GB2162393A - Communication apparatus - Google Patents

Communication apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2162393A
GB2162393A GB8517099A GB8517099A GB2162393A GB 2162393 A GB2162393 A GB 2162393A GB 8517099 A GB8517099 A GB 8517099A GB 8517099 A GB8517099 A GB 8517099A GB 2162393 A GB2162393 A GB 2162393A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
functions
operator
display
menu
displayed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB8517099A
Other versions
GB8517099D0 (en
Inventor
B G Feasey
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Plessey Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Plessey Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Plessey Co Ltd filed Critical Plessey Co Ltd
Publication of GB8517099D0 publication Critical patent/GB8517099D0/en
Publication of GB2162393A publication Critical patent/GB2162393A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03J—TUNING RESONANT CIRCUITS; SELECTING RESONANT CIRCUITS
    • H03J1/00—Details of adjusting, driving, indicating, or mechanical control arrangements for resonant circuits in general
    • H03J1/02—Indicating arrangements
    • H03J1/04—Indicating arrangements with optical indicating means
    • H03J1/045—Indication of the tuning band, the bandwidth, tone control, the channel number, the frequency, or the like
    • H03J1/047—Indication of the tuning band, the bandwidth, tone control, the channel number, the frequency, or the like using electronic means, e.g. LED's
    • H03J1/048—Indication of the tuning band, the bandwidth, tone control, the channel number, the frequency, or the like using electronic means, e.g. LED's with digital indication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/40—Circuits
    • H04B1/401—Circuits for selecting or indicating operating mode
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72469—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons

Abstract

Apparatus such as a multi-channel transmitter/receiver comprises a display 2 for displaying a menu of operational functions and a driver 4 for driving the display. The apparatus includes a controller 6, such as an array of user controls, to enable a user to select a displayed operational function. A limiter 12 is also provided to limit the number and/or identity of operational functions which can be displayed so that the operational functions, which may be stored in a store 10, may be displayed in accordance with the needs and/or skills of the user. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating tocommuni- cation apparatus The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to communication apparatus.
Communication apparatus, such as a multi channel transmitter/receiver has, necessarily, many functions and is therefore, complex to operate. For example a transmitter/receiver may include the following functions: Adjust volume Select channel Select channel frequency Inhibit squelch Select type of squelch Select voice or data Select secure or clear If an operator is not totally familiar with the operating functions of such apparatus, it can be seen that operator errors can easily occur.
Furthermore, with skilled operators it is advantageous that the communication apparatus presents the operator with the minimum number of functions required for a particular application so that the operator does not have to select from superfluous apparatus control functions.
It is an object of the present invention to provide communication apparatus in which the apparatus functions are selected according to the needs and/or skills of the operator.
Accordingly, there is provided a communications apparatus comprising a display for displaying a menu of operational functions for the apparatus, means for selecting an operational function of the apparatus and means for restricting the operational functions for inclusion in the displayed menu.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates a schematic diagram of communication apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to the drawings, communication apparatus includes a display 2 for displaying a menu or list of operational functions for the apparatus, hereinafter referred to as functions.
Driver means 4 is provided for driving the display 2 and for manipulating the menu of displayed functions. The apparatus also includes control means 6 to enable an operator to control the apparatus via a line 8. The control means 6 may take the form of an array of user controls for example, a panel of switches, and may be used to control a cursor on the display 2. The cursor may be positioned on the display 2 alongside the displayed menu of functions to indicate to an operator the particular apparatus function being selected.
The communication apparatus is also provided with a store 10 which may be used to store a complete menu of the apparatus functions. The store 10 is connected to the driver 4 to enable apparatus functions in th store 10 to be display on the display 2. The apparatus also includes limiter means 12, connected to the driver 4, for limiting the number of function which are to be displayed on the display 2. The limiter means 12 may be preset so that only a selected number of the apparatus functions contained in the store 10 are displayed on the display 2 in accordance with the needs and/or skills of the operator.
For example, assume that the communication apparatus is to be used by a skilled operator and that all the functions of the apparatus are required to be used by the operator. The limiter means 1 2 would be set so that the full menu of functions is fed from the store 10 and displayed on the display 2.
The operator may then select any function displayed by operating the control means 6 to position the display cursor alongside the required function, for example, inhibit squelch.
By operating the appropriate control switch a control signal is fed along line 8 to inhibit the squelch control circuit in the apparatus. In this manner the skilled operator has full control over the many functions of the apparatus.
However, assume that the apparatus is to be used by a relatively unskilled operator. The limiter means 1 2 could be set such that only those apparatus functions with which the operator is familiar are contained in the displayed menu on the display 2. The unskilled operator may then control the limited number of displayed functions. In this way the operator is not confronted with apparatus functions which are unfamiliar and could give rise to operation erros.
Alternatively, a skilled operator may require to use the communications apparatus for a particular application in which only selected apparatus functions are required. The selected functions could be pre-set in the limiter means 12 so that only-those apparatus functions which are necessary for the application are contained in the menu on the display 2. In this manner, the operator is not presented with superfluous apparatus functions; which can lead to more efficient operation of the apparatus, particularly in times of stress, such as use in military combat.
The limiter 1 2 may comprise a bank of switches which are not accessible to an operator or may comprise a programmable microcontroller.
1. Communications apparatus comprising a display for displaying a menu of operational functions for the apparatus, means for selecting an operational function of the apparatus and means for restricting the operational functions for inclusion in the displayed menu.
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (7)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating tocommuni- cation apparatus The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to communication apparatus. Communication apparatus, such as a multi channel transmitter/receiver has, necessarily, many functions and is therefore, complex to operate. For example a transmitter/receiver may include the following functions: Adjust volume Select channel Select channel frequency Inhibit squelch Select type of squelch Select voice or data Select secure or clear If an operator is not totally familiar with the operating functions of such apparatus, it can be seen that operator errors can easily occur. Furthermore, with skilled operators it is advantageous that the communication apparatus presents the operator with the minimum number of functions required for a particular application so that the operator does not have to select from superfluous apparatus control functions. It is an object of the present invention to provide communication apparatus in which the apparatus functions are selected according to the needs and/or skills of the operator. Accordingly, there is provided a communications apparatus comprising a display for displaying a menu of operational functions for the apparatus, means for selecting an operational function of the apparatus and means for restricting the operational functions for inclusion in the displayed menu. The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates a schematic diagram of communication apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Referring to the drawings, communication apparatus includes a display 2 for displaying a menu or list of operational functions for the apparatus, hereinafter referred to as functions. Driver means 4 is provided for driving the display 2 and for manipulating the menu of displayed functions. The apparatus also includes control means 6 to enable an operator to control the apparatus via a line 8. The control means 6 may take the form of an array of user controls for example, a panel of switches, and may be used to control a cursor on the display 2. The cursor may be positioned on the display 2 alongside the displayed menu of functions to indicate to an operator the particular apparatus function being selected. The communication apparatus is also provided with a store 10 which may be used to store a complete menu of the apparatus functions. The store 10 is connected to the driver 4 to enable apparatus functions in th store 10 to be display on the display 2. The apparatus also includes limiter means 12, connected to the driver 4, for limiting the number of function which are to be displayed on the display 2. The limiter means 12 may be preset so that only a selected number of the apparatus functions contained in the store 10 are displayed on the display 2 in accordance with the needs and/or skills of the operator. For example, assume that the communication apparatus is to be used by a skilled operator and that all the functions of the apparatus are required to be used by the operator. The limiter means 1 2 would be set so that the full menu of functions is fed from the store 10 and displayed on the display 2. The operator may then select any function displayed by operating the control means 6 to position the display cursor alongside the required function, for example, inhibit squelch. By operating the appropriate control switch a control signal is fed along line 8 to inhibit the squelch control circuit in the apparatus. In this manner the skilled operator has full control over the many functions of the apparatus. However, assume that the apparatus is to be used by a relatively unskilled operator. The limiter means 1 2 could be set such that only those apparatus functions with which the operator is familiar are contained in the displayed menu on the display 2. The unskilled operator may then control the limited number of displayed functions. In this way the operator is not confronted with apparatus functions which are unfamiliar and could give rise to operation erros. Alternatively, a skilled operator may require to use the communications apparatus for a particular application in which only selected apparatus functions are required. The selected functions could be pre-set in the limiter means 12 so that only-those apparatus functions which are necessary for the application are contained in the menu on the display 2. In this manner, the operator is not presented with superfluous apparatus functions; which can lead to more efficient operation of the apparatus, particularly in times of stress, such as use in military combat. The limiter 1 2 may comprise a bank of switches which are not accessible to an operator or may comprise a programmable microcontroller. CLAIMS
1. Communications apparatus comprising a display for displaying a menu of operational functions for the apparatus, means for selecting an operational function of the apparatus and means for restricting the operational functions for inclusion in the displayed menu.
2. Communications apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for selecting an operational function of the apparatus comprises an array of operator controls for operation by an operator.
3. Communications apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means for restricting the number of operational functions in the displayed menu comprises a limiter arranged to control the number of operational functions for display in any menu and/or the identify of any function which is selectable by the array of operator controls.
4. Communications apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising a store for storing the identity of the operational functions of the apparatus.
5. Communications apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the limiter comprises a plurality of switches arranged within the apparatus such that they are not accessible to an operator.
6. Communications apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the limiter comprises a programmable micro controller.
7. Communications apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
GB8517099A 1984-07-07 1985-07-05 Communication apparatus Withdrawn GB2162393A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8417416 1984-07-07

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8517099D0 GB8517099D0 (en) 1985-08-14
GB2162393A true GB2162393A (en) 1986-01-29

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8517099A Withdrawn GB2162393A (en) 1984-07-07 1985-07-05 Communication apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2162393A (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0287061A2 (en) * 1987-04-13 1988-10-19 Fujitsu Limited Apparatus for controlling calls in a mobile communication system
WO1991012698A1 (en) * 1990-02-14 1991-08-22 Motorola, Inc. Radio having removable memory means for storing radio user validation code
FR2724804A1 (en) * 1994-09-20 1996-03-22 Motorola Inc METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMIC RADIOCOMMUNICATION MENU
EP0794647A1 (en) * 1996-03-06 1997-09-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Telephone with a display and menu management method for the same
EP0809385A1 (en) * 1996-05-24 1997-11-26 Alcatel Mobile Phones User interface for a telephone terminal
WO1998000993A1 (en) * 1996-07-03 1998-01-08 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) A method and a device for handling user menu information in a user unit
EP0844553A1 (en) * 1996-11-26 1998-05-27 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Electronic device with screen comprising a user customisable menu
WO1999017514A1 (en) * 1997-09-29 1999-04-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Menu system for a radiotransmission apparatus
US6529744B1 (en) 1999-01-26 2003-03-04 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson Handling menu information

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2044446A (en) * 1979-01-16 1980-10-15 British Broadcasting Corp Data transfer system
EP0076328A1 (en) * 1981-04-13 1983-04-13 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Programming apparatus

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2044446A (en) * 1979-01-16 1980-10-15 British Broadcasting Corp Data transfer system
EP0076328A1 (en) * 1981-04-13 1983-04-13 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Programming apparatus

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS VOL CE-24 NO 3 AUGUST 1978 PAGES 436 TO 441 *
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS VOL. CE-31 NO. 1 FEBRUARY 1985 PAGES 59 TO 68 *
PRACTICAL COMPUTING AUGUST 1983 VOL 6 ISSUE 8 PAGES 92 TO 95 *

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0287061A3 (en) * 1987-04-13 1990-01-10 Fujitsu Limited Apparatus for controlling calls in a mobile communication system
EP0287061A2 (en) * 1987-04-13 1988-10-19 Fujitsu Limited Apparatus for controlling calls in a mobile communication system
WO1991012698A1 (en) * 1990-02-14 1991-08-22 Motorola, Inc. Radio having removable memory means for storing radio user validation code
TR24919A (en) * 1990-02-14 1992-07-01 Motorola Inc RADIO WITH REMOVABLE MEMORY TOOL FOR STORING THE RADIO USER'S APPROVAL CODE.
FR2724804A1 (en) * 1994-09-20 1996-03-22 Motorola Inc METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMIC RADIOCOMMUNICATION MENU
EP0794647A1 (en) * 1996-03-06 1997-09-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Telephone with a display and menu management method for the same
US6304646B1 (en) 1996-05-24 2001-10-16 Alcatel Mobile Phones Man-machine interface device for telephone terminals
EP0809385A1 (en) * 1996-05-24 1997-11-26 Alcatel Mobile Phones User interface for a telephone terminal
FR2749121A1 (en) * 1996-05-24 1997-11-28 Alcatel Mobile Comm France MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE DEVICE FOR TELEPHONE TERMINAL
WO1998000993A1 (en) * 1996-07-03 1998-01-08 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) A method and a device for handling user menu information in a user unit
US6201975B1 (en) 1996-07-03 2001-03-13 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson Method and device relating to a user unit
US6144863A (en) * 1996-11-26 2000-11-07 U.S. Philips Corporation Electronic device with screen comprising a menu which can be customized by a user
EP0844553A1 (en) * 1996-11-26 1998-05-27 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Electronic device with screen comprising a user customisable menu
WO1999017514A1 (en) * 1997-09-29 1999-04-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Menu system for a radiotransmission apparatus
US6459912B1 (en) 1997-09-29 2002-10-01 Robert Bosch Gmbh Menu system for a radiotransmission apparatus
US6529744B1 (en) 1999-01-26 2003-03-04 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson Handling menu information

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)