WO2020055995A1

WO2020055995A1 - Modular remote speaker microphone system

Info

Publication number: WO2020055995A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/050604
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Stanek
Original assignee: Otto Engineering, Inc.
Priority date: 2018-09-11
Filing date: 2019-09-11
Publication date: 2020-03-19

Abstract

A modular remote speaker microphone system includes a remote speaker microphone and a module or multiple modules. The modules are configured to be interconnected with the remote speaker microphone to provide additional functionality to the module and/or the remote speaker microphone.

Description

MODULAR REMOTE SPEAKER MICROPHONE SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY

REFERENCE

[0001] The present application is a non-provisional application, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/729,859, filed September 11, 2018. The above- identified application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a remote speaker microphone that attaches to a communication device, such as two-way radio, and, more particularly, to a remote speaker microphone that can be interconnected to a modular unit (module) to provide additional functionality to the remote speaker microphone and/or the module.

[0003] Law enforcement, first responders, military personnel, border patrol agents, forestry rangers or even industrial end-users utilize two-way radio devices to convey critical information to each other. These devices typically employ a remote speaker microphone to allow the user to efficiently communicate with others using the two-way radio. In a typical application, the two-way radio unit is mounted at the user’s waist and the remote speaker microphone is secured to the user’s chest or shoulder, for example, to be in close proximity to the user’s mouth and ears. In many situations, the user needs to carry and maintain numerous other pieces of communications equipment and technology to perform his/her job functions. For example, in addition to a two- way radio and a remote speaker microphone, a police officer may need to carry a cellular phone, a flashlight, a body camera, a location tracking devices, and other units. Carrying and maintaining multiple pieces of equipment present challenges including the cumulative weight of the equipment, difficulty in locating the correct equipment in a timely manner, and/or the limited available space (e.g., real estate) on the user’s body to effectively carry such equipment. SUMMARY

[0004] A modular remote speaker microphone system which provides for remote voice communications in a two-way radio communications system comprises a remote speaker microphone and a module or multiple modules. The module is configured to be interconnected with the remote speaker microphone to provide additional functionality to the module and/or the base remote speaker microphone

[0005] The remote speaker microphone may include a housing, one or more speakers, one or more microphones, one or more electrical switches to activate electrical functions, and internal electrical circuitry. The remote speaker microphone may also include a cable and/or a wireless unit, such as Bluetooth, for example, for interconnecting with a two-way radio or mobile radio or mobile phone system. The remote speaker microphone may also include a method of physically attaching the base unit to the user’s clothing and may also include a battery or an antenna or an antenna connection receptacle.

[0006] The housing of the remote speaker microphone may include an internal receptacle where a module can be inserted into the unit and/or an attachment area on the outside of the remote speaker microphone where a module can physically attached to the remote speaker microphone. The internal receptacle or outside attachment area may include a connection interface that allows the modules to couple with the electrical circuitry and other components of the remote speaker microphone. The remote speaker microphone may include circuitry that is designed to interface with the modules and/or to control some or all of their functionality.

[0007] The modules may be inserted into the remote speaker microphone or attach to the outside of the remote speaker microphone and may interface with the electrical circuitry and the components inside of the remote speaker microphone to provide additional functionality to the module or the remote speaker microphone. When coupled with the remote speaker microphone, the modules may utilize the components inside the remote speaker microphone such as the speaker, the microphone, the switches, the antenna connection, the battery, the electrical circuitry, and/or the physical or wireless connection to the two-way radio system.

[0008] In some embodiments, the module may comprise one or more of the following: a wireless module, an audio recording and playback module, a directional microphone module, a Bluetooth module, a cellular communications module, a hands free VOX module, an amplifier module for increasing the volume of the RSM’s speaker, an emergency light beacon module, a location tracking module, such as GPS device, a video recorder module, a clock/timer module, an emergency satellite communicator module, an LMR radio remote display module, an emergency FM or NOAA radio module, an environmental condition module, such as a radiation tag or thermal alarm, a language translator, a brethalizer, a wireless oxygen tank gauge, a thermal imaging camera or IR thermometer, or a biometric monitoring device, for example.

[0009] In some embodiments, the modules may operate and function without being attached to the remote speaker microphone. In some embodiments, the modules operate in a limited capacity when operating independently but provide enhanced functionality when physically attached to the remote speaker microphone. In certain embodiments, the modules may function only when they are interconnected to the remote speaker microphone where they may be able to utilize the internal components of the remote speaker microphone or elements of the radio communications platform to which the remote speaker microphone is attached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a remote speaker microphone according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of mounting interface that may be provided on the remote speaker microphone of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIGS. 3 A and 3B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a module according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate another embodiment of a remote speaker microphone with attachable modules according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows some exemplary functions that may be incorporated into one or more modules for use with the remote speaker microphone.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates some exemplary modules for forest department and urban firefighter applications.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates some exemplary modules for first responder and firefighter applications.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates some exemplary modules for law enforcement applications.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates some acoustic design options for a remote speaker microphone according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a remote speaker microphone 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The remote speaker microphone (RSM) 100 is configured to interface with a communication device such as a two-way radio (not shown). In general, the RSM 100 includes a housing 102 that supports a microphone 104, a speaker 106, a push-to-talk (“PTT”) switch 108, an auxiliary switch 110, and internal circuitry (not shown) for interfacing with the communication device. A cable 112 extends from housing 102 for interconnecting the RSM 100 with the communication device. Connectors (not shown) may also be provided for an optional antenna and/or detachable in-ear speaker. In some embodiments, the RSM 100 may also include a replaceable or rechargeable battery, an amplifier circuit, a microphone noise reduction circuit, and/or a wireless (Bluetooth) circuit for connecting with other devices. The general operation of a RSM is well understood in the art and, accordingly, will not be described in detail herein.

[0020] With further reference to FIGS. 2, the RSM 100 may also include a mounting interface 118 for interconnecting with one or more modules according to certain aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the mounting interface 118 is located on the front face of the housing 102. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the structure and location of the mounting interface may vary depending on design and/or operation considerations. For example, in some other embodiments, the mounting interface 118 may be formed on the back of the housing 102 or may be defined by a socket or other opening in the housing that is configured to receive all or a portion of the module.

[0021] As shown in greater detail below, mounting interface 118 may include features, such as rails or cavities that mate with reciprocal features on the module to allow the module to physically interconnect, e.g., mount, with the RSM. The mounting interface 118 may also include electrical contacts 120 positioned to mate with reciprocal contacts on module when the module is physically attached to the RSM. The mounting interface 118 physically secures the module to the RSM 100 and electrically interconnects the module with the RSM so to allow the module to interact with the RSM and/or the two-way radio in a variety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the module may draw power from RSM 100 (and/or the two-way radio) to operate the module and/or supplement the module’s internal power source, e.g., battery. In some embodiments, the module may be may be able to utilize and interact with one or more features from the RSM, including, for example, the microphone 104, the speaker 106, the switches 108, 110, and/or the internal circuitry of the RSM. In some embodiments, the module may also interconnect with the two-way radio via the RSM 100 to allow the module to transmit and/or receive information via the two-way radio.

[0022] FIGS. 3 A and 3B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a module 130 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the module 130 may include buttons 132 that can be depressed to release the module from the RSM.

[0023] FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate another embodiment of an RSM 400 with attachable modules 402 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A shows an embodiment where the RSM 400 includes mounting rails or cavities 406 formed in its housing that mate with reciprocal mounting rails 408 of the module 402 to allow the module to be secured to the RSM. FIG. 4B illustrates an arrangement of electrical contacts 410, 412 that can be used in connection with the RSM and module of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C show one of the modules 402 mounted on the RSM 410. FIG. 4D an embodiment where multiple modules 402a, 402b (two shown) may be mounted to the RSM 400 by stacking the modules on top of one another. As will be appreciated, this concept may be extended to allow more than two modules to be stacked upon one another.

[0024] As will be appreciated, an RSM with attachable module(s) as described herein provides great flexibility for incorporating a variety of features into modules that may be interconnected with the RSM. For example, in some embodiments, the modular unit may comprise one or more of the following: a wireless module, an audio recording and playback module, a directional microphone module, a Bluetooth module, a cellular communications module, a hands free VOX module, an amplifier module for increasing the volume of the RSM base unit’s speaker, an emergency light beacon, a location tracking system, such as GPS device, a video recorder, a clock/timer, an emergency satellite communicator, an LMR radio remote display, an emergency FM or NOAA radio, an environmental condition monitor, such as a radiation tag and/or thermal alarms. FIG. 5 is an illustration showing some of the variety of functions that may be incorporated into one or more modules for use with the RSM 100.

[0025] Some benefits provided by the modular RSM system of the present disclosure include: • Allowing users to customize the RSM to their specific needs by attaching auxiliary devices directly to the RSM.

• Eliminating the need to maintain, charge, and carry separate components.

• Allowing functionality of the RSM to be“upgraded” in the future without requiring users to replace the entire unit.

• Increased utilization of valuable real-estate on user’s chest.

• Reducing weight by eliminating or consolidating redundant components.

• May provide extended operation due to parasitic power draw from the land mobile radio battery.

• Allowing auxiliary devices to connect with RSM to transmit or receive data.

• Elevated functionality of the 2-way radio system without adding complexity or cost to the base radio.

[0026] The modular RSM system also provides for multiple levels of integration complexity. For example, according to some embodiments, the modular RSM system may provide for three (3) levels of integration as follows:

• Level 1 (Low integration) - Simple mechanical attachment point only;

• Level 2 (Medium integration) - Includes contact for power and/or utilization of RSM speaker or mic;

• Level 3 (Full integration) - Utilizes transmission and receiving capability of land mobile radio.

[0027] Using Level 1 integration, the RSM functions primarily as a physical mount for auxiliary devices (modules). Level 1 integration provides benefits including allowing auxiliary devices (modules) to attach on the faceplate of the RSM, allowing auxiliary devices (modules) to be located at chest level and face outwardly from the user, and allowing a variety auxiliary devices (modules) to be designed with a mounting plate that is compatible with a mounting receptacle on the RSM. Some exemplary features that may be provided by a module with Level 1 integration include a basic compass module, a detachable light beacon, a detachable mini flashlight, a user nameplate or badge number, an emergency whistle, a pen attachment, a knife, scissors, or multi tool attachment, and/or a key compartment, for example. [0028] Level 2 integration includes contacts that allow the module to utilize power and a limited number of components from the RSM. Level 2 integration provides similar benefits to the Level 1 integration while also providing increased functionality to the RSM via the modules. Some exemplary features that may be provided by a module with Level 2 integration include: a basic compass module, a front-mounted PTT button module, a Bluetooth module (for connecting auxiliary device such as phone to the RSM’s speaker), a powered emergency light beacon (IR or visible) module, a voice recorder module, a language translator module, a location tracking unit module, a GPS module, a wind speed module, an air quality sensor module, a chemical detection module, an Apollo intercom unit, a thermal camera module, a body camera module, an amplified speaker module, body sensor modules, e.g., heat, sweat, and/or an emergency audio alarm module.

[0029] Under Level 3 integration the module may additionally use the transmit-receive capabilities of the two-way mobile radio. As such, the RSM becomes a central hub that allows other devices (modules) to connect to each other to pass along data. Some exemplary features that may be provided by a module with Level 3 integration include: a Bluetooth module to connect earpiece with RSM and 2-way radio, a voice prompt module (to control radio functions), a VOX module, a GPS location transmit device with man-down sensor, and/or an alarm/alert module (e.g., toxic gas alert, shots fired, etc.) with remote transmit capability.

[0030] As will be appreciated, a modular RSM system as described herein is beneficial in a wide variety of settings, including, for example, law enforcement, first responders, military personnel, border patrol agents, forestry rangers and industrial settings. FIG. 6 illustrates some exemplary modules for forest department and urban firefighter applications. FIG. 7 illustrates some exemplary modules for first responder and firefighter applications. FIG. 8 illustrates some exemplary modules for law enforcement applications. As will be appreciated, these are but some of the modules that may be developed in accordance with the modular RSM system described herein.

[0031] In some applications, it may be beneficial to design the speaker element of the RSM to direct sound around the attached module. FIG. 9 illustrates some possible acoustic design options to address this issue. As shown, in some embodiments, the RSM may utilize an internal parabolic or anti-focusing speaker. Some other embodiments may utilize an internal sound-box speaker assembly as is used in mobile applications. In certain embodiments, the RSM may utilize one or more surface-mounted (SM) speakers.

Claims

1. A modular remote speaker microphone system comprising: a remote speaker microphone; and a module that interconnects with the remote speaker microphone to provide additional features to the remote speaker microphone.

2. The modular remote speaker microphone system of claim 1, further comprising a mounting interface that allows the module to be interconnected with the remote speaker microphone.

3. The modular remote speaker microphone system of claim 2, wherein the mounting interface comprises physical mounting features formed on the remote speaker microphone that interface with reciprocal physical mounting features on the module to allow the module to be removably mounted to the remote speaker microphone.

4. The modular remote speaker microphone system of claim 3, wherein the mounting interface comprises electrical contacts formed on the remote speaker microphone that interface with reciprocal electrical contacts on the module when the module mounted to the remote speaker microphone.

5. The modular remote speaker microphone system of claim 1, wherein the module comprises one or more of the following: a wireless module, an audio recording and playback module, a directional microphone module, a Bluetooth module, a cellular communications module, a hands free VOX module, an amplifier module configured to increases the volume of a speaker of the RSM, an emergency light beacon, a location tracking module, a video recorder module, a clock/timer module, an emergency satellite communicator module, an LMR radio remote display module, an emergency FM or NOAA radio module, and an environmental condition monitoring module.