According to the patent, additional functionality in a wireless headset allows it to be used during times that the external device with which it is wirelessly coupled is not being used, but when the headset is nevertheless being worn. This is accomplished by integrating a media player into the wireless headset.
The media player may be an audio player, capable, e.g., of playing audio files such as MPEG-3 ("MP3") files. Optionally, the media player may include a recording function as well, so that a user can record voice notes. In addition, if the external device is a telephone (mobile or landline), the availability of a recording function could make it possible for the user to record all or part of a conversation. Similarly, voicemail messages received on the user's telephone could be uploaded into the headset for later off-line playback. Media files recorded by the headset also could be downloaded to the external device.
Here's Apple's summary of the invention: "The present invention recaptures headset idle time by providing additional functionality in a wireless headset that allows it to be used during times that the device with which it is wirelessly coupled is not being used, but when the headset is nevertheless being worn. This is accomplished by integrating a media player into the wireless headset.
"The media player may be an audio player, capable, e.g., of playing audio files such as MPEG-3 ("MP3") files. Optionally, the media player may include a recording function as well, so that a user can record voice notes. In addition, if the headset is being used with a telephone (mobile or landline), the availability of a recording function could make it possible for the user to record all or part of a conversation. Similarly, voicemail messages received on the user's telephone could be uploaded into the headset for later off-line playback.
"The same connection that is used to charge the headset also could be used to load the media player, or to download any recording made using the recording function (if provided). Thus, where a USB connection is provided for charging from the USB port of a computer, that same connection could be used for uploading and downloading content files which, in addition to the aforementioned voicemail messages and recorded conversations, could be any other type of audio file -- i.e., podcast, music, etc. Alternatively, a connection may be provided for a cable that could connect to any suitable port, including, but not limited to, a USB port, on a computer for uploading and downloading content. If that connection is not a USB connection or other connection that also can supply power, then a separate connection for a power cord to charge the headset/media player device may be provided. In a further alternative, the headset's wireless connection could be used for uploading and downloading content.
"In addition, provision of a media player in the headset allows playback totally within the headset, without any active connection-wired or wireless--to the host device (e.g., telephone handset). This eliminates dependency on the host device for playback data and reduces power consumption of both the headset (because it does not need to use its wireless connection to receive the playback data) and the host device, which is important if the host device is itself a portable device such as a telephone handset.
"Wireless headsets of this type typically are monaural. While in one embodiment, a headset with integrated media player according to the invention would remain monaural, in another embodiment, the integrated headset/media player could be a stereo headset. In still another embodiment, a monaural headset with a permanent or optional second earpiece, to allow stereo operation if desired, could be provided.
"Wireless headsets of this type typically have a small form factor. Accordingly, not much room is available for a user interface for the media player portion of the integrated headset/media player. In accordance with the invention, a minimal user interface may be provided that allows the user to select stopping and starting of playback of stored content, as well as control of recording. For example, small "start," "stop," and "record" buttons may be provided. Corresponding visual indicators, such as light-emitting diodes, might also be provided as an indication of the current operating mode. The playback mode may be a fixed sequential mode, or another mode such as a random playback mode, or successive presses of the "start" button may cycle through different playback modes.
"Alternatively, given the presence of a microphone in the headset (primarily for use with a telephone), the media player could be configured to respond to voice commands, which could allow more complex commands, including commands to play particular content. In addition, the microphone could be used to detect the ambient noise level, and to adjust playback volume accordingly.
"Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a wireless headset including a speaker, a wireless receiver that receives wireless audio signals from an external device for playback through the speaker, memory for storing media files, and media circuitry including playback circuitry for playing back those media files through the speaker.
The inventor is John Tang. The graphic below is a simplified block diagram of a headset in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
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