WO2000078072A1

WO2000078072A1 - Wireless telephone set with merits of wired telephone sets

Info

Publication number: WO2000078072A1
Application number: PCT/KR1999/000303
Authority: WO
Inventors: Youngsun Cho
Original assignee: CYBERBANK Co
Current assignee: CYBERBANK Co
Priority date: 1999-06-15
Filing date: 1999-06-15
Publication date: 2000-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2001-12-15
Also published as: AU4802799A

Abstract

This invention is to propose a wireless telephone to be used as if it is an ordinary wired telephone, while enjoying all of advantages of an ordinary wireless telephone. The wireless telephone has a movable part whose main unit (8) is connected to a handset such as a transceiver (9) through a curl cord (10). The telephone also has a fixed part that includes a ring signal circuit, a wireless transmit circuit (42), a wireless receive circuit (43), and telephone set control device. The movable part includes a wireless transmit-receive circuit, a control circuit, receiver detection circuit (22), a speakerphone circuit (18), a battery (7), a curl cord (10), a microphone (26), and a speaker (11). Due to conveniences that conventional wireless telephones provide, users still complain that sometimes it is hard to find where the handset is located and to place the handset (9) on tables because of a telephone line (1) and a power supply (45).

Description

WIRELESS TELEPHONE SET WITH MERITS OF WIRED

TELEPHONE SET

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a wireless telephone, more particularly to the wireless telephone to be used as if it is an ordinary wired telephone, while enjoying all of advantages of an ordinary wireless telephone.

BACKGROUND ART

There are cases that conventional wired telephone sets cause their user inconvenience. First, when conventional wired telephone sets are installed, the length of phone wire is long enough to become obstacle for users. Second, long wire installation doesn't look good. Third, users must move close enough to telephone set in order to receive or make a phone call.

To solve such inconveniences, wireless telephone set was developed. It usually includes a handset and a main unit connected to a telephone line on the wall through wire.

Nowadays, a wireless telephone set provides convenient services to users and a wireless telephone set supplied with a number of handsets was developed in order to maximize users' convenience. In spite of such conveniences, users still complain that sometimes it is hard to find where the handset is located because on and off users don't pay enough attention where they had a phone call last time and put a handset.

Although weight and size of wireless telephone sets get decreased, users experience difficulties in placing handset on tables because of telephone line and power supply arrangement.

In addition, if currently used wired telephone sets are replaced with new wireless telephone sets, it will cost users more economical resources than necessary.

Therefore, several methods have been proposed to modify conventional wired telephone sets.

First method is to attach transceiver to switching system and main unit of wired telephone sets. This method was disclosed by Korean patent application number 91-3315, "Transmit-receive adapter device to use wired telephone sets as wireless telephone sets". It connects an adapter containing ring signal detector, a directional separator, a wireless transceiver, and a busy circuit detector to a switching system. At the main unit of the wired telephone sets, the adapter containing ring signal generator, the directional separator, and the switch detector are connected each other.

Second method is to cut the connection between main unit and handset of wired telephone sets and to attach adapter to main unit and handset of wired telephone sets. This method was disclosed by Korean patent application number 91-5062, "Wireless adapter device for wired telephone sets".

Third method is to attach transceiver to drop wire of switching system and main unit of wired telephone sets.

The problem of the first method is that it is difficult to carry main unit of wired telephone sets and its implementation circuit is complicated.

The problem of the second method is that as the size of the telephone sets get decreased, the elderly experienced discomfort due to its small dial button.

Conventional wired telephone sets and telephones used stated second method require small rechargeable batteries and small batteries discharges too soon.

Conventional wired telephone sets and telephone set in accordance with "Wireless adapter device for wired telephone sets." may expose users to electromagnetic wave since receiving and transmitting part of the handset and transceiver is coupled.

Implementation circuit of third method is complicated.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention can be divided by a movable part and a fixed part. The fixed part includes a ring signal circuit, a wireless transmit- receive circuit, and a telephone set control device. The movable part includes a wireless transmit-receive circuit, a control circuit, a receiver detection circuit, a speakerphone circuit, a battery, a curl cord, a microphone, and a speaker.

Due to conveniences that conventional wireless telephones provide, users still complain that sometimes it is hard to find where the handset is located and to place handset on tables because of telephone line and power supply. Basic object of this invention is to solve those problems.

Usually, when users are taking phone calls and working simultaneously, they usually use speakerphones. But conventional wireless telephone sets don't provide speakerphone capability. This invention supports it.

The elderly experience problems to locate handsets due to forgetfulness and push small buttons on a keypad in conventional wireless telephones. This invention provides solution for them.

As the size and weight of the conventional wireless telephone get decreased, it is problematic for wireless telephone sets to carry high capacity battery. This invention provides solution for them.

This invention has a fixed part connected to a telephone line and a movable part connected electronically through wireless signals. The main unit of the movable part and the handset are connected each other by curl cord. The distance between the handset and the main unit protects users from being affected by electromagnetic waves.

This invention includes following components. First, a transceiver connected to the telephone line establishes phone call and processes voice signals. Second, a first antenna radiates signals from the transceiver and receives radiated signals to transmit to the first transceiver. Third, a second antenna receives signals radiated from the first antenna and radiates input signals to the first antenna. Fourth, the main unit equipped with a second antenna establishes phone calls and processes voice signals. Fifth, a handset connected to the main unit through a curl cord makes a voice output supplied from the main unit and converts an input voice into voice signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a fixed part of a preferred embodiment of the wireless telephone set in accordance with the present invention,

Fig. IB shows a perspective view of a movable part associated to the fixed part showed in Fig. 1 A,

Fig. 2A shows a block diagram for explaining details of the fixed part showed in Fig. 1 A, and

Fig. 2B shows a block diagram for explaining details of the movable part showed in Fig. IB.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention is to solve inconveniences caused by conventional wireless telephone sets.

Main focus of this invention is to provide wireless telephone set with merits of conventional wired telephone sets. This invention provides advantages such as big dial, high capacity battery, easy installation in new location, and speakerphone over conventional wireless telephones.

Transmit-receive circuit of wireless telephone set can be categorized as digital way and analog way. Central processing selects most reliable channel and available frequency bandwidth ranges from 40Mhz to 900Mhz.

Because of new technologies such as integration of telephone for outgoing calls only and mobile phone, it is hard to imagine how telephone sets will be improved in the future.

As semiconductor technology improves, integrity of wireless communication circuits are significantly increases and previously developed complicated circuits including large quantity of devices have been replaced by a small number of high density semiconductors. So, technologies regarding telephone sets are moving toward creative application of such state-of-the-art semiconductors of high density.

Referring Fig. 1A and Fig. IB, a preferred embodiment of the wireless telephone set in accordance with the present invention is briefly described.

In this embodiment, the wireless telephone set is composed of a fixed part and a movable part. The fixed part includes a telephone line 1 , a speaker 2, a transceiver 3, a rechargeable battery 4, and an antenna 5. The movable part includes an antenna 6, a rechargeable battery 7, a main unit 8, a handset such as a transceiver 9, a curl cord 10, a speaker 11, a mode conversion switch 12, and a keypad 13. The handset is connected to the main unit 8 through the curl cord 10.

The wireless telephone set in accordance with this invention protects users from electromagnetic waves since the distance between user and the antenna 6 is more than 10 cm.

Since the wireless telephone set in accordance with this invention exactly looks like conventional wired telephone sets and supports the big keypad 13, the elderly can use it conveniently.

Since appearance of movable part of the telephone set in accordance with this invention is almost same as conventional wired telephone sets, main unit can be placed on tables. In case of placing it in office or tables at home, wire installation can be done easily.

Since appearance of the movable part of the telephone set in accordance with this invention is almost same as conventional wired telephone sets, a high capacity battery can be installed.

When main power is down, the telephone set in accordance with this invention can still makes calls since it has the rechargeable battery 4 at the fixed part.

Since the rechargeable battery 4 in the wire-part and the rechargeable battery 7 in the wireless-part are same ones, users can replace the rechargeable battery 7 in the movable part with the rechargeable battery 4 in the fixed part.

Users can switch the wireless telephone into sleep mode by the mode conversion switch 12. If it is used for thirty minutes per day, the battery 7 can be used for 20 days without recharge. During sleep mode, the movable part doesn't operate. When user picks up the handset, then turns on hook-switch or push the speakerphone dial, the telephone set turns into working mode.

In sleep mode, when a bell rings at the fixed part speaker 2, the telephone set automatically turns the movable part into working mode. At this time, a bell doesn't ring at the speaker 11 of the movable part.

After the phone call, it automatically turns into sleep mode again.

Since the transceiver 3 connected to the telephone line 1 contains a wireless transmit-receive circuit and a control circuit, it establishes or releases phone calls coming from the telephone line 1 and the antenna 5.

The main unit 8 processes signals from the keypad 13 and the antenna 6 and makes connections for users.

The main unit 8 has a detection switch and it converts the telephone from sleep mode into working mode automatically when users pick up the handset 7.

When the movable part is in sleep mode, a phone bell rings at the speaker 2 in the fixed part not at the speaker 11 in the movable part.

When the movable part is in working mode, users can set up the telephone for rings at both speakers 2 and 11, or, either only at the speaker 2 or only at the speaker 11.

Referring Fig. 2 A and Fig. 2B, detailed constructions of the telephone set in this embodiment will be described.

As shown in Fig. 2B, the movable part showed in Fig. IB includes the rechargeable battery 7, the antenna 6, the transceiver 9, a telephone dial 17, a speakerphone selection dial 18, a hook-switch 19, a central processing unit 20, a buzzer 21, a detection switch 22, a non-contact switch 23, a horizontal/vertical sensor 24, a speaker 11, a microphone 26, an external speaker and a microphone 27, a signal conversion device 28, an audio output 29, and an audio input 30.

As shown in Fig. 2 A, the fixed part showed in Fig. 1A includes a signal input-output device 36, a control circuit 37, a signal conversion device 39 connected to the telephone line 1, an audio output 40, an audio input 41, a transmit-circuit 42, a receive-circuit 43, the antenna 5, a power supply 45, a charge-discharge control circuit 46, the rechargeable battery 4, and an external power supply socket 48.

The mode conversion switch 12 of the movable part can convert the telephone between working mode and sleep mode.

The antenna 6 at the movable part receives signals from the antenna

5 at the fixed part and makes output to the transceiver 9. It also radiates output signals of the transceiver 9.

The central processing unit 20 receives output signals of the transceiver 9. When ring signals were detected, a bell rings through the buzzer 21.

When the central processing unit 20 receives signals of the speakerphone selection dial 18 or switched signals of the detection switch 22, it establishes connections of the transceiver 9 to the audio output 29 and the audio input 30. When the central processing unit 20 receives signals of the speakerphone selection dial 18, it sends out control signals to the signal conversion device 28 to establish connections of the audio output 29 and the audio input 30 to an external speaker and microphone 27.

When the central processing unit 20 receives switched signals of the detection switch 22, it sends out control signals to the signal conversion device 28 to establish connections of the speaker 11 and the microphone 26 to the audio output 29 and the audio input 30.

When the telephone set is in sleep mode, by signals of the speakeφhone selection dial 18 or the detection switch 22, the central processing unit 20 does the procedure stated above except the bell ring.

The movable part includes the rechargeable battery 7.

The signal conversion device 39 at the fixed part converts signals from the telephone line 1 and send outs through the control circuit 37 and the audio output 40.

The control circuit 37 analyzes input signals and if a ring signal is detected, it makes a bell to ring through the buzzer or a speaker at the signal input-output device 36.

The control circuit 37 analyzes input signals and if a ring signal is detected, it generates signals and sends them out to the movable part through the transmit-circuit 42.

The audio output 40 receives signals from the transmit-circuit 42 and the antenna 5 and transmits them to the movable part. In signals received by the antenna 5, voice signals are transmitted to the signal conversion device 39 through the receive-circuit 43 and the audio input 41, and call forwarding signals are transmitted to the signal conversion device 39 through the control circuit 37.

The signal conversion device 39 receives signals from the audio input 41 and sends converted signals to the telephone line 1.

The control circuit 37 sends control signals to the signal conversion device 39, the audio output 40, the audio input 41 , the transmit-circuit 42 and the receive-circuit 43.

The control circuit 37 supports the signal input-output device 36 such as a dial, a key phone controller, a speaker, and a microphone.

The signal input-output device 36 can include an external microphone and speaker to support a buzzer, a handset, a key phone pad and a speakeφhone.

Power is supplied to the transmit-circuit 42 at the fixed part and the receive-circuit 43 from the power supply 45.

Power is also supplied to the charge-discharge control circuit 46 through the external power supply socket 48 and then to the rechargeable battery 4 and the power supply 45.

The rechargeable battery 4 at the fixed part and the rechargeable battery 7 at the movable part are compatible to each other and their appearance is same.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative puφose, those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A wireless telephone set comprising:

a fixed part connected to a telephone line; and

a movable part, electronically connected with said fixed part by radio signals, wherein the main unit of said movable part is connected with a handset of said movable part by a curl cord.

2. The wireless telephone set according to claim 1, wherein said fixed part comprises a first battery being rechargeable by an external power supply, and wherein power source of said fixed part is converted to said first battery in case of said external power supply being down.

3. The wireless telephone set according to claim 2, wherein said movable part comprises a second battery being rechargeable and compatible with said first battery.

4. The wireless telephone set according to claim 3, wherein the main unit of said movable part further comprises an external microphone and speaker, and a speakeφhone selection switch for converting from an ordinary conversation mode using an ordinary transceiver to a speakeφhone conversation mode using the external microphone and speaker.

5. The wireless telephone set according to claim 4, wherein said fixed part further comprises a mode conversion switch for selecting a standby status of the main unit, and a signal input-output device ringing bell signals received from telephone line when the main unit is in sleep mode.

6. The wireless telephone set according to claim 5, wherein said main unit further comprises a detection switch for detecting said handset being separated from said main unit, and wherein the standby status of the main unit is converted between in sleep mode and in working mode, said sleep mode being associated to a connection signal of said detection switch, while said working mode being associated to a separation signal of said detection switch.

7. The wireless telephone set according to claim 6, wherein said detection switch is a hook-switch.

8. The wireless telephone set according to claim 6, wherein said detection switch is a non-contact switch.

9. The wireless telephone set according to claim 6, wherein said detection switch is a horizontal/vertical sensor.

10. The wireless telephone set according to claim 3, wherein said detection switch comprises a fixed part having a signal input-output device transmitting bell signals supplied from a telephone line in sleep mode, and a movable part having a mode conversion switch converting said main unit to said sleep mode.

11. The wireless telephone set according to claim 2, wherein the main unit of said movable part further comprises an external microphone and speaker, and a speakeφhone selection switch for converting from an ordinary conversation mode using an ordinary transceiver to a speakeφhone conversation mode using the external microphone and speaker.

12. The wireless telephone set according to claim 1, wherein said fixed part further comprises a signal input-output device transmitting bell signals supplied from telephone line in sleep mode, while said movable part further comprises a mode conversion switch for converting a standby status of said movable part into sleep mode.

13. A wireless telephone set comprising:

a transceiver for setting up phone calls and for processing voice signals;

a first antenna connected to said transceiver for radiating signals supplied by said transceiver and for gathering to transmit radio signals to said transceiver;

a second antenna for transmitting input signals to said first antenna and for receiving radio signals from said first antenna;

a main unit connected with said second antenna for establishing phone calls and for processing voice signals; and

a handset connected to the main unit by a curl cord for making voice output from and/or input to the main unit.

14. The wireless telephone set according to claim 13, wherein said transceiver comprises:

a signal conversion device connected to said telephone line for conducting conversion of signals from/to said telephone line;

an audio output for making signal s from said signal conversion device to output;

an audio input sending input signals to said signal conversion device;

a transmit-circuit for processing signals radiated through said first antenna;

a control circuit for detecting ring signals supplied by said signal conversion device, for generating signals corresponding to ring signals to send them to a receive-circuit, for sending call forwarding signals to said signal conversion device, and for sending control signals to said signal conversion device, said audio output, said audio input and said transmit- circuit;

an audio input for sending out voice signals received by said first antenna to said audio input and for sending out call forwarding signals to said control circuit;

a signal input-output device for receiving ring signals detected by said control circuit and generating bell signals; and

a first battery being rechargeable.

15. The wireless telephone set according to claim 14, wherein said main unit comprises:

a telephone transceiver for making signals received from said second antenna to output and for transmitting signals through said second antenna to said first antenna;

an audio output for transmitting signal s from said telephone transceiver to said signal conversion device;

an audio input for transmitting signal s from said signal conversion device to said telephone transceiver; an external speaker and microphone attached to said main unit for transforming between an audio energy and an electric signal;

a signal conversion device for establishing path for input signals from said audio output, for sending voice signal output to said handset, said external speaker and said microphone, and for sending signals from said handset, said external speaker and said microphone to said audio input according to control signals;

a phone dial comprising a speakeφhone selection dial for generating signal for speakeφhone call;

a detection switch checking if said handset being separated from said main unit and generating an associated signal;

a central processing unit for generating ring control signals and for sending out path selection signal to said signal telephone device in accordance with signals coming from said phone dial and detection switch;

a buzzer for generating bell depending upon bell control signal from said central processing unit; and

a second battery being rechargeable.

16. The wireless telephone set according to claim 15, wherein said second battery is compatible with said first battery.

17. The wireless telephone set according to claim 16, wherein said main unit includes a mode conversion switch for generating a sleep mode conversion signal, and wherein said central processing unit performs mode conversion on receiving a mode conversion signal by converting said telephone set into working mode on receiving a detection signal from said detection switch or a speakeφhone selection signal from said phone dial in sleep mode.

18. The wireless telephone set according to claim 15, wherein said main unit includes a mode conversion switch for sending out a sleep mode conversion signal to said central processing unit, and wherein said central processing unit performs mode conversion on receiving mode a conversion signal by converting said telephone set into a working mode on receiving a detection signal from said detection switch or a speakeφhone selection signal from said phone dial in sleep mode.

19. The wireless telephone set according to claim 14, wherein said main unit includes a mode conversion switch sending out a sleep mode conversion signal to said central processing unit, and wherein said central processing unit performs a mode conversion on receiving a mode conversion signal by converting said telephone set into a working mode on receiving a detection signal from said detection switch or a speakeφhone selection signal from said phone dial in sleep mode.

20. The wireless telephone set according to claim 14, wherein the telephone set comprises:

a keypad electronically connected to said control circuit and equipped with a speakeφhone selection switch;

an external microphone and speaker connected to said control circuit;

a transceiver connected to said control circuit; and

a handset connected to said transceiver by a curl cord.