Circuit assembly for effectuating communication between a first and a second locally-positioned communication device

• US 5,983,100 A
• Filed: 09/11/1996
• Issued: 11/09/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Original Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• Inventors: Johansson, Torbjorn, Thulesius, Magnus, Wingren, Tord
• Primary Examiner(s): Chin, Wellington
• Assistant Examiner(s): SOBUTKA, PHILIP
• Application Number:
  US08/712,570
• Time in Patent Office: 1,154 Days
• Field of Search: 455/426, 455/462, 455/463, 455/464, 455/465, 455/466, 455/449, 455/552, 455/554, 455/568, 455/567, 455/555, 455/557, 455/67.1, 455/68, 455/69, 455/575, 455/90, 455/100, 455/7 , 455/11.1, 379/430, 370/310, 370/339
• US Class Current: 455/426.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6041 Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/725 Cordless telephones user interfaces specially adapted therefor H04M1/724
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices

Abstract

An integrated local communication system comprising a plurality of locally-positioned communication devices, at least one of which locally-positioned communication devices is operably coupled to a local interface module. A local communication link is selectably effectuated between any two locally-positioned communication devices via at least one local interface module by transforming a non-local communication signal into a local communication signal and transceiving the local communication signal using a single preselected communication protocol that is common to all local communication links. An exemplary embodiment may include at least one mobile station associated with a Public Land Mobile Network, at least one radio-enhanced phone interfacing device associated with a Public Switching Telephone Network, at least one electronic data terminal selectably disposed in a distributed computing environment, and at least one wireless headset for hands-free operability. Devices within the integrated local communication system also being capable of communicating with other devices in the integrated local communication system.

Claims

1. A circuit assembly for effectuating a two-way communication link between a first locally-positioned wireless headset and a second locally-positioned wireless headset where the second locally-positioned wireless headset forms a portion of an external communication system, the first locally-positioned wireless headset and the second locally positioned wireless headset together positioned within a local area, the circuit assembly comprising:

a first local interface module operably coupled to the first locally-positioned wireless headset, the first local interface module for transmitting, within at least the local area, a local transport-send signal generated by the first locally-positioned wireless headset, the first local interface further for receiving, within at least the local area, a local transport-receive signal and for providing the local transport-receive signal to the second locally-positioned wireless headset; and

a second local interface module operably coupled to the second locally-positioned wireless headset, the second local interface module for receiving the local transport-send signal transmitted by the first local interface module and for providing the local transport-send signal to the second locally-positioned wireless headset, the second local interface module further for transmitting, within at least the local area, the local transport-receive signal generated by the first locally-positioned wireless headset.

2. The circuit assembly of claim 1, wherein the first wireless headset further comprises:

a housing for attachment to the user'"'"'s head;

a transceiver disposed in the housing for receiving and transmitting local communication signals;

an antenna coupled to the transceiver;

a controller for controlling the transceiver, the controller operably connected to the transceiver;

at least one earphone having a speaker, the at least one earphone attached to the housing;

a microphone attached to the housing;

a power source contained within the housing; and

an amplifier contained within the housing, the amplifier operably connected to the transceiver for amplifying local communication signals received by the transceiver.

3. The circuit assembly of claim 2, wherein the first wireless headset further comprises:

measuring means for measuring strength of received local communication signals; and

controlling means responsive to the measuring means for controlling transceiver output power.

4. The circuit assembly of claim 2, wherein the first wireless headset further comprises:

a device for measuring strength of received local communication signals, the device responsive to strength of received local communication signals for controlling transceiver output power.

5. The circuit assembly of claim 2, wherein the first wireless headset further comprises:

a device for providing a measurement of signal strength of local communication signals received from the second wireless headset;

means for sending the measurement of signal strength of local communication signals received from the second wireless headset to the second wireless headset; and

means for receiving a measurement made by the second wireless headset of signal strength of local communication signals received by the second wireless headset from the first wireless headset, the measurement being transmitted to the first wireless headset and the controller responsive to the measurement for controlling output power of the first wireless headset transceiver.

6. The circuit assembly of claims 2, 3, 4, or 5 wherein the first wireless headset further comprises a keypad.

7. The circuit assembly of claims 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the first wireless headset further includes voice recognition for voice dialing.

8. The circuit assembly of claim 2, 3, 4, or 5 wherein the first wireless headset further comprises activation means for activating the wireless headset responsive to voice command of user.

9. The circuit assembly of claim 1, wherein the second wireless headset further comprises:

a housing for attachment to the user'"'"'s head;

a transceiver disposed in the housing for receiving and transmitting local communication signals;

an antenna coupled to the transceiver;

a controller for controlling the transceiver, said controller operably connected to said transceiver;

at least one earphone having a speaker, said at least one earphone attached to said housing;

a microphone attached to said housing;

a power source contained within said housing; and

an amplifier contained within said housing, the amplifier operably connected to the transceiver for amplifying local communication signals received by the transceiver.

10. The circuit assembly of claim 9, wherein the second wireless headset further comprises:

measuring means for measuring strength of received local communication signals; and

controlling means responsive to the measuring means for controlling transceiver output power.

11. The circuit assembly of claim 9, wherein the second wireless headset further comprises:

a device for measuring strength of received local communication signals, the device responsive to strength of received local communication signals for controlling transceiver output power.

12. The circuit assembly of claim 9, wherein the second wireless headset further comprises:

a device for providing a measurement of signal strength of local communication signals received from the first wireless headset;

means for sending the measurement of signal strength of local communication signals received from the first wireless headset to the first wireless headset; and

means for receiving a measurement made by the first wireless headset of signal strength of local communication signals received by the first wireless headset from the second wireless headset, the measurement being transmitted to the second wireless headset and the controller responsive to the measurement for controlling output power of the second wireless headset transceiver.

13. The circuit assembly of claim 9, 10, 11, or 12, wherein the second wireless headset further comprises a keypad.

14. The circuit assembly of claims 9, 10, 11, or 12 wherein the second wireless headset further includes voice recognition for voice dialing.

15. The circuit assembly of claim 9, 10, 11, or 12, wherein the second wireless headset further comprises activation means for activating the wireless headset responsive to voice command of user.

16. A circuit assembly for effectuating a communication link between a first locally-positioned communication device and a second locally-positioned communication device where the first locally-positioned communication device forms a portion of an external communication system, the first locally-positioned communication device and the second locally-positioned communication device together positioned within a local area, the circuit assembly comprising:

a first local interface module operably coupled to the first locally-positioned communication device, the first local interface module for transmitting a local transport-send signal generated by the first locally-positioned communication device and for receiving a local transport-receive signal transmitted by a second interface module and for providing the local transport-receive signal to the first locally-positioned communication device;

a second local interface module operably coupled to the second locally-positioned communication device, the second local interface module for transmitting a local transport-receive signal generated by the second locally-positioned communication device and for receiving the local transport-send signal transmitted by the first local interface module and for providing the received local transport-send signal to the second locally-positioned communication device, thereby to effectuate the communication link between the first locally-positioned communication device and the second locally-positioned communication device;

a transceiver for receiving the local transport-receive signal and transmitting the local transport-send signal;

a baseband modulator and demodulator for modulating and demodulating the local transport-send signal and the local transport-receive signal, the baseband modulator and demodulator operably coupled to the transceiver;

a controller, the controller generating control information, the controller being operably coupled to the transceiver and the baseband modulator and demodulator;

a device for providing a measurement of signal strength of local communication signals received from the second locally positioned communication device by the first locally positioned communication device, wherein said first and second locally positioned communication devices are wireless headsets;

means for sending the measurement of signal strength of local communication signals received from the second wireless headset by the first wireless headset to the second wireless headset; and

means for receiving a measurement made by the second wireless headset of signal strength of local communication signals received by the second wireless headset from the first wireless headset, the measurement being transmitted to the first wireless headset and the controller responsive to the measurement for controlling output power of the first wireless headset transceiver.

17. A circuit assembly for effectuating a communication link between a first locally-positioned communication device and a second locally-positioned communication device where the first locally-positioned communication device forms a portion of an external communication system, the first locally-positioned communication device and the second locally-positioned communication device positioned within a local area, the circuit assembly comprising:

a first local interface module operably coupled to the first locally-positioned communication device, the first local interface module for transmitting a local transport-send signal generated by the first locally-positioned communication device and for receiving a local transport-receive signal transmitted by a second interface module and for providing the local transport-receive signal to the first locally-positioned communication device;

a second local interface module operably coupled to the second locally-positioned communication device, the second local interface module for transmitting a local transport-receive signal generated by the second locally-positioned communication device and for receiving the local transport-send signal transmitted by the first local interface module and for providing the received local transport-send signal to the second locally-positioned communication device, thereby to effectuate the communication link between the first locally-positioned communication device and the second locally-positioned communication device;

a transceiver for receiving the local transport-send signal and transmitting the local transport-receive signal;

a baseband modulator and demodulator for modulating and demodulating the local transport-receive signal and the local transport-send signal, the baseband modulator and demodulator operably coupled to the transceiver;

a controller, the controller generating control information, the controller being operably coupled to the transceiver and the baseband modulator and demodulator;

a device for providing a measurement of signal strength of local communication signals received from the first locally positioned communication device by the second locally positioned communication device, wherein said first and second locally positioned communication devices are wireless headsets;

means for sending the measurement of signal strength of local communication signals received from the first wireless headset by the second wireless headset to the first wireless headset; and

means for receiving a measurement made by the first wireless headset of signal strength of local communication signals received by the first wireless headset from the second wireless headset, the measurement being transmitted to the second wireless headset and the controller responsive to the measurement for controlling output power of the second wireless headset transceiver.

18. A circuit assembly for effectuating a communication link between a first locally-positioned communication device and a second locally-positioned communication device where the first locally-positioned communication device forms a portion of an external communication system, the first locally-positioned communication device and the second locally-positioned communication device together positioned within a local area, the circuit assembly comprising:

a first local interface module operably coupled to the first locally-positioned communication device, the first local interface module for transmitting a local transport-send signal generated by the first locally-positioned communication device and for receiving a local transport-receive signal transmitted by a second interface module and for providing the local transport-receive signal to the first locally-positioned communication device;

a second local interface module operably coupled to the second locally-positioned communication device, the second local interface module for transmitting a local transport-receive signal generated by the second locally-positioned communication device and for receiving the local transport-send signal transmitted by the first local interface module and for providing the received local transport-send signal to the second locally-positioned communication device, thereby to effectuate the communication link between the first locally-positioned communication device and the second locally-positioned communication device;

a wireless headset operatively coupled to the first local interface module;

an alphanumeric display operatively coupled to the first local interface module; and

a computer device operatively coupled to the first local interface module.

19. A circuit assembly for effectuating a communication link between a first locally-positioned communication device and a second locally-positioned communication device where the first locally-positioned communication device forms a portion of an external communication system, the first locally-positioned communication device and the second locally-positioned communication device together positioned within a local area, the circuit assembly comprising:

a first local interface module operably coupled to the first locally-positioned communication device, the first local interface module for transmitting a local transport-send signal generated by the first locally-positioned communication device and for receiving a local transport-receive signal transmitted by a second interface module and for providing the local transport-receive signal to the first locally-positioned communication device;

a second local interface module operably coupled to the second locally-positioned communication device, the second local interface module for transmitting a local transport-receive signal generated by the second locally-positioned communication device and for receiving the local transport-send signal transmitted by the first local interface module and for providing the received local transport-send signal to the second locally-positioned communication device, thereby to effectuate the communication link between the first locally-positioned communication device and the second locally-positioned communication device; and

further wherein the first locally positioned communication device is a wireless headset comprising;

a housing for attachment to the user'"'"'s head;

a transceiver disposed in the housing for receiving and transmitting local communication signals;

an antenna coupled to the transceiver;

a baseband modulator and demodulator for modulating and demodulating the local communication signals, the baseband modulator and demodulator operably coupled to the transceiver;

at least one earphone having a speaker, the at least one earphone attached to the housing;

a microphone attached to the housing;

a power source contained within the housing;

an amplifier contained within the housing, the amplifier operably connected to the baseband modulator and demodulator for amplifying local audio communication signals received by the transceiver and demodulated by the baseband modulator and demodulator;

an alphanumeric display attached to the housing;

a computer device attached to the housing;

an interface device operably connected to the baseband modulator and demodulator, the alphanumeric display, and the computer device, the interface device for effectuating communication between the baseband modulator and demodulator and the alphanumeric display and computer device; and

a controller for controlling the transceiver, the baseband modulator and demodulator, and the amplifier, the controller instructing the baseband modulator and demodulator whether to direct a received local communication signal to the amplifier or the interface.

20. A circuit assembly for effectuating a communication link between a first locally-positioned communication device and a second locally-positioned communication device where the first locally-positioned communication device forms a portion of an external communication system, the first locally-positioned communication device and the second locally-positioned communication device together positioned within a local area, the circuit assembly comprising:

a first local interface module operably coupled to the first locally-positioned communication device, the first local interface module for transmitting a local transport-send signal generated by the first locally-positioned communication device and for receiving a local transport-receive signal transmitted by a second interface module and for providing the local transport-receive signal to the first locally-positioned communication device;

a second local interface module operably coupled to the second locally-positioned communication device, the second local interface module for transmitting a local transport-receive signal generated by the second locally-positioned communication device and for receiving the local transport-send signal transmitted by the first local interface module and for providing the received local transport-send signal to the second locally-positioned communication device, thereby to effectuate the communication link between the first locally-positioned communication device and the second locally-positioned communication device; and

further wherein the second locally positioned communication device is a wireless headset comprising;

a housing for attachment to the user'"'"'s head;

a transceiver disposed in the housing for receiving and transmitting local communication signals;

an antenna coupled to the transceiver;

a baseband modulator and demodulator for modulating and demodulating the local communication signals, the baseband modulator and demodulator operatively coupled to the transceiver;

at least one earphone having a speaker, the at least one earphone attached to the housing;

a microphone attached to the housing;

a power source contained within the housing;

an amplifier contained within the housing;

the amplifier operably connected to the baseband modulator and demodulator for amplifying local audio communication signals received by the transceiver and demodulated by the baseband modulator and demodulator;

an alphanumeric display attached to the housing;

a computer device attached to the housing;

an interface device operably connected to the baseband modulator and demodulator, the alphanumeric display, and the computer device, the interface device for effectuating communication between the baseband modulator and demodulator and the alphanumeric display and computer device; and

a controller for controlling the transceiver, the baseband modulator and demodulator, and the amplifier, the controller instructing the baseband modulator and demodulator whether to direct a received local communication signal to the amplifier or the interface.