AU2021107394A4

AU2021107394A4 - Communication display system and method

Info

Publication number: AU2021107394A4
Application number: AU2021107394A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dean Stubbs
Original assignee: Dps Construction Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Dps Construction Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-18
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2021-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-25
Also published as: WO2022174300A1

Abstract

A communication display system and method is disclosed that provides a simple and effective means of communicating a channel of a communications system (e.g UHF) of the vehicle. The system is configured to be attached to an outside of a vehicle, and includes: a housing, configured to be attached to the outside of the vehicle; at least one display screen housed in the housing, and viewable from the outside of the vehicle; and an interface, coupled to the at least one display screen, the interface for coupling to a communication system of the vehicle and having a plurality of channels selectable by an occupant of the vehicle. The at least one display is configured to display data according to a selected channel of the communication system. 2/4 co -a) 20 UHF CH 400 405 xx 1231 Figure 4

Description

2/4

co -a)

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UHF CH

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Figure 4

COMMUNICATION DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to communication. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to communication with participants of a vehicle using UHF communications.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Two-way radios that use the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Citizen Band (CB) frequency are commonly used for short-distance communications in mines, construction sites and the like. These radios provide efficient vehicle-to-vehicle and site-to-vehicle communication, without being reliant on cellular networks or the like.

[0003] UHF CB is split into a plurality of communications channels, and two-way radios are configurable to communicate on a particular channel. All users on a particular channel that are in proximity to each other may receive communications on that channel (and communicate with others on that channel).

[0004] Typically, a site will designate a particular channel for site communications, and advertise the designated UHF communication channel using signage at the site. Figure 1 illustrates an example a sign representative of those used on a site to advertise the designated UHF communication channel.

[0005] A problem with such UHF communication is that vehicle operators may forget to change their radio to the designated channel when entering a site. As a result, the vehicle is listening to another channel than which the site is communicating, and may as a result, not receive important communications.

[0006] Certain radios exist which scan many or all channels to find an active conversation. A problem with such arrangements, however, is that they may identify communications which are not of relevant to the operator of the vehicle.

[0007] As such, there is clearly a need for improved communication display systems and methods.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this 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.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to communication display systems and methods, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, in a first aspect the present invention resides broadly in a communication display system, configured to be attached to an outside of a vehicle, the communication display system including: a housing, configured to be attached to the outside of the vehicle; at least one display screen housed in the housing, and viewable from the outside of the vehicle; and an interface, coupled to the at least one display screen, the interface for coupling to a communication system of the vehicle and having a plurality of channels selectable by an occupant of the vehicle, wherein the at least one display is configured to display data according to a selected channel of the communication system.

[0011] Advantageously, the communication display system provides a simple and effective means of communicating to persons outside of the vehicle information regarding which of the plurality of channels of the communication system of the vehicle is selected. This may in turn enable more efficient communication with occupants of a vehicle, which may increase safety.

[0012] Preferably, the communication system comprises an ultra high frequency (UHF) communication system of the vehicle. The communication system may comprise a UHF citizen's band (CB) radio system.

[0013] The at least one display screen may be configured to display an indicator of the selected UHF channel the UHF communication system of the vehicle. The indicator of the selected UHF channel may be displayed alphanumerically (e.g. "channel 16").

[0014] The display may be dynamically updated upon selection of a channel by an occupant of the vehicle. The display may updated in or near real time upon selection of the channel.

[0015] The housing may be configured to be mounted to a roof of the vehicle. The housing may be configured to be mounted to a rack or rail of a roof of the vehicle.

[0016] The housing may be removably attached to the vehicle.

[0017] The housing may be configured to support the at least one display vertically.

[0018] The at least one display screen may comprise planar display screen(s).

[0019] The housing may be substantially planar. The one or more display screen may each be flush with a side of housing.

[0020] The housing may be configured to be attached to the vehicle such that a plane of the screen(s) and/or housing extends along a length of the vehicle. The plane of the screen(s) and/or housing may be parallel to an elongate axis of vehicle.

[0021] The at least one display screen may comprise first and second display screens. The first and second display screens may be placed back-to-back in the housing such that they are visible from opposite sides of the housing. The housing may extend along a length of vehicle such that first and second display screens are directed towards opposite sides of vehicle.

[0022] The first and second display screens may be configured to display the same data.

[0023] The system may include a controller, configured to receive information comprising the selected channel of the communication system, wherein the controller is configured to update the at least one display according to the received information. The controller may be configured to receive an identifier of the selected channel.

[0024] The controller may be configured to generate an image for display according to the received information. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to select a pre-set image according to the received information. The system may include a memory including a mapping between channels and pre-set images.

[0025] The at least one display screen may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED) display screen.

[0026] The housing may be weather resistant. The housing may be weatherproof.

[0027] The system may be shock resistant.

[0028] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a communication display method including: identifying a selected channel of a communication system of a vehicle having a plurality of channels selectable by an occupant of the vehicle; correlating the identified selected channel with display data to be rendered on at least one display screen housed in a housing and attached to the vehicle, and viewable from the outside of the vehicle; and outputting the display data on the at least one display screen.

[0029] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0030] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates an example a sign representative of those used on a site to advertise the designated UHF communication channel.

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a communication display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates an end view of the communication display system of Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the communication display system of Figure 2 installed on a vehicle.

[0036] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the communication display system of Figure 2 installed on another vehicle.

[0037] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic of a communication display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary site configuration illustrating a plurality of vehicles each with corresponding communication display systems.

[0039] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention describe communication display systems and methods which simplify communication with occupants of a vehicle. In particular, a simple and effective means of communicating to persons outside of the vehicle information regarding which of the plurality of channels of the communication system of the vehicle is selected is provided.

[0041] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a communication display system 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates an end view of the communication display system 200, Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the communication display system 200 installed on a vehicle 400 in a side-side configuration, and Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the communication display system 200 installed on a vehicle 500 in a front-rear configuration.

[0042] The communication display system 200 is configured to be attached to an outside of the vehicle 400, 500, to display data according to a selected channel of a communication system in the vehicle 400, 500. The communication system may comprise an ultra high frequency (UHF) communication system of the vehicle 400, 500. such as a UHF citizen's band (CB) two-way radio.

[0043] The communication display system 200 includes a housing 205, configured to be attached to the outside of the vehicle 400, 500, and first and second display screens 210a, 210b housed in the housing 205, and viewable from the outside of the vehicle 400, 500. The first and second display screens 210a, 210b are supported vertically in a back-to-back arrangement in the housing 205 such that they are visible from opposite sides of the housing 205.

[0044] The housing includes a support bracket 215, which is configured to attach a roof of the vehicle 400, 500 by rails or racks on the roof of the vehicle 400. The support bracket 215 comprises an elongate base, from which an upwardly extending spacing member extends. The base may be attached to the roof of the vehicle 400, 500 using one or more fasteners, such as screws, bolts or the like.

[0045] The display screens 210a, 210b are planar display screens, and the housing 205 is planar. The display screens 210a, 210b are flush with a side of housing 205, and as a result, the housing 205 is compact, and only slightly larger than the screens 210a, 210b.

[0046] As best illustrated in Figure 4, when installed in the side-side configuration, the housing 205 extends along a length of vehicle 400 such that first and second display screens 210a, 210b are directed towards opposite sides of vehicle 400. The planes of the screens 210a, 21Ob and the housing 205 extends along a length of the vehicle such that the planes are parallel to an elongate axis of vehicle 400.

[0047] Similarly, and as best illustrated in Figure 5, when installed in the front-rear configuration, the housing 205 extends along a width of vehicle 500 such that first and second display screens 210a, 210b are directed towards opposite ends of vehicle 500. The planes of the screens 210a, 210b and the housing 205 extends along a width of the vehicle such that the planes are perpendicular to an elongate axis of vehicle 400.

[0048] The system 200 further includes a wired interface 220, coupling the communication display system 200 to the communication system of the vehicle. The wired interface 220 may couple directly to the communication system (e.g. by a port thereof), or indirectly (e.g. by a controller thereof). In one embodiment, the wired interface may include a signal listening or interception device, configured to listen to signals identifying which channel has been selected by the user.

[0049] The wired interface 220 may be configured to power the system 200. Alternatively or additionally, the system 200 may include a rechargeable battery, and/or other power source, such as solar, for powering the system 200.

[0050] While the system 200 has been described with reference to a wired interface 220, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that a wireless interface may be used, or a combination of wired and wireless communications.

[0051] The communication system of the vehicle 400, 500 has a plurality of channels selectable by an occupant of the vehicle (i.e. UHF channels). The display screen is configured to display the selected channel to enable persons outside of the vehicle to see which channel the vehicle is using. The selected channel is displayed using an image comprising channel indicia 225 which represent the channel alphanumerically.

[0052] The system 200 may include a controller (not illustrated), configure to receive information comprising the selected channel of the communication system, and update the first and second display 210a, 210b according to the received information. The controller may be configured to receive an identifier of the selected channel and update the displays 210a, 210b accordingly.

[0053] The controller may be configured to generate an image for display according to the received information. E.g. if the received data indicates that the user has selected channel 16, the controller may generate an image including a graphical representation of the number 16.

[0054] Alternatively, the controller may be configured to select a pre-set image according to the received information. E.g. if the received data indicates that the user has selected channel 16, the controller may select an image corresponding to channel 16, which would typically include a graphical representation of the number 16. This may be achieved using look-up tables, and/or another mapping between channels and pre-set images.

[0055] The first and second displays 210a, 210b are configured to display the same data, enabling persons outside of the vehicle 400, 500 to see the information displayed thereon, regardless of which side of the vehicle they are. The displays 210a, 210b are about 200mm x 150mm in size, and are therefore visible from a distance from the vehicle 400, which is particularly important on large sites.

[0056] The displays 210a, 210b may be dynamically updated at a high frequency. As such, upon selection of a channel by an occupant of the vehicle 400, the display may updated to reflect that selection in or near real time.

[0057] The vehicle 400 further includes an ID plate 405 (or call sign), enabling a person outside of the vehicle to easily identify the vehicle 400. This is particularly useful given that many vehicles 400 may use the same channel, and it enables an operator to quickly and accurately identify a particular vehicle 400 in communications.

[0058] Finally, the system 200 includes a power switch 230, to enable the system 200 to be turned off when not needed, e.g. when travelling on public roads. The system 200 may be similarly configured to automatically turn off when the vehicle 400 is not in operation.

[0059] Any suitable technology may be used for the display screens 210a, 210b, but the inventor believes that light-emitting diode (LED) display screens are particularly relevant due to their compact size, low power consumption, low cost, and shock resistance.

[0060] The housing 205 is weather resistant and waterproof to protect the display screens 21Oa, 21Ob. The housing 205 may be weatherproof to an IP rating of 65 (IP65) or higher.

[0061] The system 200 may be shock resistant. The screens 210a, 210b may be mounted to the housing by rubber shock absorbers or similar shock absorption members.

[0062] The housing 205 may be removably attached to the vehicle 400. This may be performed using removable fasteners, e.g. releasably fastening the elongate base of the support bracket 215 to a roof rail or rack of the vehicle.

[0063] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic of a communication display system 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication display system 600 may be similar or identical to the communication display system 200.

[0064] The communication display system 600 includes a housing 605, which houses a controller 610, which is coupled to first and second display screens 615a, 615b.

[0065] The controller 610 is coupled to a UHF radio of a vehicle, and is configured to receive data corresponding to a selected channel of the UHF radio. The controller 610 then either generates or selects an image corresponding to the channel (e.g. an image including a graphical representation of the channel number), and displays the image on the first and second display screens 615a, 615b.

[0066] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary site configuration 700 illustrating a plurality of vehicles 400a-n each with corresponding communication display systems 200a-n.

[0067] The site configuration 700 includes a site office 705, which monitors and coordinates movement of the vehicles on UHF channel 16. In particular, instructions are communicated to the vehicles on UHF channel 16.

[0068] The vehicle 400n may have accidently chosen the wrong channel, or forgotten to change its UHF radio to channel 16. As such, the site office 705 and the vehicle 400n are unable to communicate with each other on their default channel, namely channel 16.

[0069] As the communication display systems 200n displays the channel that the vehicle is using (i.e. channel 40), the site office 705 may communicate with the vehicle on channel 40 (e.g. instructing the vehicle to move to channel 16). This can be quickly done, without trial and error, thereby reducing the risk of danger associated with unauthorised movement of the vehicle.

[0070] Advantageously, the communication display system provides a simple and effective means of communicating to persons outside of the vehicle information regarding which of the plurality of channels of the communication system of the vehicle is selected. This may in turn enables more efficient communication with occupants of a vehicle using the communication system (e.g. UHF), as others are able to immediately see what channel the vehicle is using. As the display is updated based upon an actual selection of channel by the user, there is no reliance on a person to manually update information on their vehicle, thereby avoiding problems associated with human error.

[0071] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0072] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0073] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A communication display system, configured to be attached to an outside of a vehicle, the communication display system including:

a housing, configured to be attached to the outside of the vehicle;

at least one display screen housed in the housing, and viewable from the outside of the vehicle; and

an interface, coupled to the at least one display screen, the interface for coupling to a communication system of the vehicle and having a plurality of channels selectable by an occupant of the vehicle,

wherein the at least one display is configured to display data according to a selected channel of the communication system.

2. A communication display method including:

identifying a selected channel of a communication system of a vehicle having a plurality of channels selectable by an occupant of the vehicle;

correlating the identified selected channel with display data to be rendered on at least one display screen housed in a housing and attached to the vehicle, and viewable from the outside of the vehicle; and

outputting the display data on the at least one display screen.