ES2216676A1 - Hands-free system for use in car, has communication unit connected with speakers and cassette player, and microphones capturing user's voice for executing orders and introduction of voice communication - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a mobile terminal (91) and a coupler element that are inserted in a cassette player of a vehicle, where the mobile terminal and the coupler element are wirelessly intercommunicated with each other to reproduce a telephone communication unit. The communication unit is connected with speakers (93) and the cassette player. The coupler element is inserted into the cassette player, which is arranged in an electromagnetic transducer. A reading head is connected with the player. Microphones (92) capture a user's voice for executing orders and introduction of voice communication.

Description

Hands-free system for Vehicles attachable to compact cassette player.

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a system hands-free for vehicles attachable to player of compact cassettes, whose specific application in telephony is to facilitate telephone communications without the need for use your hands to hold or manipulate the telephone terminal, with a high sound quality, being easily transferable from one vehicle to another and supporting compatibility with terminals different manufacturers. The system does not require installation of any type, when not using cables to interconnect the different apparatus and elements involved for the realization of the "hands-free" function inside a car.

Background of the invention

There are currently several systems capable of provide hands-free function (ML) in the Interior of a vehicle. These systems can be divided into two groups:

- Type A, are easily removable and usually use a single speaker of generally small dimensions.

- Type B, which use an audio installation incorporated into the vehicle, specific to the telephone system or shared with the car radio.

The former usually receive the denomination of "universal kit", "without installation" or "self-installable"; and in the second category car radios and "systems" are included installable "or" with installation. "The latter require qualified professionals for proper installation. Examples Typical of both types are shown as reference in the figures 1.1 and 1.2 (Type A), and 2.3 (Type B).

Telephone terminals, both fixed and mobile, they work in full duplex mode (or full-duplex). In ML systems, the coupling existing between the speaker and the microphone, often forces semi-duplex operation (or half-duplex), in which preference is given to one of the two senses of communication to avoid annoying echoes and characteristic noises of the mentioned coupling. The quality of ML systems is therefore linked to the modality of duplex operation

Most Type B systems usually offer superior quality, derived from greater separation physical between speaker and microphone, which allows balanced less critical of the duplex control mechanism, relaxing the demands on your transition thresholds. This makes possible some smoother transitions between states (transmission / reception), and the partially open maintenance of the communication channel in both directions (full-duplex).

The result is a greater naturalness in the conversations, and that the quality of communication perceived by Both users be superior.

In Type A systems, and due to the proximity between microphone and speaker, the communication channel only usually remains open in one of the two senses at the same time (semi-duplex), and switching between states they are sharper, which deteriorates the perceived overall quality.

In all types of system described, it is necessary to make some kind of more or less complex connection to Its commissioning. In the case of Type B systems, which They offer higher quality, it is also necessary to make an expensive installation and wiring work of the modules that make up the equipment, and that is not usable in case of change of vehicle.

While there are systems hands-free designed for use in cars, where the signal received by the phone is sent to vehicle speakers through the magnetic tape reader of the musical equipment that it incorporates, these systems present the inconvenience of using cables for the different connections required with the Coupler Module (MA) or housing compatible with the Compact magnetic tape cassette format: MA-phone, MA-microphone, MA-power supply, etc.

The system object of this invention is characterized, in all its embodiments, by incorporating a housing of suitable format that is inserted in the cassette player of the vehicle, and that communicates with the telephone terminal own user without the need for wired connections, since This work is carried out through an interface module own wireless, offering all the features of a system High quality ML, portable to any car you enter, a radio cassette and at an advantageous price.

Description of the invention

The hands-free system of the invention allows to obtain high performance in terms of quality, eliminating the need for cables and work installation, with a reduced cost, supporting compatibility with telephone terminals of different manufacturers, and enabling a easy exchange between different vehicles, provided that these have a car radio compatible with the extended system of compact cassettes

According to the invention, the system comprises  a coupling element to the cassette player of the vehicle, a mobile phone terminal and, if necessary, elements accessories, such as at least one external microphone.

The coupling element provides the required functionality reliably and with complexity minimum, so it is an ideal solution for your Incorporation into vehicles.

This coupling element is constituted by, at less, the following elements:

A housing.

An internal microphone

A microphone receiver optional exterior.

A source of feeding.

A control module

A transducer electromagnetic.

An interface module with the terminal.

A control module of the duplex

A power cord optional.

A wired microphone optional.

A data connector or port Infrared optional.

The housing contains the rest of the components of the coupling element, and allows the assembly to be housed easily and with the necessary precision in the compartment intended for compact cassette tapes of the car radio. From this way, the necessary head alignment is achieved transducer with the magnetic tape reading head of the car radio

The internal microphone is preferably housed  at one end of the housing, with an opening that enables the access of the sound waves generated by the voice of the System user Openings are ideally arranged on both sides of the housing, so that it works the same way by placing either side upside down, adapting to any  car radio model. When a tape is inserted, most of the radios leave the cover that conceals the compartment that houses the tape, which facilitates the access of the mentioned sound waves to the internal microphone incorporated in the Case.

This internal microphone can be supported by other independent external microphones, which communicate with the system elements integrated in the housing by means of electromagnetic waves, through the corresponding receiver. The Built-in microphone to the case and external microphones independent can also be complemented or replaced by an external wired microphone, which can be incorporated into a External power cable The existence of more than one microphone in some of the embodiments of the invention it can be exploited not only to improve the capture of sound waves desired, but also to perform compensation functions and cancellation of ambient noise.

The function of the power supply is generate (depending on the realization), store, and manage the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the various electronic, electrical and electromechanical devices that integrated into the coupling element. To do this, you can incorporate (or arrange externally) different types of elements of Energy storage, such as batteries, rechargeable batteries, or low loss capacitors, in addition to the necessary elements to control charging processes and energy management. The coupler element remains in low power state until the when you receive an activation command from the phone (or other compatible electronic device, through the link wireless connection), from the car radio when it is produced any of the events associated with its normal operation with cassette tapes, or by vocal commands in embodiments in which the system supports this functionality.

The recharge of the storage items is performs a connection cable via an external charging unit to the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle, or by procedures based in inductive or mechanical coupling, depending on the realization.

In certain embodiments of the invention lacking  of electrical energy storage elements, may exist an external power cable, which allows to provide the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the system a from the existing cigarette lighter socket on the dashboard of the vehicle, minimizing the cost associated with the power supply and to the set of electromechanical elements and devices of power generation, which in this case is reduced to a simple tension regulator. In the embodiments in which the existence of this cable, the incorporation of a wired microphone that, being outside the receptacle of the car radio, improves signal reception to some extent sound

The Control Module is composed fundamentally for logical elements that include at least one microcontroller and at least one digital vocal signal processor digitized (DSP). These elements generate the necessary signals to get the cooperation of the different components of the system, and perform additional benefits, which may vary according to the embodiment. Among the functions developed by the module Control include the following:

- Logical control of the system. Includes functions timing, energy management, memory management, control remote telephone terminal, calendar data management, etc. These functions are ideally performed by the microcontroller

- Balanced signal levels in duplex, semi-duplex, or mixed operation, acting on the duplex control module. It also acts on other modules of the audio system (encoder-decoder or codec, canceller of echo, volume adjustment, etc.). These functions are performed. Ideally by the microcontroller.

- Voice functions. Such as detection, preprocessed, and voice recognition (commands, numbers of phone, calendar functions, etc.), message synthesizer vocals, or voice recording (commands and message reminder). These functions are performed by means of a processor specialized in the digital processing of the vocal signal digitized (DSP or Digital Signal Processor), intervening also the microcontroller in memory access, and the Coordination with other elements.

- Analysis and suppression of noise components, function also performed by the DSP processor.

- Storage of music and / or voice in format digital using sound compression techniques (MP3 and others formats), a function developed primarily by the microcontroller and flash memory.

The electromagnetic transducer enables the transfer of the desired sound source (voice of the caller in a telephone conversation, music or voice stored in memory of the coupling element in compressed format, vocal messages generated by the mobile terminal or the ML system itself, etc.) from the hands-free system towards the car radio, to through the reading head of the magnetic tapes, for your amplification and presentation through the speakers of the vehicle. This transducer also allows the transfer of the music or voice from a cassette recorder to the memory of the coupler element thus allowing customization by the  user of the speech recognizer and the speech synthesizer and built-in commands, and housing operation as a "virtual tape" without mechanical elements.

The interface module with the telephone terminal allows to establish wireless communication between the element Coupler and mobile phone. The terminal also establishes a wireless connection to the telephone network, every time it starts a call. In the preferred embodiment of the described invention the interface module with the telephone terminal is implemented with a frequency hopping expanded spectrum device (SS-FH, Spread Spectrum-Frequency Hopping), and is preferably operated in a frequency band between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz called ISM, which does not require a license administrative for reduced emission powers.

For the use of the ML system it is necessary that the telephone terminal supports the appropriate usage profiles according to the required functionality (generic, headset, dialing, etc.), and previously make the corresponding association of coupler element to the telephone terminal. This last work is required only once for each terminal that you want to use with the ML system. When both devices have enabled proper operating mode, these automatically connect so soon as they are at a sufficiently close distance (of the order of 10 meters for reduced radio powers, around 0 dBm). This fact makes its use even easier, since it is not it is necessary to remember to place the terminal in a specific support enabled in an area within the reach of the driver on the vehicle control panel. If calls are received, or you want to make one and it was not planned in advance, the terminal can remain in the driver's pocket for Any of these processes. Through the wireless interface It is also possible to perform specific data functions, such as calendar synchronization, which facilitates access from the ML system to phone numbers stored in the phone.

To facilitate the transmission and reception of different radio signals necessary for operation according to the embodiment, different systems may be available antenna formats The solution used in the embodiment Preferred of this invention are antennas printed on the plates of printed circuit contained in the housing, and particularly in the area close to the internal microphone, and therefore to the opening of introduction of the tape.

The fundamental element of every ML system is the duplex control This element controls the levels of signals sent and received to achieve a loop gain lower than unity, in order to avoid parasitic effects (such as echoes, beeps and noises) due to the preparations that occur at both ends of the communication. These preparations are due usually crosstalk in the channel and acoustic coupling between speaker and microphone of the ML system.

The coupler element can be configured from  a personal computer (PC) through a data connector, a infrared port, or the wireless interface module itself, used to connect to the telephone terminal.

The system can operate according to the following modes:

Hands-free mode (ML)

When inserting the housing into the housing of car radio tapes, the user can control their main settings through the playback controls of car radio tape (activation, volume, etc.). Between coupler element and the telephone terminal is established a wireless communication using electromagnetic waves that supports the signals originated by the interlocutors intervening in the conversation: from the phone to the Car radio speakers at reception, and from the microphone of the ML system to the phone in the direction of transmission.

The system can support various levels of inactivity in the resting state, being able to remain active or not at the user's choice, with voice command recognition in the realizations that support this functionality. This allows the optimization of energy management mechanisms based on of user needs.

ML Mode supports various functions additional items such as calendar, message or memo recording, menu of settings, etc. depending on the realization.

Music Player (RM) mode

You can configure different ways to activate this mode: default mode if others are not being used functions, through own actions of the manipulation of car radio (self-reverse drive, etc.), through vocal commands, etc. This way you get an operation comfortable for the user depending on the peculiarities of the car radio, and your personal preferences. In the same way, there are several options to perform the usual functions, as a change of track or fast forward or reverse. The mechanics of operation in this way, as well as the provision of this Functionality is dependent on the realization. RM mode is automatically interrupted when a call is received telephone, giving default to ML mode, unless the user Modify the settings according to your preferences.

In both modes of operation described are usable the settings functions of the car radio, such as volume control, source selection, etc. that in many cases already have controls adapted to the driving position, what which allows intuitive operation without causing distractions unnecessary while driving. This fact facilitates the ML system integration with the rest of the equipment of the vehicle, getting ergonomic levels hard surpassed by other systems.

Brief description of the drawings

In order to facilitate the interpretation of characteristics and operation of the described invention, is accompanies this specification, as an integral part of the same, a series of planes in which, with character Illustrative and not limiting, the following has been represented:

In figure number 1 the typical configurations of the most common hands-free systems existing today. The elements represented in the Three schemes contained in this figure are: Telephone terminal Portable or Mobile 91, Wired Microphone 92, Speaker 93, Support terminal 94, Connector for cigarette lighter 95, Adapter ML-Terminal 96, ML 97 Unit and ML Unit with speaker  incorporated (98). The scheme in Figure 1.1 corresponds to a wired system without installation. Figure 1.2 shows a wired system with reduced installation, and in Figure 1.3 a system with complex installation in which there are also Earth connection 81, Power 82, External antenna 83, and "Mute" 84 to silence the car radio when receiving a call.

Figure number 2 shows on a physical level the integration of the different blocks and fundamental parts of the coupler element of the system of the invention, within a housing compatible with the compact cassette format.

Figure 3 shows how to insert the coupler element of the system of the invention in a car radio conventional with front insertion of the tape cassette magnetic It also indicates the position in which the slot or perforation of the housing, to allow the microphone Integrated sound wave capture. In this figure you shows one of its possible embodiments, in which there is a power cord with connection to the cigarette lighter socket and a wired microphone attached to said cable.

Figure 4 presents a block diagram of the System of the invention.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

System 1 of the invention is constituted mainly by a coupler element 2 introduction into the vehicle cassette player 3 and a terminal 4 of mobile telephony, being able to optionally incorporate at least one 5 wireless outdoor microphone.

The element 2 is constituted by a housing 6 identically to the casing of a conventional audio tape, an internal microphone 7, a power supply block 8, a module control 9, an electromagnetic transducer 10, a module 11 of interface with terminal 4 and a control module 11a of the duplex.

Optionally, as outlined in the figure 4, element 2 may incorporate an emission receiver 12 of the external microphone 5 and / or an external power cable 13, as seen in figure 3, pluggable to the lighter, not shown, of the vehicle, and can also incorporate an external microphone 14 wiring, which in this embodiment is integrated into the cable 13.

The sound of communication is transferred to the speakers 13a of the vehicle via transducer 10, which face the 14th reader head of player 3.

To facilitate the access of sound waves to the microphone, regardless of the side of the case that remains down when introduced into the car radio, the housing has a groove 15 or symmetrical holes on both sides, such as show figures 2 and 3.

In the preferred embodiment as seen in the  Figure 2 for the coupling element, some are schematized elements of the power supply block, comprising a dynamo type structure, which allows to transform the movement of any of the mechanisms of drag of the belt in energy electric This dynamo employs, for example, combinations of 16 coils and magnets integrated in disk 17. In others embodiments, alternatives to this preferred embodiment, the described power generation mechanism, based on induction  electromagnetic, can be complemented or replaced by others, as: batteries 17a, cable 13 for connection to the vehicle lighter, as seen in figure 3, cells photovoltaic solar on the outside of the housing, not represented, or an electrostatic mechanism, in which the disk movement 17 is used to induce on plates 18 a potential associated with an electric charge. If used rechargeable batteries, the dynamo can be used for recharging from the same.

In the preferred embodiment described, it is envisioned the use of complementary mechanisms to improve the system functionality, and its integration with the car radio. Among these systems is actuator 19 on the mechanism of end of tape detection, which can also act by blocking the movement of discs 17 and / or 20. This mechanism allows the interruption of drag motor operation when it has been When the battery charge is completed, it goes into low mode consumption, or any other circumstance that requires it. Also when you have finished a conversation, also arranging for this purpose of a disk drive sensor 21 20. The mechanism also allows proper mode selection auto-reverse, so that everyone works the mechanisms are correct when inserting the housing into the proper position The drag sensor 21 of the second disk 20 complements and facilitates the aforementioned operation.

The control module 9 is constituted mainly by a submodule 22 of logical control of the system, which includes at least one microcontroller, and a sub module 23 of user verbal order processing, which incorporates at least a DSP processor specialized in digital signal processing digitized vowel

The various functions that the system performs in This preferred embodiment is achieved thanks to the internal configuration of the control module, which uses a mixed electronic architecture (analog / digital) with elements specialized for certain elementary functions, and very flexible thanks to the use of programmable logic in submodule 22, and microprogramming in submodule 23. For the storage of microcode, and of the digitized and compressed signals, are uses a flash memory while the digital processor of digitized vocal signal mainly uses access memory randomized (both not shown)

Submodule 22 essentially performs functions timing, energy management, memory management, management remote telephone terminal, etc., and also acts on the duplex control lla module balancing signal levels sent and received Module 11a carries out the detection of signal and noise envelope, previous step necessary to adjust the signal balance

The control sub module 22 also acts on some modules of the audio system, such as codec, echo canceller, volume adjustment, etc.

Submodule 23 basically consists of a specialized processor (DSP or Digital Signal Processor) in voice functions (detection, preprocessed, recognition, synthesis, compression, recording, analysis and suppression of noise components, etc.).

The wireless interface module 11 is based in a frequency hopping expanded spectrum device (SS-FH, Spread Spectrum-Frecuency Hopping), operating in the frequency band called ISM, which does not require administrative license for emission powers reduced Compatibility with systems of this type, which foreseeably they will be supported in the near future by mobile phone terminals of various manufacturers, will allow that the same ML system can continue to be used when Change terminal or vehicle. Ideally, this module 11 is built around an integrated radio frequency circuit which controls a tuner by closed loop phase hitch or Phase Locked Loop (PLL). Module 11 consists, among others elements, of a transmission / reception switch, and a filter radio frequency to avoid saturation of the receiver by out-of-band signals

The power module 8 incorporates a voltage regulator 24, and provides all components of the coupler element the energy necessary for its operation. The regulator cooperates with the system controller 22 in the transition to low power mode.

The coupling element also incorporates a infrared port 25 that allows intercom with a personal computer or similar, not represented, work of configuration and / or data transfer.

It is not considered necessary to extend this description so that any subject matter expert understands the scope of the invention and the advantages thereof drift

The materials, shape, size and layout of the integral elements of the system and contents in the housing they will be susceptible to variation, as long as this does not imply an alteration to the intrinsic essence of the invention.

The terms in which this report has been described they should always be taken broadly and not limitative.

Claims (16)

1. Hands-free system for vehicles that can be connected to a compact cassette player characterized in that it is made up of at least one specific mobile telephone terminal and an insertion coupling element in the vehicle cassette player, which interconnects with each other wirelessly to reproduce telephone communication through the speakers associated with the cassette player; the introduction of the coupling element in the cassette player is produced by aligning an electromagnetic transducer itself with the reading head of the cassette player; The system incorporates microphones that capture the user's voice to execute orders and / or introduce their voice in the communication. 2. System according to claim 1 characterized in that it has at least one external microphone that communicates wirelessly with the coupling element. 3. System according to claim 1 characterized in that the coupling element comprises at least one internal microphone, a power supply, a microprocessed control module, the electromagnetic transducer, a wireless interface module with the telephone terminal and a control module of the duplex, these elements being mounted inside a housing equipped with external access holes for sound waves to the internal microphone. 4. System according to claim 2 characterized in that the coupling element incorporates a receiver of the wireless external microphones. 5. System according to claim 3 characterized in that the microprocessed control module of the coupling element incorporates a microcontroller for executing at least the logical control of the system and balancing the duplex; and a digital processor of digitized vocal signal detection, processing, recognition and / or voice recording, as well as noise suppression. 6. System according to claim 3 characterized in that the microprocessed control module incorporates a memory for storing sounds and / or music in digital compressed format for reproduction through the speakers associated with the cassette player. 7. System according to claim 3 characterized in that the wireless interface module with the telephone terminal of the coupling element incorporates a frequency hopping expanded spectrum device. 8. System according to claim 1 characterized in that the mobile telephone terminal incorporates an expanded frequency device by intercom frequency hopping with the wireless interface module of the coupler module. 9. System according to claim 3 characterized in that the power supply incorporates an electric energy accumulator, rechargeable or not. 10. System according to claim 9 characterized in that the power supply of the coupling element incorporates a dynamo actuated by the cassette reproduction mechanism, for electrical supply of the coupling module and / or recharging of the electric accumulator. 11. System according to claim 1 characterized in that the coupling element incorporates an actuator of the tape end sensor of the cassette player, stopping the tape reproduction mechanism when the charging of the electric accumulator has been completed and / or when entering needs low comsumption. 12. System according to claim 3 characterized in that the control coupler incorporates an electric power supply cable from the vehicle lighter socket to the power supply of said module. 13. System according to claim 1 characterized in that it incorporates an external microphone wired with the coupling element. 14. System according to claim 1 characterized in that it has additional elements that allow the coupler module to exchange with the mobile terminal, and through the Wireless Interface Module with the mobile terminal, calendar data and store the necessary information to facilitate the vocal dialing of numbers of phone. 15. System according to claim 1 characterized in that the coupling element incorporates equalization devices that allow the use of the electromagnetic transducer, when the casing is inserted into a cassette recorder, as an analogue input channel for music and / or voice that is stored in memory of the module in digital format. 16. System according to claim 1 characterized in that the coupling element incorporates an infrared connector and / or port for the transfer of information with a computer (PC).