Telecommunications – Receiver or analog modulated signal frequency converter – Cabinet – housing – or chassis structure
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-22
2004-08-31
Chin, Vivian (Department: 2682)
Telecommunications
Receiver or analog modulated signal frequency converter
Cabinet, housing, or chassis structure
Reexamination Certificate
active
06785531
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to a communication unit used in a motor vehicle. More specifically, this invention relates to a device that can be used to perform the functions of both a radio and a telephone while interfacing with the main communication unit installed in a motor vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the technological advancements in wireless communication, increasing number of automotive vehicles are being equipped with mobile communication devices, such as cellular phones. Nearly every vehicle is equipped with an audio system; such as radio player, a cassette tape, a CD player or a combination thereof. Therefore, it is desirable to integrate the communication device and the audio system such that each system takes into account the presence of another system. For example, it would be desirable for the audio system to inhibit its production of sound while a call is in progress in the cellular phone.
As the communication devices and the audio system installed in an automotive vehicle gets more and more sophisticated and expensive, there have been increased number of anti-theft devices to prevent the theft of such expensive equipment. An area of particular focus and significance in the field of automotive anti-theft devices concerns the security and protection of car stereo system component units, which oftentimes have a radio receiver and amplifier along with a tape cassette or compact disc player combined in a single unit. Typical measures taken to discourage thieves include rendering the radio inoperable in a visible manner. This can be done by providing a radio alarm or by allowing for removal of the entire radio when the vehicle operator leaves the vehicle. Thus in addition, to increase the security of the highly sophisticated equipment installed in an automotive vehicle, it is highly desirable to integrate the communication system and the audio system in one unit to reduce the complexity and expense of the overall system. Integration of both the systems will prevent additional costs of have more than one anti-theft device installed in one automobile. Further, the audio function and telephone functions can be combined in one secure panel such that common components can be shared. Additionally, thieves can be discouraged by allowing an occupant to remove the entire radio bezel when the operator leaves the vehicle so the car radio loses its appearance and functionality as a car radio. Further, some are designed such that an operator may remove only an essential portion of a bezel to render the radio inoperable. Removing only the bezel is easier than requiring the removal of the entire radio since the overall radio tends to be heavy and bulky. Similarly, there have been a number of anti-theft devices have been developed to prevent the theft of the mobile phone as a separate unit. Such devices may include providing a protective housing for the mobile phone or locking the mobile phone in a docking unit. However, having separate anti-theft devices for the audio system and the communication device increase the overall cost of such equipment.
In addition, to increase the security of the highly sophisticated equipment installed in an automotive vehicle, it is highly desirable to integrate the communication system and the audio system in one unit to reduce the complexity and expense of the overall system. Integration of both the systems will prevent additional costs of having more man one anti-theft device installed in one automobile. Further, the audio function and telephone functions can be combined in one secure panel such that common components can be shared.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a modular communication system to be installed in a motor vehicle. The communication system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention includes a base unit and a removable unit. The base unit is provided with a cavity to insert the removable unit. The communication system is rendered inoperable when the removable unit is removed from the base unit. The removable unit is provided with two surfaces that perform different function. In particular when the removable unit is inserted into the base unit and the first surface is exposed then the communication system operates as a radio player. The removable unit is capable of being reversed such that second surface is exposed, then the communication system operates as a telephone unit.
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Gallichan Kevin Langley
Lepley Geoffrey Peter
Miles Dean Anthony
Robberts Nicholas James
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Chin Vivian
Phu Sanh
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
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