Radio system with universal communication interface

The This invention relates to a radio system and particularly, but not exclusively, to a System in which devices are used, which usually as personal role radios are known, as they typically from Members of the armed forces be worn or by organizations such as the police. here is often for an individual, the need to have a personal role radio, to enable the mutual communication.

Conventional reciprocal radios operate either duplex or simplex mode, wherein the duplex a phone system is similar, where the receive and transmit paths are both open and both parties can talk to each other without any further conditions.

the more common Functioning of the simplex mode, where the transmission path of each radio only works when the transmitter is switched on by pressing a "talk button" ( "press-to-talk switch", PTT) is. The types of switch used vary and can either be part of a microphone as in the case of hand-held devices in widespread Use, or a switch in between the radio and Hand-held device, As used in commercial operation Headphones with Microphone is. A radio system of the prior art is known from US-A-5,790,947 known.

Bedieneren have to often use a radio switch, although they use their hands for other things to do, and some systems include a voice activation, where the radio switched by detecting the user's speech from the microphone is. This technique is not reliable in some applications, and the requirement of a switch which is actuated by the user, is mer still the only reliable means to control the radio.

According to the present Invention there is provided a radio system comprising a radio and a Talk button comprises (a PTT switch) which, when actuated, the radio switches to a transmit mode, characterized in that the switch a part of a switching unit forms, which, through an interface arrangement the solution the switching unit of the radio enables carried on the radio is.

By exercise of the present invention, it is possible switching units and radios exchange. This is particularly advantageous in applications, for Example with the police or the military, where it allows that a number of applications, a single type of switching unit exhibit. This simplifies the provision of spare parts, the Number of connection types that on auxiliary devices, such. As headphones with Microphone, are required and necessary for the Bedieneren Training effort, no matter what radio you can use because the control principles are the same. More importantly, when an operator once familiar with the use of a switching unit, which at each radio can be connected, there is less likelihood an incorrect PTT switch operation caused by he with a device type is not familiar with how it can happen while the operator to tasks other than the operator of the radio concentrated.

Preferably the system comprises a variety of radio types, all of which a standard switch unit be able to record. It can be used for certain Vehicle types or where a radio by an operator supported is special fasteners may be required.

The Switching unit is usually directly on the housing of the radio attached, which is particularly advantageous where it is the radio to a Personal role radio is, which is supported by the fact that it is usually strapped to an operator. Here, the radio and the Switching unit complete unit form, without the need for any additional cabling between the two. one earphone with microphone and a clip-on microphone or the like can be used in a normal manner to the Switching unit can be connected.

A additional choice is the provision of a remote radio interface unit, which from the radio is remote, but a physical communication link, either a wire or a Optical fiber, is connected thereto. This can be of particular be advantageous, if it is the radio unit, for example, is a large radio, which is mounted in a vehicle, because this makes it possible that the radio is attached at any location within the vehicle. The operator then to the switching unit on its remote radio interface can fix a location that is convenient for the operator, or the radio interface may even be worn by the operator will.

In certain applications, particularly military applications, there is, a requirement for a personal role radio to locally to communicate with a mutual radio device, it can but also be that the operator associated with another radio network must be, for example, a combat radio network. In this scenario, the switching unit is particularly advantageous when <?page 3?>adapted is that they Role means of the radio interface to a personal Radio is connected, and that they by means of a wire or ei ner optical link connected to a second radio is. It is then particularly advantageous that the switch unit has two attached thereto PTT switch, one of which for each radio network one belongs.

In some applications, it is required that there is no possibility are the cross-communication between different wireless networks. The switching unit can thus contain a circuit system, to ensure that no cross communication between at least s a transmitting and a can receive signal occur, which belong to different radio networks by a channel is closed (normally a transmit channel when a Receiving channel is in use).

the System of the invention may further comprise a include wired remote PTT module which a PTT switch , said module in relation to the switching unit is small and the switching unit has a connection for the wire having to the remote PTT switch. This allows the function of the serving the PTT switch of the switch unit of the switch unit removed is what allows that the remote PTT module and associated Switches are mounted at a location which is convenient for the operator, for example on the handlebars of a motorcycle.

As Alternatively or additionally, to the small wired remote PTT module the system may further a wireless remote PTT module include having a PTT switch, the remote module also a wireless transmitter with short relative to the radio having coverage. The switching unit then also has a receiver for receiving signals from the remote module to perform the function of the PTT switch of the switch unit remotely activated. This is particularly advantageous because, no matter whether the switch unit at a Personal role radio or attached to a remote radio interface is that might is attached to a vehicle, the operator has the means Switching function remotely perform by means of the remote module. The transfer may be effected by infrared short range, but occurs preferably by way of a radio transmitter.

According to the invention where the switch unit has two PTT switches which at two different Radio networks include, the Remote Module two PTT switch on, which at two different Radio networks belong.

Advantageously, includes the signal which is transmitted from the remote module, a Code, to which the receiver reacts in the switching unit, whereby an unintentional operation is inhibited when a number of remote modules corresponding Individuals in close operated near will. Recipient advantageously in the switching unit responds to a variety of Codes belonging to different remote modules. This can be especially beneficial be where the switching unit belongs to an operator who may operate different devices, is connected to each of which a remote module. The operator can Thus each device use, which belongs to a remote module, and the PTT switch of his Switching unit effective over activate the remote module, which belongs to a corresponding device.

Advantageous , receiver a, Lern' mode on in which he can learn a code to a remote module belongs. This is especially advantageous if the operator a Remote Module loses or a remote module is damaged, because the lost or damaged Module can be replaced by a new module, which another has pre-programmed code which then learned by the receiver can be. It is preferable that the receiver learn the code of the module, rather than the remote module learn any code associated with the receiver, because is required in this way from the remote module no receiver, because it only Code must send.

Preferably includes the switching unit of the system, a magnetically operated Switch and the remote module comprises a magnet, said magnet and the magnetically operated switch being arranged such, that is causes the magnetically operated switch a , Lern' mode position occupies when the remote module, which includes the magnet, in a expedient position is held relative to the magnetically sensitive switch, in which position activation of the PTT switch on the Remote module causes the switch unit can learn the code of the is sent to the remote module.

By repeatedly pressing the PTT switch on the remote module, or by pressing a longer Period than a predetermined period one or more codes from receiver be removed, so that the recipient does not respond to those codes longer. Typically clears such an action all codes from the receiver, which is then the desired Code re-learn.

A embodiment of the present invention will now by way of example only, with reference described the accompanying figures, of which:

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<figref idrefs="S20">1A</figref> a perspective view of a personal role radio is that a part of a radio system is formed, which is constructed according to the invention;

<figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> a universal perspective view of a switching unit or " Communication interface "is, on which the radio the <figref idrefs="S20">1A</figref> fits to according to the present invention, a system to build;

<figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> a perspective view of a remote radio interface is;

<figref idrefs="S21">3</figref> the the assembled device <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> and <figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> shows;

<figref idrefs="S22">4</figref> the the assembled device <figref idrefs="S20">1A</figref> and <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> With Auxiliary components shows;

<figref idrefs="S22">5</figref> a alternative universal communication interface with independent speakers and Microphone illustrates;

<figref idrefs="S23">6</figref> the various communication devices illustrates which of the universal communication interface the <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> be connected;

<figref idrefs="S24">7A</figref> schematically the main components within the in <figref idrefs="S23">6</figref> illustrated Remote module illustrated; and

<figref idrefs="S24">7B</figref> the Major components of the universal communication interface of the <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> and <figref idrefs="S23">6</figref> illustrates which refers to the remote control of the universal communication interface by means of the remote module of <figref idrefs="S24">7A</figref> relate.

reference Referring now to <figref>1</figref>, There is a staff Role Radio in general as <figref>1</figref> illustrates what a housing <figref>2</figref>. a battery cover <figref>3</figref>, Operation controller <figref>4</figref> and <figref>5</figref> and has an end side, the radio interface a <figref>6</figref> forms. the interface <figref>6</figref> has a mounting slot <figref>7</figref>, on mounting thread <figref>8</figref> and electrical connections <figref>9</figref>. <figref>10</figref> and <figref>11</figref> on.

the Personal role radio <figref>1</figref> comprises an antenna (in which it is in the illustrated embodiment, an internal is), a transmitter and receiver, with which it can transmit and receive radio signals. The staff Role Radio is for constructed to be worn by an operator, and is typically to a belt worn or may in the near future proximity to be attached to the operator, for example on a vehicle, which belongs to the operator.

The Radio interface <figref>6</figref> has been designed to accommodate, what is called "universal Communication interface "or" designated UCI "is and in <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> generally <figref>12</figref> marked is. The UCI<figref>12</figref> is a switching unit substantially. It includes a bolt, not shown, and a screw <figref>13</figref>. which with the mounting slot <figref>7</figref> or Befestigungswindung <figref>8</figref> cooperate to the UCI housing <figref>14</figref> in to maintain position. The UCI<figref>12</figref> includes a connector <figref>15</figref> for a headphone with Microphone, call (PTT) buttons <figref>16</figref> and <figref>17</figref>, Which belonging to two different radio networks and two slots, of which only a <figref>18</figref> illustrated, optional for receiving Cable connections.

The switch <figref>16</figref> and <figref>17</figref> be depressed by more than appropriate radios to speak to relevant communication networks, wherein a button <figref>16</figref> to the personal role radio <figref>1</figref> the <figref idrefs="S20">1A</figref> part, while the button <figref>17</figref> belongs to an external wireless network, in which it comes to a Combat radio network can act, the radio system in a military Application is applied.

The universal communication interface comprises a circuit system, to ensure that, when on a communication network Signal is received, the speakerphone, which controlled by the button is associated with the other network can not be activated can. This ensures that a radio signal is received and sent to a user, possibly by means of a headphone are not inadvertently recorded with microphone from the open microphone can and may be sent simultaneously to the other radio network.

If the radio the <figref idrefs="S20">1A</figref> at the UCI of <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> secured is an appropriate and headphones connected with a microphone or a speaker / microphone to the UCI be, is an independent Personal role radio formed that carried by an operator can be wherein the radio device via the Contacts <figref>9</figref> and corresponding (not shown) contacts on the universal communication interface <figref>12</figref> at the universal communication interface is connected.

It are applications where it the operator is not convenient to carry the personal role radio, or where the operator may another radio wants to use, which is perhaps mounted in a vehicle. In fact, the operator would possibly attach his personal role radio in a vehicle. this will by the remote radio interface <figref>19</figref> the <figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> relieved which with the interface <figref>6</figref> on the personal role radio the <figref idrefs="S20">1A</figref> is identical, but which, instead of this Personal Role Radios to be, now a selb&lt;?page 5?&gt;constant interface, which by means of the connecting cable <figref>20</figref> connected to another radio may be that on board a vehicle, aircraft, boat etc. could be fixed, or wide One man luggage Infantry radio.

The Remote radio interface <figref>19</figref> has the same physical and electrical connections as the interface <figref>6</figref> on, and thus the UCI on the remote radio interface <figref>19</figref> secured , as in <figref idrefs="S21">3</figref> shown. Referring Now both <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> as well as <figref idrefs="S21">3</figref>. the slot may <figref>18</figref> in the UCI <figref>12</figref> a cable with record contacts on a flat plug, which with the contacts <figref>10</figref> connect. A corresponding (not shown) on the other slot Side of the UCI permits a similar Cable with contacts with the contacts <figref>11</figref> at the interface <figref>6</figref> or <figref>19</figref> connects. These additional Lines in <figref idrefs="S22">4</figref> illustrated with line <figref>21</figref> affiliated and line <figref>22</figref> is not shown connected to the contact tabs <figref>23</figref> To illustrate, which with the contacts <figref>11</figref> the <figref idrefs="S20">1A</figref> and <figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> connects.

In the in <figref idrefs="S22">4</figref> Assembly illustrated the UCI <figref>12</figref> on the personal role radio <figref>1</figref> attached, but might as to the remote radio interface <figref>19</figref> the <figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> affiliated be like in <figref idrefs="S21">3</figref> shown. The administration<figref>21</figref> can dependent on be connected by the application to an auxiliary radio device, while the management <figref>22</figref> remote switch <figref>24</figref> and <figref>25</figref>. which the PTT <figref>16</figref> and <figref>17</figref> correspond, with the UCI <figref>12</figref> connects. The additional switch<figref>24</figref> and <figref>25</figref> can located at a position that is comfortable for an operator, For example, on the handlebars of a motorcycle or quad bike or on the shank of a rifle. This allows the radio unit is operated, without the operator's hands take the control of the vehicle or of a firearm needs, he wears. Alternatively, this function depending on the application easily fulfilled by be that the UCI <figref>12</figref> on the remote radio interface <figref>19</figref> secured , as in <figref idrefs="S21">3</figref> illustrated, and that the complete Unit is then attached to a suitable location, either on a vehicle or perhaps on a chest holster, which is carried by an operator. It will be noted that there is a speeds number of exchanges made possible is that a universal remote communication interface <figref>12</figref> allows.

reference Referring now to <figref idrefs="S22">5</figref>, There is a variation of universal communication interface of the <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> illustrated. Here includes the UCI <figref>26</figref> a microphone <figref>27</figref> and a speaker <figref>28</figref>, Leaving them with no headphones Microphone can be operated. In the embodiment shown there there is only one voice key <figref>29</figref>, But this is a matter of design choice. The UCI<figref>26</figref> is to the staff Role Radio <figref>1</figref> the <figref idrefs="S20">1A</figref> or the remote radio interface as shown in <figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> shown, in exactly the same manner as the UCI <figref>12</figref> connected, in the <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> is shown.

Both UCI <figref>12</figref> and <figref>26</figref>, what a <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> or. <figref idrefs="S22">5</figref> illustrated are, include a wireless receiver (In which it is just also be an infrared receiver could). The function of this receiver is down on related <figref idrefs="S23">6</figref> described, where for illustrative purposes only, the UCI <figref>12</figref> the <figref idrefs="S20">1B</figref> as with a pair of headphones Microphone is shown connected, which generally <figref>30</figref> designated is and headphones <figref>31</figref> and a microphone <figref>32</figref> has, which is located on a bracket and then, when it is carried by an operator, in front of the operator mouth is.

In the embodiment in the <figref idrefs="S23">6</figref> is illustrated, the UCI <figref>12</figref> on the remote radio interface <figref>19</figref> fixed, previously under with reference to <figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> has been described. The radio system also includes a wireless intercom (PTT) -Fernmodul <figref>33</figref>Which a thereon PTT switch <figref>34</figref> and a magnet <figref>35</figref> having, which adjacent to the wall of the housing <figref>36</figref> the remote module <figref>33</figref> is. The Remote Module <figref>33</figref> includes a low power transmitters, which is set up so that the actuation of the PTT switch <figref>34</figref> causes that a signal <figref>37</figref> for UCI <figref>12</figref> is sent, which, if the (not shown) receiver of the UCI <figref>12</figref> receive is, causes the UCI operates as though the PTT switch <figref>16</figref> been depressed would.

The Function of the remote module is described below with reference to the <figref idrefs="S24">7A</figref> and <figref idrefs="S24">7B</figref> in more detail described, it should be noted that although only a PTT switch <figref>34</figref> on the remote module <figref>33</figref> illustrated is in order to simplify the description, the module <figref>33</figref> two Switch could include which switches <figref>16</figref> and <figref>17</figref> UCI match when the module with a UCI to be used, the constructed for is to work with two networks.

reference Referring to <figref idrefs="S24">7A</figref>, There is the remote module <figref>33</figref> schematically illustrated that there is a battery <figref>37</figref> includes, by PTT switch <figref>34</figref> with the transmit circuit <figref>38</figref> connected is. When the switch<figref>34</figref> is depressed, the battery is connected to the transmitter circuit, which includes a code from EPROM <figref>39</figref> retrieves. This code is only assigned to the effective remote module and is in a signal the antenna <figref>40</figref> to the receiving antenna <figref>41</figref> Posted, within the UCI <figref>12</figref> is housed and in <figref idrefs="S24">7B</figref> schematically Darge&lt;?page 6?&gt;provides, said to illustrate the function of only one PTT switch <figref>16</figref> is shown.

reference Referring to <figref idrefs="S24">7B</figref>, Connects the PTT switch <figref>16</figref> the microphone <figref>32</figref> with the personal role radio <figref>1</figref>, (Of the Communication to the headset <figref>31</figref> is been omitted for clarity.) Although the headset with Microphone as on the UCI <figref>12</figref> with the personal role radio <figref>1</figref> shown connected is, could If the radio to any radio act. The microphone<figref>32</figref> can with the personal role radio <figref>1</figref> by means of the switch <figref>16</figref> his or connected by means of a signal, the receiver of the <figref>42</figref> about the antenna <figref>41</figref> Will be received. Recipient<figref>42</figref> closes switch <figref>43</figref>, if it receives the correct coded signal. It should be noted here be that, although in <figref>7</figref> and the associated Description of Open and closing of switches is the speech and the switches are illustrated as if they were physical switch, in the UCI <figref>12</figref> are included, this function in the exercised practice electronically and can be exercised in fact, can be by an appropriate signal produced by the transmitter is that in the radio <figref>1</figref> contain is.

In order to recipient <figref>42</figref> the can learn code, which the remote module <figref>33</figref> sends, can the Remote Module <figref>33</figref> adjacent to the UCI <figref>12</figref> being held, wherein the magnet <figref>35</figref> in proximity to a magnetically sensitive reed switch <figref>44</figref> located in the receiver. With the magnet in proximity to the reed switch <figref>44</figref> joins the Reed switch, thus activating the circuitry of the receiver in a, Lern' mode. An operator of the PTT switch <figref>34</figref> the remote module <figref>33</figref> depresses causes that the stored code in the remote module <figref>33</figref> to the receiver <figref>42</figref> is sent, wherein the code in the memory then the receive circuit <figref>42</figref> saved is and is detected in the sequence as an appropriate code.

Of the receiver <figref>42</figref> can learn a number of codes, so it corresponding to signals from a Number of remote units respond. To reset the receiver and all stored codes extinguish, the magnet is held adjacent the reed switch and PTT switch <figref>34</figref> the remote module <figref>33</figref> five times in urged quick succession. The receiver circuit <figref>42</figref> it's so programmed to recognize this as a signal to all the codes delete. Alternatively, the receiver be programmed to recognize a signal lasting longer than a set duration.

one will recognize that devices according to the invention, any number applications have and the specific applications outside the scope of the present disclosure are. For illustrative purposes However, briefly below an application of the invention under Described with reference to a driver of a police motorcycle.

Of the Police driver typically has a personal role radio, which is attached to his person and with a headphones Microphone and UCI is completed, the UCI either directly to the radio is fixed or perhaps strapped to his chest. Of the Advantage of this is that if staying on the bike or, police driver wears his entire radio system with it. While he However, the motorcycle is driven, it is not desirable, neglecting the controller, and however, the remote module <figref>33</figref> in a convenient location be mounted on the handlebars of the motorcycle. Thus, if the wishes driver, To reply to a communication, he can simply press the <figref>34</figref> press and speak into the microphone. If he leaves the motorcycle, leaving the remote module <figref>33</figref> on the bike, but can communicate, by the PTT button <figref>16</figref> on the UCI <figref>12</figref> suppressed.

Of the Driver can more motorcycles drive, and a specific motorcycle can be driven by several drivers will. Here the driver can the recipient of his UCI with the code all motorcycles or Vehicles program which he is traveling, so that a remote module, which is mounted on any one of those vehicles, its particular radio set operated. If he uses a motorcycle that he has not been previously run has he simply arranges his UCI <figref>12</figref> in the vicinity of remote module <figref>33</figref> This motorcycle, so that the code of this Remote module then the receiver is his UCI stored.

It would for the remote module <figref>33</figref> possible to a receiver have and receive codes transmitted from the UCI, this but requires an additional receiver the Remote Module <figref>33</figref> and a transmitter in the UCI <figref>12</figref> required. It will also be noted that a learning mode other than through the solenoid <figref>35</figref> generated can be, for example, could A screwdriver can be inserted into a small opening and actuate a switch, equivalent to the magnetic <figref>35</figref>Which the reed switch <figref>43</figref> operated.

Above is a path described as the present invention is applied can be. However, the skilled artisan will numerous other realizations recognize and applications, which under the protection scope of the following Claims fall.