RU2211159C1 - Loudspeaker communication device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport engineering. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to electronic equipment of vehicles and is designed to provide radiotelephone communication with drivers on the route. Proposed device contains central control unit coupled with vehicle security-and-antitheft subsystem and User's telephone numbers and secret codes storage unit. Oral messages storage unit and timer and fuel feed control units are connected to central control unit. One or several mobile telephone sets and loudspeaker are also provided. Moreover, set includes loudspeaker communication control unit with built-in sound signaling unit and Blue-tooth-communication unit made for radio exchange with mobile telephone sets, loudspeaker control and programming extension unit built-in light indicators, voice order storage unit, call melody and service sound signal storage unit, noise reduction and acoustic echo suppression unit and radio tape-recorder muting or switching off unit. EFFECT: provision of compatibility of vehicle loudspeaker communication mounting set with different models of mobile telephone sets, enlarged service capabilities provided by loudspeaker communication. 1 dwg

Description

 The invention relates to electronic equipment of vehicles (TS) and is intended to provide the driver with radiotelephone communication while the vehicle is in motion.

 In recent years, wireless technologies have been widely used that provide remote connection of a subscriber to a public telephone network, including a GSM standard mobile cellular network. These are the so-called picocell fixed-line networks deployed in the premises of enterprises, offices, warehouses, etc.

 One of the most widely used wireless standards in pico-cell networks is Bluetooth and IEEE 802.

 Thus, a known system using Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to cellular telephone networks of mobile communications (US 2002/0132582, N 04 V 5/00, 09/19/2002), which includes mobile phones with built-in modules of a pico cell wireless network Bluetooth connectivity.

 Devices of this type are not recommended for negotiating during the movement of the vehicle, because, holding a mobile phone in his hands, the driver violates the rules of the road and creates a threat to other participants. In this regard, the widespread use of car kits for hands-free calls (hands free, or “free hands”) devices that provide the vehicle driver with the opportunity to talk on a cell phone without holding it in his hands.

 A typical car speakerphone (hereinafter referred to as the speakerphone) includes a microphone, a speaker, a mobile phone holder and a connecting cable. The use of speakerphone on board the vehicle significantly reduces the likelihood of dangerous situations on the road.

 The specified class of devices also includes an automobile telephone device capable of performing security and anti-theft functions, according to the application GB 2363287, 60 R 25/10, G 08 B 25/10, N 04 M 11/04, 06/17/2000, which is the prototype of this inventions.

This device contains a central control unit associated with a unit for storing data on telephones (telephone numbers) and secret codes of the vehicle owner or an authorized person (hereinafter, the vehicle user), with a security and anti-theft subsystem of the vehicle and with a data input unit, a timer and control unit power supply, connected to the on-board power supply network and to the output of the security part of the anti-theft security system of the vehicle, a voice message memory unit connected to one of the outputs of the central control unit, a mobile phone with installation m hands-free kit, including a microphone and loudspeaker, a mobile phone holder and a connecting cable, while the outputs of the data storage unit for telephone numbers and secret codes of the vehicle user and voice message memory are connected to the corresponding inputs of the mobile phone holder, and the central control unit made with features:
- confirmation of the operation of the security and anti-theft subsystem, opening the doors of the vehicle, stopping the supply of oil, etc .;
- control the connection of an incoming call and dialing a number for a mobile phone;
- determining the sequence and timing of the signal output by the voice message memory unit;
- receiving input information from the data input unit and comparing it with the secret codes of the user of the vehicle, as well as with other features, which, however, are not essential for the present invention.

 The disadvantage of the prototype device is that when changing the mobile phone to another model, the TS user has the problem of compatibility of the new phone with the mobile phone holder installed in the TS. As a rule, this problem is solved by replacing the entire installation kit for the speakerphone, which requires additional financial and time costs.

 The present invention is not intended to address the aforementioned disadvantage of the prototype device. The objective of the proposed technical solution is to ensure the compatibility of the hands-free installation kit with various models of mobile phones, as well as expanding the service capabilities provided by the speakerphone.

 This task is planned to be solved due to the fact that the known hands-free device for a vehicle contains a central control unit, the first input and output of which are connected with the anti-theft security subsystem of the vehicle, and the second input and output with a data storage unit for phones and secret codes vehicle user, timer and power supply control unit, the input of which is connected to the third output of the central control unit, and the output is connected to the on-board power supply, unit voice message memory, the input of which is connected to the fourth output of the central control unit, as well as one or more mobile phones, a connecting cable with a microphone and a loudspeaker, a speakerphone control unit is introduced with an audio signaling unit and a Bluetooth communication unit integrated therein radio data exchange with one or more mobile phones equipped with Bluetooth communication nodes, a remote control and speakerphone programming unit with a built-in light in the display, the memory unit for voice commands (tags), the storage unit for ringing tones and service sound signals, the unit for noise reduction and suppression of acoustic echo and the unit for muting or disabling the on-board radio, while the speakerphone control unit is connected to the unit for storing phone data and user secret codes vehicle, with a memory unit for voice messages, with a memory unit for voice commands (tags) and with a storage unit for ringing tones and service sound signals, one of the outputs of the speakerphone control unit under it is connected through the unit for muting or turning off the radio to the control input of the on-board audio system, and the other output of the speakerphone control unit through the noise reduction and acoustic echo cancellation unit and the connecting cable is connected to the microphone and loudspeaker, one of the inputs of the speakerphone control unit is connected to the vehicle ignition system, and the other input is to the output of the remote control and speakerphone programming.

The essence of the invention is illustrated in the drawing, in which the following notation is used:
1 - remote control and programming speakerphone; 2 - indicator light; 3 - speakerphone control unit; 4 - block sound indication; 5, 6 - nodes of Bluetooth communication; 7 - a mobile phone; 8 - microphone; 9 - loudspeaker; 10 - block noise reduction and suppression of acoustic echo; 11 - connecting cable; 12 - block muting or turning off the radio; 13 - block storage ringtones and service audio signals; 14 - memory block of voice commands (tags); 15 - unit for storing data about phones and secret codes of the user of the vehicle; 16 - security and anti-theft subsystem; 17 - a central control unit; 18 - block timer and power supply control; 19 is a block of memory of voice messages.

 Located on the button of the remote control unit 1 for programming and programming the speakerphone, the light indicator 2 (LED) indicates the state of the speakerphone. When the speakerphone is on, indicator 2 lights up. If the device is turned off, then the LED on the button is off.

 The speakerphone is turned on by applying voltage from the vehicle ignition system to one of the inputs of the speakerphone control unit 3.

 Turning on / off the device is accompanied by a sound signal (ascending / descending) supplied by the sound indication unit 4.

 The connection with the external subscriber via the speakerphone is carried out by exchanging data between the Bluetooth connection unit 5, integrated in the speakerphone control unit 3, and the Bluetooth connection unit 6, with which the mobile phone 7 of the vehicle user is equipped. Moreover, the mobile phone 7 can be located anywhere in the vehicle interior. A voice message for transmission to an outside party via a mobile phone 7 is received by the microphone 8, and the incoming message is voiced using the speaker 9. The microphone 8 and the speaker 9 are connected using the connecting cable 11 with the unit 10 for noise reduction and acoustic echo suppression. Block 10 is in the same housing with the speaker control unit 3.

 Also, in one building with the speakerphone control unit 3, a radio mute or mute unit 12 is made: a storage unit for ringing tones and service audio signals, a unit for voice commands (tags) memory 14, a data storage unit for phones and secret codes of the vehicle user 15, a unit 18 timer and power supply and block 19 voice message memory.

 Block 10 noise reduction and suppression of acoustic echo and block 12 muting or turning off the radio are connected to the corresponding outputs of block 3 control the speakerphone. Blocks 13, 14, 15 and 19 are connected to the speakerphone control unit 3 by two-way communications.

The security and anti-theft subsystem 16 and the central control unit 17 are components of most security and anti-theft systems, commercially available by the applicant company under the trademarks Black Bug ^® and REEF ^® .
These blocks are connected to the board on which the speakerphone control unit 3 and blocks 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18 and 19 (see above) are located using cables with standard connectors or using a common multiplex bus, for example CAN- tires widely used in automotive electronics (see, for example, DE 19963210, 60 R 16/02, 07/12/2001, DE 10009366, 60 R 16/02, 09/28/2000, etc.).

 The proposed device has a wide range of service functions and is flexible. Individual device settings (as well as their changes) are carried out by programming using the remote control 1 and hands-free programming.

 The desired program is set by successively pressing a button with indicator light 2, holding and releasing it in a certain sequence. These actions are accompanied by an appropriate light and sound indication.

In programming mode it is possible:
- record information about the phone;
- select a mode for answering a call;
- choose the method of muting the radio;
- select a ringtone;
- change the access code to the speakerphone;
- turn on the reminder mode for a forgotten phone;
- Select a support mode for your Nokia phone.

 To use the speakerphone, you need to enter the data about the subscriber's phone into the device. To do this, using the remote control and programming unit 1 for hands-free communication, the unique address of the Bluetooth connection unit 6, which is built into the handset of the mobile phone 7, is recorded in the memory of the hands-free control unit 3. Information about the SIM card is not entered into the device. Replacing a 7 SIM card in a mobile phone in no way affects handsfree operation.

 So in the hands-free device SKO 2, mass-produced by the applicant company, information can be entered on a maximum of three phones and 16 ringtones are provided. When adding information about new phones (the total number of which exceeds 3), previous entries will be deleted. The last recorded phone is a priority. The maximum range at which radio data exchange between Bluetooth nodes 5 and 6 is possible is 10 m.

The SKO 2 device and the REEF HF-1000 Hands-free Car Kit (Hands-Free Kit) created on its basis allow working with the following telephone sets 7, which have an integrated Bluetooth connection 6:
Ericsson R 520m, Ericsson T39, Ericsson T68, Sony Ericsson T68i, Nokia 8910, Nokia 6310, Nokia 6310J, Philips Fisio 820.

 The inventive hands-free device for a vehicle operates as follows.

 Built-in remote control unit 1 for programming and programming the speakerphone indicator light 2 shows the status of the speakerphone. When the speakerphone is on, indicator 2 lights up; when it is off, indicator 2 is off. When the ignition is turned on, the control signal from the vehicle ignition system is supplied to the speakerphone control unit 3. In this case, the speakerphone is turned on. The speakerphone can be quickly turned on and off also by the button of the remote control unit 1 for programming and programming the speakerphone. Turning on / off the speakerphone is accompanied by an upward / downward sound signal supplied by the sound signaling unit 4 integrated in the speakerphone control unit 3.

 Operational shutdown of the speakerphone is used when a deliberately confidential call is expected or, if you wish, to avoid listening to a telephone conversation by an unauthorized person inside the vehicle.

 Hands-free communication in the vehicle compartment is carried out using standard Bluetooth communication nodes. One of the nodes of the Bluetooth connection 5 is built into the unit 3 control the speakerphone. Other Bluetooth nodes 6 are mounted in mobile phones 7.

 Due to the fact that Bluetooth wireless technology is used in the speakerphone, the mobile phone 7 does not need to be inserted into the holder, as in the prototype device. The handset simply needs to be next to the user of the vehicle, for example, in a bag or in the pocket of his jacket. Accordingly, the vehicle user can call or answer an incoming call during the trip without being distracted from the vehicle control. For this, a microphone 8 and a loudspeaker 9 are used, connected by a connecting cable to the output of the noise reduction and acoustic echo cancellation unit 10, the input of which is connected to one of the outputs of the speakerphone control unit 3.

 At the beginning of a telephone conversation, a signal is supplied to the vehicle's on-board audio system through the on-board mute or mute unit 12, providing a decrease in the sound volume of the radio or a complete mute. At the same time, on the display of some radio tape recorders, an official inscription (for example, CALL) may appear, which also informs the user about the incoming phone call.

 Depending on the settings, an incoming call can be received automatically or manually.

 If using the remote control 1 and hands-free programming, the automatic mode of receiving an incoming call is programmed, then you do not need to press the remote control 1 button. Having sent a warning sound signal using the melody and service sound storage unit 13 and the audible indication unit 4, the speakerphone control unit 3 will receive an incoming call from the Bluetooth communication unit 6 integrated into one of the Bluetooth communication unit 5 using the built-in Bluetooth connection 5 mobile phones 7, and will go into talk mode.

 After that, without being distracted from the control of the vehicle, the user can start a telephone conversation.

 By programming the manual method, the user himself can control the receipt of an incoming call. Upon receipt of an incoming call, the speakerphone control unit 3 reproduces, using the sound indication unit 4, the selected melody recorded in the unit 13 for storing call melodies and service sound signals. At first, the melody will sound muffled. After a short time interval, its volume will increase. To answer the call, the user must press the button of the remote control 1 and hands-free programming.

A call to the subscriber through the speakerphone is carried out in the following ways:
- by dialing the number on the keyboard of one of the mobile phones 7;
- using "voice dialing", naming one of the voice tags (the desired subscriber) stored in the block 14 of the memory of voice commands (tags);
- by pressing (twice) the button of the remote control unit 1 and hands-free programming (in this case, a connection will be made with the external subscriber to whom the last call was addressed).

 To carry out "voice dialing", the button of the remote control unit 1 and hands-free programming is first pressed. After connecting to the mobile phone 7, the user hears a tone supplied by the sound indication unit 4 and pronounces a voice tag of the called party. If the tag is recognized in the speakerphone control unit 3 using data received from the voice command (tag) memory unit 14, then the mobile phone 7 repeats this tag and starts calling the corresponding phone number, which is stored in the phone and secret data storage unit 15 vehicle user codes.

 If the mark cannot be recognized, then block 3, using the sound indication block 4, informs the user that the mark is not recognized.

 In order to interrupt the connection at the end of the conversation, press the button of the remote control unit 1 and the speakerphone programming. The sound indication unit 4 gives a short sound signal informing that the connection is broken. After that, the unit 12 muting or turning off the on-board radio restores the sound level that was before the start of the conversation.

 You can not press the button of the remote control 1 and speakerphone programming at the end of the conversation. As soon as the interlocutor "hangs up", the corresponding command will be transmitted from the Bluetooth connection 6 to the Bluetooth connection 5, which will automatically disconnect.

 Entering and exiting the speakerphone programming mode is by turning on / off the ignition and pressing / releasing the button of the remote control 1 and the speakerphone programming. At the same time, the sound indication unit 4 accompanies the indicated actions with corresponding sound signals. You can find out more about the programming procedure, for example, in the "User Guide" of the REEF HF-1000 car kit, commercially available by the applicant company. Since a detailed description of these operations is not essential for this invention, it is not given in this application.

 Security and anti-theft functions in this device are implemented as follows.

 When a sensor of the anti-theft alarm subsystem 16 is triggered, the corresponding code message is sent to the central control unit 17. After decoding the specified message, the central control unit 17 sends a command to the power supply unit and the timer to turn on the power supply unit 18 of the timer and power supply control unit. After a predetermined time after the security and anti-theft subsystem 16 has been activated, the central control unit 17 sends to the unit 15 for storing data about the phones and secret codes of the vehicle user a command to read from the memory a previously recorded phone number of an external subscriber, for example, the vehicle owner, and transfer this number to block 3 handsfree control. The speakerphone control unit 3 requests from the voice message memory unit 19 a warning text recorded in advance in it to the vehicle owner about the operation of the anti-theft security subsystem 16 of his vehicle. At this moment, the timer and power supply control unit 18 starts counting the set message time, after which the voice message ceases to be read from the voice message memory unit 19. The specified voice message is received in the Bluetooth communication unit 5, which is integrated in the speakerphone control unit 3, and transmitted by radio to the mobile phone 7 located in the vehicle cabin. The Bluetooth communication unit 6 built into this phone receives the message and converts it into a mobile cellular format communication and broadcasts this message through the mobile phone 7 on board the vehicle via the mobile cellular network to the mobile phone of an external subscriber, for example, the owner of the vehicle. Having received this message, the vehicle owner can take measures appropriate to the current situation, for example, without wasting time, head to the vehicle parking lot and prevent its theft.

 If the owner is far away from the vehicle, then he can use his mobile phone to prevent theft of the vehicle. To do this, he must transmit on board the vehicle a secret code blocking the movement of the vehicle. After receiving a message containing the specified secret code over the cellular mobile network, the mobile phone 7, through the built-in Bluetooth connection 6, transmits this message to the Bluetooth connection 5, which is integrated in the speakerphone control unit 3. Further, this message is received in the block 15 for storing data about the phones and secret codes of the user of the vehicle, where the received code is compared with the secret codes of the user of the vehicle stored in block 15. If the accepted code matches one of the vehicle’s user’s secret codes stored in block 15, the central control unit 17 issues a command to the vehicle anti-theft subsystem 16 to block the vehicle’s movement, which can be carried out in various ways (by cutting off the fuel supply by the gas pump, blocking the ignition, etc. )

 Since an abrupt stop of a vehicle on the road can lead to a traffic accident, the device in question provides opportunities for a smooth decrease in speed and the release of the carriageway before stopping. To do this, on a command from the speakerphone control unit 3, the voice message memory unit 19, using the sound indication unit 4, gives an audible warning, for example, with the following content: “after X minutes, the vehicle will stop supplying fuel and power supply; please clear the carriageway the road. " X is a predefined time period. After this time, the fuel supply stops and the power to the ignition system ceases to be supplied. A message is issued to the vehicle owner through the chain "Bluetooth communication node 5 Bluetooth communication node 6 mobile phone 7 mobile cellular network".

 A similar procedure using a cellular mobile network and speakerphone on board the vehicle can be used to remotely control various service functions. For example, if a vehicle user accidentally forgot a key inside the vehicle and closed its doors, then he can use his mobile phone to remotely open doors. To do this, he communicates with the vehicle and transmits the corresponding voice command (label). The voice tag is compared with the voice tag stored in the block 14 of the memory of voice commands (tags). If the transmitted tag is incorrect, then the handsfree control unit 3 through the built-in Bluetooth connection 5 sends a command to terminate the telephone connection with the external subscriber. If the voice tags match, then the user of the vehicle enters a predefined voice message with a voice, i.e. A typical phrase describing a predefined function.

 So, when entering a voice message corresponding, for example, to the “open doors” function code, and matching it with the corresponding voice tag stored in the voice command (tag) memory unit 14, the speakerphone control unit 3 via the phone data storage unit 15 and secret codes of the user of the vehicle transmits a command to open the doors to the central control unit 17. After that, the user of the vehicle receives a voice message that the door is open.

 Thus, while retaining all the advantages of the prototype device, the proposed technical solution eliminates its main drawback associated with the need to adapt the design of the mobile phone holder when replacing a mobile phone with a new model. If a TS user using the proposed hands-free device decides to change his mobile phone, then he will not need to search for a new handset holder with a suitable connector, which may not be available.

 The advantage of the proposed speakerphone using Bluetooth technology is that adapting the new phone is extremely quick and easy. In addition, the proposed speakerphone compares favorably with the function of muting or turning off the on-board radio during a call. Thanks to digital signal processing, the device adapts to the acoustic features of the vehicle interior, providing high-quality noise reduction and echo cancellation. The functions of selecting a ringtone, calling back to the last selected number, adjusting the volume during a conversation and other useful functions are implemented.

 Although separately Bluetooth and hands-free technologies are widely known, their joint application within the framework of the proposed technical solution provides a qualitatively new set of elements and connections that allows us to solve the problem. Currently, the applicant company has created the first serial batch of this device (under the trademark REEF HF-1000).

 The effectiveness of this device is confirmed by the results of factory and certification tests.

Claims (1)

 Hands-free device for a vehicle containing a central control unit, the first input and output of which is connected to the anti-theft alarm subsystem of the vehicle, and the second input and output is connected to the unit for storing phone data and secret codes of the vehicle owner, timer and feed control unit power supply, the input of which is connected to the third output of the central control unit, and the output is connected to the on-board power supply network, a voice message memory unit, the input of which is connected to the fourth output of the circuit of the control unit, as well as one or more mobile phones and a connecting cable with a microphone and loudspeaker, characterized in that a speakerphone control unit with a sound alarm unit and a Bluetooth communication unit integrated therein is configured to transmit radio data with one or several mobile phones equipped with Bluetooth communication nodes, a remote control and speakerphone programming unit with a built-in light indication unit, a voice command memory unit, a unit x annihilation of ringing tones and service sound signals, an acoustic echo cancellation and suppression unit, and an on-board radio mute or mute unit, while the speakerphone control unit is connected to the data storage unit about the phones and secret codes of the vehicle owner, with a voice message memory unit, with a unit the memory of voice commands and with a storage unit for ringing tones and service sound signals, one of the outputs of the speakerphone control unit is connected via the mute or mute unit to the control unit the main input of the on-board audio system, and the other output of the speakerphone control unit through the noise reduction and acoustic echo cancellation unit and the connecting cable is connected to the microphone and loudspeaker, one of the inputs of the speakerphone control unit is connected to the vehicle ignition system, and the other input to the output of the remote organ handsfree control and programming.