WO2009057853A1

WO2009057853A1 - Wireless headset with an aux terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2009057853A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/006747
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kyeong-Soo Choi; Dong-Won Kang
Original assignee: Vehicle System Inc.
Priority date: 2007-11-02
Filing date: 2007-12-21
Publication date: 2009-05-07
Also published as: KR100849137B1; CN101425814A

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a wireless headset. The wireless headset includes a main body, an ear attachment means, an AUX terminal. The main body includes a control unit for controlling operation of the headset, a speaker and a microphone, and an interface for performing wireless connection with a corresponding wireless transmission and reception device. The ear attachment means is coupled to one side of the main body, and is configured such that the main body is located in the outer ear of a human body when the headset is worn on a head. The AUX terminal is configured such that one end thereof is coupled to the main body through electrical connection with the control unit, and such that the remaining end thereof is pulled out of the main body and is inserted into an AUX jack of another output device.

Description

Description WIRELESS HEADSET WITH AN AUX TERMINAL

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a wireless headset and, more particularly, to a wireless headset, which is configured to include an AUX terminal, so that it can be coupled to another output device for the use thereof. Background Art

[2] Generally, the term "headset" refers to a personal audio signal processing device, that is, a device that is worn on the head of the human body using an ear attachment means, in particular, that is configured such that the main body thereof is located in the outer ear of the human body. Such a headset is classified as a general type headset using a headband, an ear-hook headset using an ear-hook, and a neck-band type headset using a neck-band according to the shape of ear attachment means that is implemented. Furthermore, such a headset is classified as a wired type headset or a wireless type headset according to the method by which it is connected with a corresponding transmission and reception device, for example, an MPEG Layer-3 (MP3) player, a Compact Disc Player (CDP), a Television (TV) receiver, a mobile phone, or a device that is a combination device thereof, regardless of the shape thereof.

[3] FIG. 1 shows an example of an ear-hook headset, which is called an "earset", among conventional headsets. The headset includes a main body 1 having a speaker 2 and a microphone 3, and an ear hook 4 which is coupled to the main body 2 to thus enable the speaker 3 of the main body 1 to be located in the outer ear of the human body when the headset is worn. Functional buttons, such as a phone button 5 and a volume control button 6, are mounted on the surface of the main body 1. The headset is connected with a transmission and reception device via a wireless interface, which is provided in the main body 1 and meets the Bluetooth standard. Accordingly, the transmission and reception of audio signals is performed between the headset and the transmission and reception unit.

[4] The headset has considerable utility in that it makes it convenient to use transmission and reception devices, in that it ensures personal privacy in public places and does not interfere with the personal lives of other people, and in that it can be used as a hands -free device for mobile phones.

[5] However, the conventional headset can be worn only on the head of the human body for use thereof. In other words, the conventional headset cannot be used at a location at which it is spaced apart from the human body and, in addition, cannot be coupled to another output device, for example, a sound output device, a video output device or a combination device thereof for use thereof. This is because, although the headset itself is a kind of sound output device, it has a very low output level, and because the use method thereof is limited to placing it on the head before use.

[6] Accordingly, a user must put on the headset in order to try to make a phone call using an MP3 mobile phone having a music listening function while driving a vehicle. At that moment, the risk of the occurrence of an accident, attributable to careless driving, is very high. In actuality, all people using such conventional headsets are at risk of causing such accidents.

[7] As a result, a headset, having a special structure that enables the headset not only to be worn on the head but also to be coupled to another device for the use thereof, is required.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[8] An object of the present invention is to provide a headset, which can be used both in a general "portable mode", in which the headset is worn on the head of the human body for the use thereof, and in an "AUX mode", in which the terminal of the headset is inserted into the AUX jack of another output device for the use thereof.

[9] In order to accomplish the above object, the headset of the present invention includes an AUX terminal. Another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient headset, which enables the rotational or rectilinear movement of the AUX terminal, thus enabling the direction or location of the AUX terminal to be adjusted to facilitate the use of the headset. Technical Solution

[10] The wireless headset of the present invention includes a control unit, a speaker and a microphone, and a main body having a wireless interface. Furthermore, the wireless headset includes an ear attachment means that is coupled to the main body and is configured such that the main body can be located in the outer ear in a portable mode. In these points, the wireless headset of the present invention is not different from general headsets.

[11] The headset of the present invention is characterized in that it includes an AUX terminal that is inserted into the AUX jack of another output device to be connected thereto. It is preferred that the AUX terminal be coupled to the main body. It is further preferred that the AUX terminal be coupled so as to be rotated or rectilinearly movable around or along the main body using a hinge mechanism or a spring mechanism.

Advantageous Effects

[12] The headset according to the present invention includes an ear attachment means.

Accordingly, the headset according to the present invention can be used in a portable mode, like a conventional headset. Furthermore, the headset according to the present invention further includes an AUX terminal, so that it can also be used in an AUX mode. Accordingly, the present invention is advantageous in that a user can freely switch between the portable mode and the AUX mode as desired. In particular, the present invention has high utility when connected with output devices in a vehicle.

[13] Meanwhile, the direction and location of the AUX terminal can be arbitrarily adjusted using a hinge mechanism or a spring mechanism. Accordingly, the user can conveniently use the headset in respective use modes depending on the installation location.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[14] FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a conventional headset;

[15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a headset according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[16] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a headset according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[17] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge mechanism of an AUX terminal, shown in FIG. 2;

[18] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the coupling in FIG. 4;

[19] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the spring mechanism of an AUX terminal, which is designed differently from the AUX terminal of FIG. 4;

[20] FIG. 7 is a view showing the application of the headset according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[21] FIG. 8 is a view showing the application of the headset according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[22] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the use of a headset according to the present invention.

[23] <Description of reference numerals of principle elements>

[24] 10: wireless headset 11: main body

[25] 12: ear attachment means 13: AUX terminal

[26] 14: speaker 15: microphone

[27] 16: control unit 17: interface

[28] 30: output device 36: mobile phone

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[29] The features and effects of the wireless headset of the present invention, described above, will be clearer from the following detailed description, made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings below. It should be noted that an ear-hook headset is illustrated and described as a headset according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to that shape. [30] Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless headset according to the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 10. The headset 10 includes a main body 11, an ear attachment means 12 and an AUX terminal 13.

[31] The main body 11 includes a control unit 16, which is provided therein and is configured to control the operation of the headset 10, and a speaker 14, a microphone 15 and a wireless interface 17, which are configured to operate in conjunction with the control unit 16.

[32] The ear attachment means 12, shown as an ear hook, is coupled to one side of the main body 11 so as to be rotated. When the headset 10 is worn on the head using the ear attachment means 12, and when a portable mode is used, the main body 11 is located in the outer ear of the human body. In greater detail, the speaker 14 is located around the ear, and the microphone 15 is located close to, or is oriented toward, the mouth.

[33] Although the popularized Bluetooth standard, which is a wireless communication standard, is preferably used as the wireless interface, Ultra Wideband (UWB), binary Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), or another well-known standard may be used.

[34] In the present invention, any means that enables the main body 11 to be located in the outer ear when the headset 10 is worn on the head is sufficient to be used as the ear attachment means 12, and the present invention is not limited to any detailed shape or known type of ear attachment means 12. Accordingly, any of a headband, a neck band, or other well-known means, in addition to the ear hook, may be selected.

[35] The main body 11 includes functional buttons, such as an On/Off button and a volume up/down button 19, formed on respective surfaces of the main body. The above-described functional buttons do not need to be provided in the headset 10 of the present invention. For example, when the terminal of the headset 10 is inserted into an AUX jack of another output device using the AUX terminal 13, and when an AUX mode is used, the functional buttons of the output device may be used, instead of those of the main body 11.

[36] The AUX terminal 13 is a coaxial terminal, and is configured such that one end thereof is electrically connected to the control unit 17 of the main body 11 and the other end thereof extends downwards from the main body 11 and is connected to another output device by being directly inserted into the AUX jack of the output device, by which a connection with the output device is established. Here, the AUX terminal 13a may be a terminal that extends via a cable C, as in another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3.

[37] The headset 10 of the present invention can be used in the AUX mode by the AUX terminal 13. It is advantageous for the AUX terminal 13 to rotate angularly in the AUX mode and to be hidden in the main body 11 in the portable mode. Accordingly, the AUX terminal 13 is coupled to the main body 11 so as to be rotated using a hinge mechanism or to be rectilinearly moved using a spring mechanism. Embodiments of the mechanisms are described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 below. Here, both mechanisms may be simultaneously applied.

[38] First, FIGS. 4 and 5 show an example of the hinge mechanism. Referring to the drawings, the AUX terminal 13 has an end surface having a round shape. Prominences and depressions 20 are continuously formed on and in the end surface. Meanwhile, the main body 11 has an opposite surface that comes into contact with the end surface. Stop protrusions 22, which are elastically supported by springs 23, are mounted on the opposite surface.

[39] The AUX terminal 13 and the main body 11 are coupled to each other by a hinge shaft 21 in the state in which the end surface and the opposite surface come into contact with each other, and thus the AUX terminal 13 can be rotated around the main body 11. In this case, the stop protrusions 22 are disposed in the depressions of the prominences and depressions 20, and the rotation of the AUX terminal 13 is controlled by pressing the end surface of the AUX terminal 13. Accordingly, the AUX terminal 13 can be rotated a necessary amount around the main body 11.

[40] Next, FIG. 6 shows an example of the spring mechanism. Referring to the drawing, a main body 11a includes a hole, which is configured such that an AUX terminal 13b is inserted into and removed from the hole, a spring 29, which is disposed in the hole and is configured to elastically support the AUX terminal inserted into the hole, and a button 24, which is used to enable the insertion and removal of the AUX terminal 13. In greater detail, the button 24 integrally includes a touch part 25, which is disposed on the surface of the main body 11a, and a protrusion point 26 and an engaging protrusion 27, which are disposed in the main body 11a.

[41] When the AUX terminal 13b is inserted into the main body 11a, the engaging protrusion 27 is fitted into an engaging depression 28a, which is formed on the surface of the AUX terminal 13b. In this state, the force that presses the touch part 25 causes the opposite action of the protrusion point 26. Accordingly, the engaging protrusion 27 is lifted, and thus the locking of the AUX terminal 13b is released. In this case, the AUX terminal 13b, which has been hidden in the main body 11a, protrudes outside due to the elasticity of the spring 29. In this manner, the rectilinear movement of the AUX terminal 13b, which is performed for the entrance and exit of the main body 11a, can be achieved.

[42] Referring to FIG. 7, the headset 10 of the present invention enables the AUX terminal 13 to be inserted into the AUX jack of an output device. Reference numeral 30 indicates an output device that is installed in a vehicle, and reference numeral 31 indicates an AUX jack for receiving signals that are transmitted to the output device 30. In the case where the hinge mechanism is used, the AUX terminal 13 may be rotated a necessary amount, and may be inserted into the AUX jack 31.

[43] Referring to FIG. 8, the headset 10 of the present invention may be connected to an output device using a method of connecting the AUX terminal 13 thereto via the AUX jack of an adapter 32. Reference numeral 32 indicates a multiple adapter, which is mounted to and used in vehicles. This adapter 32 has a plurality of ports or jacks 33 to 35. These ports or jacks 33 to 35 are connected to the sound or video output devices of the vehicle. The wireless headset 10 of the present invention may be connected to an output device via the adapter 32 using a method of inserting the AUX terminal 13 into the AUX jack 34 of the adapter 32. Here, the AUX jack 34 of the adapter 32 is electrically connected to the output device (reference numeral 30 in FIG. 7).

[44] As described above, the headset 10 of the present invention can be used in the portable mode or in the AUX mode. In both the portable mode and the AUX mode, the headset 10 transmits and receives signals to and from a transmission and reception device in a wireless manner, and outputs signals, which are received from the transmission and reception device, into sounds in the portable mode. The use of the portable mode in the headset 10 of the present invention is not different from that of general headsets, and thus a detailed description of the portable mode of the headset 10 is omitted.

[45] A hands-free function of the wireless headset 10 of the present invention, which is performed in the AUX mode, is described with reference to FIG. 9 below. Here, it is assumed that the AUX terminal 13 is inserted into the AUX jack 31 of the adapter 32, illustrated in FIG. 6, and is connected to the output device 30 via the adapter 31.

[46] When it is determined that a call signal has arrived at a mobile phone 36, a user operates the headset 10 by pressing the On/Off button 18 of the main body 11. Subsequently, wireless communication is performed between the mobile phone 36 and the headset 10 via the interface 17, and wired communication is performed between the headset 10 and the output device 30 of the vehicle via both the AUX terminal 13 and the AUX jack 31.

[47] Accordingly, audio/video signals, which are transmitted from the mobile phone 36, are received to the headset 10 and then arrive at the output device 30 via the adapter 32. Thereafter, the output device 30 processes the received signals and outputs the processed signals through a speaker/display device.

[48] Meanwhile, the audio signals, which are received through the microphone 15, are transmitted to the mobile phone 36 via the interface 17, and are then transmitted through the antenna of the mobile phone 36. In this case, the transmission and reception operation of the headset 10 is controlled by the control unit 16 of the main body 11.

[49] Although the hands-free function has been described above with reference to a mobile phone as an example of the transmission and reception device, MP3 signals, AM/FM radio signals, and Digital Multi-Broadcasting (DMB) signals may be output in the same signal transmission and output format, depending on the type of transmission and reception device, as long as it is wirelessly connected with the headset 10 of the present invention.

Claims

[1] A wireless headset, comprising: a main body comprising: a control unit for controlling operation of the headset; a speaker and a microphone; and an interface for performing wireless connection with a corresponding wireless transmission and reception device; ear attachment means coupled to one side of the main body, and configured such that the main body is located in an outer ear of a human body when the headset is worn on a head; and an AUX terminal configured such that one end thereof is coupled to the main body through electrical connection with the control unit, and such that a remaining end thereof is pulled out of the main body and is inserted into an AUX jack of another output device.

[2] A wireless headset, comprising: a main body comprising: a control unit for controlling operation of the headset; a speaker and a microphone; and an interface for performing wireless connection with a corresponding wireless transmission and reception device; ear attachment means coupled to one side of the main body, and configured such that the main body is located in an outer ear of a human body when the headset is worn on a head; and an AUX terminal configured to be inserted into an AUX jack of another output device and to be connected thereto in a state in which one side thereof is electrically connected to the control unit via a cable.

[3] The wireless headset according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ear attachment means is selected from among a headband, an ear hook, and a neck band.

[4] The wireless headset according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless interface uses any one selected from among Bluetooth standard, Ultra Wideband (UWB) standard, and binary Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) standard.

[5] The wireless headset according to claim 1, wherein the AUX terminal is coupled to the main body so as to be rotated around the main body using a hinge mechanism.

[6] The wireless headset according to claim 1, wherein the AUX terminal is coupled to the main body so as to be rectilinearly moved along the main body using a spring mechanism.

[7] The wireless headset according to claim 5, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises: an AUX terminal having an end surface on and in which prominences and depressions are continuously formed; a main body having an opposite surface that comes into contact with the end surface; a hinge shaft for coupling the AUX terminal with the main body so as to be rotated in a state in which the end surface and the opposite surface come into contact with each other; and stop protrusions configured to elastically control rotation of the AUX terminal. [8] The wireless headset according to claim 6, wherein the spring mechanism comprises: a hole formed in the main body and configured to enable insertion and removal of the AUX terminal; a spring disposed in the hole and configured to elastically support the AUX terminal, which is inserted into the hole; and a button for controlling the insertion and removal of the AUX terminal. [9] The wireless headset according to claim 8, wherein the button integrally comprises: a touch part, which is disposed on a surface of the main body; and a protrusion point and an engaging protrusion, which are disposed in the main body; wherein the AUX terminal has an engaging depression that corresponds to the engaging protrusion, and a force that presses the touch part causes an opposite action of the protrusion point, so that the engaging protrusion is lifted from the engaging depression of the AUX terminal and locking of the AUX terminal is thus released, by which the AUX terminal, which is present in the hole of the main body, protrudes elastically.