GB2475868A

GB2475868A - Wireless communication between people of unknown identity

Info

Publication number: GB2475868A
Application number: GB0921170A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rohan Obied
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-03
Filing date: 2009-12-03
Publication date: 2011-06-08
Also published as: GB0921170D0

Abstract

Communication is initiated between a first user of a wireless communications system on board a vehicle and at least a second user who is unknown to the first user by using a short range connection such as Bluetooth or Zigbee. The first user signals the other user about an outgoing call aimed at him/her. Subsequently the second user receives the signal. In response the second user issues a reciprocating communication. Both users open a communications session, which can be transferred to a long range communication system such as a cellular or WIMAX system to continue over larger distances.

Description

PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mobile wireless communications systems. More specifically, the system of the invention provides a method for communicating electronically and wirelessly between people of unknown identity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of localized wireless digital communications systems are available today on the market. Wireless personal area network (WPAN) is a code name for digital networking systems, that facilitate short range RF communications. In this type of systems, Bluetooth® can form a small network with small number of participants, over a typical area having a radius of 10 or somewhat more meters. Zigbee systems, employing the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless protocol, allows connectivity in the range of a few tens of meters, but supports less throughput than Bluetooth devices.

Wi -Fi is a type of wireless LAN network based on the IEEE 802.11 standards stack, which allows access to the Internet. The wireless LAN also comes in several configurations/options. The connection between a computer and the access point is achieved through the access point, and thus indirectly with a computer linked to the access point. A peer to peer connection is an ad -hoc network which allows two independent computers to communicate directly with each other. Significant in respect of the present invention is the Wi -Fi® protected access that secures the connection Location based service (LBS) is a code name for service implemented using the mobile phone networks and is typified in the location association of the services offered. To accomplish the location finding function of the service, either GPS or GSM based localization technology. In this service, the personal handset is made location sensitive to a certain degree and thus the user can a identify providers according to their location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system of the invention is a communication system that allows introducing people anonymously, wirelessly. In an embodiment of the invention, a connection is made among people occupying vehicles in motion or parked, even without knowing the phone number of the person being sought after. A communications system in which the present invention is implemented is a short to medium range system, typically utilizing technological subsystems the major components of which are readily available in the market. To demonstrate how a service in accordance with the present invention is carried out, a subscribing user on board one vehicle issues a signal meaning "a friendly call initiated", which may start a communications session between two subscribers. If the receiver of the signal is receptive, he/she may respond by answering the signal call in a short signaling response, begin a chat, or open up a broad band session.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood upon reading of the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic description of a typical situation in which vehicles may initiate interaction upon encounter; Fig. 2 is a schematic description of the devices adding up to the wireless enabled computer, implemented in an embodiment of the invention; Figs. 3A-C are three respective configurations of illuminated signaling lamps on board a vehicle in an embodiment of the system of the invention.

The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings referred to above

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE

INVENTION

A communications system of the invention is typically a short to medium range wireless system or network, serving users to convey messages, data, video and or audio, conduct conference calls, or otherwise interact fromlto a vehicle. A system of the invention includes all the electronic circuitry to provide: message sending, message accepting. In addition to receiving/sending of information or control signals by wireless connections a system of the invention may include also ports for physically transferring information, for example serial ports, or parallel ports. As described pictorially in Fig. 1 to which reference is now made, vehicle 10, in which a transceiving device 12 is installed, is approached from behind by vehicle 14 having a similar transceiving device 16. In some embodiments, the system of the invention is totally portable, but can be energized through a connector in the vehicle and or through batteries, typically rechargeable. In some embodiments it is incorporated in a CD -DVD player, stereo set, or any other audio/video set applicable in the car appliances market. Such an apparatus can assume the outside dimensions and connector/s to compatibly replace a car audio/video set sockets and housing to fit in with the electric feed socket as well as sometimes antenna connector. A GPS receiver, if available, may be implemented by connecting to an apparatus embodying the invention, as an optional means for location the system of the present invention. In such cases as the hardware of the invention is incorporated as a part of a car audio/video system, it might as well be using headset and or microphone already available with the system.

Any vehicle having installed on board a fixed communications system, or having been fitted with a portable system temporarily, that can support a participating member in taking part in a communicating session, by facilitating sending and/or receiving messages from another participating member. Such a member may be either engaged in a communications session, or be in a standby position receptive mode, or be silent, or turned off. A functional unit in accordance with the present invention may be referred to hereinafter as a FUIPI.

General architectural aspects and components of an embodiment of the invention As can be seen in the scheme of Fig. 2, wireless enabled computer (WEC) 22 has connected antenna 24, either internally or externally. Appended components typically connected to WEC 22 are power supply 26, audio device 28, video device 30 signaling device or a plurality thereof 32, an I/O port or a plurality thereof 38, and control device or plurality thereof 42. The WEC utilized in the implementation of the invention is a PDA (personal digital assistant), or any hand held personal computer or indeed any portable computer, preferably a small one. Alternatively, a dedicated device may be used instead of a WEC, including a processor connected to the electronic circuitry for sending and receiving data. The WEC or its alternatives is to be secured to the vehicle such as by a special pocket or mount, strap or casing. Appended devices such a video or audio devices may be a part of the WEC or connected to it. For example, a loudspeaker (audio) may be a part of the WEC as in most PCs, and a computer display used as the video output, but otherwise may be connected externally to the WEC, by cables for example. Signaling is carried out preferably by activating a specific lighting device or a plurality of illuminating devices, in such a way as to give the user an indication of at least the intension of another user to communicate. The signaling in other cases may be brought about by a sound being produced by one or more sounding devices.

An exemplary signaling interface may be a quadruplet of lighting elements (lamps) as described schematically in Fig. 3A-C. Symbolically described, in Fig. 3A, top left lamp is glowing, in Fig. 3B top right lamp is glowing, and in Fig. 3C, the two left lamps are glowing. Additional signaling may be provided by rings, buzzing or what is currently known as ring tones, conveying audible information.

As an example of the communications system that facilitates the connection between vehicles in accordance with the present invention, a car having on board a WEC connected to a Wi -Fi® access point (known generally as WAP access point) on the car. The WEC on board the car can be considered as a part of LAN on the car. Else, the WEC on the car can communicate in a peer to peer type communication with external (a WEC of another user). To connect to the internet, the WEC may be cellular enabled such as to use 3 generation (3G) or higher internet facilities or via satellite communications facilities.

In another aspect, communications between the vehicles may be implemented by using more than one communication system. Thus for alerting or signaling, and initiation of call referred to hereinafter as handshaking, typically brought about by Bluetooth® or Zigbee. When this type of non internet communication has been achieved, the partners may exchange code for entering a WLAN or IP number to continue the interaction over the internet, cellular 3 G or more, or through WIMAX, once the distance between the vehicles has grown too large. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system contains a removable memory device such as a CD or removable flash memory device or a removable hard drive, to enable the user to keep track of connection history, and essential information relating to contacts, such as phone numbers, Internet IP numbers, etc. As a part of the handshaking stage, the proximity of the two engaging parties can be verified by the matching of geographical location using GPS derived data of the two sides.

The purposes of signaling When a signal is activated in a vehicle, the driver, or another occupant, may be alerted or his/her attention drawn to the fact that another user, e.g a user occupying another vehicle, may be trying to reach him/her. By applying specific appearance type (Fig. 3A), a certain significance is conveyed visually, for example, the top left lamp illuminating, meaning "a friendly call awaiting". To emphasize the intentions, the top left lamp may be colored yellow. On the other hand, top right lamp glowing as in Fig. 3B, may mean "law enforcement agent is calling" and to emphasize, the lamp may be colored red. In Fig. 3C the two left lamps are glowing, meaning, for example, "an announcement is made concerning traffic problems ahead". In one embodiment of the invention, the lamps may also serve as push buttons of switches so that when a lamp glows, the user inside the vehicle may push against it, to forward an answer.

Extra-vehicular demarcations In accordance with some aspects of the present invention, an external demarcation is attached to the vehicle in order to make the presence of a FUIPI conspicuous to a receptive member of a network of the invention.

The external mark may mean, "I am receptive" or "I am busy" or "I am temporarily uninterested". The marking may be provided by a flag, or an illuminating device, preferably showing a range illuminating colors, or any conspicuous object on, typically an exposed part of the vehicle.

Interaction types Interactions between users include: vehicle to vehicle, vehicle to static user, vehicle to person. For example a person, such as a pedestrian, may be carrying a FUIPI energized by batteries, and while turned on, may facilitate such person to participate in communications session with a vehicle having a matching FUIPI. A vehicle occupant may be using a FUIPI to communicate with another vehicle, or a vehicle occupant may be communicating with a static user such as a service station keeper having a FUIPI in his/her premises to be used as a mean of marketing and advertising.

Types of communicating sessions What is known as "chat", i.e. exchanging written comment visible on a screen (30) is supported by the FUIPI of the invention. Thus, two participants in a communicating session after having established a communicating session between them, can participate in a mutual chat session.

Another type of communicating session is a unilateral informative session, which may resemble SMS messaging. Such an informative session may be used to inform a driver about a traffic congestion ahead. Yet another type of communicating session is a file transfer session, in which files are transferred between users, e.g video or audio files.

Another purpose of a session in accordance with present invention is to transfer files between users who participate in a mutual sociable session, typically involving voice, video music or streaming video clips.

A combined session is possible, taking place for example between two users who initiate a chat session and then exchange each video files between.

In distress situations, a distress communications session is initiated, in which a subscribing user issues a distress signal, in which other users and or security agents also are subscribing to the network, are able to respond.

Such a distress signal optimally includes an exact location, typically derived from a GPS facility available to the FUIPI. In such situations, police, first aid and other security and public welfare are expected to participate in the network.

User interface In addition to the signaling components described above, in some embodiments, a touch screen is employed for allowing the user simple yet efficient control of the system. In other embodiments, voice activated interface is used to facilitate hand free control of the system. However, simply, a user interface of the WEC may be used.

Scenarios in which the inventive system is implemented Scenario 1. A police car passes by a suspicious car, issuing an alert call.

The alerted vehicle may send back data, including exact location using a GPS receiver on board.

Scenario 2. A first subscribing user is stuck in a car at a traffic jam. This user than recognizes a car driver next to him/her with which he/she would like to communicate. This user than issues a close range signal, waiting for the neighbouring car to respond. If handshaking has been achieved, interaction can continue over the internet.

Scenario 3. A first subscribing user travels leisurely in the street, recognizing a shop that he/she fancies to stop by. If a signal in accordance with the present invention is associated, the shopkeeper may respond, to tell the potential customer about the goods available for sale.

Scenario 4. A first subscribing user identifies road accident ahead. He/she may issue an immediate call to all vehicles nearby for help.

Scenario 5. A subscribing user wishes to advertize a fact such as for example, he/she is selling the car.

Scenario 6. A road -side kiosk wishing to advertise own working hours, so that passing vehicles can stop by.

Scenario 7. A first subscribing user communicates at a parking lot with a second subscriber trying to find a parking place, advising him/her about the same.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for facilitating digital electronic communications between a subscribing user of a wireless communications system on board a vehicle and at least one other subscribing user, comprising the steps of: * said subscribing user signaling said other user about an outgoing call aimed at least at said other user; * other user receiving said signal; * said other user issuing a response; * both users opening a communications session.
2. A method as in claim 1 wherein said signaling is performed using a Bluetooth® device.
3. A method of communicating wirelessly and electronically between two individuals, wherein a handshaking takes place first, said method further comprises transferring the communications to a long range communications system.
4. A method communicating wirelessly and electronically between two individuals as in claim 3 wherein said long range communications system is a cellular system.
5. A method communicating wirelessly and electronically between two individuals as in claim 3 wherein said long range communications system is a WIMAX system.
6. A method communicating wirelessly and electronically between two individuals as in claim 3 wherein said short range communications system is a Wi Fi system.
7. A method communicating wirelessly as in claim 6 wherein a communicating session performed over the system as in claim 1, is an informative session.
8. A method communicating wirelessly as in claim 6 wherein a communicating session performed over the system as in claim 1, is a distress session.
9. A system for facilitating digital electronic communications between a subscribing user of a wireless communications system on board a vehicle and at least one other subscribing user comprising: * a short range communication means for connecting a first subscribing user with another subscribing user; wherein said communication means is a wireless LAN.