Digital Radio Interface Module for Legacy Control Room Patching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual band radio control room communications systems struggle to integrate with newer digital radio standards such as TETRA, DMR, and Marine VHF, lacking effective interface solutions, which renders them useless without expensive upgrades.
Innovation Solution
The proposed operations control room radio communications system includes digital radio interface modules (DRIM) with digital to analogue conversion circuits, connected to a host console computer with DCIM software, enabling patching of communications between digital and analogue radios, thus facilitating integration with diverse radio standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital radio interface modules with digital to analogue conversion circuits are integrated into existing dual band radio control room communications systems, then the systems can communicate with various digital and analogue radios through a single operator interface, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces digital radio interface modules (DRIMs) as intermediary components between the existing dual band radio system and new digital radio standards (TETRA, DMR, Marine VHF). These DRIMs contain digital to analogue conversion circuits that translate digital radio signals into analogue format, enabling the legacy system to communicate with digital radios through the existing analogue interface without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control room system is enhanced with multi-functional capability to handle both traditional analogue dual band radios and multiple digital radio standards simultaneously. The DCIM software application provides a unified operator interface that can patch and route communications from various radio types (analogue, TETRA, DMR, Marine VHF) through a single console, making the system universal in its communication capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing dual band radio control room communications systems are upgraded to support new digital radio standards, then communication capability with digital radios is enabled, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The upgrade path is segmented into modular digital radio interface modules (DRIMs) that can be added incrementally to the existing system. Rather than replacing the entire control room system, the solution divides the upgrade into separate functional modules (supporting TETRA, DMR, Marine VHF) that can be integrated one at a time, allowing phased investment and reducing overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates interface modules that replicate the functionality of native digital radio interfaces within the legacy analogue system. The DCIM software application copies and adapts the control and patching mechanisms from traditional dual band radio operations to work with digital radio standards, allowing the system to emulate familiar operations while supporting new radio types.
3Productivity
If digital radio interface modules are added to enable communication with multiple radio standards, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The DCIM software application incorporates self-configuration capabilities that automatically detect and adapt to the connected radio interface modules. The system performs automatic radio type identification and configures appropriate communication parameters without requiring manual intervention for each radio standard, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining support for multiple radio types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for seamless communication patching between different radio standards, enhancing operational efficiency in emergency operations control rooms by enabling communication with various digital and analogue radios through a single operator interface.
Implementation Method 1
each digital radio interface module comprising at least one digital to analogue radio conversion circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
A control room radio communications system which includes a digital radio of a user in an operational field; a digital radio interface module comprising a digital to analogue radio conversion circuit, a digital radio interface; and an analogue radio interface, the conversion circuit being in operative data communication with the digital radio interface and the analogue radio interface; and a host console computer having installed thereon a digital console interface management software application, the host console computer being connected to and in operative communication with the digital radio of the user via the digital radio interface module for patching of radio communications to and from the digital radio by an operator of the digital console interface management software application.