AU2006100281A4

AU2006100281A4 - Communication Apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2006100281A4
Application number: AU2006100281A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Macdonald; John Marshall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-11
Filing date: 2006-04-11
Publication date: 2006-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2014-04-11

Description

1

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR AN INNOVATION PATENT Name of Applicant Actual Inventor Address for Service: Invention Title: The following statement is a performing it, known to us: David MacDonald and John Marshall David MacDonald and John Marshall CULLEN CO Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, 239 George Street Brisbane Qld 4000 Australia Communication Apparatus full description of this invention, including the best method of ,DO 2

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Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to communication apparatus and, in particular, to communication apparatus for use with radio transceivers.

Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to Citizens' Band (CB) radio transceivers, it will be appreciated that this is by way of OO example only and that the invention is not necessarily limited to being used with CB O radio transceivers.

0 OBrief Discussion of the Prior Art 0 CB radio communication transceivers are commonly used in the construction, mining and transport industries as well as by the police, ambulance, fire brigade and private security services.

A typical CB radio transceiver includes a transceiver unit which is able to transmit and receive CB radio signals, a loudspeaker for outputting audio signals which are received by the transceiver unit, and a handheld microphone unit which is connected to the transceiver unit by a cable and which typically includes a microphone, a Push-To-Talk (PTT) switch, and a clip for attaching the microphone unit to a holder.

The transceiver unit can operate in a receive mode or a transmit mode. The transceiver unit is switched to the transmit mode when a button of the PTT switch is depressed, and is switched to the receive mode when the button is released. When the transceiver unit is in the receive mode, it receives all CB radio traffic which is within range of the transceiver unit so that the radio traffic can be monitored on the speaker.

When the transceiver unit is in the transmit mode, the transceiver unit broadcasts audio which is picked up by the microphone of the handheld microphone unit so that other CB radio transceivers which are in range of the broadcast signal can be used to receive and monitor the broadcast audio.

Referring to figure 1 of the illustrations, the PTT switch is typically a double pole, double throw, momentary switch which is connected to the transceiver unit by four conducting wires which form part of the cable which connects the microphone unit to the transceiver unit.

A deficiency of CB radio transceivers of the aforementioned type is that a IND 3 0 0 C, person wishing to broadcast a message using the transceiver must usually reach for the microphone unit before they are able to operate the PTT switch and broadcast the message. This introduces a delay in the communication process which can be critical in some situations such as where large vehicles and other heavy machinery are being operated in close proximity to each other.

00 Also, in situations where a machine operator must use both of their hands to operate a machine such as a bulldozer, the operator usually must stop operating the

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machine in order to broadcast a message using a typical CB radio transceiver. This is because the operator usually needs to take at least one of their hands off the controls 10 of the machine in order to pick up the microphone unit of the transceiver and broadcast a message. Interrupting the operation of the machine is disadvantageous because it reduces productivity.

If a prior art CB radio transceiver is installed in the operator cab of a machine such as a bulldozer, the finite length of the cable which connects the microphone unit to the transceiver unit usually makes it impractical for the machine operator to broadcast a message using the transceiver when the operator is outside the confines of the cab.

United States Patent No. 5,790,947 (Dieringer) discloses a two-way radio and public address system for a motorcycle. The system includes a two-way radio transceiver which is designed to be worn on the belt of the rider of the motorcycle. A microphone and a set of speakers are located within a helmet of the rider and are connected to the transceiver by a cable. The transceiver is also connected to a PTT button by a cable, and the PTT button is located on the handlebar of the motorcycle so that the rider can safely operate the PTT button while riding the motorcycle. The two-way radio and public address system disclosed by Dieringer suffers from the disadvantage that the rider is restricted to using the transceiver while they are on or in close proximity to the motorcycle. This is because the rider must be connected to the system by a cable in order to use the system. If the rider wishes to move an appreciable distance away from the motorcycle and, hence, the system, the rider must disconnect themselves from the system.

United States Patent Publication No. 2004/0147273 Al (Morphy) discloses a vehicle two-way radio and intercom system for a motorcycle. The system includes a 4

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c.I CB radio transceiver which can be shared by a rider of the motorcycle and a passenger on the motorcycle, and an intercom which enables the rider and their passenger to communicate with each other. The system includes a microphone and a set of speakers in the rider's helmet and in the passenger's helmet. The system also includes separate PTT buttons for the rider and the passenger which are connected to oo00 the CB radio transceiver. The PTT button for the rider is located on the handlebar of O the motorcycle so that the rider can safely operate the switch while riding the motorcycle. The system disclosed by the Morphy patent publication also suffers from the disadvantage that the rider is restricted to using the transceiver while they are on or in close proximity to the motorcycle. This is because the rider must be connected to the system by a cable in order to use the system. Therefore, if the rider wishes to move an appreciable distance away from the motorcycle and, hence, the system, the rider must disconnect themselves from the system.

United States Patent No. 5,999,801 (Johnson) discloses a CB radio system which includes a wireless rechargeable microphone. The wireless microphone includes an integral switch. When the switch is depressed, a transmitter which forms part of the system transmits a voice signal which is picked-up by the wireless microphone to a receiver which also forms part of the system. The received signal is demodulated by the receiver and the resultant demodulated voice signal is sent to a CB radio transceiver of the system so that the transceiver is able to broadcast the voice signal. When the switch is released, the transmitter is no longer able to transmit, but a battery which powers the transmitter is still able to receive charge through a mounting bracket. The CB radio system suffers from the deficiency that a user must reach for and hold the wireless microphone in order to operate the system and transmit a voice signal.

United States Patent No. 4,876,710 (Reed et al.) discloses a cordless microphone communication system wherein a portable transceiver unit uses a primary mobile unit and a secondary mobile unit to relay a signal from the portable transceiver unit to a base station. Although this patent does not explicitly refer to CB transmission, it does refer to a number of radio frequencies which public safety officers police, firemen) use to communicate. Figure 5 of the patent illustrates the portable transceiver unit which includes a PTT button. The transceiver unit uses a IND

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0 single radio link to transmit an audio signal and a PTT signal to the mobile units. The PTT signal is derived from the PTT button and is a sub-audible coded digital signal.

The cordless microphone communication system suffers from the deficiency that a user must reach for and hold the portable transceiver unit in order to operate the system and transmit a voice signal.

o It would therefore be desirable to provide a communication apparatus which O overcomes, or at least ameliorates, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art 0 mentioned above, or which provides the consumer with a useful or commercial Schoice.

Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying illustrations, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a communication apparatus comprising a portable wireless microphone device for a machine operator, a portable wireless first transceiver-mode selecting device for the operator, a second transceiver-mode selecting device for the operator, wherein the second transceiver-mode selecting device is adapted to be operated by the operator while the operator operates a machine, and a transceiver interface device for interfacing the wireless microphone device and both of the transceiver-mode selecting devices with a radio transceiver such that the operator is able to switch the transceiver between a transmit mode and a receive mode by operating either of the transceivermode selecting devices, and such that sounds which are picked-up by the wireless microphone device are able to be broadcast by the transceiver.

The portable wireless microphone device and the portable wireless first transceiver-mode selecting device give the operator the freedom to use the radio transceiver to broadcast an audio message even when the operator is at a location INO 6 0 which is remote from the machine and the second transceiver-mode selecting device.

The operator is able to maintain a high level of productivity even while using the radio transceiver to broadcast an audio message because the operator is able to operate the second transceiver-mode selecting device while operating the machine.

The operator is also able to broadcast an audio message with minimal delay 00 because the operator is able to operate the second transceiver-mode selecting device o while operating the machine.

Preferably, the wireless microphone device comprises an FM radio 0N transmitter for transmitting radio signals to the transceiver interface device.

The wireless first transceiver-mode selecting device preferably comprises a UHF radio transmitter for transmitting a radio signal to the transceiver interface device to switch the transceiver between the transmit mode and the receive mode.

In a preferred form, the communication apparatus also comprises a cable which connects the second transceiver-mode selecting device to the transceiver interface device so that the transceiver is able to be switched between the transmit mode and the receive mode by operating the second transceiver-mode selecting device.

The second transceiver-mode selecting device is preferably adapted to be hand or foot operated.

The transceiver interface device preferably comprises a first receiver for receiving signals from the wireless microphone device, and a second receiver for receiving signals from the wireless first transceiver-mode selecting device.

The transceiver interface device preferably comprises a first relay which is responsive to the wireless first transceiver-mode selecting device, and a second relay which is responsive to both the first relay and the second transceiver-mode selecting device. Alternatively, the first relay and the second relay of the transceiver interface device may be replaced by transistorised switching circuitry.

Brief Description of the Illustrations In order that the invention may be more hily understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying illustrations, in which: IO 7

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0 SFigure 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a prior art CB radio transceiver handset; Figure 2 depicts a communication apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and a CB radio transceiver; Figure 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of the transceiver interface device of 00 the communication apparatus depicted in figure 2; and OFigure 4 is a schematic diagram which depicts the various transceiver interface device cable connections of the communication apparatus depicted in figure o2.

Detailed Description of the Illustrations Figure 2 depicts a communication apparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The communication apparatus 10 can be used in place of a standard CB radio transceiver handset of the type which is connected to an input of a CB radio transceiver by a cable. The apparatus 10 is designed to be used by an operator of a machine such as, for example, a truck, dragline or crane. It will be understood though that the apparatus 10 can be used by operators of other types of machines.

Apparatus 10 includes a portable wireless microphone device 11 which is designed to be worn by the operator. The wireless microphone device 11 includes a microphone transducer 12 which is designed to clip on to a collar of the operator's shirt or jacket so that the transducer 12 can pick-up the voice of the operator and convert their speech to an electrical signal. The microphone transducer 12 is connected to a wireless voice transmitter unit 13 by a cable 14 such that the electrical signals produced by the microphone transducer 12 are able to be transmitted to the voice transmitter unit 13 via the cable 14.

The voice transmitter unit 13 includes a short range FM radio transmitter (not depicted) whose output is connected to an antenna 15. The FM radio transmitter modulates the electrical signal produced by the microphone transducer 12 and outputs the modulated electrical signal to the antenna 15 so that the modulated signal is broadcast as a radio signal.

Voice transmitter unit 13 also includes a rechargeable battery for powering IND 8 0 the FM radio transmitter. The rechargeable battery has a duty cycle of in excess of twelve hours so that when the rechargeable battery is fully charged, the amount of electrical charge stored in the battery is sufficient to operate the voice transmitter unit 13 for a period of time which exceeds twelve hours.

Apparatus 10 also includes a portable wireless first transceiver-mode 0c selecting device 20 which can be carried by the machine operator and which includes o a wireless PTT switch transmitter unit 21, an antenna 22, and a PTT button (not depicted) which can be operated by the machine operator. The wireless PTT switch

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transmitter unit 21 is a small battery powered UHF radio transmitter whose output is connected to the antenna 22. If the PTT button of the first transceiver-mode selecting device 20 is depressed, the wireless PTT switch transmitter unit 21 causes a UHF radio signal to be broadcast by the wireless first transceiver- mode selecting device Apparatus 10 also includes a second transceiver-mode selecting device which can be operated by the machine operator by pressing and releasing a PTT button (not depicted) of the device 30. The second transceiver- mode selecting device is adapted to be mounted relative to the machine such that the operator is able to operate the device 30 while operating the machine. For example, if the machine is a truck, the second device 30 may be adapted to be mounted relative to a gear lever of the truck so that the operator may operate the device 30 while operating the gear lever, or the device 30 may be pedal operated so that the operator can operate the device 30 using one of his feet without disrupting the operation of the truck.

The transceiver-mode selecting device 30 is connected to an input of a transceiver interface device 40 by a cable 41. The transceiver interface device 40 is also connected by a cable 43 to a handset input of a CB radio transceiver 42. The cable 43 includes a plug which is compatible with the handset input so that the plug can be plugged into the handset input. The transceiver interface device 40 includes an antenna 44 which enables the transceiver interface device 40 to receive radio signals which are transmitted by the microphone device 11I and the wireless first transceivermode selecting device 20. The transceiver interface device 40 enables the machine operator to switch the transceiver 42 between a transmit mode and a receive mode by suitably pressing or releasing the PTT button of either the wireless first transceiver mode-selecting device 20 or the second transceiver-mode selecting device 30. The I9 0 0 cI transceiver interface device 40 enables the transceiver 42 to broadcast sound which is picked-up by the microphone transducer 12 of the wireless microphone device 11 when the transceiver 42 is in the transmit mode.

The transceiver interface device 40 is powered by a battery (not depicted) and is connected to the terminals of the battery by a cable 45. For example, if the 00 machine is a vehicle which includes a battery for powering electrical systems of the Ovehicle, the transceiver interface device 40 may be connected to the battery by the

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cable 45 so that the transceiver interface device 40 is able to draw electrical power 10from the battery.

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10 Referring to figure 3, the transceiver interface device 40 includes an FM radio receiver 50 and a UHF radio receiver 51 whose inputs are coupled to the antenna 44. The FM receiver 50 demodulates frequency modulated audio signals which are broadcast by the FM transmitter of the wireless microphone device 11, and the UHF receiver 51 demodulates UHF signals which are broadcast by the wireless PTT switch transmitter unit 21 of the wireless first transceiver-mode selecting device The FM receiver 50 is powered by a 3 VDC power supply 52, and the UHF receiver 51 is powered by a 12 VDC power supply 53.

The UHF receiver 51 includes a single pole double throw (SPDT) relay 54 which is activated when the receiver 51 receives a signal which is broadcast by the wireless PTT switch transmitter unit 21 in response to the PTT button of the wireless first transceiver-mode selecting device 20 being depressed. A double pole double throw (DPDT) relay 55 is activated in response to the relay 54 being activated, or in response to the PTT button of the second PTT transceiver-mode selecting device being depressed. The DPDT relay 55 is connected to the handset input of the CB radio transceiver 42 by the cable 43 such that the transceiver 42 is switched to a transmit mode when the relay 55 is activated, and is switched to a receive mode when the relay 55 is deactivated. When the transceiver 42 is in the transmit mode, the transceiver 42 broadcasts the audio signal which is transmitted to the FM receiver by the wireless microphone 11. CB radio signals which are received directly by the transceiver 42 can be monitored by the operator via a loudspeaker of the transceiver 42 when the transceiver 42 is in the receive mode.

Although the transceiver interface 40 depicted in figure 3 includes relays 54 IND 01

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0 and 55, in other embodiments, the relays 54 and 55 may be replaced by transistorised switching circuits.

The radio communication apparatus 10 and, in particular, the transceiver interface 40 thereof, is designed to be quickly installed in place of a standard handheld microphone.

o00 Referring to figure 4, the cable 41 which connects the hand or foot operated O second transceiver-mode selecting device 30 to the transceiver interface 40 is

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connected to a 2.5mm Mono socket 56 of the transceiver interface 30 which is in turn

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connected to the relay 55. The cable 45 which connects the transceiver interface 40 to

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the battery which powers the transceiver interface 40 is connected to a 2.5mm DC socket 57 of the transceiver interface 40 which is in turn connected to the electronic circuitry of the transceiver interface 40 through a fuse 58, a switch 59 and a power line noise filter Throughout the specification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope thereof The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, that reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Claims

1. A communication apparatus comprising a portable wireless microphone device for a machine operator, a portable wireless first transceiver-mode selecting device for the operator, a second transceiver-mode selecting device for the operator, wherein the second transceiver-mode selecting device is adapted to be operated by the 00 operator while the operator operates a machine, and a transceiver interface device for O interfacing the wireless microphone device and both of the transceiver-mode selecting devices with a radio transceiver such that the operator is able to switch the transceiver between a transmit mode and a receive mode by operating either of the transceiver- mode selecting devices, and such that sounds which are picked-up by the wireless microphone device are able to be broadcast by the transceiver.

2. The communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a cable which connects the second transceiver-mode selecting device to the transceiver interface device.

3. The communication apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second transceiver-mode selecting device is adapted to be hand or foot operated.

4. The communication apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transceiver interface device preferably comprises a first relay which is responsive to the wireless first transceiver-mode selecting device, and a second relay which is responsive to both the first relay and the second transceiver-mode selecting device. A communication apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2 to 4 of the illustrations. DATED this 11 t h day of April 2006 DAVID MACDONALD JOHN MARSHALL By their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.