Wireless telephone headset system with automatic log on/log off detection

• US 5,991,645 A
• Filed: 06/06/1995
• Issued: 11/23/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ACS Wireless Incorporated (Alaska Communications Systems Group Incorporated), Exergen Corporation
• Original Assignee: GN Netcom Incorporated (GN Store Nord A/S)
• Inventors: Yuen, Barry K., Lynn, Dwight D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hunter, Daniel S.
• Application Number:
  US08/469,481
• Time in Patent Office: 1,631 Days
• Field of Search: 379/61, 379/58, 379/395, 379/269, 379/268, 455/89, 455/90, 455/568
• US Class Current: 455/575.2
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6033 for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets arrangements for preventing acoustic echo H04M9/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/725 Cordless telephones user interfaces specially adapted therefor H04M1/724
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/6018 Subscriber or terminal logon/logoff
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2207/18 wireless networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/40 Applications of speech amplifiers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/51 Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention , e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/5133 Operator terminal details
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/62 Keyboard equipment in key telephone systems H04M9/003

Abstract

Existing automatic log on/log off systems in telephone systems determine whether or not a workstation is occupied and whether calls can be directed to that workstation by determining whether or not the amplifier that provides the interface between the telephone system and the occupant'"'"'s headset is plugged into the workstation. Recent headsets have included a connector in the cord between the headset and the amplifier, enabling the occupant to leave the workstation without unplugging the amplifier. However, this defeats the sensing mechanism of the existing automatic log on/log off system. A wireless telephone headset system according to the present invention replaces the existing wired amplifier and headset assembly and includes a detector for determining whether a wireless communication link exists between the headset and the amplifier, and an activator for activating the existing automatic log on/log off system in the telephone system. In the preferred embodiment, the detector senses both interruption and reestablishment of the wireless communication link between the headset and the amplifier, and the activator activates both current-sensing and voltage/resistance-sensing automatic log on/log off systems.

Claims

1. An apparatus including an amplifier for communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and connecting to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the amplifier comprising:

a detector for

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith and

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier and in accordance therewith providing another output signal; and

an activator, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith changing the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system, and

changing, in accordance with the another output signal, the parameter in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

2. An apparatus including an amplifier for communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and connecting to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the amplifier comprising:

a detector for

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith,

providing the output signal in a first state in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link, and

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier and in accordance therewith providing the output signal in a second state; and

an activator, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith changing the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system,

changing, in accordance with the first output signal state, the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of the peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected, and

changing, in accordance with the second output signal state, the parameter in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

3. An apparatus including an amplifier for communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and connecting to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the amplifier comprising:

a detector for detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith, wherein the detector comprises a transceiver for transmitting a first wireless signal to and receiving a second wireless signal from the telephone headset, and wherein the transceiver comprises

a radio frequency (RF) transceiver for transmitting a first RF signal to and receiving a second RF signal from the telephone headset, and

a magnetic antenna for transmitting the first RF signal and an RF antenna for receiving the second RF signal; and

an activator, coupled to the detector, for receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith changing the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system.

4. An apparatus including an amplifier for communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and connecting to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the amplifier comprising:

a detector for

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith, and

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier and in accordance therewith providing another output signal,

wherein the detector comprises a transceiver for transmitting a first wireless signal to and receiving a second wireless signal from the telephone headset; and

an activator, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith changing the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system, and

changing, in accordance with the another output signal, the parameter in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

5. An apparatus including an amplifier for communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and connecting to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the amplifier comprising:

a detector for

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith,

providing the output signal in a first state in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link, and

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier and in accordance therewith providing the output signal in a second state,

wherein the detector comprises a transceiver for transmitting a first wireless signal to and receiving a second wireless signal from the telephone headset; and

an activator, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith changing the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system,

changing, in accordance with the first output signal state, the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of the peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected, and

changing, in accordance with the second output signal state, the parameter in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

6. An apparatus including an amplifier for communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and connecting to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the parameter is a current drawn from the telephone system, and further wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the amplifier comprising:

a detector for

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith, and

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier and in accordance therewith providing another output signal;

a current drawing circuit for drawing a current from the telephone system; and

an activator, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith changing the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system,

changing, in accordance with the output signal, the current drawn from the telephone system by the current drawing circuit, and

changing, in accordance with the another output signal, the parameter in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

7. An apparatus including an amplifier for communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and connecting to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the parameter is a current drawn from the telephone system, and further wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the amplifier comprising:

a detector for

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith,

providing the output signal in a first state in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link, and

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier and in accordance therewith providing the output signal in a second state;

a current drawing circuit for drawing a current from the telephone system; and

an activator, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith changing the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system,

changing, in accordance with the output signal, the current drawn from the telephone system by the current drawing circuit,

changing, in accordance with the first output signal state, the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of the peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected, and

changing, in accordance with the second output signal state, the parameter in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

8. An apparatus including an amplifier for communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and connecting to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom, wherein the parameter is a resistance, and further wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the amplifier comprising:

a controllable resistance;

a detector for detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith; and

an activator, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith changing the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system, and

changing the controllable resistance in accordance with the output signal.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the telephone system monitor is further for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein:

the detector is further for detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier and in accordance therewith providing another output signal; and

the activator is further for changing the parameter, in accordance with the another output signal, in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the telephone system monitor is further for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein:

the detector is for providing the output signal in a first state in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link;

the activator, in accordance with the first output signal state, is for changing the parameter in a manner which emulates a disconnection of the peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected;

the detector is further for detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier and in accordance therewith providing the output signal in a second state; and

the activator, in accordance with the second output signal state, is further for changing the parameter in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

11. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing an output signal in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the output signal, in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing another output signal in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the another output signal, in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

12. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing an output signal in a first state in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the first output signal state, in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier;

providing the output signal in a second state in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the second output signal state, in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

13. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier by transmitting with a magnetic antenna a first wireless radio frequency (RF) signal to the telephone headset and receiving with an RF antenna a second wireless RF signal from the telephone headset;

providing an output signal in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the output signal, in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system.

14. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier by transmitting a first wireless signal to and receiving a second wireless signal from the telephone headset;

providing an output signal in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the output signal, in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing another output signal in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the another output signal, in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

15. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier by transmitting a first wireless signal to and receiving a second wireless signal from the telephone headset;

providing an output signal in a first state in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link;

changing the parameter, in accordance with the first output signal state, in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier;

providing the output signal in a second state in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the second output signal state, in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

16. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

the telephone system monitor is further for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing an output signal in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the output signal, in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system by changing a current drawn from the telephone system by a current drawing circuit within the amplifier;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing another output signal in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the another output signal, in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

17. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing an output signal in a first state in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the first output signal state, in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system by changing a current drawn from the telephone system by a current drawing circuit within the amplifier;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier;

providing the output signal in a second state in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link;

and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the second output signal state, in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

18. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing an output signal in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the output signal, in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system by changing a controllable resistance within the amplifier;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing another output signal in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the another output signal, in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

19. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of a wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing an output signal in a first state in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the first output signal state, in a manner which emulates a disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system even though the amplifier remains connected to the telephone system by changing a controllable resistance within the amplifier;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier;

providing the output signal in a second state in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

changing the parameter, in accordance with the second output signal state, in a manner which emulates a reconnection of the peripheral device to the telephone system even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.

20. An apparatus including a telephone headset for communicating wirelessly with an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the telephone headset comprising:

a detector for

detecting an interruption of the wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith, and

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier and in accordance therewith providing another output signal; and

a controller, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith providing one or more control signals for controlling one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset, and

providing one or more other control signals, in accordance with the another output signal, for further controlling the one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset.

21. An apparatus including a telephone headset for communicating wirelessly with an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the telephone headset comprising:

a detector for

detecting an interruption of the wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in a first state in accordance therewith, and

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier and in accordance therewith providing the output signal in a second state; and

a controller, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance with the first output signal state providing one or more control signals for controlling one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset, and

providing one or more other control signals, in accordance with the second output signal state, for further controlling the one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset.

22. An apparatus including a telephone headset for communicating wirelessly with an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the telephone headset comprising:

a detector for detecting an interruption of the wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith, wherein the detector comprises a transceiver for transmitting a first wireless signal to and receiving a second wireless signal from the amplifier, and wherein the transceiver comprises

a radio frequency (RF) transceiver for transmitting a first RF signal to and receiving a second RF signal from the amplifier, and

an RF antenna for transmitting the first RF signal and a magnetic antenna for receiving the second RF signal; and

a controller, coupled to the detector, for receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith providing one or more control signals for controlling one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset.

23. An apparatus including a telephone headset for communicating wirelessly with an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the telephone headset comprising:

a detector for

detecting an interruption of the wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in accordance therewith, and

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier and in accordance therewith providing another output signal,

wherein the detector comprises a transceiver for transmitting a first wireless signal to and receiving a second wireless signal from the amplifier; and

a controller, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance therewith providing one or more control signals for controlling one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset, and

providing one or more other control signals, in accordance with the another output signal, for further controlling the one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset.

24. An apparatus including a telephone headset for communicating wirelessly with an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the telephone headset comprising:

a detector for

detecting an interruption of the wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier and providing an output signal in a first state in accordance therewith, and

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier and in accordance therewith providing the output signal in a second state,

wherein the detector comprises a transceiver for transmitting a first wireless signal to and receiving a second wireless signal from the amplifier; and

a controller, coupled to the detector, for

receiving the output signal and in accordance with the first output signal state providing one or more control signals for controlling one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset, and

providing one or more other control signals, in accordance with the second output signal state, for further controlling the one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset.

25. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of the wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing an output signal in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

providing one or more control signals, in accordance with the output signal, for controlling one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing another output signal in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

providing one or more other control signals, in accordance with the another output signal, for further controlling the one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset.

26. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of the wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing an output signal in a first state in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

providing one or more control signals, in accordance with the first output signal state, for controlling one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier;

providing the output signal in a second state in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

providing one or more other control signals, in accordance with the second output signal state, for further controlling the one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset.

27. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of the wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier by transmitting with an RF antenna a first wireless radio frequency (RF) signal to the amplifier and receiving with a magnetic antenna a second wireless RF signal from the amplifier;

providing an output signal in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

providing one or more control signals, in accordance with the output signal, for controlling one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset.

28. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of the wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier by communicating one or more wireless signals between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing an output signal in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

providing one or more control signals, in accordance with the output signal, for controlling one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset,

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing another output signal in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

providing one or more other control signals, in accordance with the another output signal, for further controlling the one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset.

29. A method of communicating wirelessly with a telephone headset and an amplifier which is connected to a telephone system, wherein the telephone system includes a monitor for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto and detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected therefrom and for detecting a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the amplifier and telephone headset together are for establishing a wireless communication link therebetween for communicating signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting an interruption of the wireless communication link between the telephone headset and the amplifier by communicating one or more wireless signals between the telephone headset and the amplifier;

providing an output signal in a first state in accordance with the detection of an interruption of the wireless communication link; and

providing one or more control signals, in accordance with the first output signal state, for controlling one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset;

detecting when the wireless communication link is reestablished between the telephone headset and amplifier;

providing the output signal in a second state in accordance with the detection of a reestablishment of the wireless communication link; and

providing one or more other control signals, in accordance with the second output signal state, for further controlling the one or more operating parameters of the telephone headset.