IL269429B2

IL269429B2 - Intelligent intercom system

Info

Publication number: IL269429B2
Application number: IL269429A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Elcom Innovations Private Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-23
Filing date: 2018-03-22
Publication date: 2023-09-01
Also published as: IL269429B1; IL269429A; CH714960B1; CH714960B9; WO2018172968A1

Description

269429/ FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of voice communication, and more specifically, to an efficient system for voice communication inside a vehicle BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Most of the vehicle intercom systems are digital TDM (Time-division multiplexing) based products with its limitation to restrict communication within the geographical place. In today’s scenario, the vehicles are not only expected to be networked with each other but also expected to network with the IP networks in some applications of this product. In conventional intercom systems, voice communication occurs between one centralised master device and multiple slave devices, wherein Master device receives voice streams from one or more slave device and master device act as centralized voice switching device, which switches voice streams between multiple master and/or slave devices. There by making master device a point of major failure. In conventional intercom systems, communication between a master device and a slave device involves reception of multiple of voices over multiple channels at the same time, thereby making the conventional intercom systems prone to noises. In conventional intercom systems, voice payload from the master device is broadcasted and is always received by each of the slave devices which creates unnecessary noise to the slave devices and further hampers the operation of the slave device by engaging the slave device in receiving the voice payload which is not required by the slave device. Furthermore, the master device and the slave devices if connected in a ring network topology, suffers from a problem of uncontrolled repeated payload transmission which hampers the communication path between the master device and the slave devices by generating huge amount of echo, hence in conventional intercom system only star connection topology is possible which increases cabling complexity and cost of maintenance 269429/ Therefore, there is a need to alleviate the problems associated with the conventional intercom systems.

SUMMARY In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an intelligent intercom system that comprises a first device, one or more second devices, and radio interface devices and does not include a master-slave arrangement to establish communication between the first device, the one or more second devices, and the radio interface devices. The first device, the one or more second devices, and the radio interface devices are referred to as ‘devices’ hereinafter. All the devices are self-reliant intelligent terminals and all are connected in one of a ring network topology or a star network topology to perform a seamless communication through a communication network, and wherein all the devices transmit and receive voice and/or data at least through Voice over IP (VoIP), and wherein all devices selectively choose to receive communication payload/stream from all devices based on a configuration matrix stored at each such device, and based on a unique multicast IP allocated to each device, and wherein all the devices selectively transmit / communicate with each other based on the configuration matrix stored at each of the devices and the unique multicast IP allocated to devices. For the purpose of seamless voice communication, every device, based on its configuration matrix, chooses the voice stream from which it has to receive the voice, hence eliminates the requirement of any central master switching device. In reality switching does not occur for voice communication to take place, unlike the conventional intercom system, wherein the master switching device becomes the single point of failure, here there is no such possibility of single point of failure, as each intelligent terminal is independent, self-reliant and is capable of receiving and/or transmitting voice payloads seamlessly. For the purpose of differentiating the role of end users, look and feature/functionality available the terminals are named as 269429/ 1. First Device – Reference designators (001, 002) 2. Second Device – Reference designators (003, 004, 005, 006) 3. Radio Interface Device – Reference designators (007, 008) 269429/ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first device of an intelligent intercom system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the first device of the intelligent intercom system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a second device of the intelligent intercom system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the Second device of the intelligent intercom system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrates another view of the second device of the intelligent intercom system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrates a view of radio interface device of the intelligent intercom system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete, and will 269429/ fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

The specification may refer to "an", "one" or "some" embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes", "comprises", "including" and/or "comprising" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, "connected" or "coupled" as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 269429/ The figures depict a simplified structure only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units whose implementation may differ from what is shown. The connections shown are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different.

The present invention is directed to an Intelligent Intercom System. The invention is a combination of hardware and software elements along with ruggedized mechanical housing to suit harsh and noisy environments.

According to Figures 1-8, the intelligent intercom system includes a first device which communicates with one or more second devices and radio interface devices. A first device (100, 200) and the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) and the Radio Interface devices (700,800) are connected in one of a ring network topology or a star network topology to perform a seamless communication through a communication network. The intelligent intercom system of the present invention utilizes Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) to automatically detect a loop which is a common problem when devices are connected in the ring network topology. The intelligent intercom system of the present invention detects the break in the ring in working direction and reverses the path of ETH payload to allow seamless communication between the various devices in the ring. Each of the first devices (100, 200) and the second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) and radio interface devices (700,800) include Ethernet interfaces, in which one Ethernet interface is connected in one direction and other interface for other direction of traffic, thereby allowing the intelligent intercom system of the present invention to be used in ring network with RSTP functionality enabled to prevent loop and detecting break in working path. Further, in case of the star network topology, one Ethernet interface needs to be connected to an Ethernet switch with RSTP disabled. The fFirst device and the one or more of second devices includes a network interface to communicate with each other and to another network entity through 2-way radio at predetermined frequencies through radio interface device. The network interface enables the devices to 269429/ transmit and receive voice and/or data communication preferably through Voice over IP (VoIP).

In Figure 1, Reference Numerals Description Specially designed protection hinges to protect screen, knobs and operating switches. Ethernet input from the network. In case of ring topology both Ethernet are used to form ring. Ethernet output (which is also a POE driven output) for next node to use power from centralized first device. 9 – 36 Volt DC input for first device’s operating. This power is from vehicle battery. This power will be used to distribute power to other units over Ethernet using POE technology. Volume knob to adjust volume of the stereo speaker.

Connector to connect Monaural/binaural headsets to listen to mono/dual channel speech/audio. USB connectors to connect USB Powered radio interface devices to first device Connector to connect external speaker for broadcast messaging for mic-less members.

In Figure 2, Reference Numerals Description Specially designed hinges to stack up multiple units to save space as well as to protect other connectors in case of drop of the unit. Knob to control brightness/dimming of the first device screen. Mounting hinges to mount the unit on to vehicle.

Program selection control rotary knob. The special lock at both directions prevents the rotation thus giving understanding of knob position. first device’s display screen. Position toggle knob to select, selected radio’s mode as Secure, Non-Secure, Immune. 269429/ USB connectors to connect USB Powered radio interface devices to First device Connect ALARM audio input from Alarm monitoring unit to feed audio alarms to predefined first device and second devices.

Radio channel selection knob. This knob is used to select, selected radio’s channel of radio connected to radio interface device.

In Figure 3, Reference Numerals Description Ethernet input from the network. In case of ring topology both Ethernet are used to form ring.

Ethernet output which is also POE driven output for next node to use power from centralized power device. 9 – 36 Volt DC input for second device’s operating. This power is from vehicle battery. This power will be used to distribute power to other units over Ethernet using POE technology. Volume knob to adjust volume of the stereo speaker.

Connector to connect Monaural/ binaural headsets to listen to mono/dual channel speech/audio.

USB connectors to connect USB Powered second devices or radio Interface device to first device Connector to connect external speaker for broadcast messaging for mic-less second device.

In Figure 4, Reference Numerals Description Press buttons to turn off the display and turn on the display. Mounting hinges to mount the unit on to vehicle. 269429/ Program selection control rotary knob. The special lock at both direction prevents the rotation thus eases understanding of knob position. second device’s display screen. 4 X Alphanumeric OLED display to display operations and status. 3 Position toggle knob to select, selected radio’s mode as Secure, Non-Secure, Immune.

USB connectors to connect USB Powered Extension devices to sSecond device or radio interface device Connect ALARM audio input from Alarm monitoring unit to feed audio alarms to predefined first Device and second device. Radio channel selection knob. This knob is used to select, selected radio’s channel.

In Figure 5, Reference Numerals Description USB connectors to connect USB Powered second devices to first device OR DC/POE Powered second device Volume knob to adjust volume of the stereo speaker.

Connector to connect Monaural/binaural headsets to listen to mono/dual channel speech/audio.

In Figure 6, Reference Numerals Description Press buttons to turn off the display and turn on the display. Mounting hinges to mount the unit on to vehicle.

Program selection control rotary knob. The special lock at both direction prevents the rotation thus eases understanding of knob position. 269429/ second device’s display screen. 4 X Alphanumeric OLED display to display operations and status. 3 Position toggle knob to select, selected radio’s mode as Secure, Non-Secure, Immune.

Radio channel selection knob. This knob is used to select, selected radio’s channel.

In Figure 7, Reference Numerals Description Connector to connect external speaker for broadcast messaging for mic-less radio interface device.

Ethernet-POE connector. Power is taken from POE ETH-IN and connecting to network. ETH-OUT drives out POE and Ethernet connection to complete ring, in RING Topology.

Connectors to connect radio’s using specially designed harness for each type of radio. Connectors to connect four radio base stations.

In Figure 8, Reference Numerals Description 2 USB USB connectors to connect radio interface devices to first Device OR DC/POE Powered first device RADIO Cable Connectors Connectors to connect 2-way radio’s using specially designed harness for each type of radio. Connectors to connect two numbers 269429/ of 2-way radio base stations.

The intelligent intercom system of the present invention comprises multiple voice-end points. The basic principle of operation adapted in the intelligent intercom system of the present invention is an intelligent connection selection of multiple voice end points unlike the cross connection of multiple voice end points at any central switching node as in case of conventional intercom systems, based on knob position selection by each individual voice end point. Herein, for the sake of explanation in the description, the first device and the one or more second devices and radio interface devices are referred as voice end points. For a person having ordinary skill in the art, it is obvious that the voice end points herein may be referred as first device and the one or more second device or radio Interface devices. Each end point may operate in receive only, transmit only OR both-way operation, this is defined based on voice-end point type. Each voice end-point in the intelligent intercom system of the present invention has been allocated with a unique multicast IP. Further, there is a configuration matrix in which configuration of each voice end point is also stored. The position of a knob on the voice end points defines the voice end point’s participation in the selected voice operation as receive only, transmit only, both way communication or inactive. Each voice end point can be a source for selection of knob position of each other voice end-point. Therefore, for particular knob position of any end point, any number of source end points can be selected. With so many options available to choose from, the intelligent intercom system of the present invention is very portable to several kinds of vehicle applications.

Types of communication available through configuration matrix are: 1. Point to point 2. Point to multi point 3. Receive only 4. Transmit only Any one of the configuration is pre-stored into each of the first device (100, 200) and one or more of the second devices (300, 400,500, 600) and radio interface devices (700,800). 269429/ Further, each of the first device (100, 200) and the second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) and radio interface devices (700,800) includes configuration matrix for operation, due to which each of the first device (100, 200) and the second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) and radio interface devices (700,800) are already aware of type of port, position selection and effect of position selection change.

In an exemplary embodiment, during transmitting operation, at the first device (100, 200) or at the second devices (300, 400, 500, 600), on detection of voice activity based on PTT/COR event/VOX event, the first device (100, 200) or the second device (300, 400, 500, 600) or radio interface device (700, 800) transmit their voice payload over the communication network on an allocated multicast IP.

In another exemplary embodiment, during receiving operation, at the first device (100, 200) or at the second device (300, 400, 500, 600) or at the radio interface device (700, 800), based on the selected knob position and configuration via the configuration matrix, the first device (100, 200) or the second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) decides which voice stream to pick and start collecting multicast RTP voice packets and replays via own speakers or headsets.

The first device and the one or more second devices or radio interface devices provide noise cancellation during operation of the first device and the one or more second devices or radio interface devices. The fFirst device and the one or more second devices comprise headsets which are preferable for providing noise reduction/cancellation.

The voice and data communication is facilitated through wideband codecs. Further, the first device and the one or more second devices communicate through a 2-way radio. In the intelligent intercom system, the first device includes a processor which process data for 269429/ providing field Management System. The processor processes based on a mission program selected from a group of pre-programmed mission critical programs.

The first device and each of the one or more second devices includes a graphical user interface (GUI) which enables programming of various parameters of the first device and the one or more second dDevices and radio Interface devices.

The headsets are one of Monaural and binaural headsets. In an embodiment, the headsets are Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headsets which employ a plurality of noise-reduction technologies to ensure clear voice and acoustic protection.

The first device includes an industrial Ethernet switch to facilitate Power over Ethernet (PoE). In an embodiment, the industrial Ethernet switch is connected to a power system of an object associated with the intelligent intercom system. The industrial Ethernet switch also facilitates distribution of power to other connected devices of the intelligent intercom system of the present invention.

The first device and each of the one or more second devices include an interface for an external speaker and an interface for external alarm device. In one embodiment, the one or more second devices selectively operate independent of the first device. In an embodiment, the intelligent intercom system of the present invention can support up to 16 devices. In an embodiment, the intelligent intercom system of the present invention can interface with numbers of 2-way radios.

The applications of the system are manifold, including but not limited to: 269429/ c With IP/Ethernet interface, the system of the instant invention enables users to inter-work with the 2-way radios inside the areas of high noise/disturbances such as mines where there is excess drilling noises, using standard IP-based application. Users from one mine can gain access to other mines by use of networking radios. A preferred embodiment of the invention is to have option of connecting multiport Ethernet switch, eliminating the need for any additional box. Each first device and the second devices may drive an external speaker and supports interface for alarms and PA system within mines. Each device in this embodiment may have independent volume control and display for desired information like alarms, channel number, frequency of operation and the like.

Use in Noisy Production floors The system of the instant invention is designed as an intelligent intercom system, easy to operate, providing crystal clear voice communication inside on the noisy production floor and over the radio using Active Noise Reduction headsets and software algorithms. The system is designed with clear understanding that it be tailored to fit specific platform configuration and preferably with high degree of interoperability between 2-way Radios and other units. The system allows clear communication between production supervisors and Managers. Preferred embodiment of the invention is to have advanced ring architecture with no single point of failure. Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is to have Broadband IP connectivity to all nodes provide for data transfer.

Use in moving Vehicles The intelligent intercom system of the present invention is easy to operate, providing crystal clear voice communication inside the vehicle and over the 2-way radio using Active Noise Reduction headsets and software algorithms. 269429/ The system provides voice, data and video communication along with command and control of radios. Further integrated alarms and sensor, GPS and computer terminals and choice of multiple modes of operations (Programs) along with Radio channel selection is also yet another embodiment of the invention.

Use as a disaster control Vehicle The intelligent intercom system of the present invention is easy to operate, providing crystal clear voice communication inside the vehicle and over the 2-way radio using Active Noise Reduction headsets and software algorithms. Typical disaster vehicle configuration consists of one first Device, two second devices members along with two radio interface devices (2-way radios). The invention preferred embodiment is therefore a high performance multimedia networking system that switches voice and data. It provides voice, data and video communication along with command and control of radios; integrated alarms and sensor, GPS and computer terminals. There are choices of multiple modes of operations (Programs) along with radio interface devices (2-way radios) channel selection.

The system and method of the present invention therefore is very advantageous and provides crystal clear voice in Harsh / Noisy audio environments due to noise cancellation algorithms. It provides interoperability between various communication interfaces such as 2-way radios with various frequencies and IP. The IP based architecture gives flexibility of connecting over the network. Further embodiment of the invention includes ruggedization of the mechanical housing to suit various applications involving outdoor installations.

Furthermore, the present invention may also be described in part above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. 269429/ It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer- readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus like a scanner/check scanner to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and schematic diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operations of some embodiments of methods, systems, and computer program products for managing security associations over a communication network. In this regard, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in other implementations, the function(s) noted in the blocks may occur out of 269429/ the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention. Although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

269429/ We claim:

1. An Intelligent intercom system comprising: a first device (100, 200) configured to transmit voice and/or data with one or more second devices (300, 400, 500,600) and radio interface devices (700, 800), wherein the first device and the one or more second devices and radio interface devices are physically connected in one of a ring network topology or a star network topology to form a seamless network, wherein the first device (100, 200), the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500,600), and the radio interface devices are configured to transmit and receive voice and/or data at least through Voice over IP (VoIP) protocol, and wherein the first device (100, 200) the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600), and the radio interface devices selectively receive voice and/or data from the at least one of the first device (100, 200), the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600), and the radio interface devices based on a configuration matrix stored at each of the first device (100, 200), the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600), and the radio interface devices and based on a unique multicast IP allocated to each of the first device (100, 200), the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600), and the radio interface devices , and wherein the first device (100, 200), the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600), and the radio interface devices selectively transmit voice and/or data with each other based on the configuration matrix stored at each of the first device (100, 200), the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600), and the radio interface devices and the unique multicast IP allocated to each of the first device (100, 200), the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600), and the radio interface devices.

2. The intelligent intercom system of claim 1, wherein the configuration matrix, stored at the first device (100, 200), the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600), and the radio interface device, comprises information for configuring the first device, the one or more second devices, and the radio interface devices 269429/

3. The intelligent intercom system of claim 1, wherein the configuration matrix stored at the first device, the one or more second devices, and the radio interface devices enables the first device, the one or more second devices, and the radio interface devices to: communicate voice and/or data with at least one of the first device, the one or more second devices, and the radio interface through 2-way radio ; broadcast voice/and data to the first devices (100, 200) and second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) and radio interface (700, 800) devices; receive voice and/or data from a preselected first device or a second device s or a radio Interface devices; and transmit voice and/or data only to the preselected first Device or the second Device or the radio interface device.

4. The intelligent intercom system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first device, the one or more second devices, and the radio interface devices broadcast the voice and /or data over the network using the allocated unique multicast IP address, and wherein the at least one of the first device, the one or more second devices, and the radio interface having information about the allocated unique multicast IP address of the voice transmitting device in the configuration matrix, receives the transmitted voice and/or data.

5. The intelligent intercom system of claim 1, wherein when a unique multicast IP stored in the configuration matrix available with the at least one of the first device, the one or more second devices, and the radio interface devices matches with the unique multicast IP of the broadcasted voice and/or data, the at least one of the first device, the one or more second devices, and the radio interface devices device starts receiving multicast RTP voice packets.

6. The intelligent intercom system of claim 1, wherein the first device (100, 200) and the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) and radio interface (700, 800) devices utilizes rapid spanning tree Protocol (RSTP) to prevent loop formation, , when the first 269429/ device (100, 200) device and the one or more second devices (300, 400, 5000, 600) or radio interface (700, 800) devices are connected in the ring network topology.

7. The intelligent intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voice and data communication is facilitated through wideband codecs to: provide uncompressed voice and data to noise reduction software algorithm for efficient calculation and detection of noise components; and remove the detected noise components through software algorithms for generation the voice and data without the noise components.

8. The intelligent intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first device (100, 200) and the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) communicate through a 2-way radio using radio interface device (700, 800) with an another intelligent intercom system located at a different location.

9. The intelligent intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first device (100, 200) and each of the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) comprise a graphical user interface (GUI) which enables programming of various parameters of the first Device (100, 200) and the one or more second devices.

10. The intelligent intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first device (100, 200) and the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) utilizes headsets, wherein the headsets are one of Monaural or binaural headsets.

11. The intelligent intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first device (100, 200) comprises an industrial Ethernet switch to facilitate Power over Ethernet (PoE).

12. The intelligent intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first device (100, 200) and each of the one or more second devices (300, 400, 500, 600) comprise a speaker for outputting voice and an interface to couple a set of alarm devices.