Plantronics, Inc.
Headset with status cord

Abstract:

A headset includes an ear level module including a speaker and a receiver which drives the speaker. A cord configured to carry control signals and audio signals for the receiver is connected to the headset. An illumination source is disposed along a segment of the cord spanning a range selected to be visible to the wearer and persons near the wearer. The cord includes a plurality of wires configured to carry audio signals and control signals, and one or more wires connected to the illumination source configured to carry light control signals from a controller. The controller includes circuitry responsive to control signals transmitted on the cord to provide light control signals to cause the illumination source to produce status semaphores indicating status of use of the headset.