communicating control commands to peripheral devices, transceivers that do not provide mobile telephone functionality. Also, the mobile station may be comprised of a hands-free headset.

The control command module may also include one or both of a voice recognition module or DTMF that enables the user to control the peripheral device through spoken voice commands. The recognition module enables a user to control the peripheral device through DTMF inputs.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for providing remote control of a mobile telephone and a plurality of remotely manipulable peripheral devices, comprising:

a mobile phone, comprising:

a transceiver forming a wireless communication link;

a mobile phone module providing mobile phone functions through a transceiver;

a control command module generating control commands to a plurality of remotely manipulatable peripheral devices in response to user input;

a local communication module that generates a wireless communication link between the plurality of peripheral devices and the control command module to enable transmission of the control command to the plurality of peripheral devices; and

a user interface enabling a user to select between the mobile phone module and the control command module; and

a local communications network for enabling communications between a mobile telephone and a plurality of remotely manipulable peripheral devices, comprising:

a plurality of local interface modules, wherein each of the remotely manipulable peripheral devices includes at least one of the plurality of local interface modules, each of the plurality of local interface modules configured to form a wireless communication link with a local communication module and to form a wireless communication link with each of the local interface modules in the local communication network, at least one of the plurality of local interface modules being capable of wireless communication with another of the plurality of local interface modules.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing a remote control function, including:

a peripheral device remotely manipulable in response to a control command;

a mobile phone, comprising:

a wireless headset configuration for placement on a user's head;

a transceiver forming a wireless communication link;

a mobile phone module providing a phone function through a transceiver;

a control command module within the wireless headset to generate control commands to a plurality of remotely steerable peripheral devices in response to user input;

a local communication module that generates a wireless communication link between the plurality of peripheral devices and the control command module to enable transmission of the control command to the plurality of peripheral devices;

a user interface enabling a user to select between the mobile phone module and the control command module; and

a local communications network for enabling communications between a mobile telephone and a plurality of remotely manipulable peripheral devices, comprising:

a plurality of local interface modules, wherein each of the remotely manipulable peripheral devices includes at least one of the plurality of local interface modules, and wherein the local interface module in the first region is adapted to form a wireless communication link with only the local communication module, and the local interface module in the second region is adapted to form a wireless communication link with the local communication module and with each of the local interface modules in the second region, the at least one of the plurality of local interface modules being capable of wireless communication with another of the plurality of local interface modules.

Brief description of the drawings

A more complete understanding of the present methods and apparatus may be had by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

fig. 1 is a block diagram of a broadband network interconnect that integrates a local area communication system including a plurality of communication devices.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an integrated local communication system in accordance with a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a local area communication system implementation in accordance with an aspect of a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a mobile station implementation providing mobile telephone and remote control functionality in a local area communication system;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mobile station implementation that provides mobile telephony and remote control functions within a communication system using the mobile station as a main controller;

fig. 6 is a block diagram of a mobile station providing mobile phone and remote control functions in a first local area communication system and a fixed communication system using the mobile station as a main controller;

fig. 7 is a block diagram of the system of fig. 5 in which the mobile station is replaced with a hands-free headset;

FIG. 8 illustrates the internetworking of multiple Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN);

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a PLMN;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a conventional landline telephone unit;

fig. 11 is a block diagram of a conventional cordless telephone base unit;

fig. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a conventional wireless headset unit;

FIG. 13A depicts a block diagram of a presently preferred embodiment of a local interface module suitable for use with a mobile station in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13B is a block diagram of a presently preferred embodiment of a residential base station or directly connectable local interface module adapted for use with a PSTN in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13C is a block diagram of a presently preferred embodiment of a local interface module for use with a serial computer port connector in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13D is a block diagram of a presently preferred embodiment of a local interface module suitable for use with an electronic data terminal in accordance with the present invention;

fig. 13E is a block diagram of a presently preferred embodiment of a local interface module suitable for use with a cordless telephone base unit associated with a PSTN in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13F is a block diagram of a presently preferred embodiment of a local interface module suitable for use with a peripheral device that may be remotely controlled by a mobile station in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary decision tree that may be used to optionally implement local wireless communication for an incoming call in accordance with the present invention; and

fig. 15A and 15B illustrate an exemplary decision tree that may be used to optionally implement local wireless communication for originating a call in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

Fig. 1 depicts a broadband network interconnection of an integrated Local Area Communication System (LACS) according to the present invention, and is generally referred to by reference numeral 100. The local communication system 100 contemplates seamless integration of a plurality of electronic communication devices 110-1 through 110-N, at least one of which may be connected to an external communication network, here designated by reference numerals 140-1 through 140-4. The connections 130-1 to 130-4 between the plurality of devices 110-1 to 110-4 and the external communication systems 140-1 to 140-4 may be wireless or wired in accordance with the present invention.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, a plurality of local interface modules 120-1 through 120-N are shown connected to a plurality of devices 110-1 through 110-N. According to a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of local interface modules 120-1 through 120-N is capable of enabling wireless communication with the other N-1 local interface modules. According to the present invention, the local communication may be voice, video and data, or any combination thereof. Further, local communication is implemented over a single communication protocol that includes a local medium (which may be an electromagnetic wave, such as wireless, infrared, optical spectrum, or microwave, or a magnetic wave, or wired). The local signal may be analog or digital with appropriate modules as known in the art.

Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 200. Reference numeral 210 refers to a wireless enhanced telephone interface device connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 260. In one aspect of the invention, wireless enhanced telephone interface device 210 may simply be a known cordless telephone base unit capable of short-range wireless communication in a residential or office environment.

Continuing with fig. 2, reference numeral 240 refers to a known mobile station associated with a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) 270. Reference numeral 230 refers to the electronic data terminal, referred to and described above, which may be associated with a Local Area Network (LAN) 280. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications are known in the art based on the reference herein to electronic data terminal 230. For example, it may be a computer, optionally associated in a distributed computing environment. Alternatively, it may be a printer, or a telefax, or a pager, or a telephone answering machine, or a hand-held data organizer, or any other electrical, electronic, or mechanical device. It is within the spirit of the present invention that known varieties and modifications of these electronic data terminals 230 can be arranged within a local communication network in accordance with the present invention.

Still referring to fig. 2, reference numeral 220 refers to a wireless headset, which is provided in the presently preferred exemplary embodiment to provide maximum convenience for the user to implement a local communication path. Reference numerals 250-1 to 250-4 refer to four local interface modules. Local interface module 250-1 is coupled to wireless enhanced telephone interface device 210, local interface module 250-2 is coupled to wireless headset 220, local interface module 250-3 is coupled to electronic data terminal 230, and local interface module 250-4 is coupled to mobile station 240. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that although the local interface modules 250-1 through 250-4 are shown as separate functional modules, they can be structurally integrated into the respective communication devices 210, 220, 230, and 240. In addition, wireless enhanced telephone interface device 210 may have its associated local interface module 250-1 also functionally integrated into its own circuitry. Similarly, in one aspect of the invention, the wireless headset 220 and the local interface module 250-2 are also functionally integrated.

Referring now to fig. 3, a local area communication system implementation is shown in accordance with an aspect of a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 210 is a wireless enhanced telephone interface device associated with the PSTN260 for external landline communications. Reference numeral 261 is an associated path between the PSTN260 and the wireless enhanced telephony interface device 210. The communication signals on this path 261 may be analog or digital and in particular embodiments may be a T1 telephone line, or an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) connection, or a high capacity Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). The wireless enhanced telephone interface device 210 is shown with a local antenna 211 for local communications, which may be a cordless telephone base unit or a directly connectable residential base station connected to a corresponding local interface module (not shown).

The mobile station 240 is associated with the PLMN270 for cellular communication. The cellular path 271 may be implemented between the Mobile station 240 and the PLMN270 using any one of a variety of common cellular transmission standards, such as Advanced Mobile station service (AMPS) System Standard or Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) Standard. Mobile station 240 is equipped with a non-local antenna 242 to facilitate the transmission and reception of cellular communication signals between mobile station 240 and a base station (not shown). In addition, the mobile station 240 is connected to a local interface module 241 having a local antenna 243 for local communications. The connection between mobile station 240 and local interface module 241 is such that non-local cellular communication signals traversing cellular path 271 are selectively converted to local communication signals (and vice versa) for transmission over a local communication link as described below. Local interface module 241 is also capable of communicating between peripheral devices 210, 220.

The wireless headset 220 communicates over the PSTN260 as either a wireless extension of the mobile station 240 over a first local wireless communication link 310 or as a speakerphone unit over a second local wireless communication link 320. A third local wireless communication link 330 is selectively established between mobile station 240 and wireless enhanced telephone interface device 210 whereby mobile station 240 selectively places a call over PSTN260 as a hand-on telephone unit associated with wireless enhanced telephone interface device 210.

Referring now to fig. 4, an implementation of a mobile station 2000 that provides mobile telephony and remote control functions over a local area communication system is illustrated. A wireless enhanced telephone interface device 2005, such as a residential base station, that interfaces with the mobile station 2000 enables external landline communication between the mobile station 2000 and the PSTN. The mobile station 2000 includes a communication link 2010 capable of communicating with an associated Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN)2020, via a mobile telephone function 2015 for cellular communication. The cellular Communication link 2010 may be implemented between the Mobile station 2000 and the PLMN 2020 using any one of a number of common cellular transmission standards, such as the Advanced Mobile station Service (AMPS) System or the global System for Mobile Communication (GSM).

The mobile station 2000 also includes a command control module 2025, and a local communication module 2027, which communicates with a number of associated local interface modules 2035 associated with various peripheral devices 2040. The command control module 2025 generates instructions for controlling the peripheral devices 2040 according to user input. The local communication module 2027 forms a local communication link 2045 between the mobile station 2000 and the peripheral device 2040 via the local interface module 2035. The local interface module 2035 is connected to the command control module 2025 of the mobile station 2000 via a local communication link 2045 using a communication protocol including local media including electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio, infrared, spectral microwave, or magnetic waves). The local communication link 2045 may be analog or digital with any suitable modulation known in the art. Local interface module 2035 is associated with a variety of peripheral devices 2040 including, but not limited to, hands-free headsets, televisions, radios, stereos, VCRs, personal computers, printers/plotters, residential base stations, answering machines, lights, dimmer switches, thermostats, doors, alarms, vibrators, car alarms, car lock mechanisms, garage doors, personal alarms, surveillance phones, refrigerators, or freezers. Each of these devices may be controlled from the mobile station 2000 using a local communication link 2045.

In some cases, the remote control and mobile phone functions may work in conjunction with, for example, a personal safety alarm. A user equipped with a peripheral device 2040, including a personal alarm associated with the mobile station 2000 via a local communication link 2045, may press a button on the alarm device to transmit a signal to the mobile station via the communication link. This signal causes the mobile station 2000 to automatically contact a pre-stored number or transmit an SMS message to a preselected party via the PLMN communication link 2010. The user may communicate with the other party at a pre-stored number using a hands-free mobile station 2000 or hands-free headset.

In another example, the mobile station 2000 and the wireless vibrator may work together to notify the user that a call is coming from the mobile station 2000. When the mobile station is initially turned on, the identification code is transmitted to the vibrator. After this initialization the vibrator will start detecting a ringing signal from the mobile station 2000 transmitting the correct ID code. This allows the user to carry only the vibrator in a local area rather than the entire mobile station 2000 and keep the vibrator unit away from the sensitive electronics of the mobile station.

The user inputs control commands through the user interface 2050 of the mobile station 2000. The control commands are processed by command control module 2025 and sent to the associated local peripheral device 2040 via communication link 2045. In one embodiment, the user interface 2050 (and/or command control module 2025) is associated with a speech recognition module 2055 that allows the user to control various peripheral devices 2040 through verbal commands. Control of the peripheral devices 2040 may also be effected via a dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) recognition module 2060 in response to DTMF commands entered by the user. Additional command formats may also be used to control the peripheral device through some type of command module. Alternatively, the user interface 2050 may include a device that issues commands through the use of buttons, a touch screen, a joystick, or other type of mechanical controller useful for disabled persons.

Referring now to fig. 5, another implementation of the multi-function mobile station 2000 of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the mobile station is not implemented in a local area communication system. Instead, the mobile station 2000 includes a main controller of a local communication network. All signals of the local communication link 2045 are controlled by the local communication module 2027. The mobile station 2000 is capable of communicating with the PSTN network, the PLMN network, and various peripheral devices 2040 through the local interface module 2035 associated with each of these items. Each peripheral device 2040 may communicate directly with the mobile station 2000 via an associated communication link 2045 between the command control module 2025 and the peripheral device's local interface module 2035. Respective communication between peripheral devices 2040 and the PLMN and PSTN through interface module 2035 is not possible in this configuration. All communications must pass through the local communication module 2027 of the mobile station 2000 (i.e., the local interface modules 2035 cannot communicate with each other). The types of controlled peripheral devices 2040 and the manner of control using this configuration are the same as those discussed with respect to fig. 4.

Referring now to fig. 6, another implementation of the multi-function mobile station 2000 of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the mobile station is implemented in a local area communication system and acts as a master controller for a local communication network. In this case, all local communication network signals in the first region 2067 are controlled by the local communication module 2027 in the mobile station 2000. The mobile station 2000 is a main controller of the local interface module 2035, and the peripheral devices 2040 cannot communicate with each other in the first area. In the second region 2068, each of the local interface modules 2035 may communicate with each other and the mobile station 2000 within the local area communication system. This allows interworking between all peripheral devices 2040 and the mobile station 2000. The types of controlled peripheral devices 2040 and the manner of control using this configuration are the same as those discussed with respect to fig. 4 and 5.

Further, as shown in fig. 7, the handheld mobile station 2000 may be replaced with a hands-free headset 2000 a. The headset 2000a includes a command control module 2025 and a local communication module 2027, providing a communication link 2045 with a peripheral device 2040 and/or a local interface module 2035 of a residential base station attached to a PSTN network. The headset 2000a may or may not include other communication links 2010 to the public land mobile network 2020. Control of various peripheral devices 2040, such as those previously discussed with respect to fig. 3, may be performed over a communication link 2045 between the hands-free headset 2000a and the peripheral device 2040.

Referring now to fig. 8, reference numeral 410 generally illustrates a possible network interconnection of a plurality of PLMNs 270A, 270B to the PSTN260, in accordance with an aspect of the presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A Mobile Subscriber (MS)420 is associated with one PLMN as the home PLMN 270A. Within each PLMN 270A, 270B, there are multiple Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) 470A, 470B serving the geographic area covered by the network. Mobile subscribers 420 served by the home PLMN 270A are able to communicate with other wireless and wireline terminals by connecting to the PSTN260 through a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) 430A. An associated access gateway (AT)440 within the PSTN260 routes mobile calls generated by the PLMN 270A to a wireline terminal served by an exchange within the PSTN260 or through its GMSC 430B to another PLMN 270B. If the mobile subscriber 420 roams outside the coverage area of the home PLMN 270A and into the geographic area covered by the neighboring PLMN270B, an interoffice handoff occurs between the home PLMN 270A and the neighboring PLMN270B, thereby continuing to provide telecommunications services from the neighboring PLMN270B to the MS 420 as a roaming subscriber.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a PLMN270 including a mobile switching center 470. In addition, the PLMN270 includes a Home Location Register (HLR)480, a Visitor Location Register (VLR)490, and a plurality of antenna systems 500-1 through 500-M. Mobile switching center 470, also known generally in the art as a base station system, includes a base station controller 510 and one or more base transceiver stations (BS)520-1 through 520-L. Each base transceiver station is associated with a subset of the antenna systems 500-1 through 500-M. In order to assign the mobile subscriber 420 to the home network, an entry is registered in the HLR 480. Whenever the MS 420 is turned on, and possibly at regular intervals thereafter, it registers with the PLMN270 and gives its home area.

When the MS 420 roams within the geographical area covered by the PLMN270, the MSC 470 exchanges subscriber information directly with the HLR 480 and VLR 490 and transfers calls from one BS to another. In addition, the GMSC 430 acts as a gateway allowing access to other wireline terminals associated with the PSTN260 or wireless mobile subscribers associated with other PLMNs.

Cellular calls established within and outside of the PLMN270 are typically implemented using network addresses via signaling system No. 7 (SS7) network protocols. A commonly assigned pending u.s. patent application "IDENTIFICATION OF MOBILE CALLS WITHIN MOBILE TELEPHONE SYSTEM" filed on 12, 22, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method and SYSTEM for constructing a unique IDENTIFICATION for a cellular call using a network address.

Referring now to fig. 10, a block diagram of a conventional landline telephone is shown generally at 610. Such a phone 610 is comprised of a cradle 635 and a handset 645. The telephone 610 is connected to the PSTN260 through a wired connection 615 that carries analog or digital telephone signals. It will be readily appreciated that the wired connection 615 may be substantially the same as the associated path 261 shown in fig. 3 and described above. Holder 635 includes a Data Access Arrangement (DAA) portion 620, a keypad 625, and a ringing circuit 630. The earpiece 645, on the other hand, includes a speaker 640 and a microphone 650. The DAA 620 includes analog filters and other known protection devices required to connect to the PSTN 260. Keypad 625 is used to provide a number to call PSTN 260. A ringing circuit 630 is provided, along with known associated signaling means, to notify the user when there is an incoming call.

Fig. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a conventional cordless telephone base unit, generally designated 710, operable with frequencies, for example, near or within the frequency range of 46MHz to 49 MHz. The cordless telephone base unit 710 is conceptually a microcellular system providing at least one signaling channel for transmitting outbound signals in a manner similar to conventional cellular outbound signaling channels and receiving service requests from the remote handset unit 715.

Base station 710 has a local PSTN line interface 720, a remote unit interface 730 connected to an antenna 770, a channel switch 740, an audio signal source 750 that generates an audio signal (e.g., a ring tone signal), and a controller 760. Channel switch 740 selectively establishes a channel between local PSTN line interface 720 and remote unit interface 730 and a channel between audio signal source 750 and remote unit interface 730. As is known in the art, the local PSTN line interface 720 may include a hook-off circuit (not shown) for performing open/close control of a loop, a call detection circuit (not shown) for detecting a call signal, and a transmitter (not shown) for transmitting a dial key signal. As is also known in the art, remote unit interface 730 includes voice in-band processing circuitry (not shown), a mixer (not shown), and a wireless transceiver (not shown) coupled to antenna 770. Controller 760 controls local PSTN line interface 720, line switch 740, and remote unit interface 730. Referring now to fig. 12, reference numeral 810 generally indicates a block diagram of a wireless headset in accordance with an aspect of the invention. An antenna 820 for receiving and transmitting local communication signals (which may be implemented using standard wireless communication protocols or proprietary protocols) is electrically connected to the wireless transceiver 830. The functionality of the wireless transceiver 830 may be implemented in a variety of known ways, with accompanying electronic circuitry for tuning, etc., as is well known in the art.

Continuing with fig. 12, the signal output from the wireless transceiver 830 is fed into a baseband modulator/demodulator module 840, either to extract the information signal from the local carrier radio waves or to modulate the local carrier radio waves with the information signal. The input information signal is then fed through a driver/amplifier module 850 to a speaker 880. It is well known in the art that the speaker 880 and the driver/amplifier module 850 may take a variety of known forms in physical implementation. The output information signal is generated by a microphone and amplified by driver/amplifier module 850. The amplified output information signal is modulated with a local carrier radio wave for local transmission over a local medium. A controller module 860 is preferably provided in electrical communication with the wireless transceiver 830, the baseband modulator/demodulator 840, and the driver/amplifier 850 to monitor the bi-directional transfer of information signals. In one aspect of the invention, the controller module 860 may include a microprocessor, a plurality of control switches, memory, and/or circuit digital logic. In another aspect of the invention, a wireless headset implementation may include a single housing with its own button keypad and associated control keys, and a portable power source, such as a rechargeable battery. In other aspects, the wireless headset may include two earphones that are flexibly placed on the housing, a yaw microphone, a volume control that enhances realistic binaural sound, and an auxiliary headset that secures the unit to the user's head. Further, the antenna 820 may preferably be placed within an indexing arm provided for the microphone 870, although in another aspect of the invention it may be connected to a headset so as to protrude from the housing of the headset. Furthermore, instead of a conventional on/off switch, a voice activated device may preferably be provided, facilitating connection/disconnection of the local communication link to the headset. Furthermore, the headset may preferably be constructed of a resilient rubber or plastic material in order to safely protect the user's ear and minimize the reception of external background noise. Alternatively, the earphones may be foam cushioned cup pads, similar to high fidelity earphones, to further reduce the ambient background noise. Further, it should be understood from the references so far that aesthetic aspects of the wireless headset may also provide certain design characteristics.

Fig. 13A is a block diagram of a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of a local interface module suitable for use with a mobile station 240 (not shown) associated with a PLMN270 (not shown). Fig. 13B is a block diagram of a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of a local interface module adapted for a directly connectable residential base station associated with PSTN 260. FIG. 13C is a block diagram of a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of a local interface module suitable for use with a serial computer port connector. Figure 13D is a block diagram of a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of a local interface module suitable for use with the electronic data terminal 230. Fig. 13E is a block diagram of a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of a local interface module suitable for use with wireless enhanced telephone interface device 210 associated with PSTN 260.

Referring now particularly to the local interface modules 905-a through 905-F of fig. 13A through 13F, respectively, it is readily understood that the local interface modules are effectively identical to one another and are largely similar to the wireless headset shown in fig. 12, in accordance with the presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention. As described above, antenna 820 is used to receive and transmit local communication signals and may be implemented using standard wireless communication protocols or proprietary protocols over a single local communication medium which may be electromagnetic waves, infrared rays, radio waves, microwaves, magnetic waves, light waves, or even a wired connection. Modulation and demodulation of communication signals is accomplished by baseband modulator/demodulator 840 connected to interface circuit blocks 910-a through 910-F. Interface circuit module 910-a effects the proper translation of communication signals between local interface module 905-a and system connector 920 connected to mobile station 240 (not shown). Interface circuit module 910-B enables the appropriate conversion of communication signals between directly connectable local interface module 905-B (or a residential base station, such as those described above and above) and PSTN 260. Interface circuit module 910-C effects the proper conversion of communication signals between local interface module 905-C and serial port connector 930. In one aspect of the present invention, serial port connector 930 may preferably be an RS-232 type connector. Alternatively, the interface circuit module 910-C may be PCMCIA-compliant, as described in the commonly assigned co-pending u.s. patent application, serial number 08/353,966, referenced above and incorporated herein by reference. The interface circuit module 910-D effects the proper conversion of communication signals between the local interface module 905-D and the electronic data terminal 935. The interface circuit module 910-E enables the proper conversion of communication signals between the local interface module 905-E and the wireless enhanced telephone interface device 210 associated with the PSTN 260.

According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the local interface modules 905-A through 905-F may preferably be disposed within a housing of a communication device (not shown) that it is to interface with. Alternatively, the local interface module may be disposed in a separate housing to form a pluggable unit that is received in a module port of the communication device. As mentioned above, the controller module 860 of fig. 13A-13F is substantially similar to the controller module 860 of fig. 11.

Fig. 14, 15A and 15B show two flow diagrams illustrating exemplary decision trees that may be used in accordance with the inventive concept to enable local wireless communication between at least a wireless enhanced telephone interface device, a mobile station and a wireless headset. Since maximizing user convenience and flexibility is a desirable goal of the present invention, different decision trees can be used to adapt to different operating conditions.

Referring now specifically to fig. 14, a flow chart is shown for optionally implementing a local wireless communication link for call reception. Steps 1005 and 1020 are decision modules that determine whether the incoming call is a PSTN call or a cellular call over a PLMN. If the call is a PSTN call, the user needs to determine whether the mobile station or headset will be used as a call termination device. This step is provided in decision block 1010. If the mobile station is present within the geographic coverage area provided for the radio transceiver unit attached to the local interface module of the wireless enhanced telephony interface device and the user chooses to use the mobile station to receive PSTN calls, the user takes the MS path 1011. When that decision is made, the user may selectively establish a wireless local communication link between the mobile station and the wireless enhanced telephone interface device, as shown at 1015. On the other hand, if the mobile station is out of range for use with a wireless enhanced telephone interface device, or if the user wishes to receive an incoming PSTN call using a wireless headset, the user takes the headset path 1013, selectively establishing a local wireless communication link between the wireless headset and the wireless enhanced telephone interface device at step 1017. Further, if the wireless headset is out of range, or if the user does not wish to use the wireless headset, the user may take 1012 the path shown, as in step 1016, receiving the PSTN call using a conventional wireless or corded headset.

If the incoming call is a cellular call, as determined in step 1020, the user may choose to receive that call using the mobile station in a conventional manner, as shown in step 1035, or to establish a wireless local communication link between the mobile station and the wireless headset as long as they are within an appropriate range of each other, as shown in step 1040.

Referring now to fig. 15A and 15B, exemplary decision trees for initiating a call are illustrated in accordance with the concepts of an aspect of the present invention. Decision blocks 1105 and 1125 are used to determine whether the call is routed through the PLMN or the PSTN. If the outgoing call is a PSTN call, the user takes the YES path shown at 1104. After this step, the user may choose to initiate a call using a wireless headset with a keypad or using the mobile station, as shown in decision block 1110. If the user desires to use the mobile station and if the mobile station is within local range of the wireless enhanced telephone interface device, the user may take the MS path 1113 and selectively establish a local communication link between the mobile station and the wireless enhanced telephone interface device, as shown at 1121. On the other hand, if the user wishes to use the headset by taking the headset path 1111, the subsequent steps of the decision tree depend on whether the wireless headset is equipped with its own keyboard necessary for remote operation. This condition is tested in decision block 1115. If the determination is NO, the user takes path 1116 and initiates a PSTN call using the keypad associated with the wireless enhanced telephone interface device, as shown in step 1117. Thereafter, the user may return to use the wireless headset via path 1118, as shown in step 1119, if the user takes the YES path 1114 from decision block 1115. Alternatively, if neither the mobile station nor the wireless headset is selectable by the user, then call initiation over the PSTN will be through the use of a conventional handset, as long as the wireless enhanced telephone interface device provides a conventional handset, as shown in step 1112.

Similarly, if it is determined at 1125 that the call is a cellular call, the user selects whether to use the headset or the mobile station. If the headset is not within range, or if the headset is not equipped with a keypad, then the user initiates a cellular call using the mobile station, as shown in step 1165, which may be reached through either 1141 or 1136. After initiating a cellular call using the mobile station, the user may choose to return to using the headset over return path 1172 or continue to use the mobile station as shown in 1175. Also, taking a YES step 1142 from decision block 1140, the user may optionally establish a local communication link between the headset and the mobile station, as shown at 1160.

Although a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims. For example, it will be readily appreciated that the local communication path may also include an Infrared (IR) or microwave or magnetic wave link, and that a corresponding receiver/transmitter would be used in place of the wireless transceiver. Further, the term "wireless transceiver" as used herein includes appropriate radio control logic of the type necessary to constitute a wireless device capable of communicating using a wireless communications standard (e.g., DAMPS, GSM, DECT, etc.). In addition to the transmitter and receiver, the transceiver may include a data modem circuit when the communication device is used for data transmission. Further, local and non-local (i.e., interposed between a plurality of communication devices and their respective external communication networks) communication signals may be analog or digital and may include voice, video, and data. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate from this disclosure that the exemplary modifications and substitutions set forth above are not departed from the spirit of the present invention, which is directed to a Local Area Communication System (LACS) that enables a local communication path between a plurality of communication devices using a single local communication medium.

Claims (36)

1. A system for providing remote control of a mobile phone, a landline phone, and a plurality of remotely manipulatable peripheral devices, comprising:

a mobile phone, comprising:

a transceiver forming a wireless communication link;

a mobile phone module providing mobile phone functions through a transceiver;

a control command module generating control commands to a plurality of remotely manipulatable peripheral devices in response to user input;

a local communication module that generates a wireless communication link between the plurality of peripheral devices and the control command module to enable transmission of the control command to the plurality of peripheral devices; and

a user interface enabling a user to select between the mobile phone module and the control command module; and

a local communications network for enabling communications between a mobile telephone and a plurality of remotely manipulable peripheral devices, comprising:

a plurality of local interface modules, wherein each of the remotely manipulable peripheral devices includes at least one of the plurality of local interface modules, each of the plurality of local interface modules being configured to form a wireless communication link with a local communication module and to form a wireless communication link with each local interface module in the local communication network, one of the plurality of local interface modules providing communication from the mobile telephone to a cordless telephone base unit, the cordless telephone base unit transmitting communication signals from the mobile telephone over the landline telephone network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control command module further comprises a voice recognition module that enables recognition of the voice command.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the control command module further comprises a DTMF module that implements recognition of DTMF commands.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said landline telephone network is a public switched telephone network, PSTN.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile phone can be used as a wireless headset.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a television.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a radio.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a stereo system.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a video player.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a personal computer.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a printer/plotter.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises an answering machine.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a light.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a dimmer switch.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a thermostat.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a door.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises an alarm.

18. The system of claim 1 wherein the peripheral device comprises a vibrator.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the vibrator communicates with other peripheral devices within a local area via a local communication link.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the vibrator is activated by the control command module in response to a ring signal generated by a mobile telephone receiving a call from the public land mobile network and a unique identification code from the mobile telephone in which the vibrator is located.

21. The system of claim 18 wherein the vibrator communicates only with the mobile phone in a local area.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a car alarm.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a vehicle locking mechanism.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a garage door.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a personal alarm.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein activation of the personal alarm initiates sending of an SMS message to the predetermined number.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein activation of the personal alarm initiates sending an outgoing call to a predetermined number.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a monitoring telephone.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a refrigerator.

30. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a cooler.

31. The system of claim 1, wherein the control command module generates predetermined control commands for a plurality of peripheral devices within the local area.

32. A system for providing mobile phone, landline phone and remote control functionality, comprising:

a peripheral device remotely manipulable in response to a control command;

a mobile phone, comprising:

a wireless headset configuration for placement on a user's head;

a transceiver forming a wireless communication link;

a mobile phone module providing mobile phone functions through a transceiver;

a control command module within the wireless headset to generate control commands to a plurality of remotely steerable peripheral devices in response to user input;

a local communication module that generates a wireless communication link between the plurality of peripheral devices and the control command module to enable transmission of the control command to the plurality of peripheral devices;

a user interface enabling a user to select between the mobile phone module and the control command module; and

a local communications network for enabling communications between a mobile telephone and a plurality of remotely manipulable peripheral devices, comprising:

a plurality of local interface modules, wherein each of the remotely operable peripheral devices comprises at least one of the plurality of local interface modules, and wherein the local interface module in the first region is adapted to form a wireless communication link with only the local communication module, and the local interface module in the second region is adapted to form a wireless communication link with the local communication module and with each of the local interface modules in the second region, wherein one of the plurality of local interface modules provides communication from the mobile telephone to a cordless telephone base unit that transmits communication signals from the mobile telephone over the landline telephone network.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the control command module further comprises a voice recognition module that enables recognition of the voice command.

34. The system of claim 32, wherein the control command module further comprises a DTMF module that implements recognition of DTMF commands.

35. The system of claim 32, wherein the local communication module enables communication only between the wireless headset and peripheral devices in the first area and enables the peripheral devices to communicate with the wireless headset and any other peripheral devices in the second area.

36. The system of claim 33, wherein the control command module generates predetermined control commands for a plurality of peripheral devices in the local area.