Electronic communication system

The subject of the invention is an electronic telecommunications device, in particular electronic equipment and a modular telecommunications system constituting a transceiver and / or modem for establishing a connection in a wireless network of electronic devices.

Recently, there has been rapid progress in the field of consumer electronics, data processing and telecommunications. Portable cassette recorders and compact disc players as well as AM / FM car radios have become smaller and more efficient when it comes to their electronics. Big progress in the field of memory systems and in tourism techniques also allowed placing electronic devices in ever smaller spaces. The same phenomenon can be observed for electronic devices and personal computers.

Publication No. WO 94/21058 presents a telecommunications modular unit for portable electronic equipment. The modular unit has a housing with a PCMCIA system connector adapted to be connected to the electronic equipment unit in the form of a portable computer. The radio transceiver is mounted in the housing and is connected to a system connector ensuring communication with the radio network operating in a specific communication standard. In addition, published British Patent Application GB 2 268 032 describes a remote reading system for a service meter in which radio frequency data signals are transmitted to a mobile data collection unit from an underground sealed enclosure that houses an antenna and a signal transmitter.

Like consumer electronics, personal computers are manufactured in many different places around the world. The entire industry has developed to provide memory cards to increase the power of these various types of computers. Recently, efforts have been observed to standardize the protocol formats used in integrated circuits for personal computers. First of all, the PC and Memory Card International Association - PCMCIA (international association for personal computers and memory cards) was established, which aims to promote the interchangeability of integrated circuits and memory cards between computers and various types of electronic devices. To this end, the PCMCIA association proposed certain physical and electrical standards to ensure that integrated circuit cards can be used in various types of electronic devices. Yes, card-shaped devices for storing data, e.g. memory, as well as peripheral devices, e.g. I / O (input / output), made in accordance with standards, should be adapted to connectors designed in accordance with these standards. Such a standard is described in numerous documents, including the publication PCMCIA Card Standard, Release 2.0 (PCMCIA card standard, release 2.0). This standard establishes a 68-pin connector for I / O integrated circuit cards used in PCs.

Rapid progress has also been made in recent years in the field of wireless telecommunications. Various communication standards have been defined worldwide defining specific frequencies, data rates, data formats and the like, for both voice communication and data communications, using radio connections between base stations and mobile units. For example, special packet-switching systems for mobile-type data communications enabled direct access for portable computers to a ground communication line. Similarly, classic voice cellular radio communication systems, both in digital and analog versions, receive data from portable computers and send this data through a classic telephone network to a remote terminal. In addition, other systems are commonly used, such as paging (local and global), DECT (Digital European Cordless Telecommunications), Mobitex, CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data), PCS (Personal Communications System) and the like . Each of these wireless communication formats and standards requires separate software to provide data link in the wireless network and separate transmission / reception formats. This enables communication with radio base stations operating in different geographical areas as well as with parts of different networks. It has been found that it is desirable to package transmitters / receivers and / or modems in a modular manner so that a telecommunications terminal, such as a mobile telephone or portable computer, is adapted to work with various systems by simply exchanging a modular unit for another, configured appropriately for the desired network telecommunications. The advantages of such radio receiver sets should not be limited to portable telephones and portable computers, but should also be able to be used in other industrial and consumer electronic devices.

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The use of card-mounted telecommunications interface in PCs is known. In particular, modems are often mounted on an I / O card and inserted into the appropriate slot on a PC. The modem then provides a PC interface to the standard telecommunications network line and to the transmission / reception of data from these lines. It is particularly advantageous to use PCs. Industrial and consumer electronic devices, such as cassette and compact disc players, have not yet been technologically integrated with the telecommunication extension of PCs.

An electronic telecommunications device comprising a display, an input socket of a modular unit, in the form of a mounting bay equipped with a multi-pin modular connector and a replaceable modular unit connected to this connector by means of a multi-pin system connector with which the modular unit is provided, the modular unit being provided in a telecommunications transceiver adapted to communicate with a set of standardized wireless networks, according to the invention, it is characterized in that the telecommunications transceiver of the modular unit is connected to the display via the modular connector of the mounting bay and the system connector of the modular unit and is adapted to receive numerical information, for the transmission of this numerical information in the form of data signals.

It is preferred that the mounting bay and modular unit comply with the PCMCIA standard.

It is preferred that the telecommunications transceiver is powered by electricity from a power source located in this device through a system connector and a modular connector.

It is preferred that the modular connector and the system connector are modified in relation to the PCMCIA standard and contain additional power contacts adapted to transfer electricity from the power source to the telecommunications transceiver, the mounting bay and the modular unit being in accordance with the PCMCIA standard.

It is preferred that the telecommunications transceiver is connected to an external power source via a power connector mounted at the rear of the case.

It is preferred that the telecommunications transceiver is connected to the antenna via a system connector and a modular connector, wherein the telecommunications transceiver is adapted to communicate with a standardized wireless network via this antenna.

It is preferred that the modular connector and the system connector are modified in relation to the PCMCIA standard so that they contain at least one antenna contact with the telecommunications transceiver, the mounting bay and the modular unit being in accordance with the PCMCIA standard.

It is preferred that the antenna is connected to the telecommunications transceiver through an antenna connector mounted on the back of the housing.

According to the invention, a standard PCMCIA card has been developed, on which a transceiver is mounted, which is easily mounted in a known manner in classic utility and industrial devices such as cassette players, stereo apparatus and information transfer devices to ensure connectivity with various networks in accordance with various radio standards.

A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a radio / cassette combination with a module port, a modular unit and a microphone. The tape deck contains at least one loudspeaker and a radio receiver or recording device, or both devices that provide sound signals to the loudspeaker or speakers. The input socket of a modular unit contains modular connectors, and the modular unit has a housing with a system connector at one end, which is adapted to work with a modular connector. The modular unit also includes a telecommunications transceiver that communicates with one of numerous standard wireless networks and provides output audio signals to the speaker or speakers. The microphone provides input audio signals to the transceiver of the telecommunications modular unit. Preferably the device comprises an assembly for muting the audio signals sent to the loudspeaker or

180 449 speakers and to provide a signal indicating that the incoming call is ready to be answered. It also includes a keypad for providing control signals for the telecommunications transceiver. The microphone and the speaker or speakers are combined together into a headset that is connected to the electronic sound system. Preferably, the headset is connected by a wire to an electronic sound system. Alternatively, the headset is connected to an electronic sound system using radio waves.

The subject of the invention is illustrated in the examples of the drawing, in which Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the general concept of telecommunications operation of electronic devices, Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a known electronic sound system in the form of a portable radio / tape recorder, Fig. 3 - plan view in advance an embodiment of the telecommunications modular unit according to the invention and meeting the PCMCIA card joining standard, fig. 4 - front view of the modular unit of fig. 3, illustrating the format of the PCMCIA connector, fig. 5 - rear view of the modular unit of fig. 3, showing the external antenna mounted on it, fig. 6 - side, cross-sectional view of the modular unit of fig. .3, along line 6-6, showing the antenna attachment to the unit, Fig. 7 - top view of another embodiment of the modular telecommunications unit according to the invention having a modified format with a PCMCIA card connector, Fig. 8 Front view of the modular unit of Fig. 7 showing the arrangement of its connectors, Fig. 9 - Rear view of the modular unit of Fig. 7 showing an embodiment of the invention without the antenna and power supply connected, Fig. 10 - Side cross-sectional view of the modular unit of Fig. 7 along lines 10-10, Fig. 11 - perspective view of a modular unit of the type shown in Fig. 7 together with the recess for receiving the modular unit in the electronic sound system in the form of a portable radio / tape deck, exploded, Fig. 12 - a perspective view of the modular unit of the type shown in Fig. 3, including the recess for receiving the module, in a portable radio / tape deck, in Unfolded, Fig. 13 - an exploded perspective view of a modular unit of the type shown in Fig. 3, together with a module receiving bay, in an portable radio / tape deck, in an exploded view 14 - exploded perspective view of the modular unit of the type shown in Figures 3 or 7, including the recess for receiving the module, in the portable AM ​​/ FM-cassette recorder, fig. 15 - perspective view of the modular unit of fig. 7, which is inserted into , exploded car audio cassette AM / FM, Fig. 16 - diagram showing the switching method in the embodiment of the invention, - Fig. 17 - a diagram illustrating the operation of the phone in a hands-free system, used in the example of data transmission implementation, Fig. 18 - a diagram illustrating data support in the use of hands-free technology, used in the example of data transmission implementation, Fig. 19 - a diagram illustrating telecommunications functions in a receiver RDS (Radio Data System), and Fig. twenty is a perspective view of the modular unit made according to the invention, showing its adaptation for use in the service measuring unit for information transmission, such as the numerical information of the measurement results, in an exploded view.

Figure 1 illustrates portable telecommunications devices in the form of a data processing unit such as personal portable computer 11 and mobile telephone 12. It is known to allow PC 11 and telephone 12 to communicate with various wireless telecommunication networks. However, each of the telecommunications networks can operate according to different telecommunications standards and / or require different types of modems, as shown schematically by using 13-17 modems. Various telecommunications standards are, for example, AMPS, D-AMPS, JDC, TACS, GSM, NmT-450, NMT-900, DECT, Mobitex and the future Spread Spectrum standards, as well as many others.

The mobile subscriber 12 shown in FIG. 1 may include basic telecommunications components for various wireless networks operating in accordance with numerous telecommunications standards. For example, when a mobile telephone is to be used in the USA, it must be adapted for transmission / reception on a specific frequency band, using analog or digital modulation techniques used in the USA. However, if the telephone 12 is to be used in wireless systems

180 449 in the UK or on the European continent, it must be able to establish communication on other frequencies and in accordance with other modulation techniques.

The portable computer 11 shown in FIG. 1 may require data communications with different data transmission networks that exist in different parts of the world. For example, in Scandinavia and in some European countries as well as in the USA and Canada, there is a packet switching data transmission network that uses predefined data packets. The data transmission network with switching packages is constructed in accordance with the adopted protocol and is part of the service called the trade name nazwą. Similarly, the portable computer 11 may also occasionally require communication with a US cellular radio network (in analogue or digital format), a European digital GSM cellular radio network, or a CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) network. Thus, the inventive solution provides transceivers and / or 13-17 modems that are adapted to communicate with various networks in accordance with the standards they use. In addition, the term transmitter-receiver used in this method includes a corresponding radio control unit of the type necessary for the implementation of the radio device that is able to communicate with networks operating in standards such as D-amps, GSM and the like. For example, the transceiver may include a transmitter, a receiver, and in the event that a telecommunications device is used for data transmission, the transceiver may include a modem. As will be described in detail, the portable computer 11 comprises a user telecommunications signal generation assembly implemented in the form of a keyboard. Other types of electronic equipment, including entertainment devices, do not necessarily need to include a signal generation assembly.

The modem 13 shown in Fig. 1 provides radio communication with the data transmission network with packet switching ΜΟΒΙΤΕΧ, while modem 14 is a modular unit that is designed to communicate with a classic cellular network, radio in the USA, in a digital or analog format. Similarly, modem 15 is adapted for radio communication with the European digital cellular radio network according to the GSM standard adopted by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). Modem 16 allows telecommunications connectivity in accordance with the DECT (Digital European Cordless Telecommunications) standard. Other 17 modems may be used that enable communication in the paging network, in global or local systems, with the PCS (Personal Communication System) system or with other similar systems. The PCS system can become the next generation of cellular systems connecting wide area networks and local area networks, both for voice communication and for data communication. Any modem 14-17 can be used in either computer 11 or subscriber's telephone 12, while units such as data transmission modem 13 with MOBITEX packet switching can only be used in laptop 11. The use of standard modem assemblies in modular form with standard sizes has many advantages, providing flexibility for various global telecommunications systems, both for voice and data transmission.

Figure 2 shows an example of a conventional electronic sound device in the form of a portable radio / cassette player 18 that can be modified to use the main principles of the invention. Although the electronic device to be modified is in this case a radio / cassette player, of course the device may be another electronic sound system comprising a radio receiver or a recording media player, or both. Of course, the radio receiver can be any electronic device of the type not commonly used for telecommunications, one that receives radio transmissions and converts these transmissions into sound, such as, for example, AM radio, FM radio, AM / FM radio, TV, video player or VCR or the like. The recording medium player may be any type of electronic device not commonly used for telecommunications that reproduces sound signals recorded on a medium, which is for example from 180 449 a tape maker, compact disc player, recording player, video tape recording device or VCR cassette recorder, or the like. In addition, the recording medium player may contain electronic devices that are able to record audio signals on the recording medium. Portable radio / cassette player 18 includes a cassette receiving pocket 19, display 20 and controls 21 and 22. Headphones 23, comprising speakers 24 and 25, are connected via cable 27 to connector 26 in portable radio / cassette player 18. The portable radio / cassette player 18 furthermore comprises an antenna 28 and a battery power source 30 located therein.

Figures 3-6 and 7-10 show two variants of a telecommunications unit or modular unit constructed in accordance with the invention. Figures 3-6 (first group) illustrate a telecommunications modular unit 31 that is constructed according to the PCMCIA standard and includes a multi-pin system connector 33. Figures 7-10 (second group) illustrate a telecommunications modular unit 131 that has a modified system connector 133 that is not compatible with existing PCMCIA standards due to changes in antenna and power contacts, which will be described below. Telecommunications modular units 31 and 131 are made maintaining the basic properties in a known manner. Modular units 31 and 131 are also designed to use components of the main electronic equipment.

Referring to Figs. 3-6, they show a first embodiment of a telecommunications modular unit. Fig. 3 shows a top view of the telecommunications modular unit 31. The radio transmitter / receiver 36 and modem 37 are marked in the modular unit with dashed lines that also define the telecommunications card 29. The modular unit 31 also has a fastening member 152 and connectors 151 and 154, which are also indicated by dashed lines. The connector 151 includes a coaxial antenna connector that slides into the antenna 138. The example of the module of Figure 3 includes an antenna stem 140 that is articulated mounted by an articulated structure 141 so that it can rotate around its own base 142. The base 142 is connected to the unit modular 31 by means of a typical connector, such as threaded element 152a, shown in dashed line, cooperating with fastening member 152. The antenna connector 151, also marked with a dashed line, provides a classic, coaxial connection with the antenna shaft 140. The antenna 140 is rotated to the most suitable position for maximum efficiency. Rotating antennas are known in the art. However, the use of such a modular antenna on the housing of a modular unit 31, suitable for the applications described previously, represents an advance over the prior art. The power connector 154 is also marked with a dashed line together with the access slot 154a.

Figure 4 is a front view of the modular unit 31 of Figure 3, illustrating the multi-pin system connector 33 in more detail. The multi-pin system connector 33 is constructed according to the PCMCIA standard. The pins of the multi-contact system connector 33 are connected to the system on the telecommunications card 29. The system connector 33 comprises two rows of contacts 41a and 41b. No separate antenna and power connectors are shown because this pin configuration corresponds to the existing PCMCIA standard, and the antenna and power connectors are located at the rear of the housing 134a of the modular unit 31.

Figure 5 shows a rear view of the telecommunications modular unit according to the invention. The modular unit 31 comprises a rear portion 134a having a recess 134 in which a coaxial connector 151 is adjacent the fastening member 152, such as a threaded connection. A coaxial connector 151 is mounted to connect the transceiver 36 in the modular unit 31 to the antenna located either inside or outside the given electronic device with which the modular unit 31 is connected. When the antenna is mounted directly to the modular unit 31, the mounting member 152 provides attachment of the antenna structure to the modular unit 31. Shown is also the power connector 154 allows the connection of an external power source to the telecommunications card 29 in the modular unit 31.

Figure 6 shows a side view in section along Figure 6-6 of the modular unit 31 of Figure 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the modular unit 31 includes a telecommunication card 8

180 449 with a printed circuit board 61, on the surface of which various printed circuit paths are formed and various components are placed, so that there is in effect a transceiver and modem mounted in the modular unit 31. The circuit on the board 61 is selectively connected to the multi-pin terminals. system connector 33 to supply signals to and from the system in the module. The top cover 62 covers the top of the components mounted on the circuit board 61, while the bottom cover 63 covers the bottom of the board and adapts to the top cover so that they together form a closed modular unit 31. The inner portion of the coaxial antenna connector 151 is mounted in the board 61 , protruding through the rear part of the housing 13 4a and joins the modular antenna 138.

Figure 7 shows a second variant of the telecommunications modular unit 131 in a top view, constructed according to the PCMCIA standard. The modular unit 131 includes an outer cover 32, which is flat and has a multi-pin system connector 133 located at the first end 33a (best seen in Figure 8), having a plurality of individual contacts to cooperate with a corresponding connector located in a given piece of electronic equipment, such as a player cassette. Although the description refers to a cassette player, various consumer and industrial electronic devices can be used in accordance with the invention and be modified according to the invention to provide modular telecommunications properties. Considering this, the opposite end 34a of the modular unit 131 includes recesses 34 in which the antenna and power connectors are mounted, as described in connection with Figs. 3, 5 and 6.

As indicated in Fig. 7 by dashed lines, the modular unit 131 includes a telecommunications card 29 comprising a radio transceiver 36 that includes a modem assembly 37. The card 29 is indicated by a dashed line as the radio transceiver assembly 36 and modem 37. Power supply, the controls, antenna, speakers and microphone are connected to card 29 via selected pins of the multi-pin 133 system connector.

Figure 8 is a front view of the modular unit 131 of Figure 7, more specifically showing the multi-contact system connector 133. The contacts of the multi-contact connector 133 are connected to the '29 telecommunications card system. Connector 133 contains two rows of pins 41a and 41b made in accordance with the PCMCIA format. In the system of the invention, certain areas of the contact matrix have been changed and contacts of a different configuration and / or format have been added to allow connection of the antenna and / or power source to transmit increased amounts of power for the system on the card 29. Such a connection may be necessary when consumption transceiver power 36 (and / or modem 37) cannot be properly supported by normal contacts carrying signals 41a-41b. Additional contacts 149a and 149b here represent such a changed contact configuration. An additional contact 149c is the antenna connector. Other antenna or power connectors may also be provided in accordance with the invention.

As shown in Figure 9, end 34a has a molded cavity in which other connectors are used to connect the transceiver 36 and modem 37 in the modular unit 131 to the external antenna. When the antenna terminal additional contact 149c and the power contacts 149a and 149b are located along the system connector 133, such external contacts need not occur along the opposite end in the recess 134. For this reason, no contacts are shown in this particular embodiment.

Figure 10 shows a sectional side view of the telecommunications modular unit 131. As best seen in this view, the telecommunications card 29 of the modular unit 131 includes a printed circuit board 61 on which a number of printed circuit paths are located and there may be various components, for example ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) , so that the result is a transceiver and modem, mounted in the modular unit 131. The circuit on board 61 is selectively connected to terminals 41a-41b on system connector 133 so as to provide signals to and from the modular unit. The upper cover 62 covers the upper part of the components mounted on the plate 61, while the lower cover 63 covers the lower surface of the plate together with the upper cover completely closes the modular unit.

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Figure 11 shows a conventional electronic sound device that has been modified in accordance with the invention to be a portable radio / cassette player 210. The cassette player 210 shown has a typical cassette pocket 211, display panel 212 and control knobs 213 and 214. Portable radio / cassette player 210 also includes a battery power source 215 and an antenna 216.

As shown in Fig. 11, the portable radio / cassette player 210 includes an input socket of the modular unit 131 in the form of a mounting bay 311, which is particularly adapted to receive and connect this modular unit 131. The mounting bay 311 has side walls 312 and a front opening 313 . The associated modular connector 314 of the electronic device is arranged along the end wall 315 of the mounting bay 311 to provide connection to the system connector 133 of the modular unit 131. Power source 215, antenna 216 and display 212 in portable radio / cassette player 210 are connected to the modular unit 131 via connectors 314 and 133.

A conventional portable radio / cassette player usually has an electronic system for connecting headphones. In a preferred embodiment, the cassette player 210 may be an ordinary device of this type that has been modified to work with both headphones 326 and 327 and with the microphone 328 in the headset 325. Both the 326 and 327 headphones and the 328 microphone can be used by connecting the 325 headset with a cassette player 210 via the 322 connecting cable. The 325 headset is connected to a remote control panel or 323 keypad containing 324 control keys for the telecommunications functions of the modular unit 131. A connecting cable 322 connects the connector 321 of the cassette player 210 to the headset 325. Headphones 326 and 327, microphone 328 and keypad 323 are connected to the system connector 133 of the modular unit 131 via connectors 321 and 314.

Figure 12 shows a portable radio / cassette player 220 in a second embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the portable radio / cassette player 210 of Figure 11, and thus has a classic cassette receiving pocket 221, display panel 222 and control knobs 223 and 224. Portable radio / cassette player 220 also includes a conventional battery power source 225 located inside.

The portable radio / cassette player 220 includes an input socket for the modular unit 31 in the form of a mounting bay 331 for installing the modular unit 31. The mounting bay 331 is adapted to receive and connect a modular unit 31. The mounting bay 331 has side walls 332 and a front opening 333. Corresponding to this the modular connector 334 is arranged along the end wall 335 to provide connection to the system connector 33 of the modular unit 31. The battery power source 225 and display 222 in the portable radio / cassette player 220 are connected to the modular unit 31 via connectors 334 and 33. The structure of the modular antenna 138 is also shown in the ready position for attachment to the rear of the housing 134a of the modular unit 31. Connecting back the housing portion 134a includes a recess 134 provided with connectors 151 and 154. The connector 151 is preferably a coaxial connector adapted to connect the antenna 138, and the connector 154 is adapted to connect the power source to the modular unit 31 through the access slot 154a in the antenna base 142. Thus, the AC / DC power source (not shown) can provide external power to modular unit 31 from an external source.

The classic cassette player is further modified in such a way that it has a 341 infrared transceiver or short range radio. In a preferred embodiment, the headset 345 includes a transceiver 343 that is adapted for two-way communication with the transceiver 341 embedded in the radio / cassette player 220. The headset 345 includes the headphones 346 and 347 and the microphone 348 attached to the headset 347. Headphones 346 and 347 and microphone 348 are coupled to transceiver 341 in cassette player 220 via transmitter 343 of headset 345. In a preferred embodiment, transmitter10

180 449 receiver 343 of headset 345 has a keypad or control panel (not shown), coupled to transceiver 341. Headphones 346 and 347, microphone 348 and key block (not shown) of headset 345 connect to the multi-pin system connector 33 of the modular unit 31 via transceiver 343 of headset 345, transceiver 341 of player 220, and modular connector 334.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, although the input socket of the modular unit in the form of a mounting recess for the modular unit has been described as having walls and an entrance opening, the input socket of the modular unit can only be a connector for receiving the module. It should be noted that a headset comprising headphones and / or a transceiver is a common product in the field of telecommunications technology, but is not typically used in a typical portable radio / cassette player. A headset having one or a pair of ear plugs is also common for a typical portable radio / cassette player. The addition of a microphone, although typical for other telecommunications devices, is necessary in the present invention to provide signal generation and two-way voice communication. Furthermore, it is considered as part of the present invention to combine the telecommunications functions of the transceiver module with an electronic sound system comprising a radio receiver, a recorded media player, or both.

Figure 13 shows the alternative mounting of the modular unit 31, of Figure 3, and the alternative portable radio / cassette player 230. As already described, the multi-pin system connector 33 of the modular unit 31 fits in with the modular connector 354 disposed on the end wall 355 mounting bay 351. In this particular view, the modular unit 31 is installed in a cassette player 230 comprising a flap 356. Flap 356 allows the modular unit 31 to be closed and the coaxial connector 151 to be directly connected while exposing the external power connector 154. In this embodiment, the external / internal antenna 236 is shown in the specific case for the cassette player 230 as a typical antenna for radio / player connections. AM / FM utility radios require an antenna that is only internal or partially concealed in the 230 cassette player when the AM / fM radio is not in use. Antenna 236 is connected via cable 357 to plug connector 358 of flap 356. Hole 359 is located in the flap so that it coincides with the power connector 154 of the modular unit 31 and is sized to allow the connection and connection of the power connector 154 from the external plug. power source (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the internal power source from the cassette player 230 may be connected to the connector 154 of the modular unit 31 by connecting to a power plug connector located on the flap 356 in the opening 359.

In Figure 13, the headset and control panel of Figures 11 or 12 are not shown for clarity, and the cassette player 230 includes a cassette holder 231, display screen 232, control knobs 233 and 234, and antenna 236. Electronic sound systems such like the portable radio / cassette player 230, they are produced in various configurations. Although only one such configuration is presented, it does not in any way limit the type of electronic sound system that can be used in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 14 shows an example of an electronic device in the form of a general-purpose portable AM ​​/ FM radio cassette player that has been modified for use in a modular telecommunications unit. The versatility and possibility of various applications of modular units 31 and 131 according to the invention are also presented. As mentioned above. each of the modular units 31 can be used in such applications. Modular units 31 and 131 provide telecommunications properties for the main electronic equipment. Of course, in some technologies they can be reduced to a single card in modular units 31 and 131.

Referring to Fig. 14, the AM / FM 240 portable cassette player is a typical radio / cassette player that has been modified to utilize the telecommunications functions of the modular unit 31 or 131. The cassette player 180 449 AM / FM 240 radio typical components such as the 241 antenna, 242 display, 243 speakers and internal power supply (not shown). The AM / FM 240 cassette player also has connections to headphones (not shown) that have been matched to the 363 or 368 headset. One modification is the addition of a 361 bay adapted to receive and electrically connect a 31 or 131 modular unit. It has also been added keypad 362 so that the user can control the telecommunications functions of each of the modular units 31, 131.

One of the modular units 31, 131 is received in bay 361 of the radio / cassette player 240. The modular unit 31 or 131 uses the 241 antenna and display 242, which are typical features of the radio / cassette player 240. The telecommunications functions of the modular unit 31 or 131 are controlled using the 362 keypad. Voice communication included in the telecommunications functions is provided by 364 and 365 headphones and a 366 headset microphone. Alternatively, a typical radio / cassette player may be modified to include a transceiver in the form of an infrared transceiver or 367 short range radio with a 368 headset.

Referring to Fig. 11, 12, 13 and 14, although the presented embodiments describe the telecommunications properties that are contained in utility electronic sound systems, i.e. in portable radio / cassette players 210, 220, 230 and in the portable cassette player - radio AM / FM 240, in another embodiment, the modular units 31 or 131 are integrated into the usable electronic sound system, and are not separate connected modules such as the modular unit 31 or 131. In another embodiment of the invention, the keypad for controlling the telecommunications functions of the modular unit 31 or 131 is arranged on a consumer electronic sound system, such as a portable radio / cassette player 210, 220, 230, or as a portable cassette player - AM / FM 240 radio. Modular units 31 and 131 can be made in analog or digital technology.

Figure 15 shows the installation of the modular unit 131 of Fig. 7 in a car stereo AM / FM radio cassette player 250. The stereo device 250 is a typical car stereo device that has been modified to include a mounting bay 371 for receiving the modular unit 131 As mentioned, this module is modified due to the PCMCIA standard. The two modular units 31 and 131 described are equally suitable for this application. The classic car stereo device has therefore been modified to the stereo AM / FM radio of the 250 cassette player, which in particular adopts the modular unit 131, taking advantage of its advantages. The stereo device 250 can also be modified to accept a specific modular unit 31, taking advantage of its advantages.

As shown in Figure 15, the car stereo device 250 has standard components such as speakers 251 and 252, display 254 and key block 255. Speakers 251 and 252, display 254 and key block 255 are connected to system connector 133 of modular unit 131 via a connector modular 374. The car stereo device 250 also has an antenna 256 and a power supply 253 which is connected via power line 376 with contacts 375 and 377 of a specially adapted modular connector 374, which are arranged to ensure cooperation and matching with the switching power contacts 149a or 149b, shown in fig 4. Similarly, antenna cable 378 connects to terminal 379 of modular connector 374, which is arranged to cooperate and match with antenna connector 149c shown in Figure 4. It can be seen in this particular embodiment that the advantages of connecting the antenna and additional power source without the need for external connections from the end 34a. The modular unit 131 can simply be inserted into the opening of the cavity 373, as a result of which the system connector 133 fits into the modular connector 374, so that the telecommunications system is ready for operation.

The stereo device 250, shown in Figure 15, may be a typical automotive stereo device that has been modified to include a module 12

180 449 telecommunications unit. The stereo device 250 has typical speakers 251 and 252. Typical speakers on AM / FM radios are designed to provide sound. The unit functions and tuning of the stereo device are shown on the 254 display, and the control panel provides a unit for tuning and selecting the appropriate FM / FM radio functions. In this case, it is unusual to use a modular unit 131 or 31, in combination with a typical car stereo, to provide both entertainment and telecommunications functions. Similarly, the addition of a 381 microphone may not be typical in car stereo devices, but is used here to provide the user with the ability to generate telecommunications signals using such equipment. The separate keypad or 383 keypad shown is intended to provide telecommunications functions for the modular unit 31. The 383 keypad is connected to the stereo device 250 by a 384 cable. A 383 keyboard or 381 microphone can be used, or both, with a display panel for indicating start signal. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a control panel 255 is used, which controls the typical features of the car stereo device 250, to control the telecommunications functions of the modular unit 31.

The electronic sound equipment according to the invention, such as the car stereo device 250, has the full functionality of a stereo device, i.e. a radio / cassette player, and the modular unit 131 provides additional telecommunications properties. Of course, electronic sound equipment should be modified not only to receive the modular unit 131, but also to generate user signals with its help. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modular unit 131 or 31 is a telecommunications module for voice transmissions, providing digital or analog cellular technology to a stereo communication device 250. In another embodiment of the invention, the modular unit 131 or 31 is a data communication card, e.g. in Mobitex or paging format, that receives messages on display 254 and uses either key block 255 or keyboard 383 to receive and enter data . If a larger display size is needed, a larger display can be mounted on a car stereo device 250, as is the addition of a 383 keyboard. Modular units 31 or 131 can be modified to include appropriate software to redirect information to the 254 display.

Figure 16 is a block diagram illustrating switching according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The 910 electronic sound system includes the classic 920 electronic sound components, such as a radio receiver, recording media player, or both. Typical 920 electronic sound components are connected to the 930 switching assembly. The modular unit 940 includes a telecommunications transceiver 945 and is also connected to a switching unit 930. The telecommunications transceiver 945 of the modular unit 940 is adapted to communicate with at least one of the standardized 950 wireless networks in accordance with at least one pre-selected communication standard.

Figure 16 shows a switching assembly 930 that is connected to support components 960. Support components 960 are typical electronic support components for typical 920 electronic audio components and for new support electronic components, or for both groups that are necessary to support telecommunications functions modular unit 940. 960 support components may include, but are not limited to, loudspeakers, microphones, headsets, keypads, keyboards, monitors, electrical power sources, and the like. In addition, all or some of the support components 960 may be located inside the electronic sound system 910, outside this system 910, or in both positions.

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Referring to Fig. 16, the switching assembly 930 switches the connection of the assisting components 960 between the classic electronic sound components 920 and the modular unit 940. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the switching assembly 930 is a simple manual switch. In another preferred embodiment, the switching assembly 930 is a device using hands-free telephone answering technology. Examples of such technology are known. Although the hands-free phone answering technology itself is known, developing a combination of this technology with other aspects of the present invention is considered as part of the present invention.

Figure 17 is an algorithm diagram illustrating an example of the process used in the present invention for hands-free phone answering technology. The process starts by accepting the incoming call in step 610. The incoming call is routed further depending on the condition of the telephone or electronic sound equipment. If the telephone or electronic sound device is in an off state, the incoming call is directed to step 622 to perform the voice notification in step 630. If the telephone or the electronic sound equipment is in a busy state, i.e. during a call, the incoming call is directed to step 624 for performing voice notification at step 630. If the telephone or electronic sound equipment is in a waiting state, the incoming call is routed in step 626 to step 640. In step 640, the system sends a buzzer signal to the speakers or headset of the electronic sound equipment and reduces the sound volume in that equipment. If there is no answer to the incoming call in step 640, i.e. the user does not "pick up the telephone handset", the incoming call is directed in step 640 to voice notification in step 630. If the user answers the incoming call in response to the buzzer signal in step 640, the incoming call is routed at step 640 to step 650 defining the "call in progress" status. When the "call in progress" status 650 is completed, the user hangs up and "hangs up", then the electronic equipment returns to the standby state and normal volume and playback mode are restored in step 660.

Figure 18 is an algorithm diagram illustrating an example of a hands-free telephone answering technology used in accordance with the invention for a data communication function. The process begins with an incoming data call received in step 710. An incoming data call is routed from step 710 depending on the state of the electronic sound device equipped with a modem. If the electronic device is in an off state, the incoming call is routed in step 722 to the mailbox in which it is stored and from which it can be forwarded in step 730. If the electronic sound equipment is in a busy state, that is, the previous calls, the incoming call is directed in step 724 to the mailbox in which it is stored and from which it can be forwarded in step 730. When the electronic audio device is in the standby mode, the incoming data call is directed in step 726 to step 740. In step 740, a buzzer signal is generated to indicate that an incoming data call is taking place. If automatic dial-up or automatic modem answering is not activated, the incoming call is routed in step 740 to the mailbox in which it is stored and from which it can be forwarded in step 750. At the end of the current connection, the modem disconnects and terminates the connection, and the electronic sound device returns to its original volume and function, and goes into standby in step 760.

Figure 19 is an algorithm diagram illustrating the process of accepting an incoming call in the Radio Data System (RDS). The process starts with calling incoming voice information or data in step 810. Detection of an incoming call starts RDS information in step 820, and the telecommunications unit receives the call. The routing of an incoming call depends on the mode in which the telecommunications unit is located. If a telecommunications unit

180 449 is in an off state, the incoming call is routed in step 832 to the mailbox in which the voice information is stored and from which it can be forwarded in step 840. If the telecommunications unit is in a busy state, i.e. it serves an earlier call, the incoming call is directed at step 834 to the mailbox where the voice information is stored and from which it can be forwarded at step 840. If the telecommunications unit is in a waiting state, the incoming call is routed in step 836 to step 850. In step 850, a buzzer signal is generated and the RDS electronic equipment reduces the sound of the electronic sound system. If the incoming call is not received, the incoming call is directed in step 850 to the mailbox where the voice information is stored and from which it can be forwarded in step 840. When an incoming call is received, it is converted to the currently supported call in step 860. When call handling is terminated, the telecommunications unit is disconnected or interrupts communication, and the RDS electronic equipment restores the volume to normal status and sets the telecommunications unit in standby mode in step 870.

Figure 20 shows another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, it is proposed to place a modular unit 31 in a measuring device 410. The device measures and records the numerical quantities of such elements as electricity, gas or the like. A modular unit 31 or 131 is used in the system, depending on the requirement for an external antenna. The reference to modular unit 31, not 131, is for illustrative purposes only. The measuring device 410 has a modular unit input socket in the form of a mounting bay 511 for installing the modular unit 31. The mounting bay 511 has side walls 512 and a front opening 513. The matched multi-pin modular connector 514 is arranged along the end wall 515 to match the system connector 33 modular unit 31. Measuring device 410 has a display 414 for displaying numerical information. The cable 418 connects the display 414 with the numerical information for the display 414 with the correspondingly assigned contacts of the multi-pin modular connector 514.

As shown in Fig. 20, the rear housing 134a of the modular unit 31 has a recess 134 containing connectors 151 and 154. The connector 151 is preferably a coaxial connector adapted to connect the antenna 138, and the connector 154 is intended to connect external power to the modular unit 31. Structure antenna 138 is also shown in the position for attachment to the rear of the housing 134a of the modular unit 31. AC / DC power (not shown) supplies external electrical power to the modular unit 31 from an external source. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the multi-pin system connector 33 of the modular unit 31 is modified such that it draws power from the internal power source 415 of the measuring device 410 via a wire 419 and a matched multi-pin modular connector 514.

In a solution that uses a modular unit 131 instead of a modular unit 31, the measuring device 410 includes a feed from the power source 415 and an antenna 416. The feed from the power source 415 is connected to the power contacts at the matched power connector 514 by cable 419. The power contacts at the matched power connector 514 are adapted to be connected to the power contacts 149a and 149b of the system connector 133 shown in Fig. 4. Antenna 416 is connected to the antenna contact at the matched connector via cable 417. Antenna contacts at the matched modular connector 514 connect to pin 149c of the system connector 133 shown in Fig. 4.

Although Fig. 20 shows the measuring device as a utility meter, the invention can be applied to other equipment such as electric meters, gas meters, pipe gauges, container movement meters or the like that produce numerical or other information that is sent to a central Database. The present invention finds application in both commercial and utility applications. The combination of a telecommunications transceiver with a utility meter that provides numerical information up to 180,449 is considered to be part of the present invention. Users can receive numerical data displayed on measuring device 410 through communication with the telecommunications module of this measuring device 410. This allows the user not only to download data from the measuring device 410, but also to remotely monitor and control the device, reader or other equipment. The use of a modular unit 31 or 131, which operates in a packet switching system, such as Mobitex, ensures secure data transmission. The size of the radio modem on the module, such as the PCMCIA module, allows easy operation and service by replacing the faulty module with a new module.

Modular units 31 and 131 can have many applications. From a design point of view, they can be relatively thick, on the order of 10.5 mm, and the specific electronic equipment must be modified to accept such units. System connector 33 of modular unit 31 may include a standard 3.0 mm PCMCIA connector. In addition, as already described, the system connector 33 on the edge of the card may include specially routed power contacts 149a and 149b to connect in some situations more power for more consumption.

In addition, the antenna connectors, as well as special power connectors, allow the use of a modular unit with the minimum number of necessary adaptations required in electronic systems or equipment. Thanks to this, the presented system enables the construction of modular radio communication units flexibly adapting to different standards and different conditions, which can be used in standard card slots in various electronic devices that are on the market.

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FIG. 2

UP Department of Publications. Circulation of 70 copies

Price PLN 4.00