Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ELECTRONIC AUDIO SYSTEM CAPABLE OF COMMUNICATING AUDIO
SIGNALS OVER WIRELESS NETWORKS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronic equipment and modular
telecommunication systems and, more particularly, to a radio transceiver
and/or modem
for use in establishing a link to a wireless network for electronic equipment
of the type
not conventionally utilized for telecommunication.
Descrintion of Related Art
The fields of consumer electronics, data processing and telecommunications
have experienced marked technological advances in recent years. Personal
stereo
cassette, disc players, and automobile AM/FM radios have become smaller and
more
efficient as has related consumer electronic hardware. The great advances in
memory
chips and miniaturization techniques have also enabled more and more
electronic
systems to be packaged in smaller and smaller spaces. The same is true for
industrial
electronic equipment and for personal computers.
Like consumer electronic equipment in general, personal computers are
manufactured by many different suppliers around the world. An entire industry
has
subsequently developed in supplying memory cards for enhancing the capacity of
this
wide variety of personal computers. Recently,.there has been a movement toward
standardizing the interconnection formats for use in circuit cards for.
personal
computers. In particular, the PC and Memory Card International Association
(PCMCIA) was formed with the goal of promoting the interchangeability of
integrated
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circuit and memory cards among computer and other types of electronic
products.
Toward this end, the PCMCIA has promulgated certain physical and electrical
standards to ensure that cards will be able to be used in different pieces of
equipment.
Both data storage, i.e. memory, and peripheral expansion, i.e. 1/0, card types
constructed in accordance with standards should be able to be used in any
connectors
also constructed in accordance with the standards. Such a standard is set
forth in a
variety of documents including the PCMCIA PC Card Standard, Release 2.0,
incorporated by reference herein. The standard sets forth a 68 pin interchange
for I/O
type circuit cards for use in PC's.
Advances in wireless telecommunications have also moved rapidly in recent
years. Various communication standards have been promulgated around the world
- - - - defining specific frequencies, data rates, data formats, and the like
for both voice and
data communications by radio links between base stations and mobile units. For
example, specialized packet switching systems for mobile data communications
have
enabled portable computers to directly uplink data access into the landline
data
communication network. Similarly, conventional voice based cellular radio
systems,
both analog and digital versions, can receive data from portable computers and
transmit
that data through the conventional telephone network to a remotely located
data
terminal. In addition, other systems such as paging (both local and global),
DECT
(Digital European Cordless Telecommunications), Mobitex, CDPD (Cellular
Digital
Packet Data), PCS (Personal Communications System) and the like have come into
recent use. Each of these wireless telecommunications formats and standards
generally
requires separate software to provide a gateway for data into the wireless
network as
well as separate transmission/reception formats. This allows communication
with radio
base stations operating in different geographic areas as well as parts of
different
networks. It has been determined to be desirable, however, to package radio
transceivers and/or modems in a modular manner so that a telecommunications
terminal, such as a portable telephone or a portable personal computer, could
be
adapted for communication with different systems by simply replacing the
modular unit
with one which was especially configured for the telecommunications network
with
which communication was desired. The advantages of such radio transceiver
packages
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should not, however, be limited to portable telephones and portable computers
when
other consumer and industrial electronic equipment can also be used with such
packages.
The use of card mounted telecommunications interface equipment in a PC has
existed for some time. In particular, modems are frequently mounted on an I/O
card
and plugged into receiving receptacles within the PC. The modem then enables
the
interface of a PC with standard telecommunication network lines and the
transmission/reception of data for those lines. This is an extremely useful
tool and
maximizes the usefulness of the PC. Industrial and consumer electronic
equipment,
such as cassette and disc players have not yet been included in this
technological
integration with telecommunication to the extent of the PC.
It would be an advantage therefor to provide a standard PCMCIA card
mounted radio transceiver which is readily replaceable in conventional
consumer and
industrial electronic equipment such as tape players, stereos, and utility
meters to
communicate with various networks in accordance with various radio standards.
The
system of the present invention and various components thereof provide such
advantages.
SUMaViARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention includes the combination of an electronic
audio system with a module port, a module, and a microphone. The electronic
audio
system includes at least one speaker and a radio receiver or a recording
medium player,
or both, which supplies audio signals to the speaker or speakers. The module
port
includes a module connector, and the module includes a housing with a first
end and
a system connector on the first end which is adapted for engaging the module
connector. The module also includes a telecommunications transceiver which
communicates with one of a plurality of standardized wireless networks and
provides
audio output signals to the speaker or speakers. The microphone provides audio
input
signals to the telecommunications transceiver of the module. In one
embodiment, the
module port and the module conform to a PCMCIA standard. In
another'embodiment,
the electronic audio equipment includes a battery power supply which provides
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electrical power to the module. In yet another embodiment, an external power
supply
provides electrical power to the module. In another embodiment, the electronic
audio
equipment includes an antenna which is coupled to the module for use by the
transceiver. In yet another embodiment, an antenna is coupled to an the
transceiver
through a connector on the module housing. In another embodiment, the
combination
includes means for fading out the audio signals sent to the speaker, or
speakers, and
providing a signal indicating that an incoming call is available for receipt.
In another
embodiment, the combination includes a keypad for providing control signals to
the
telecommunications transceiver. In another embodiment, the microphone and
speaker,
or speakers, are combined into a headset which is coupled to the electronic
audio
system. In a further embodiment, the headset is coupled to the electronic
audio, system
by a cable. In an alternate further embodiment, the headset is coupled to the
electronic
audio system by an infra red link. In another alternate embodiment, the
headset is
coupled to the electronic audio system by a radio link.
In another aspect, the invention includes the combination of an electronic
audio
system with a keypad, a module port, and a module. The electronic audio system
includes a display, at least one speaker, and a radio receiver, or recording
medium
player, or both, which provides audio signal to the speaker, or speakers, and
functional
information to the display. The module port includes a module connector, and
the
module includes a housing with a first end and a system connector on the first
end
, which is adapted for engaging the module connector. The module also includes
a
telecommunications transceiver for communicating data signals with one of a
plurality
of wireless networks and provides data signals to the display. The keypad
provides
data entry signals to the telecommunications transceiver. In one embodiment,
the
module port.and the module conform to a PCMCIA standard. In another
embodiment,
the electronic audio equipment includes a battery power supply which provides
electrical power to the module. In yet another embodiment, an external power
supply
provides electrical power to the module. In another embodiment, the electronic
audio
equipment includes an antenna which is coupled to the module for use by -the
transceiver. In yet another embodiment, an antenna is coupled to an the
transceiver
through a connector on the module housing. In another embodiment, the
corlibination
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includes means for fading out the audio signals sent to the speaker or
speakers and
providing a signal indicating that an incoming call is available for receipt.
In another
embodiment, the keypad is a component of the electronic audio system. In
another
embodiment, the keypad is coupled to the electronic audio system by a cable.
In
another embodiment, the keypad is coupled to the electronic audio equipment by
an
infra red link. In another embodiment, the keypad is coupled to the electronic
audio
system by a radio link.
In yet another aspect, the invention includes a utility meter of the type
having
numeric information supplied to a display, combined with a module port having
a
module connector, and a telecommunications module having a housing, a system
connector for engaging the module connector of the module port, and a
telecommunications transceiver for communicating data signals with one of a
plurality
of standard wireless telecommunications networks. In a further embodiment, the
module port and the module are of a PCMCIA standard. In another embodiment of
the
present invention, the utility meter includes an electrical power source and
the
telecommunications transceiver of the module receives power from the
electrical power
source of the utility meter. In yet another embodiment the module port and the
module
are of a PCMCIA standard, and the module connector and the system connector
are
modified from the PCMCIA standard to include power contacts for transmitting
the
electrical power from the power source of the utility meter to the
telecommunications
transceiver. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the module
includes
a power connector not into the housing which receives power from an external
power
source for use by the telecommunications transceiver. In yet another
embodiment of
the present invention, an antenna is coupled with the telecommunications
transceiver
through the system connector of the module and the module connector of the
module
port. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the module port and
the
module are of a PCMCIA standard, and the module connector and the system
connector are modified from the PCMCIA standard to include at least one
contact for
coupling the antenna with the telecommunications transceiver. In yet another
embodiment of the present invention, an antenna is coupled to the
telecommunications
transceiver through an antenna connector mounted to the housing of the module.
......... . . .. ..... ............. . .. . . . ... I .. . ..
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5a
The present invention also provides an electronic audio system of the type
having
a radio received that provides audio output signals to at least one speaker,
the radio
receiver having a housing, the system comprising a module port disposed in the
housing,
the module port having a module connector, and a module removably disposed in
the
module port and having a second housing with a first end, a system connector
for
engagement with the module connector of the module port, the system connector
disposed on the first end of the second housing, and a telecommunications
transceiver
whose operation depends solely on engagement with the electronic portion of
the radio
receiver, the telecommunications transceiver for communicating audio input
signals and
audio output signals with one of a plurality of standardized wireless networks
in
accordance with at least one preselected communication standard, wherein the
telecommunications transceiver provides the audio output signals to the at
least one
speaker through the system connector of the removable module and the module
connector of the module port, and a microphone which provides audio input
signals to
the telecommunications transceiver of the removable module through the module
connector of the module port and the system connector of the removable module.
The present invention also provides an electronic audio system of the type
having
a recording medium player that provides audio output signals to at least one
speaker, the
recording medium player having a housing, the system comprising a module port
disposed in the housing, the module port having a module connector, and a
module
removably disposed in the module port and having a second housing with a first
end, a
system connector for engagement with the module connector of the module port
and
disposed on the first end of the second housing, and a telecommunications
transceiver
whose operation depends solely on engagement with the electronic portion of
the
recording medium player, the telecommunications transceiver for communicating
audio
input signals and audio output signals with one of a plurality of standardized
wireless
networks in accordance with at least one preselected communication standard,
wherein
the telecommunications transceiver provides the audio output signals to the at
least one
speaker through the system connector of the removable module and the module
connector of the module port, and a microphone which provides audio input
signals to
aid telecommunications transceiver of the removable module through the module
connector of the module port and the system connector of the module.
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5b
The present invention also provides a modular telecommunications unit for an
item of electronic equipment, the electronic equipment having a port for
receiving the
modular telecommunications unit and a module connector disposed in the port,
comprising a housing with first and second ends, a system connector disposed
on the first
end of the housing for engagement with the module connector of the electronic
equipment, a telecommunications transceiver disposed within the housing and
electrically
coupled to the system connector for communicating with one of a plurality of
standardized wireless networks in accordance with at least one preselected
communication standard, a power connector disposed on the second end of the
housing
and electrically coupled to the telecommunications transceiver for engagement
with an
external power source, and an antenna connector disposed on the second end of
the
housing and electrically coupled to the telecommunications transceiver for
engagement
with an external antenna.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further
objects and advantages thereof, reference may now be had to the following
description
taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which:
_ FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall concept of
telecommunications
with electronic equipment;
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a prior art electronic audio system in the
form
of a personal radio/tape player;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a modular telecommunications
unit constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention
and having
a standard PCMCIA card interconnectivity format;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the modular unit of FIG. 3 illustrating
a
standard PCMCIA card interconnectivity format;
FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the modular unit of FIG. 3 illustrating
an
external antenna mounted thereon;
FIG. 6 is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the modular unit of FIG.
3
taken along the lines 6-6, illustrating the attachment of the antenna thereto;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of : another embodiment of a modular
telecommunications unit constructed in accordance with the principles of the
present
invention and having a modified PCMCIA card interconnectivity format;
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the modular unit shown in FIG. 7
illustrating the pin connections thereto;
FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the modular unit of FIG. 7 illustrating
one
embodiment thereof with no antenna or power connector thereon;
FIG. 10 is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the modular unit of
FIG.
7 taken along the lines 10-10 thereof.
FIG. 11 is an exploded, perspective view of a modular unit of the type shown
in FIG. 7 in association with a module receiving slot in an electronic audio
system in
the form of a personal radio/tape player;
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FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of a modular unit of the type shown
in FIG. 3 in association with a module receiving slot in an electronic audio
system in
the form of a personal radio/tape player;
FIG. 13 is an exploded, perspective view of a modular unit of the type shown
in FIG. 3 in association with a module receiving slot in an electronic audio
system in
the form of a personal radio/tape player;
FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of a modular unit of the type shown
in FIG. 3 or FIG. 7, in association with a module receiving slot in an
electronic audio
system in the form of a Portable Tape Player-Am/Fm Radio;
FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of the modular unit of FIG. 7 being
inserted in an electronic audio system in the form of an Automobile AM/FM/Tape
Player Stereo;
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a switching aspect of one embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating phone functionality with hands free
technology utilized in a phone transmission embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating data functionality with hands free
technology utilized in a data transmission embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating telecommiunications functionality with
a RDS (Radio Data System) radio receiver; and
FIG. 20 is an exploded, perspective view of a modular unit constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention and illustrating its
adaptability
for use in a utility meter for transmitting information pertaining to a
numerical
information of the meter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIlvIENTS
Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown portable communications devices in
the
form of a data processing unit, such as a laptop or notebook computer 11 and a
portable telephone instrument 12. It is well established to allow the PC 11
and
telephone 12 to communicate with various wireless telecommunication networks
as
most fully described in U.S. patent application serial no. 08/026,478
described above.
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Each of the telecommunication networks may, however, include different
telecommunication standards and/or require modems of different types as
represented
diagrammatically in blocks 13-17. The various telecommunication standards may
include, for example, AMPS, D-AMPS, JDC, TACS, GSM, NMT-450, NMT-900,
DECT, Mobitex and future Spread Spectrum standards, as well as many more.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the portable telephone subscriber instrument 12 may
include basic components for telecommunications with various wireless networks
operating in accordance with numerous telecommunications standards. For
example,
should the telephone instrument 12 be needed for use in the United States, it
must be
capable of transmitting/receiving on a defined frequency band and in
accordance with
either the analog or digital modulation techniques in use in the United
States.
However, should the telephone instrument 12 be needed for communication with
the
wireless system which exists in the U.K. or Continental Europe, it would have
to be
capable of communicating on different frequencies and in accordance with
somewhat
different modulation techniques in order to be useful.
Referring still to FIG. 1, the laptop computer 11 may be needed for data
communication with a number of different data networks which exist in a number
of
parts of the world. For example, a package switched data network exists in the
Scandinavian and several European countries and in the United States and
Canada
which functions utilizing data packets of a prescribed size. The package
switched data
network is constructed in accordance with a prescribed protocol and provided
as part
of a service referred to by the trademark "MOBITEX" with which the assignee of
the
present invention is associated. Similarly, the laptop computer 11 may also be
needed
for communication with the United States cellular radio network (either in
analog or
digital format), with the European GSM digital cellular radio network, or the
CDPD
(Cellular Digital Package Data) network from time to time. Thus, the broad
concept
of the system of the present invention includes providing radio transceivers
and/or
modems 13-17 which are adapted for use in communication with the various
networks
in accordance with various standards used therein. Additionally, the term
"transceiver"
as used herein comprises appropriate radio control logic of the type necessary
to make
up a radio device that is capable of communicating with a wireless
cominunication
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standard such as D-amps, GSM, etc. For example, the transceiver may include a
transmitter, receiver, and when the communications device is used for data
transmission, the transceiver may also incorporate data modem circuitry. As
described
in more detail below, a laptop computer 11 incorporates means for generating
user
communication signals in the form of its keyboard. Other items of electronic
equipment particularly adapted for consumer entertainment use do not
necessarily
include signal generation means.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the modem 13 provides for radio communication with
the MOBITEX packet data switched network, while modem 14 represents a modular
unit which could be constructed to communicate with the conventional cellular
radio
network in the United States, either in analog or digital format. Similarly,
the modem
might be adapted for radio communication with the European digital cellular
radio
network in accordance with the GSM standards adopted by the European
Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). Modem 16 could, likewise,
permit
15 telecommunications in accordance with the Digital European Cordless
Telecommunications (DECT) standard. Other modems 17 can be used which permit
communication on a paging network such as a local or a global paging system,
communication on a PCS (Personal Communication System), or communication on
any
other like systems. The PCS may become the next generation of cellular systems
combining wide area networks and on-site networks for both data and voice
communication. Any of modems 14-17 might be useful within either the laptop
computer 11 or the telephone subscriber instrument 12 while those units, as
well as the
MOBITEX data packet modem 13, could be used within the laptop computer 11.
Moreover, the use of standard modems packaged in a modular form in standard
sizes,
would have great advantages in the future in providing flexibility within both
voice and
data teleconununication systems used throughout the world.
Referring next to FIG. 2, there is shown an example of a conventional
electronic audio system in the form of a conventional personal radio/tape
player 18,
-which may be modified to utilize the principles of the present invention.
Although the
conventional electronic audio system depicted herein for modification
according to the
present invention is describe as a personal radio/tape player, it is to be
understood that
!
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the reference to electronic audio systems is meant to encompass electronic
audio
systems having a radio receiver, or a recording medium player, or both. It is
to be
understood that a radio receiver encompasses electronic devices of the type
not
conventionally utilized for telecommunications which receive radio
transmissions and
converts those transmissions for audio playing, including devices such as an
AM radio,
a FM radio, an AM/FM radio, a television, a video tape recorder or a video
cassette
recorder (VCR), or the like. It is also to be understood that a recording
medium player
encompasses electronic devices of the type not conventionally utilized for
telecommunications which play audio signals recorded on a medium, including
devices
such as a tape player, compact disk player, record player, a video tape
recorder or a
video cassette recorder (VCR), or the like. Furthermore, it is to be
understood that a
recording medium player includes electronic devices which are capable of
recording
audio signals on a recording medium. The personal radio/tape player 18 has a
tape
receiving compartment 19, a display 20, and controls 21 and 22. A headset 23,
with
speakers 24 and 25, is connected to a connection 26 in the personal radio/tape
player
18 by a cable 27. The personal radio/tape player 18 also has an antenna 28 and
a
battery power source 30 disposed internally.
Referring now to the grouping of FIGS. 3-6 and 7-10, there are shown two
versions of a telecommunications unit or module constructed in accordance with
the
principles of the present invention. FIGS. 3-6(group one) illustrate a
telecommunications unit 31 which is constructed to conform with a standard
PCMCIA
card interconnectivity format embodied in connector 33. FIGS. 7-10 (group two)
illustrate a unit 131 which is constructed with a modified connector 133 which
does not
comply with existing PCMCIA standards due to modifications in antenna and
power
connections discussed below. The modules 31 and 131 are constructed in
accordance
with, and having the attributes ot the teachings in U.S. patent application
serial number
08/026,478, filed March 04, 1993, entitled "Modular Radio Communications
System"
by inventor Per Stein, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention,
which is
hereby specifically incorporated by reference. The modules 31 and 131 have
also been
designed to utilize the components of the.host electronic equipment, as will
be
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discussed below. Each version of the above-referenced telecommunications unit
will
now be discussed below.
Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, the group one version of the telecommunications
unit outlined above, and in particular to FIG. 3 there is shown a top plan
view of the
modular unit 31. A radio transceiver 36 and modem 37 are shown in the modular
unit
31 by dotted lines, which also define the telecommunications card 29. The
modular
unit 31 also has a mounting member 152 and connectors 151 and 154 which are
also
represented by dotted lines. The connector 151 comprises a coaxial antenna
coupling
which is plugged into the antenna 138. The particular modular antenna
structure of
FIG. 3 includes an antenna bar 140, which is pivotally mounted through pivot
antenna
mount 141 to rotate about a base structure 142. Base 142 is coupled to the
module 31
with a conventional fastener, such as a threaded member 152a shown in dotted
lines
engaging mounting member 152. Antenna connector 151 is also shown by dotted
lines
to illustrate a conventional coaxial connection thereto from antenna 140. The
antenna
140 may then be rotated into the most appropriate position for maximizing
effectiveness of use. Rotatable antennas are, of course, conventional in this
technological area. The use, however, of such a modular antenna on a modular
housing 31, adapted for the applications described herein, is a marked advance
over the
prior art. Power connector 154 is also shown by dotted lines in registry with
access
aperture 154a, which will be discussed below.
Referring now to FIG. 4 there is shown a front elevational view of the
modular.
unit 31 of FIG. 3, illustrating more clearly the multipin connector 33. The
multipin
connector 33 is constructed in accordance with the current standard PCMCIA
card
interconnectivity format. The contacts of multipin connector 33 are connected
to the
circuitry within the telecommunications card 29. The connector 33 comprises a
pair
of rows of contacts 41a and 41b. No separate power or antenna connectors are
shown
herein due to the fact that this particular contact configuration conforms
with the
existing PCMCIA standard and the antenna and power connectors are presented in
the
rear portion 134a of module 31 as described herein.
Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a rear elevational view of a modular
telecommunications unit constructed in accordance with the principles of the
present
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invention. In this embodiment, the modular unit 31 includes a rear portion
134a having
a recess 134 wherein coaxial connector 151 is secured adjacent a mounting
member
152 such as a threaded coupling. The coaxial connector 151 is mounted for use
in
coupling the radio transceiver 36 within the module 31 to an antenna disposed
either
internally or externally of the particular electronic equipment in which the
unit 31 is
connected. When an antenna is mounted directly to the module 31, mounting
member
152 provides a means for securement of the antenna structure to module 31, as
will be
described in more detail below. A connector 154 is also shown. Connector 154
enables coupling of external power to the telecommunications card 29 within
the
. module 31.
Refening now to FIG. 6 there is shown a side elevational, cross-sectional view
of the modular unit 31 of FIG. 3 taken along lines 6-6 thereof. As shown in
FIG. 6, the
module 31 includes a telecommunications card 29 comprising a printed circuit
board
61 onto the surface of which various printed circuit card traces may be formed
and
various components may be mounted to comprise a radio transceiver and modem
secured within the module 31. The circuitry on board 61 is selectively
connected to the
terminals of connector 33 to couple signals into and out of the circuitry
within the
module. An upper shell 62 covers the upper portion of the components mounted
on
the printed circuit board 61 while a lower shell 63 covers the lower surface
of the board
and mates with upper shell 62 to form an enclosed unit 31. In this particular
view an
internal portion of coaxial connector 151 is shown mounted to board 61 and
projecting
through rear portion 134a to connect with modular antenna 138. The
construction of
modular antenna 38 is as described above in connection with FIG. 3.
Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, the group two version of the telecommunication
unit outlined above, there is shown in FIG. 7 a top plan view of a modular
telecommunications unit 131 constructed to conform with a standard PCMCIA card
interconnectivity format. In particular, the modular unit 131 includes an
outer she1132
which is generally flat and has located at a first end 33a a multipin
connector 133 (seen
most clearly in FIG. 8) having a plurality of individual contacts for
engagement with
a mating connector located within an item of electronic equipment, such as a
tape
player. It should be _ noted that although a tape player is referred to, a-
variety of
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consumer or industrial electronic equipment could be addressed and modified in
accordance with the principles of the present invention to provide modular
telecommunications therefrom. In that regard, the opposite end 34a of the
modular
unit 131 includes a recessed region 34 where external power and antenna
connectors
may be mounted, as described above with regard to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6.
Still referring to FIG. 7, as shown by dotted lines extending thereacross, the
module 131 houses a telecommunications card 29 including a radio transceiver
36,
which may include a modem section 37. The card 29 is shown by dotted lines as
are
transceiver and modem sections 36 and 37. Power, controls, antenna, speakers,
and
microphone are coupled into the card 29 through selected contacts from the
multipin
connector 133, describe in more detail below.
Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a front elevational view of the
modular
unit 131 ofFTG. 7, illustrating more clearly the multipin connector 133. The
contacts
of multipin connector 133 are connected to circuitry within the
telecommunications
card 29. The connector 133 comprises a pair of rows of contacts 41a and 41b
constructed in accordance with the standard PCMCIA format. In the system of
the
present invention, certain areas of the contact array have been modified and
the
contacts provided in a difFerent configuration and/or format to allow
connection to an
antenna and/or power source for transmission of increased amounts of power
into the
circuitry of the card 29. Such connection may be necessary when the power
requirements of the transceiver 36 (and/or modem 37) cannot be adequately
handled
by the normal signal carrying contacts 41a-41b. Contacts 149a and 149b are
thus
shown to illustrate such a modified power pin configuration. Connector 149c
illustrates an antenna coupling. It should be noted that other antenna and
power
connections may be provided in accordance with the principles of the present
invention
and another specific embodiment is described below.
Referring now to FIG. 9, the end 34a is formed with a recess 34 wherein other
connectors may be mounted for use in coupling the radio transceiver 36 and
modem
-37 within the module 131 to an external antenna. However, with the antenna
connector 149c and power connectors 149a and 149b provided along connector
133,
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such external connectors are not necessary along the opposite end in recess
34. For
this reason, no connectors are shown in this particular embodiment.
Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a side elevational, cross sectional
view of the module 131. As most clearly shown in this view, the
telecommunications
card 29 of module 131 includes a printed circuit board 61 onto the surface of
which
various printed circuit card traces may be formed and various components for
example,
ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) may be mounted to comprise
the radio
transceiver and modem secured within the module 131. The circuitry on the
board 61
is selectively connected to the terminal.s 41a-41b on the connector 133 to
couple signals
into and out of the circuitry within said module. An upper shell 62 covers the
upper
portion of the components mounted on the board 61 while a lower shell 63
covers the
lower surface of the board and mates with the upper shell 62 to form an
enclosed
modular unit.
Referring now to FIG. 11 there is shown a conventional electronic audio
system, in the form of a conventional personal radio/tape player which has
been
modified as an embodiment of the present invention, illustrated as a personal
radio/tape
player 210. The tape player 210 shown herein includes a conventional tape
receiving
compartment 211, a display panel 212, and operation control knobs 213 and 214.
The
personal radio/tape player 210 also includes a conventional battery power
source 215
and a conventional antenna 216.
Still referring to FIG. 11, the personal radio/tape player 210 includes a
mounting slot 311 for the installation of the modular unit 131. The mounting
slot 311
is particularly adapted for receipt of and connection to module 131. The slot
311 is
constructed with side walls 312 and a frontal opening 313. A mating connector
314
is disposed. along end 315 for mating connection with connector 133 of the
module
131. The battery power supply 215, antenna 216, and the display 212 in the
personal
radio/tape player 210 are connected to the module 131 through the connector
314 and
the connector 133.
Referring still to FIG. 11, a conventional personal radio/tape player will
generally also include electronic circuitry for interconnecting an earphone.
In one
construction the tape player 210 may be of conventional design which_has been
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modified for both head phones 326 and 327, and a microphone 328 in a headset
325.
Both of the head phones 326 and 327, and the microphone 328 can then be
utilized
through a connector cord 322 of headset 325 for connection with the tape
player 210.
The headset 325, as shown herein, also includes a remote control panel or
keypad 323
having a control button array 324 for generating the necessary control signals
for the
telecommunication functions of the module 131. A connector cord 322
interconnects
a connector 321 of tape player 210 to the headset 325. The head phones 326 and
327,
the microphone 328, and the keypad 323 connect with connector 133 of the
module
131 through the connector 321 and the connector 314.
Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a personal radio/tape player 220
according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the
personal
radio/tape player 210 in FIG. 11, the personal radio/tape player 220 has a
conventional
tape receiving compartment 221, a display pane1222, and operation control
knobs 223
and 224. The personal radio/tape player 220 also includes a conventional
battery
power source 225 disposed internally.
Still referring to FIG. 12, the personal radio/tape player 220 includes a
mounting slot 331 for the installation of the modular unit 31. The mounting
slot 331
is particularly adapted for receipt of and connection to module 31. The slot
331 is
constructed with side walls 332 and a frontal opening 333. A mating connector
334
is disposed along end 335 for mating connection with connector 33. The
batterypower
supply 225 and the display 222 in the personal radio/tape player 220 are
connected to
the module 31 through the connector 334 and the connector 33. The modular
antenna
structure 138 (described above) is also shown in position for mounting to the
end 134a
of unit 31. Connecting end 134a thus includes recess 134 which houses
connectors 151
and 154. Connector 151 is preferably a coaxial connector adapted for coupling
to
antenna 138, while connector 154 is constructed for connecting external power
(if
necessary) to the modular unit 31 through aperture 154a found in antenna base
structure 142. In that regard, an AC/DC power supply (not shown) can provide
external power to the module 31 from an external source.
Still referring to FIG. 12, the conventional tape player is also modified to
have
a transmitter/receiver infra red or "short range" radio link 341. In one
construction, a
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headset 345 has a transmitter/receiver 343 which is adapted for 2-way
communication
with the link 341 built into the tape player 220. The headset 345 includes
earphones
346 and 347, and a microphone 348 extending from the earphone 347. The
earphones
346 and 347, and the microphone 348, are coupled to the link 341 in the tape
player
220 through the transmitter/receiver 343 of the headset 345. In one
embodiment, the
transmitter/receiver 343 of the headset 345 also includes a keypad or control
panel (not
shown) which is coupled to the link 341. The earphones 346 and 347, the
microphone
348, and the keypad (not shown) of the headset 345 connect with connector 33
of the
module 31 through the headset transmitter/receiver 343, the link 341, and the
connector 334.
Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, although the module port has been
described as having walls and an open end, the module port can also be only a
connector for receiving the module. It should be noted that a headset,
containing an
earphone and/or a transmitter/receiver is a conventional article in the art of
communication technology, but is not typically utilized with a conventional
personal
radio/tape player. A headset having a single or a pair of earplugs is typical
for the
conventional personal radio/tape player. The incorporation of the microphone,
while
conventional in other telecommunication equipment, is necessary in the present
invention for consumer signal generation and two=way voice communication.
Furthermore, the discovery of the combination of a telecommunications
transceiver
module with an electronic audio system having radio receiver, recording medium
player, or both, is considered to be a part of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 13 there is shown an alternative mounting of the
modular unit 31 of FIG. 3 and an alternative personal radio/tape player 230.
As
described above, connector 33 of module 31 is shown to matingly connect with
slot
connector 354 disposed on end 355 of slot 351. In this particular view, the
modular
unit 31 is being installed in a tape player 230 constructed with a flap 356.
The flap 356
is provided in a configuration for closure over the unit 31 and direct
coupling with
coaxial connector 151, while continuing to expose extemal power connector 154.
In
this esnbodime,nt, an intemal/external antenna 236 is specifically shown
within the tape
player 230, as is conventional for tape player/radio combinations. Consumej
AM/FM
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radios require an antenna which may be solely internal or partially
retractable into the
tape player 230 when the AM/FM radio is not being used. The antenna 236 (shown
in phantom) is connected by a cable 357 (partly shown in phantom) to flap
connector
pin 358 of flap 356. Aperture 359 is positioned in flap 356 for alignment with
power
connector 154 of module 31 and sized to facilitate receipt of, and connection
into
connector 154, of a plug from and external power source (not shown). In an
alternative
embodiment, not specifically shown, an internal power supply from the tape
player 230
may be connected to the connector 154 of module 31 by coupling to a power
connection pin disposed on the flap 356 in place of the aperture 359.
Referring still to FIG. 13, the headset and control panel of FIGS. 11 or 12
are
not shown in this particular view for purposes of clarity. The tape player 230
does,
however, include a tape installation slot 231, a display screen 232, operation
control
knobs 233 and 234, as well as the antenna 236. Electronic audio systems, such
as the
personal radio/tape player 230, are constructed in a variety of
configurations. Although
only a single equipment configuration is shown herein (showing particular
amenities
such as display screen 232), this is not meant to limit in any way the type of
electronic
audio system that may be utilized in accordance with the principles of the
present
invention.
Refeming now to FIG. 14 there is shown an illustration of another item of
electronic audio systems in the form of a portable tape player-AM/FM Radio
which is
of the conventional type of portable radio that has been modified for
utilizing a modular
telecommunications unit. Also shown is the versatility and multiple uses
possible with
the modular units 31 and 131 of the present invention. As stated above, either
module
31 or 131 may be used in such applications. As previously stated, the modular
units
31 and 131 provide a telecommunication technology capability to the host
equipment.
However, several technologies may, in fact, reside on a single card within the
modular
units 31 and 131.
Still referring to FIG. 14, the tape player/radio 240 is of the conventional
type
tape player-radio which has been modified to utilize the telecommunications
functions
of either module 31 or module 131. The tape player-radio 240 has the
conventional
features of an antenna 241, a display 242, speakers 243, and an internal power
source
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(not shown). The tape player-radio 240 also has connections to headphone (not
shown) which have been modified for using a headset 363 or 368 as will be
described
below. One of the modifications to the conventional type tape player-radio for
the
present invention is the addition of the slot 361 adapted to receive and
electrically
connect with one of the module 31 or the module 131. A keypad 362 has also
been
added to the conventional tape player-radio so that a user can control the
telecommunications functions of either the module 31 or 131.
Still referring to FIG. 14, one of the modules 31 or 131 is received in the
slot
361 in the tape player-radio 240. The module 31 or 131 utilizes the antenna
241 and
the display 242 which are the conventional elements of the tape player-radio
240. The
functions of the telecommunications module 31 or 131 are operated by the
keypad 362.
Voice communication of the telecommunications function is accomplished with
the
headphones 364 and 365, and the microphone 366 of the headset 363.
Alternatively,
the conventional tape player-radio can be modified with an infra red or "short
range"
radio link 367 to a headset 368.
Referring now to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 14, although the illustrated
embodiments disclose the telecommunication features being located in the
consumer
electronic audio systems, e.g. the personal radio/tape players 210, 220, 230,
and the
portable tape player-Am/Fm Radio 240, in another construction, the
telecommunications electronics from the module 31 or the module 131 are
integrated
into the consumer electronic audio system, instead of being a separate
detachable
module such as module 31 or module 131. In another construction of the present
invention, the keypad for operating the telecommunication functions of the
module 31
or the module 131, are located on the consumer electronic audio system, such
as the
personal raido/tape players 210, 220, 230, or the portable tape player-Am/Fm
radio
240. It should also be noted that the module 31 and the module 131 can be any
analog
or digital technology.
Referring now to FIG. 15, there is shown the installation of the modular unit
131 of FIG. 7 into an automobile AMlFM/tape player stereo 250. Stereo 250 is a
conventional type automobile stereo which has been modified in design to
include a
mounting slot 371 for receipt of module 131. As stated above, this is a
modification
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Io the standard PCMCIA and interconnectivity format. It should be noted that
modular
unit 31 could have been chosen for discussion purposes in view of the fact
that both
modular units 31 and 131 are equally functional for this application. A
conventional
car stereo has thus been modified in design to the automobile AM/FM/tape
player
stereo 250 which specifically accommodates the unit 131 and the
advantages'thereof.
Stereo 250 could also be modified to specifically accommodate the unit 31 and
the
advantages thereof.
Still referring to FIG. 15, the car stereo 250 has the standard car stereo
components of speakers 251 and 252, a display 254, and a keypad 255. The
speakers
251 and 252, the display 254, and the keypad 255 are connected to the
connector 133
of the module 131 through the connector 374. The car stereo 250 also has an
antenna
256, and a power supply 253 (shown by dotted lines). The power supply 253 is
connected by the power supply line 376 to pins 375 and 377 of specially
adapted
connector 374, which are positioned in registry with, and mating engagement
of, the
appropriate power connecting contacts 149a or 149b (shown in FIG. 4). Likewise
antenna cable 378 is shown by a dotted line to connect pin 379 of connector
374, which
is positioned in registry with, and mating engagement for antenna connector
149c
(shown in FIG. 4). It may be seen in this particular embodiment that the
advantages
of both the communications antenna and the additional power supply are
provided
without the need for external connections from end 34a. The module 131 can
simply
be plugged into slot opening 373, whereby connector 133 mates with connector
374,
and the telecommunication system becomes operational.
Still referring to FIG. 15, as noted above, the stereo 250 can be a
conventional
type automobile stereo which has been modified for including the modular
telecommunication capabilities described herein. The stereo 250 is constructed
with
conventional speakers 251 and 252. Speakers are conventional in AMIFM radios
for
providing the intended sound. The unit function and tuning of the stereo 250
is
indicated by display 254 with the control pane1255 providing means for such
tuning
and related AM/FM radio functions. What is not conventional is the utilization
of a
modular unit 131 (or 31 as above discussed), in conjunction with a
conventional
automobile stereo, as set forth above, to provide both entertainment and
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telecommunication functions. Likewise, the incorporation of a microphone 381
may
not be conventional with automotive stereos but is utilized herewith for
purposes of
affording a user means to generate telecommunication signals within such
equipment.
A separate keypad or keyboard 383 is shown herein for utilization in operating
the
telecommunications functions of the module 31. The keyboard 383 is connected
to the
stereo 250 by connector cord 384, while microphone 381 is connected to the
stereo
250 by cable 385. Either, or both, of the keyboard 383 and microphone 381 may
be
utilized, and the display panel 382 is likewise available for indicating the
signal
actuation thereof. In one construction, the present invention utilizes the
control panel
255, which operates the conventional features of the car stereo 250, to
operate the
telecommunications functions of the module 31.
Referring still to FIG. 15, consistent with the principles of the present
invention,
the electronic audio equipment, such as the automotive stereo 250, are
completely
functional in its conventional capacity as a stereo, tape player or the like,
while the
addition of the modular unit 131 provides the added advantages of
telecommunications
therefrom. For obvious reasons, modifications will have to be made to the
particular
electronic audio equipment for not only receiving the modular unit 131, but
also for
generating user communication signals therewith. In one construction of the
present
invention, the module 131 (or module 31) is a voiced based telecommunications
module providing digital or analog cellular technology to the car stereo 250.
In another 71 construction of the present invention, the module 131 (or module
31) is a data
communications card (such as Mobitex or paging format) which receives messages
on
the display 254, and uses either the keypad 255 or the keyboard 383 for
acknowledgment and data entry. If more display area is necessary, a larger
display can
be added to the car stereo 250, similar to adding the keyboard 383. The
modules 31
or 131 are to be modified to contain the correct software for rerouting the
messages
to the display 254.
Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown a block diaphragm illustrating a
switching aspect of one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic
audio
system 910 contains conventional electronic audio components 920, such as a
radio
receiver, or a recording medium player, or both. The conventional electrQnic
audio
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components 920 are connected to a switching means 930. A module 940 having a
telecommunications transceiver 945 is also connected to the switching means
930. The
telecommunications transceiver 945 of the module 940 is adapted for
communicating
with at least one of a plurality of standardized wireless networks 950 in
accordance
with at least one pre-selected communication standard.
Still referring to FIG. 16, the switching means 930 is connected to the
supporting components 960. The supporting components 960 are conventional
supporting electronic components for the conventional electronic audio
components
920, new supporting electronic components, or both, which are necessary to
support
the telecommunications functions of the module 940. The supporting components
960
can include, but are not limited to, speakers, microphones, headsets, keypads,
keyboards, monitors, electrical power sources, or the like. Furthermore, some
or all
of the supporting components 960 can be located internally to the electronic
audio
system 910, externally to the electronic audio system 910, or both.
Referring still to FIG. 16, the switching means 930 switches connection of the
supporting components 960 between the conventional electronic audio components
920 and the module 940. In one embodiment, the switching means 930, is a
conventional manual switch. In another embodiment, the switching means 930 is
a
device utilizing hands free technology phone answering. Examples of hands free
technology phone answering are illustrated by U.S. Patent No. 4,591,661 titled
"Portable Cordless Telephone- Radio Receiver" and issued to Benedetto et al.
May 27,
1986, and U.S. Patent No. 4,993,061 titled "Portable Miniature High Fidelity
Stereo
Tape Player and Cordless Radio Telephone System" and issued to Hsieh on
February
12, 1991. Although hands-free technology, phone answering may be known, the
discovery of the combination of the hands-free technology phone answering with
the other aspects of the present invention are considered to be part of the
present
invention.
Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown a flow diagram illustrating one
example of a process used by the present invention for hands free technology
phone
answering. The process begins by the receiving of an incoming call at step
610. The
incoming call is routed from step 610 depending upon the mode of the phone or
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electronic audio equipment. If the phone or electronic audio equipment is in
an off
mode, the incoming call is routed at step 622 to voice mail at step 630. If
the phone
or electronic audio equipment is in a busy mode, i.e. operating on a call in
progress, the
incoming call is routed at step 624 to the voice mail at step 630. If the
phone or
electronic audio equipment is in a standby mode, the incoming call is routed
at step 626
to a step 640. In step 640, the system sends a ring signal through the
speakers or
a_ headset of the electronic audio equipment, and fades the volume of the
electronic audio
equipment out. If the incoming call is not answered in response to the ring
signal in
step 640, i.e. the user does not "pick up" the phone, the incoming call is
routed at step
640 to the voice mail in step 630. If a user answers the incoming call in
response to the
ring signal in step 640, the incoming call is routed at step 640 to progress
into a "call
in progress" at step 650. Once the "call in progress" is completed in step
650, the user
disconnects or "hangs up" the connection and the electronic audio equipment is
returned to standby condition and its normal volume and audio play mode at
step 660.
Referring now to FIG. 18, there is shown a flow diagram illustrating one
example of hands free technology used in the present invention for data type
functionality. The process begins with an incoming data call received at step
710. The
incoming data call is routed from step 710 depending on the mode of the
electronic
audio equipment with the modem. If the electronic equipment is in an off mode,
the
incoming call is routed at step 722 to a store and forward mailbox at step
730. If the
electronic audio equipment is in a busy mode, i.e. operating on a current call
in
progress, the incoming call is routed at step 724 to the store and forward
mailbox in
step 730. If the electronic audio equipment is in a standby mode, the incoming
data call
is routed at step 726 to a step 740. In step 740, a ring signal is generated
for indicating
that an incoming data call exists. If the automatic connection or "pick up" of
the
modem is not activated, the incoming call is routed at step 740 to the store
and forward
mailbox at step 730. If the modem pick up is activated, the incoming data catl
is routed
at step 740 to the call in progress mode at 750. After the call in progress
has
terminated, the modem disconnects or "hangs up" and the electronic audio
equipment
is returned to the orignal volume and function, and is placed into the standby
mode at
step 760.
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Referring now to FIG. 19, there is shown a flow diagram illustrating the
process
of receiving an incoming call on a Radio Data System (RDS) electronic audio
system.
The process begins with an inconiing voice or data call at the step of 810.
Sensing of
an incoming call activates the RDS message at step 820 and the
telecommunications
unit receives the call. The routing of the incoming call is determined by the
mode of
the telecommunications unit. If the telecommunications unit is in an off mode,
the
incoming call is routed at step 832 to voice mail storage and forwarding mail
box at
step 840. If the telecommunications unit is in a busy mode, i.e. operating
with a call
in progress, the incoming call is routed at step 834 to the voice mail storage
and
forwarding mail box at step 840. If the telecommunications unit is in a
standby mode,
the incoming call is routed at step 836 to step 850. In step 850, a ring
signal is
generated and the RDS electronic equipment deactivates the volume of the
electronic
audio system. If the incoming call is not picked up, the incoming call is
routed at step
850 to the voice mail storage and forwarding mail box at step 840. If the
incoming call
is picked up, the incoming call is converted to a call in progress at step
860. Once the
call in progress has tenminated, the telecommunications unit is disconnected
or "hanged
up" and the RDS electronic equipment activates the volume back to a normal
condition
and sets the telecommunications unit to a standby mode in step 870.
Referring now to FIG. 20 there is shown an illustration of yet another aspect
of the present invention. The combination of use of the modular unit 31 is
thus
illustrated with its placement within a utility meter 410. Utility meters
numerically
register the magnitude of items such as electricity, gas, or the like. It
should be noted
that either module 31 or 131 could be used in such a combination depending on
the
need for an external antenna. Reference to module 31 and not to module 131 is
for
purposes of illustration only. The meter 410 includes a mounting slot 511 for
the
installation of the modular unit 31. The slot 511 is constructed with side
walls 512 and
a frontal opening 513. A mating connector 514 is disposed along end 515 for
mating
with the connector 33 of the module 31. The meter 410 has a display 414 for
displaying the numeric infonnation of the meter 410. A cable 418 connects the
display
414 to the numeric information of the display 414 to preassigned pins of the
mating
connector 514. ry
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Still referring to FIG. 20, the connecting end 134a of the module 31 includes
a recess 134 which houses the connectors 151 and 154. The connector 151 is
preferably a coaxial connector adapted for coupling to antenna 138, while
connector
154 is constructed for connecting external power (if necessary) to the modular
unit 31.
The modular antenna structure 138 is also shown in position for mounting to
the end
134a of the unit 31. An AC/DC power supply (not shown) provides external
electrical
power to the module 31 from an external source. In one construction of the
present
invention, the connector 33 of the module 31 can be modified to receive the
power
from an internal power source 415 of the meter 410 through a cable 419 and the
mating
connector 514.
Still referring to FIG. 20, in a construction which utilizes the module 131
instead of module 31, the meter 410 includes a power supply 415 and an antenna
416.
The power supply 415 is connected to power contacts in the mating connector
514 by
a cable 419. The power contacts in the mating connector 514 are adapted for
connecting with the contacts 149a and 149b of the connector 133 (shown in FIG.
4).
The antenna 416 is connected to an antenna contact in the mating connector by
a cable
417. The antenna contacts in the mating connector 514 connect with the contact
149c
of the connector 133 (shown in FIG. 4).
Still referring to FIG. 20, although the present invention has been
illustrated
using a meter such as a utility meter, the present invention can also be used
with other
equipment, such as electrical readers, gas meter readers, pipeline meters,
container
traffic, or the like, that produce numeric or other information that needs to
be
transmitted into a central database. The present invention applies to both
commercial
and consumer applications. Discovery of the combination of a
telecommunications
transceiver. module with a utility meter which provides numerical information
is
considered to be a part of the present invention. Users can receive the
numerical data
displayed on the meter 410 by dialing the telecommunications module of the
meter
410. This allows the user to not only capture data from the meter 410, but
also to
perform remote surveillance and management of the site, reader, or other
equipment.
The use of a module 31 or 131 which operates on a packet switching technology,
such
as Mobitex, provides a secure transmission of the data. The size of a radio
modem on
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a module such as a PCMCIA module, allows easy maintenance and service by
replacing
the faulty modules with a new module.
As described above it may be seen that the modular units 31 and 131 have
multiple uses. From a design perspective, they may be relatively thick, on the
order of
10.5mm and the particular electronic equipment will have to be appropriately
modified
in design for receipt thereof. The edge 33 of the modular unit 31 may include
a
standard PCMCIA 3.0mm card interconnection. Moreover, as described above the
card edge connector 33 may include special pin outs 149a and 149b for higher
power
,connection and consumption in certain situations.
It may further be seen from the figures above that antenna connections, as
well
as special power connections, enable the implementation of a modular unit with
a
minimum of special adaptations required for individual installations in
electronic
systems or equipment. In this way, the system of the present invention enables
the
construction of modular radio communications units for flexible adaptation to
different
standards and different circumstances but which can be incorporated into a
standard
card slots in a variety of electronic devices that are on the market today.
While it is believed that the operation and construction of the system of the
present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description, the method
of
operation and structure of the system shown and described has been
characterized as
being preferred and obvious changes and modifications may be made therein
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
