WO2007057895A2

WO2007057895A2 - Interface to a communication and positioning device

Info

Publication number: WO2007057895A2
Application number: PCT/IL2006/001322
Authority: WO
Inventors: Doron Kedem
Original assignee: Starcom Systems Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-11-16
Filing date: 2006-11-15
Publication date: 2007-05-24
Also published as: IL172003A0; WO2007057895A3

Abstract

A communication and positioning interface device (CPID) installable in vehicles, such as motorcycles, is connectable to communication and positioning device (CPD) through which it is connected to a global satellite positioning system (GPS) and to a cellular communications network. The CPID provides for exchanging information between a user, sensors and mechanical indicators within the vehicle and a central station, such that monitoring, controlling, detecting of an unauthorized use of the vehicle and rescue missions can be managed and performed. The CPID is also connectable to the internal audio system of the vehicle and to computers, such as a laptop, palm or personal digital assistant device (PDA). The CPID has an engaging device onto which a CPD is mounted and a control unit having an internal battery that is electrically powered by the internal power system of the vehicle.

Description

INTERFACE TO A COMMUNICATION AND POSITIONING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to motorcycle communications systems. More particularly the invention relates to an interface to the global positioning system (GPS), and to voice and data communications modules installable on vehicle such as motorcycles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systems utilizing location data received from a global positioning satellites system (GPS) are known in the art. Such systems consist of GPS units providing their exact location based on radio frequency (RF) transmissions received from satellites. Systems providing for fleet management or prevention of unauthorized use of vehicles typically consist of such GPS units in addition to communication devices. The exact location of the vehicles is automatically reported by means of the communication device to a control center and is further utilized for guiding the drivers and providing them with navigational assistance, locating a lost vehicle and providing rescue when needed. Such systems are typically interfaced with various sub-systems of the vehicle and also include vibration, volume and or movement sensors. US patent application 20040203564A1 discloses a motorcycle communications and burglary-prevention system. The system includes a motion detection interface, a motorcycle electrical generator driving interface, an electrical generator circuit controller, a system circuit controller, a controller for global system for mobile communications (GSM), a backup power source, a radio frequency (RF) remote controller, a GSM module, a GPS module and a voice communication interface. In addition to the basic burglary prevention functions, via the GSM module, GSM controller and the voice communication interface, the disclosed system also has functions of a satellite coordinate positioning guidance, telephone automatic dial-back, telephone voice deterrence, voice return, eavesdropping, emergent rescue seeking, connecting with a communication helmet for conducting hands-free communication and multimedia (entertainment function of MP3, FM radio, etc.). US patent application 20040036609A1 discloses an installation structure for an anti-theft device for motorcycle. The anti-theft device is capable for reporting its position by wirelessly transmitting at least identifying information utilizing a GPS module. The disclosed structure has a concealed case with a transparent part through which an indicator can be viewed having a lockable transparent lid. The disclosed structure further includes a battery charger connected to the motorcycle main battery.

US patent 6362778 discloses a communications and positioning device (CPD). The system includes a locator device communicating with both a central station and GPS satellites. The communication system provides for contacting the central station and includes a transmitter and receiver. A GPS unit provides for contacting the GPS system for determining a location of the locator device. Either operated by the user, or upon receipt of a location request signal from the central station, the locator unit activates the GPS unit to contact the GPS system and receive location data. The communication system utilizes one of a public switching telephone network (PSTN), global system for mobile communication (GSM), personal communication service (PCS) or the internet. Therefore by means of such system a user can communicate either with the central station or with a third party.

An interface device mountable on vehicles suitably motorcycles, fitted for connecting to a communication and positioning system, such as the above- mentioned personal locator, and connectable to various subsystems of a vehicle is therefore beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a connectivity diagram of a communications and positioning interface device (CPID) of the invention; Fig. 2 is a scheme of a CPID connected to a personal locating device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a structural block diagram of a CPID of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a side view of a CPID installed on a motorcycle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A communications and positioning interface device (CPID) according to the present invention is installable in vehicles such as motorcycles. The CPID is connectable to a communications and positioning device (CPD), and to selected units or subsystems of the vehicle as is described infra. An exemplary connectivity diagram of a CPID of the invention is shown by reference to Fig. 1. CPID 4 is connected by means of CPD 6 to a global satellite positioning system (GPS) 8 and to a cellular communications network 10. CPID 4 is connected to an audio system 11 and to computers such as a laptop, palm computer and or personal digital assistant device (PDA) 12. The CPID is electrically powered from the internal power system 13 of the vehicle. The CPID forms a data channel in which a CPD is installed, readily exchanging information between a user of the CPID, mechanical indicators in the vehicle and a central station as described infra. If a CPD is functionally connected, remote agents can be contacted and information can be presented to the user and exchanged with them, such as for example by voice communication between the user and a subscriber of a public telephony network.

CPID 4 is connectable to sensors 14, such as the main power switch, door locks and windows, as well as to special sensors such as volume sensor and or accelerometer. CPID 4 is also connectable to alarming systems 15, an immobilizer 17 and actuators 16 such as switches activating blinking of the vehicle's signal lights and blowing its horn. Reference is made now to Fig. 2 showing a scheme of a CPID according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, suitable for use on board a motorcycle. CPID 20 consists of two major units, an engaging device (ED) 22 and a CPID control unit 23. ED 22 is adapted for gripping CPD 24 by means of gripper 26 attached to ED cover 28. The inner face of cover 28 is optionally furnished with an elastic layer, such as rubber, for cushioning the gripped CPD when gripper 26 is securely locked and cover 28 is closed. ED Frame 30 is attachable to the body of the vehicle by means of connecting structures, not shown. Electrical connectors such as connector 32 fits in the respective sockets of the CPD for its powering and for interchanging signals between the CPID and the CPD. Gripper 26 firmly secures CPD 24 to frame 30 such that electrical connectivity between CPD 24 and the CPID control unit 23 is not interrupted due to mechanical vibrations likely to occur when the vehicle is in motion. ED cover 28 provides for limited protection of a CPD against humidity and dust. Optionally, EDs for motorcycles are housed in an additional case further described infra. Variants suitable for installation in cars consist of a coverless ED in which a gripper is located at the sidewalls or on top of the back of frame 30. Therefore in such cases a user is free to access the operating keys of the CPD and watch its display. CPID control unit 23 is disposed in a sealed housing 34, protecting its electrical circuitry against humidity, dust and condensed water. Electrical wires 36 facilitate the connecting of control unit 23 to subsystems of the vehicle such as for example the power system of the vehicle and to the main switch. Optionally a CPID control unit is connectable to a bus of the vehicle's computer, sensors, relays and actuators for activating selected subsystems in the vehicle and or to external antennae, by means of electrical wires such as are wires 36.

Reference is made to Fig. 3, which shows a layout of the components of a CPID of the invention. ED 40 is electrically connected to the CPID control unit 42 by means of cables suitable for transferring digital data to and from the CPD and RF signals between the CPD and external antenna installed on the vehicle. CPID control unit 42 includes an input output (I/O) interface controller 44 capable of receiving and sending a number of independent discrete DC signals, typically 1 - 12. Analog input controller 48 is capable of receiving a few analog signals typically 1 - 2 different signals, from analog sensors such as the tachometer of the vehicle, digitize and transfer them to the memory of the CPID controller for further analysis as is described infra. Audio interface unit 50 connects the CPD to a microphone and loud speakers or headphones. Digital I/O port 52 typically consisting of serial I/O ports such as RS 232, provides for linking the CPD to peripherals such as a keypad, or to a computer. An uninterruptible power source, not shown, including internal power supply, battery charger, control circuitry and optional rechargeable battery such as a lithium battery, provides for powering the CPID control unit 42, charging the internal battery of the CPD and optionally serving as a battery backup for the CPD.

CPID controller 54 receives signals from the CPD, sends status reports to a central station regarding the vehicle, activates signaling for an incoming and outgoing voice communications and or messaging such as SMS. It receives signals from the discrete interface I/O controller 44 and analog input controller 48 and analyzes them according to preset criteria related to the status of the vehicle. CPID controller 54 further reports to the central station and or automatically activates selected subsystems of the vehicle by means of the discrete interface I/O controller 44. Optionally CPID controller 54 is operative in immobilizing the vehicle either by itself when is programmed for such application, or remotely by a command transmitted from the central station. Controller 54 is capable of storing in its memory, selected list of destination dialing numbers providing for a short dialing. Optionally controller 54 is programmed for performing navigational tasks such as inserting reference points, or route tracking. In such a case the CPID is connected to a PDA for displaying a route to the user and presenting calculations base on the inputs and their impact on the proposed route.

Programming the controller is carried out as known in the art, either by means of a palm computer or a PDA connected to the CPID, or remotely from a central station. Optionally the CPID is furnished with additional memory, to facilitate further tasks, for example audio streaming, or video applications. For implementing audio applications, it is linked to a sound system in the vehicle, headphones, or to ear-buds, connected by wires to the CPID or wirelessly connected by means of a dedicated RF interface allowing for a hand free utilization.

The heat generated in the CPID circuitry is conducted to its walls and then dissipated to the ambient air by conduction and radiation. Electrical cables and sealed connectors complying with the common standards of the automotive industry are employed for the RF, analog, digital and DC signals, as well as for electrical powering of the CPID and CPD. Typically lockable compartments inside a car are protected from an unauthorized access as well as from environmental hazards such as dust, humidity and condensed water. Therefore housing a CPID in a special sealed and or lockable case inside a lockable compartment of the vehicle is not required. However a CPID housed inside a dust-free and a waterproof sealed case is installed on a motorcycle, as known in the art. This case is preferably mounted in concealed locations such as under a seat, or inside a lockable storing compartment for housing helmets and or luggage. Reference is made to Fig. 4 showing a side view of a motorcycle furnished with a CPID according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A hinge located at the side of sit 80, not shown, connects it to the motorcycle body. Seat 80 can be locked by means of lock 82. Seat 80 is rotatable between two positions the first position is a closed position as shown. In a second position the seat is tilted towards the steering, which opens a compartment otherwise covered by the seat. The ED housed in case 84 is attached to the rear wall of this compartment and while CPID control unit 86 is attached to its bottom. Electrical cables connecting the control unit with subsystems of the motorcycle are not shown.

Uses of a CPID of the invention

A vehicle furnished with a CPID on which a CPD is installed is equipped for various functions related to fleet management such as vehicle tracking, reporting, controlling and or prioritizing assignments to. Other tasks facilitated are for example prevention of unauthorized use of a vehicle, messaging and voice communication by means of public communications networks, and entertaining a user of the vehicle. The ED of a CPID is a dual- purpose apparatus, it is used for both mounting a CPD such as a personal locator on the vehicle and for connecting the CPD to various sub-systems of the vehicle. Such subsystems are the sound and or audio systems, vehicle's main switch, door locks and windows, the vehicle's electrical power generator and or fuel injectors, as well as to a palm computer, laptop or PDA. The CPID analyzes signals from the various sensors and or subsystems of the vehicle and report the central station, activates alarm signals such as blinking the vehicles lights and or blowing its horn when is programmed for such activations. The CPID is typically installed in a concealed and lockable compartment on board the vehicle.

Claims

1. A communications and positioning interface device (CPID), connectable to a communications and positioning device (CPD), for use on board a vehicle, comprising:

• an engaging device consisting of:

• a frame attachable to a body of a vehicle;

• a gripper for securing said CPD to said frame, wherein said CPD automatically receives navigation signals and communicates with at least a central station by means of a cellular communications network;

• an audio interface unit connectable at least to a microphone for providing voice communications between a user of said CPID and at least one subscriber of a public telephony network, wherein said audio controller is electrically connected to said CPD.

2. A CPID as in claim 1 , further comprising:

• an input and output controller for receiving a first DC signal from at least one sensor on board said vehicle and transmitting at least a second DC signal to an actuator on board said vehicle; • an analogue input controller for receiving analogue signals from at least one analogue sensor on board said vehicle, and wherein said CPID is operative in further storing and analyzing said received first DC signal and said received analogue signals.

3. A CPID as in any of claims 1, or 2, further comprising at least one serial digital port for transferring data to and from said CPID.

4. A CPID as in claim 3, connected to any device selected from a group of devices including keypads, personal digital assistants (PDA), palm computers, laptop computers, and any combination thereof.

5. A CPID as in claim 3, further comprising additional memory, wherein said audio interface unit is linked to any device selected from a group of devices including sound systems, loudspeakers, headphones, ear-buds and any combination thereof.

6. A CPID as in claim 5, wherein said audio interface unit is linked to said device by wires.

7. A CPID as in claim 5, wherein said audio interface unit is wirelessly linked to said device.

8. A CPID as in claim 3, wherein said CPID is further operative in signalling to at least one subscriber of a public telephony network.

9. A CPID as in claim 3, wherein said CPID is further operative in 5 activating alarming signals.

10. A CPID as in claim 3, wherein said CPID is further operative in immobilizing said vehicle.

10 11. A CPID as in claim 3, wherein said CPID is remotely programmed from said central station.

12. A CPID as in any of claims 1 through 11 installed on a motorcycle.

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