WO2002025975A1 - Headset for mobile phone - Google Patents

Headset for mobile phone Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002025975A1
WO2002025975A1 PCT/AU2001/001178 AU0101178W WO0225975A1 WO 2002025975 A1 WO2002025975 A1 WO 2002025975A1 AU 0101178 W AU0101178 W AU 0101178W WO 0225975 A1 WO0225975 A1 WO 0225975A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
signal
hands
free set
accordance
earpiece
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2001/001178
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin Gosnell
Original Assignee
Neuroguard Pty Ltd
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
Priority claimed from AUPR0256A external-priority patent/AUPR025600A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPR3850A external-priority patent/AUPR385001A0/en
Application filed by Neuroguard Pty Ltd filed Critical Neuroguard Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2001293476A priority Critical patent/AU2001293476A1/en
Publication of WO2002025975A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002025975A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/3833—Hand-held transceivers
    • H04B1/3838—Arrangements for reducing RF exposure to the user, e.g. by changing the shape of the transceiver while in use
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to headsets for mobile telecommunications apparatus, and particularly, but not exclusively, to headsets for mobile telephones.
  • RF radiation radiofrequency
  • Hands-free sets comprise an earpiece including a loudspeaker for converting audio information signals into audio, and a signal conductor for connecting the earpiece to the mobile telephone.
  • the headset allows the mobile telephone transmitter and antenna to be distanced from the head, and by virtue of the inverse square law, this means that RF radiation reaching the head from the mobile telephone and antenna should be much reduced.
  • the present invention provides a hands-free set for a mobile telecommunications device, comprising an earpiece for converting audio information signals to audio, a signal conductor for transmitting the audio information signal from the mobile telephone to the earpiece, and an isolator means arranged to allow transmission of the audio information signal but reduce coupling of RF energy from the mobile telecommunications device along the signal conductor to the earpiece.
  • earpiece covers any arrangement which may be used to act to transmit audio to a human ear, for example headphones or any other arrangement .
  • the audio information signal is transmitted from the mobile telecommunications device in a first signal form (usually with an electrical carrier along an electrical conductor) .
  • the isolator means preferably includes converter means arranged to convert the audio information signal from the first signal form into a second signal form.
  • the RF energy which may accompany the audio information signal is not converted into the second signal form or is only done so at a much reduced level.
  • the signal in the second signal form is conducted along a further signal conductor which does not couple the RF energy, or only couples it in a much reduced form.
  • the isolator means also includes a reconverter means for reconverting the second signal form to the first signal form, for transmission to the earpiece along the signal conductor.
  • the isolator includes a transducer for converting the electrical signal from the mobile telecommunications device to an optical signal.
  • the optical signal is transmitted to a further transducer , where it is reconverted back into an electrical signal for transmission onto the earpiece.
  • the conversion process, and transmission of the optical signal cuts out coupling of the RF energy.
  • the further signal conductor is an optical transmission media e.g. polymeric fibre or air.
  • the isolator may include filter component (s) for further reducing transmission of RF energy.
  • the isolator means includes at least one inductor disposed in series with the signal conductor.
  • the inductor preferably includes a ferrite core and a portion of the signal conductor wound in a loop around the ferrite core.
  • the isolator means includes a plurality of inductors .
  • the configuration of the inductors and. spacing of the inductors relative to each other are selected so as to tune the response of the isolator means.
  • the inductors are disposed such that they are • substantially evenly spaced relative to each other.
  • the signal conductor includes an electrically conducting wire portion and a sheath portion surrounding the wire portion, the sheath portion being at least partly formed of magnetic material such that the signal conductor acts during use as a filter to reduce transmission of RF energy.
  • This arrangement may comprise the isolator means or may be used together with a converter means and/or at least one inductor disposed in series with the signal conductor.
  • the magnetic material includes flakes of amorphous flexible metal disposed in a polymer material.
  • the present invention further provides an isolator apparatus for coupling an audio information signal from a mobile telecommunications device to a hands-free earpiece, the isolator apparatus including isolator means arranged to allow transmission of the audio information signal but reduce coupling of RF energy from the mobile telecommunications device to the earpiece of the hands- free set.
  • the isolator preferably includes converter means for converting the audio information signal from a first signal form, as provided by the mobile telecommunications device, into a second signal form.
  • the • conversion process into the second signal form results in an attenuation of the RF energy accompanying the audio information signal from the mobile telecommunications apparatus .
  • the isolator also preferably includes reconversion means for reconverting the signal back to the first form for transmission onto the earpiece of the hands-free set.
  • the signal in the second signal form is conducted along a signal transmission medium which does not couple RF radiation, or only couples it in a much reduced form.
  • the isolator apparatus may also include RF filter components for further attenuating the RF energy.
  • the isolator apparatus may be provided as a separate module which is connectable to a hands-free set and mobile telecommunications device.
  • the conversion means is an optical converter.
  • the signal transmission medium is an optical transmission medium.
  • the isolator means includes at least one inductor disposed in series with the signal conductor.
  • the inductor preferably includes a ferrite core and a portion of the signal conductor wound in a loop around the ferrite core.
  • the, isolator means includes a plurality of inductors.
  • the inductors are disposed such that the inductors are substantially evenly spaced relative to each other.
  • the configuration of the inductors and spacing of the inductors relative to each other are selected so as thereby tune the response of the isolator means .
  • the signal conductor includes an electrically conducting wire portion and a sheath portion surrounding the wire portion, the sheath portion being at least partly formed of magnetic material such that the signal conductor acts during use as a filter to reduce transmission of RF energy.
  • the magnetic material includes flakes of amorphous flexible metal disposed in a polymer material .
  • the present invention further provides a method of attenuating RF radiation transmitted to the earpiece of a hands-free set from a mobile telecommunications device, comprising the steps of: converting an audio information signal' provided by the mobile telecommunications device from a first signal form provided by the mobile telecommunications device to a second signal form for transmission by the hands-free set, and wherein the RF energy is not converted into the second signal form, or only at a reduced level, and RF energy is not coupled to the earpiece along the hands-free set, or couples it at a reduced level.
  • the second signal form is optical.
  • the method also includes the step of reconverting the second signal form back to the first signal form for transmission onto the hands-free set.
  • Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a mobile telephone and a hands-free set in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a mobile telephone and a hands-free set in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an isolator means of the embodiment shown in Figure 2.
  • a hands-free set in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated connected to a mobile telecommunications apparatus, in this example a mobile telephone 2.
  • the hands-free set 1 includes an earpiece 3, including a loudspeaker for converting audio information signals to audio, and a signal conductor 4 for transmitting the audio information signal from the mobile telephone 2 to the earpiece 3.
  • the hands-free set 1 also includes a microphone 5 converting audio to audio information signals for transmission along the signal conductor 4 towards the mobile telephone 2.
  • the hands-free set also includes an isolator means 6.
  • the isolator means 6 is arranged to allow transmission of audio information signals between the mobile telephone 2 and the hands-free set 1, but to reduce coupling of RF energy from the mobile telephone 2 along the signal conductor 4 to the earpiece 3 (and, in this embodiment, to the microphone 5) .
  • the isolator 6 includes an optoelectronic transducer 7 arranged to be connected to a signal conductor 8 connected to the mobile telephone 2.
  • the opto-electronic transducer 7 converts electrical signals transmitted along the conductor 8 to optical signals.
  • the isolator 6 also comprises a further optoelectronic transducer 10 and an opto-electronic medium 9 connecting the first opto-electronic transducer 7 to the second opto-electronic transducer 10.
  • the second opto-electronic transducer 10 is arranged to reconvert the optical signals transmitted via the optical transmission medium 9 to electrical signals, for transmission along the signal conductor 4.
  • the second opto-electronic transducer 10 includes its own power supply, preferably in the form of a battery 11.
  • the battery 11 can also provide power for the loudspeaker 3 and the microphone 5.
  • an audio information signal from the mobile telephone 2 is transmitted along the signal conductor 8 along with coupled RF radiation, to the first opto-electronic transducer 7.
  • Inductors may be included in the isolator 6, or at other points along the signal conductors 4, 8, in order to further increase impedance to high frequency and reduce transmission of RF to the earpiece.
  • a relatively long fibre' optic cable may be used as the optical transmission medium 9, in order to further increase the distance between the earpiece 3 and the signal conductor 8.
  • the isolator 6 may be provided as a separate apparatus which can be connected to conventional hands- free sets at one end, and to a mobile telephone at the other end.
  • An alternative embodiment of a hands-free set in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 2. Like features are indicated with like reference numerals .
  • the alternative hands-free set 12 includes an earpiece 3 for converting audio information signals to audio, a microphone 5 for converting audio to audio information signals for transmission to a mobile telephone 2, a signal conductor 4 for transmitting the audio information signals from the mobile telephone 2 to the earpiece 3, and a plurality of alternative isolator means in the form of inductors 14.
  • each inductor 14 includes a . ferrite core 16 and incorporates a portion of the signal conductor 4 which is wound around the ferrite core 16 in a loop 18.
  • the dimensions and type of ferrite core 16 are chosen so that the inductors 14 serve to increase impedance to high frequency signals and thereby reduce transmission of RF to the earpiece 3.
  • Each inductor 14 is disposed in an inductor capsule 20 which may be formed of plastics material.
  • the inductors 14 may be substantially the same as each other or the inductors may be constructed so as to have slightly different configurations . It will also be understood that instead of disposing the inductors 14 at spacings from each other which are substantially equal, the inductors 14 may be disposed on the signal conductor 4 so that the spacings between the inductors 14 are slightly different. This assists in compensating for changes in response of the inductors due to changes in the orientation of the signal conductor, due to changes in the relative positions of the mobile telephone 2 and the signal conductor 4, and due to slight changes in the position and orientation of the loops 18 relative to their respective inductors 14. Distributing several of the inductors along the wire conductor has several advantages .
  • a further advantage of this particular implementation is that is that it is non-invasive to the headset wire allowing its inclusion to be separate to the manufacture of the headset.
  • the signal conductor between the mobile telephone 2 and the earpiece 3 may be constructed such that a sheath portion of the signal conductor 4 is formed of a material which includes flexible magnetic material, for example particulate ferromagnetic material.
  • the signal conductor itself functions as an inductor to attenuate high frequency signals and thereby reduce transmission of RF to the earpiece 3.
  • the hands-free set is of the type which includes an earpiece which fits into a human ear. It need not be of this type.
  • the earpiece may be replaced by headphones, for example. Other arrangements may also be used which act to transmit audio to a human ear .
  • the signal conductor connecting the earpiece to the hands-free set in this case is a wire conductor.
  • it could be any other transmission media, including any type of transmission line, and the signal conductor is not limited to a simple, wire conductor.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to hands-free sets for mobile telecommunications devices such as mobile telephones. Mobile telephones produce RF radiation which may have an effect on the health of the user. It is believed that presently available hands-free sets couple RF radiation from the mobile telephone to the head of the user. The present invention provides a hands-free set which incorporates an isolator means to attenuate RF radiation being transmitted to the head of the user.

Description

HEADSET FOR MOBILE PHONE Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to headsets for mobile telecommunications apparatus, and particularly, but not exclusively, to headsets for mobile telephones.
Background of the Invention
Mobile telecommunications apparatus, such as mobile telephones, produce radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Modern mobile telephones have relatively powerful transmitters and there is a great deal of concern that RF radiation emitted from these mobile phones may cause lasting damage to human brain tissue .
A number of proposals have been made to reduce the ■• amount of RF radiation that reaches the human brain. One of these proposals is to use a "hands-free" set (otherwise 'known as "headsets") . Hands-free sets comprise an earpiece including a loudspeaker for converting audio information signals into audio, and a signal conductor for connecting the earpiece to the mobile telephone. The headset allows the mobile telephone transmitter and antenna to be distanced from the head, and by virtue of the inverse square law, this means that RF radiation reaching the head from the mobile telephone and antenna should be much reduced.
Unfortunately, it has been found that there is potential for the signal conductor (usually a wire conductor) connecting the earpiece to the mobile telephone to couple RF energy from the mobile telephone to the earpiece. This may occur at intensity levels comparable with that resulting from using the mobile telephone close to the head without a headset. Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides a hands-free set for a mobile telecommunications device, comprising an earpiece for converting audio information signals to audio, a signal conductor for transmitting the audio information signal from the mobile telephone to the earpiece, and an isolator means arranged to allow transmission of the audio information signal but reduce coupling of RF energy from the mobile telecommunications device along the signal conductor to the earpiece.
The term "earpiece" covers any arrangement which may be used to act to transmit audio to a human ear, for example headphones or any other arrangement .
The audio information signal is transmitted from the mobile telecommunications device in a first signal form (usually with an electrical carrier along an electrical conductor) . The isolator means preferably includes converter means arranged to convert the audio information signal from the first signal form into a second signal form. Preferably, the RF energy which may accompany the audio information signal is not converted into the second signal form or is only done so at a much reduced level. Preferably, the signal in the second signal form is conducted along a further signal conductor which does not couple the RF energy, or only couples it in a much reduced form.
Preferably, the isolator means also includes a reconverter means for reconverting the second signal form to the first signal form, for transmission to the earpiece along the signal conductor.
Preferably, the isolator includes a transducer for converting the electrical signal from the mobile telecommunications device to an optical signal. The optical signal is transmitted to a further transducer , where it is reconverted back into an electrical signal for transmission onto the earpiece. The conversion process, and transmission of the optical signal cuts out coupling of the RF energy. In this embodiment, the further signal conductor is an optical transmission media e.g. polymeric fibre or air.
The isolator may include filter component (s) for further reducing transmission of RF energy. In an alternative embodiment, instead of, or in addition to providing converter means, the isolator means includes at least one inductor disposed in series with the signal conductor. The inductor preferably includes a ferrite core and a portion of the signal conductor wound in a loop around the ferrite core.
Preferably, the isolator means includes a plurality of inductors . Where a plurality of inductors are provided, the configuration of the inductors and. spacing of the inductors relative to each other are selected so as to tune the response of the isolator means. In one variation, the inductors are disposed such that they are • substantially evenly spaced relative to each other.
In a further alternative embodiment, the signal conductor includes an electrically conducting wire portion and a sheath portion surrounding the wire portion, the sheath portion being at least partly formed of magnetic material such that the signal conductor acts during use as a filter to reduce transmission of RF energy. This arrangement may comprise the isolator means or may be used together with a converter means and/or at least one inductor disposed in series with the signal conductor.
Preferably, the magnetic material includes flakes of amorphous flexible metal disposed in a polymer material. The present invention further provides an isolator apparatus for coupling an audio information signal from a mobile telecommunications device to a hands-free earpiece, the isolator apparatus including isolator means arranged to allow transmission of the audio information signal but reduce coupling of RF energy from the mobile telecommunications device to the earpiece of the hands- free set.
The isolator preferably includes converter means for converting the audio information signal from a first signal form, as provided by the mobile telecommunications device, into a second signal form. Preferably, the • conversion process into the second signal form results in an attenuation of the RF energy accompanying the audio information signal from the mobile telecommunications apparatus . The isolator also preferably includes reconversion means for reconverting the signal back to the first form for transmission onto the earpiece of the hands-free set. Preferably, the signal in the second signal form is conducted along a signal transmission medium which does not couple RF radiation, or only couples it in a much reduced form.
The isolator apparatus may also include RF filter components for further attenuating the RF energy. The isolator apparatus may be provided as a separate module which is connectable to a hands-free set and mobile telecommunications device.
Preferably, the conversion means is an optical converter. Preferably, the signal transmission medium is an optical transmission medium.
In an alternative embodiment, instead of or in addition to providing converter means, the isolator means includes at least one inductor disposed in series with the signal conductor. The inductor preferably includes a ferrite core and a portion of the signal conductor wound in a loop around the ferrite core.
Preferably, the, isolator means includes a plurality of inductors. In one variation, the inductors are disposed such that the inductors are substantially evenly spaced relative to each other.
Where a plurality of inductors are provided, the configuration of the inductors and spacing of the inductors relative to each other are selected so as thereby tune the response of the isolator means .
In a further alternative embodiment, the signal conductor includes an electrically conducting wire portion and a sheath portion surrounding the wire portion, the sheath portion being at least partly formed of magnetic material such that the signal conductor acts during use as a filter to reduce transmission of RF energy.
Preferably the magnetic material includes flakes of amorphous flexible metal disposed in a polymer material . The present invention further provides a method of attenuating RF radiation transmitted to the earpiece of a hands-free set from a mobile telecommunications device, comprising the steps of: converting an audio information signal' provided by the mobile telecommunications device from a first signal form provided by the mobile telecommunications device to a second signal form for transmission by the hands-free set, and wherein the RF energy is not converted into the second signal form, or only at a reduced level, and RF energy is not coupled to the earpiece along the hands-free set, or couples it at a reduced level.
Preferably, the second signal form is optical. Preferably, the method also includes the step of reconverting the second signal form back to the first signal form for transmission onto the hands-free set.
Brief Description of the Drawings Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a mobile telephone and a hands-free set in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a mobile telephone and a hands-free set in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an isolator means of the embodiment shown in Figure 2.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring to Figure 1, a hands-free set in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 1, is illustrated connected to a mobile telecommunications apparatus, in this example a mobile telephone 2.
The hands-free set 1 includes an earpiece 3, including a loudspeaker for converting audio information signals to audio, and a signal conductor 4 for transmitting the audio information signal from the mobile telephone 2 to the earpiece 3.
In this embodiment, the hands-free set 1 also includes a microphone 5 converting audio to audio information signals for transmission along the signal conductor 4 towards the mobile telephone 2.
The hands-free set also includes an isolator means 6. The isolator means 6 is arranged to allow transmission of audio information signals between the mobile telephone 2 and the hands-free set 1, but to reduce coupling of RF energy from the mobile telephone 2 along the signal conductor 4 to the earpiece 3 (and, in this embodiment, to the microphone 5) .
In this embodiment, the isolator 6 includes an optoelectronic transducer 7 arranged to be connected to a signal conductor 8 connected to the mobile telephone 2. The opto-electronic transducer 7 converts electrical signals transmitted along the conductor 8 to optical signals. The isolator 6 also comprises a further optoelectronic transducer 10 and an opto-electronic medium 9 connecting the first opto-electronic transducer 7 to the second opto-electronic transducer 10.
The second opto-electronic transducer 10 is arranged to reconvert the optical signals transmitted via the optical transmission medium 9 to electrical signals, for transmission along the signal conductor 4. The second opto-electronic transducer 10 includes its own power supply, preferably in the form of a battery 11. The battery 11 can also provide power for the loudspeaker 3 and the microphone 5.
In operation, an audio information signal from the mobile telephone 2 is transmitted along the signal conductor 8 along with coupled RF radiation, to the first opto-electronic transducer 7. The operation of conversion to an optical signal of the audio information signal, and of conduction of the optical signal along optical transmission medium 9 to the second opto-electronic transducer 10, results in the decoupling of the transmission of the RF energy.
No or little RF radiation reaches the signal conductor 4, and therefore no or little RF radiation is coupled to the earpiece 3.
Inductors may be included in the isolator 6, or at other points along the signal conductors 4, 8, in order to further increase impedance to high frequency and reduce transmission of RF to the earpiece.
In another embodiment, a relatively long fibre' optic cable may be used as the optical transmission medium 9, in order to further increase the distance between the earpiece 3 and the signal conductor 8.
The isolator 6 may be provided as a separate apparatus which can be connected to conventional hands- free sets at one end, and to a mobile telephone at the other end. An alternative embodiment of a hands-free set in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 2. Like features are indicated with like reference numerals .
The alternative hands-free set 12 includes an earpiece 3 for converting audio information signals to audio, a microphone 5 for converting audio to audio information signals for transmission to a mobile telephone 2, a signal conductor 4 for transmitting the audio information signals from the mobile telephone 2 to the earpiece 3, and a plurality of alternative isolator means in the form of inductors 14.
The inductors 14 are disposed along the signal conductor 4 in a generally even spaced relationship relative to each other. As shown in Figure 3, each inductor 14 includes a . ferrite core 16 and incorporates a portion of the signal conductor 4 which is wound around the ferrite core 16 in a loop 18. The dimensions and type of ferrite core 16 are chosen so that the inductors 14 serve to increase impedance to high frequency signals and thereby reduce transmission of RF to the earpiece 3.
Each inductor 14 is disposed in an inductor capsule 20 which may be formed of plastics material.
It will be understood that the inductors 14 may be substantially the same as each other or the inductors may be constructed so as to have slightly different configurations . It will also be understood that instead of disposing the inductors 14 at spacings from each other which are substantially equal, the inductors 14 may be disposed on the signal conductor 4 so that the spacings between the inductors 14 are slightly different. This assists in compensating for changes in response of the inductors due to changes in the orientation of the signal conductor, due to changes in the relative positions of the mobile telephone 2 and the signal conductor 4, and due to slight changes in the position and orientation of the loops 18 relative to their respective inductors 14. Distributing several of the inductors along the wire conductor has several advantages . It reduces susceptibly to short circuiting, it ensures that electromagnetic radiation incident upon the signal conductor on the far side of an attenuator will still undergo attenuation at the next inductor, and it allows the frequency response to be tuned to some extent by varying the distance between the inductors. This tunability is believed to be due to the conductor sections between the inductors acting as antenna loads on the inductors, the differing lengths having frequency dependent loading characteristics. A further advantage of this particular implementation is that is that it is non-invasive to the headset wire allowing its inclusion to be separate to the manufacture of the headset.
It will be appreciated that instead of providing inductors of the type used in the above described alternative embodiment, the signal conductor between the mobile telephone 2 and the earpiece 3 may be constructed such that a sheath portion of the signal conductor 4 is formed of a material which includes flexible magnetic material, for example particulate ferromagnetic material. With such an arrangement, the signal conductor itself functions as an inductor to attenuate high frequency signals and thereby reduce transmission of RF to the earpiece 3.
In the above embodiments, the hands-free set is of the type which includes an earpiece which fits into a human ear. It need not be of this type. The earpiece may be replaced by headphones, for example. Other arrangements may also be used which act to transmit audio to a human ear .
The signal conductor connecting the earpiece to the hands-free set in this case is a wire conductor. However, it could be any other transmission media, including any type of transmission line, and the signal conductor is not limited to a simple, wire conductor.
Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. A hands-free set for a mobile telecommunications device, comprising an earpiece for converting audio information signals to audio, a signal conductor for transmitting the audio information signal from the mobile telephone to the earpiece, and an isolator means arranged to allow transmission of the audio information signal but reduce coupling of RF energy from the mobile telecommunications device along the signal conductor to the earpiece.
2.- A hands free set in accordance with claim 1, wherein the isolator means includes converter means arranged to convert the audio information signal from a first signal form transmitted from a telecommunications device, into a - second signal form, and wherein the RF energy is not converted into the second signal form or is converted into the second signal form only at a reduced level.
3. A hands free set in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the isolator means includes a further signal conductor for conducting the second signal, the further signal conductor being arranged not to couple RF energy or to only couple RF energy in a reduced form.
4. A hands free set in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the isolator means includes a reconverter means for reconverting the transmitted signal from the second signal form to the first signal form for transmission to the earpiece.
5. A hands free set in accordance with claim 4, wherein the converter means is an opto-electronic transducer for converting an electrical signal from the mobile telecommunications device to an optical signal.
6. A hands free set in accordance with claim 5, wherein the further signal conductor is an optical conductor.
7. A hands free set in accordance with claim 6, wherein the reconverter means is an opto-electronic transducer and is arranged to convert the optical signal from the further signal conductor to an electrical signal for transmission to the earpiece.
8. A hands free set in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the isolator means includes a filter component for reducing transmission of RF energy.
9. A hands-free set in accordance with claim 8, wherein the isolator means includes at least one inductor disposed in series with the signal conductor.
10. A hands-free set in accordance with claim 9, wherein the inductor includes a ferrite core and a portion of the signal conductor wound in a loop around the ferrite core.
11. A hands-free set in accordance with claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the isolator means includes a plurality of inductors .
12. A hands-free set in accordance with claim 11, wherein the inductors are disposed such that the inductors are substantially evenly spaced relative to each other.
13. A hands-free set in accordance with claim 11 or claim 12 , wherein the configuration of the inductors is substantially the same.
14. A hands-free set in accordance with claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the configuration of the inductors and spacing of the inductors relative to each other are selected so as thereby tune the response of the isolator means.
15. A hands-free set in accordance wit any one of the previous claims, wherein the signal conductor includes an electrically conducting wire portion and a sheath portion surrounding the wire portion, the sheath portion being at least partly formed of magnetic material such that the signal conductor acts during use as a filter to reduce transmission of RF energy.
16. A hands-free set in accordance with claim 15, wherein the magnetic material includes flakes of amophorous flexible metal disposed in a polymer material.
17. An isolator apparatus for coupling an audio information signal from a mobile telecommunications device to a hands-free earpiece, the isolator apparatus including isolator means arranged to allow transmission of the audio information signal but reduce coupling of RF energy from the mobile telecommunications device to the earpiece of the hands-free set.
18. A method of attenuating RF radiation transmitted to the earpiece of a hands-free set from a mobile telecommunications device, comprising the steps of: converting an audio information signal provided by the mobile telecommunications device from a first signal form provided by the mobile telecommunications device to a second signal form for transmission by the hands-free set, and wherein the RF energy is not converted into the second signal, or only at a much reduced level, and RF energy is not coupled to the earpiece along the hands-free set, or couples it at a reduced level.
PCT/AU2001/001178 2000-09-20 2001-09-20 Headset for mobile phone WO2002025975A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001293476A AU2001293476A1 (en) 2000-09-20 2001-09-20 Headset for mobile phone

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPR0256 2000-09-20
AUPR0256A AUPR025600A0 (en) 2000-09-20 2000-09-20 Headset for mobile phone
AUPR3850A AUPR385001A0 (en) 2001-03-20 2001-03-20 Headset for mobile phone
AUPR3850 2001-03-20

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006024132A1 (en) * 2004-08-31 2006-03-09 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy into audio circuit and related methods
WO2006024133A1 (en) * 2004-08-31 2006-03-09 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy from the display and related methods
GR20050100283A (en) * 2005-06-08 2007-01-19 Νικολαος Ιωαννη Κεραμιδας Passive device for attenuation of the high-frequency radiation power from cables that are connected to wireless mobile phone devices.
US7243851B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2007-07-17 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy from the keyboard
US7353041B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2008-04-01 Reseach In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device having improved RF immunity of audio transducers to electromagnetic interference (EMI)

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US7941193B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2011-05-10 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy into audio circuit and related methods
US7387256B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2008-06-17 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy from the keyboard
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GB2434062A (en) * 2004-08-31 2007-07-11 Research In Motion Ltd Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy into audio circuit and related methods
US7243851B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2007-07-17 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy from the keyboard
US7328047B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2008-02-05 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy from the display and related methods
US8798691B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2014-08-05 Blackberry Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy into audio circuit and related methods
WO2006024133A1 (en) * 2004-08-31 2006-03-09 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy from the display and related methods
US8064963B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2011-11-22 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy from the display and related methods
GB2434062B (en) * 2004-08-31 2009-03-25 Research In Motion Ltd Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy into audio circuit and related methods
US9806826B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2017-10-31 Blackberry Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy from the display and related methods
US8600451B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2013-12-03 Blackberry Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy from the display and related methods
US7444174B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2008-10-28 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy into audio circuit and related methods
US8489161B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2013-07-16 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy into audio circuit and related methods
US8244306B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2012-08-14 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy from the display and related methods
US8385990B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2013-02-26 Research In Motion Limited Mobile wireless communications device having improved RF immunity of audio transducers to electromagnetic interference (EMI)
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US8565842B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2013-10-22 Blackberry Limited Mobile wireless communications device having improved RF immunity of audio transducers to electromagnetic interference (EMI)
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