WO1994016419A1

WO1994016419A1 - Programmable child paging system

Info

Publication number: WO1994016419A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/012590
Authority: WO
Inventors: George H. Grindley, Jr.
Original assignee: Grindley George H Jr
Priority date: 1992-12-30
Filing date: 1993-12-27
Publication date: 1994-07-21
Also published as: AU5986594A

Abstract

An improved non-voice one way paging system, method, and devices particularly suited for paging of children based on an unregulated frequency band. It comprises a base station transmitter (100) with a control panel having a digital display (140) and a plurality of wrist watch receivers (200) each equipped with a Liquid Crystal display (LCD) (240) and an audio message annunciator (245). The band or the case of the wrist watch receiver may also act as a receiving antenna (260) or the latter may be etched into the circuitry of the receiver (200). Also included in the receiver are a clock and calendar (280) and a means for data transfer (295).

Description

PROGRAMMABLE CHILD PAGING SYSTEM

RELATED DOCUMENT

This PCT application is based on U S priority application of same title serial number 07/998,272 filed December 30, 1992.

TECHNICAL CHARACTER

The technical character of this invention resides in base station transmitter with a control panel having a digital display and a plurality of wrist watch receivers each equipped with a Liquid Crystal display (LCD) and an audio message annunciator.

SUMMARY

This invention relates to improved non-voice one way paging systems, methods, and devices particularly suited for paging of children based on an unregulated frequency band. It comprises a base station transmitter with a control panel having a digital display and a plurality of wrist watch receivers each equipped with a Liquid Crystal display (LCD) and an audio message annunciator.

The band of the wrist watch receivers also acts as a receiving antenna. The receiver also incorporates a clock & calendar as well as means for data transfer. The transmitter of this invention comprises a programmable microprocessor complete with memory, input output control panel, liquid crystal display, an encoder, radio frequency amplifier and transmitting antenna. Likewise the receiver of this invention also comprises a radio frequency receiver and decoder with microprocessor complete with memory, input output control, a liquid crystal display and an audio speaker.

PRIOR ART A prior art search was conducted and the following four

U S patents arranged in the reverse chronological order without being cumulative are typical of the prior art uncovered that is relevant to at least one aspect of this invention. a) U S Utility Patent 5,007,105 granted to Kudoh et al on

April 9, 1991 for "Watch Type Paging Receiver" b) U S Utility patent 4,586,157 granted to Rector et al on April 29, 1986 for "Memory Transfer Unit" c) U S Utility Patent 4,480,253 granted to Howard Anderson on October 30, 1984 for "Wrist Watch Weather Radio" d) U S Utility Patent 4,382,256 granted to Koichi Nagata on May 3, 1983 for "Paging Receiver with Display"

f UBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The problem with most prior art child paging systems is that they rely on regulated radio frequencies which requires license from the Federal Communications Commission to operate, which in turn makes such paging systems cumbersome, inconvenient, bureaucratic and not at all cost effective.

At any rate and most un ortunately none of the prior art devices singly or even in combination meet all of the objectives established by the inventor for this programmable unregulated radio frequency child paging system.

OBJECTIVES

1. It is an objective of this invention is to provide a lightweight portable child paging system that operates on unregulated radio freguencies as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the U S Government as delineated in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) tile 47 part 95 sub-part C thereof such that a license for its operation is obviated thereby.

2. Another objective of this invention is that the device be cost effective and affordable for use even by people and children of modest means.

3. Another objective of this invention is that the device be safe and stable and not emit any harmful radiation.

4. Another objective of this invention is that the receiver also act as a conventional wrist watch. 5. Another objective of this invention is that the wrist watch receiver case or band may also act as the receiving antenna or alternatively the antenna may be etched into the circuitry of the receiver. 6. Another objective of this invention is that it be self contained complete with its own energy source.

7. Another objective of this invention is that it be physically safe, environmentally safe, noise free and consume little or no energy. 8. Another objective of this invention is that it be easy to use complete with instructions if not intuitive to use.

9. Another objective of this system is that it provide multiple utility and enjoyment for, the user.

10. Another objective of this invention is that it be easily programmable with different digital and audio messages.

11. Another objective of this invention is that the transmitter include a microprocessor with memory, a control panel and an easy to read simple liquid crystal display.

12. Another objective of this invention is that the receiver include a microprocessor with memory, an easy to read simple liquid crystal display and/or an audio message annunciator.

13. Another objective of this invention is that a single transmitter base station be capable of sending one way, same or different, one of many pre-programmed messages to plurality of receivers without conflict. 14. Another objective of this invention is that it meet all federal, state, local and other private standards and regulations with respect to safety, environment, energy consumption. 15. Another objective of this invention is that the base unit transmitter be capable of communicating with the remote receivers on pre-set times or in real time on need/demand basis by pressing a call switch to be provided.

16. Another objective of this invention is that plurality of these systems operate in the same neighborhood without any interference, conflict or invasion of privacy.

Other objectives of this invention reside in its simplicity, elegance of design, ease of manufacture, service and use and even aesthetics as will become apparent from the following brief description of the drawing and detailed description of the concept.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention and its application will be more readily appreciated when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing , in which: a) Fig. 1 is a child paging system block diagram complete with a transmitter base station and a wrist watch receiver operating on an unregulated radio frequency. b) FIG. 2 is detailed interface block diagram of the transmitter base station of the programmable child paging system of this invention complete with oscillator, clock calendar, microprocessor, memory, I/O control panel, LCD display, encoder, radio frequency amplifier and a transmitting antenna as well as a self contained direct current power supply. c) FIG. 3 is a view of the control panel associates with the transmitter base station of the programmable child paging system of this invention. d) Fig. 4 is a detailed block diagram of the wrist watch receiver of the programmable child paging system of this invention complete with receiving antenna, radio frequency decoder, microprocessor with memory, oscillator, clock/Calendar, a liquid crystal display and a message annunciation circuit as well as a self contained direct current power source and means for data transfer. e) Fig. 5 is a plan view of the wrist watch receiver of the programmable child paging system of this invention with receiving antenna embodied into the band of the wrist watch. f) Fig. 6 is a transmitter software flow chart of the programmable child paging system of this invention. g) Fig. 7 is a receiver software flow chart of the programmable child paging system of this invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, there is generally disclosed a transmitter unit 100 and a receiver unit 200. The transmitter unit 100 is capable of sending and the receiver unit 200 is capable of receiving an 8 character two line message. Examples of such messages are: a) Come Home b) Call Home c) Meet Me

In addition other messages, including secret messages may be programmed into the system.

As shown in Fig. 1 the transmitter 100 in turn comprises a microprocessor, a memory 120, an input/output control panel 130, a liquid crustal display 140, an encoder and radio freguency amplifier 150 and an a transmitting antenna.

Likewise each wrist watch receiver unit 200 comprises a microprocessor 210, a memory 220, an input output control unit

230, a liquid crystal display 240 and concomitant annunciator 245, a receiver decoder 250 and a receiving antenna 260 which is in the form of a wrist watch band.

As shown in greater detail in Fig. 2 the transmitter unit also includes an oscillator circuit and reset circuit 170 wherein oscillator 172 and reset 174 are used to operate and reset the microprocessor 110. Also included in the transmitter unit are a clock/calendar circuit 180, a direct current power supply 190 with recharging circuit 192 and a receiver data transfer 195.

This transmitter recharging circuit 192 is capable of trickle charging the direct current battery source 290 (the inventor used NiCad - Nickel/Cadmium)in the receiver 200.

Similarly data transfer means 195 in the transmitter unit is capable of connection to the receiver 200 data transfer means 295 to down load message strings from the transmitter's microcomputer 110 to the receivers microcomputer 210.

The input output control panel in turn comprises plurality of front panel switches 132 and a bi-stable multi¬ vibrator 134 as a switch latch, which reads the status of the front control panel set/operate 135 and receiver call switches 132.

Fig. 3 shows the input output control panel of the transmitter unit in greater detail including a set/reset switch 135, which operated in conjunction with the reset circuit 174. Fig. 4 shows the receiver unit in greater detail which comprises microprocessor 210, with a clock calendar circuit 280, a reset and oscillator circuit 270, an antenna 260, a receiver decoder 250 a battery circuit 290 and a data transfer means 295 a display unit 240 and annunciator and display drive circuit 246. The annunciator is a non-voice pager style beeper which in turn comprises an LED 242 and a buzzer 244. Fig. 5 shows the plan view of the wrist watch receiver which comprises an antenna 260 in the form of the band of the wrist watch, the liquid crystal display 240, and the annunciator unit 245 which in turn comprises a light emitting diode 242 and a buzzer 244.

FIG. 6 is shows the transmitter software flow chart which starts at power on 300. It displays date and time as shown in block 310. The decision block 320 determines if its a pre¬ programmed time to call and if so the block 330 loads the encoder or in the alternative block 325 determines if a manual switch has been pressed and if so then the block 335 permits the selection of the receiver and the message. The output of 330 or 335 is "OR"ed into decision block, which is then transmitted by block 350 and the transmitter turns off 360 but the date and time display continues.

Fig. 7 shows the receiver software flow-chart which starts at power on 400. It displays date and time as shown in block 410. The received signal is checked for validity by decision block 420. If the signal is valid then the message is display ed and annunciated as per block 430. If not then the date and time are displayed. The decision block 440 checks for time out from timer 450 or pressing of the OFF switch 460.

The inventor in the preferred embodiment used an eight character two line display and a simple annunciator for reasons of cost-effectiveness and efficiency but other more sophisticated display means may be employed.

<-» UBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) To maintain the integrity of the remote control application per FCC (Federal Communications Commission of the

United States of America) regulations each receiver is viewed as a ..-e otely operated on-off switch. Within each receiver there is a sub-set of remotely operated switches, which represent various pre-determined down loaded messages.

Each Transmitter Receiver system has a unique digital code that identifies that set of equipment only. Four bits of the transmitted ten bit code are used as the system identifier. This permits a total of 16 unique child paging systems on a single frequency. The 72 Mega Hertz band contains 80 different channels ranging from 72.01 MHz to 75.99. This in turn produces a possible density of 16 X 80 = 1280 child paging systems operating next to each other before any digital code conflict arises.

Other unregulated frequencies exist in the 410 Mega Hertz band and 624 Mega Hertz band. These higher frequencies have the added advantage that the antenna can be etched into the printed circuit board or wrist watch casing.

The antenna 160 of the transmitter unit 100 radiates r. f. (radio frequency) energy in all directions, a portion of which is captured by the antenna 260 of each receiver unit 200. Since each transmitter can communicate with plurality of receivers, three bits of the transmitted ten bit code are used to identify individual receivers for that unique system. The 3 bit binary code allows up to eight receivers per system. The remaining 3 bits identify one of up to eight pre-determined messages to be displayed on the receiver liquid crystal display.

Transmitted calls to the receivers can be initiated by one of two methods: a) By pressing the "Call 1" (or 2 or 3....or 8) button after selecting the message to be displayed. b) By setting a time for any combination of the receivers in that system, by utilizing the time/clock feature in the transmitter to place message calls at the pre-selected time.

As an alternate embodiment an externally mounted booster amplifier and antenna specifically suited for the home use may be employed, where the user desires more range than is available with the standard unit. Such an external device comprising booster amplifier and antenna may be attached to the rain gutter of the home. (Not shown)

Another variation of this embodiment which is particularly suited for shopping mall and outdoor park applications is a hand held transmitter that only sends "MEET ME" message to the wrist watch receivers. The inventor has given a non-limiting description of the concept. Many changes may be made to this design without deviating from the spirit of the concept of this invention. Examples of such contemplated variations include the following. a) A different energy source may be used such as a solar cell. b) In the receiver a different type of antenna such as the case of the wrist watch may be used. c) Some of the conventional functions of the wrist watch may be eliminated to reduce cost without deviating from the spirit of this invention that is the capability of one way communication from transmitter base station to plurality of wristwatch receivers. d) The orientation, the LCD text message or the audio annunciation messages may be modified. e) The frequency of the radio-frequency communication may be changed. f) The invention may be combined with other functions which complement each other with or without synergism such that total utility of both items is increased. g) Error detection schemes may be added in the hardware and software to eliminate false detection. h) The utility of the device may be expanded by adding special functions, messages or displays etc. i) A recording or logging or auditing device may be added to keep a chronology of all messages sent over a system. j ) This one way child paging system may be adapted for adult communication systems .

Other changes such as aesthetic and substitution of newer materials as they become available which substantially perform the same function in substantially the same way with substantially the same result without deviating from the spirit of this invention may be made.

Following is a listing of the components used in this embodiment arranged in ascending order of the reference numerals for ready reference of the reader.

100 = Transmitter Unit

110 = Microprocessor in the transmitter unit 120 = Memory associated with microprocessor 110

130 = Input Output Control Unit

132 = Call Switches

134 = Set/Operate switch

140 = Liquid Crystal display 150 = Encoder and r f amplifier

160 = Transmitting Antenna

170 = Oscillator/Reset Circuit

172 = Oscillator

174 = Reset 180 = Clock/Calendar

190 = Direct Current Power source

192 = Recharging Circuit

195 = Data transfer means with receiver 200 = Wrist Watch Receiver

210 = Microprocessor in the receiver

220 = Memory associated with Microprocessor 210

230 = Input/Output control

240 = Liquid Crystal Display 242 = Light Emitting Diode

244 = Buzzer

245 = Annunciator

246 = Annunciator & LED drive circuit 250 = Receiver and Decoder 260 = Receiving antenna / wrist watch band

270 = Reset and oscillator circuit

272 = Oscillator

274 = Reset

280 = Clock/Calendar 290 = Direct current power source for the receiver

295 = Data transfer means

300 = Transmitter unit power on switch

310 = Date/Time Display

320 = Preset time to call decision block 325 = Manual Call

330 = Encoder loading means 335 = Message and Receiver selection

340 = ORing of Manual/Preset call

350 = Transmission Means

360 = Transmitter Off 400 = Receiver unit power on switch

410 = Date/Time Display

420 = Valid signal decision block

430 = Annunciation and Display means

440 = ORing of time out or manual switch 450 = Time out timer

460 = Manual switch

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to person skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims cover any such modifications, and/or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

The Inventor Claims :

1. A non-voice programmable one way child paging system operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio freguency comprising: a) a transmitter unit capable of sending intelligent signals; and b) a receiver unit electronically capable of receiving interpreting and displaying said intelligent signals.

2. The Non-voice programmable one way child paging system operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio frequency of claim 1 wherein: a) said transmitter comprises a microprocessor with associated memory, an input and output control panel interfaced to said microprocessor, a first display unit connected to said microprocessor and mounted on said input output control panel, an encoder & radio frequency amplifier connected to said microprocessor and a transmitting antenna connected to said encoder & radio frequency amplifier; and b) said receiver comprises a microprocessor with associated memory, an input and output control means connected to said microprocessor, a second display unit connected to said microprocessor and an annunciator unit connected to said microprocessor, a receiver and decoder connected to said microprocessor and a receiving antenna connected to said receiver and decoder.

3. The Non-voice programmable one way child paging system operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio freguency of claim 2 wherein further said receiver is integrated into a wrist watch and said receiving antenna is in the form of a wristwatch band.

4. The Non-voice programmable one way child paging system operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio frequency of claim 3 wherein further said first and said second display unit each comprise an 8 character two line display and said annunciation unit comprises a buzzer and a light emitting diode.

5. A non-voice programmable one way child paging system operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio frequency comprising: a) a transmitter unit capable of sending intelligent signals which in turn comprises a microprocessor with associated memory, an input and output control panel interfaced to said microprocessor, a first display unit connected to said microprocessor and mounted on said input output control panel, an encoder & radio frequency amplifier connected to said microprocessor and a transmitting antenna connected to said encoder & radio frequency amplifier; and b) a plurality of receiver units electronically capable of receiving, interpreting and displaying said intelligent signals wherein each said receiver comprises a microprocessor

17

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULf 26) with associated memory, an input and output control means connected to said microprocessor, a second display unit connected to said microprocessor and an annunciator unit connected to said microprocessor, a receiver and decoder connected to said microprocessor and a receiving antenna connected to said receiver and decoder.

6. The Non-voice programmable one way child paging system operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio frequency of claim 5 wherein further said receiver is integrated into a wrist watch and said receiving antenna is in the form of a wristwatch band.

7. The Non-voice programmable one way child paging system operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio freguency of claim 6 wherein further said first and said second display unit each comprise an 8 character two line display and said annunciation unit comprises a buzzer and a light emitting diode.

8. A non-voice programmable one way child paging transmitter operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio frequency comprising: a) a microprocessor with associated memory; b) an input and output control panel interfaced to said microprocessor; c) a display unit connected to said microprocessor and mounted on said input output control panel; d) an encoder & radio freguency amplifier connected to said microprocessor; and e) a transmitting antenna connected to said encoder & radio frequency amplifier.

9. A non-voice programmable one way child paging receiver operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio frequency comprising: a) a microprocessor with associated memory, an input and output control means connected to said microprocessor; b) a display unit connected to said microprocessor; c) an annunciator unit connected to said microprocessor; d) a receiver and decoder connected to said microprocessor; and e) a receiving antenna connected to said receiver and decoder.

10. The Non-voice programmable one way child paging receiver operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio frequency of claim 9 wherein further said receiver is integrated into a wrist watch and said receiving antenna is in the form of a wristwatch band.

11. The Non-voice programmable one way child paging receiver operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio freguency of claim 9 wherein further said receiver is integrated into a wrist watch and said receiving antenna is in the form of a wristwatch casing.

12. The Non-voice programmable one way child paging receiver operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio frequency of claim 9 wherein further said receiver is integrated into a wrist watch and said receiving antenna is etched into the circuitry of the said receiver.

13. The Non-voice programmable one way child paging receiver operating on a non-licensed non-regulated radio frequency of claim 9 wherein further said display unit comprises an 8 character two line display and said annunciation unit comprises a buzzer and a light emitting diode.

14. A method of one way paging and communication system from a transmitter station to a plurality of receivers comprising the steps of: a) generating, programming and encoding intelligent messages; b) transmitting said intelligent messages on a non- licensed, non-regulated radio frequency to a plurality of receivers; c) receiving, interpreting and displaying said intelligent messages on one of said plurality of receivers.

15. The method of one way paging and communication system from a transmitter station to a plurality of receivers of claim 14 wherein such intelligent messages include, time and date, come home, and call home.

16. The method of one way paging and communication system from a transmitter station to a plurality of receivers of claim 15 wherein said intelligent messages are displayed on a two line 8 character liquid crystal display.

17. The method of one way paging and communication system from a transmitter station to a plurality of receivers of claim 16 where each of said receivers includes an annunciator.

18. The method of one way paging and communication system from a transmitter station to a plurality of receivers of claim 17 wherein said annunciator comprises a buzzer.

19. The method of one way paging and communication system from a transmitter station to a plurality of receivers of claim 17 wherein said annunciator comprises a light emitting diode.