NZ762613A - Power and data hub, communication system, and related method - Google Patents
Power and data hub, communication system, and related method Download PDFInfo
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- NZ762613A NZ762613A NZ762613A NZ76261320A NZ762613A NZ 762613 A NZ762613 A NZ 762613A NZ 762613 A NZ762613 A NZ 762613A NZ 76261320 A NZ76261320 A NZ 76261320A NZ 762613 A NZ762613 A NZ 762613A
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Abstract
A communication system, A power and data hub and a method for operating a communication device is disclosed, the power and data hub comprising: a hub housing; a first primary interface configured to communicate with a radio unit to communicate primary audio, primary power input, and primary data; a second primary interface configured to communicate with a communication device to communicate and/or provide secondary audio and primary power output; a first secondary interface configured to communicate and/or provide secondary data and/or secondary power output with a first peripheral device connectable to the first secondary interface; a second secondary interface configured to communicate and/or provide secondary data and/or secondary power output with a second peripheral device connectable to the second secondary interface second primary interface configured to communicate with a communication device to communicate and/or provide secondary audio and primary power output; a first secondary interface configured to communicate and/or provide secondary data and/or secondary power output with a first peripheral device connectable to the first secondary interface; a second secondary interface configured to communicate and/or provide secondary data and/or secondary power output with a second peripheral device connectable to the second secondary interface
Description
POWER AND DATA HUB, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND RELATED METHOD
The present disclosure relates to a power and data hub and a method of operating a
power and data hub and a communication system comprising a power and data hub.
BACKGROUND
In combat and/or emergency situations, a user may be provided with a radio unit as well
as a communication device, in order to enable users to utilize radio communication in high
stress environments, where the communication device may be provided to allow for
providing a hearing protection device, while still maintaining situational awareness.
Users in combat situations or other stressed environments may be asked to utilize
peripheral devices, that may be intended to provide improved security and/or improved
overview of a certain situation, where the peripheral device may e.g. be a helmet camera,
a handheld tablet, data communication devices or similar peripheral devices. The
provision of peripheral devices means that a user needs to provide the peripheral devices
with both data communication and power, which may require the user might need a
plurality of additional devices for providing both power and data to the peripheral devices,
which will add to the weight of the gear.
SUMMARY
Accordingly, there is a need for methods and apparatus, which simplifies communication
systems to be worn in combat situations or other stressed environments.
A power and a data hub is disclosed, the power and data hub comprising: a hub housing;
a first primary interface configured to communicate with a radio unit to communicate
primary audio, primary power input, and primary data; a second primary interface
configured to communicate with a communication device to communicate secondary
audio and primary power output; a first secondary interface configured to communicate
and/or provide secondary data and/or secondary power output with a first peripheral
device connectable to the first secondary interface; a second secondary interface
configured to communicate and/or provide secondary data and/or secondary power output
with a second peripheral device connectable to the second secondary interface.
Further, a communication system is disclosed, the communication system comprising: - a
power and data hub according to the present disclosure; and a communication device
connectable to the second primary interface of the power and data hub.
Also disclosed is a method of operating a power and data hub, the method comprising:
communicating primary audio, primary power input, and primary data with a radio unit via
a first primary interface of the power and data hub; communicating secondary audio and
primary power output with a communication device via a second primary interface of the
power and data hub; communicating secondary data and/or secondary power output with
a first peripheral device via a first secondary interface of the power and data hub; and
communicating secondary data and/or secondary power output with a second peripheral
device via a second secondary interface of the power and data hub.
It is an important advantage of the power and data hub that the hub is capable of drawing
both power and data from a radio unit, and distributing the power and/or data to peripheral
devices while being capable of transmitting audio through the hub to and from a
communication device for the user to communicate via the radio unit. The presence of the
secondary interfaces means that the peripheral devices may be connected to the radio
unit, and provide data communication and receive power from the radio unit, and thereby
reducing the number of connections and/or interfaces that are needed to communicate
directly with the radio unit.
The present disclosure provides a power and data hub, a method of operating a power
and data hub, as well as a communication system where the connection to additional
peripheral devices is improved.
The present disclosure allows for improved power and data communication via the radio
unit, where complexity of the equipment carried by the user may be reduced significantly,
to improve the user experience during combat, emergency or training operations.
Further, the present disclosure reduces the number of interfaces between a radio unit, a
communication device and peripheral devices, as the first primary interface of the power
and data hub is capable of providing the necessary data, power and audio via one
interface, which is a similar and/or the same interface as a radio unit communicates the
necessary power and audio with a communication interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become
readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of
exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary communication system,
Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary communication system, and
Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method of operating a power and a data hub.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various exemplary embodiments and details are described hereinafter, with reference to
the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to
scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference
numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended
to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive
description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an
illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or
an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily
limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so
illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.
A power and data hub for a communication device is disclosed, the power and data hub
comprising: a hub housing; a first primary interface configured to communicate with a
radio unit to communicate primary audio, primary power input, and primary data; a
second primary interface configured to communicate with a communication device to
communicate and/or provide secondary audio and primary power output; a first secondary
interface configured to communicate and/or provide secondary data and/or secondary
power output with a first peripheral device connectable to the first secondary interface; a
second secondary interface configured to communicate and/or provide secondary data
and/or secondary power output with a second peripheral device connectable to the
second secondary interface.
The first primary interface may be adapted to provide a communication pathway for data,
audio, and power between the radio unit and the power and data hub, where the power
may be communicated to the communication device as well as the peripheral devices via
the power and data hub via their respective interfaces. Thus, in one exemplary
embodiment any and all of the devices that may be connected or connectable to the
power and data hub may be capable of drawing power which is transmitted from the radio
unit to the devices via the power and data hub.
The communication pathway for the data from the radio unit, via the first primary interface,
to the power and data hub means that any peripheral device that has a data
communication requirement may be capable of communicating data to and from the
peripheral device to and from the radio unit via the power and data hub.
Furthermore, the first primary interface may also provide a communication pathway for
audio communication to and from the communication device to the radio unit via the first
primary interface.
Secondary data and/or secondary power may be seen as a source of data and/or power
where the secondary data may be the same for one or more of the peripheral devices, or
may be different for one or more of the peripheral devices, and where the secondary
power may be the same for one or more of connected peripheral devices, or may be be
different for one or more of the peripheral devices. The term secondary data may be seen
as meaning a secondary data output, where the secondary data output may vary from one
secondary interface to another secondary interface. The term secondary power may be
seen as meaning a secondary power output, where the secondary power output may vary
from one secondary interface to another secondary interface, or may be the same. Thus,
the secondary data and the secondary power may be defined as a first secondary data
and a first secondary power of the first secondary interface, a second secondary data and
a second secondary power of the second secondary interface, a third secondary data and
a third secondary power of the third secondary interface, and/or a fourth secondary data
and a fourth secondary power of the fourth secondary interface.
The radio unit used for armed forces, law enforcement, emergency services is often a
radio unit that is capable of communicating both data and audio with a dispatch or a radio
communication central, where an analog audio signal may be converted into a digital
signal (data), where the data and the audio signal (digital and/or analog) may be
transmitted and received via wireless communication to and from the radio unit. When the
data and audio are transmitted, the data and the audio may be encrypted to ensure that
the communication cannot be intercepted and/or overheard by unwanted parties. This
means that if a user may be using a peripheral device that may transmit or receive
sensitive information, it is advantageous to use the data communication channel of the
radio unit to transmit encrypted data to a remote location.
Furthermore, in order to reduce the amount of equipment that a user has to carry during
an operation, the peripheral devices and/or the communication device may be capable of
drawing power from the radio unit, in order to reduce the need of separate batteries or
power sources for one or more of the peripheral devices.
Thus, it may be desirable for the user to utilize the data communication capabilities of the
radio unit to transmit data from a remote location and to utilize the power source of the
radio unit, while maintaining a simple connection to the radio unit, and while maintaining
the access to audio transmissions from the user to a remote location. Normally, the data
interface for peripheral devices is connected to a data interface in a position on the radio
unit which is different from the audio communication interface. Thus, when peripheral
devices are connected to a radio unit, the data interface is in a first position on the radio
unit, while a communication device is connected via a wired connection to a second
position on the radio unit. Thus, the connectors and cables necessary to connect data and
audio increase the physical size of the radio which reduce the mobility of the user during
use.
A secondary interface, such as the first secondary interface and/or the second secondary
interface, may provide an interface for a peripheral device, where the secondary interface
may provide a power output for the peripheral device, and may provide a data
communication between the peripheral device and the radio unit. Thus, if the peripheral
device is a helmet camera, the secondary interface may be capable of providing
operational power to the helmet camera, while the data communication link may allow the
footage recorded by the helmet camera to be transmitted from the helmet camera to the
radio unit, via the power and data hub, where the radio unit may transmit the data,
containing the footage, to a remote location.
The second primary interface may provide a communication device with an interface to
transmit audio communication from the communication device to the radio unit, via the
power and data hub. The second primary interface may be a wired interface, where the
communication device may be capable of receiving power to operate the communication
device, as well as the audio communication capabilities.
This means that the power and data hub may provide the user with all the necessary
communication and power capabilities using the second primary interface and one or
more of the secondary interfaces, where the power and data hub is connected to the radio
unit via the first primary interface.
The current disclosure provides for a simplified interface for data communications and
power to be provided to peripheral devices, as the peripheral devices and the
communication device are connected to a power and data hub, where the power and data
hub provides the required data, power and audio communication capabilities which the
user needs, and where the user can access all the capabilities of the radio unit via the
power and data hub, as the power and data hub is connected via the first primary
interface to the radio unit.
Within the context of the present disclosure the communication device may be or form a
part of a hearing protection system, comprising a hearing protection device. The hearing
protection device may comprise a first earpiece comprising a first transducer for provision
of a first ear canal input signal and/or a first receiver for provision of a first audio output
signal based on a first ear canal output signal. The hearing protection device may
comprise a second earpiece comprising a second transducer for provision of a second ear
canal input signal and/or a second receiver for provision of a second audio output signal
based on a second ear canal output signal. The communication device may be
connectable to the hearing protection device and comprise a processor and/or a mixer for
processing the sound input received from the radio unit and/or the power and data hub, as
well as the first ear canal input signal, and/or the second ear canal input signal. The
hearing protection device may be connected or connectable to the second primary
interface of the power and data hub, where the hearing protection device may be powered
by the primary power output, and may communicate audio to/from the radio unit via the
first primary interface and the second primary interface.
The communication system may comprise a communication device, a left receiver and a
right receiver. The left receiver can be part of a left earpiece comprising a left connection,
and the right receiver can be part of a right earpiece comprising a right connection. The
connections may be wired connections or wireless connections such as Bluetooth
connections.
The communication device may comprise a processor such as a central processing unit
(CPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP); a radio interface for connection to a radio unit ;
an output interface; and a memory.
The primary audio and/or the secondary audio may be an analog audio signal
communication from the radio unit towards the communication device, and vice versa.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may comprise a
third secondary interface configured to communicate and/or provide secondary data and
secondary power output with a third peripheral device connectable to the third secondary
interface. The power and data hub may comprise a fourth secondary interface configured
to communicate and/or provide secondary data and secondary power output with a fourth
peripheral device connectable to the fourth secondary interface.
The third secondary interface and/or the fourth secondary interface may provide an
interface for a peripheral device, where the secondary interface may provide a power
output (secondary power output) for the peripheral device, and may provide a data
communication (secondary data) between the peripheral device and the radio unit. The
third secondary interface and/or the fourth secondary interface may provide similar and/or
identical functionality as the first secondary interface and/or the second secondary
interface. The peripheral device may be one peripheral device that may be connected to
any one of the secondary interfaces, or it may be a third peripheral device connected to
the third secondary interface, a fourth peripheral device connected to a fourth secondary
interface.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may comprise a
fifth or a subsequent secondary interface configured to communicate and/or provide
secondary data and secondary power output with a a fifth or a subsequent peripheral
device connectable to the a fifth or a subsequent secondary interface.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may comprise a
first primary connector and a second primary connector, where the first primary connector
may form the first primary interface, the second primary connector may form the second
primary interface.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and the data hub may
comprise a first secondary connector and a second secondary connector, wherein, the
first secondary connector may form the first secondary interface, and the second
secondary connector may form the second secondary interface.
A connector, such as one or more of the first primary connector, the second primary
connector, the first secondary connector, and the second secondary connector, may
provide a male or a female connector for the power and data hub to be connected to the
radio unit, the communication device and/or the peripheral device(s). The first primary
connector may comprise at least 10 pins or terminals. The first primary connector may be
a 19-pin connector. The connectors may be standardized connectors that may provide
power audio and/or data communication capabilities, power and data communication
capabilities, and/or power and audio communication capabilities. In case the power and
data hub comprises a third secondary interface and/or a fourth secondary interface, the
power and data hub may comprise a third secondary connector forming the third
secondary interface and/or a fourth secondary connector forming the fourth secondary
interface.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the first secondary connector and/or the
second secondary connector may be arranged in the hub housing. In one or more
exemplary embodiments, all or any of the secondary connectors comprised by the power
and the data hub may be arranged in the hub housing. By arranging one or more
secondary connectors in the hub housing the user may connect a peripheral device
directly to the hub housing, where the peripheral device may be connected via a third
connector cable, where one end of the connector cable may be connected to the
peripheral device, and the opposing end may comprise a connector that is adapted to
mate with the one or more secondary connectors of the hub housing. Thus, the user may
easily connect and/or disconnect a peripheral device from the power and data hub. The
third connector cable may e.g. be provided with data and power transmission capabilities,
allowing the peripheral device to communicate with the radio unit via the power and data
hub.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may comprise a
first connector cable having a first proximal end and a first distal end, wherein the hub
housing is arranged at the first proximal end and the first primary connector is arranged at
the first distal end. The first connector cable may be configured to connect a radio unit
with the power and data hub, where the first proximal end of the first connector cable
provides a connection to the power and the data hub. The distal end of the connector
cable may have a connector, where the connector may be configured to mate with a
predetermined standard connector on the radio unit. The first connector cable may be
configured to transmit power from the radio unit to the power and data hub, and/or may be
configured to transmit data between the power and the data hub and the radio unit, and/or
may be configured to transmit audio between the radio unit and the power and data hub.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may comprise a
first connector cable wherein the first connector cable may comprise the first secondary
interface and the second secondary interface. This means that the first secondary
interface and the second secondary interface, and/or the power and data hub, may be a
part of the first connector cable. The first connector cable may be utilized to connect the
radio unit with the communication device, where the power and the data hub may be
positioned on the cable, in between the communication device and the radio unit. Thus,
the power and data hub may be part of the connector cable.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may comprise a
first connector cable, wherein the first secondary interface and the second secondary
interface may be comprised/arranged between the first proximal end and the first distal
end. Thus, the power and the data hub and/or the first and/or second secondary interface
may be positioned between the proximal end of the first connector cable and the distal
end of the proximal end, where the proximal end may be connected to the radio unit and
the distal end may be connected to the communication device.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may comprise a
second connector cable having a second proximal end and a second distal end, wherein
the hub housing may be arranged at the second proximal end and the second primary
connector may be arranged at the second distal end. The second connector cable may be
configured to connect a radio unit with the power and data hub, where the second
proximal end of the second connector cable provides a connection to the power and the
data hub. The distal end of the second connector cable may have a connector, where the
connector may be configured to mate with a predetermined standard connector on a
communication device. The second connector cable may be configured to transmit power
from the power and data hub to the communication device, and/or may be configured to
transmit audio between the power and data hub and the communication device.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the first primary interface may comprise
an audio terminal, and/or a data terminal, and/or a power terminal, and/or a ground
terminal. The ground terminal may be a signal ground terminal and may provide a
reference point for signals that are communicated to the first primary interface. The
ground terminal may be a common ground for one or more of the audio terminal, data
terminal and/or the power terminal. The ground terminal may be split into separate ground
terminals for audio, data and/or power, where each separate ground terminal provides a
reference point for the audio, data and/or power, respectively.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the second primary interface may
comprise an audio terminal, a power terminal, and a ground terminal. The ground terminal
may be a signal ground terminal and may provide a reference point for signals that are
communicated to the second primary interface. The ground terminal may be a common
ground for one or more of the audio terminal and/or the power terminal. The ground
terminal may be split into separate ground terminals for audio and/or power, where each
separate ground terminal provides a reference point for the audio and/or power,
respectively.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the first secondary interface may
comprise a data terminal, a power terminal, and a ground terminal. The ground terminal
may be a signal ground terminal and may provide a reference point for signals that are
communicated to the first secondary interface. The ground terminal may be a common
ground for one or more of the data terminal and/or the power terminal. The ground
terminal may be split into separate ground terminals for data and/or power, where each
separate ground terminal provides a reference point for the data and/or power,
respectively.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may comprise a
first power interface configured to communicate secondary power input. The first power
interface may be arranged in the hub housing. The first power interface may be adapted
to provide secondary power input to the hub housing, where the secondary power input
may be utilized to transmit power to the power and data hub, and where the secondary
power input may be utilized to be incorporated in the primary power output and/or
secondary power output, to provide secondary power to a peripheral device and/or the
communication device, in order to preserve the primary power output from the radio unit.
The first primary power interface may comprise a ground terminal and a power terminal.
The power and the data hub may be configured to prioritize the power input, where the
availability of the first primary power input may be utilized to reduce and/or turn off the
power input via the first primary interface.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the first primary interface and/or the
second primary interface each may comprise a control terminal, and wherein the control
terminal of the first primary interface is connected to the control terminal of the second
primary interface. The control terminal may be a control interface which may be part of the
first primary interface and/or the second primary interface. The control terminal may be
utilized to transfer a control signal from the second primary interface to the first primary
interface via the power and data hub, where the control signal may be utilized to transmit
a control signal from the communication device to the radio unit. The control signal may
be a Push-To-Talk control signal, that may be adapted to switch the radio from voice
reception mode to transmit mode if the radio is a two-way radio. The push to talk control
signal may be provided from the communication device, where the communication device
may comprise a button that may send a binary control signal to the power and data hub
and/or the radio unit, via the power and data hub.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the audio terminal of the first primary
interface may be connected to the audio terminal of the second primary interface. The
audio of the first primary interface may be connected to the audio of the second primary
interface. The connection of the audio between the first primary interface and the
secondary power interface may be a direct connection, where the audio may be
transmitted directly through the power and data hub, where the connection may be a
wired connection from the first primary interface to the second primary interface.
Alternatively, the audio connection may e.g. be filtered on the way between the first
primary interface and the second primary interface. The audio connection between the
first primary interface and/or the second primary interface may be an analog audio
connection, where noise in the power and the data hub may contaminate and/or distort
the audio signal, where an audio filter may improve the signal quality of the audio signal.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may comprise a
data management device configured to control communication of primary data to/from the
first primary interface. The data management device may be a computer networking
device which may provide a data network on the power and data hub. The data
management device may connect devices, such as the peripheral devices, radio unit
and/or the communication device, where the device may be configured to receive,
process, and forward data to the destination device. The data management device may
be any kind of data management device known in the art, that may be capable of
receiving, transmitting and forwarding data from one device to the other, and to be able to
distribute data packages to the correct device.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the data management device may be
configured to control communication of secondary data to/from the first secondary
interface and the second secondary interface. The data management device may connect
devices, such as the peripheral devices, radio unit and/or the communication device,
where the device may be configured to receive, process, and forward data to the
destination device.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may comprise a
power management device configured to control the primary power output and the
secondary power output of the power and data hub. The power management device may
be adapted to provide the necessary current and/or voltage to any device that may be
connected to the power and data hub, where the power management device may be
adapted to receive one or more power inputs, that may be distributed as necessary to
devices that are connected to the power and data hub.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the control of the primary power output
and the secondary power output of the power and data hub may comprise to distribute the
power input received via the first primary interface between the second primary interface,
the first secondary interface, and the second secondary interface. The power input
received via the first primary interface may be auxiliary power received from e.g. a battery
pack, where the power and data hub may be configured to adapt the voltage and/or the
current received from the primary and/or secondary power input to match the voltage
and/or current requirements of a peripheral device and/or the communication device.
In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the second primary interface may be
configured to communicate tertiary data to a communication device. Thus, the tertiary
data may provide data communication between the communication device and the radio
unit and/or a peripheral device. The second primary interface may comprise an audio
terminal, a data terminal, a power terminal, a control terminal and/or a ground terminal.
The disclosure also relates to a communication system comprising: a power and data hub
according the present disclosure; and a communication device connectable to the second
primary interface of the power and data hub.
The disclosure also relates to a method of operating a power and data hub, the method
comprising: communicating primary audio, primary power input, and primary data with a
radio unit via a first primary interface of the power and data hub; communicating
secondary audio and primary power output with a communication device via a second
primary interface of the power and data hub; communicating secondary data and
secondary power output with a first peripheral device via a first secondary interface of the
power and data hub; and communicating secondary data and secondary power output
with a second peripheral device via a second secondary interface of the power and data
hub.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary communication system 1, where
the communication system comprises a power and a data hub 2. The power and the data
hub 2 comprises a first primary interface 8, where the first primary interface 8 is connected
to a radio unit 20, via a first connector cable 6. The first connector cable 6 and the primary
interface 8 may communicate data, power, audio as well as control signal(s) to and/or
from the radio unit 20.
The first primary interface 8 provides a power 14 lead or wire, where power 14a may be
distributed to the second primary interface 9, as well as the first 10, second 11, third 12
and/or fourth 13 secondary interfaces, where the power received in the first primary
interface 8 may ensure that the first 10 and/or second 11 and/or third 12 and/or fourth 13
secondary interfaces may transmit power to peripheral devices that may be connected to
any one of the first 10 and/or second 11 and/or third 12 and/or fourth 13 secondary
interfaces. Furthermore, the power lead 14 may be adapted to provide power 14a to the
second primary interface 9, where a communications device 3, may draw power 14a via a
second connector cable 7, to power any components that may require power in the
communication device 3, such as a processor, as well as a first receiver 4 and a second
receiver 5, as well as components that may be utilized to attenuate and/or eliminate
unwanted noise from the environment and/or enhance wanted sounds from the
environment, and transmit a processed signal to the receivers 4,5.
Additionally, if the user may need a secondary source (not shown) of power, the power
and data hub 2 may be provided with a first power interface 18, where e.g. a battery pack
may be connected to the first power interface 18 of the power and data hub 2 to provide
auxiliary power 19a or secondary power input lead 19 to the power and data hub. The
secondary power input lead 19 may be connected to the power lead 14 which may be a
communication pathway of the power and data hub 2, where the secondary power input
19a may be communicated to the power 14a and thereby to the second primary interface
9, as well as the first 10 and/or second 11 and/or third 12 and/or fourth 13 secondary
interfaces.
The first primary interface 8 provides a data 15 lead or wire , where data communication
15a may be distributed to the first 10 and/or second 11 and/or third 12 and/or fourth 13
secondary interfaces, where the data communication 15a, which may be transmitted
and/or received via the first primary interface 8, may ensure that the first 10 and/or second
11 and/or third 12 and/or fourth 13 secondary interfaces may transmit data to peripheral
devices which may be connected to any one of the first 10 and/or second 11 and/or third
12 and/or fourth 13 secondary interfaces. Thus, the power and data hub 2, may provide a
data lead 15 from a peripheral device to the radio unit 20, allowing a peripheral device to
share the data communication 15a capabilities of the radio unit 20.
The first primary interface 8 may be provided with an audio lead or wire 16, where an
audio communication 16a may transmit audio signals to and from the first primary
interface 8 to and from the second primary interface 9. Thus, when a communication
device 3 is connected to the second primary interface, the audio 16a may be transmitted
directly to and/or from the radio unit 20 to the communication device 3, via the first
connector cable 6, the power and data hub 2 and the second connector cable 7. The
audio 16a may be an analog audio signal, providing e.g. two-way communication via the
radio unit 20. The audio lead 16 may be a direct communication pathway between the first
primary interface 8 and the second primary interface 9, where in one example the audio
lead 16 may be a direct connection between the two interfaces 8, 9, such as a direct wired
connection.
The first primary interface 8 may be provided with a control connection 17, where the
control 17 may transmit control signals 17a to and from the first primary interface 8 to and
from the second primary interface 9. Thus, when a communication device 3 is connected
to the second primary interface, the control 17a may be transmitted directly to and/or from
the radio unit 20 to the communication device 3, via the first connector cable 6, the power
and data hub 2 and the second connector cable 7. The control 17a may be an analog
audio signal, providing e.g. push to talk communication between the communication
device 3 and the radio unit 20. The control lead 17may be a direct communication
pathway between the first primary interface 8 and the second primary interface 9, where in
one example the control lead 17 may be a direct connection between the two interfaces 8,
9, such as a direct wired connection.
Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary communication system 100,
where the power and data hub 102 has a similar functionality and provides the same
inputs and outputs to peripheral devices, radio units and communication devices as the
power and data hub 2 of Fig. 1.
The power and the data hub 102 comprises a power management device 140, where the
power management device 140 may be provided with a power 130 from the first primary
interface 116, and an optional secondary power input 138 from the first power interface
136, where the power management device may be adapted to convert and distribute
power a secondary power output 144 to the secondary interfaces 120, 122, 124, 126
and/or the primary power output 148 to the second primary interface 118.
The power and the data hub 102 comprises a data management device 142, where the
data management device 142 may be provided with a data lead 130 transmitting a
primary data 131 from the first primary interface 116, where the data management device
142 may be adapted to convert and/or distribute a secondary data 146 to the secondary
interfaces 120, 122, 124, 126.
The first primary interface 116 may be provided with an audio lead 132, where the audio
lead 132 may transmit audio signals 133 to and from the first primary interface 116 to and
from the second primary interface 118. Thus, when a communication device 106 is
connected to the second primary interface, the audio 133 may be transmitted directly to
and/or from the radio unit 20 to the communication device 106, via the first connector
cable 112, the power and data hub 102 and the second connector cable 114. The audio
133 may be an analog audio signal, providing e.g. two-way communication via the radio
unit 20. The audio 132 may be a direct communication pathway between the first primary
interface 116 and the second primary interface 118, where in one example the audio lead
132 may be a direct connection between the two interfaces 116, 118, such as a direct
wired connection.
The first primary interface 116 may be provided with a control lead 134, where the control
lead 134 may transmit control signals 135 to and from the first primary interface 116 to
and from the second primary interface 118. Thus, when a communication device 106 is
connected to the second primary interface 118, the control 135 may be transmitted
directly to and/or from the radio unit 104 to the communication device 106, via the first
connector cable 112, the power and data hub 102 and the second connector cable 114.
The control communication 135 may be an analog audio signal, providing e.g. push to talk
communication between the communication device 106 and the radio unit 104. The
control lead 134 may be a direct communication pathway between the first primary
interface 116 and the second primary interface 118, where in one example the control
lead 134 may be a direct connection between the two interfaces 116, 118, such as a
direct wired connection.
Furthermore, the power management device 140 may be connected to second primary
interface 118, where a communications device 106 may draw power 148 via a second
connector cable 114, to power any components that may require power in the
communication device 106, such as a processor, as well as a first receiver 108 and a
second receiver 110, as well as components that may be utilized to attenuate and/or
eliminate unwanted noise from the environment and/or enhance wanted sounds from the
environment, and transmit a processed signal to the receivers 108, 110.
The left receiver 4, 108 may be part of a left earpiece and/or the right receiver 8, 116 can
be part of a right earpiece 5, 110. The connection between the communication device 3,
106 and the left receiver 4, 108 and/or the left earpiece, and/or the right receiver 8, 116
and/or the left earpiece may be wired connections or wireless connections such as
Bluetooth connections.
The communication device may comprise a processor such as a central processing unit
(CPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP); a radio interface for connection to a radio unit;
an output interface and a memory.
Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method of operating a power and a data hub. The
method of operating a power and data hub, the method comprising: communicating 202
primary audio, primary power input, and primary data with a radio unit via a first primary
interface of the power and data hub; communicating 204 secondary audio and primary
power output with a communication device via a second primary interface of the power
and data hub; communicating 206 secondary data and secondary power output with a first
peripheral device via a first secondary interface of the power and data hub; and
communicating 208 secondary data and secondary power output with a second peripheral
device via a second secondary interface of the power and data hub.
The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary”
etc. does not imply any particular order, but are included to identify individual elements.
Moreover, the use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”,
“tertiary” etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms “first”,
“second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used to distinguish
one element from another. Note that the words “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”,
“primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used here and elsewhere for labelling purposes
only and are not intended to denote any specific spatial or temporal ordering.
Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second
element and vice versa.
It may be appreciated that Figs. 1-3 comprise some modules or operations which are
illustrated with a solid line and/or some modules or operations which are illustrated with a
dashed line. The modules or operations which are comprised in a solid line are modules
or operations which are comprised in the broadest example embodiment. The modules or
operations which are comprised in a dashed line are example embodiments which may be
comprised in, or a part of, or are further modules or operations which may be taken in
addition to the modules or operations of the solid line example embodiments. It should be
appreciated that these operations need not be performed in order presented.
Furthermore, it should be appreciated that not all of the operations need to be performed.
The exemplary operations may be performed in any order and in any combination.
It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of
other elements or steps than those listed.
It is to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the
presence of a plurality of such elements.
It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that
the exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by means of both
hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be
represented by the same item of hardware.
The various exemplary methods, devices, and systems described herein are described in
the general context of method steps processes, which may be implemented in one aspect
by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including
computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in
networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-
removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM),
Random Access Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc.
Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data
structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types.
Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules
represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein.
The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures
represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in
such steps or processes.
Although features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not
intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the
art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended
to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.
ITEMS
1. A power and data hub for a communication device, the power and data hub comprising:
a hub housing;
a first primary interface configured to communicate with a radio unit to
communicate primary audio, primary power input, and primary data;
a second primary interface configured to communicate with a communication
device to communicate secondary audio and primary power output;
a first secondary interface configured to communicate secondary data and/or
secondary power output with a first peripheral device connectable to the first
secondary interface;
a second secondary interface configured to communicate secondary data and/or
secondary power output with a second peripheral device connectable to the
second secondary interface.
2. Power and data hub according to item 1, the power and data hub comprising a third
secondary interface configured to communicate secondary data and secondary power
output with a third peripheral device connectable to the third secondary interface.
3. Power and data hub according to any of items 1-2, wherein the power and data hub
comprises a first primary connector, a second primary connector, a first secondary
connector, and a second secondary connector, wherein the first primary connector forms
the first primary interface, the second primary connector forms the second primary
interface, the first secondary connector forms the first secondary interface, and the
second secondary connector forms the second secondary interface.
4. Power and data hub according to item 3, wherein the first secondary connector and the
second secondary connector are arranged in the hub housing.
. Power and data hub according to any of items 3-4, wherein the power and data hub
comprises a first connector cable having a first proximal end and a first distal end, wherein
the hub housing is arranged at the first proximal end and the first primary connector is
arranged at the first distal end.
6. Power and data hub according to any of items 3-5, wherein the power and data hub
comprises a second connector cable having a second proximal end and a second distal
end, wherein the hub housing is arranged at the second proximal end and the second
primary connector is arranged at the second distal end.
7. Power and data hub according to any of items 1-6, wherein the first primary interface
comprises an audio terminal, a data terminal, a power terminal, and a ground terminal.
8. Power and data hub according to any of items 1-7, wherein the second primary
interface comprises an audio terminal, a power terminal, and a ground terminal.
9. Power and data hub according to any of items 1-8, wherein the first secondary interface
comprises a data terminal, a power terminal, and a ground terminal.
10. Power and data hub according to any of items 1-9, wherein the power and data hub
comprises a first power interface configured to communicate secondary power input.
11. Power and data hub according to any of items 1-10, wherein the first primary interface
and the second primary interface each comprises a control terminal, and wherein the
control terminal of the first primary interface is connected to the control terminal of the
second primary interface.
12. Power and data hub according to any of items 1-11, as dependent on item 7 and 8,
wherein the audio terminal of the first primary interface is connected to the audio terminal
of the second primary interface.
13. Power and data hub according to any of items 1-12, wherein the power and data hub
comprises a data management device configured to control communication of primary
data to/from the first primary interface.
14. Power and data hub according to item 13, wherein the data management device is
configured to control communication of secondary data to/from the first secondary
interface and the second secondary interface.
. Power and data hub according to any of items 1-14, wherein the hub comprises a
power management device configured to control the primary power output and the
secondary power output of the power and data hub.
16. Power and data hub according to item 15, wherein to control the primary power output
and the secondary power output of the power and data hub comprises to distribute the
power input received via the first primary interface between the second primary interface,
the first secondary interface, and the second secondary interface.
17. A communication system comprising:
- a power and data hub according to any of items 1-16; and
- a communication device connectable to the second primary interface of the
power and data hub.
18. Method of operating a power and data hub, the method comprising:
communicating primary audio, primary power input, and primary data with a radio
unit via a first primary interface of the power and data hub;
communicating secondary audio and primary power output with a communication
device via a second primary interface of the power and data hub;
communicating secondary data and secondary power output with a first peripheral
device via a first secondary interface of the power and data hub; and
communicating secondary data and secondary power output with a second
peripheral device via a second secondary interface of the power and data hub.
LIST OF REFERENCES
1 Communication system
2 Power and Data hub
3 Communication device
4 Receiver
Receiver
6 First connector cable
7 Second connector cable
8 First primary interface
9 Second primary interface
First secondary interface
11 Second secondary interface
12 Third secondary interface
13 Fourth secondary interface
14 Power lead
14a Power
Data lead
15a Data
16 Audio Lead
16a Audio
17 Control lead
17a Control
18 First Power interface
19 Secondary power input
19a Secondary power
Radio unit
100 Communication system
102 Power and Data hub
104 Radio unit
106 Communication device
108 Receiver
110 Receiver
112 First connector cable
114 Second connector cable
116 First primary interface
118 Second primary interface
120 First secondary interface
122 Second secondary interface
124 Third secondary interface
126 Fourth secondary interface
128 Power lead
129 Power
130 Data lead
131 Data
132 Audio lead
133 Audio
134 Control lead
135 Control
136 First Power interface
138 Secondary power input
140 Power management device
142 Data management device
144 Secondary power output
146 Secondary data
148 Primary power output
200 Method of operating a power and a data hub
202 Communication
204 Communication
206 Communication
208 Communication
Claims (15)
1. A power and data hub for a communication device, the power and data hub comprising: a hub housing; a first primary interface configured to communicate with a radio unit to 5 communicate primary audio, primary power input, and primary data; a second primary interface configured to communicate with a communication device to communicate secondary audio and primary power output; a first secondary interface configured to communicate secondary data and/or secondary power output with a first peripheral device connectable to the first 10 secondary interface; a second secondary interface configured to communicate secondary data and/or secondary power output with a second peripheral device connectable to the second secondary interface. 15
2. Power and data hub according to claim 1, the power and data hub comprising a third secondary interface configured to communicate secondary data and secondary power output with a third peripheral device connectable to the third secondary interface.
3. Power and data hub according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the power and data hub 20 comprises a first primary connector, a second primary connector, a first secondary connector, and a second secondary connector, wherein the first primary connector forms the first primary interface, the second primary connector forms the second primary interface, the first secondary connector forms the first secondary interface, and the second secondary connector forms the second secondary interface.
4. Power and data hub according to claim 3, wherein the first secondary connector and the second secondary connector are arranged in the hub housing.
5. Power and data hub according to any of claims 3-4, wherein the power and data hub 30 comprises a first connector cable having a first proximal end and a first distal end, wherein the hub housing is arranged at the first proximal end and the first primary connector is arranged at the first distal end.
6. Power and data hub according to any of claims 3-5, wherein the power and data hub comprises a second connector cable having a second proximal end and a second distal end, wherein the hub housing is arranged at the second proximal end and the second primary connector is arranged at the second distal end.
7. Power and data hub according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the first primary interface comprises an audio terminal, a data terminal, a power terminal, and a ground terminal.
8. Power and data hub according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the first primary interface 10 and the second primary interface each comprises a control terminal, and wherein the control terminal of the first primary interface is connected to the control terminal of the second primary interface.
9. Power and data hub according to any of claims 1-8, as dependent on claim 7 and 8, 15 wherein the audio terminal of the first primary interface is connected to the audio terminal of the second primary interface.
10. Power and data hub according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the power and data hub comprises a data management device configured to control communication of primary 20 data to/from the first primary interface.
11. Power and data hub according to claim 10, wherein the data management device is configured to control communication of secondary data to/from the first secondary interface and the second secondary interface.
12. Power and data hub according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the hub comprises a power management device configured to control the primary power output and the secondary power output of the power and data hub. 30
13. Power and data hub according to claim 12, wherein to control the primary power output and the secondary power output of the power and data hub comprises to distribute the power input received via the first primary interface between the second primary interface, the first secondary interface, and the second secondary interface. 35
14. A communication system comprising: - a power and data hub according to any of claims 1-13; and - a communication device connectable to the second primary interface of the power and data hub. 5
15. Method of operating a power and data hub, the method comprising: communicating primary audio, primary power input, and primary data with a radio unit via a first primary interface of the power and data hub; communicating secondary audio and primary power output with a communication device via a second primary interface of the power and data hub; 10 communicating secondary data and secondary power output with a first peripheral device via a first secondary interface of the power and data hub; and communicating secondary data and secondary power output with a second peripheral device via a second secondary interface of the power and data hub.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP19166019.0 | 2019-03-28 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ762613A true NZ762613A (en) | 2020-03-27 |
Family
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