WO2000072555A1

WO2000072555A1 - Telephone headset without off-hook handset requirement

Info

Publication number: WO2000072555A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/013788
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stanley H. Hahn; Henry Yegiazaryan
Original assignee: Advanced Mobile Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Advanced Mobile Solutions Inc
Priority date: 1999-05-21
Filing date: 2000-05-19
Publication date: 2000-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2001-11-21
Also published as: BR0006139A; CN1310907A; KR20010072043A

Abstract

A telephone headset interface unit (42) is provided for coupling a telephone headset (40) and a telephone handset (78) to a telephone communication line (82) such that a user can selectively operate either the telephone headset or the telephone handset. The telephone headset interface includes an off-hook element (64) that can be actuated to either permit or prohibit communication between the telephone headset and the telephone communication line. The telephone headset may be hard wired to the telephone headset interface. The telephone headset may also be wireless. The telephone headset interface may further include a voice recognition and synthesis module that permits a user to orally dial a phone number via the telephone headset.

Description

TELEPHONE HEADSET WITHOUT OFF-HOOK HANDSET REQUIREMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to telephone headsets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a telephone headset, which is interfaced with a standard telephone handset, such that the headset can be operated without removing the handset from its cradled, on-hook position. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Telephone handsets often hinder those who work in "hands-free" environments. For example, secretaries, travel agents, and telephone salespersons often need to take notes or perform other functions with their hands while carrying on phone conversations. As can readily be appreciated, holding a telephone handset greatly reduces the productivity of a person working in one of these occupations. In response to this drawback, speaker-phones have been developed so users need not hold handsets while carrying on phone conversations. Although a speaker- phone does free a user's hands, the user experiences a lack of privacy during his telephone conversation over the speaker-phone. For example, when a user in an office receives a call through a speaker- phone, anyone in the vicinity of the speaker-phone can overhear the entire conversation between the user and the caller. In response to this drawback, telephone headsets have been developed so a user need not hold a handset, nor risk being overheard, while carrying on a "hands free" conversation.

Referring to Fig. 1 , a conventional telephone handset and headset arrangement is shown. A phone 1 0, such as a desk-top phone, is connected into a communication line 1 2 through a telephone cord 14 and a telephone jack 1 6. A telephone handset 1 8 is supported on the phone 10 in a cradle area 20. The handset 1 8 is operatively connected to the phone 1 through a handset cord 22, interface device 24, and interface cord 26. A headset 28 is operatively connected to the phone 1 0 through a headset cord 30, the interface device 24, and the interface cord 26. By this arrangement, a user can take calls through the handset 1 8 or through the headset 28. However, one significant drawback to the above arrangement is the need to remove the handset 1 8 from the cradle area 20, i.e. the on- hook position, in order to enable call receiving with the headset 28. Another significant drawback to the above arrangement is the need to remove the handset 1 8 from the cradle area 20 and directly operate a keypad (not shown) of the phone 10 to place an outgoing call with the headset 28. A further significant drawback to the above arrangement is the presence of the phone 1 0 in the audible pathway extending between the communication line 1 2 and the headset 28. As understood by those skilled in the art, audio signals become degraded as the signals travel through multiple communication elements. These degraded signals result in poor sound quality for the user. Consequently, there is a continuing need for a telephone headset interface unit which permits a telephone headset to be interfaced with a standard telephone handset such that the headset can be operated without operating a telephone keypad or removing a telephone handset from its cradle. However, the applicant knows of no prior art, which overcomes all of the aforementioned drawbacks. More specifically, the following is the most relevant prior art known to the applicant.

U.S. Patent No. 5,504,81 2 to Vangarde is directed to a telephone headset for use with a radio telephone. The headset includes a pivoting boom and connects to the radio telephone through a cord. In use, when a user rotates the boom from a stored position to an active position, the radio telephone is placed in the off-hook position to answer the telephone call, so that a user can carry on a phone conversation without using his or her hands. In an alternative embodiment of the headset, the rotation of the boom provides a flash-hook feature. U.S. Patent No. 5, 1 91 ,602 to Regen et. al. is directed to a cellular telephone headset. A telephone headset apparatus is modularly connectable to a cellular telephone. The normal handset of the cellular phone may remain resting in its cradle even while the headset is operated. A slave unit is inserted in the path between a transceiver, which receives regular telephone signals from a network, and a wiring harness. A headset control unit is coupled to the wiring harness in place of the handset, which is instead coupled to the headset control unit. Finally, the headset is also coupled to the headset control unit. Basically, the headset control unit has as its input the received telephone signal, and a pair of branched outputs connecting to the headset and the handset, respectively. The headset control unit includes a volume control dial, and a momentary-contact push button. When depressed, the push button toggles the headset apparatus on and off. U.S. Patent No. 5,533, 1 05 to Brown et al. is directed to a method and apparatus for emulating a telephone with a modem and headset. An emulator circuit provides a connection means which allows a modem and a headset to emulate the functions of a telephone, thereby eliminating the need to provide a separate telephone. When placing a voice telephone call, the emulator circuit connects headset to a telephone line. When receiving an incoming telephone call, the emulator circuit connects either the headset or the modem to the telephone line.

U.S. Patent No. 5,544,243 to Papadopoulos is directed to a telephone headset interface circuit. The telephone headset interface circuit is adapted for coupling to a handset, a headset, a telephone, and telephone lines such that power is supplied to the headset from the telephone lines.

U.S. Patent No. 5,561 ,71 2 to Nishihara is directed to a hands-free phone set. The phone set includes a speaker phone unit and a hand-held remote control unit for activating the speaker phone unit. U.S. Patent No. 5, 1 77,784 to Hu et al. is directed to a convertible head-set telephone device and method. A remote or cordless handset is converted into a headset which is then operated by a subscriber away from the cradle of the handset. U.S. Patent No. 5,335,31 3 to Douglas is directed to a complex voice-actuated, speaker-dependent control system for a hospital bed, including telephone control from a head-set. Voice commands given by a patient are transmitted through a head-set microphone. If the patient wishes to dial out on the telephone, the appropriate voice command is given, thus activating the off-hook. The patient then dials the telephone number by saying aloud each number to signal the telephone interface chip to begin dialing the requested number. Voice recognition circuitry accepts voice commands through the telephone head-set microphone and enacts electrical commands based thereon. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a telephone headset which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art described above.

It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a telephone headset interface unit having a separate off-hook mechanism that can be directly connected to a communication line rather than indirectly connected to a communication line through a telephone unit.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the figures and description of the figures given below. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, a telephone headset interface unit is provided for coupling a telephone headset and a telephone handset to a telephone communication line such that a user can selectively operate either the telephone headset or the telephone handset. The telephone headset interface includes an off-hook element that can be actuated to either permit or prohibit communication between the telephone headset and the telephone communication line. The telephone headset may be hard wired to the telephone headset interface. The telephone headset may also be wireless. The telephone headset interface may further include a voice recognition module that permits the telephone headset to be voice activated.

A feature of the present invention includes a telephone headset configuration for use with a telephone handset, the telephone headset configuration including a telephone headset, and a telephone headset interface unit coupling the telephone headset and the telephone handset to a telephone communication line such that a user can selectively operate one of the telephone headset and the telephone handset to receive and transmit a plurality of calls over the telephone communication line. In other words, the user can activate one device (i.e., the telephone headset) without activating the other device (i.e., the telephone handset).

Another feature of the present invention includes a telephone headset configuration for use with a telephone handset, the telephone headset configuration including a telephone headset, and an interface means for coupling the telephone headset and the telephone handset to a telephone communication line such that the telephone headset can be operated independently from the telephone handset, the interface means including a speech recognition means positioned in an audible pathway that extends between the telephone headset and the telephone communication line, the speech recognition means for transmitting a plurality of signals in response to receipt of a series of audible signals representing the user's voice, and connection means positioned in the audible pathway between the speech recognition means and the telephone communication line, the connection means transitioning between a connect state and a disconnect state in response to the user manually actuating the connection means, the connection means permitting communication between the telephone headset and the telephone communication line when the connection means is in the connect state, the connection means prohibiting communication between the telephone headset and the telephone communication line when said connection means is in the disconnect state. A further feature of the present invention includes a telephone headset configuration for use with a telephone handset, the telephone headset configuration including a telephone headset, and an interface means for coupling the telephone headset and the telephone handset to a telephone communication line such that the telephone headset can be operated independently from the telephone handset, the interface means including a speech recognition means positioned in an audible pathway that extends between the telephone headset and the telephone communication line, the speech recognition means for transmitting a plurality of signals in response to receipt of a series of audible signals representing the user's voice, and connection means positioned in the audible pathway between the speech recognition means and the telephone communication line, the connection means transitioning between a connect sate and a disconnect state in response to receipt of a plurality of signals from the speech recognition means, the connection means permitting communication between the telephone headset and the telephone communication line when the connection means is in the connect state, the connection means prohibiting communication between the telephone headset and the telephone communication line when said connection means is in the disconnect state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned advantages of the present invention as well as additional advantages thereof will be more clearly understood hereinafter as a result of a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the following drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a circuit schematic illustrating a prior art interface between a headset and a handset.

FIG. 2 is a circuit schematic of the present invention illustrating an interface between a wired handset and a wired headset. FIG. 3 is a circuit schematic of the present invention illustrating an interface between a wired handset and a wireless headset.

FIG. 4 is a circuit schematic of the present invention illustrating an interface between a wired handset and a wired voice-recognition headset.

FIG. 5 is a circuit schematic of the present invention illustrating an interface between a wired handset and a wireless voice-recognition headset.

FIG. 6 is a circuit schematic of the present invention illustrating a preferred interface between a wired handset and the headsets shown in FIGS. 2-5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to Fig. 2, a headset 40 and a headset interface unit 42 of the present invention are shown. The headset 40 includes an on/off button

41 , a microphone 44, and a speaker 46. The headset 40 is operatively connected to the headset interface unit 42 through a cord 48 having a connector that mates with a stereo jack 50 in the headset interface unit

42. The stereo jack 50 has three connections to three conductors connected to speech network circuitry 52. A first conductor 54 is connected to the ground of the headset interface unit 42. A second conductor 56 connects the microphone 44 in the headset 40 to the speech network circuitry 52. A third conductor 58 connects the speaker 46 in the headset 40 to the speech network circuitry 52. A volume control circuit 60 is connected to the speech network circuitry 52 permitting a user to adjust the magnitude of sound heard through the speaker 46. A mute switch 62 is also connected to the speech network circuitry 52 permitting the user to temporarily interrupt signals from the microphone 44 so the caller is unable to hear a conversation between the user and a third party. As known by those skilled in the art, the speech network circuitry 52 also contains other call processing elements, such as microprocessors, amplifiers, and the like. It is considered within the scope of the present invention to position the mute and volume control circuitry within the telephone headset 40. It is also considered within the scope of the present invention to position the on/off button 41 on the headset interface unit 42.

The speech network circuitry 52 is electrically connected to an off- hook element 64. The off-hook element 64 causes the headset interface unit 42 to go off-hook and on-hook in response to the user actuating the button 41 located on the headset 40. In operation, the user actuates the button 41 to cause the off-hook element 64 to go off-hook, thereby permitting the headset 40 to transmit and receive audio signals as discussed in further detail below. The off-hook element 64 is connected to an I/O device 66 through an internal line 68. The I/O device 66 is preferably a conventional telephone jack. A first cord 70 connects the I/O device 66 to a three way-coupler 72. A second cord 74 connects the three-way coupler 72 to a conventional telephone 76 having a handset 78 located on a cradle area 79. By this arrangement, the three-way coupler 72 connects the telephone 76 and the headset interface unit 42 to a telephone jack 80 that, in turn, is connected to a communication line 82.

During normal operation, the user receives an incoming call by removing the handset 78 from the cradle area 79 on the phone 76 and communicating through the handset 78. During "hands-free" operation, the user positions the headset 40 on his head and causes the off-hook element 64 to go off-hook, represented by the closing of a switch 65, by actuating the button 41 provided on the headset 40. This establishes an audible pathway between the communication line 82, and the microphone 44 and speaker 46 of the headset 40. The user can then communicate to the caller through the headset 40 while performing other functions with his hands. When the call is completed the user actuates the button 41 to cause the off-hook element to go on-hook, represented by the opening of the switch 65, thereby breaking the audible pathway between the headset 40 and communication line 82. While the switch 65 is shown as positioned in the headset interface unit 42, it is considered within the scope of the present invention to position the switch 65 within the headset 40. A keypad (not shown) may be provided on the headset interface unit 42 so the user can make an outgoing call through the headset 40. To make the outgoing call the user actuates the button 41 to cause the off- hook element 64 to go off-hook thereby establishing an audible pathway between the headset 40 and communication line 82. The user then dials the outgoing number via the keypad (not shown). If no keypad is provided, the user may actuate the button 41 and remove the handset 78 from the cradle area 79. The user may then dial the outgoing number via the telephone keypad 78a. After the outgoing call is connected, the user may return the handset 78 to the cradle area 79 and continue the conversation via the headset 40. Alternatively, the user can actuate both the button 41 and a speaker button 79a, and then dial the outgoing number via the telephone keypad 78a. After the outgoing call is connected, the user may actuate the speaker button 79a again and continue the conversation via the headset 40.

Referring now to Fig. 3, a wireless headset 1 00 and a wireless headset interface unit 102 of the present invention are shown. The wireless headset 1 00 includes an on/off button 1 04, a microphone 106, a speaker 108, and a transceiver 1 10. The wireless headset 100 remotely communicates with the wireless headset interface unit 102 through radio wave signals. In particular, radio wave signals 1 1 2 transmitted by the transceiver 1 1 0 are received by a transmitting and receiving antenna 1 14 of the wireless headset interface unit 102, and radio wave signals 1 1 6 transmitted by the transmitting and receiving antenna 1 1 2 are received by the transceiver 1 1 0 of the wireless headset 100. Alternatively, the on/off button 104 may be positioned on the wireless headset interface unit 102.

A power source 1 22, such as a battery, is positioned within the wireless headset interface unit 102 to supply power to the wireless headset interface unit 102. The transmitting and receiving antenna 1 14 is electrically connected to transmitter circuitry 1 1 8 and receiver circuitry 1 20. The transmitter circuitry 1 1 8 is electrically connected to speech network circuitry 1 24 through an audio output line 1 26. The receiver circuitry 1 20 is electrically connected to the speech network circuitry 1 24 through an audio input line 1 28. The receiver circuitry 1 20 is also electrically connected to a data detector 1 30 through a data line 1 32. An off-hook element 1 34 is connected to the data detector 1 30 through a control line 1 36. The off-hook element 1 34 is also connected to the speech network circuitry 1 24 through an internal line 1 38. An I/O device 1 40, such as a conventional telephone jack, is connected to the off-hook element 134 through an internal line 142. As with the wired headset and headset interface unit illustrated in Fig. 1 , a first cord 70 connects the I/O device 140 to a three way-coupler 72. A second cord 74 connects the three-way coupler 72 to a conventional telephone 76 having a handset 78 located on a cradle area 79. By this arrangement, the three-way coupler 72 connects the telephone 76 and the wireless headset interface unit 1 02 to a telephone jack 80 that, in turn, is connected to a communication line 82.

During normal operation, the user receives an incoming call by removing the handset 78 from the cradle area 79 on the phone 76 and communicating through the handset 78. During "hands-free" operation, the user receives an incoming call by positioning the wireless headset 1 00 on his head and actuating the on/off button 104. In response to being turned on, the wireless headset 1 00 transmits an "enable" signal through the transceiver 1 10. The "enable" signal is received by the receiver circuitry 1 20 through the antenna 1 14. In response to receipt of the "enable" signal, the receiver circuitry 1 20 generates a data signal over data line 1 32. When the data detector 1 30 detects the data signal on data line 1 32 the data detector 1 30 transmits a control signal over the control line 136. The control signal causes the off-hook element 1 34 to go off-hook, thereby providing an audio signal path between the communication line 82 and the speech network circuitry 1 24.

After the audio signal pathway has been established, the user can receive incoming audio signals and transmit outgoing audio signals through the wireless headset 1 00. When receiving incoming audio signals through the wireless headset 1 00, the incoming audio signals travel from the communication line 82, through the off-hook element 1 34, and into the speech network circuitry 1 24. As known by those skilled in the art, the speech network circuitry 1 24 can modulate incoming audio signals, as required, through amplification elements, filter elements and the like. The modulated incoming audio signals then travel to the transmitter circuitry 1 1 8 through the audio output line 1 26. The transmitter circuitry 1 1 8 transforms the audio signals into radio wave signals and transmits the radio wave signals through the antenna 1 14. The transceiver 1 1 0 receives the radio wave signals and transforms the radio wave signals into audio signals which are sent to the speaker 1 08. When transmitting outgoing audio signals through the wireless headset 100, the microphone 106 generates audio signals that are converted to radio wave signals by the transceiver 1 10. The radio wave signals from the transceiver 1 10 are received by the receiver circuitry 1 20 through the antenna 1 14. The receiver circuitry 1 20 transforms the radio signals into audio signals and transmits these audio signals to the speech network circuitry 1 24 through the audio input line 1 28. As known by those skilled in the art, the speech network circuitry 1 24 can modulate the incoming audio signals, as required, through amplification elements, filter elements and the like. The modulated audio signals are then transmitted to the communication line 82 through the off hook element 1 34, I/O device 1 40, three-way coupler 72, and telephone jack 80.

When the call is completed, the user may turn off the wireless headset 100 by actuating the on/off button 1 04. In response to being turned off, the wireless headset 100 transmits a "disable" signal through the transceiver 1 1 0. The "disable" signal is received by the receiver circuitry 1 20 through the antenna 1 14. In response to receipt of the "disable" signal, the receiver circuitry 1 20 generates a data signal over data line 1 32. When the data detector 1 30 detects the data signal on data line 1 32 the data detector 1 30 transmits a control signal over the control line 1 36. The control signal causes the off-hook element 134 to go on-hook, thereby breaking the audio signal path between the communication line 82 and the speech network circuitry 1 24. A keypad (not shown) may be provided on the headset interface unit 102 so the user can make an outgoing call through the wireless headset 100. To make the outgoing call the user actuates the on/off button 1 04 to cause the off -hook element 1 34 to go off-hook thereby establishing an audible pathway between the wireless headset 100 and communication line 82. The user then dials the outgoing number via the keypad (not shown). If no keypad is provided, the user may actuate the on/off button 104 and remove the handset 78 from the cradle area 79. The user may then dial the outgoing number via the telephone keypad 78a. After the outgoing call is connected, the user may return the handset 78 to the cradle area 79 and continue the conversation via the wireless headset 100. Alternatively, the user can actuate both the on/off button 104 and a speaker button 79a, and then dial the outgoing number via the telephone keypad 78a. After the outgoing call is connected, the user may actuate the speaker button 79a again and continue the conversation via the wireless headset 100. Referring now to Fig. 4, a voice-recognition headset 1 50 and a voice-recognition headset interface unit 1 52 of the present invention are shown. The voice-recognition headset 1 50 includes a microphone 1 54, an on/off button 1 55, and a speaker 1 56. Alternatively, the on/off button 1 55 may be positioned on the voice-recognition interface unit 1 52. The voice-recognition headset 1 50 is operatively connected to the voice- recognition headset interface unit 1 52 through a cord 1 58 having a connector that mates with a stereo jack 1 60 in the voice-recognition headset interface unit 1 52. The stereo jack 1 60 has three connections to three conductors connected to speech network circuitry 1 62. A first conductor 1 64 is connected to the ground of the voice-recognition headset interface unit 1 52. A second conductor 1 66 connects the microphone 1 54 in the voice-recognition headset 1 50 to the speech network circuitry 1 62. A third conductor 1 68 connects the speaker 1 56 in the voice-recognition headset 1 50 to the speech network circuitry 1 62. A speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 is connected to the speech network circuitry 1 62 by an audio input line 1 72 and a dual-tone-multi-frequency ("DTMF") line 1 74. The speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 allows the voice-recognition headset interface unit 1 52 to detect a simple set of spoken commands from a user. The simple set of commands may include, inter alia, the digits "0" through "9" and the commands "dial" and "end". The speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 may also recognize the commands "enable" and "disable". The speech recognition and synthesis module 170 may also permit a user to store numbers corresponding to names stored in a memory. By this arrangement, the user can prompt the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 to dial frequently-called telephone numbers by speaking a name store in memory. This voice recognition capability allows the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 to receive spoken phone numbers and transmit DTMF signals representing the spoken phone numbers. An off-hook element 1 76 is electrically connected to the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 through a control line 1 78. The off-hook element 1 76 is also electrically connected to the speech network circuitry 1 62 through an internal line 1 80. An I/O device 1 82, such as a conventional jack, is connected to the off-hook element 1 76 through an internal line 1 84. As with the wired headset and headset interface unit illustrated in Fig. 1 , a first cord 70 connects the I/O device 1 82 to a three way-coupler 72. A second cord 74 connects the three-way coupler 72 to a conventional telephone 76 having a handset 78 located on a cradle area 79. By this arrangement, the three- way coupler 72 connects the telephone 76 and the voice-recognition headset interface unit 1 52 to a telephone jack 80 that, in turn, is connected to a communication line 82.

During normal operation, the user receives an incoming call by removing the handset 78 from the cradle area 79 on the phone 76 and communicating through the handset 78. The user transmits an outgoing call by removing the handset 78 from the cradle area 79 on the phone 76 and dialing an outgoing number on a keypad 78a. Once the outgoing connection is made the user communicates through the handset 78.

During "hands-free" operation, the user may receive an incoming call by positioning the voice-recognition headset 1 50 on his head and actuating the on/off button 1 55 as set forth in the discussion of FIG. 2.

Alternatively, if the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 recognizes the "enable" command, the user may activate the voice- recognition headset 1 50 by saying the word "enable". The audio signal representing the word "enable" is generated by the microphone 1 54 and is transmitted to the speech network circuitry 1 62 through the cord 1 58. As known by those skilled in the art, the speech network circuitry 1 62 can modulate incoming audio signals, as required, through amplification elements, filter elements and the like. The modulated audio signal, representing the word "enable", is transmitted from the speech network circuitry 1 62 to the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 through the audio input line 1 72. In response to receipt of the modulated audio signal, the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 transmits a control signal over the control line 1 78 to place the off-hook element 1 76 in the off-hook position. When the off-hook element 1 76 is in the off-hook position an audio signal pathway is established between the communication line 82 and the voice-recognition headset 1 50. The audio signal pathway extends from the communication line 82, through the telephone jack 80, three-way coupler 72, I/O device 1 82, off-hook element 1 76, and speech network circuitry 1 62, and to the voice-recognition headset 1 50. By this arrangement, the incoming call can be received by the voice-recognition headset 1 50 through the voice-recognition headset interface unit 1 52.

During "hands-free" operation, the user may place an outgoing call by positioning the voice-recognition headset 1 50 on his head, actuating the on/off button 1 55, and saying the word "dial" followed by a string of spoken numbers representing the destination number of the outgoing call. After completing the string of numbers the user says the word "end". Alternatively, if the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 recognizes the "enable" command, the user may place an outgoing call by positioning the voice-recognition headset 1 50 on his head and saying the words "enable" and "dial" followed by a string of spoken numbers representing the destination number of the outgoing call. As previously discussed, the word "enable" establishes an audio signal pathway between the voice activated headset 1 50 and the communication line 82. An audio signal representing the word "dial" is generated by the microphone 1 54 and is transmitted to the speech network circuitry 1 62 through the cord 1 58. As known by those skilled in the art, the speech network circuitry 1 62 can modulate incoming audio signals, as required, through amplification elements, filter elements and the like. The modulated "dial" signal is transmitted from the speech network circuitry 1 62 to the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 through the audio input line 1 72. In response to receipt of the modulated "dial" signal, the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 enables the DTMF line 1 74. As known by those skilled in the art, the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 may also check and/or set the states of internal busses, registers, and the like, in response to receipt of the "dial" signal.

Audio signals representing the spoken string of numbers are generated by the microphone 1 54 and are transmitted to the speech network circuitry 1 62 through the cord 1 58. The speech network circuitry 1 62 modulates the incoming audio signals and transmits the modulated audio signals to the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 through the audio input line 1 72. In response to receipt of the modulated "number" signals, the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 transmits a string of DTMF signals, representing the string of spoken numbers, to the speech network circuitry 1 62 over the DTMF line 174. The speech network circuitry 1 62 then transmits the DTMF signals to the communication line 82 through the off-hook element 1 76, I/O device 1 82, three-way coupler 72, and telephone jack 80.

An audio signal representing the word "end" is generated by the microphone 1 54 and is transmitted to the speech network circuitry 1 62 through the cord 1 58. The speech network circuitry 1 62 modulates the end "signal" and transmits the modulated "end" signal to the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 through the audio input line 1 72. In response to receipt of the modulated "end" signal, the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 disables DTMF line 1 74 until receipt of a subsequent "dial" signal.

When the incoming or outgoing call is completed, the user may disconnect the voice-recognition headset 1 50 from the communication line 82 by actuating the on/off button 1 55. Alternatively, if the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 recognizes the "disable" command, the user may disconnect the voice-recognition headset 1 50 by saying the word "disable". An audio signal representing the word "disable" is generated by the microphone 1 54 and is transmitted to the speech network circuitry 1 62 through the cord 1 58. The speech network circuitry 1 62 modulates the incoming "disable" signal and transmits the modulated "disable" signal to the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 through the audio input line 1 72. In response to receipt of the modulated "disable" signal, the speech recognition and synthesis module 1 70 transmits a control signal over the control line 1 78 to place the off-hook element 1 76 in the on-hook position. When the off-hook element 1 76 is in the on-hook position the audio signal pathway between the communication line 82 and the voice-recognition headset 1 50 is broken.

Referring now to Fig. 5, a voice-recognition wireless headset 200 and a voice-recognition wireless headset interface unit 202 of the present invention are shown. The headset 200 includes an on/off button 204, a microphone 206, a speaker 208, and a transceiver 210. Alternatively, the on/off button 204 may be positioned on the wireless headset interface unit 202. The headset 200 remotely communicates with the wireless headset interface unit 202 through radio wave signals. In particular, radio wave signals 21 2 transmitted by the transceiver 210 are received by a transmitting and receiving antenna 214 of the wireless headset interface unit 202, and radio wave signals 21 6 transmitted by the transmitting and receiving antenna 214 are received by the transceiver 210 of the wireless headset 200. A power source 222, such as a battery, is positioned within the wireless headset interface unit 202 to supply power to the wireless headset interface unit 202. The transmitting and receiving antenna 214 is electrically connected to transmitter circuitry 21 8 and receiver circuitry 220. The transmitter circuitry 21 8 is electrically connected to speech network circuitry 224 through an audio output line 226. The receiver circuitry 220 is electrically connected to a speech recognition and synthesis module 228 through an audio input line 230. The speech recognition and synthesis module 228 allows the wireless headset interface unit 202 to detect a simple set of spoken commands from a user. The simple set of commands may include, inter alia, the digits "0" through "9", and the commands "dial" and "end". The speech recognition and synthesis module 228 may also recognize the commands "enable" and "disable". The speech recognition and synthesis module 228 may also permit a user to store numbers corresponding to names stored in memory. By this arrangement, the user can prompt the speech recognition module 228 to dial frequently-called telephone numbers by specifying a name that is stored in memory. This voice recognition capability allows the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 to receive spoken phone numbers and transmit DTMF signals representing the spoken phone numbers. The speech recognition and synthesis module 228 is coupled to the speech network circuitry 224 through a DTMF line 238 and a bypass line 240. An off-hook element 232 is electrically connected to the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 through a control line 234. The off-hook element 232 is also electrically connected to the speech network circuitry 224 through an internal line 236. An I/O device 242, such as a conventional jack, is connected to the off-hook element 232 through an internal line 244. As with the wired headset and headset interface unit illustrated in Fig. 1 , a first cord 70 connects the I/O device 242 to a three way-coupler 72. A second cord 74 connects the three-way coupler 72 to a conventional telephone 76 having a handset 78 located on a cradle area

79. By this arrangement, the three-way coupler 72 connects the telephone 76 and the wireless headset interface unit 202 to a telephone jack 80 that, in turn, is connected to a communication line 82.

During normal operation, the user receives an incoming call by removing the handset 78 from the cradle area 79 on the phone 76 and communicating through the handset 78. The user transmits an outgoing call by removing the handset 78 from the cradle area 79 on the phone 76 and dialing an outgoing number on a keypad (not shown). Once the outgoing connection is made the user communicates through the handset 78.

During "hands-free" operation, the user may receive an incoming call by positioning the headset 200 on his head and actuating the on/off button 204 as set forth in the discussion of FIG. 3.

Alternatively, if the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 recognizes the "enable" command, the user may activate the voice- recognition wireless headset 200 by positioning the headset 200 on his head and speaking the word "enable". An audio signal representing the word "enable" is generated by the microphone 206. After the audio signal is transformed into a radio wave signal by the transceiver 21 0, the transceiver 21 0 transmits the radio wave "enable" signal from the headset 200 to the antenna 214 of the headset interface unit 202. The radio wave "enable" signal is received by the receiver circuitry 220 from the antenna 214. The receiver circuitry 220 transforms the radio wave signal to an audio signal and transmits the audio "enable" signal to the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 through the audio input line 230. In response to a receipt of the audio "enable" signal, the speech recognition module 228 transmits a control signal to the off-hook element 232 via the control line 234. The off-hook element 234 goes off-hook in response to the control signal. When the off-hook element is in the off-hook position two audible pathways are established between the communication line 82 and the headset 200. The first audible pathway extends from the communication line 82, through the telephone jack 80, three-way coupler 72, I/O device 242, off-hook element 232, speech network circuitry 224, transmitter circuitry 21 8, antenna 214, and transceiver 21 0, and into the speaker 208 of the headset 200. The second audible pathway extends from the microphone 206 of the headset 200, through the transceiver 21 0, antenna 21 4, receiver circuitry 220, speech recognition and synthesis module 228, speech network circuitry 224, off-hook element 232, I/O device 242, three-way coupler 72 and telephone jack 80, and into the communication line 82. By this arrangement, the user can receive the incoming call and communicate to the caller through the headset 200 and the headset interface unit 202.

During "hands-free" operation, the user may place an outgoing call by positioning the headset 200 on his head, actuating the on/off button 204, and saying the command "dial" followed by a string of spoken numbers representing the destination phone number of the outgoing call. After completing the string of numbers the user says the command "end". Alternatively, if the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 recognizes the "enable" command, the user may place an outgoing call by positioning the headset 200 on his head and saying the commands "enable" and "dial" followed by a string of spoken numbers and the command "end". As previously discussed, the word "enable" establishes a pair of audio signal pathways between the headset 200 and the communication line 82. An audio signal representing the word "dial" is generated by the microphone 206. After the audio signal is transformed into a radio wave signal by the transceiver 210, the transceiver 21 0 transmits the "dial" radio wave signal from the headset 200 to the antenna 214 of the headset interface unit 202. The "dial" radio wave signal is received by the receiver circuitry 220 from the antenna 214. The receiver circuitry 220 transforms the radio wave signal into an audio signal and transmits the audio "dial" signal to the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 through the audio input line 230. In response to a receipt of the "dial" audio signal, the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 enables the DTMF line 238. As known by those skilled in the art, the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 may also check and/or set the states of internal busses, registers, and the like, after receiving the "dial" signal.

Audio signals, representing the spoken string of numbers, are generated by the microphone 206. After the audio signals are transformed into radio wave signals by the transceiver 210, the transceiver 210 transmits the "phone number" radio wave signals from the headset 200 to the antenna 214 of the headset interface unit 202. The "phone number" radio wave signals are received by the receiver circuitry 220 from the antenna 214. The receiver circuitry 220 transforms the radio wave signals into audio signals and transmits the "phone number" audio signals to the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 through the audio input line 230. In response to a receipt of the "phone number" audio signals, the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 transmits a string of DTMF signals, representing the string of spoken numbers, to the speech network circuitry 224 over the enabled DTMF line 238. The speech network circuitry 224 then transmits the DTMF signals to the communication line 82 through the off-hook element 232, I/O device 242, three-way coupler 72, and telephone jack 80.

An audio signal representing the word "end" is generated by the microphone 206. After the audio signal is transformed into a radio wave signal by the transceiver 21 0, the transceiver 21 0 transmits the "end" radio wave signal from the headset 200 to the antenna 21 4 of the headset interface unit 202. The "end" radio wave signal is received by the receiver circuitry 220 from the antenna 214. The receiver circuitry 220 transforms the radio wave signal into an audio signal and transmits the "end" audio signal to the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 through the audio input line 230. In response to a receipt of the "end" audio signal, the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 disables the DTMF line 238 until receipt of a subsequent "dial" signal. All further signals, representing the user's portion of an ongoing conversation, enter the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 through the audio input line 230, and exit the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 through the bypass line 240. The bypass line 240 allows signals having no particular meaning to the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 (unlike the enable, disable and phone number signals) to bypass the DTMF line 238 and DTMF circuitry within the speech recognition module 228.

When the incoming or outgoing call is completed the user may disconnect the headset 200 from the communication line 82 by actuating the on/off button 204. Alternatively, if the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 recognizes the "disable" command, the user may disconnect the voice recognition headset by saying the word "disable". An audio signal representing the word "disable" is generated by the microphone 206. After the audio signal is transformed into a radio wave signal by the transceiver 21 0, the transceiver 210 transmits the radio wave "disable" signal from the headset 200 to the antenna 214 of the headset interface unit 202. The radio wave "disable" signal is received by the receiver circuitry 220 from the antenna 214. The receiver circuitry 220 transforms the radio wave signal to an audio signal and transmits the audio "disable" signal to the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 through the audio input line 230. In response to a receipt of the audio "disable" signal, the speech recognition and synthesis module 228 transmits a control signal to the off-hook element 232 via the control line 234. The off-hook element 234 goes on-hook in response to the control signal. When the off-hook element 232 is in the on-hook position both audio signal pathways between the communication line 82 and the headset 200 are broken.

Referring now to Fig. 6, a preferred embodiment of the headset interface units illustrated in Figs. 2-5 is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the telephone 76 is connected to the communication line 82 through the headset interface unit 250. More particularly, an internal coupler 252 is connected to the telephone 76 via the second cord 74 and is connected to the communication line 82 via the first cord 70 and the telephone jack 80. The internal coupler 252 is also electrically connected to any internal communication circuitry provided in the headset interface unit 250 (e.g., speech network circuitry). By this arrangement, both the telephone headset interface 250 and the telephone 76 can be connected to the communication line 82 without utilizing the three-way coupler 72 shown in Figs. 2-5.

A general description of the apparatus and method of the present invention as well as preferred embodiments of both has been set forth above. One skilled in the art will recognize and be able to practice many changes in many aspects of the apparatus and method described above, including variations which fall within the teachings of this invention. The spirit and scope of the invention should be limited only as set forth in the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1 . A telephone headset configuration for use with a telephone handset, said telephone headset configuration comprising: a telephone headset; and a telephone headset interface unit coupling said telephone headset and said telephone handset to a telephone communication line such that a user can selectively operate one of said telephone headset and said telephone handset to receive and transmit a plurality of calls over said telephone communication line.

2. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 wherein said telephone headset is a wired telephone headset that communicates with said telephone headset interface unit through audible signals carried by a telephone wire interconnecting said telephone headset and said telephone headset interface unit.

3. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 wherein said telephone headset is a wireless telephone headset that communicates with said telephone headset interface unit through radio wave signals.

4. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 wherein said telephone headset is voice activated such that said user can receive and transmit said plurality of calls through said telephone headset by operating said telephone headset solely with said user's voice.

5. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 wherein said telephone interface unit includes: an off-hook element positioned in an audible pathway that extends between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line, said off- hook element transitioning between an off-hook state and an on-hook state in response to receipt of a plurality of signals from said telephone headset, said off- hook element permitting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said off-hook state, said off-hook element prohibiting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said on-hook state.

6. The telephone headset configuration of claim 5 wherein said plurality of signals include at least one of an enable signal and a disable signal; said off-hook element entering said off-hook state in response to receipt of said enable signal; and said off-hook element entering said on-hook state in response to receipt of said disable signal.

7. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 wherein said telephone interface unit includes: a speech recognition module positioned in an audible pathway that extends between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line, said speech recognition module transmitting a plurality of signals in response to receipt of a series of audible signals representing said user's voice; and an off-hook element positioned in said audible pathway between said speech recognition module and said telephone communication line, said off-hook element transitioning between an off-hook state and an on-hook state in response to receipt of said plurality of signals from said speech recognition module, said off- hook element permitting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said off-hook state, said off-hook element prohibiting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said on-hook state.

8. The telephone headset configuration of claim 7 wherein said plurality of signals includes at least one of an enable signal and a disable signal; said off-hook element entering said off-hook state in response to receipt of said enable signal; and said off-hook element entering said on-hook state in response to receipt of said disable signal.

9. The telephone headset configuration of claim 2 wherein said telephone headset is voice activated such that said user can receive and transmit said plurality of calls through said telephone headset by operating said telephone headset solely with said user's voice.

1 0. The telephone headset configuration of claim 3 wherein said telephone headset is voice activated such that said user can receive and transmit said plurality of calls through said telephone headset by operating said telephone headset solely with said user's voice.

1 1 . The telephone headset configuration of claim 2 wherein said telephone interface unit includes: an off-hook element positioned in an audible pathway that extends between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line, said off- hook element transitioning between an off-hook state and an on-hook state in response to receipt of a plurality of signals from said telephone headset, said off- hook element permitting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said off-hook state, said off-hook element prohibiting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said on-hook state.

1 2. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 1 wherein said plurality of signals include at least one of an enable signal and a disable signal; said off-hook element entering said off-hook state in response to receipt of said enable signal; and said off-hook element entering said on-hook state in response to receipt of said disable signal.

1 3. The telephone headset configuration of claim 3 wherein said telephone interface unit includes: an off-hook element positioned in an audible pathway that extends between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line, said off- hook element transitioning between an off-hook state and an on-hook state in response to receipt of a plurality of signals from said telephone headset, said off- hook element permitting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said off-hook state, said off-hook element prohibiting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said on-hook state.

14. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 3 wherein said plurality of signals include at least one of an enable signal and a disable signal; said off-hook element entering said off-hook state in response to receipt of said enable signal; and said off-hook element entering said on-hook state in response to receipt of said disable signal.

1 5. The telephone headset configuration of claim 2 wherein said telephone interface unit includes: a speech recognition module positioned in an audible pathway that extends between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line, said speech recognition module transmitting a plurality of signals in response to receipt of a series of audible signals representing said user's voice; and an off-hook element positioned in said audible pathway between said speech recognition module and said telephone communication line, said off-hook element transitioning between an off-hook state and an on-hook state in response to receipt of said plurality of signals from said speech recognition module, said off- hook element permitting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said off-hook state, said off-hook element prohibiting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said on-hook state.

1 6. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 5 wherein said plurality of signals includes at least one of an enable signal and a disable signal; said off-hook element entering said off-hook state in response to receipt of said enable signal; and said off-hook element entering said on-hook state in response to receipt of said disable signal.

1 7. The telephone headset configuration of claim 3 wherein said telephone interface unit includes: a speech recognition module positioned in an audible pathway that extends between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line, said speech recognition module transmitting a plurality of signals in response to receipt of a series of audible signals representing said user's voice; and an off-hook element positioned in said audible pathway between said speech recognition module and said telephone communication line, said off-hook element transitioning between an off-hook state and an on-hook state in response to receipt of said plurality of signals from said speech recognition module, said off- hook element permitting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said off-hook state, said off-hook element prohibiting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said off-hook element is in said on-hook state.

1 8. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 7 wherein said plurality of signals includes at least one of an enable signal and a disable signal; said off-hook element entering said off-hook state in response to receipt of said enable signal; and said off-hook element entering said on-hook state in response to receipt of said disable signal.

1 9. A telephone headset configuration for use with a telephone handset, said telephone headset configuration comprising: a telephone headset; and interface means for coupling said telephone headset and said telephone handset to a telephone communication line such that said telephone headset can be operated independently from said telephone handset, said interface means comprising: a speech recognition means positioned in an audible pathway that extends between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line, said speech recognition means for transmitting a plurality of signals in response to receipt of a series of audible signals representing a user's voice; and connection means positioned in said audible pathway between said speech recognition means and said telephone communication line, said connection means permitting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said connection means is in a connect state, said connection means prohibiting communication between said telephone headset and said telephone communication line when said connection means is in a disconnect state.

20. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 9 wherein said connection means transitions between said connect state and said disconnect state in response to receipt of said plurality of signals from said speech recognition means, previously a limitation within claim 1 9.

21 . The telephone headset configuration of claim 20 wherein said plurality of signals includes at least one of an connect signal and a disconnect signal; said connection means entering said connect state in response to receipt of said connect signal; and said connection means entering said disconnect state in response to receipt of said disconnect signal.

22. The telephone headset configuration of claim 1 9 wherein said connection means transitions between said connect state and said disconnect state in response to said user manually actuating a telephone headset activation switch.