Power and data hub for soldiers

Abstract

There is disclosed herein a portable power and data hub comprising a waterproof housing, the housing having at least one power-and-data connector port for receiving a connector of a peripheral device, the housing containing: an electrical energy storage unit; a data storage unit; and a serial bus connecting the electrical energy storage unit, the data storage unit and each of the at least one power-and-data connector ports, whereby a peripheral device having a connector thereof received in one of the at least one power- and-data ports may communicate electrical energy with the electrical energy storage unit, may communicate data with the data storage unit, and may communicate electrical energy and / or data with any further power-and-data connector ports via the serial bus. A charging and data transfer station for portable power and data hubs is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Power and Data Hub for Soldiers

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to communication hubs for integrating the tactical awareness and communications equipment of soldiers and other combat personnel .

[0004] Background

[0005] As with all aspects of modern li fe , warfare and combat is increasingly aided by technology, and this includes the equipment carried by soldiers and other combat personnel , in particular infantry and dismounted soldiers and notably those operating in elite units such as the special forces .

[0006] A modern infantry soldier can expect to go to war equipped with body armour and a range of peripheral devices mounted to the body armour and other equipment . These peripheral devices include , among other things , electrical and electronic devices configured to aid the soldier in performing his military duties .

[0007] Existing communications systems are known to include a hub into which several peripheral devices may be connected in order to ef fectively communicate and relay data . Such peripheral devices may include a satellite communications device , a personal radio , and a smartphone or other similar device running tactical awareness software containing mission relevant data . The peripheral devices may also include video cameras , which may be mounted on the soldier' s helmet or body armour, and which may record or transmit a video feed of the soldier' s field of view during a mission .

[0008] One of the challenges with such systems of integrated communication devices arises through the di f ferent power usage requirements of each of the peripheral devices , meaning that some of the devices may have a battery li fe exceeding that of other devices . This may result in the battery needing to be changed in one or more of the peripheral devices during the mission, or the loss or downgrading of functionality of the peripheral devices as they run out of electrical energy .

[0009] Another problem encountered in practice is that the tactical awareness software running on smartphones or similar devices is limited in terms or the data storage available , meaning that local mapping data has to be uploaded for each mission . The uploaded data contains only a limited amount of mapping data, restricting the operational area within which the tactical awareness software can provide relevant information, as well as taking a long time to upload all of the necessary tactical data to a soldier prior to commencing a mission . This problem is exacerbated when the same tactical data has to be uploaded to the tactical awareness devices of each soldier in the team or squad, as there is normally only a single point of source data requiring the information to be uploaded sequentially to each squad member in turn . This can take a long time .

[0010] In addition, the increasing number of peripheral devices that the soldier is expected to carry on their person, and which all have to be interconnected to one another in some way, results in a large number of cables which have to be integrated into the soldier' s body armour and other equipment . The large number of cables which are required in practice result in a risk of entanglement and a risk that the cables become disconnected or damaged in combat , resulting in disconnection and loss of functionality of the associated peripheral device . This problem is compounded by the fact that many peripheral devices require separate cables for power and data, in order to communicate ef fectively with the allocated communications hub . Many prior art communication hubs have dedicated ports for each speci fic peripheral device , which limits the ability to swap or exchange peripheral devices and can make it di f ficult to connect and disconnect peripheral devices from the communications hub during a mission . This is particularly the case because the communications hub may be mounted to a soldier' s body armour amongst other equipment such as magazines , etc . , and may not be easily accessible during a military operation .

[0011] Indeed, the issue of entanglement is so extreme that some systems can not be worn during certain military operations , such as when deploying by parachute , meaning that the solider has to deploy without his tactical awareness system being connected and operational , and this must then be mounted and connected into a functioning system after deployment , which may be in a hostile environment . This can result in delays and distraction which may be undesirable for obvious reasons .

[0012] Known communication hubs merely interconnect existing peripheral devices with one another, and serve as data and power conduits between the peripheral devices . There are no known systems which provide an integrated power and data hub that will provide supplementary power and data to peripheral devices connected to the hub .

[0013] Summary of the Present Invention

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the realisation and recognition by the inventors of the aforementioned problems which may arise in prior art systems . The present invention seeks to alleviate or solve one or more of these problems .

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable power and data hub comprising a waterproof housing, the housing having at least one power- and-data connector port for receiving a connector of a peripheral device , the housing containing : an electrical energy storage unit ; a data storage unit ; and a serial bus connecting the electrical energy storage unit , the data storage unit and each of the at least one power-and-data connector ports , whereby a peripheral device having a connector thereof received in one of the at least one power- and-data ports may communicate electrical energy with the electrical energy storage unit , may communicate data with the data storage unit , and may communicate electrical energy and / or data with any further power-and-data connector ports via the serial bus .

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable power and data hub comprising a sealed housing, the housing having at least one power-and-data connector port for receiving a connector of a peripheral device , the housing containing : an electrical energy storage unit ; a data storage unit ; and a serial bus connecting the electrical energy storage unit , the data storage unit and each of the at least one power-and-data connector ports , wherein the housing is filled with a ballistic potting compound in any voids or air gaps between internal components thereof to reduce impact damage to the internal components and inhibit ignition of the electrical energy storage unit when the housing is impacted or penetrated by a ballistic round .

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable power and data hub comprising a housing, the housing having at least one power-and-data connector port for receiving a connector of a peripheral device , the housing containing : an electrical energy storage unit ; a data storage unit ; and a serial bus connecting the electrical energy storage unit , the data storage unit and each of the at least one power-and-data connector ports , wherein the housing has substantially rectangular parallel front and rear faces having a width and a height and has a substantially constant thickness between the front and rear faces , and wherein a ratio of the width to the height lies within the range 200 : 200 to 400 : 200 , and is preferably approximately 300 : 200 , and a ratio of the thickness to the height lies within the range 20 : 200 to 40 : 200 , and is preferably approximately 25 : 200 , wherein the values for the width and height and thickness are the maximum values for these dimensions between respective opposing left and right side faces , top and bottom faces and the front and back faces of the housing .

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic device comprising a housing, the housing containing : an electrical energy storage unit ; and an optical energy-status indicator including an output window in a face of the housing, wherein the optical energy-status indicator comprises an optical output device arranged to emit light and a collimator arranged to collimate the emitted light into a substantially collimated beam and to transmit the collimated light beam through the output window .

[0019] According to a fi fth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging and data trans fer station for portable power and data hubs comprising : two or more charging units , each arranged to connect to a portable power and data hub, wherein each charging unit is configured to communicate electrical energy with the electrical energy storage unit and to communicate data with the data storage unit of a portable power and data hub connected to that charging unit .

[0020] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer programme configured to operate in a power and data hub according to any one of the first to third aspects of the invention, or in a peripheral device connected to the power and data hub, or in a combination of the power and data hub and the connected peripheral device , the computer programme being operative when run to : identi fy all electrical energy storage devices contained in peripheral devices connected to the power and data hub ; determine the current charge levels of the electrical energy storage unit of the power and data hub and of each of the connected electrical energy storage devices ; determine a current rate of power usage or electrical energy consumption for each connected peripheral device ; and based on the determined charge levels and the determined current rate of power usage or electrical energy consumption : to trans fer electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit of the power and data hub to one or more of the connected peripheral devices ; to trans fer electrical energy from one or more of the connected electrical energy storage devices to the electrical energy storage unit of the power and data hub ; and / or to trans fer electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device of a connected peripheral device to another of the connected peripheral devices .

[0021] Optional and alternative features which may reflect preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims .

[0022] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] To enable a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into ef fect , reference will now be made , by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings , in which : -

[0024] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a power and data hub according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 shows an inverted rear perspective view of the power and data hub of Figure 1 , flipped upside down; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the top face of the power and data hub of Figures 1 and 2 ;

[0026] Figure 4 shows a plan view of the front face of the power and data hub of Figures 1 to 3 ;

[0027] Figure 5 shows a plan view of the bottom face of the power and data hub of Figures 1 to 4 ;

[0028] Figure 6 shows a plan view of the left side face ( as viewed from the front ) of the power and data hub of Figures 1 to 5 ;

[0029] Figure 7 shows a plan view of the right side face ( as viewed from the front ) of the power and data hub of Figures 1 to 6 ;

[0030] Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the layout of the internal components of the power and data hub of Figures 1 to 7 ;

[0031] Figure 9 shows a schematic side view of the internal components of the power and data hub of Figure 8 ;

[0032] Figure 10 shows a left side plan view (when seen from the front ) of an embodiment of a charging and data trans fer station for portable power and data hubs according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 shows a plan view from the right side ( as seen from the front ) of the embodiment of the charging and data trans fer station of Figure 10 ;

[0034] Figure 12 shows a schematic plan view from above of the layout of the internal components of the charging and data trans fer station of Figures 10 and 11 ;

[0035] Figure 13 shows an enlarged schematic view of an optical energy-status indicator for use in portable electronic devices such as the power and data hub, according to the present invention;

[0036] Figures 14A and B show schematic diagrams demonstrating the desired visibility parameters for viewing light emitted from output windows of the optical energy-status indicator according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 15 shows a flow diagram of a computeri zed process for managing the electrical energy storage across peripheral devices connected to the power and data hub ; and

[0038] Figures 16 ( a ) to ( c ) show a schematic view of the battery cell fusing technology employed within an embodiment of the electrical energy storage unit of the power and data hub .

[0039] Detailed Description

[0040] The invention will now be described with reference to speci fic embodiments . It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are provided in order to demonstrate one or more ways of putting the invention into ef fect and that they are in no way to be considered as being limiting on the scope of protection, which is defined solely by the appended claims .

[0041] As used herein, the term "portable" when applied to the power and data hub means that the power and data hub can be easily carried by a soldier whilst leaving the soldier freely able to move and fight . Generally, the power and data hub will be of a si ze to be mounted to the front of combat body armour without substantially increasing the mass or bulk of the body armour and other equipment carried in the pockets of the body armour, and without encumbering the soldier from moving and fighting whilst wearing the body armour . Typically, this will constrain the si ze and mass of the hub such that the main dimensions of the hub will be less than 40 cm by 40 cm and the thickness of the hub between its front and back faces will be less than 5 cm, whilst its mass will be less than 5 kg .

[0042] As used herein, the term "waterproof" when applied to the housing of the power and data hub means that the housing is compliant with at least the IP67 ingress protection rating according to the International Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC 60529 . Preferably the housing has an ingress protection rating compliant with IP68 or better .

[0043] As used herein, the term " sealed" when applied to the housing of the power and data hub means that the housing is moulded, glued, welded or otherwise sealed closed and has no openings or hatches , such that the interior of the power and data hub cannot be accessed non-destructively . Communication between the exterior and interior of the power and data hub is intended solely via the provided power-and-data connector ports in the power and data hub, by inductive communication of power and / or data or by optical transmission .

[0044] As used herein the term "dissipative" refers to materials that allow electrical charges to flow to ground more slowly in a more controlled manner than with conductive materials .

[0045] As used herein the term "anti-static" refers to materials which inhibit triboelectric charging, i . e . , the build-up of an electric charge by rubbing or contact with another material .

[0046] The "term power and data port" indicates a port that is intended to be operated to carry or transmit both power and data and may also be operated to carry or transmit only data or only power . The term "power and / or data ports" includes power and data ports and also includes power ports that are intended to operate only to carry or transmit power and data ports that are intended only to carry or transmit data . Throughout the figures , like reference numerals are used to refer to like components .

[0047] With reference to Figures 1 to 9 , there is shown an embodiment of a power and data hub 100 according to the present invention .

[0048] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the power and data hub 100 . The power and data hub 100 includes a housing 105 .

[0049] In the present embodiment , the housing is formed of durable inj ection moulded plastics material . The housing 105 may equivalently be formed from metal , such as pressed sheet steel . The housing 105 is formed with enlarged thickness around the side edges of the front 110 and rear 120 faces of the housing, to improve rigidity and durability .

[0050] The housing 105 is preferably formed as a sealed unit that is not intended to be opened or internally accessible during use . Communication between the internal components of the power and data hub 100 and any external peripheral devices is purely via the power and / or data ports to be described herein below .

[0051] The housing 105 is also formed to be waterproof and resistant to the ingress of dust , in accordance with the IP67 or IP68 ingress protection ratings . This enables the power and data hub 100 to be carried and remain operational in all expected military environments where a soldier may wish to use it .

[0052] In the front perspective view of the power and data hub 100 of Figure 1 , the front face 110 , the top face 150 and the right ( as seen from the front ) side face 140 are visible . Figure 2 shows the same power and data hub 100 in an inverted rear perspective view, in which the power and data hub 100 has been flipped upside down about its hori zontal left-to- right axis , as compared with the view of Figure 1 . In this view, the rear face 120, the bottom face 160 and the same right side face 140 are visible.

[0053] Plan views of each of the top face 150, front face 110, bottom face 160, left side face 130 and right side face 140 are shown in Figures 3 to 7, respectively.

[0054] In this embodiment, power and data ports 142, 144, 146 are provided in the right side face 140 and power and data ports 132, 134, 136 are provided in the left side face 130. All of the power and data ports 132, 134, 136, 142, 144 and 146 are provided as universal connector ports for both power and data, and are connected internally to a universal serial bus within the power and data hub. In known connector hubs, dedicated ports are provided for specific peripheral devices, and each peripheral device can only be connected into the designated port on the connector hub. Advantageously, the use of universal power and data connector ports in the power and data hub of the present embodiment ensures that all compatible peripheral devices can be connected into any of the power and data ports and will be communicable with one another via the universal serial bus.

[0055] Advantageously, the ports 132, 134, 136, 142, 144 and 146 are located on the side faces 130, 140 so that they can easily be accessed when the power and data hub 100 is being worn and carried by a soldier. In this regard, it is noted that the power and data hub 100 is intended to be carried within a pocket on the front of a body armour vest, meaning that the power and data ports 132, 134, 136, 142, 144 and 146 can easily be accessed through the sides of the pocket by a soldier when attempting to connect and disconnect peripheral devices from the power and data hub.

[0056] Further advantageously, a raised lip or protrusion is provided around each power and data connector port 142, 144, 146 , to assist in guiding the connector of a peripheral device into the connector port .

[0057] The lip or protrusion, or otherwise the opening in the power and connector port , is also formed so as to be keyed, meaning that a notch or protrusion is provided around the circumference of the power and data port opening . A corresponding protrusion or notch is provided around the circumference of the connector of the peripheral device , so that the connector can only be inserted into the connector port when the respective notch and protrusion are aligned, thus ensuring that the pins of the data connector port and the connector of the peripheral device are properly aligned when the connector is inserted . This enables the soldier to readily connect and disconnect peripheral devices to and from the power and data hub even in circumstances when it is di f ficult or impossible to view the connector ports and / or connector .

[0058] In this regard it is noted that the connectors used in the power and data hub of the present embodiment are 11 pin connectors , enabling the transmission of both power and data . In the present embodiment , the connectors are ODU MINI-SNAP (RTM) Connectors , although other suitable connectors may be used .

[0059] In known communication hubs of this kind, power and data are typically supplied via separate ports and / or via dedicated ports for speci fic peripheral devices . With the present embodiment , the 11-pin connectors can transmit power and data to all compatible peripheral devices , regardless of which connector port 132 , 134 , 136 , 142 , 144 or 146 the connector of the peripheral device is inserted into .

[0060] As can best be seen in Figures 1 , 2 , 3 and 5 , the housing 105 of the power and data hub 100 is configured to have curved front 110 and back 120 faces , which are substantially parallel to one another and have a substantially constant thickness between them . The curvature of the rear face 120 , in particular, is adapted so as to closely match the curvature of a typical body armour plate . As the power and data hub 100 will be mounted in a pocket in front of the body armour plate , this curvature of the rear face 120 ensures a conforming engagement between the rear face 120 and the underlying body armour . This reduces the additional thickness created by the power and data hub 100 for the user mounting this to their body armour, and prevents unwanted bending stresses being imparted onto the power and data hub due to non-conformity between the underlying surface of the body armour and the shape of the housing 105 . This will improvise the overall durability of the power and data hub 100 when being worn and carried on combat missions during which it is likely to encounter unavoidable wear and tear .

[0061] The power and data hub 100 of the present embodiment is intended to be a personal communications hub, such that each soldier within a team or unit will carry such a power and data hub 100 mounted on their body armour, and with corresponding peripheral devices connected into the power and data port . This is distinct from the concept of one member of a squad or team carrying a powerful and much heavier radio or communications device , as was historically the case in some military units . For this reason, the power and data hub needs to be as small and lightweight as possible in order to be portable , whilst providing adequate charge capacity and functionality to support each of the individual soldiers and their connected peripheral devices .

[0062] In this regard, the portable data hub of the present embodiment has width w and hight h dimensions of the front 110 and rear 120 faces that are made as small as possible . In this case , the width w is approximately 280 mm and the height h is approximately 190 mm . In conj unction with this , a thickness t between the front 110 and rear 120 faces is approximately 24.5 mm.

[0063] These dimensions are selected not only for practical size purposes, to ensure that the power and data hub 100 can be mounted to the front of a body armour vest without substantially increasing its thickness, but also taking into account additional considerations.

[0064] One of the consequences of providing adequate electrical charge and also routing all power and data communications for peripheral devices through a common power and data hub 100 is that heat may be generated and may build up within the power and data hub. This can have undesirable consequences. For one thing, the build-up of heat can diminish the performance of electronic components within the power and data hub, and may render the unit inoperable. Another consequence of the buildup of heat is that it may generate a heat signature which may be detectable to enemy sensors or infrared vision.

[0065] By forming the shape of the power and data hub to maximise the height h and width w relative to the thickness t, heat may more readily be dissipated, reducing or preventing any build-up of heat and mitigating the aforementioned problems.

[0066] To this end, the front and rear faces preferably have a ratio between the width w and the height h within the range 200:200 to 400:200 and most preferably approximately 300:200 (specifically 280:190) . The power and data hub preferably has a thickness that is minimised as far as possible such that the ratio of the thickness t to the height h lies within the range 20:200 to 40:200, and is preferably approximately 25:200 (here, specifically 24.5:190) .

[0067] Also visible in Figure 1 and Figure 3 is an additional beneficial feature of the power and data hub 100, which may also be applied to any other electronic devices suitable for military use . This feature is the optical energy-status indicator 180 provided in the top face 150 of the power and data hub 100 . As best seen in Figure 8 , the optical energystatus indicator includes one or more optical output devices 181 a, b, c, d, e mounted in common on a PCB 182 . The optical output devices 181 a, b, c, d, e are arranged to emit light through windows 184 a, b, c, d, e provided in the top face 150 of the casing 105 . These optical output devices 181 a, b, c, d, e are most preferably LEDs formed on the PCB 182 .

[0068] The optical energy-status indicator 180 is also provided with a button 185 on the top face 150 of the casing 105 . When the button 185 is depressed, an energy status request is issued to the power and data hub 100 , and the optical energy-status indicator 180 emits light from the optical output device or devices 181 a, b, c, d, e to indicate the energy status of the power and data hub . Although five optical output devices are shown in this embodiment , optical indicators with any number of optical outputs may be provided, according to the indication to be given . For example , an on / of f indicator may require only a single optical output .

[0069] It will be apparent that for military purposes , especially in respect of night-time operations , it can be undesirable to generate light from a light source that may be seen by the enemy and indicate the position of the soldier thus illuminated . To prevent the soldier being " lit up" by the optical energy-status indicator, the light emitted by the optical output device or devices 181 a, b, c, d, e is transmitted to the output windows 184 a, b, c, d, e via respective light tubes 183 a, b, c, d, e which serve to collimate the light into a narrow and focused beam . This reduces the light intensity needed to provide a visible indicator of the energy status of the power and data hub to a solider, whilst also ensuring that no one outside the path of the light beam will be able to see the light emitted . This ensures that the optical energy-status indicator does not create an illuminating ef fect but merely gives a visual indicator to the intended recipient , i . e . , in this case the solider using the power and data hub 100 .

[0070] To ensure adequate narrowing of the light beam, the light tubes 183 a, b, c, d, e must have a length substantially greater than their diameter . To this end, a ratio of the length L to the diameter D of the light tube , as seen in Figure 13 is preferably within the range from 15 : 3 to 30 : 3 , more preferably within the range 20 : 3 to 25 : 3 , and most preferably is approximately 23 : 3 . As seen in the present embodiment , this corresponds to the light tubes having a length of 23 mm and a diameter of 3 mm . The light tubes are substantially cylindrical in shape and are aligned with output windows 184 a, b, c, d, e of corresponding circular shape and diameter . As shown in Figure 13 , the housing 105 of the power and data hub 100 may have a typical thickness of approximately 3 mm, such that the windows 184 a, b, c, d, e each have a corresponding cylindrical shape with a length of 3 mm and a diameter of 3 mm . The length / thickness of the window also increases the collimating ef fect on the light beam .

[0071] Measured in other terms , the light emitted from the optical output windows preferably has a maximum angle of divergence 0 of 3 degrees to each side from a central axis Aa or Ae of the beam as shown in Figure 13 . The beam divergence angle 0 is measured as the total angle between both sides of the conical beam, with the optical axis at its centre , and is 6 degrees as shown in Figure 13 . In most cases it is preferable for the beam divergence angle to be less than or equal to 8 degrees , more preferably less than or equal to 6 degrees .

[0072] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the light emitted by the optical output devices 181a, b, c, d, e is only visible to the soldier when the soldier' s eye is simultaneously aligned with each narrow light cone emitted from each optical output window 184a, b, c, d, e . Accordingly, it is preferred that the total subtended angle 0-eye measured from the soldier' s eye 1800 across all optical output windows 184 a, b, c, d, e is less than or equal to the divergence angle of the light emitted by the optical output windows 0-out .

[0073] The total subtended angle 0-eye is calculated using the following approximation for small angles :

[0074] 0-eye L / R -- Eqn 1 where L is the total distance measured along the top face 150 across all optical output windows 184 ; and R is the distance from the soldier' s eye to the outer surface of the optical output windows 184 in the top face 150 of the casing .

[0075] The divergence angle of the light emitted by each optical output window 0-out is calculated using the following approximation for small angles :

[0076] 0-out ~ D / ( Lt + c ) -- Eqn 2 where D is the diameter of the exit aperture of the optical output window 184 ; Lt is the length of the light tube 183 from the optical output device 181 to the inside face of the casing; and c is the thickness of the casing .

[0077] Correspondingly, the relationship between the total subtended angle 0-eye and the divergence angle of the light emitted by the optical output window 0-out is given by the inequality :

[0078] 0-eye <= 0-out -- Eqn 3

[0079] Substituting Eqn 1 and Eqn 2 into Eqn 3 arrives at the following relationship for the length of the light tube Lt :

[0080] Lt <= ( ( D / L ) * R) c -- Eqn 4 The maximum length of the light tube Lt-max that maintains the relationship in Eqn 3 , whereby the light emitted from all optical output windows can be seen simultaneously by the soldier is therefore given by the equation :

[0081] Lt-max = ( ( D / L ) * R) - c -- Eqn 5

[0082] In a preferred embodiment , the distance R from the soldier' s eye to the outer surface of the optical output windows R is no more than 500 mm :

[0083] R <= 500 mm -- Eqn 5a

[0084] Substituting Eqn 5a into Eqn 5 results in the following condition for ensuring that the light emitted from all optical output windows can be seen simultaneously by the soldier up to a distance of R = 500 mm :

[0085] ( Lt + c ) * ( L / D) <= 500 mm -- Eqn 5b where Lt , c, L, and D are measured in millimetres .

[0086] In a further preferred embodiment , the distance R from the soldier' s eye to the outer surface of the optical output windows R is no more than 300 mm :

[0087] R <= 300 mm -- Eqn 5c

[0088] Substituting Eqn 5c into Eqn 5 results in the following condition for ensuring that the light emitted from all optical output windows can be seen simultaneously by the soldier up to a distance of R = 300 mm :

[0089] ( Lt + c ) * ( L / D) <= 300 mm -- Eqn 5d where Lt , c, L, and D are measured in millimetres . In a still further preferred embodiment , the distance R from the soldier' s eye to the outer surface of the optical output windows R is no more than 200 mm :

[0090] R <= 200 mm -- Eqn 5e

[0091] Substituting Eqn 5c into Eqn 5 results in the following condition for ensuring that the light emitted from all optical output windows can be seen simultaneously by the soldier up to a distance of R = 200 mm :

[0092] ( Lt + c ) * ( L / D) <= 200 mm -- Eqn 5f where Lt , c, L, and D are measured in millimetres .

[0093] The approximate amount of charge stored in the electrical storage unit 200 , which is to be represented by the indication from the optical output devices 181 a, b, c, d, e is given by the equation : n / N * 100 % — Eqn 6 where n is the number of optical output devices that are emitting light ; and N is the total number of optical output devices . These windows are designated as charge level indicator windows .

[0094] The optical energy-status indicator 180 may also include one window designated as function confirmation window . In this arrangement one of the windows ( 184a or 184b or 184c or 184d or 184e ) is always configured to illuminate when the button 185 is depressed, independent of the level of charge remaining in the electrical energy storage unit 200 . The remaining windows remain configured as charge level indicator windows and are illuminated in approximate proportion to the amount of charge stored in the electrical storage device . For example , with window 184a configured as a function confirmation window, the four charge level indicator windows 184b, c, d, e would each represent 25% of stored charge . Five charge level indicator windows would each represent 20% of stored charge , and so on . More generally, the approximate amount of charge stored in the electrical storage unit 200 represented by the optical output devices 181 would be given by the equation : n / (N - 1 ) * 100 % — Eqn 7 where n is the number of optical output devices that are energi zed in response to a status request initiated by depressing button 185 ; and N is the total number of optical output devices .

[0095] The function confirmation window may also emit light at a di f ferent wavelength from the remaining optical output devices and therefore appear as a di f ferent colour to the remaining optical output devices when observed by the soldier' s eye . For example , the function confirmation window could emit light of one colour ( for example , red or orange ) whereas the remaining charge level indicator windows could emit light of a di f ferent colour ( for example , green) . Of course , any of the optical output windows 184 may emit light of a di f ferent colour, for example the central window 184c . The wavelength of the emitted light may be controlled by selecting or controlling the output wavelength for the optical output devices 181 a, b, c, d, e , such as LEDs , or by using material in the windows 184 a, b, c, d, e that will filter the light to emit only desired wavelengths , or a combination of both .

[0096] The soldier should therefore always be able to see the light output from the at least one optical output device 181 a, b, c, d, e , independent of the level of charge remaining in the electrical storage unit 200 , thus ensuring that the soldier' s eye is correctly aligned with all optical output windows 184 even in the event that the soldier cannot see light being emitted by the remaining optical output devices .

[0097] Referring now to Figures 8 and 9 , the main internal components of the power and data hub will be described .

[0098] Figures 8 and 9 merely indicate schematically the provision of internal components within the power and data hub .

[0099] In particular, the power and data hub 100 includes an electrical energy storage unit , or battery, 200 and a data storage unit , or memory, 300 . The power and data hub additionally includes a USB hub 400 , a bridge 500 , and a BMS 600 . The USB hub 400 acts as a connection point into which all of the power and data ports 132 , 134 , 136 , 142 , 144 and 146 are connected . The further internal components of the power and data hub 100 are interconnected via the bridge 500 which operates as a universal serial bus between all of the remaining components , including the USB hub 400 , the memory 300 and the battery 200 . The battery management system 600 and the optical energy-status indicator 180 may be formed as separate components connected to the bridge or universal serial bus 500 , or they may be mounted in common on a PCB together with one another .

[0100] The power and data hub 100 thus integrates into one hub a number of features which beneficially solve problems encountered with known hub connectors .

[0101] Foremost among these is the issue of entanglement which arises due to the proli feration of cables with the increasing number of peripheral devices that soldiers are equipped with . In known systems , each peripheral device has its own battery or energy storage device , whilst the interconnection of these peripheral devices through a communications hub merely interconnects the devices for the purposes of data exchange and transmission . However, known communications hubs do not include any memory or battery . Consequently, any additional electrical storage or battery capacity has to be provided by additional further peripheral units connected into the communications hub .

[0102] One of the consequences arising from this is that there is a proli feration of cables mounted to a soldier' s body armour and other equipment in order to connect all peripheral devices . In many cases , one peripheral device may require two cables to connect into the connection hub, in order to transmit both power and data via separate cables . This proli feration of cables has several consequences , not least of which is the resulting danger of entanglement , especially when operating in a combat environment , during which the cables may interfere with the free movement of the soldier in carrying out his duties , or may become damaged as a consequence of the combat action .

[0103] Indeed, the number of cables and their disposition when mounted on body armour is so proli fic for certain systems that they cannot be worn in certain combat situations , such as when deploying via parachute . In these cases , the soldier has to arrive at the landing zone with their communications equipment disconnected, and subsequently interconnect all of the required peripheral devices with the communications hub . This has obvious undesirable consequences for both speed and safety when operating in a combat environment .

[0104] By integrating a battery or other energy storage unit 200 into the power and data hub 100 , the number of cables is reduced, mitigating the entanglement issue . Furthermore , the use of universal connectors 132 , 134 , 136 , 142 , 144 , 146 , serving as both power and data connector ports , reduces the total number of cables required for the peripheral devices , since a single cable can now carrying both power and data can be connected by a single power and data port 132 , 134 , 136 , 142 , 144 , 146 into the power and data hub 100 .

[0105] As shown in Figures 8 and 9 , these components can be integrated into a single portable power and data hub 100 in a sleek and lightweight unit , whilst solving the prior art entanglement issues .

[0106] Another practical problem encountered by soldiers on operations relates to the administration and maintenance of data associated with the tactical awareness software that is used to provide mission data and communications to the team or unit of soldiers .

[0107] The preferred tactical awareness software for use with the power and data hub 100 is ATAK . ATAK is widely used by the US and UK military forces . ATAK is the Android Team Awareness Kit ( for civilian use , also known as CivTAK) or Android Tactical Assault Kit ( for military use ) . It is a suite of software that provides geospatial information and allows user collaboration over geography . ATAK was originally developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL ) and is now maintained by the TAK Product Center ( TPC ) .

[0108] Alternative tactical awareness software may be implemented in combination with the power and data hub 100 and associated peripheral devices disclosed herein .

[0109] In known systems , the tactical awareness software is run on a mobile communications device , most commonly an android smartphone . One of the functions of the tactical awareness software is to provide the soldier with mapping data relating to the mission being undertaken . However, the available data storage on such a mobile communications device for mapping data is relatively small compared to the large amount of data needed to store all of the mapping information for a complete warzone or theatre of war . This results in the need for the soldier to upload a selected quantity of mapping data for the speci fic mission to be undertaken, prior to departing for that mission . One consequence of this is that i f the mission extends beyond its original parameters , the mapping data and tactical information available to the soldier may become inadequate or out of date . Another problem with this is that the data upload for mission relevant tactical data and mapping information can take a long time to download and upload onto the data storage of the mobile communications device running the tactical awareness software . Typically, this has to be done for each team or squad member in turn, and can take many hours or even days to fully update the information for a squad to undertake its next mission . This is highly undesirable in time-critical situations .

[0110] The portable power and data hub 100 addresses this problem by providing additional data storage unit 300 having a large memory capacity such as between 1 and 4 terabytes . Because the peripheral device running the tactical awareness software can be interfaced with the power and data hub via a power and data port 132 , 134 , 136 , 142 , 144 , 146 , it can access the data storage unit 300 and incorporate this as a resource for the mobile communications device running the tactical awareness software . This obviates the need to frequently update large amounts of mapping data for a speci fic mission, as the power and data hub may store all of the necessary mapping information for an entire warzone or theatre of war .

[0111] With further reference to Figures 8 and 9 , it is noted that the internal spaces or voids between the internal components of the power and data hub 100 are filled with a potting compound which is classi fied as a ballistic potting compound . This has the ef fect of filling any voids in the power and data hub between components , to prevent any pressure-related stresses or strains on components such as the housing 105 due to the expansion or contraction of sealed air pockets that may otherwise arise , such as when being transported in or exiting an aircraft or at depth under water, prevents water ingress , and also prevents movement or vibration that might otherwise damage the internal electronic components or circuitry, such as when subj ect to an external force or shock wave .

[0112] Additionally, the potting compound is classi fied as a ballistic potting compound since it is formulated to dissipate the impact energy from a ballistic round impacting on the power and data hub, and to impede its progress i f transitioning through the power and data hub 100 , prior to impacting, for example , on the armour plate in the body armour behind the power and data hub 100 . The ballistic compound may beneficially also be provided with anti-static or dissipative properties to prevent the build-up of static electrical charge within the power and data hub .

[0113] One of the risks for any battery unit when impacted by a ballistic round is that the unit may catch fire , and one of the causes of this may be a build-up of static charge . The use of anti-static and dissipative materials in the ballistic potting compound further reduces the damage that may be caused to the power and data hub or the solider carrying it when a ballistic round impacts the power and data hub 100 .

[0114] With reference to Figures 16 ( a ) to ( c ) there is shown schematically another feature which may be employed in the electrical energy storage unit 200 of the power and energy hub 100 . That is , the individual cells 210 a, b, c of the electrical energy storage unit 200 are interconnected by fused connectors 220 a, b, c respectively . In normal operation, as shown in Figure 16 ( a ) the cells 210 a, b, c are all connected . However, when a ballistic round penetrates the electrical energy storage unit 200 as shown in Figures (b ) and ( c ) , in this case damaging the cell 210b, the connector 220b fuses , as shown in Figure 16 (b ) , and isolates the cell 210b, as shown in Figure 16 ( c ) . The damage to the cell 210b causes a short circuit resulting in an excessively high current that causes the connector 220b to fuse . The fused connectors 220a, b, c will also be ef fective for isolating any excess currents that may arise for any other reason, such as due to wear and tear or electrical mal function .

[0115] This arrangement of fused cells has the ef fect of preventing a current overload due to short-circuiting that could otherwise cause the electrical energy storage unit 200 to overheat and catch fire . The isolation of damaged cells in this way may also permit the electrical energy storage unit to continue to provide the power and data hub 100 with electrical energy from the non-damaged cells , even after an impact from a ballistic round .

[0116] As shown in Figures 2 and 3 , in particular, the power and data hub 100 also includes a charging port 170 for connecting to a charging unit . The charging port is both a power and a data port , and allows the charging unit to provide power and data to the power and data hub in order to supply electrical energy to the electrical energy storage unit 200 and data to the data storage unit 300 .

[0117] Alternative interface ports , such as further power and / or data ports , may also be provided in the bottom face 160 as indicated by the ports 175 in Figures 2 and 5 . This increases the range of possible interface types available to the power and data hub 100 , allowing the interconnection of further di f ferent types of peripheral devices , as needed .

[0118] The power and data hub 100 may also include an isolation device 190 . This is shown provided in the bottom face 160 , but could be located elsewhere . The isolation device 190 may include a removable electrical connection, such as a metal electrically conductive plate , arranged to connect the electrical storage unit 200 to the remainder of the internal components of the power and data hub 100 . When the isolation device is removed, the electrical storage unit 200 is isolated from the rest of the power and data hub 100 . With the removable electrical connection back in place , the electrical storage unit 200 is re-connected to the internal components of the power and data hub 100 . The removable electrical connection may, for example , be arranged to be screwed into place when not isolating the electrical energy storage unit 200 . When in place , the isolation device is arranged to maintain the integrity of the housing 105 and has appropriately watertight seals to maintain the IP67 or IP68 or better rating . I solation of the electrical energy storage unit may be a requirement for transporting the power and data hub 100 on commercial flights .

[0119] The charging port 170 can also serve to provide additional benefit in mitigating the above-noted problems with prior art systems . In particular, and with reference to Figures 11 to 13 , the charging port 170 allows the power and data hub 100 to be connected to a charging unit for the supply of power and data . However, rather than sequentially uploading data to one device at a time , multiple power and data hubs 100 of the kind disclosed herein may be updated simultaneously .

[0120] With reference to Figures 10 to 12 , there is shown an embodiment of a charging and data trans fer station 1000 for portable power and data hubs according to the present invention .

[0121] With reference to Figure 12 , in particular, the charging and data trans fer station 1000 includes a plurality of charging units 1420 a, b, c, d, e , f , g, h, each arranged to connect to a power and data hub 100 as shown in Figures 1 to 9 . In the present embodiment , this permits up to eight power and data hubs 100 to be connected to the respective charging units 1420 a, b, c, d, e , f , g, h of the charging and data trans fer station 1000 . The charging and trans fer data station is configured also to be a mobile unit that can be carried by one or two people or transported within a vehicle . Each of the one or more charging units 1420 a, b, c, d, e , f , g, h is provided within a docking station 1400 a, b, c, d, e , f , g, h, into which the respective power and data hubs 100 are received . Inserting a power and data hub 100 into the docking station 1400 a, b, c, d, e , f , g or h causes the respective charging unit 1420 a, b, c, d, e , f , g, h to connect with the charging port 170 in the bottom face 160 of the power and data hub 100 . The charging and data trans fer station 1000 may also include docking stations 1500 a, b, c, d for receiving compatible peripheral devices , such as android smartphones , and includes power and data connectors 1520 a, b, c, d for supplying power and data to the peripheral devices when received in the docking stations 1500 a, b, c, d .

[0122] This arrangement enables the charging and data trans fer station 1000 to provide electrical energy to the electrical energy storage units 200 and to upload data to the data storage units 300 of multiple power and data hubs 100 simultaneously . This allows a much more rapid update of tactical information to all members of a team or squad of soldiers prior to embarking on a mission and ensures that all of the power and data hubs 100 are provided with the necessary electrical energy charge and data for the forthcoming mission .

[0123] As shown in Figure 12 , the charging and data trans fer station also includes a charge status indicator 1600 , which may be configured in the same manner as the optical energy status indicator 180 described above in relation to the power and data hub 100 , for indicating the level of charge remaining within the battery reserves of the charging and data trans fer station 1000 . An isolator switch 1700 is also provided for turning of f power and data trans fer to and from the charging and data trans fer station 1000 .

[0124] As best seen in Figures 10 and 11 , the charging and data trans fer station 1000 is itsel f configured to be a mobile unit that can be carried by one or two soldiers or otherwise transported in a vehicle . In order to be suitably rugged to operate within military environments , the charging and data trans fer station 1000 includes a rugged and durable case 1100 comprising a base 1120 and a lid 1110 . The case 1100 may be formed from inj ection moulded plastics or metal or any other suitable rugged material .

[0125] The docking stations 1400 a, b, c, d, e , f , g, h and 1500 a, b, c, d as shown in Figure 12 are formed in the base 1120 of the charging and data trans fer station 1000 . The docking stations 1400 a, b, c, d, e , f , g, h and 1500 a, b, c, d and the material around the charging units are formed of protective material to ensure the safety of the electronic components carried within the charging and data trans fer station 1000 . The case 1100 is preferably formed to be waterproof , and to meet at least the IP67 or IP68 ingress protection standards , to prevent ingress of dust and / or water, when the lid 1110 is closed on the base 1120 .

[0126] Figure 10 shows a left side of the charging and data trans fer station 1000 , indicating a series of power and / or data ports 1200 , including DC voltage ports 1210 , 1220 , 1230 , a series data port 1240 and an AC input port 1250 . Figure 11 shows a right side of the case 1100 including a series of power and / or data ports 1300 , including USBC ports 1310 , a series data port 1320 , a data input port 1330 and USBC ports 1340 . These ports allow AC or DC power to be provided to the charging and data trans fer station 1000 in order to provide electrical energy to its own internal electrical storage devices and to any docked power and data hubs 1000 or any peripheral devices . External peripheral devices can also be interconnected to the charging and data trans fer station 1000 via the external USBC ports 1310 , 1340 . Additionally, the series data ports allow multiple charging and data trans fer stations 1000 to be interconnected to one another, either in series ( also known as daisy chaining) or centrally via a hub unit . This allows multiple sets of power and data hubs and compatible peripheral devices to be charged and updated with data simultaneously prior to mission onset , for increasing numbers of team or squad members .

[0127] The power and data hub of the present invention also permits the implementation of advanced battery management strategies for the electrical energy storage unit 200 of the power and data hub 100 and also for the electrical energy storage devices of connected peripheral devices . In order to function optimally as an integrated communication system, additional software has been provided to cooperate with the tactical awareness software which is normally run by a compatible peripheral device to which the power and data hub 100 is connected . The software operates by providing access to the power and data hub 100 , and in particular to the electrical energy storage 200 and the data storage unit 300 .

[0128] Speci fically, for the purposes of maintaining the operational integrity of the communication system as a whole , the software is adapted to optimise the usage of electrical energy among the electrical energy storage devices containing within the compatible and connected peripheral devices and the electrical energy storage unit 200 or the power and data hub 100 .

[0129] The primary function of the electrical energy storage unit 200 is to provide additional electrical charge to connected peripheral devices when they are running low on stored electrical energy . However, the optimal performance of the system as a whole may be realised when the electrical energy stored across all connected electrical energy storage devices and the electrical energy storage unit 200 is distributed appropriately between the connected peripheral devices according to the instantaneous and ongoing power usage of each of the peripheral devices , and dependent upon the priority of each of the peripheral devices within the system as a whole . Furthermore , the energy storage capacity of the system as a whole may change i f any of the peripheral devices becomes disconnected or damaged during operation, meaning that the battery management strategy may need to be reoptimi zed .

[0130] An exemplary computer process is set forth in Figure 15 . The dashed-line boxes in this figure indicate optional steps .

[0131] The computer programme implementing such a process has accordingly been developed to operate in conj unction with the disclosed power and data hub 100 , and may be run either on a connected peripheral device , run on the power and data hub, or run across a combination of the power and data hub and the connected peripheral device .

[0132] With reference to step 2000 , the computer program is operative to identi fy all electrical energy storage devices contained in peripheral devices that are connected to the power and data hub 100 . The software can run a query via the universal serial bus of the power and data hub 100 to identi fy all of the connected peripheral devices and to identi fy all of the electrical energy storage devices contained therein .

[0133] With reference to step 2100 , the computer programme is further configured to determine the current charge levels or both of the electrical storage unit of the power and data hub 100 and of each of the connected electrical energy storage devices contained within the peripheral devices that are connected to the power and data hub 100 . With reference to step 2200 , the computer programme is further configured to determine the current power usage or rate of electrical energy consumption for each of the connected peripheral devices . The current power usage or rate of electrical energy consumption for each device may be relatively constant , or may fluctuate in dependence on the instantaneous usage level of that peripheral device . For example , a satellite communications unit may be in constant upload and download operation in order to transmit ongoing tactical data and video feed between the soldier and base command, whereas a personal radio communications device , which is used only to communicate between individual team or squad members , may only be in use intermittently depending on whether such communication is instantaneously required or not .

[0134] With reference to step 2300 , the computer programme may optionally additionally be configured to record historic data on the historic power usage or rate of electrical energy consumption of each of the connected peripheral devices in order to make a more accurate prediction of the likely future amount of electrical energy that may be required by the peripheral devices on an ongoing basis .

[0135] Furthermore , with reference to optional step 2400 , the computer programme may also beneficially determine the remaining operational time for which electrical energy will be available to each of the connected peripheral devices , in order to identi fy the length of time for which the integrated communication system will remain operational , and in particular to determine whether this will last through to completion of the speci fic mission .

[0136] With optional step 2500 , the computer programme may also be configured to assign a priority level to each of the peripheral devices , depending on their function within the mission parameters , and may allocate electrical energy to each of the peripheral devices in dependence on its assigned priority level . For example , when it becomes evidence that the remaining electrical energy charge within the system is inadequate to sustain operation of all of the connected peripheral devices throughout the expected remaining mission time , the system may cease to provide electrical energy to one or more of the peripheral devices designated as low priority level , whilst ensuring that adequate electrical energy is provided continuously to the high priority level peripheral devices throughout the remaining mission time .

[0137] With reference to step 2600 , after making the relevant determinations , the computer programme is configured to trans fer electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit 200 of the power and data hub 100 to one or more of the connected peripheral devices , in order to supply the required electrical energy to those peripheral devices .

[0138] The computer programme may also be configured as well or instead to trans fer electrical energy from one or more of the connected electrical energy storage devices within the connected peripheral devices to the electrical energy storage unit 200 of the power and data hub 100 , in particular when one of the connected electrical energy storage devices has excess electrical energy or charge and the electrical energy or charge of the energy storage unit 200 of the power and data hub 100 is below the desired level .

[0139] The computer programme may also be configured as well or instead to trans fer electrical energy directly between the energy storage device of one connected peripheral device and another connected peripheral device , in order to provide the required electrical energy to the other connected peripheral device i f its own electrical energy storage device has become depleted . It will be apparent that the foregoing describes a coherent system and that any of the described embodiments may be taken in combination with each other or separately .

Claims

Claims1 . A portable power and data hub comprising a waterproof housing, the housing having at least one power-and- data connector port for receiving a connector of a peripheral device , the housing containing : an electrical energy storage unit ; a data storage unit ; and a serial bus connecting the electrical energy storage unit , the data storage unit and each of the at least one power-and-data connector ports , whereby a peripheral device having a connector thereof received in one of the at least one power- and-data ports may communicate electrical energy with the electrical energy storage unit , may communicate data with the data storage unit , and may communicate electrical energy and / or data with any further power- and-data connector ports via the serial bus .2 . The power and data hub of Claim 1 , wherein the housing is sealed .3 . The power and data hub of Claim 2 , wherein the housing is filled with a ballistic potting compound in any voids or air gaps between internal components thereof to reduce impact damage to the internal components and inhibit ignition of the electrical energy storage unit when the housing is impacted or penetrated by a ballistic round .4 . The power and data hub of Claim 3 , wherein the potting compound has anti-static and / or dissipative properties to inhibit build-up of electrical chargeon or within the housing .5 . A portable power and data hub comprising a sealed housing, the housing having at least one power-and- data connector port for receiving a connector of a peripheral device , the housing containing : an electrical energy storage unit ; a data storage unit ; and a serial bus connecting the electrical energy storage unit , the data storage unit and each of the at least one power-and-data connector ports , wherein the housing is filled with a ballistic potting compound in any voids or air gaps between internal components thereof to reduce impact damage to the internal components and inhibit ignition of the electrical energy storage unit when the housing is impacted or penetrated by a ballistic round .6 . wherein the potting compound has anti-static and / or dissipative properties to inhibit build-up of electrical charge on or within the housing .7 . The power and data hub of any preceding claim, wherein the housing has at least two power-and-data connector ports , whereby the peripheral device having a connector received in said one of the power-and- data ports may communicate electrical energy and / or data with a second peripheral device having a connector thereof received in another of said power- and-data connector ports via the serial bus .8 . The power and data hub of any preceding claim, wherein the housing has at least four and preferablyat least six power-and-data connector ports9 . The power and data hub of Claim 1 , 2 or 3 , wherein the power-and-data connector ports are universal ports such that the connector of any compatible peripheral device may be received in any of the power-and-data connector ports , preferably wherein any peripheral device having a connector received in any of the power-and-data connector ports may communicate electrical energy and / or data with any and all further peripheral devices having their connectors received in other ones of the power-and- data connector ports10 . The power and data hub of any preceding claim, wherein the power-and-data connector ports are 11-pin connector ports arranged to receive 11-pin power-and- data connectors .11 . The power and data hub of any preceding claim, wherein the opening of each power-and-data connector port is surrounded by a lip or protrusion to receive the connector of a peripheral device and guide it into the port , preferably wherein each opening and / or its lip or protrusion is keyed to ensure alignment of the connector with the power-and-data connector port when inserted therein .12 . The power and data hub of any preceding claim, wherein the housing has substantially rectangular parallel front and rear faces , has a substantially constant thickness between the front and rear faces , and has respective opposing left and right side faces and top and bottom faces , and wherein all of the power-and-data ports are provided in the left and / or right side faces , preferably wherein at least two power-and-data ports are provided in each of the leftside face and the right side face.

13. The power and data hub Claim 12, wherein the front and rear faces have a width and a height, and wherein a ratio of the width to the height lies within the range 200:200 to 400:200, and is preferably approximately 300:200, and a ratio of the thickness to the height lies within the range 20:200 to 40:200, and is preferably approximately 25:200, wherein the values for the width, height and thickness are the maximum values for these dimensions between the respective opposing left and right side faces, top and bottom faces and front and back faces of the housing14. The power and data hub of any preceding claim, wherein each of the front and back faces is curved along its width between the left and right side faces such that a centre of each of the front and back faces extends forwards by distance relative to a left and a right side edge of that face, wherein a ratio of the distance to the width is within the range 3:300 to 10:300, and is preferably approximately 5:300.

15. The power and data hub of any preceding claim, wherein the energy storage unit includes two or more cells, and the cells of the energy storage unit are connected via fused connectors that are configured to fuse and to isolate each cell when the fused connection is subjected to an excess current.

16. The power and data hub of any preceding claim, wherein the power and data hub further comprises a charging port for connecting to a charging unit and arranged for the charging unit to communicate electrical energy with the electrical energy storageunit , preferably wherein the charging port is also arranged for the charging unit to communicate data with the data storage unit .17 . The power and data hub of any preceding claim, wherein the charging port is provided in a or the bottom face of the power and data hub .18 . The power and data hub of any preceding claim, wherein the data storage unit is configured to communicate data with tactical awareness software running on a tactical awareness peripheral device having a connector thereof received in one of the at least one power-and-data ports , preferably wherein the data includes map data .19 . The power and data hub of any preceding claim, further comprising an isolation device arranged to electrically isolate the electrical energy storage unit from the rest of the power and data hub .20 . A portable power and data hub comprising a housing, the housing having at least one power-and-data connector port for receiving a connector of a peripheral device , the housing containing : an electrical energy storage unit ; a data storage unit ; and a serial bus connecting the electrical energy storage unit , the data storage unit and each of the at least one power-and-data connector ports , wherein the housing has substantially rectangular parallel front and rear faces having a width and a height and has a substantially constant thicknessbetween the front and rear faces, and wherein a ratio of the width to the height lies within the range 200:200 to 400:200, and is preferably approximately 300:200, and a ratio of the thickness to the height lies within the range 20:200 to 40:200, and is preferably approximately 25:200, wherein the values for the width and height and thickness are the maximum values for these dimensions between respective opposing left and right side faces, top and bottom faces and the front and back faces of the housing .

21. The power and data hub of Claim 20, wherein each of the front and back faces is curved along its width between the left and right side faces such that a centre of each of the front and back faces extends forwards by distance relative to a left and a right side edge of that face, wherein a ratio of the distance to the width is within the range 3:300 to 10:300, and is preferably approximately 5:300.

22. The power and data hub of Claim 20 or 21, wherein the width is within the range 200 mm to 400 mm and is preferably approximately 300 mm, most preferably 280 mm; and / or wherein the height is within the range 150 to 250 mm and is preferably approximately 200 mm, most preferably 190 mm; and / or wherein the thickness is within the range 20 mm to 40 mm, and is preferably approximately 25 mm, most preferably 24.5 mm.

23. A portable electronic device comprising a housing, the housing containing: an electrical energy storage unit; and an optical energy-status indicator including an output window in a face of the housing,wherein the optical energy-status indicator comprises an optical output device arranged to emit light and a collimator arranged to collimate the emitted light into a substantially collimated beam and to transmit the collimated light beam through the output window .24 . The portable electronic device according to Claim 23 , wherein substantially all of the collimated light emitted through the output window is emitted within a conical beam having a maximum beam angle 0 of divergence of 8 degrees , preferably a maximum beam angle of divergence 0 of 6 degrees .25 . The portable electronic device according to Claim 23 or 24 , wherein the optical output device is an LED .26 . The portable electronic device according to Claim 23 , 24 or 25 , wherein the collimator is a substantially cylindrical light tube .27 . The portable electronic device according to Claim 26 , wherein the optical energy-status indicator satis fies the equation :( Lt + c ) * ( L / D) <= 500 mm, where L is the total distance across all optical output windows ; D is the diameter of an exit aperture of the output window; Lt is the length of the light tube from the optical output device to an inside face of the casing; and c is a thickness of the casing28 . The portable electronic device according to any one of Claims 23 to 27 , wherein the output window is substantially circular and has a diameter corresponding to a diameter of the light tube , thelight tube having a length extending from the optical output device to the inner face of the window, and wherein a ratio of the length of the light tube to the diameter of the light tube is within the range 15 : 3 to 30 : 3 , preferably within the range 20 : 3 to 25 : 3 , and most preferably is approximately 23 : 3 .29 . The portable electronic device according to any one of Claims 23 to 28 , wherein the optical energy-status indicator includes a plurality of output windows in the face of the housing, a respective plurality of optical output devices arranged to emit light , and a respective plurality of collimators arranged to collimate the emitted light into beams and to transmit the collimated light beams through each of the respective output windows .30 . The portable electronic device according to Claim 29 , wherein the optical energy status indicator is arranged to emit light through a number of the plurality of windows , as charge level indicator windows , corresponding to a level of electrical charge remaining in the electrical energy storage unit , preferably wherein light is emitted through all of the charge level indicator windows when the electrical energy storage unit is substantially fully charged and wherein light is emitted through only one or none of the charge level indicator windows when the electrical energy storage unit is substantially fully discharged .31 . The portable electronic device according to Claim 29 or 30 , wherein the optical energy status indicator is arranged always to emit light through one of the plurality of windows , as a function confirmation window, independently of the level of electrical charge remaining in the electrical energy storageunit , in order to confirm that the optical energy status indicator is functioning .32 . The portable electronic device according to Claim 31 , wherein the light emitted through the function confirmation window is a di f ferent colour from the light emitted through the charge level indicator windows , wherein the light emitted through the function confirmation window is preferably red or orange and the light emitted through the charge level indicator windows is preferably green .33 . The portable electronic device according to any one of Claims 23 to 32 , wherein the optical output device is configured to emit light for a time period of from 1 to 3 seconds in response to an energy status request .34 . The portable electronic device according to any one of Claims 23 to 33 , wherein the portable electronic device is a power and data hub according to any one of claims 1 to 22 .35 . A charging and data trans fer station for portable power and data hubs comprising : two or more charging units , each arranged to connect to a portable power and data hub, wherein each charging unit is configured to communicate electrical energy with the electrical energy storage unit and to communicate data with the data storage unit of a portable power and data hub connected to that charging unit .36 . The charging and data trans fer station of Claim 35 , wherein the charging and data trans fer stationincludes four or more charging units, preferably six or more charging units, most preferably eight or more charging units.

37. The charging and data transfer station of Claim 35 or 36, wherein each power and data hub comprises a charging port for connecting to a charging unit and arranged for the charging unit to communicate electrical energy with the electrical energy storage unit and for the charging unit to communicate data with the data storage unit, preferably wherein the charging port is provided in a or the bottom face of each power and data hub.

38. The charging and data transfer station of Claim 35, 36 or 37, wherein each charging unit includes a docking port arranged to receive a power and data hub therein .

39. The charging and data transfer station of Claim 38, wherein hub securing means are provided to secure the power and data hubs within the docking ports, wherein the hub securing means may be a strap.

40. The charging and data transfer station of any one of Claims 35 to 39, wherein the charging and data transfer station is configured to simultaneously charge all connected power and data hubs.

41. The charging and data transfer station of any one of Claims 35 to 40, wherein the charging and data transfer station is configured to simultaneously upload data to all connected power and data hubs.

42. The charging and data transfer station of any one of Claims 35 to 41, wherein the charging and data transfer station further includes two or moreperipheral device charging units , each arranged to connect to a peripheral device that is compatible with the portable power and data hubs , wherein each peripheral device charging unit is configured to communicate electrical energy and data with the peripheral device connected to that charging unit .43 . The charging and data trans fer station of Claims 42 , wherein each peripheral device charging unit includes a peripheral device docking port arranged to receive a peripheral device therein .44 . The charging and data trans fer station of Claim 43 , wherein peripheral device securing means are provided to secure the peripheral devices within the peripheral device docking ports , wherein the peripheral device securing means may be a strap and / or wherein the hub securing means may also function as the peripheral device securing means .45 . The charging and data trans fer station of any one of Claims 42 to 44 , wherein the charging and data trans fer station is configured to simultaneously charge all connected power and data hubs and all connected peripheral devices .46 . The charging and data trans fer station of any one of Claims 42 to 45 , wherein the charging and data trans fer station is configured to simultaneously upload data to all connected power and data hubs and all connected peripheral devices .47 . The charging and data trans fer station of any one of Claims 42 to 46 , wherein the peripheral devices may be android mobile telephones .48 . The charging and data trans fer station of any one ofClaims 35 to 47, wherein the charging and data transfer station includes a waterproof case containing the charging units and any peripheral device charging units.

49. The charging and data transfer station of Claim 48, wherein the waterproof case includes one or more power and / or data ports for connecting the case to external sources of power and / or data respectively.

50. The charging and data transfer station of any one of Claims 35 to 49, wherein the charging and data transfer station may be connected to one or more further charging and data transfer stations, directly or in series, wherein all connected charging and data transfer stations are configured to simultaneously charge all connected power and data hubs.

51. The charging and data transfer station of Claim 50, wherein an external power source connected to one of the charging and data transfer stations may thereby supply power to all of the connected charging and data transfer stations.

52. The charging and data transfer station of Claim 50 or 51, wherein the charging and data transfer station may be connected to one or more further charging and data transfer stations, directly or in series, wherein the connected charging and data transfer stations are configured to simultaneously upload data to all connected power and data hubs.

53. The charging and data transfer station of any one of Claims 50 to 52, wherein an external data source connected to one of the charging and data transfer stations may thereby supply data to all of the connected charging and data transfer stations.54 . The charging and data trans fer station of any one of Claims 35 to 53 , wherein each power and data hub is a power and data hub according to any one of claims 1 to 22 .55 . A computer programme configured to operate in a power and data hub according to any one of claims 1 to 22 or in a peripheral device connected to the power and data hub, or in a combination of the power and data hub and the connected peripheral device , the computer programme being operative when run to : identi fy all electrical energy storage devices contained in peripheral devices connected to the power and data hub ; determine the current charge levels of the electrical energy storage unit of the power and data hub and of each of the connected electrical energy storage devices ; determine a current rate of power usage or electrical energy consumption for each connected peripheral device ; and based on the determined charge levels and the determined current rate of power usage or electrical energy consumption : to trans fer electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit of the power and data hub to one or more of the connected peripheral devices ; to trans fer electrical energy from one or more of the connected electrical energy storage devices to the electrical energy storage unit of the power and data hub ; and / or to trans fer electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device of a connected peripheral device to another ofthe connected peripheral devices .56 . The computer programme of Claim 55 , wherein the trans fer of electrical energy is further based on data representing a historic rate of power usage or electrical energy consumption of the connected peripheral devices .57 . The computer programme of Claim 55 or 56 , wherein the computer programme is further operative when run to determine an expected remaining operational time for which electrical energy will be available to each connected peripheral device , and wherein the trans fer of electrical energy is further based on the determined expected remaining operational times .58 . The computer programme of Claim 55 , 56 or 57 , wherein the computer programme is further operative when run to assign a priority level to each of the connected peripheral devices and wherein the trans fer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit of the power and data hub and from each of the connected electrical energy storage devices to the connected peripheral devices is further based on the assigned priority levels .

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