System and method for switching between audio sources

• US 20020098878A1
• Filed: 01/24/2001
• Published: 07/25/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc., Alcatel-Lucent SA (Nokia Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent SA (Nokia Corporation)
• Inventors: Johanson, James A., Mooney, Philip D., Cannon, Joseph M.
• Granted Patent: US 8,086,287 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/569.1
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 1/08 using electric transmission ; transformation of alarm signals to electrical signals from a different medium, e.g. transmission of an electric alarm signal upon detection of an audible alarm signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/20 for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6066 including a wireless connection
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 including a Bluetooth interface

Abstract

A system and method is provided for monitoring a plurality of audio sources and switching from one to another of the audio sources in accordance with a stored program. An audio output device receives a signal from each of the portable electronic devices and selectively switches the contents of its output according to at least one preprogrammed user preference. The audio output device also automatically communicates with transceiver modules connected to local information systems, for example within a vehicle, office or shopping center. Based on programs stored in a storage device connected to the headset, the local information sources may be monitored and selected to interrupt other audio sources received by the headset when desired.

Claims

1. A method of switching among wireless audio sources, comprising:

receiving a plurality of input audio signals from respective wireless audio sources at a wireless receiver;

selecting one of said plurality of input audio signals for output from an audio signal reproducing device coupled to said wireless receiver, said selecting being performed according to at least one stored selection instruction which includes a designated triggering event for triggering said selection.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein said selecting is performed according to a plurality of selection instructions.

3. A method as in claim 2, wherein each of said selection instructions is associated with a respective wireless audio source so that selection of a particular wireless audio source occurs in response to a triggering event included in the associated selection instruction.

4. A method as in claim 1, wherein said designated triggering event includes receipt of a message from a wireless audio source.

5. A method as in claim 1, wherein said designated triggering event is a particular date and time.

6. A method as in claim 1, wherein said designated triggering event is receipt of an incoming information update.

7. A method as in claim 1, wherein said designated triggering event includes receipt of an electronic message at a wireless audio source.

8. A method as in claim 1, wherein said designated triggering event is a request to communicate via a mobile telephone.

9. A method as in claim 1, wherein said wireless audio sources are in RF communication with said wireless receiver.

10. A method as in claim 9, wherein said wireless receiver and said wireless audio sources are Bluetooth™

compliant.

11. A method as in claim 1, wherein said wireless receiver and said audio signal reproducing device are included in a headset.

13. A method as in claim 12, further comprising selecting at least another of said received audio signals for output to said headset after said triggering event has concluded.

14. A method as in claim 12, wherein said selecting is performed according to a plurality of selection instructions.

15. A method as in claim 14, wherein each of said selection instructions is associated with a respective electronic device so that selection of a particular electronic device occurs in response to a triggering event included in the associated selection instruction.

16. A method as in claim 12, wherein said designated triggering event is a chronological event.

17. A method as in claim 12, wherein said designated triggering event is a mobile telephone transmission.

18. A method as in claim 12, wherein said designated triggering event is receipt of an advertising message from a merchant.

19. A method as in claim 12, wherein at least one of said first and second portable electronic devices is a mobile telephone.

20. A method as in claim 12, wherein at least one of said first and second portable electronic devices is an AM/FM radio.

21. A method as in claim 12, wherein at least one of said first and second portable electronic devices is a compact disc (CD) player.

22. A method as in claim 12, wherein at least one of said first and second portable electronic devices is a walkie-talkie radio.

23. A method as in claim 12, wherein at least one of said first and second portable electronic devices is a personal computer.

25. A device as in claim 24, wherein said wireless audio sources are in RF communication with said wireless receiver.

26. A device as in claim 25, wherein said wireless receiver and said wireless audio sources are Bluetooth™

compliant.

28. A programmable audio output device as in claim 27, wherein said wireless audio sources are in RF communication with said wireless receiver.

29. A programmable audio output device as in claim 28, wherein said wireless receiver and said wireless audio sources are Bluetooth™

compliant.

30. A programmable audio output device as in claim 27, wherein said designated triggering event is receipt of a mobile telephone transmission.

31. A programmable audio output device as in claim 27, wherein said designated triggering event is receipt of a message via an electronic messaging service.

32. A programmable audio output device as in claim 27, wherein said designated triggering event is a chronological event.

12. A method of switching among wireless audio sources, comprising:

receiving a plurality of Bluetooth™

compliant transmissions, each including a respective input audio signal, from respective electronic devices;

selecting at least one of said received audio signals for output to a headset in accordance with at least one stored selection instruction, said selection instruction including a designated triggering event for triggering said selection.

24. A device for switching among wireless audio sources, comprising:

a wireless receiver which receives a plurality of audio signals transmitted from respective wireless audio sources;

a storage device that stores at least one selection instruction which includes a designated triggering event for triggering said selection;

a programmable switch coupled to said storage device and said wireless receiver that selects one of said plurality of audio signals for output according to said at least one stored selection instruction and said designated triggering event;

an audio signal reproducing device coupled to said programmable switch that aurally reproduces said one of said plurality of audio signals selected for output.

27. A programmable audio output device, comprising:

a wireless receiver which receives a plurality of audio signals transmitted from respective wireless audio sources;

a storage device that stores at least one selection instruction which includes a designated triggering event for triggering said selection;

a programmable switch coupled to said storage device and said wireless receiver that selects one of said plurality of audio signals for output according to said at least one stored selection instruction and said designated triggering event;

a headset for supporting said wireless receiver, said storage device, said programmable switch and at least one headset speaker, said at least one headset speaker being coupled to said programmable switch to aurally reproduce said one of said plurality of audio signals selected for output.

33. A system of electronic devices, comprising:

a plurality of wireless audio source devices; and

at least one programmable audio output device, comprising;

a wireless receiver which receives a plurality of audio signals transmitted from respective wireless audio source devices;

a storage device that stores at least one selection instruction which includes a designated triggering event for triggering said selection;

a programmable switch coupled to said storage device and said wireless receiver that selects one of said plurality of audio signals for output according to said at least one stored selection instruction and said designated triggering event;

an audio signal reproducing device coupled to said programmable switch that aurally reproduces said one of said plurality of audio signals selected for output.

34. A system as in claim 33, wherein said programmable audio output device is programmed using one of said plurality of wireless audio source devices.

35. A system as in claim 33, wherein said wireless audio source devices are in RF communication with said wireless receiver.

36. A system as in claim 35, wherein said wireless receiver and said wireless audio source devices are Bluetooth™

compliant.