Mobile radio terminal having an additional integrated radiotelephone module

p0001description

p0002MOBILE-terminal device SUPPLEMENTAL INTEGRATED RADIO TRANSMISSION MODULE

p0003The invention relates to a mobile radio terminal with addi^¬ cher radiotelephone functionality.

p0004Traditional State bodies and organizations and companies with safety or rescue tasks use alongside public telephone connections - previously only available as landline connections - mobile Nachrichtenver¬ compounds such as the police radio or voice connections. Only in this way an employee or Einsatzgruppen operating locally were before the introduction of Mobilfunk¬ networks reliably can be achieved even if no line-terephthalic was lefonverbindung available or can be prepared.

p0005The technical infrastructure of wireless messaging systems was and is completely independent of the performance-bound telephone network; in particular, this also applies to the respective terminals.

p0006With the mass spread of mobile technology and in industrialized countries now virtually complete coverage by at least one mobile network to mobile accessibility has become commonplace onsnetz over a public telecommunications. It is understood that the ge called institutions and companies which took advantage MobiIfunknetze well as private individuals and business enterprises. Thus their employees are in the vast majority of potential

p0007Locations easy and relatively reliable erreich¬ bar. Because of this already special Nutzungs¬ have shapes of cellular networks emerged as the train radio according to the standard GSM-R, the assigned a separate frequency range of 4 MHz wide at 900 MHz with 19 channels bekom- men earned. Since this frequency band publicly ge directly to the^¬ adjacent unused EGSM area, the usage has vor¬ handener, with regard to the operating frequency slightly modi¬ fiziertem mobile terminal modules for this service. It is understood that in use of public mobile networks unaltered standard mobile phones can be used.

p0008The mentioned institutions, organizations and companies stel¬ but len ​​to the mobile communication part requirements which may be prohibited or restricted to be met by the public mobile networks. These include the Diens¬ te

p0009- Voice Broadcast Service (VBS) = directed collective of a subscriber to a subscriber group,

p0010- Voice Group Cail Service (VGCS) = group with Sprech¬ handover possibility of a button,

p0011- Enhanced Multi-Level Precedence and Premption (eMLPP) = connection with higher priority and displacement of compounds with low priority,

p0012- Functional Addressing = Dynamic Number Allocation,

p0013- Location Dependent Addressing = dependent on the location connection. However, there are activities underway to offer by expanding the network functionality such services in networks based on the GSM standard normal.

p0014Another problem in the use of public Mobil¬ radio networks through is with safety and rescue tasks entrusted institutions and companies, at least for eini¬ ge users, the requirement of accessibility also at points that are not, or at least not reliably covered by GSM networks be such as in stairwells of tall buildings, basements, canals or wells or underground. To zu¬ reliable availability of staff to ensure even at such points and to have them available in other functions of the type described above, regardless of economically motivated and limited efforts by individual mobile network operators, is on the availability of voice transmission connections, parallel to cellular connections, festgehal¬ th.

p0015With regard to the equipment of the mentioned institutions and companies with the means for mobile communication is also pay attention to be¬ that it may possibly be necessary

p0016- To use a frequency range for communication which is not adjacent to the frequency range of the mobile radio network,

p0017- To use a modulation method that to the modulation process of mobile phones is not compatible,

p0018-. To require greater transmission output power when mo- offer telephones nor er¬ by so-called retrofitting enough who can, - To support special performance such as closed repeater function between other handsets,

p0019- Network independent to underside functions VBS, VGCS, eMLPP, Func tional Addressing, Location Dependent Addressing support.

p0020Based on the principles described, it has in the past attempts to retrofit conventional Mobilte¬ telephones to meet a portion of said requirements given. Go Here auszu¬ of a conventional mobile phone, must be substantiated by the technical sophistication and low cost. These experiments have had only limited success.

p0021The invention therefore has the task of providing ei¬ nes improved mobile radio terminal of the generic type is based, which be variably adapted to the specific needs of different users in the public safety and emergency services and thus suitable for a wide distribution and a long (moral ) Lebens¬ to have life.

p0022This object is achieved by a mobile terminal paint having the features of claim 1. Expedient refinements of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

p0023An essential idea of ​​the invention is to provide a transmission of two independent receiving units, which can be operated individually or in particular also at the same time, existing multi-function handset. One of these units is designed for operation in a mobile radio network, in particular according to the GSM standard, and the other adapted for radiotelephone operation.

p0024Due to the inevitable in the described application and also enforceable higher equipment costs associated with the request extensive variability, offers vorge troubled modular concept over previous development approaches significant advantages: It is possible kostengüns¬ term standard GSM modules in the mobile part as well einzuset- zen like higher GSM GPRS modules or HSCSD or

p0025UMTS modules. Furthermore, in addition to the now customary Du¬ alband modules on tri-band modules even quad-band modules are reset resorted zu¬ unless the potential territorial Ξinsatzbereich of users ranging from the local coverage area of ​​GSM networks also, optionally are also mobile modules of different transmission power classes usable. Similarly, can the proposed modular device design voice modules processing parameters with different performance and multiple versions of the interface, that ments in accordance with the concrete Nutzeranforde¬, installing.

p0026By separating the two systems mutual Be¬ is influencing (eg the protocol stack or operating system) kept low, and both modules can be independently of one another to develop and deploy advanced replacement modules. Applications for both modules can be, weit¬ continuously without annoying constraints from the other module, develop needed. For this purpose, the appropriate choice of encoding method, including CTCSS counts (Continues Tone Code Squelch System) or DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) or the implementation of specific operating frequencies. A further development of the modular concept is the choice of standard enclosures or industrial grade or outdoor enclosures, consisting of choosing appropriate power supplies other (as with high-performance batteries for long-term use) or choosing to specific requirements-fitted elements of the user interface as capsules about Hör¬ or speakers or handsfree. Finally, the modular concept also allows zuver¬ more casual and less expensive provision of spare parts or components or retrofitting weiterentwi¬ oped modules that - in accordance with the roadmaps of manufacturers of GSM modules - are backward compatible.

p0027Finally, the proposed modular concept offers, due to its great variability and adaptability for extreme requirements the potential advantage, essential components (based on the relatively small number of required support) in reasonably large numbers abset¬ zen and thus keep prices in an acceptable framework to.

p0028For ease of implementation of the above-mentioned advantages, the mobile radio transmitting / Empfangsmo- is in a preferred embodiment, module and / or the voice transmission / reception module interchangeable as off, essentially closed block, insbesonde¬ re with standardized connector configuration for GE häuse- internal connections are formed. Exploiting the opportunities of these preferred embodiments requires the establishment of a predetermined ( "standardized") internal connecting figuration and the available interior volume for each module, but this appears to be practically feasible. Another embodiment provides that in addition to a radio and a Microphone interface other parts of the mobile Benutzer¬, in particular at least a portion of Dis¬ plays and / or parts of an input keyboard and / or voice control means, at the same time parts of the voice user interface ¬ stelle form. This allows in particular the area required for the display and control elements also limits be¬ when the size of each item should not be reduced too much (in the sense easier readability and operability under difficult conditions). Zu¬ the can with this design simplifications of Be¬ dienung reach for the user.

p0029For much of the meaningful applications suited particularly a shock-resistant and waterproof handsets housing. Although this is slightly more expensive than a standard housing, it corresponds in a particular way the high demands An¬ potential users. In this sense, ei¬ ne special dimensioning and ergonomically advantageous design and / or optical highlighting the main elements of advantage.

p0030A further preferred embodiment provides for automatic or interactive mode switching means for switching between see a mobile operation and a voice service before. In a further development of this embodiment, the Be¬ have operating mode switching means switching detection means wel¬ che in response to the input of a predetermined Mobil¬ radio call number and the detection of insufficient field strength of the mobile network or of the absence of the desired compound, a control signal for switching on a pretreated agreed radio communication spend. Another Fortbil¬ tion of this idea provides that the mode conversion comprise switching medium ümschalt detecting means, which outputs a control signal for viewing or for selecting a predetermined mobile phone number in response to the activation of a predetermined Sprech¬ radio connection and the detection of the absence of the desired compound.

p0031The mentioned change on the one hand er¬ follow automatically, alternatively - and from this side perspective preferable - it is performed by the user due to a significant ceptible ren display a toggle option itself. In this latter embodiment, the operating mode switching means switching display means for visual and / or audible or telemetric display a Shift-Option and trigger means for implementing the Shift option in arrival respond to a particular single-step, input by the user or a remote control signal on.

p0032Another expedient embodiment in which advantageously of good possibilities of mobile networks are exercised, provides for the use of established there authentication tisierungsmechanismen for the voice component of the proposed device before. In this sense the Sprech¬ are radio-transmitting / receiving module walkie-authorization means arranged zu¬ which approximately convey the input side with standard authentication of the mobile transmitter / receiver module are connected, in turn, data on a SIM card of a verglei¬ relevant processing a user-side input, more particularly special entering a PIN or biometric data undergo.

p0033If certain users against the Sicherheitsstan¬ of GSM networks dard even greater demands on the Autori¬ consist tion of radio communication, the talk can funk authorization means comprise additional voice-authentication mecha- medium that enable activation of the voice radio transmitter / receiver module only in response to a zusätzli¬ chen user-end input.

p0034In a particularly easy, even in extreme situations, to be¬ serving embodiments, portions of both Benutzerschnitt¬ filters operating in parallel to operationally relevant Informatio¬ NEN via both communication paths at once and have parallel avail- able or to be able to enter. For this particular insbeson has the display a predetermined mobile-display area and a predetermined voice-display area, which are connected to separate mobile-display control means or a speaker phone display control means and the simultaneous display of information on an optional wireless operation and

p0035Radiotelephone operating permit. Similarly, may be seen vorge that an input keyboard or a corresponding input portion of a touch screen displays a display portion vorbestimm¬ th and marked optically accordingly mobile input and having voice input section.

p0036Finally, this approach assigns under an embodiment in which an OK / confirmation button and / or a call acceptance and / or end button or corresponding portions stelle ei¬ nes touchscreen display of the mobile phone and the speaker phone Benutzerschnitt- user interface Elle be shared. This operator error in Nutzungssi- be particular situations with extreme mental stress avoided.

p0037Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the rest of the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the Figu¬ ren Of these: FIG. Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a mobile radio terminal according to the invention in the form of a (simplified) functional block diagram,

p0038Fig. 2 is a schematic external view of a erfindungsgemä¬ SSEN mobile radio terminal as a plan view,

p0039Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a portion of the

p0040Control panel of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the invention,

p0041Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a section Funktionsab¬ a mobile radio terminal for a Aus¬ guide of the invention, and

p0042Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a further Funkti¬ onsabschnittes a mobile radio terminal according to an embodiment of the invention,

p0043FIG. 1 schematically shows the basic structure of the related to the invention substantial portions of a combined cellular / voice-terminal 1. Herein controls a Cont¬ roller 3 all device functions 5 powered by a battery power supply with electricity. A mobile part is formed by a GSM / GPRS module 7, which (in known manner) a cellular antenna 9 and authentication associated sierungsmittel 11 that include a SIM card IIa. A voice part of the combination device 1 is formed by a radiotelephone transmitter / receiver unit 13, which is associated with a 15 radiotelephone antenna.

p0044To control the device functions by the user via the controller 3, a user interface 17 is provided, the - includes a display 17a, a Ein¬ membrane keypad 17b, a Microphone 17c, 17d an earpiece and (optional) additional interface elements 17e - in a conventional manner. The user interface 17 is used to display device functions or news that affects both devices sections, as well as for inputs in connection with two basic functions of the combination unit 1.

p0045FIG. 2 shows an exemplary appearance of Kombinationsgerä- tes 1. The device has a rugged, largely shock-resistant, waterproof and dustproof housing 19 set for the outdoor inputs. In the example shown, the housing 19 is provided with a bracket 21, which also serves as a handle and Trag¬ loop and the mobile communication antenna 9 and / or the radiotelephone antenna 15 (see FIG. 1) can accommodate.

p0046The ausge¬ in the usual manner as backlit LCD display led display 17a is here in two (not separate be¬ recorded) display portions divided of which is intended for display in connection with the cellular function of the device, the upper (larger), while the lower (smaller) is provided for display in connection with the speaker phone functionality. On the front side of the Gehäu¬ ses 19 is located (in the usual way in itself), the input keyboard 17b. This includes (not separately designated) keys alone to operate the mobile portion serve (as alphanumeric keys for entering numbers and text production), of two devices sections together ge used keys (about softkeys for menu control) and finally separate for both units portions keys (in the example shown as separate answer keys 23.1, 23.2 and termination keys 25.1, 25.2. in order to transfer Texts or signaling, the keyboard (and other buttons) are optionally used in radios range.

p0047In addition to the front keyboard 17b 19 additional input elements are provided on both side surfaces of the housing 17e of the functional unit of FIG. 1 are assigned. Beispiel¬ way input elements left side to Be¬ dienung the mobile segment are in the apparatus shown in Fig. 2 27.1 (seen from above) on the provided while provided on the right side controls are 27.2 adapted to Be¬ dienung the voice section. It may be in these additional operating approximately Ein¬ adjustment elements for the volume, the screen brightness, for noise suppression, independent switching on and off of the device portions or manual switchover direct act between two sections, particularly preferably but to implement a "push to talk" feature.

p0048It should be noted that the keyboard and other controls in accordance with the specific requirements in Geräte¬ use ergonomically designed for ease of use and in particular sufficiently large, are clearly separated from one another and running rough. The assignments above spielsweise mentioned by way of soft later the specifications of the device developers or other specifications.

p0049Fig. 3 shows a relation to the keyboard 17b shown in FIG. 2 sectionally modified input keyboard 17b^x , This keyboard includes not only a conventional alphanumeric keys set 29 a navigation rocker 31, a delete key 33 and an OK button 35 for menu control (the OK button both used to operate the mobile segment as well as the voice section) and finally -a call acceptance Key 37 for both devices sections and a Beendigungs- key 39 for both devices portions.

p0050Fig. 4 shows a functional portion of one embodiment of the proposed Mobile / T-combination device which realizes a ümschaltung between two device functions in an appropriate manner. This equipment section υmfasst a first Erfassungs¬ connected to the input keyboard 17b unit 41 for detecting the valid entry of a mobile radio call number, a second detection unit 43 for Erfas¬ sung the local field strength of genutz¬ from combination unit th mobile radio network and a third sensing unit (Tough - plate unit) 45 for detecting a predetermined number of outgoing calls of the mobile section.

p0051The detection units 41 to 45 is connected downstream of a changeover detecting unit 47 which is rotated via the first Erfassungs¬ unit 41 in standby. In response to the detection of insufficient mobile field strength by the second detection unit 43 at the site of the Kombinati¬ onsgerätes ümschalt detection unit 47 are immediately removed from a switching signal to a voice-Umsehalteinheit 49th Likewise, the shift detection unit 47 outputs a switching signal if indeed sufficient network field strength is present, but a corresponding output signal of the third Er¬ detection unit 45 indicates the non-availability of the desired mobile phone number. This function is based on the assumption that a direct, automatic switching between the device functions without any additional manual operation by the user desired and Sprechfunkver¬ bond, is to switch to is selected.

p0052With dashed lines in FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative Opti¬ on, in which the change-detecting unit 47 outputs a display signal to the display 17a provides, if a switching is carried out on radio operation. After likelihood of ad perception on the display 17a actuates the user, in this alternative embodiment a corresponding element of the input keyboard 17b (about the OK button) and controls hier¬ to manually by the mode-switching unit 49th Such complicated functions can also be initiated remotely, via GSM and / or radio.

p0053Fig. 5 schematically shows a further functional portion of a erfindungsgemälϊen combination device which realizes the Autori¬ tion a telephone link. This section includes a voice authorization unit 51, which grants or denies access to the preprogrammed Sprechfunkverbindun¬ gen of the combination device. The walkie-Autorisierungseinhθit 51 is connected via a first input with the mobile authentication unit 11 connected to containing the SIM card IIa and in turn is connected to the PIN entry with the input keyboard 17b.

p0054Through another input (in the example shown here), the voice authorization unit 51_-,with a Sprachsteu- ereinheit 53, which in turn is connected to the input side to the transmitter capsule 17c of the combination device. It converts a here on input by voice code word in a "readable" by the voice authorization unit 51 data string. The walkie-authorization unit 51 includes logic processing means which link the inputs via both inputs and signaled to correct both inputs dec authorization of the supplying Nut¬ for the use of radio communication, an intercom func-enable signal outputs to the controller 3, which gives out its part of the voice portion frei¬. 13

p0055The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the examples and highlighted aspects beschrie¬ top surrounded, son¬ countries as possible in a variety of modifications which are within the scope of expert action.