ZA201000510B - Accessory device for a two-way radio - Google Patents

Description

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ACv. wou DEVICE FOR A TWO-WAY RADIO

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an accessory device for a two-way radio and a personnel tracking and monitoring system.

BACKROUND TO THE INVENTION

The inventor is aware of an existing accessory device for a two-way radio which device includes a speaker microphone set; a global positioning system (GPS) receiver configured to receive a global positioning signal from a satellite; and a a processor arranged in communication with the GPS receiver, which : processor is configured to calculate the global position of the device from the received global positioning signal, and to format the calculated position for : transmission via conventional analogue voice radio channels, a radio interface configured to interface the device with a two-way radio or radio communication system so that the formatted global position of the device is transmissible via the radio; and an electrical power connection connectable to the power source of the two-way radio. :

The processor formats the GPS position of the device by encoding such digital information for combination with a baseband signal of the existing voice radio channel. The processor inserts such encoded information at the beginning and/or : the end of the transmitted voice information. The processor is configured to encode the information in any suitable format and/or protocol.

Typically, the radio interface is configured to deactivate a speaker of the radio when such a transmission is received from another radio to prevent a user from hearing the encoded data. Similarly, the radio interface may be configured to deactivate a microphone of the radio when such a transmission is made to minimize interference with the data transmission. ,

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It is to be appreciated that the radio interface may be configured to interface the device to analogue and/or digital two-way radios, as required by the type of radio used.

The processor may be configured to be activated when the receiver receives a request or polling signal from a remote location to transmit the GPS position to that location.

The processor may be configured to generate an identification code or tag to be transmitted with the GPS location.

The speaker and a microphone set is configured to replace the role performed by a speaker and microphone of the radio, e.g. to allow operation of normal radio functions via the device, or the like. As such, it is to be appreciated that the device does generally not require any modification to the radio in order to perform said device's functions.

Typically the system for tracking personnel will use such an accessory as described above with an existing analogue radio communications network together ‘with a base station, which base station is configured to communicate with and track personnel who are equipped with such accessories to their radios.

The accessory device and tracking system described above will be referred to as “the basic accessory device” and “basic tracking system” The inventor is aware that the “basic accessory device” is considered as common acknowledge technology previously published by manufactures of modems, APRS (Automatic position Radio

System) and Packet Radio.

Itis an object of this invention to improve over the basic accessory device and basic tracking system so that it can also be used to monitor certain aspects or parameters of personnel using the improved accessory device.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an accessory device, which device includes: a basic accessory device, a sensor for sensing a parameter; and a memory arrangement configured to store parameter information data.

The accessory device may be configured to also make use of any positioning networks such as any GSNS (Global Satellite Navigation System) such as GPS,

GLONASS and GALILEO networks and the processor may be configured to implement, where available, GSNS Differential methods over the same analogue network for increased positional accuracy.

The processor may be configured to format and transmit data information - stored in the memory arrangement.

The processor may be configured to de-format data information received for storage in the memory arrangement and/ or for programming the processor.

The processor may be configured to be activated when the receiver receives a request or polling signal from a remote location to transmit the GSNS position and/ or other data stored in the memory arrangement to be received by that location.

The processor may be configured to log such data and/ or operations to the memory arrangement.

The processor formats the parameter information data of the device by encoding such digital information for combination with a baseband signal of the existing voice radio channel. The processor inserts such encoded information at the beginning, and/ or the end of the transmitted voice information.

It will be appreciated that in addition to the GSNS data, other application specific data which is sensed by the accessory device can be sent to another user or a control room to provide additional information about the user which is relevant for certain applications of the accessory device.

The accessory device may include a dedicated energising means for energising the device so that the device does not require energy from the two-way radio.

The energising means may include an onboard electrochemical cell which is configured to be rechargeable via external wall plug power supply and/ or external battery. The cell may be rechargeable via the radio interface by the processor being configured to detect when an external power source is connected to the interface and then routing such power to the cell according to conventional charging principles. The information encoded by the processor for transmission may include a status of the cell. The cell may be rechargeable via three different methods of interfacing: e Option 1: Charging from the Radio itself via the same microphone cable. ¢ Option 2: Charging via wired contact detachable power adaptor e Option 3: Charging via a wireless magnetic detachable power adaptor

The accessory device may include a binary modem and the processor of the accessory device may be configured to encode or decode multi frequency signals using DSP (Digital Signal Processing) data encoding algorithms or protocols.

Encoding and decoding data using optional DSP (Digital Signal Processing) for multi- frequency encoding build in facility to be used in conjunction with the common commercial binary modem to allow the usage on VHF as well as in HF SSB." This will allow to the device to decode data with different protocol and speeds. The present device only encode/decode 1200/2400 bps and in HF SSB (High Frequency

Single Side Band) it is required DSP to perform decoding at other bit rates.

The processor may be configured to resend certain tagged signal to act as a signal amplifier, such as a signal tagged by means of formatted digital signal preceding a signal over the analogue network.

The device may be configured as “digi-peater” (data repeater). In such case, the device will be able to receive commands and data to be retransmitted after in order to extend the radio coverage network capabilities.

The processor may be configured to scramble /encode and descramble/decode a voice signal for security purposes.

The device is able to be programmed to transmit all the data encrypted with various levels of security to provide a safe communication in open analogue radio network. That means that various companies’ users may be able to operate safe even when the share the same radio frequency channel.

The device may include a display arranged in communication with the processor which display is configured to provide a user with visual indications of : 15 information. As such, t he processor may be configured to interpret information received via the radio and/or GSNS receiver for display on the display. The device : : may include controls for manipulating the display, e.g. menu buttons, and the like and/ or for the input of text messages for transmission.

The device may be configured to display any one or more of: the geographical position overlaid on a map stored in the memory arrangement, speed, magnetic or true north, altitude and distance to or time to arrival to a point or destination, text messages received and/ or transmitted and indicia for alarms, incoming calls, power level, signal strength and the like.

The device may include an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader which includes a magnetic sensor so that, when a magnetic field is detected, the sensor activates the reader to scan for passive RFID tags. It will be appreciated that the device can, in this way, be applied for monitoring mining staff and labourers underground, for example. In this mode, the device with RFID is able to provide asset tracking by storing all the tagged assets numbers to be transmitted via Radio network to a central station. Typical application is to get tracking of Railway wagons, containers, etc.

The device may include an external computer interface to allow the device to interface with a computer system so that the processor is programmable. The external computer interface may also be used to update and/or retrieve information stored in the memory arrangement. The external computer interface may also be configured for interfacing with external sensors for telemetry logging and/ or transmission applications. The external computer interface may also be used to power the device if no other power source is available.

The device may include an emergency indicator such as a bright light, an alarm, or the like. The emergency indicator may be manually activated. The processor may be configured to activate the emergency indicator when an activating signal is received from a remote location. The processor may be configured to transmit an emergency radio signal when the emergency indicator has been activated.

The processor may be configured to receive information from a sensor included in the device, which sensor information is for transmission via the voice radio channel. As such, the sensor may include an inclinometer, an altimeter, a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, digital compass, RFID tag reader, harmful gas or atmosphere sensors, personal physiology sensors such as a heart rate and/ or blood pressure sensors and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that such sensed information is also encoded by the processor and inserted into the voice channel transmission and/ or stored in the memory arrangement. It will further be appreciated that the sensors to be included in the device will be application specific.

For aviation, for example, the accessory will include an altimeter and can be an affordable true ground determination, collision avoidance, identification and traffic control system, typically for light aircraft, privately operated helicopters, para-gliders, hang gliders and the like.

For combat and Special Forces unit applications, the display may be configured to display the position of a person relative to other friendly persons and the position of possible targets overlaid on a map. The device may include a digital compass to orientate the map on the display to a predetermined direction without the need for the person to move as is required for GSNS direction calculation and optionally also an inclinometer and/ or an accelerometer to determine a man down.

For this application the device may include an emergency indicating means, which can be activated remotely or by an individual for transmitting the position waypoint of the emergency situation such as for a casualty treatment and/ or evacuation. The device may then include an LED with the processor configured to flash the LED once activated to identify a person experiencing the emergency.

For security and other application purposes, the processor may be configured to sense and/ or log in the memory arrangement any one or more of accessory device power levels, radio power levels, accessory device or radio disconnection status, radio channel occupancy, predetermined travelling speed violations, distance travelled over a period of time, time of detected movement (operating times), waypoints.

For fleet management or applications whereby a person is allowed to move only in designated areas, the memory may include data relating to allowed and i prohibited areas for geo-fencing and alarm purposes.

Similarly, the memory arrangement may store a variety of information which is transmissible via the radio channels. The information may include a device identity, a .user identity, a radio identity, navigation waypoints, time and date, lookup data, maps, and/or any suitable information applicable to the device ap plication or its functions. :

The device may be fitted with a differential microphone to compensate and reduce ambient noise.

The device may be able to change its internal set of parameters by remote control using the same radio network. In essence, the device is reprogrammed via the Radio network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein

Figure 1 shows, in diagrammatic view, a two-way radio system with the accessory device for a two-way radio, in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 2 shows, in diagrammatic view, one embodiment of the accessory device;

Figure 3 shows, in diagrammatic view, one embodiment of the RFID reader topology of the accessory device;

Figure 4 shows, in diagrammatic view, one embodiment of a power system for charging the electrochemical cell of the accessory device;

Figure 5 shows, in front view, one embodiment of the accessory device with a two-way radio;

Figure 6 shows, ind etailed front view, the embodiment of the accessory device shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows, in detailed front view, a further embodiment of the accessory device; and

Figure 8 shows a number of different radio interface connections for connecting the device the different radios.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, an accessory device for a two-way radio, in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

In general, a two-way radio system may be used to enable two or more users on the same radio frequency to transfer information in the form of an analog voice signal or dedicated tones. Generally speaking, a two-way radio system is considered as one of the most common low-end communication devices, wherein the two-way radio communication system comprises a remote user sending and receiving voice communications to a user at a base station location along a pre- established communications channel.

Those communications are half-duplex in nature whereby a user uses a

Push-To-Talk (PTT) switch associated with the radio to transmit a message, otherwise the radio is in receive mode listening for messages when the switch is not operated. In many scenarios, a detachable corded hand-held microphone unit is used with the radio which the user primarily uses to send and receive voice communications via the radio.

When the PTT switch is operated, a microphone-audio signal from the microphone is passed as a baseband signal to the radio which performs modulation, and RF (Radio Frequency) signal transmission to complete the transmission steps.

With PTT deactivated, the radio serves to receive the RF signal transmission and demodulate, and then to send the baseband signal as speaker audio to the microphone unit which includes a speaker.

Other more sophisticated two-way radios use external modems to *, generate and decode digital data transmitted on that frequency. In many cases, this ‘modem reduces the mobility of the user that typically needs to be portable and manoeuvrable when they operate on the field.

In addition, existing lower-end radio systems do not support position location provisions, although providing a remote user's position to a base station would be very desirable to enable tracking of the remote user, particularly through the use of the Global Positioning Satellite system or RFID transponder modules.

Therefore, the GSNS and RFID functionality must be independently installed to provide positioning data.

The device 10 is shown as part of a two-way radio system for illustration purposes of one possible use thereof. As shown, the device 10 is connected to a radio 19.1. The device 10 also includes the GSNS receiver for receiving a GSNS signal from a GSNS network 17.1. The device 10 may be connected to additional sensors or field instrumentation 15, and also to a battery charger 16 and an RFID reader 12.

Any signals transmitted are relayed to a similar two-way radio 19.2 via a repeater 18. On the other end is a similar radio 19.2 with the device 10 connected to a computer 30 for management and control purposes. The device 10 can also receive information from a GSNS network 17.2 if the radio is mobile. The computer 30 may be connected to a communications network 40, or the like.

Figure 2 shows one diagrammatic representation of the accessory device 10. As shown, the device generally includes a Global Satellite Navigation system (GSNS) receiver 10.24 which is configured to receive a global positioning signal from a GSNS satellite network 17.1.

The device 10 also includes a memory arrangement 10.25 configured to store data, with a micro processor 10.1 forming the heart of the device 10. This processor 10.1 is arranged in communication with the GSNS receiver 10.24 and the memory arrangement 10.25, with the processor 10.1 configured to calculate the global position of the device 10 from the received global positioning signal, and to - format the calculated position for transmission via conventional analog voice radio . channels, as well as to log such operations to the memory arrangement 10.25.

Further included is a radio interface comprised of a modem 10.26. an -automatic gain control circuit 10.27, and the physical radio interface connection 10.28. This radio interface is configured to interface the device 10 with a two-way radio 19, so that the formatted global position of the device 10 is transmissible via the radio 19.

Also includes is dedicated energising means or a power system 10.30 for energising the device 10 so that the device 10 does not require energy from the two-way radio 19, i.e. no power is drawn from the radio 19 itself. It is to be appreciated that this allows the device 10 to operate without requiring any modification to the existing radio 19.

It is to be appreciated that the processor 10.1 generally formats the

GSNS position of the device 10 by encoding such digital information for combining with a baseband signal of the existing voice radio channel. The processor 10.1 then inserts such encoded information at the beginning and/or the end of the transmitted voice information.

As shown, the device 10 also includes microphone, speaker and PTT switches 10.14, 10.16, and 10.18. The voice of the user is the analogue part that another user is able to understand as part of the transmitted message. It is obvious that the final user does not need to hear the extra encoded data inserted with the transmitted voice. For this reason, the device 10 includes the facility to cut the extra data at the level of the speaker by detecting part of the protocol and operating a fast electronic switch that in time momentarily cuts the speaker for about 250 milliseconds and thereafter reconnecting it to allow the analogue voice. This data detector and electronic switch, in addition to provide a clean voice at the speaker, has the extra advantage to be able to poll the user without noticing the user of such request.

A similar switch is added to the microphone to avoid the mixture of analogue voice when the system is transmitting data. In that case, the advantage is * to transmit a clean and reliable data without extra noise from the environment around the user

Accordingly, the radio interface 10.28 is thus configured to deactivate a speaker of the radio via the processor 10.1 when such a transmission is received from another radio to prevent a user from hearing the encoded data. Similarly, the radio.interface 10.28 is configured to deactivate a microphone of the radio when such a transmission is made to minimize interference with the data transmission.

The device 10 also includes a display 10.10 arranged in communication with the processor 10.1 which display 10.10 is configured to provide a user with visual indications of information. As such, the processor 10.1 is configured to interpret information received via the radio and/or GSNS receiver for display on the display 10.10. The device 10 also includes controls 10.11 for manipulating the display 10.10, e.g. menu buttons, and the like.

Where the device 10 is used as part of a system of such two-way radios, the display 10.10 is able to display the relative positions of other such devices 10 to the user. This is typically accomplished by the processor 10.1 using suitable resident algorithms or the like as stored in the memory arrangement 10.25. In this regard, the device 10 is able to calculate distances and times relative to the device 10 and other users equipped with devices 10. In a further embodiment, relative positions are also calculated by a central server monitoring the system and sending the respective devices information relating to the respective positions to each other, or the like. : The display 10.10 is also used to display text characters received via the radio as decoded by the processor 10.1. Similarly, the display 10.10 is configured to prepare text messages for transmission to a base station or central server and other mobile users. The display 10.10 is also configured to calculate distances between units and between icons and to function as navigation tool using an arrow and distances between present position with respect to a destination point, or the like. The display 10.10 is complemented with external buttons 10.11 to select 156 programmed menus, generate text messages and select icons during navigation.

For example, when the device is used on light airplanes, the device 10 «is able to calculate the true altitude of the plane giving the pilot an important and .necessary indication of altitude to ground. This feature will be calculated from : 20 independent sources, the counter-elevation data previously installed on the memory arrangement and from a passive altimeter, or the like. It is important to remember that the existing GSNS system gives the altitude with respect to sea level and not to ground. A complementary inclinometer sensor will provide two axes sensor to improve the navigation capabilities of the plane.

As shown in Figure 3, the device 10 also includes an RFID (Radio

Frequency Identification) reader 10.8 which includes a magnetic sensor 10.7 so that, when a magnetic field is detected, the sensor 10.7 activates the reader 10.8 to scan for passive RFID tags via an RFID antenna 10.9. The data read from the RFID tag is then encoded and transmitted via the radio channel, typically together with the voice of the user which can then be used to verify the identity of such user, or the like. This allows the device's position to be monitored in areas where there is no GSNS cover, such as inside buildings, or the like.

The device 10 also includes an external computer interface 10.20 to allow the device 10 to interface with a computer system so that the processor 10.1 is programmable. The external computer interface 10.20 can also be used to update and/or retrieve information stored in the memory arrangement 10.25.

The processor 10.1 is also generally configured to transmit information stored in the memory arrangement 10.25 when the radio 19 receives a polling signal from a remote location such as a central control server, or the like.

The device 10 further includes an emergency indicator 10.31 such as a bright light, an alarm, or the like. In the embodiment shows, this indicator is a bright

LED (Light Emitting Diode) 10.31. The emergency indicator 10.31 may be manually activated, or the processor 10.1 may be configured to activate the emergency indicator 10.31 when an activating signal is received from a remote location. The processor 10.1 is also typically configured to transmit an emergency radio signal when the emergency indicator 10.31 has been activated.

The device 10 is also equipped with an emergency button and when operated by the user, the device 10 will start a sequential transmission of dedicated - emergency protocol containing the user identification and geo-position. The rest of wthe users of the network will be able to assist the user in emergency using the data transmitted as the positions of the devices are known relative to each other.

The processor 10.1 is also generally further configured to receive information from a sensor included in the device 10. This sensor information is also for transmission via the voice radio channel. As such, the sensor may include an inclinometer, an altimeter, a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that such sensed information is also encoded by the processor 10.1 and inserted into the voice channel transmission. This feature allows the device to be utilised as a remote monitoring and control device when connected to a radio and suitable sensors, e.g. the device 10 can be applied to function as a telemetry station or the like. :

Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the energising means or power system 10.30. This power system 10.30 typically includes an onboard electrochemical cell 10.32 which is configured to be rechargeable via the power system interface 10.28 via three different optional powering method interfaces connected to the wall plug power supply 16.2: e Option 1: Charging from the Radio itself via the same microphone

S cable. e Option 2: Charging via wired contact detachable power adaptor 16.1 e Option 3: Charging via a wireless magnetic detachable power adaptor 10.34

The cell 10.32 is rechargeable via the radio interface 10.28 by the processor 10.1 . 10 being configured to detect when an external power source is connected to the interface and then routing such power to the cell according to conventional charging principles. In addition, the information encoded by the processor 10.1 for transmission may include a status of the cell, e.g. charge levels, or the like.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, the device 10 typically includes the GSNS antenna and receiver unit 10.24, the microprocessor controller unit 10.1, a data packet modem 10.26 and its associated AGC (Automatic Gain

Control) unit, a flash memory unit 10.25, an LCD display 10.10 and its associated .menu buttons 10.11, an USB interface connector 10.20 and its associated electronics, an inclinometer and altimeter units 10.22 and 10.23, an RFID reader unit 10.29, a power management unit 10.30, and an bright LED for rescue purposes.

As such, the present invention enables existing lower-end two-way radio systems to be upgradeable to support the functions of acquiring and providing user position data without requiring any modification to the radio itself or to the radio communication infrastructure.

The present invention is able to be used on other national networks such as Trunking radios Networks (MPT1327, LTR,EDACS and Motorola). In this mode, in addition to the all facilities in simples mode, the invention allows to get control of the radio itself in order to select remote radios and know the radio caller, and use all the facility of the Trunking Radio Network system. The present invention can also be used with digital radios operating with 6,25kHz bandwidth. In this case, the device is able to send and receive digital data via the same digital radio channel.

In one embodiment, the processor 10.1 processes the data to be : transmitted over the voice channel in a protocol Base 91 complement format using only 20 bytes, equivalent to 200 milliseconds when the data rate is a 1200 bps or 100 milliseconds when it uses a 2400 bps. The advantage is the reduction of data transmission time in more than 50% over normal transmission methods.

The GSNS antenna and receiver unit provide GSNS geo-position information from the external GSNS satellites to the processor, supplying user information about latitude, longitude, speed, direction, GSNS quality (GDOP) and status. It has been found that the total accuracy of the horizontal position is about 4 meters when used in autonomous mode and without external Differential GSNS assistance.

Differential GSNS (DGSNS) corrections are generated at the control central and transmitted to the device via the same analogue network in order to improve the total horizontal accuracy to a less than a meter in cases of emergency in order to provide rescue units a much more precise location. The advantage in this case is to use the existing radio analogue channel from the base station to broadcast such DGSNS corrections over the air which enables much more accurate measurements than conventional GSNS, e.g. typically accuracy in the centimeter range, or the like.

In addition, when the device 10 is used on light airplanes, its algorithms instructing the processor 10.2 is able to calculate the relative positions, altitudes and speeds with respect to other airplanes also equipped with the device 10 and enables the device 10 to calculate the possibility of collisions between airplanes in order to generate and alert and direction of the other airplanes. This feature is generally referred to as collision avoidance, which is very important in the avionics field.

In summary, the processor 10.1 manages and controls the LCD plasma graphic display 10.10 to graphically display received and generation of text characters messages, simple digital maps, icons and waypoints on the maps, present and past position of the user to help in navigation and return path, present position relative to the user of other radio users equipped with the device 10, a compass indicator, a speed indicator, altitude to sea level and ground when installed on airplanes, calculated distance and directions from user to other users or waypoints, menu buttons to navigate up and down and selection on the different display menus, and control of the switches of the speaker and microphone when the system is receiving or transmitting data.

The processor 10.1 also manages the interface with external computer hosts via the USB interface 10.20 to download data from flash memory, to upload new setups for programming the radio with, inter alia, identification number of the radio, geo-fencing parameters, alarm conditions, and the like.

It is further to be appreciated that the device 10 typically also includes add-on memory 10.33 to supplement the existing memory 10.25. In this manner, the amount of available memory can be increased or decreased according to the required application of the device 10. This add-on memory 10.33 is typically an SD card, an MMC card, a memory stick, and/or any suitable add-on memory.

In use, the device 10 is connected to a two-way radio 19, typically as shown in Figure 5. Figures 6 and 7 show two possible embodiments of the device “10, as shown in Figure 2. Accordingly, Figure 8 shows examples of different radio interface connectors as determined by radio handset manufacturer, and the like.

When so connected to a radio, the device 10 allows the functionality as described above. The GSNS position of the device 10 is able to be transmitted to a remote central server, or the like. Due to the device's capability to send and receive information, the relative positions of similar devices can be shown on the display 10.10 of the device 10.

This enables a user of the device 10 to be shown waypoints for navigation, or the strategize movements with fellow users, e.g. military applications, or the like. Even where no GSNS cover is available, the device 10 allows for positional information to be generated using the RFID component 10.29.

The memory arrangement 10.25 can include expandable memory in the form of SD cards, or any similar memory types. It is to be appreciated that a large memory arrangement 10.25 is advantageous where large amounts of data is to be loaded in the memory. One example is where typographical maps for navigation purposes can be loaded for correlation with GSNS readings during travel, or the like.

In addition, the emergency beacon or indicator 10.31 is able to be remotely activated via the radio channels to indicate a position of the device 10. For example, if a hiker uses the device and fails the check in at a certain time, it is possible to remotely poll the device 10 to show the last recorded GSNS position of the device. Furthermore, the beacon 10.31 can be activated to facilitate in locating the missing hiker.

Due to the automatic polling capability of the device 10, the remote server is able to locate the device when required. This finds particular application where numerous users are fitted with such devices 10, especially in military applications. Should a plurality of covert operators be active in an area, the devices can be polled and their positions established relative to each other and waypoints. In this manner, the operators know where each other are and the mission waypoints.

The device 10 can also be used to navigate, and the like.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence forming part of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified.

It shall further be understood that the examples are provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention.

The Inventor regards it as an advantage that the device allows information to be transmitted via existing analog radio channels without requiring modification of an existing radio. The Inventor regards it as a yet further advantage that the device finds particular application in the security , military, aviation and rescue fields.

The Inventor regards it as a yet further advantage that the device enables a plurality of users to be informed of each other's respective positions in a covert manner.

Claims (25)

CLAIMS . cL 1.201 0 / 0 05 1 0.

1. An accessory device, which device includes: an accessory device and tracking system; a sensor for sensing a parameter; and a memory arrangement configured to store parameter information data.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, which device is configured to also make use of a GSNS positioning network.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to format and transmit data information stored in the memory arrangement.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to de-format data information received for storage in the memory arrangement and/ or for programming the processor.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 1 to 4, wherein the processor is configured to be activated when the receiver receives a request or polling signal from a remote location to transmit the GSNS position and/ or other data stored in the memory arrangement to be received by that location.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the processor may. be configured to log such data and/ or operations to the memory arrangement.

7. A device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the processor is configured to format the parameter information data of the device by encoding such digital information for combination with a baseband signal of the existing voice radio channel.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the processor inserts such encoded information at the beginning, and/ or the end of the transmitted voice information.

9. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 1 to 8, which includes a dedicated energising means for energising the device so that the device does not require energy from the two-way radio in the form of a chemical cell and wherein the device is configured such that the cell is be rechargeable via any one or more of methods of interfacing including: e Charging from the Radio itself via the same microphone cable; e Charging via wired contact detachable power adaptor; and e Charging via a wireless magnetic detachable power adaptor.

10. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 7 to 9, which includes a binary modem and the processor of the accessory device being configured to encode or decode multi frequency signals using DSP (Digital Signal Processing) data encoding algorithms or protocols.

11. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 7 to 10, wherein the processor is configure d to resend certain tagged signals to act as a signal amplifier, such as a signal tagged by means of formatted digital signal preceding a :signal over the analogue network.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the device is configured as a “digi-peater” (data repeater).

13. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 1 to 12, wherein the processor is configured to scramble /encode and descramble/decode a voice signal.

14. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 1 to 13, which includes a display arranged in communication with the processor which display is configured to provide a user with visual indications of information.

15. A device as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the device is configured to display any one or more of: the geographical position overlaid on a map stored in the memory arrangement, speed, magnetic or true north, altitude and distance to or time to arrival to a point or destination, text messages received and/ or transmitted and indicia for alarms, incoming calls, power level, signal strength and the like.

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16. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 1 to 15, which device includes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader.

17. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 1 to 16, which device includes an external computer interface to allow the device to interface with a computer system so that the processor is programmable.

18. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 1 to 17, which device includes an emergency indicator such as a bright light, an alarm, or the like, which is configured to be activated from a remote location.

19. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 1 to 18, wherein the processor is configured to receive information from a sensor included in the device, which sensor information is for transmission via the voice radio channel.

20. A device as claimed in Claim 19, which includes an altimeter.

21. A device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the display is configured to display the position of a person relative to other persons and the position of possible ‘targets overlaid on a map and wherein the device includes a digital compass to orientate the map on the display to a predetermined direction.

22. A device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein, the processor is configured to sense and/ or log in the memory arrangement any one or more of accessory device power levels, radio power levels, accessory device or radio disconnection status, radio channel occupancy, predetermined travelling speed violations, distance - travelled over a period of time, time of detected movement (operating times) and/ or : waypoints.

23. A device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein, the device is configured such that a person is allowed to move only in designated areas, the memory including data relating to allowed and prohibited areas for geo-fencing and alarm purposes.

24. A device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, 5 to 34, wherein the device is configured to change its internal set of parameters by remote control using the same radio network. In essence, the device is reprogrammed via the Radio network.

25. An accessory device, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED THIS 22"° DAY OF JANUARY 2010. i & HAHN INC. Agent for Applicant