Abstract: A wireless conference call telephone system uses body-worn wired or wireless audio endpoints comprising microphone arrays and, optionally, speakers. These audio-endpoints, which include headsets, pendants, and clip-on microphones to name a few, are used to capture the user's voice and the resulting data may be used to remove echo and environmental acoustic noise. Each audio-endpoint transmits its audio to the telephony gateway, where noise and echo suppression can take place if not already performed on the audio-endpoint, and where each audio-endpoint's output can be labeled, integrated with the output of other audio-endpoints, and transmitted over one or more telephony channels of a telephone network. The noise and echo suppression can also be done on the audio-endpoint. The labeling of each user's output can be used by the outside caller's phone to spatially locate each user in space, increasing intelligibility.

Abstract: A wireless communications device is controlled in accordance with motion thereof. If the device is determined to be in motion, such as in a vehicle, use of the device is restricted. Discrimination between vehicular motion and ambulatory motion is provided. While in motion, use of the device can be allowed under specific exception conditions. Exception conditions include the device being used by a passenger of a vehicle, a 911 call, or a call to a designated number. The ability to control the device in accordance with motion thereof can be remotely activated and deactivated, thus allowing, for example, parental control of a device belong to a child.

Abstract: A headset system (1; 94) comprising a wireless headset (3; 32) and a headset base unit (2). The wireless headset (3; 32) comprises a headset transceiver (51) for wireless connectivity to the headset base unit (2), a speaker (43) and a microphone (44) and a headset user interface (52, 53). The headset base unit (2) comprises a base housing (4), a headset holder (5, 38), a first connection device (7), by means of which the headset base unit (2) is connectable to at least one telecommunication device (9, 10, 11), such as a PSTN phone (9), a PC phone (10) and a mobile phone (11). In addition, the headset base unit (2) comprises a first base transceiver (27) for wireless connectivity to the wireless headset (3; 32) and a base user interface (6). At least one audio characteristic, such as microphone audio volume, microphone audio equalization, speaker audio volume and speaker audio equalization, can be adjusted equally by the headset user interface (52, 53) and the base user interface (6).

Abstract: A mobile computing device configured to communicate with an audio device comprises an interface circuit, a memory configured to store a plurality of sets of audio parameters for a device type, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a device identifier, select one of the plurality of audio parameter sets based on the device identifier, generate an audio signal using the selected audio parameters, and transmit the audio signal to the audio device using the interface circuit.

Abstract: A communications system is configured to reduce the risk of feedback artifacts and contains a telephone device and a listening device. Accordingly, the communication system is thus provided, in which the signal processing in the telephone device is tuned to the listening device and the listening device is configured to process the voice and data signal inversely to the signal processing. Before the acoustic signal is transmitted from the telephone to the listening device, a frequency compression can thus be carried out, and in the listening device an inverse frequency compression can be carried out. This reduces feedback artifacts.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a portable terminal having a projector module using a headset, which includes: receiving a command signal from the headset; determining whether the projector module is in an execution or driving state; recognizing the command signal as a signal for controlling the projector module, in case the projector module is in the driving state; and controlling the projector module according to the recognized signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and key fob apparatuses for facilitating hands free mobile communications from within an automotive vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a key fob with a housing and a SIM associated with the housing. The SIM is operative to identify a subscriber to a mobile telephone network when interfaced with the mobile telephone network. The apparatus may further include a key integrated with the key fob and operatively associated with the SIM. The key is operative to initiate the start of an engine of the automotive vehicle and interface the SIM with a mobile telephone, such as a GSM phone, integrated with the automotive vehicle. Thus, when the key is inserted into an ignition switch operatively associated with a SIM reader, the SIM identifies a subscriber to the mobile telephone network.

Abstract: A compact lightweight communication device 100 comprising a wireless headset 102 or wireless earset 104 can be provided for wireless communication, to a mobile phone or other wireless electronic communication device 106. The user friendly communication device 100 can have a pivotable boom 146 providing an arm with one and preferably multiple microphones 166 and 168, as well as one or mobile tactile buttons 156. The multifunction communication device can have acoustic audio transducer 134, such as a speaker 136 and/or an earbud 138 or earphone 140. The audio transducer can pivot on a pivot tube 142 comprising a pivotable stem to accommodate the left ear or right ear of the user. The boom and stem can pivot clockwise and/or counterclockwise, manually and independently or can be coupled to automatically pivot together.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a body, an electronic module, and an elastic element, wherein the body has at least an accommodating space and a first connector. The electronic module is accommodated in the accommodating space and has a plurality of connection ports and a second connector electrically connected to the plurality of connection ports. The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector, and the plurality of connection ports is exposed on the outer surface of the body. The elastic element surrounds the junction between the first connector and the second connector, wherein the electronic module presses the elastic element against the body.

Abstract: A hands-free device disposed in a vehicle identifies a speech direction of an outgoing voice when a hands-free call operation is received. The device extracts callee information from the outgoing voice provided by an occupant to identify a portable communication terminal. In particular, the portable communication terminal is identified when the callee information extracted is registered in a telephone book data of the portable communication terminal. When the speech direction of the outgoing voice is identified as a driver side, the portable communication terminal identified is linked to the driver as a driver-linked terminal. Accordingly, a call being received by a portable communication terminal that is linked to the driver is performed as a hands-free call, whereas a call being received by a portable communication terminal not linked to the driver is not performed as a hands-free call.

Abstract: A controller of a mobile communication apparatus, such as a cellular phone, that detects operator information based on a radio signal transmitted from a base station and checks whether the operator information has changed while maintaining the same roaming status information. When the controller detects that the operator information changed, the controller transmits one of the same roaming status information and service status information to an external device which is connected via a short-range communication link.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for wireless hearing assistance devices and in particular to a controllable range control for wireless hearing assistance device systems. An advertisement is used to allow the receiver to quickly receive streaming information, thus conserving power. In various embodiments, a system for communications with a hearing assistance device includes a wireless streaming device having a range control. The range control is configured to provide a first range for an advertisement transmission and a second range for a streaming information transmission. The first range is less than the second range, in various embodiments.

Abstract: A wireless communication device comprises a first wireless interface configured to communicate with a device over a first wireless network, and a second wireless interface configured to communicate with a remote server over a second wireless network, the remote server storing one or more executables. The wireless communication device includes a configured to receive device configuration information from the device over the first wireless network, the device configuration information identifying at least processing hardware resources in the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a signal processing system, comprising a number of microphones and loudspeakers, a hands-free set configured to receive a telephone signal from a remote party and to transmit a microphone signal supplied by at least one of the microphones to the remote party; an in-vehicle communication system configured to receive a microphone signal supplied by at least one of the microphones; receive the telephone signal; amplify the microphone signal to obtain at least one first output signal; output the at least one first output signal and/or a second output signal corresponding to the telephone signal to at least one of the loudspeakers; and wherein the signal processing systems is configured to detect speech activity in the telephone signal and to control the in-vehicle communication system to reduce amplification of the microphone signal by a damping factor, if it is detected that speech activity is present in the telephone signal.

Abstract: A headset comprising a communications device, a sensor coupled to the communications device and operative to detect the proximity of a user's body to the sensor, a detachable ear cushion coupled to the communications device; and wherein the detachable ear cushion comprises a conductive ear cushion flange to be interposed between the sensor and the user's body for extending the detection range of the sensor.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and circuit board carried by the housing. RF circuitry and a processor are operative with each other and carried by the circuit board. A receiver speaker and microphone are carried by the housing. Audio circuitry is carried by the circuit board and operative with the RF circuitry and processor. A microphone audio switch and receiver speaker audio switch are carried by the circuit board and are connected with audio connection lines that interconnect the processor. A filter is operative with the audio connection lines and operatively connected to at least one of the microphone audio switch or receiver speaker audio switch to reduce conducted and radiated interfering RF energy from coupling into the audio circuitry.

Abstract: A wireless headphone assembly has left and right speakers attached to ends of a headphone body, and at least two antennas, e.g., one located at each speaker. Since multiple antennas are used, reception can be improved using one of several approaches, e.g., simple selection of the “best” antenna, multiplexing antenna input, using diversity algorithms such as multiple input multiple output (MIMO) algorithms, etc.

Abstract: An in-vehicle handsfree apparatus stores a mail operation state while a message access profile (MAP) is being connected with a cellular phone. An incoming voice call from a communication network arises in the cellular phone while the in-vehicle handsfree apparatus is receiving mail information from the cellular phone. When the cellular phone answers the incoming voice call, the MAP is disconnected from the cellular phone. After completing the handsfree call relative to the incoming voice call, the reception of the mail information is resumed from the state just before the MAP was once disconnected.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods, apparatus, systems and means for distinguishing between microphone line signals resulting from: actuation of a microphone button of a headset plugged into a telephone device jack, and removal of the headset plug form the jack. During a telephone call, a first signal can be detected on a microphone line of a headset jack to indicate whether a microphone button of the headset is actuated. Also, while the headset plug is being disconnected from the jack, a transition on the microphone line can be detected, from a second signal indicating that the microphone is being disconnected, to a third signal indicating that the microphone button is actuated. Consequently, to avoid erroneously hanging up a call, transitions to the third signal when removing the plug form the jack can be ignored and the call can be maintained. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Even when an audio component is mounted on a non-flat portion such as a level difference portion or a bumpy portion, the audio component is stably fixed so as to improve sound quality without requiring a space for improving the sound quality, such as an exhaust chamber, and without increasing the cost. For this purpose, when a mounting rear face area of the audio component covers the non-flat portion on a substrate on which the audio component is mounted, the audio component is fixed on the substrate with a strength retaining member in the shape of a thin sheet provided therebetween for cancelling a level difference against a rear face of the audio component in the non-flat portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are dual mode I/O devices and methods for transmission of a short range radio link such as a Bluetooth® link that is a bi-directional real-time audio communication signal that can be over a synchronous circuit-switched transport and an asynchronous packet-switched transport either sequentially or simultaneously. Also disclosed are dual mode wireless headset systems and methods of at least two dual mode I/O devices and more particularly including a wireless audio terminal and an audio gateway for transmission of a bi-directional real-time audio communication signal that can be over a synchronous circuit-switched (SCO) transport and an asynchronous packet-switched (ACL) transport either sequentially or simultaneously. Having both SCO and ACL modes available may allow the user to optimize voice quality or data throughput under different operating conditions. The user may benefit from better Bluetooth®voice quality and may have the flexibility of using either mode depending upon the situation.

Abstract: A method for handling a Hands-Free device by an Audio Gateway device with a first subscriber identity card and a second subscriber identity card, executed by a micro-processing unit (MCU) of a Baseband chip, is provided. A command is received from the Hands-Free device, wherein the Hands-Free device issues the first command to request a status report of the Audio Gateway device. The status report is provided to the Hands-Free device via a result code which comprises a plurality of integrated status indicators corresponding to statuses of the first subscriber identity card and the second subscriber identity card.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable earpiece cable assembly for mobile communication or sound devices including a reel housing integrally formed with or detachably connected to a casing for protecting a mobile electronic device. The reel housing includes a reel mechanism around which the earpiece cables are removably wound. The reel housing includes a flexible wall that is located adjacent an actuator in the reel housing, the actuator operable to retract the earpiece cables into the reel housing. The earpiece cables are extendable from and retractable into the reel housing. Each of the earpiece cables have one end attached to an earpiece and each of the earpiece cables have a second end attached to a connector plug to electrically connect the earpieces to the mobile electronic device. The casing or the reel housing also supports a carrying clip that allows a user to attach the mobile communication or sound device and earpiece assembly to an article of clothing or other accessory item supported by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a vehicle user interface that provides hands-free use of a mobile communications device by a vehicle operator. First, the mobile communications device located at a vehicle is linked with a vehicle user interface in the vehicle so that the driver or other occupant can carry out hands-free telephone calls through the mobile device. Then, an evaluation phone call is placed using the mobile device so that volume levels, noise, etc. can be checked. Based on an analysis of that evaluation call, at least one audio parameter of the vehicle user interface is configured and is thereafter used to improve the audio communication between the user and the vehicle user interface.

Abstract: A dialing mode of a telematics unit in a vehicle is controlled by monitoring for dialing digits from a vehicle occupant, determining whether the type of dialing digits are continuous dialing digits or discrete dialing digits, establishing a continuous mode for receiving continuous dialing digits or a discrete mode for receiving discrete dialing digits based on the determination, and if the type of dialing digits changes, switching the established mode.

Abstract: An example embodiment includes an automatic pairing system. The automatic pairing system includes a vehicle initialization module, a vehicle pairing module, and a triggering mechanism. The vehicle initialization module is loaded onto a vehicle abstraction device configured to interface with a vehicle. The vehicle pairing module is loaded on the vehicle abstraction device. The vehicle pairing module is configured to be launched by the vehicle initialization module. After being launched, the vehicle pairing module is configured to automatically communicate vehicle pairing data stored on the vehicle pairing module to establish one or more communication channels between the vehicle and a mobile device. The triggering mechanism is configured to trigger the vehicle initialization module to launch the vehicle pairing module.

Abstract: An input/output hall structure for a sound device in a portable terminal includes a main hole and a plurality of sub-holes. The main hole is provided in a case frame forming the exterior of the portable terminal to be exposed to the exterior, and inputs/outputs sound. The plurality of sub-holes is branched from the main hole and communicates with the main hole. The sub-hole and a corresponding sound device communicate sound. The structure reduces the number of holes for inputting/outputting sound of a sound device and provides a more elegant appearance with improved function. A plurality of sound devices can input/output through the main hole and branched configuration of sub-holes.

Abstract: A telephone includes: a housing; a voice output device that is placed inside the housing and produces voice; a contact detection unit that detects a position of an object that contacts the housing; a position offset calculation unit that calculates a distance between the contact position of the object detected by the contact detection unit and the voice output device; and a voice adjustment unit that adjusts the voice produced from the voice output device, depending on the distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a terminal equipment with a built-in retractable headset, comprising a case body (1) of the terminal equipment which includes an accommodation space; a headset which is arranged in the accommodation space and includes a headset assembly (2) and a headset line (3) which both can be pulled out of the accommodation space; and a headset line retraction device (4) which is arranged in the accommodation space and with which the headset assembly (2) communicates via the headset line (3). A signal line led from the headset line retraction device (4) communicates with an audio signal of the terminal equipment, and the headset assembly (2) and the headset line (3) can be retracted from the outside of the accommodation space via the headset line retraction device (4). As a result, it is able to effectively reduce the harm of electromagnetic wave to human body and to facilitate the user to use.

Abstract: An infotainment/telematics system includes a fixed base unit adapted to execute a set of stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics functions, and a portable communication device adapted to execute a stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics function. The fixed base unit and the portable communication device may be connected for intelligent communication with one another to allow the fixed base unit to control and access the stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics function of the portable communication device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling an audio signal in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes determining a state of the portable terminal at a time of an activation of an audio function of the portable terminal, changing at least one audio parameter according to the determined state of the portable terminal, and processing at least one of an audio input signal and an audio output signal by applying at least one changed audio parameter.

Abstract: A system for facilitating synchronized apparatus interaction. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus may determine if muting of a microphone has been requested. If the apparatus determines that muting has been requested, the apparatus may activate muting of the microphone and may transmit a message comprising information indicating that muting has been activated.

Abstract: A personal conferencing device (12) having a base unit (14) and a headset/handset (5), wherein the base unit (14) comprises a first interface (4) to a telephone system, a headset/handset receiving part (19) for receiving a headset/handset (5), and the headset/handset (5) comprises a base connection (31) adapted to be received by the receiving part (19), at least a first microphone (7) for receiving audio from a headset/handset user, and at least a first headset/handset speaker (8) for providing audio to a headset/handset user, a position detecting device (10) for detecting a position and/or a state of the headset/handset (5), and a second headset/handset speaker (9), wherein audio is provided to a headset/handset user via the second headset/handset speaker (9) in response to a first signal provided from the position detecting device (10) whereby the user can choose between a private mode using the at least first headset/handset speaker and a conference mode using the second headset/handset speaker.

Abstract: A watch worn by a user for interfacing with a mobile communication device. The watch includes an electronic display worn by user. The electronic display includes an interface for wirelessly interfacing with a mobile communication device carried by the user. The user interfaces with the electronic display to perform operations upon the mobile communication device. The watch also includes a mechanism to wirelessly establishing a voice channel with the mobile communication device for performing operations upon the mobile communication device. Additionally, the watch includes a mechanism for projecting directional sound to the user.

Abstract: Wireless audio headset systems and methods for automatically activating target application programs on an attached processor-based host are disclosed. The system generally includes a headset base to communicate with the host executing a headset integrator application, a wireless headset in wireless communication with the headset base and configured to transmit audio signals to and from the headset integrator application via the headset base, and a program activation mechanism provided by the wireless headset that, upon activation of the mechanism, activates a target application program on the processor-based host via the headset base and the headset integrator application.

Abstract: A wireless telecommunication device including a foreground unit, and a background unit that is physically separated from the foreground unit and in local communication with the foreground unit. The foreground unit is provided to support incoming calls independently of the background unit. Furthermore, the foreground unit and the background unit cooperate to support outgoing calls. The scope of the invention also includes a method for doing business by offering the foreground unit for sale in a packaging having a form factor selected from the group consisting of: a pen, a pen cap, a wristwatch, and a necklace.

Abstract: A wireless telephone system with headset-handset assembly which comprises a base station connected to a public telephone network and/or an internet; one or more than one wireless headset-handset assembly movably connected with the base station, and each of the wireless headset-handset assembly comprises a headset and a handset hand-held receiver movably connected with each other; the headset and the base station are connected wirelessly in order to receive signals and data from the base station and transmit signals and data to the base station to achieve wireless communication; the headset is provided with a headset signal transmission end; the handset hand-held receiver comprises a handset signal transmission end to receive signals and data from the headset and transmit signals and data to the headset, and the handset signal transmission end is electronically connected with the headset signal transmission end when it is connected with the headset.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an outer assembly that lacks ports or other openings through which water or fluids may enter into an interior of the portable electronic device, which is defined by the outer assembly and, thus, into the presence of electronic components within the interior of the portable electronic device. The outer assembly may only include a display and a housing, or it may additionally include a waterproof microphone and at least one waterproof speaker. A protective coating, such as a moisture resistant film or coating, may coat some or all of the internal electronic components and/or some or all of the internal surfaces of the outer assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a personal mobile device to a vehicle communication unit. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of a personal mobile device located at a vehicle, obtaining permission to connect the personal mobile device, and automatically connecting the personal mobile device to the vehicle communication unit. The method and apparatus can be used, for example, during an initial connection of a personal mobile device to a vehicle communication unit or each time a new mobile device is present in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of communicatively coupling a handheld mobile device and a head unit comprising monitoring, by the handheld mobile device, a port of the handheld mobile device; sending, by the handheld mobile device, an application to the head unit when the head unit device contacts the handheld mobile device via the port of the handheld mobile device; and conducting, by the handheld mobile device, an operation of the handheld mobile device, using the head unit device as the user interface for the handheld mobile device.

Abstract: A method and system of establishing communications between at least two independent software modules in a safety critical system, such as a medical system, is provided. The design comprises providing an exclusive Bluetooth connection between at least two wireless devices. A master wireless device is configured with Bluetooth master device functionality and a slave wireless device is configured with Bluetooth slave device functionality. The wireless devices are employed in performing procedures in a safety critical environment. The method further comprises acquiring a stored unique address from the slave wireless device over the Bluetooth connection, comparing the stored unique address to a master wireless device unique address available at the master wireless device, and exclusively pairing the master wireless device and the slave wireless device when the unique address acquired from the slave wireless device is found to identically match the master wireless device unique address.

Abstract: A wireless communicator, including a modem operable to transmit and receive voice communication phone calls, and a controller coupled with the modem including a monitor operable to monitor an ongoing call, the controller being operable to restrict operation of the modem, based on data provided by the monitor, when the wireless communicator is not being used in a low radiation listening mode and the ongoing phone call exceeds a pre-designated length of time.

Abstract: A mobile terminal apparatus includes: a microphone; a switch control unit, which switches between a normal mode, in which a voice uttered toward the microphone is transmitted to an intended party, and a mute mode, in which the voice is not transmitted to the intended party; and a proximity sensor, which detects whether a detection object is in proximity to the proximity sensor, wherein, while the mute mode is being executed, if the detection object is detected by the proximity sensor, the switch control unit switches to the normal mode.

Abstract: Embodiments include method for providing a handsfree service to a user of a wireless, handsfree headset. In an embodiment the method comprises the headset performing service discovery on the audio gateway to determine a method of transferring an application to the audio gateway, wherein the application provides the service, the headset causing the application to be transferred to the audio gateway using a method based on the service discovery; and the audio gateway executing the application, wherein this user issues voice commands that are executed by the audio gateway to provide the service.

Abstract: A method and a mobile terminal for executing application during a call and a mobile terminal supporting the same are provided. The method for executing application during a call includes determining whether an orientation state of a mobile terminal is changed after forming a call channel and when the orientation state of the mobile terminal is determined to be changed, executing a preset application. The method and mobile terminal for executing an application during a call can momentarily execute a specific application when desired by the user.

Abstract: A communications system may include at least one mobile wireless communications device, and a wireless communications network for sending text messages thereto. More particularly, the at least one mobile wireless communications device may include a wireless transceiver and a controller for cooperating therewith for receiving text messages from the wireless communications network. It may further include a headset output connected to the controller. The controller may be for switching between a normal message mode and an audio message mode based upon a connection between the headset output and a headset. Moreover, when in the audio message mode, the controller may output at least one audio message including speech generated from at least one of the received text messages via the headset output.

Abstract: A mobile terminal may include an audio output module to output sound, a microphone to receive a user's voice input, a detecting device to detect a voice control command, and a controller to control the audio output module to adjust the volume of the sound output by the audio output module based on the voice control command.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of an electronic device for controlling the electronic device are disclosed herewith. The method includes determining that the electronic device is engaged in a voice call. The method further includes detecting at least one object that covers at least a predetermined portion of a mouthpiece area of the electronic device while the electronic device is engaged in the voice call. Furthermore, the method activates an electronic mute feature of the electronic device in response to detecting the at least one object.

Abstract: A case is provided for accommodating a portable electronic device and at least one accessory of the portable electronic device. The case provides a holder configured for holding a portable electronic device, the holder having a front panel and a back panel; a retraction system for allowing at least part of a cable portion an accessory to be retracted. Further provided is an ultra thin winding mechanism contained in a enclosure within the case where the audio output is connected via contacts on the back of the spool and contacts on the lining of the case, a button located on the case which engages audio by being adjacent to and in contact with the portable electronic device's audio button, a second button which operates to simultaneously disengage audio and retract the cable, and a microphone installed within the accessory.

Abstract: A mobile communication device is provided. The mobile communication device includes a terminal body, and a speaker module located in the terminal body. The speaker module includes an enclosure located in the terminal body, the enclosure defining a chamber therein, and a speaker having a front surface and a rear surface, the speaker being located in the enclosure such that the front surface of the speaker is exposed from the enclosure and the rear surface thereof is positioned within the chamber, to allow a sound generated from the rear surface to resonate within the chamber. A mutual interference between the sound generated from the front side of the sound emission part and the sound emitted from the rear side thereof can be reduced to thereby improve the performance of the middle and low sound.