Dual-Interface Headset Audio Control via Base Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headset systems lack user-friendliness in adjusting audio characteristics, as these settings can only be controlled by either the headset user interface or the base user interface, not both, limiting flexibility and convenience.

Innovation Solution

The headset system allows for the adjustment of microphone and speaker audio characteristics through both the headset user interface and the base user interface, with a touch-screen display on the base unit for status display and control signals exchanged between the two, enabling seamless control regardless of the interface used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If audio characteristics are controlled only by the headset user interface, then the headset can be operated independently, but the user cannot adjust settings when the headset is placed on the base unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio characteristic adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol interface flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the base unit's user interface to control audio characteristics that were previously only adjustable via the headset interface. The base unit receives control signals from its interface and transmits adjustment commands to the headset, allowing the same audio parameters to be modified through either interface depending on user needs and headset position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the base user interface is designed larger and more feature-rich, then it is easier to operate, but the headset becomes more complex as it must handle all control functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface operationVSAvoidheadset system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between the base unit and headset. The base unit's interface serves as a remote control interface that sends commands through wireless communication to the headset, which then applies the audio characteristic adjustments. This mediator approach allows the base interface to be feature-rich without permanently increasing the headset's internal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the headset user interface has limited buttons and display, then the headset remains compact and comfortable, but the user cannot access detailed audio settings while wearing it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadset sizeVSAvoidaudio setting adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the control capability from one dimension (headset interface only) to another dimension (base unit interface). By placing a comprehensive interface on the base unit, users can access detailed audio settings when the headset is docked, while the headset itself remains compact with minimal buttons for basic operations during mobile use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances user-friendliness by allowing users to adjust audio settings both when the headset is on their head and when it is in the base unit, providing a unified experience and avoiding misplacement during operation.

Implementation Method 1

The transceiver is adapted to communicate with a telecommunication device, such as a desk phone, by means of a radio connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio waves: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The headset base unit comprises a display device with a touch-screen display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2389754B1A headset system with two user interfaces
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 GN AUDIO AS
  • EP2389754B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2389754B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2389754B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

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 equalisation, speaker audio volume and speaker audio equalisation, can be adjusted equally by the headset user interface (52, 53) and the base user interface (6).