Multiplex communications – Communication over free space – Repeater
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-15
2001-05-15
Olms, Douglas (Department: 2661)
Multiplex communications
Communication over free space
Repeater
C370S310000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06233228
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to communication systems and more particularly to an architecture for a personal communication system which provides full duplex digital voice and data communications between multiple users via both wireless and wired systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Wireless communications are well known. Such systems as walkie talkies, CB radios, and cellular telephones utilize wireless communications to facilitate point-to-point communications between individuals at different locations.
Such wireless communications systems typically utilize well known half duplex or talk-then-listen radio methodology wherein a user can listen to an incoming communication, or can speak, but not both simultaneously. Such half duplex wireless communication systems use either a push button control or the like or alternatively use a voice operated switch (VOX) to change the mode of the transceiver from receive to transmit.
While such contemporary wireless communication systems have generally been suitable for their intended purposes, they possess the inherent deficiency of requiring explicit actuation of the transmit mode via such a manually operated or automatic switch and also suffer from the inherent deficiency of not permitting an incoming communication when the transceiver is in the transmit mode.
Of course, requiring an operator to manually actuate the transmit mode, typically via a push button switch, necessitates that the operator use a hand (or possibly a foot) to key the microphone. Such explicit operation of the transceiver is not only a distraction, but may also be extremely undesirable in instances where the operator's hands (and possibly feet) are otherwise occupied. For example, tank drivers, aircraft pilots, helicopter pilots, etc., particularly when engaged in demanding maneuvers, may not be able to perform such manipulations, or may do so only at the risk of neglecting some other task which requires immediate attention.
Voice operated switches have been developed in an attempt to mitigate the problems associated with manually operated half duplex transceivers. However, such voice operated switches introduce an altogether new set of problems. Such problems include the operation of a voice operated switch in a high noise environment and the necessity of properly adjusting the sensitivity of the voice operated switch in such a high noise environment. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, high levels of ambient noise frequently result in the undesirable and inadvertent keying or actuation of the voice operated switch, such that no actual voice transmission is broadcast and the transceiver is prevented from accepting incoming transmissions.
Also, the user of such a voice operated switch in a high noise environment must speak louder than normal, so as to actuate even a properly adjusted voice operated switch. Such loud speaking can be fatiguing and may even result in hoarseness or other voice-related problems.
Regardless of what type of half duplex transceiver is utilized (manually actuated or VOX), another problem associated with such half duplex systems is the inadvertent keying thereof. Manually operated switches have an undesirable tendency to stick in the actuated position, thereby resulting in constant transmission and the inability to receive broadcasts from other transceivers. Thus, the operator who has such a stuck key can not even be notified by other individuals, who are listening to the inadvertent broadcast, that his key is stuck in the actuator position, since the individual who has the stuck key is incapable of receiving broadcasts due to half duplex operation of the transceiver. Further, as discussed above, voice operated switches may become inadvertently actuated due to high ambient noise levels.
As such, it is clear that a full duplex transceiver for point-to-point communications would be desirable.
Wire intercoms are also well known. Frequently, such intercoms are configured such that a plurality of users may talk simultaneously with respect to one another and each user may talk while listening to the conversations of a plurality of users. Thus, conversations via such wired intercoms tend to be much more natural than those taking place via wireless, half-duplex wireless communication systems.
It would further be desirable to provide intercom-like operation of the radio transceivers, such that they are capable of receiving a plurality of separate transmissions simultaneously, while the user is speaking. In this manner, each transceiver will pick up the broadcast of all other transceivers so as to provide a much more natural means for communication.
It would further be desirable to provide a comprehensive communications system which integrates wireless communications with wired intercom communications, such that persons utilizing a wired communications system, such as that of a tank, aircraft, helicopter, etc., may readily communicate among one another, and may also, simultaneously if desired, communicate with persons who are not part of the wired intercom system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention comprises a method for providing full duplex digital communications between multiple users, the method comprising the steps of: a universal adaptor interface (UAI) receiving a plurality of wireless communications; the universal adaptor interface combining or multiplexing the plurality of wireless communications into a composite signal; the universal adaptor interface transmitting the composite signal; and at least one personal communications (PCU) unit receiving the composite signal. The universal adapter interface (UAI) comprises a radio repeater and the personal communications unit (PCU) comprises a radio transceiver.
Multiplexing the plurality of wireless communication facilitates simultaneous reception thereof by the personal communications unit. The step of multiplexing the plurality of wireless communications into a composite signal preferably comprising summing the wireless communications together. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other methods of multiplexing the wireless communications together to form a composite signal are likewise suitable. For example, the wireless communications may be time spliced or otherwise multiplexed into a signal data stream. Preferably, the wireless communications are summed over a predetermined interval so as to define a frame.
The step of receiving a plurality of wireless communications may comprise either receiving a plurality of audio signals, a plurality of data signals, or a combination of both audio and data signals. Thus, the composite signal may comprise either audio signals, data signals, or a combination of audio and data signals.
Optionally, the universal adaptor interface also receives one wired intercom signal, which again may comprise either voice or data. The wired intercom signal is combined with the plurality of wireless communications to form the composite signal.
The personal communication units are configured so as to cooperate with the universal adaptor interface when a universal adaptor interface is available, as to provide centralized control of a network defined by the personal communications unit and the interface adaptor.
In the group mode one UAI can co-operate with another UAI repeater, just as it can cooperate with a PCU.
The universal adaptor interface optionally transmits a composite signal to the wired intercom. In this manner, the universal adaptor interface provides an optional bridge between wired and wireless communications in a manner which allows all of the users of both the wired and wireless communications to speak simultaneously and also to hear all of the conversations via the composite signal received thereby.
The personal communication units are also preferably configured so as to cooperate with one another when a universal adaptor interface is un
Collar Stuart John
Fitzpatrick Brian James
Jacklin William Edward
Stratmoen Scott Alan
Anderson Terry J.
Hoch, Jr. Karl J.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Olms Douglas
Pizarro Ricardo M.
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