Power and data concentrator, communication system and related methods
By designing power and data hubs, communication systems in combat or emergency situations are simplified, and power and data are transmitted from radio units to peripherals through hubs, solving the problems of equipment complexity and weight in the prior art and improving users Experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202010228124.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-03-28
- Filing Date
- 2020-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-03-27
AI Technical Summary
In combat or emergency situations, users need to provide data communication and power to peripheral devices at the same time. The prior art requires multiple additional devices, which increases the complexity and weight of the device and affects the user experience.
Design a power and data hub that includes multiple interfaces to connect radio units, communication devices and peripherals, transmit power and data from radio units to peripherals through the hub, and communicate audio with communication devices, reducing the number of direct connections .
Simplifies the communication system worn by users, reduces the complexity of the device that users need to carry, improves the user experience in combat or emergency situations, and reduces the need for individual batteries or power supplies for peripheral devices.
Smart Images
Figure CN111756553B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a power and data concentrator and a method of operating a power and data concentrator, and a communication system comprising the power and data concentrator. Background Art
[0002] In combat and / or emergency situations, a user may be provided with a radio unit along with communications equipment to enable the user to utilize radio communications in a high stress environment, wherein the communications equipment may be provided to allow hearing protection equipment to be provided while still maintaining situational awareness.
[0003] A user in a combat situation or other stressful environment may be required to use a peripheral device intended to provide improved safety and / or an improved overview of a situation, wherein the peripheral device may be a peripheral device such as a helmet camera, a handheld tablet computer, a data communication device, or the like. The provision of a peripheral device means that the user needs to provide both data communication and power to the peripheral device, which may require the user to require multiple additional devices to provide power and data to the peripheral device, which will increase the weight of the device. Summary of the invention
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a method and apparatus that simplifies communication systems worn in combat situations or other stressful environments.
[0005] A power and data hub is disclosed, which includes: a hub housing; a first primary interface configured to communicate with a radio unit to transmit primary audio, primary power input and primary data; a second primary interface configured to communicate with a communication device to transmit secondary audio and primary power output; a first secondary interface configured to transmit and / or provide secondary data and / or secondary power output with a first peripheral device connectable to the first secondary interface; and a second secondary interface configured to transmit and / or provide secondary data and / or secondary power output with a second peripheral device connectable to the second secondary interface.
[0006] Furthermore, a communication system is disclosed, which comprises: a power and data concentrator according to the present invention; and a communication device connectable to a second primary interface of the power and data concentrator.
[0007] A method for operating a power and data hub is also disclosed, the method comprising: transmitting primary audio, primary power input and primary data with a radio unit through a first primary interface of the power and data hub; transmitting secondary audio and primary power output with a communication device through a second primary interface of the power and data hub; transmitting secondary data and secondary power output with a first external device through the first secondary interface of the power and data hub; and transmitting secondary data and / or secondary power output with a second peripheral device through the second secondary interface of the power and data hub.
[0008] The main advantage of a power and data hub is that the hub is able to draw both power and data from the radio unit and distribute power and / or data to peripheral devices while being able to transmit audio through the hub to the user's communication device to communicate through the radio unit. The presence of a secondary interface means that a peripheral device can connect to the radio unit and provide data communications as well as receive power from the radio unit, thereby reducing the number of connections and / or interfaces required to communicate directly with the radio unit.
[0009] The present invention provides a power and data concentrator, a method of operating a power and data concentrator and a communication system wherein connectivity to additional peripheral devices is improved.
[0010] The present invention enables improved power and data communications through a radio unit wherein the complexity of the equipment carried by the user may be significantly reduced, thereby improving the user experience during combat, emergency or training operations.
[0011] Additionally, the present invention reduces the number of interfaces between the radio unit, the communication device, and the peripheral devices because the first primary interface of the power and data hub is capable of providing the necessary data, power, and audio via an interface that is similar and / or the same as the communication interface that the radio unit utilizes to transmit the necessary power and audio. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system;
[0014] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system; and
[0015] Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating a method of operating a power and data concentrator.
[0016] Reference numerals:
[0017] 1 Communication system
[0018] 2 Power and Data Hub
[0019] 3 Communication equipment
[0020] 4 Receiver
[0021] 5 Receiver
[0022] 6 First connector cable
[0023] 7 Second connector cable
[0024] 8 First Primary Interface
[0025] 9 Second primary interface
[0026] 10 First secondary interface
[0027] 11 Secondary Interface
[0028] 12 Third secondary interface
[0029] 13 Fourth secondary interface
[0030] 14 Power conductors
[0031] 14a Electricity
[0032] 15 Data cable
[0033] 15a Data
[0034] 16 Audio cable
[0035] 16a Audio
[0036] 17 Control wire
[0037] 17a Control
[0038] 18 First power interface
[0039] 19 Secondary power input
[0040] 19a Secondary Power
[0041] 20 radio units
[0042] 100 Communication Systems
[0043] 102 Power and Data Hub
[0044] 104 Radio Unit
[0045] 106 Communication equipment
[0046] 108 Receiver
[0047] 110 Receiver
[0048] 112 First Connector Cable
[0049] 114 Second connector cable
[0050] 116 First Primary Interface
[0051] 118 Second primary interface
[0052] 120 First secondary interface
[0053] 122 Secondary interface
[0054] 124 Third secondary interface
[0055] 126 Fourth secondary interface
[0056] 128 Power conductors
[0057] 129 Electricity
[0058] 130 Data cable
[0059] 131 Data
[0060] 132 Audio cable
[0061] 133 Audio
[0062] 134 Control wire
[0063] 135 Control
[0064] 136 First power interface
[0065] 138 Secondary power input
[0066] 140 Power management equipment
[0067] 142 Data management equipment
[0068] 144 Secondary Power Output
[0069] 146 Secondary Data
[0070] 148 Primary Power Output
[0071] 200 How to operate the power and data concentrator
[0072] 202 Transmission
[0073] 204 Transmission
[0074] 206 Transmission
[0075] 208 Transmission DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0076] In the following, various exemplary embodiments and details are described with reference to the relevant drawings. It should be noted that the drawings may be drawn to scale or not to scale, and elements with similar structures or functions are represented by similar reference numerals in all drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of the invention or to limit the scope of the invention. In addition, the illustrated embodiments do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment, and may be implemented in any other embodiment even if not shown as such, or even if not explicitly described as such.
[0077] 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 transmit primary audio, primary power input and primary data; a second primary interface configured to communicate with a communication device to transmit and / or provide secondary audio and primary power output; a first secondary interface configured to transmit and / or provide secondary data and / or secondary power output with a first peripheral device connectable to the first secondary interface; and a second secondary interface configured to transmit and / or provide secondary data and / or secondary power output with a second peripheral device connectable to the second secondary interface.
[0078] The first primary interface may be adapted to provide a communication path for data, audio and power between the radio unit and the power and data hub, wherein power may be delivered to the communication device and peripheral devices via the power and data hub via respective interfaces. Thus, in one exemplary embodiment, any and all devices that may be connected or connectable to the power and data hub are able to draw power sent from the radio unit to the device via the power and data hub.
[0079] The data communication path from the radio unit to the power and data hub through the first primary interface means that any peripheral device having data communication requirements can communicate data between the peripheral device and the radio unit through the power and data hub.
[0080] Additionally, the first primary interface may also provide a communication path for transmitting audio to the communication device and from the communication device to the radio unit through the first primary interface.
[0081] Secondary data and / or secondary power may be considered as data sources and / or power sources, wherein the secondary data may be the same or different for one or more peripheral devices, and wherein the secondary power may be the same or different for one or more connected peripheral devices. The term "secondary data" may be considered as meaning a secondary data output, wherein the secondary data output may vary from one secondary interface to another. The term "secondary power" may be considered as meaning a secondary power output, wherein the secondary power output may vary from one secondary interface to another, or may be the same. Thus, secondary data and secondary power may be defined as first secondary data and first secondary power of a first secondary interface, second secondary data and second secondary power of a second secondary interface, third secondary data and third secondary power of a third secondary interface, and / or fourth secondary data and fourth secondary power of a fourth secondary interface.
[0082] A radio unit for armed forces, law enforcement, emergency services, is typically a radio unit capable of transmitting both data and audio to a dispatch or radio communications center, wherein analog audio signals may be converted to digital signals (data), wherein data and audio signals (digital and / or analog) may be sent to and received from the radio unit via wireless communications. When data and audio are sent, the data and audio may be encrypted to ensure that the communication is not intercepted and / or eavesdropped on by unintended parties. This means that if a user is using a peripheral device that may send or receive sensitive information, it may be advantageous to use the data communications channel of the radio unit to send encrypted data to a remote location.
[0083] Additionally, to reduce the amount of equipment a user must carry during operation, the peripheral devices and / or the communication device may draw power from the radio unit to reduce the need for a separate battery or power supply for one or more peripheral devices.
[0084] Therefore, the user wishes to utilize the data communication capability of the radio unit, send data from the remote location and utilize the power supply of the radio unit, while maintaining a simple connection to the radio unit, and simultaneously maintaining access to the audio transmission from the user to the remote location. Typically, the data interface for the peripheral device is connected to the data interface at a position on the radio unit that is different from the audio communication interface. Therefore, when the peripheral device is connected to the radio unit, the data interface is at a first position on the radio unit, and the communication device is connected to a second position on the radio unit via a wired connection. Therefore, the connectors and cables required to connect data and audio increase the physical size of the radio, which reduces the mobility of the user during use.
[0085] A secondary interface, such as the first secondary interface and / or the second secondary interface, may provide an interface for a peripheral device, wherein the secondary interface may provide power output to the peripheral device and may provide data communications between the peripheral device and the radio unit. Thus, if the peripheral device is a helmet camera, the secondary interface may provide operating power to the helmet camera, while the data communications link may enable footage recorded by the helmet camera to be sent from the helmet camera to the radio unit via the power and data hub, wherein the radio unit may send data containing the footage to a remote location.
[0086] The second primary interface may provide an interface to the communication device to send audio communications from the communication device to the radio unit through the power and data hub. The second primary interface may be a wired interface where the communication device may have the capability to receive power to operate the communication device, as well as audio communication capabilities.
[0087] This means that the power and data concentrator can provide all necessary communication and power functions to the user using the second primary interface and one or more secondary interfaces, wherein the power and data concentrator is connected to the radio unit via the first primary interface.
[0088] Since peripheral devices and communication devices are connected to the power and data hub, the present invention provides a simplified interface for providing data communication and power to the peripheral devices, wherein the power and data hub provides the necessary data, power and audio communication capabilities required by the user, and since the power and data hub is connected to the radio unit through the first primary interface, the user can access all functions of the radio unit through the power and data hub.
[0089] In the context of the present invention, a communication device may be or form part of a hearing protection system including a hearing protection device. The hearing protection device may include a first earphone comprising a first transducer for providing a first ear canal input signal and / or a first receiver for providing a first audio output signal based on a first ear canal output signal. The hearing protection device may include a second earphone comprising a second transducer for providing a second ear canal input signal and / or a second receiver for providing a second audio output signal based on a second ear canal output signal. The communication device may be connected to the hearing protection device and include a processor and / or a mixer for processing sound input received from a radio unit and / or a power and data concentrator, and the first ear canal input signal, and / or the second ear canal input signal. The hearing protection device may be connected or connectable to a second primary interface of the power and data concentrator, wherein the hearing protection device may be powered by the primary power output and may communicate audio with the radio unit via the first primary interface and the second primary interface.
[0090] The communication system may include a communication device, a left receiver and a right receiver. The left receiver may be part of a left earphone including a left connection, and the right receiver may be part of a right earphone including a right connection. The connection may be a wired connection or a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection.
[0091] The communication device may include: a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP); a radio interface connected to a radio unit; an output interface; and a memory.
[0092] The primary audio and / or the secondary audio may be analog audio signals communicated from the radio unit to the communication device, or vice versa.
[0093] In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may include a third secondary interface configured to transmit and / or provide secondary data and secondary power output to a third peripheral device connectable to the third secondary interface. The power and data hub may include a fourth secondary interface configured to transmit and / or provide secondary data and secondary power output to a fourth peripheral device connectable to the fourth secondary interface.
[0094] The third secondary interface and / or the fourth secondary interface may provide an interface for a peripheral device, wherein the secondary interface may provide a power output for the peripheral device (secondary power output), and may provide 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 to the first secondary interface and / or the second secondary interface. The peripheral device may be a peripheral device that may be connected to any of the secondary interfaces, or may be a third peripheral device connected to the third secondary interface, or a fourth peripheral device connected to the fourth secondary interface.
[0095] In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may include a fifth or subsequent secondary interface configured to communicate and / or provide secondary data and secondary power output with a fifth or subsequent peripheral device connectable to the fifth or subsequent secondary interface.
[0096] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the power and data concentrator may include a first primary connector and a second primary connector, wherein the first primary connector may form a first primary interface and the second primary connector may form a second primary interface.
[0097] In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may include a first secondary connector and a second secondary connector, wherein the first secondary connector may form a first secondary interface and the second secondary connector may form a second secondary interface.
[0098] A connector such as one or more of a first primary connector, a second primary connector, a first secondary connector, and a second secondary connector may provide a male connector or a female connector to the power and data concentrator to connect the power and data concentrator to a radio unit, a communication device, and / or a peripheral device. The first primary connector may include at least 10 pins or terminals. The first primary connector may be a 19-pin connector. The connector may be a standardized connector that may provide power audio and / or data communication capabilities, power and data communication capabilities, and / or power and audio communication capabilities. In the case where the power and data concentrator includes a third secondary interface and / or a fourth secondary interface, the power and data concentrator may include a third secondary connector forming the third secondary interface and / or a fourth secondary connector forming the fourth secondary interface.
[0099] In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, a first secondary connector and / or a second secondary connector may be arranged in the hub housing. In one or more exemplary embodiments, all or any secondary connectors included in the power and data hub may be arranged in the hub housing. By arranging one or more secondary connectors in the hub housing, a user may connect a peripheral device directly to the hub housing, wherein the peripheral device may be connected via a third connector cable, one end of the connector cable may be connected to the peripheral device, and the other end may include a connector suitable for matching with one or more secondary connectors of the hub housing. Therefore, a user may easily connect and / or disconnect the peripheral device from the power and data hub. The third connector cable may, for example, have data and power transmission capabilities, thereby enabling the peripheral device to communicate with the radio unit via the power and data hub.
[0100] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the power and data concentrator may include 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 can be configured to connect the radio unit to the power and data concentrator, wherein the first proximal end of the first connector cable provides a connection to the power and data concentrator. The distal end of the connector cable can have a connector, wherein the connector can be configured to match a predetermined standard connector on the radio unit. The first connector cable can be configured to send power from the radio unit to the power and data concentrator, and / or can be configured to send data between the power and data concentrator and the radio unit, and / or can be configured to send audio between the radio unit and the power and data concentrator.
[0101] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the power and data concentrator may include a first connector cable, wherein the first connector cable may include a first secondary interface and a second secondary interface. This means that the first secondary interface and the second secondary interface, and / or the power and data concentrator may be part of the first connector cable. The first connector cable may be used to connect a radio unit to a communication device, wherein the power and data concentrator may be located on the cable between the communication device and the radio unit. Therefore, the power and data concentrator may be part of the connector cable.
[0102] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the power and data concentrator may include a first connector cable, wherein a first secondary interface and a second secondary interface may be included / arranged between a first proximal end and a first distal end. Thus, the power and data concentrator and / or the first and / or second secondary interfaces may be located between a proximal end and a distal end of the proximal end of the first connector cable, wherein the proximal end may be connected to a radio device and the distal end may be connected to a communication device.
[0103] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the power and data concentrator may include a second connector cable having a second proximal end and a second distal end, wherein the hub housing may be disposed at the second proximal end and the second primary connector may be disposed at the second distal end. The second connector cable may be configured to connect the radio unit to the power and data concentrator, wherein the second proximal end of the second connector cable provides a connection to the power and data concentrator. The distal end of the second connector cable may have a connector, wherein the connector may be configured to match a predetermined standard connector on a communication device. The second connector cable may be configured to send power from the power and data concentrator to the communication device, and / or may be configured to send audio between the power and data concentrator and the communication device.
[0104] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the first primary interface may include 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 a signal transmitted to the first primary interface. The ground terminal may be a common ground for one or more of the audio terminal, the data terminal, and / or the power terminal. The ground terminal may be divided into separate ground terminals for audio, data, and / or power, wherein each separate ground terminal provides a reference point for audio, data, and / or power, respectively.
[0105] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the second primary interface may include 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 transmitted 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 divided into separate ground terminals for audio and / or power, wherein each separate ground terminal provides a reference point for audio and / or power, respectively.
[0106] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the first secondary interface may include 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 a signal transmitted 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 divided into separate ground terminals for data and / or power, wherein each separate ground terminal provides a reference point for data and / or power, respectively.
[0107] In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, the power and data hub may include a first power interface configured to transmit a secondary power input. The first power interface may be arranged in a hub housing. The first power interface may be suitable for providing a secondary power input to the hub housing, wherein the secondary power input may be used to send power to the power and data hub, and wherein the secondary power input may be used to be merged into a primary power output and / or a secondary power output to provide secondary power to peripheral devices and / or communication devices so as to retain the primary power output from the radio unit. The first primary power interface may include a ground terminal and a power terminal. The power and data hub may be configured to prioritize power inputs, wherein the availability of the first primary power input may be used to reduce and / or shut down power input via the first primary interface.
[0108] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, each of the first primary interface and / or the second primary interface may include a control terminal, 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 that is part of the first primary interface and / or the second primary interface. The control terminal may be used to pass a control signal from the second primary interface to the first primary interface via the power and data concentrator, wherein the control signal may be utilized to send the control signal from the communication device to the radio unit. If the radio is a two-way radio, the control signal may be a Push-To-Talk control signal suitable for switching the radio from a sound receiving mode to a transmitting mode. The Push-To-Talk control signal may be provided from the communication device, wherein the communication device may include a button that may send a binary control signal to the power and data concentrator and / or the radio unit via the power and data concentrator.
[0109] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, an audio terminal of a first primary interface may be connected to an audio terminal of a 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, wherein the audio may be sent directly through the power and data concentrator, and the connection may be a wired connection from the first primary interface to the second primary interface. Optionally, the audio connection may be filtered en route between the first primary interface and the second primary interface, for example. The audio connection between the first primary interface and / or the second primary interface may be an analog audio connection, wherein noise in the power and data concentrator may contaminate and / or distort the audio signal, wherein an audio filter may improve the signal quality of the audio signal.
[0110] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the power and data concentrator may include a data management device configured to control the communication of primary data with the first primary interface. The data management device may be a computer networking device that provides a data network on the power and data concentrator. The data management device may connect devices such as peripherals, radios, and / or communications devices that may be configured to receive, process, and forward data to a target device. The data management device may be any type of data management device known in the art that is capable of receiving, sending, and forwarding data from one device to another, and capable of distributing data packets to the correct device.
[0111] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, a data management device may be configured to control the communication of secondary data with a first secondary interface and a second secondary interface. The data management device may be connected to devices such as peripheral devices, radio units, and / or communication devices, wherein these devices may be configured to receive, process, and forward data to a destination device.
[0112] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the power and data concentrator may include a power management device configured to control a primary power output and a secondary power output of the power and data concentrator. The power management device may be adapted to provide necessary current and / or voltage to any device connected to the power and data concentrator, wherein the power management device is adapted to receive one or more power inputs that may be distributed as needed to the devices connected to the power and data concentrator.
[0113] In one or more exemplary power and data hubs, controlling the primary power output and the secondary power output of the power and data hub may include: distributing the power input received through the first primary interface between the second primary interface, the first secondary interface, and the second secondary interface. The power input received through the first primary interface may be auxiliary power received from, for example, a battery pack, wherein the power and data hub may be configured to adapt the voltage and / or current received from the primary and / or secondary power input to match the voltage and / or current requirements of the peripheral device and / or the communication device.
[0114] In one or more exemplary power and data concentrators, the second primary interface can be configured to transmit the third data to the communication device. Thus, the third data can provide data communication between the communication device and the radio unit and / or peripheral devices. The second primary interface may include an audio terminal, a data terminal, a power terminal, a control terminal and / or a ground terminal.
[0115] The invention also relates to a communication system comprising: a power and data concentrator according to the invention; and a communication device connectable to a second primary interface of the power and data concentrator.
[0116] The present invention also relates to a method for operating a power and data hub, the method comprising: transmitting primary audio, primary power input and primary data with a radio unit through a first primary interface of the power and data hub; transmitting secondary audio and primary power output with a communication device through a second primary interface of the power and data hub; transmitting secondary data and secondary power output with a first peripheral device through the first secondary interface of the power and data hub; and transmitting secondary data and secondary power output with a second peripheral device through the second secondary interface of the power and data hub.
[0117] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary communication system 1 is shown, wherein the communication system comprises a power and data hub 2. The power and data hub 2 comprises a first primary interface 8, wherein 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 can communicate data, power, audio, and control signals with the radio unit 20.
[0118] The first primary interface 8 provides a power conductor or line 14 to distribute power 14a to the second primary interface 9, as well as the first secondary interface 10, the second secondary interface 11, the third secondary interface 12 and / or the fourth secondary interface 13. The power received in the first primary interface 8 can ensure that the first secondary interface 10 and / or the second secondary interface 11 and / or the third secondary interface 12 and / or the fourth secondary interface 13 send power to peripheral devices that can be connected to any of the first secondary interface 10 and / or the second secondary interface 11 and / or the third secondary interface 12 and / or the fourth secondary interface 13. In addition, the power conductor 14 can be suitable for providing power 14a to the second primary interface 9, and the communication device 3 can draw power 14a through the second connector cable 7 to power any components in the communication device 3 that may require power (such as a processor), the first receiver 4 and the second receiver 5, and components that can be used to attenuate and / or eliminate unexpected noise from the environment and / or enhance expected sounds from the environment, and send processed signals to the transceivers 4, 5.
[0119] In addition, if the user requires a secondary power source (not shown), the power and data hub 2 may be provided with a first power interface 18, wherein, for example, a battery pack may be connected to the first power interface 18 of the power and data hub 2 to provide the power and data hub with auxiliary power 19a or a secondary power input conductor 19. The secondary power input conductor 19 may be connected to a power line 14 which may serve as a communication path for the power and data hub 2, and the secondary power input 19a may be transmitted to the power 14a, and then to the second primary interface 9, as well as the first secondary interface 10 and / or the second secondary interface 11 and / or the third secondary interface 12 and / or the fourth secondary interface 13.
[0120] The first primary interface 8 provides a data conductor or line 15, distributing data communication 15a to the first secondary interface 10 and / or the second secondary interface 11 and / or the third secondary interface 12 and / or the fourth secondary interface 13, wherein the data communication 15a that can be sent and / or received via the first primary interface 8 can ensure that the first secondary interface 10 and / or the second secondary interface 11 and / or the third secondary interface 12 and / or the fourth secondary interface 13 sends data to a peripheral device that can be connected to any one of the first secondary interface 10 and / or the second secondary interface 11 and / or the third secondary interface 12 and / or the fourth secondary interface 13. Therefore, the power and data hub 2 can provide a data conductor 15 from the peripheral device to the radio unit 20, enabling the peripheral device to share the data communication 15a capability of the radio unit 20.
[0121] The first primary interface 8 may be provided with an audio conductor or line 16, wherein audio communication 16a may transmit audio signals between the first primary interface 8 and the second primary interface 9. Thus, when the communication device 3 is connected to the second primary interface, the audio 16a may be transmitted directly to the radio unit 20 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, for example, two-way communication via the radio unit 20. The audio conductor 16 may be a direct communication path between the first primary interface 8 and the second primary interface 9, and in one embodiment, the audio conductor 16 may be a direct connection between the two interfaces 8, 9, such as a direct wired connection.
[0122] The first primary interface 8 may be provided with a control connection 17, wherein the control 17 may send control signals 17a between the first primary interface 8 and the second primary interface 9. Thus, when the communication device 3 is connected to the second primary interface, the control signal 17a may be sent directly to and / or from the radio unit 20 via the first connector cable 6, the power and data concentrator 2 and the second connector cable 7 to the communication device 3. The control signal 17a may be an analog audio signal providing, for example, push-to-talk communication between the communication device 3 and the radio unit 20. The control conductor 17 may be a direct communication path between the first primary interface 8 and the second primary interface 9, and in one embodiment, the control conductor 17 may be a direct connection between the two interfaces 8, 9, such as a direct wired connection.
[0123] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary communication system 100 is shown, wherein a power and data concentrator 102 has Figure 1 The power and data hub 2 in the same function and provides the same inputs and outputs to peripherals, radio units and communication devices.
[0124] The power and data concentrator 102 includes a power management device 140, wherein the power management device 140 may be provided with power 130 from a first primary interface 116, and an optional secondary power input 138 from the first power interface 136, wherein the power management device may be adapted to convert and distribute a secondary power output 144 to secondary interfaces 120, 122, 124, 126 and / or and to convert and distribute a primary power output 148 to a second primary interface 118.
[0125] The power and data concentrator 102 comprises a data management device 142 , wherein the data management device 142 may be provided with a data conductor 130 for transmitting primary data 131 from the first primary interface 116 , wherein the data management device 142 may be adapted to convert and / or distribute secondary data 146 to the secondary interfaces 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 .
[0126] The first primary interface 116 may be provided with an audio conductor 132, wherein the audio conductor 132 may transmit an audio signal 133 between the first primary interface 116 and the second primary interface 118. Thus, when the communication device 106 is connected to the second primary interface, the audio signal 133 may be transmitted directly and / or from the radio 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 signal 133 may be an analog audio signal, providing, for example, two-way communication via the radio 20. The audio 132 may be a direct communication path between the first primary interface 116 and the second primary interface 118, and in one embodiment, the audio conductor 132 may be a direct connection between the two interfaces 116, 118, such as a direct wired connection.
[0127] The first primary interface 116 may be provided with a control conductor 134, wherein the control conductor 134 may transmit control signals 135 between the first primary interface 116 and the second primary interface 118. Thus, when the communication device 106 is connected to the second primary interface 118, the control signal 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, for example, push-to-talk communication between the communication device 106 and the radio unit 104. The control conductor 134 may be a direct communication path between the first primary interface 116 and the second primary interface 118, and in one embodiment, the control conductor 134 may be a direct connection between the two interfaces 116, 118, such as a direct wired connection.
[0128] In addition, the power management device 140 can be connected to the second primary interface 118, where the communication device 106 can draw power 148 through the second connector cable 114 to power any components in the communication device 106 that may require power (e.g., a processor), as well as the first receiver 108 and the second receiver 110, as well as components for attenuating and / or eliminating unwanted noise from the environment and / or enhancing desired sounds from the environment, and send processed signals to the transceivers 108, 110.
[0129] The left receiver 4, 108 may be part of a left earphone, and the right receiver 8, 116 may be part of a right earphone 5, 110. The connection between the communication device 3, 106 and the left receiver 4, 108 and / or the left earphone, and / or the right receiver 8, 116 and / or the left earphone may be a wired connection or a wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth connection).
[0130] The communication device may include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP); a radio interface for connecting to a radio unit; an output interface and a memory.
[0131] Figure 3 A flow chart showing a method of operating a power and data hub. The method for operating a power and data hub comprises: transmitting primary audio, primary power input and primary data with a radio unit via a first primary interface of the power and data hub, step 202; transmitting secondary audio and primary power output with a communication device via a second primary interface of the power and data hub, step 204; transmitting secondary data and secondary power output with a first peripheral device via a first secondary interface of the power and data hub, step 206; and transmitting secondary data and secondary power output with a second peripheral device via a second secondary interface of the power and data hub, step 208.
[0132] The use of the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "primary," "secondary," "tertiary," etc., do not imply any particular order, but rather these terms are included to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the use of the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "primary," "secondary," "tertiary," etc., do 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. Please note that the use of the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "primary," "secondary," "tertiary," etc., here and elsewhere, is for labeling purposes only and is not intended to indicate any particular spatial or temporal order.
[0133] Additionally, the reference of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element, and vice versa.
[0134] Understandably, Figures 1 to 3Some modules or operations shown in solid lines and / or some modules or operations shown in dotted lines are included. The modules or operations included in the solid lines are the modules or operations included in the most extensive example implementation. The modules or operations included in the dotted lines may be included in, be a part of, or be example implementations of other modules or operations that can be adopted in addition to the modules or operations of the solid line example implementation. It should be understood that these operations do not need to be performed in the order presented. In addition, it should be understood that all operations do not need to be performed. The exemplary operations can be performed in any order and in any combination.
[0135] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.
[0136] It should be noted that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.
[0137] It should also be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by both hardware and software, and that several "means," "units," or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.
[0138] Various exemplary methods, devices, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method step processes, which may be implemented on the one hand by a computer program product, integrated in a computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions (e.g., program code) executed by a computer in a network environment. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), etc. In general, 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 codes for performing the steps of the methods disclosed herein. A specific sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.
[0139] Although specific features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and that it will be apparent 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. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to encompass all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.
[0140] project
[0141] 1. A power and data concentrator for a communication device, the power and data concentrator comprising:
[0142] - Hub housing;
[0143] - a first primary interface configured to communicate with the radio unit to transmit primary audio, primary power input and primary data;
[0144] - a second primary interface configured to communicate with the communication device to transmit secondary audio and primary power output;
[0145] - a first secondary interface configured to transmit secondary data and / or secondary power output to a first peripheral device connectable to the first secondary interface;
[0146] - a second secondary interface configured to transmit secondary data and / or a secondary power output to a second peripheral device connectable to the second secondary interface.
[0147] 2. The power and data hub according to item 1, comprising a third secondary interface configured to transmit secondary data and secondary power output to a third peripheral device connectable to the third secondary interface.
[0148] 3. A power and data concentrator according to any one of items 1 to 2, wherein the power and data concentrator comprises a first primary connector, a second primary connector, a first secondary connector and a second secondary connector, wherein the first primary connector forms a first primary interface, the second primary connector forms a second primary interface, the first secondary connector forms a first secondary interface, and the second secondary connector forms a second secondary interface.
[0149] 4. The power and data hub of item 3, wherein the first secondary connector and the second secondary connector are arranged in a hub housing.
[0150] 5. A power and data concentrator according to any one of items 3 to 4, wherein the power and data concentrator 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.
[0151] 6. A power and data concentrator according to any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the power and data concentrator 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 a second primary connector is arranged at the second distal end.
[0152] 7. The power and data concentrator according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the first primary interface comprises an audio terminal, a data terminal, a power terminal and a ground terminal.
[0153] 8. The power and data concentrator according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the second primary interface comprises an audio terminal, a power terminal and a ground terminal.
[0154] 9. The power and data concentrator according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first secondary interface comprises a data terminal, a power terminal and a ground terminal.
[0155] 10. A power and data concentrator according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the power and data concentrator comprises a first power interface configured to communicate with a secondary power input.
[0156] 11. A power and data concentrator according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein each of the first primary interface and the second primary interface comprises a control terminal, and the control terminal of the first primary interface is connected to the control terminal of the second primary interface.
[0157] 12. A power and data concentrator according to any one of items 1 to 11, dependent on items 7 and 8, wherein the audio terminals of the first primary interface are connected to the audio terminals of the second primary interface.
[0158] 13. A power and data concentrator according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the power and data concentrator comprises a data management device configured to control the transmission of primary data with the first primary interface.
[0159] 14. A power and data concentrator according to item 13, wherein the data management device is configured to control the transmission of secondary data with the first secondary interface and the second secondary interface.
[0160] 15. A power and data hub according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the hub comprises a power management device configured to control a primary power output and a secondary power output of the power and data hub.
[0161] 16. A power and data concentrator according to item 15, wherein controlling the primary power output and the secondary power output of the power and data concentrator includes: distributing the power input received through the first primary interface among the second primary interface, the first secondary interface and the second secondary interface.
[0162] 17. A communication system comprising:
[0163] A power and data concentrator according to any one of items 1 to 16; and
[0164] A communication device connectable to the second primary interface of the power and data concentrator.
[0165] 18. A method of operating a power and data concentrator, the method comprising:
[0166] communicating primary audio, primary power input, and primary data with the radio unit via a first primary interface of the power and data concentrator;
[0167] transmitting secondary audio and primary power output to a communication device via a second primary interface of the power and data concentrator;
[0168] communicating secondary data and secondary power output with a first external device through a first secondary interface of the power and data hub; and
[0169] The secondary data and the secondary power output are communicated with the second peripheral device via the second secondary interface of the power and data hub.
Claims
1. A power and data concentrator for a communication device, the communication device being or forming part of a hearing protection system, the hearing protection system comprising a hearing protection device, the power and data concentrator include: Hub housing; a first primary interface configured to communicate with the radio unit to transmit primary audio, control signals, primary power input, and primary data; a second primary interface configured to communicate with the communication device to transmit secondary audio, control signals and primary power output; a first secondary interface configured to transmit secondary data and / or secondary power output to a first peripheral device connectable to the first secondary interface; a second secondary interface configured to transmit secondary data and / or secondary power output to a second peripheral device connectable to the second secondary interface; a power management device configured to: control a primary power output and a secondary power output of the power and data hub, and wherein controlling the primary power output and the secondary power output of the power and data hub comprises: distributing a power input received through the first primary interface among the second primary interface, the first secondary interface, and the second secondary interface; a data management device configured to: send primary data to the first primary interface or receive primary data from the first primary interface, and convert and / or distribute secondary data to the first secondary interface and the second secondary interface; wherein the first primary interface comprises an audio terminal, a data terminal, a power terminal and a ground terminal, and the second primary interface comprises an audio terminal, a data terminal, a power terminal and a ground terminal; and The audio terminal of the first primary interface is connected to the audio terminal of the second primary interface, and the control terminal of the first primary interface is connected to the control terminal of the second primary interface.
2. The power and data hub of claim 1, comprising a third secondary interface configured to transmit secondary data and secondary power output to a third peripheral device connectable to the third secondary interface.
3. A power and data concentrator according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the power and data concentrator 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. The power and data concentrator according to claim 3, in, The first secondary connector and the second secondary connector are disposed in the hub housing.
5. The power and data concentrator according to any one of claims 3 to 4, in, The power and data hub includes a first connector cable having a first proximal end at which the hub housing is disposed and a first distal end at which the first primary connector is disposed.
6. The power and data concentrator according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in, The power and data hub includes a second connector cable having a second proximal end at which the hub housing is disposed and a second distal end at which the second primary connector is disposed.
7. A communication system, include: The power and data concentrator according to any one of claims 1 to 6; as well as A communication device being or forming part of a hearing protection system comprising the hearing protection device, the communication device being connectable to the second primary interface of the power and data concentrator.
8. A method of operating a power and data concentrator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 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 concentrator; communicating secondary audio and primary power output with a communication device via a second primary interface of the power and data concentrator; transmitting secondary data and secondary power output to a first external device through a first secondary interface of the power and data hub; as well as communicating secondary data and secondary power output with a second peripheral device via a second secondary interface of the power and data hub; controlling the primary power output and the secondary power output of the power and data concentrator using a power management device, and wherein controlling the primary power output and the secondary power output of the power and data concentrator comprises: distributing a power input received through the first primary interface among the second primary interface, the first secondary interface, and the second secondary interface; The data management device is used to send primary data to or receive primary data from the first primary interface and to convert and / or distribute secondary data to the first secondary interface and the second secondary interface.