GB2231241A - Paging receiver to which a portable tape player is connectable - Google Patents

Abstract

A paging receiver 100 includes first means 6 for generating a coincidence signal and an alert signal when the first means determines that a paging number received over a radio channel and a paging number assigned to the paging receiver are identical; first terminal means 8 for receiving an audio signal externally generated by a tap, player 11; second terminal means 10 for receiving the alert signal and the audio signal and for outputting the alert signal and the audio signal to a headset 12; and second means 7 for preventing, in response to the coincidence signal from the first means, the audio signal from being fed to the headset and for feeding the alert signal to the headset. <IMAGE>

Description

PAGING RECEIVER TO WHICH A PORTABLE TAPE PLAYER IS CONNECTABLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a paging receiver and, more particularly, to a paging receiver to which a portable tape player is connectable.

A paging receiver has customarily been constructed such that on reception of a paging signal assigned to the receiver it produces an alert tone to inform the user of the reception of a call. A problem with such a prior art paging receiver is that when the user carrying the receiver plays a tape on a portable tape player such as a Walkman, the alert tone is hard to catch. Should the volume of the alert tone be increased to allow the user to hear it even in such a condition, the tone would be auditorily unpleasant to persons around the user.

The above problem may be eliminated by providing the paging receiver with a vibrator so as to alert the user to the reception of a call by vibration. Vibration, however, cannot be noticed unless the user always puts the receiver on the body such as in the chest pocket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a paging receiver which allows the user to notice the reception of a call while using a portable tape player, without resorting to a vibrator.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a paging receiver which uses the line of a headset as an antenna element.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a paging receiver having an adapter to which a portable tape player is connectable.

In an-embodiment to be described, a-paging receiver comprises a first circuit for generating a coincidence signal and an alert signal when it determines that a paging number received over a radio channel and a paging number assigned to the paging receiver are identical, a first terminal for receiving an audio signal externally generated by a tape player, a second terminal fo receiving the alert signal and audio signal and outputting the alert signal and audio signal to a headset, and a second circuit for preventing, in response to the coincidence signal from the first means, the audio signal from being fed to the headset and for feeding the alert signal to the headset.

In a preferred embodiment. of the invention, a paging receiver comprises a receiving circuit for determining whether a first paging code included in a received paging signal is identical with a second paging code assigned to the paging receiver and stored beforehand and producing coincidence signal when the paging codes are identical, a circuit for outputting, in response to the coincidence signal of the receiving circuit, an alert signal for reporting reception of a call, an input section for receiving an externally derived audio frequency signal, an output section for delivering the audio frequency signal and alert signal, and a switchint circuit for selectively feeding the audio frequency signal and alert signal to the output section.The receiving circuit operates, when the first paging code and second paging code are identical, the switching circuit to interrupt the audio frequency signal and delivers the alert signal to the output section.

In one particular arrangement, a paging receiver comprises a receiver body and an adapter.

The receiver body comprises a first circuit for generating a coincidence signal and an alert signal when it detects that a paging number received over a radio channel and a paging number assigned to the. paging receiver are identical, sounding means for producing sound by amplifying the alert signal, and a first and a second output terminal for delivering, in response to connection of the terminals, the coincidence signal and the alert signal, respectively, to the outside and interrupting delivery of the alert signal to the sounding means.

The adapter comprises a first and a second input terminal electrically connectable respectively to the first and second output terminals for receiving the coincidence signal and the alert signal, respectively, an audio signal input terminal for receiving an audio signal externally generated by a tape player, an output terminal for receiving the audio signal and alert signal which comes in through the second input terminal and delivering the audio signal and alert signal to a headset, and a second circuit for interrupting, in response to the coincidence signal fed via the input terminal, delivery of the audio signal to the output terminal and delivering the alert signal to the output terminal.

In yet another arrangement, a paging receiver comprises a first circuit for generating an alert signal when it determines that a paging number received over a radio channel and a paging number assigned to the paging receiver are identical, an input terminal for receiving externally derivedgaudio data signal, an output terminal for receiving the alert signal and audio data signal and delivering the alert signal and audio signal to a headset, and a second circuit for feeding, in a condition wherein the first circuit generates the alert signal, only the alert signal to the output terminal and feeding, in conditions other than the condition, only the audio data signal to the output terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a paging receiver embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is a flowchart demonstrating the basic operation of a decoder included in the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a specific construction of a coupling circuit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a specific construction of a switching circuit shown in Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, a paging receiver embodying the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 100. As shown, the paging receiver 100 has an input jack 8 and an output jack 10 to which are connected an audio output terminal and a headset 12 of a portable tape player 11, respectively.

Basically, the illustrative embodiment operates such that when the receiver 100 does not receive a call, the audio signal generated in the tape player 11 is outputted from the tape player 11 while, when the receiver 100 receives a call, the audio signal is interrupted and, instead, a call signal is outputted from the headset 12.

Specifically, a radio frequency signal coming in through an antenna is routed through a coupling circuit 2 to a radio section 3. The radio section 3 is impedancematched by the coupling circuit 2 to the antenna 1 and an antenna element which is constituted by the line of the headset 12. The radio section 3 amplifies, frequencyconverts, demodulates and digitalizes the input signal.

The resultant digital signal is applied to a decoder 4.

In response, the decoder 4 compares an identification (ID) number included in the digital signal with an ID number which is assigned to the receiver 100 and stored in a ROM 5. If these two ID numbers compare equal, the decoder 4 triggers an alert signal generating circuit 6 torgenerate an alert signal and outputs a coincidence signal or switching signal which is a predetermined DC signal for operating a switch 7. In response to the switching signal, the switch 7 delivers the alert signal from the alert signal generating circuit 6 to the headset 12 via the output jack 10.

When the decoder 4 does not produce the above-stated switching signal, an audio signal such as a music signal fed from the tape player 11 to the receiver 100 via the input jack 8 is delivered to the headset 12 via the output jack 10 under the control of the switch 7.

When the headset 12 is connected to the output jack 10, the jack 10 electrically isolates an amplifier 13 from the alert signal generating circuit 6 and switch 7. When the headset 12 is not connected the output jack 12, the jack 12 electrically connects the amplifier 13 to the circuit 6 and switch 7.

Assume that the tape player 11 and the headset 12 are not connected to the input jack 8 and the output jack 10, respectively. Then, on reception of a call, the receiver 100 produces sound via a loudspeaker 14.

Specifically, when the decoder 4 detects the ID number assigned to the receiver 100, the alert signal generating circuit 6 generates an alert signal in response to the resultant output of the decoder 4. The alert signal is routed through the output jack 10 to the amplifier 13 to be amplified thereby and then outputted via the loudspeaker 14.

It is to be noted that circuitry associated with the power supply is not shown in Fig. 1.

Referring to Fig. 2, the basic operation of the decoder 4 shown in Fig. 1 will be described. As shown, the decoder 4 detects the ID signal out of the digital signal fed thereto from the radio section 3 (step S1) and reads the assigned ID number out of the ROM 5 (step 52).

The decoder 4 compares the ID number represented by the input ID number with the assigned ID number (step 53).

If these two ID numbers compare equal, the decoder 4 generates a trigger signal for triggering the alert signal generating circuit 6 (step S4) and generates the switching signal for operating the switch 7 (step S5). When the step 5 is completed or if the answer of the step S3 is NO, the program returns to the Step S1.

A reference will be made to Fig. 3 for describing a specific construction of the coupling circuit 2 shown in Fig. 1 and a configuration which uses the line of the headset as an antenna element of the receiver 100.

In Fig. 3, when the headset 12 is connected to the output jack 10, a radio frequency signal induced on the line of the headset 12 is fed to the coupling circuit 2 via the jack 10 and a signal line 15. The coupling circuit 2 is comprised of a capacitor 23 for separating the radio frequency signal from the signals flowing through the signal line 15, capacitors 21 and 24 for matching the antenna element and the radio section 3 with respect to impedance, and a trimmer capacitor 22.

The radio frequency signal separated by the capacitor 23 and the radio frequency signal coming in through the antenna 1 are applied to the radio section 3.

In the above configuration, the antenna element constituted by the line of the headset 12 serves to increase the radio frequency signal fed to the radio section 3, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the receiver 100.

Fig. 4 shows a specific construction of the switching circuit 7. As shown, the switching circuit 7 comprises a p-n-p transistor 71 and a relay 72 having terminals 72A and 72B. When the switching signal from the decoder 4 is applied to the base of the transistor 71, the collector and emitter of the transistor 71 are rendered conductive while the terminals 72A and 72B of the relay 72 are rendered non-conductive. In this condition, the audio input from the input jack 8 side is isolated from the output jack 10 side. When the collector and emitter of the transistor 71 are non-conductive, i.e., when the switching signal is not fed to the base of the transistor 71, the terminals 72A and 72B of the relay 72 remain conductive all the time. More specifically, when the switching signal is not fed to the relay 7, the audio input from the input jack 8 side is routed to the output jack side 10.

Referring to Fig. 5, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in a schematic block diagram. The same components of Fig. 5 as that of Fig. 1 are designated by like reference numerals, and redundant description will be avoided for simplicity. The paging receiver shown in Fig. 5 is generally made up of a receiver body 101 for alerting the user to an incoming call by the loudspeaker 14, and an adapter 102 through which the tape player 11 and headset 12 may be connected to the receiver body 101. The adapter 102 will be used only when the tape player 11 and headset 12 have to be connected to the receiver body 101; otherwise, only the receiver body 101 will be operated without the adapter 102 being used.

Assume that the adapter 102 is connected to the receiver body 101, and that the tape player 11 and the headset 12 are connected to the input jack 8 and the output jack 10, respectively. The receiver body 101 has a connector 15 which in turn has connection terminals 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D and 15E, while the adapter 102 has a connector 16 having connection terminals 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D and 16E. In the above condition, the terminals 15A to 15E of the connector 15 are respectively connected to the terminals 16A to 16E of the connector 16. Specifically, the terminals 15A and 16A equalize the ground potential of the receiver body 101 and that of the adapter 102. The terminals 15B and 16B allow the switching signal from the decoder 4 of the receiver body 101 to reach the switch 7 of the adapter 102.The terminals 15C and 16C feed the power source voltage Vcc of the receiver body 101 to the switch 7 of the adapter 102. The terminals 15D and 16D and the terminals 15E and 16E electrically isolate the amplifier 13 and loudspeaker 14 from the alert signal generating circuit 6 within the receiver body, while electrically connecting the circuit 6 to the headset 12 via the output jack 10 of the adapter 102.

In the above-stated configuration, the circuitry of Fig. 5 is identical with the circuitry of Fig. 1 in the electrical aspect and, therefore, with respect to operation.

Specifically, when the receiver body 101 does not receive a call, the audio signal from the tape player 11 is outputted from the headset 12. On reception of a call, the audio signal is intercepted and, instead, an alert signal is outputted via the headset 12. Again, the line of the headset 12 serves as an antenna element.

Assume that the adapter 102 is not connected to the receiver body 101. Then, the receiver body 101 functions as a paging receiver which produces an alert tone via the loudspeaker 14 alone. The terminals 15A, 15B and 15C are electrically held in an open state. Since the terminals 16D and 16E of the connector 16 of the adapter 102 are not connected to the terminals 15D and 15E, the output of the alert signal generating circuit 6 is fed to the amplifier 13 and loudspeaker 14 via the connector 15.

In operation of the above-stated configuration, a radio frequency signal coming in through the antenna 1 is routed through the coupling circuit 2 to the radio section 3 to be thereby amplified, frequency-converted, demodulated and digitalized. The resultant digital signal is applied to the decoder 4. In response, the decoder 4 compares an ID number included in the digital signal with the assigned ID number stored in the ROM 5 and, if they are identical, generates a signal for triggering the alert signal generating circuit 6. An arrangement may be made such that the decoder 4 does not produce the switching signal described with reference to Fig. 1 when it detects the open state of the terminals 15A, 15B and 15C. Triggered by the trigger signal, the alert signal generating circuit 6 delivers an alert signal to the amplifier 13 via the connector 15.The amplifier 13 amplifies the alert signal and then feeds it to the loudspeaker 14. In this manner, the receiver body 101 plays the role of a paging receiver alone.

In summary, the embodiments described provide a paging receiver which positively informs the user of the reception of a call meant for the receiver even when the user plays a tape on a portable tape player.

Since an alert toner is outputted only from a headset which is associated with,the tape player, it does not give any unpleasant feelings to persons around the user.

It is not necessary for the user to always put the paging receiver on the body, i.e., the user may put it in a bag, for example, in the same manner as the tape player.

The line of a headset is usable as an antenna element to enhance the sensitivity of the receiver.

Further, the receiver is operable together with the tape player if an adapter is used only when such a configuration is desired.

Although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to particularly embodiments, it willbeappreciated that variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (8)

1. A paging receiver comprising: first means for generating a coincidence signal and an alert signal when said first means determines that a paging number received over a radio channel and a paging number assigned to said paging receiver are identical; first terminal means for receiving an audio signal c externally generated by a tape player; second terminal means for receiving said alert signal and said audio signal and outputting said alert signal and said audio signal to a headset; and second means for preventing, in response to said coincidence signal from said first means, said audio signal from being fed to the headset and for feeding said alert signal to said headset.

2. A paging receiver as claimed in claim 1, further comprising third means for feeding a radio frequency signal induced on a line of the headset to said first means as an antenna input signal.

3. A paging receiver comprising: a receiving circuit for determining whether a first paging code included in a received paging signal is identical with a second paging code assigned to said paging receiver and stored beforehand and producing a coincidence signal when said paging codes are identical; means for outputting, in response to said coincidence signal of said receiving circuit, an alert signal for reporting reception of a call; an input section for receiving an externally derived audio frequency signal; an output section for delivering said audio frequency signal and said alert signal; and a switching circuit for selectively feeding said audio frequency signal and said alert signal to said output section; said receiving circuit operating, when said first paging code and said second paging code are identical, said switching circuit to interrupt said audio frequency signal and delivering said alert signal to said output section.

4. A paging receiver as claimed in claim 3, further comprising: a coupling circuit connected to the antenna included in said receiving circuit; and means for feeding a radio frequency signal induced on a line of an external output apparatus, which is connected to said output section, to said receiving circuit via said coupling circuit.

5. A paging receiver comprising: receiver body; and an adapter; said receiver body comprising first means for generating a coincidence signal and an alert signal when said first means detects that a paging number received over a radio channel and a paging number assigned to said paging receiver are identical; sounding means for producing sound by amplifying said alert signal; and a first and a second output terminal for delivering, in response to connection of said terminals, said coincidence signal and said alert signal, respectively, to the outside and interrupting delivery of said alert signal to said sounding means; said adapter comprising: a first and a second input terminal electrically connectable respectively to said,first and second output terminals for receiving said coincidence signal and said alert signal, respectively; audio signal input terminal means for receiving an audio signal externally generated by a tape player; output terminal means for receiving said autio signal and said alert signal which comes in through said second input terminal and delivering said audio signal and said alert signal to a headset; and second means for interrupting, in response to said coincidence signal fed via said input terminal, delivery of the audio signal to said output terminal means and delivering said alert signal to said output terminal means.

6. A paging receiver as claimed in claim 5, wherein said receiver body further comprises third means connected to said second output terminal for feeding, when said terminals are connected, a radio frequency signal induced on a line of the headset as a first antenna input signal.

7. A paging receiver comprising: first means for generating an alert signal when said first means determines that a paging number received over a radio channel and a paging number assigned to said paging receiver are identical; input means for receiving externally derived audio data signal; output terminal means for receiving said alert signal and said audio data signal and delivering said alert signal and said audio signal to a headset; and second means for feeding, in a condition wherein said first means generates said alert signal, only said alert signal to said output terminal means and feeding, in conditions other than said first condition, only said audio data signal to said output terminal means.

8. A paging receiver as claimed in claim 1 substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 or Fig.

5 of the accompanying drawings.