WO1999057937A1 - Headset control system for operating a microcontroller bassed device - Google Patents

Headset control system for operating a microcontroller bassed device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999057937A1
WO1999057937A1 PCT/US1999/010063 US9910063W WO9957937A1 WO 1999057937 A1 WO1999057937 A1 WO 1999057937A1 US 9910063 W US9910063 W US 9910063W WO 9957937 A1 WO9957937 A1 WO 9957937A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
voice command
switch
state
headset
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/010063
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Veijo Matias Tuoriniemi
Joseph Michael Allison
Original Assignee
Veijo Matias Tuoriniemi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Veijo Matias Tuoriniemi filed Critical Veijo Matias Tuoriniemi
Priority to AU38909/99A priority Critical patent/AU3890999A/en
Publication of WO1999057937A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999057937A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone

Definitions

  • This invention relates to headsets, particularly headset used to give commands to a microcontroller based device.
  • Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of a headset and a switch detector.
  • Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram of a headset and a switch detector.
  • Figure 3 shows flowchart of a first method to give a voice command.
  • Figure 4 shows flowchart of a second method to give a voice command.
  • Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a third method to give a voice command.
  • Figure 6 shows an exemplary table of momentary functions, boom down.
  • Figure 7 shows an exemplary table of momentary functions, boom up.
  • Figure 8 shows a flowchart of receiving a telephone call.
  • Figure 9 shows a flowchart of announcing an incoming call.
  • Fig. 1 shows an example of four-level threshold logic applied to a single wire to detect the switch positions in the headset 10. The four levels are set by The three threshold voltages, Vrl, Vr2, Vr3, applied respectively to the three comparators, 46 A, 46B, 46C.
  • the comparators detect the voltage on line 55 and provide binary outputs on the microcontroller input lines, 48 A, 48B, and 48C. Any one of the three comparators has a high output whenever the DC input voltage at line 55 is below the reference voltage for that particular comparator, otherwise the output of that particular comparator is zero. Assuming that the threshold voltages increase in steps such that, Vrl ⁇ Vr2 ⁇ Vr3, the output states of the three comparators are related to the voltage V55 at line 55 as follows.
  • the headset contains a three-position push button switch 105 and a two-position boom switch 12.
  • the circuit has been designed such that each combination of switch positions results in a DC voltage at line 55 corresponding to one of the four levels listed above.
  • An example of circuit values along with logic levels is listed in Table 2 below.
  • First column shows the switch 12 position in upper boom position where the switch is connected to the speaker and in lower position where the switch is down in front of the mouth position.
  • Second column shows the three-position momentary switch state in upper rest position, middle position and in fully down pressed position. Exemplary values and comparator outputs representing the switch 12 and switch 105 combinations are shown in the following columns.
  • Fig. 2 is similar to Fig. 1 except that the mid-position of the push button switch is open.
  • the circuit values and logic levels for this second example are listed in Table 3 below. Table 2
  • Disclosed headset control system is intended to be used with a cellular telephone or other audio devices.
  • audio device refers to a contrivance or an invention serving a particular purpose relating to the broadcasting, reception, or reproduction of sound. Audio devices that can be used individually or combined are e.g. cellular telephone, AF/FM radio, digital radio, information signal storage retrieval, voice recognition systems and a synthesizer.
  • information signal refers to a time varying physical quantity representing desired intelligence, often an audible sound or an electrical signal.
  • the term “retrieval” refers to production or reproduction of a stored information signal from the storage medium characteristics.
  • Fig. 2 shows an embodiment where the second position of the push button switch 105 is open. Opening of a line 34 in predetermined pattern by pushing the three-state switch 105 to a second open position sends a system input to the microcontroller.
  • An application using time delay loops with decision and branch-to- subroutine statements decodes various inputs differentiated by the number of repeated switch closures or by the time the common input line is kept open.
  • Click, double click and hold are used to give system inputs.
  • click refers to a short opening of an input line, preferably shorter than 0.5 seconds.
  • double click refers to a repeat of a click, in predetermined time, preferably shorter than 0.5 seconds, after the first click.
  • Old refers to a longer opening than click, preferably longer than 0.5 seconds.
  • the microcontroller When a system input is received, the microcontroller sends a response signal to the speaker 18.
  • the response signal provides user a prompt to recognize the start and end of a system input.
  • the response signal changes tone to differentiate "click” and “hold” inputs.
  • switch 12 state is dependent on the boom position.
  • Stored boom position connects switch 12 to speaker.
  • the boom dependent switch 12 can be designed to change state quickly somewhere in the middle of the upper and lower mouth position. If, for example, user wants to turn the boom in front, the switch 12 keeps the connection to the speaker until the boom is in the middle of the rotation. In this middle position the switch 12 changes the state to the microphone position. This microphone state is kept in all adjustable, in-front-of-the-mouth boom positions.
  • the boom dependent switch 12 can be used instead of using switch 105 to open line 34. User manually toggles the boom backwards from a speaker position or downward from the microphone position to a open state and back.
  • Receiving of an external messages can change state of the system.
  • microcontroller alerts user through speaker and changes to designated state.
  • system input signals are changed to control the incoming message.
  • Fig. 8 when a telephone call is received and alarm signal is heard while listening to stereophonic music through speakers, the call can be forwarded to e.g. an answering machine 210 by a click 208 without interrupting music listening.
  • a click which, for example in radio listening state signals microcontroller to scan station up, is temporarily used to control the telephone instead.
  • Fig. 2 shows an alternative configuration with closed second, middle state of switch 105. No system inputs given or response signal is heard when the line 34 is opened.
  • Momentary switch system inputs are given by toggling the switch 105 between first and second state and voice commands are given by pushing the switch to third position
  • the software can be designed to ignore the middle input.
  • the software can be designated to wait for the rest position before responding to any other switch states. The switch is released to the first, rest state after each position. If the software does not sense the rest state, then no action will be taken until the rest state is sensed.
  • Voice command input 236 in Fig 3 to a voice command detect circuit is given by connecting switch 105 to a third position 236.
  • microcontroller 240 sends a short ready signal 242 to user to start a command.
  • This prompt is a signal the voice command detect circuit is ready to receive an input.
  • User gives a voice command 244 by talking to the microphone and simultaneously keeping the switch 105 connected to third state. Releasing the switch 105 terminates the command. Releasing the switch is a trigger 246 for a voice command detect circuit that input is ready to be accepted.
  • Processing of a voice command 248 can have several steps such as analog-to- digital converting followed possibly by e.g. automatic gain control, echo cancellation and voice activity detection in order to present the recognizer with as good a signal as possible.
  • a voice recognition means making a comparison between the voice command and a sample command stored in a memory and a control circuit for executing the command.
  • processing of a command microcontroller gives user a processing signal 250.
  • This processing signal is an echo simulating time glass on computer screen showing the input has been accepted and it is in process.
  • user is given an acknowledgment signal.
  • selected item 256 is announced or an error message 254 is heard. Error message is a signal for user to try again.
  • an alternative way to give a voice command is to program software to give user a predetermined period of time to start a voice command after connecting 236 the microphone on line. Moving the boom in front-of-the-mouth position connects microphone.
  • Prompt is heard after the activation 240.
  • User gives a command 244 by talking to the microphone.
  • Fig. 5 shows how software can also be programmed to activate voice command detect circuit by connecting the switch 105 shortly to third state 236. After connection user releases the button. Connection is detected 238, voice command detect circuit activated 240 and prompt signal 242 is given to user to start command. User is given a predetermined time to start a command. After a spoken command user pauses 246. Pause is detected by software and it ends the command.
  • Fig. 6 shows an exemplary table of momentary functions when user operated switch 12 is connected to the microphone 18.
  • Standby receiving calls on automatically, call initiating, message receiving, broadcast program listening, audio player listening etc, the momentary operations; click, double- click, triple-click and hold and pushing the switch to the third state have different context sensitive results.
  • Fig. 7 shows an exemplary table of momentary functions when user operated switch 12 is connected to the speaker 20.
  • Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of receiving a phone call in manual and automatic answering mode.
  • telephone In start position telephone is in stand-by mode ready to receive incoming calls 200.
  • ring alert signal 202 When ring alert signal 202 is received the incoming call is announced in predetermined way. Different ways to announce the call is described in
  • Fig. 9 User answers to the call by turning the user-operated switch to the microphone position 204. Possible audio program is either turned off or muted and telephone operations are turned on 206. Turning the switch back to the speaker position 214 or if the carrier signal doesn't exist 216 ends the call 218. Connecting the user-operated switch back to speaker position turns the device back to initial mode. If the switch is kept in microphone position the telephone is ready to receive calls automatically 220 without switch operations. When ring alert signal 222 in auto answer mode is received the call is announced same way as in manual answering mode. User is given a predetermined period of time to perform momentary operations 224 in order to forward the call to an answering machine, forward the call to another telephone number or give a caller an output message from a storage. Functions are listed in exemplary table in Fig. 6. After momentary operations the call is terminated 218 and the device returns to an idle mode.
  • Fig. 9 shows a flowchart describing the ways to announce an incoming phone call.
  • the program detects the connection 262. If headset is not connected conventional ring alert signal 264 is heard from the handset. If the ring signal carries an ID string 266 the LD is showed 268 on phone display. If the headset is connected and the identification 270 is negative and synthesizer is employed, and unidentified-call-message 274 is heard through the speaker. If the identification 270 is positive, the program looks for a respective voice command 276 from the memory. If voice command is found, the name of the caller is announced 278 by the stored voice. In a case the voice command is not found, the program looks for a typed LD from the memory 280.

Abstract

A headset control system for operating a microcontroller (49) based device includes a microphone (16), a first and second speaker (17, 18), and a user operated switch (12). The switch selectively disables said first speaker (17) in a first state or the microphone (16) in a second state. A momentary switch (105) creates patterns of momentary switching from one of a first, a second and a third state to at least one other state and back. A switch detector (42) comprises a plurality of comparators (46, A, B, C) to implement threshold logic and produces a signal indicating the respective states of the user-operated switch (12) and the momentary switch (46). A microcontroller (49) responsive to the switch detector (42) includes a means to differentiate between different switching patterns of the momentary switching means (105) and initiates respective function as a function of a pattern of momentary switching and state of the user-operated switch (12) and current operational mode.

Description

HEADSET CONTROL SYSTEM FOR OPERATING
A MICROCONTROLLER BASED DEVICE
Applicants: Veijo M Tuoriniemi, residing in New York, New York Joseph M. Allison, residing in Euclid, Ohio
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to headsets, particularly headset used to give commands to a microcontroller based device.
BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION
This application improves on application serial no.08/920, 406 filed 08/29/97, hereby fully incorporated by reference. In the embodiments disclosed in the application, gaining random access to various functions using the momentary (normally-closed) headset switch involves pushing the button in various patterns (click, double-click, hold, etc.) The off-hook detector detects the two states of the push button switch by sensing the DC voltage to ground of the line that is broken by the push button switch.
Since there are two headset interconnect wires (along with a third, common ground return), it is possible to have two such switches: one for each wire. The switches would be independent system inputs, having separate (but identical) off-hook detectors and separate input lines to the microcontroller. The term, switch detector, would then be more appropriate than, off-hook detector. The second button could be dedicated to one function such as, voice command, leaving the other button free for the remaining functions. Rather than two buttons, a single button having three positions could be used with the two-wire scheme wherein one of the three switch positions would be detected by the second switch detector. Using the second wire for push button switch detection has a drawback, however: the wire is no longer free for the headset detect function. It would be desirable to find a solution to this dilemma. DRAWING FIGURES
Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of a headset and a switch detector.
Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram of a headset and a switch detector. Figure 3 shows flowchart of a first method to give a voice command.
Figure 4 shows flowchart of a second method to give a voice command.
Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a third method to give a voice command.
Figure 6 shows an exemplary table of momentary functions, boom down.
Figure 7 shows an exemplary table of momentary functions, boom up. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of receiving a telephone call.
Figure 9 shows a flowchart of announcing an incoming call.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Several objects and advantages of different embodiments and variations of the invention are:
The capability of giving commands to a microcontroller either by voice command through a voice command detect circuit or performing predetermined momentary switch functions. Momentary functions can partially overlap with voice command, since in noisy environment giving voice command might not be possible. Momentary functions are useful e.g. in discreet situations when talking might not be appropriate or allowed.
By placing the operative switches to headset instead of operating the device from handset or main housing makes using of the device fast and easy. Standard 3 -wire connections can be used to reduce costs and still have theoretically unlimited options to operate the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In application serial no.08/920,406 filed 08/29/97, only two switch states could be detected per wire because only two logic levels, high and low voltage, were designed for. This limitation is removed with the application of threshold logic. Threshold logic assigns a different level of voltage (or current) to each switch position so that, there is no theoretical limit to the number of switch states that could be detected per wire. Fig. 1 shows an example of four-level threshold logic applied to a single wire to detect the switch positions in the headset 10. The four levels are set by The three threshold voltages, Vrl, Vr2, Vr3, applied respectively to the three comparators, 46 A, 46B, 46C.
The comparators detect the voltage on line 55 and provide binary outputs on the microcontroller input lines, 48 A, 48B, and 48C. Any one of the three comparators has a high output whenever the DC input voltage at line 55 is below the reference voltage for that particular comparator, otherwise the output of that particular comparator is zero. Assuming that the threshold voltages increase in steps such that, Vrl<Vr2<Vr3, the output states of the three comparators are related to the voltage V55 at line 55 as follows.
Table 1
Level V55 48A 48B 48C
1 0<V55<Vrl 1 1 1
2 VrKV55<Vr2 0 1 1
3 Vr2<V55<Vr3 0 0 1
4 Nr3<V55 0 0 0
The headset contains a three-position push button switch 105 and a two-position boom switch 12. The circuit has been designed such that each combination of switch positions results in a DC voltage at line 55 corresponding to one of the four levels listed above. An example of circuit values along with logic levels is listed in Table 2 below. First column shows the switch 12 position in upper boom position where the switch is connected to the speaker and in lower position where the switch is down in front of the mouth position. Second column shows the three-position momentary switch state in upper rest position, middle position and in fully down pressed position. Exemplary values and comparator outputs representing the switch 12 and switch 105 combinations are shown in the following columns.
Fig. 2 is similar to Fig. 1 except that the mid-position of the push button switch is open. The circuit values and logic levels for this second example are listed in Table 3 below. Table 2
Example values for Fig 1
Resistor 47 2k ohm Resistor 15 Ik ohm Resistor 17 2k ohm Miclό Ik ohm
Vmic 20v
Reference Voltages Vrl 5 3v Vr2 8 3v Vr3 15v
Boom Push B Resistance DC voltage Comparator Outputs
Sw 12 Sw l05 to ground to ground 46A 46B 46C
Pos Pos at line 34 at line 34 5 3v 8 3v 15v (refs )
Up (Spkr ) Up (rest) open 20v < no refs 0 0 0 Up (Spkr ) Mid R17=2k ohm 10v < 15v 0 0 1 Up (Spkr ) Down lk||mic=0 5k 4v <all refs 1 1 1 Down (Mic ) Up (rest) mic=lk6 7v <15v<8 3v 0 1 1 Down (Mic ) Mid R17=2k ohm 10v < 15v 0 0 1 Down (Mic ) Down lk||mic=0 5k 4v<all refs 1 1 1
Table 3
Example values for Fig 2 Resistor 47 2k ohm Resistor 15 Ik ohm Resistor 17 2k ohm Miclό Ik ohm
Vmic 20v
Reference Voltages Vrl 5 3v Vr2 8 3v Vr3 15v
Boom Push B Resistance DC voltage Comparator Outputs
Sw 12 Sw l05 to ground to ground 46A 46B 46C
Pos Pos at line 34 at line 34 5 3v 8 3v 15v (refs
Up (Spkr ) Up (rest) R17=2k 10v < 15v 0 0 1 Up (Spkr ) Mid Open 20v < no refs 0 0 0 Up (Spkr ) Down lk||mic=0 5k 4v <all refs 1 1 1 Down (Mic ) Up (rest) mic=lk 6 7v <15v<8 3v 0 1 1 Down (Mic ) Mid Open 20v < no refs 0 0 0 Down (Mic ) Down lk||mic=0 5k 4v<all refs. 1 1 1 OPERATION OF THE FIRST EMBODIMENT
Disclosed headset control system is intended to be used with a cellular telephone or other audio devices. The term "audio device" refers to a contrivance or an invention serving a particular purpose relating to the broadcasting, reception, or reproduction of sound. Audio devices that can be used individually or combined are e.g. cellular telephone, AF/FM radio, digital radio, information signal storage retrieval, voice recognition systems and a synthesizer. The term "information signal" refers to a time varying physical quantity representing desired intelligence, often an audible sound or an electrical signal. The term "retrieval" refers to production or reproduction of a stored information signal from the storage medium characteristics.
Fig. 2 shows an embodiment where the second position of the push button switch 105 is open. Opening of a line 34 in predetermined pattern by pushing the three-state switch 105 to a second open position sends a system input to the microcontroller. An application using time delay loops with decision and branch-to- subroutine statements decodes various inputs differentiated by the number of repeated switch closures or by the time the common input line is kept open.
Click, double click and hold, commonly known from computer mouse, are used to give system inputs. The term "click" refers to a short opening of an input line, preferably shorter than 0.5 seconds. The term "double click" refers to a repeat of a click, in predetermined time, preferably shorter than 0.5 seconds, after the first click. "Hold" refers to a longer opening than click, preferably longer than 0.5 seconds.
When a system input is received, the microcontroller sends a response signal to the speaker 18. The response signal provides user a prompt to recognize the start and end of a system input. When the line is kept open more than 0.5 seconds the response signal changes tone to differentiate "click" and "hold" inputs.
In a further embodiment switch 12 state is dependent on the boom position. When the boom is in front of the mouth switch 12 is connected to the microphone. Stored boom position connects switch 12 to speaker. In order to avoid long open circuit condition the boom dependent switch 12 can be designed to change state quickly somewhere in the middle of the upper and lower mouth position. If, for example, user wants to turn the boom in front, the switch 12 keeps the connection to the speaker until the boom is in the middle of the rotation. In this middle position the switch 12 changes the state to the microphone position. This microphone state is kept in all adjustable, in-front-of-the-mouth boom positions.
Alternatively, instead of using switch 105 to open line 34, the boom dependent switch 12 can be used. User manually toggles the boom backwards from a speaker position or downward from the microphone position to a open state and back.
In order to avoid mistakenly given system inputs, software is designed to ignore glitches and bounces, open or closed states, less than 0.05 seconds. The system will delay acting upon changes until the input settles. The term "settle" refers to state where no action has been taken place during the past 0.05 seconds.
General software response to switch inputs is determined by function: Present System State + Switch input = New System State.
For example, assume user inputs one click. The software response can depend on the state of the system immediately before the input, or the software response can ignore the state of the system. Assume the user is talking on the telephone when he enters a single click. Software will activate a certain function TBD1 (To Be Determined). Next, assume the user is listening to the CD player when he enters a single click. This time, the software can activate an other function TBD2. So the same input, single click, can be context sensitive.
Receiving of an external messages can change state of the system. When an external message is received, microcontroller alerts user through speaker and changes to designated state. In this receiving state system input signals are changed to control the incoming message. For example in Fig. 8 when a telephone call is received and alarm signal is heard while listening to stereophonic music through speakers, the call can be forwarded to e.g. an answering machine 210 by a click 208 without interrupting music listening. In call receiving state a click, which, for example in radio listening state signals microcontroller to scan station up, is temporarily used to control the telephone instead. Fig. 2 shows an alternative configuration with closed second, middle state of switch 105. No system inputs given or response signal is heard when the line 34 is opened. System input is only given and the response signal is heard when the switch 105 is connected to a second state. Momentary switch and voice command giving switch is combined to a single three-position momentary type push button switch mounted in/on said headset. The spring biased button switch has a first rest state where it always returns. In order to push the button type switch to the second state user is required to use certain force. Second switch position has a mechanical threshold separating different switch states. Increased force is needed to push the switch to the third state.
Momentary switch system inputs are given by toggling the switch 105 between first and second state and voice commands are given by pushing the switch to third position
User might pause in the middle position after giving a voice command. In order to avoid incorrect input the software can be designed to ignore the middle input. The software can be designated to wait for the rest position before responding to any other switch states. The switch is released to the first, rest state after each position. If the software does not sense the rest state, then no action will be taken until the rest state is sensed.
Voice command input 236 in Fig 3 to a voice command detect circuit is given by connecting switch 105 to a third position 236. After getting an input signal 238, microcontroller 240 sends a short ready signal 242 to user to start a command. This prompt is a signal the voice command detect circuit is ready to receive an input. User gives a voice command 244 by talking to the microphone and simultaneously keeping the switch 105 connected to third state. Releasing the switch 105 terminates the command. Releasing the switch is a trigger 246 for a voice command detect circuit that input is ready to be accepted. Processing of a voice command 248 can have several steps such as analog-to- digital converting followed possibly by e.g. automatic gain control, echo cancellation and voice activity detection in order to present the recognizer with as good a signal as possible. A voice recognition means making a comparison between the voice command and a sample command stored in a memory and a control circuit for executing the command.
During processing of a command microcontroller gives user a processing signal 250. This processing signal is an echo simulating time glass on computer screen showing the input has been accepted and it is in process. After processing 248, user is given an acknowledgment signal. Depending upon recognition 252 of the command, selected item 256 is announced or an error message 254 is heard. Error message is a signal for user to try again. In Fig.4 an alternative way to give a voice command is to program software to give user a predetermined period of time to start a voice command after connecting 236 the microphone on line. Moving the boom in front-of-the-mouth position connects microphone.
Prompt is heard after the activation 240. User gives a command 244 by talking to the microphone. Pausing after giving a voice command, i.e. speech signal is not present, is a trigger 246 for the voice command detect circuit that input is ready to be accepted.
If given predetermined period of time is not used to start a voice command, the system automatically turns to a stand-by/auto answer state or other (TBD3) state. Fig. 5 shows how software can also be programmed to activate voice command detect circuit by connecting the switch 105 shortly to third state 236. After connection user releases the button. Connection is detected 238, voice command detect circuit activated 240 and prompt signal 242 is given to user to start command. User is given a predetermined time to start a command. After a spoken command user pauses 246. Pause is detected by software and it ends the command.
Fig. 6 shows an exemplary table of momentary functions when user operated switch 12 is connected to the microphone 18. Depending on the current state; Standby, receiving calls on automatically, call initiating, message receiving, broadcast program listening, audio player listening etc, the momentary operations; click, double- click, triple-click and hold and pushing the switch to the third state have different context sensitive results.
Fig. 7 shows an exemplary table of momentary functions when user operated switch 12 is connected to the speaker 20.
Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of receiving a phone call in manual and automatic answering mode. In start position telephone is in stand-by mode ready to receive incoming calls 200. When ring alert signal 202 is received the incoming call is announced in predetermined way. Different ways to announce the call is described in
Fig. 9. User answers to the call by turning the user-operated switch to the microphone position 204. Possible audio program is either turned off or muted and telephone operations are turned on 206. Turning the switch back to the speaker position 214 or if the carrier signal doesn't exist 216 ends the call 218. Connecting the user-operated switch back to speaker position turns the device back to initial mode. If the switch is kept in microphone position the telephone is ready to receive calls automatically 220 without switch operations. When ring alert signal 222 in auto answer mode is received the call is announced same way as in manual answering mode. User is given a predetermined period of time to perform momentary operations 224 in order to forward the call to an answering machine, forward the call to another telephone number or give a caller an output message from a storage. Functions are listed in exemplary table in Fig. 6. After momentary operations the call is terminated 218 and the device returns to an idle mode.
If user in manual answer mode doesn't turn the switch to the microphone position 204 the call is forwarded to a possibly activated answering machine 210 otherwise call is terminated 212 by the absence of the ring signal.
Fig. 9 shows a flowchart describing the ways to announce an incoming phone call. The program detects the connection 262. If headset is not connected conventional ring alert signal 264 is heard from the handset. If the ring signal carries an ID string 266 the LD is showed 268 on phone display. If the headset is connected and the identification 270 is negative and synthesizer is employed, and unidentified-call-message 274 is heard through the speaker. If the identification 270 is positive, the program looks for a respective voice command 276 from the memory. If voice command is found, the name of the caller is announced 278 by the stored voice. In a case the voice command is not found, the program looks for a typed LD from the memory 280. If the typed LD is found and synthesizer 272 is employed, the name of the caller is announced 282. If typed LD is not found and LD string in a ring signal is recognized and synthesizer 272 is employed, the number of the caller is announced 284. Telephone operations 260 follow the announcement.
While the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments by way of illustration, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true scope and spirit of the invention. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 10 Housing of the headset 12 User-operated switch 15 Resistor
16 microphone
17 Resistor
18 Speaker
19 Diode 28 Jack.
30 Conductor 32 Conductor 34 Conductor 42 Switch detector 43 Capacitor 44 Resistor
46 Comparators A,B,C
47 Resistor
48 Conductor 49 Microcontroller 50 Conductor 52 Conductor
54 Conductor
55 Conductor 105 Momentary switch, three position 200 Standby
202 Ring alert received?
203 Announcement of a telephone call
204 Switch position 205 Momentary switching
206 Initiating of a telephone call.
208 Answering machine on?
210 Answering machine operations
212 End of the telephone call 214 Switch position
216 Carrier signal exists
218 End of a telephone call
219 Switch turned to a speaker
220 Standby 222 Ring alert received.
224 Momentary switch functions
228 Start
230 Description of the situation
232 Detection of the microphone line 234 Activating the microphone
236 User operation
238 Detection of a user operation
240 Activation of a voice command detect circuit
242 Ready tone 244 Giving a voice command 246 End of command trigger
248 Processing of a voice command
250 Signal indicating processing
252 Recognition of a voice command 254 Error message / message to try again
256 Executing a command
258 Acknowledgement signal
260 Operations
262 Detecting of a headset 264 Ring alert signal
266 LD string Detection
268 Showing LD on a display
270 LD detection
272 Synthesizer 274 Unidentified call announcement
276 Looking for a voice command
278 Announcement by voice command
280 Looking for a typed name
282 Announcement by name through a synthesizer 284 Announcement by number through a synthesizer

Claims

We claim
1. A headset control system for operating a microcontroller based device comprising; a) a microphone; b) a first and a second speaker; c) a user operated switch for selectively disabling said first speaker in a first state or said microphone in a second state; d) a means for creating patterns of momentary switching from one of a first, a second and a third state to at least one other state and back; e) a switch detector comprising plurality of comparators to implement threshold logic, producing a signal indicating the respective states of said user operated switch and said momentary switching means; and f) a control means responsive to said switch detector including a means to differentiate between different switching patterns of said momentary switching means for initiating respective function as a function of a pattern of momentary switching and state of said user-operated switch and current operational mode.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a boom depending from said headset; said microphone being located on said boom; said boom having a mouth position when said microphone is located to receive audible voice signal from user's mouth and an off mouth position when said microphone is located elsewhere; a user adjusting position of said boom for manipulating said user operated switch.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said user operated switch is used to create patterns of momentary switching system inputs by opening a line to open state and back.
4. The headset system of claim 1 using a standard three-wire interconnect system between said headset and said microcontroller-based device.
5. The headset system of claim 4 using said interconnect system to communicate to said microcontroller based device, the status of switches mounted in/on said headset, said status being associated with DC voltage having more than two logic levels.
6. The headset system of claim 1 further comprising; a) a voice command detect circuit coupled to said microphone for receiving spoken commands from a user; b) means, responsive to said voice command detect circuit, for recognizing a plurality of said spoken commands and responding by carrying out respective, corresponding commands stored in memory; and
7. The headset system of claim 6 wherein said momentary switching means and said further user operated switch comprise a single multiposition momentary type push button switch mounted in/on said headset.
8. A method of operating a headset system of claim 6 wherein said voice command detect circuit is activated for predetermined period of time after said user operated switch is connected to said microphone by positioning said boom in front of the mouth position.
9. A method of operating said headset system of claim 6 comprising steps of: a) connecting said further user operated switch so as to be in a voice command state; b) detecting the connection of said state; c) activating said voice command detect circuit; d) giving a voice command through a microphone; e) releasing said further user operated switch to end said voice command; f) processing said voice command by said voice command detect circuit; g) executing said command.
10. A method as defined by claim 9 wherein said voice command detect circuit activating user operated switch is released before giving said voice command and the end of said voice command is detected by application when a said voice command speech signal is not present.
11. A method as defined by claim 9 wherein said voice command detect circuit is activated for predetermined period of time by connecting said microphone and the end of said voice command is detected by application when said voice command speech signal is not present after a predetermined period of time.
12. The method as defined by claim 9 further comprising ready signal through a speaker for user to start a command after activation of said voice command detect circuit.
13. The method as defined by claim 9 further comprising a designated signal through a speaker indicating processing of said voice.
14. The method as defined by claim 9 further comprising a feed-back, giving designated signal through a speaker indicating detection of a voice command or alternatively a signal indicating rejection of said voice command.
15. In a headset control system for operating a microcontroller based device, giving system input comprising the steps of: a) signaling said microcontroller a system input by opening a predetermined line in predetermined pattern; b) detecting said signaling; c) recognizing said signaling; d) getting a continuous feedback tone from said control means every time the line is opened and ending the tone when the line is closed; e) processing said signaling; and f) executing said option by said control means.
16. The method as defined by claim 15 wherein said signaling and said continuous feedback tone is given by said control means every time the line is connected to a second state.
17. The method as defined by claim 15 wherein first predetermined pattern of momentary switching is a relatively short opening of a line lasting no more than 0.5 seconds.
18. The method as defined by claim 15 wherein second predetermined pattern of momentary switching is two relatively short consecutive openings of a line, both lasting less or equal to 0.5 seconds.
19. The method as defined by claim 15 wherein third predetermined pattern of momentary switching is an opening of a line longer than one 0.5 seconds.
PCT/US1999/010063 1998-05-06 1999-05-06 Headset control system for operating a microcontroller bassed device WO1999057937A1 (en)

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US60/084,487 1998-05-06

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