CA2430356A1 - Apparatus to provide wireless headset audio device encased within a form factor of a pair of eyeglasses, sunglasses, or eyeware accessories - Google Patents
Apparatus to provide wireless headset audio device encased within a form factor of a pair of eyeglasses, sunglasses, or eyeware accessories Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2430356A1 CA2430356A1 CA 2430356 CA2430356A CA2430356A1 CA 2430356 A1 CA2430356 A1 CA 2430356A1 CA 2430356 CA2430356 CA 2430356 CA 2430356 A CA2430356 A CA 2430356A CA 2430356 A1 CA2430356 A1 CA 2430356A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wireless headset
- sunglasses
- combination defined
- accessories
- eyeglasses
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241000699670 Mus sp. Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000003203 everyday effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
- H04R5/033—Headphones for stereophonic communication
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
- G02C11/00—Non-optical adjuncts; Attachment thereof
- G02C11/10—Electronic devices other than hearing aids
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2201/10—Details of earpieces, attachments therefor, earphones or monophonic headphones covered by H04R1/10 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2201/107—Monophonic and stereophonic headphones with microphone for two-way hands free communication
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2420/00—Details of connection covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
- H04R2420/07—Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
Abstract
APPARATUS TO PROVIDE WIRELESS HEADSET AUDIO DEVICE ENCASED
WITHIN A FORM FACTOR OF A PAIR OF EYEGLASSES, SUNGLASSES, OR
EYEWARE ACCESSORIES
WITHIN A FORM FACTOR OF A PAIR OF EYEGLASSES, SUNGLASSES, OR
EYEWARE ACCESSORIES
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of wireless audio devices such as cell phones and audio players.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Cellular phone technology has become ubiquitous and part of common culture.
There is a need to have hands free operation in certain jurisdictions currently when operating a motor vehicle. Typically the hands free unit consists of a microphone and ear speaker connected by wire to the set, with a single pushbutton switch to answer a call. 'Typically only a single pushbutton is provided, and the option to ignore, or to sent to voice mail, is not provided. These headsets also preclude the ability to use other audio devices concurrently, such as compact disc players and compressed digital audio players. Other hands-free units exist that clamp a microphone in close proximity to the phone's earpiece, and then transmitting the audio through a short range AM or FM
signal to a nearby radio, typically the car stereo.
There exists hands-free cellular phone technology where the microphone is embedded within the earpiece itself and picks up the voice through the vibrations travelling through the head, thus requiring only a single module on the wire to the phone.
Bluetooth technology is one recently put forward by the cellular phone manufacturing industries and the computer industries as a method of interlinking devices through wireless communications. The aim was to eliminate the need for additional wires for related devices in extreme close proximity to each other in what was termed a pico-net.
The communication is mandated for the unlicensed 2.4GHz radio band in a madulation and frequency-hopping algorithm specified in the standard, although future enhancements may specify other frequencies or algorithms. Examples of Bluetooth devices are cellular phones, headsets, computers, keyboards, mice, printers, office equipment, and automobiles, with many more are being thought of every day.
One of the benefits of Bluetooth technology is interchangeable headphone technology where any manufacturer's wireless headset can interoperate with any other manufacturer's phone. A Bluetooth headset can link a phone as well as play music from a Bluetooth enabled audio player, such as a compressed digital audio player, or from a computer streaming music from the Internet.
Eyewear is becoming fashionable to the point that it is part of pop culture now.
Sunglasses are collectable, and the value of such eyewear range from almost nothing to a small fortune. There are also sunglass accessories such as straps with clips that hold sunglasses onto the wearer's face such that extreme conditions and winds will not dislodge the eyewear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided an apparatus compromising:
50 - The hardware apparatus that can provide audio capabilities connecting a headset to an audio source through wireless technology, such as but not limited to Bluetooth technology, in the form factor of eyewear such as but not limited to eyeglasses, sunglasses, shade glasses, blade glasses, or eyewear accessories that can augment any existing eyewear with such capabilities.
Advantageously, the system and apparatus according to the invention allows:
- A fashionable alternate method of obtaining hands-free cellular phone 60 communication, that does not require a special action, such as installation of a hands free automobile kit, or the clipping of a RF modulator to the earpiece, in order to operate.
- A method of answering a call, or hanging up a call, that does not require that the eyes of a driver are not averted from the direction of traffic, or allows for extreme sports enthusiasts to action the call while continuing on without interruption.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention used in the typical manner.
FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention used in the alternate manner with the apparatus folded up.
FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention used in the alternate manner with the apparatus on the top of the user's head.
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the components of an embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The innovation incorporated within this patent is that the electronics in the wireless headset technology for Bluetooth is small enough to be enclosed within the form factor of a pair of glasses with an external strap accessory and external module.
Eventually it is seen that the electronics may be able to reside entirely within the glasses themselves without any external straps or external modules.
As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of sunglasses with a strap accessory is worn that contains all the electronics of a wireless Bluetooth headset. The audio is played through tiny speakers positioned near the ears and the microphone for the voice is positioned in the strap near the throat.
Switches at the two corners near the eyes or around the temples select whether or not to answer a call or to hang up the call and / or forward to voice mail. Which switch does what is selectable by the user, as left-handed or right-handed people may have different preferences. These buttons are positioned where the hands can find and depress a button without averting the gaze from the direction of traffic in a vehicle.
Bluetooth technology can be used so that prior to a call the user can be listening to audio from a compressed digital audio player. When a call comes in, and the user selects to answer the call, the headset can notify the compressed digital audio player to pause prior to answering the call. Once the call is concluded, the audio from the compressed digital audio player can resume where it was paused.
The battery recharging circuitry can be included within so that the headset can be recharged by plugging the eyewear into a standard 12 Volt automobile utility (cigarette lighter) socket without any additional equipment. A 12 Volt DC transformer can be 110 provided separately with the socket of a cigarette lighter, or some other connection in order to recharge away from an automobile.
As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of sunglasses can be used to speak through the Bluetooth enabled phone while in the folded up configuration.
As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of sunglasses can be used to speak through the Bluetooth enabled phone while sitting on top of the user's head in a style typical of where sunglasses are temporarily placed.
120 As shown in FIG. 4, the schematics of such a device are typical for any wireless hands free cellular phone unit, such as a wireless Bluetooth headset. Some semiconductor manufacturers use the wireless Bluetooth headset design as a reference design for their Bluetooth offerings.
Alternate designs may or may not include an earplug design for better audio fidelity.
Alternate designs may or may not include an earplug microphone so that there is no need for a hanging microphone.
130 Alternate designs may or may not include induction charging capabilities, so that there is no exposed electronics and the device can be charged through magnetic induction power transfer. This reduces the likelihood of damage from immersion in liquid.
Alternate designs may or may not include simply making all this electronics as part of an accessory package that can slide up the arms of existing eyewear and convert it to being Bluetooth enabled eyewear.
Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is 140 not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
This invention relates to the field of wireless audio devices such as cell phones and audio players.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Cellular phone technology has become ubiquitous and part of common culture.
There is a need to have hands free operation in certain jurisdictions currently when operating a motor vehicle. Typically the hands free unit consists of a microphone and ear speaker connected by wire to the set, with a single pushbutton switch to answer a call. 'Typically only a single pushbutton is provided, and the option to ignore, or to sent to voice mail, is not provided. These headsets also preclude the ability to use other audio devices concurrently, such as compact disc players and compressed digital audio players. Other hands-free units exist that clamp a microphone in close proximity to the phone's earpiece, and then transmitting the audio through a short range AM or FM
signal to a nearby radio, typically the car stereo.
There exists hands-free cellular phone technology where the microphone is embedded within the earpiece itself and picks up the voice through the vibrations travelling through the head, thus requiring only a single module on the wire to the phone.
Bluetooth technology is one recently put forward by the cellular phone manufacturing industries and the computer industries as a method of interlinking devices through wireless communications. The aim was to eliminate the need for additional wires for related devices in extreme close proximity to each other in what was termed a pico-net.
The communication is mandated for the unlicensed 2.4GHz radio band in a madulation and frequency-hopping algorithm specified in the standard, although future enhancements may specify other frequencies or algorithms. Examples of Bluetooth devices are cellular phones, headsets, computers, keyboards, mice, printers, office equipment, and automobiles, with many more are being thought of every day.
One of the benefits of Bluetooth technology is interchangeable headphone technology where any manufacturer's wireless headset can interoperate with any other manufacturer's phone. A Bluetooth headset can link a phone as well as play music from a Bluetooth enabled audio player, such as a compressed digital audio player, or from a computer streaming music from the Internet.
Eyewear is becoming fashionable to the point that it is part of pop culture now.
Sunglasses are collectable, and the value of such eyewear range from almost nothing to a small fortune. There are also sunglass accessories such as straps with clips that hold sunglasses onto the wearer's face such that extreme conditions and winds will not dislodge the eyewear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided an apparatus compromising:
50 - The hardware apparatus that can provide audio capabilities connecting a headset to an audio source through wireless technology, such as but not limited to Bluetooth technology, in the form factor of eyewear such as but not limited to eyeglasses, sunglasses, shade glasses, blade glasses, or eyewear accessories that can augment any existing eyewear with such capabilities.
Advantageously, the system and apparatus according to the invention allows:
- A fashionable alternate method of obtaining hands-free cellular phone 60 communication, that does not require a special action, such as installation of a hands free automobile kit, or the clipping of a RF modulator to the earpiece, in order to operate.
- A method of answering a call, or hanging up a call, that does not require that the eyes of a driver are not averted from the direction of traffic, or allows for extreme sports enthusiasts to action the call while continuing on without interruption.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention used in the typical manner.
FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention used in the alternate manner with the apparatus folded up.
FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention used in the alternate manner with the apparatus on the top of the user's head.
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the components of an embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The innovation incorporated within this patent is that the electronics in the wireless headset technology for Bluetooth is small enough to be enclosed within the form factor of a pair of glasses with an external strap accessory and external module.
Eventually it is seen that the electronics may be able to reside entirely within the glasses themselves without any external straps or external modules.
As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of sunglasses with a strap accessory is worn that contains all the electronics of a wireless Bluetooth headset. The audio is played through tiny speakers positioned near the ears and the microphone for the voice is positioned in the strap near the throat.
Switches at the two corners near the eyes or around the temples select whether or not to answer a call or to hang up the call and / or forward to voice mail. Which switch does what is selectable by the user, as left-handed or right-handed people may have different preferences. These buttons are positioned where the hands can find and depress a button without averting the gaze from the direction of traffic in a vehicle.
Bluetooth technology can be used so that prior to a call the user can be listening to audio from a compressed digital audio player. When a call comes in, and the user selects to answer the call, the headset can notify the compressed digital audio player to pause prior to answering the call. Once the call is concluded, the audio from the compressed digital audio player can resume where it was paused.
The battery recharging circuitry can be included within so that the headset can be recharged by plugging the eyewear into a standard 12 Volt automobile utility (cigarette lighter) socket without any additional equipment. A 12 Volt DC transformer can be 110 provided separately with the socket of a cigarette lighter, or some other connection in order to recharge away from an automobile.
As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of sunglasses can be used to speak through the Bluetooth enabled phone while in the folded up configuration.
As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of sunglasses can be used to speak through the Bluetooth enabled phone while sitting on top of the user's head in a style typical of where sunglasses are temporarily placed.
120 As shown in FIG. 4, the schematics of such a device are typical for any wireless hands free cellular phone unit, such as a wireless Bluetooth headset. Some semiconductor manufacturers use the wireless Bluetooth headset design as a reference design for their Bluetooth offerings.
Alternate designs may or may not include an earplug design for better audio fidelity.
Alternate designs may or may not include an earplug microphone so that there is no need for a hanging microphone.
130 Alternate designs may or may not include induction charging capabilities, so that there is no exposed electronics and the device can be charged through magnetic induction power transfer. This reduces the likelihood of damage from immersion in liquid.
Alternate designs may or may not include simply making all this electronics as part of an accessory package that can slide up the arms of existing eyewear and convert it to being Bluetooth enabled eyewear.
Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is 140 not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (7)
1. A system and apparatus consisting of the following components:
A device to act as a wireless headset for connection to an audio source, or a cellular phone such that the headset is in the form of eyewear, such as eyeglasses, sunglasses, or eyewear accessories that convert existing eyewear.
A device to act as a wireless headset for connection to an audio source, or a cellular phone such that the headset is in the form of eyewear, such as eyeglasses, sunglasses, or eyewear accessories that convert existing eyewear.
2. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the wireless headset uses Bluetooth technology.
3. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the wireless headset has one or more buttons for the use of indicating an action.
4. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the wireless headset uses a hanging strap at the back or the side in order to provide a microphone to proximity to the throat.
5. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the wireless headset uses straps that go to the back with a clamping device in order to prevent the device from being dislodged.
6. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the wireless headset uses induction power transfer in order to charge the batteries
7. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the wireless headset uses mechanical contacts so that the device can be physically inserted in the utility (cigarette lighter) plug of an automobile for recharging.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2430356 CA2430356A1 (en) | 2003-06-06 | 2003-06-06 | Apparatus to provide wireless headset audio device encased within a form factor of a pair of eyeglasses, sunglasses, or eyeware accessories |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2430356 CA2430356A1 (en) | 2003-06-06 | 2003-06-06 | Apparatus to provide wireless headset audio device encased within a form factor of a pair of eyeglasses, sunglasses, or eyeware accessories |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2430356A1 true CA2430356A1 (en) | 2004-12-06 |
Family
ID=33557513
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2430356 Abandoned CA2430356A1 (en) | 2003-06-06 | 2003-06-06 | Apparatus to provide wireless headset audio device encased within a form factor of a pair of eyeglasses, sunglasses, or eyeware accessories |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2430356A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11722827B2 (en) | 2020-08-26 | 2023-08-08 | Gn Hearing A/S | Hearing device with power supply management and related method |
-
2003
- 2003-06-06 CA CA 2430356 patent/CA2430356A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11722827B2 (en) | 2020-08-26 | 2023-08-08 | Gn Hearing A/S | Hearing device with power supply management and related method |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |