U.S. patent application number 15/118772 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for vehicle communications module.
The applicant listed for this patent is NEW DAWN INNOVATIONS LTD. Invention is credited to Dan Copley, Jon Merricks.
Application Number | 20170054203 15/118772 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50440172 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170054203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Merricks; Jon ; et
al. |
February 23, 2017 |
Vehicle Communications Module
Abstract
A self-contained antenna module for attachment to a vehicle
exterior, includes a connector for attaching to an existing wired
feed connector to an entertainment head unit, a cellular
communications module, e.g. a 3G/4G module configured to provide a
local wireless internet access point, and a renewable energy source
for generating independently of the vehicle's own power source
electrical energy for charging an on-board battery which provides
power to the cellular communications module.
Inventors: |
Merricks; Jon; (Hampshire,
GB) ; Copley; Dan; (Hampshire, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEW DAWN INNOVATIONS LTD |
Hampshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
50440172 |
Appl. No.: |
15/118772 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
February 16, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2015/000058 |
371 Date: |
August 12, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/80 20180201; H04W
76/14 20180201; H04H 20/08 20130101; Y02E 10/728 20130101; F03D
9/11 20160501; H04R 3/12 20130101; H04H 20/62 20130101; F03D 9/32
20160501; Y02E 10/72 20130101; H01Q 1/3275 20130101; H01Q 1/2291
20130101; F03D 80/82 20160501; G01S 19/13 20130101; F03D 9/25
20160501 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 1/32 20060101
H01Q001/32; H01Q 1/22 20060101 H01Q001/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 14, 2014 |
GB |
1402627.2 |
Apr 28, 2014 |
GB |
1407438.9 |
Claims
1. A vehicle communications module comprising: a connector for
attaching the module to an external part of the vehicle exterior, a
cellular communications module providing wireless Internet data
connectivity, and a renewable energy source configured to provide
power to the cellular communications module when mounted to the
vehicle exterior.
2. The module according to claim 1, wherein the connector is
configured to be attached to the existing aerial connector on a
vehicle exterior.
3. The module according to claim 2, wherein the connector comprises
a bolt extending from a bottom of said module, and which is
dimensioned and arranged to locate within an existing antenna
connector socket located externally on a vehicle, for
interconnecting the internal circuitry of the module and the
existing wired feed.
4. The module according to claim 1, wherein the renewable energy
source comprises a wind turbine.
5. The module according to claim 1, wherein the renewable energy
source comprises a solar cell.
6. The module according to claim 1, wherein the cellular
communications module is configured to be initiated automatically
upon detecting a predetermined signal issued by the vehicle over a
wireless channel.
7. The module according to claim 1, further comprising a
non-cellular wireless communications module, configured to
communicate with a remote terminal.
8. The module according to claim 1, further comprising a Digital
Audio Broadcasting (DAB) receiver connected to an onboard antenna
for receiving and decoding DAB channels and transmitting said
channels using an analogue frequency down a wired feed to an
internal head unit of the vehicle.
9. A self-contained antenna module for attachment to a vehicle
exterior, comprising: a connector for removable attachment to an
existing wired feed connector to an entertainment head unit, a
cellular communications module configured to provide a local
wireless internet access point, and a renewable energy source
generating independently of the vehicle's own power source
electrical energy for charging an on-board battery, which provides
power to the cellular communications module.
10. A self-contained antenna module for retro-fit attachment to a
vehicle exterior, comprising: a casing; a connector projecting from
a lower wall of the casing for removable attachment to an existing
connector on a vehicle exterior which feeds to an entertainment
head unit, within the casing, a cellular communications module
configured to provide a local wireless internet access point, and a
rechargeable battery for providing power to the cellular
communications module; and a renewable energy source for generating
independently of the vehicle's own power source electrical energy
for charging said battery.
11. The module according to claim 10, further comprising an antenna
connected to the connector for the reception of radio signals which
are fed to the entertainment head unit in use.
12. The module according to claim 10, wherein the renewable energy
source comprises a wind turbine partially or entirely housed within
the casing, at a front thereof.
13. The module according to claim 12, wherein the wind turbine is
substantially horizontally mounted, so as to rotate in use about a
substantially vertical axis.
14. The module according to claim 12, wherein the wind turbine is
mounted within a generally arcuate opening in the front surface of
the casing.
15. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a vehicular communications module
for providing a wireless Internet data connection for use within
the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The provision of a wireless internet service in vehicles is
currently very limited to high-end providers, but is likely to
increase in the coming years.
[0003] The current technology requires the provision of a 3G/4G
modem/router with associated antenna mounted on the vehicle's roof
and usually combined with a radio and GPS receiver. The
modem/router, and other components, requires power which is drawn
directly from the vehicle's power loom from the battery which
passes via a wire to the vehicle's roof.
[0004] This means that there is currently no straightforward way to
retro-fit a wireless communications module onto a car. The fact
that power is drawn from the battery may limit the life of the
battery over time and there is the potential for a flat battery if
the wireless communications module is overused. It may also have a
long-term effect on the environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A first aspect of the invention provides a vehicle
communications module comprised of a connector for attaching the
module to an external part of the vehicle, a cellular
communications module for providing wireless Internet data
connectivity, e.g. using 3G/4G, and a renewable energy source
configured to provide power to the cellular communications module
when mounted to the vehicle exterior.
[0006] The connector may be configured to be attached to the
existing aerial connector on a vehicle exterior.
[0007] The renewable energy source may be a wind turbine and/or a
solar cell. The renewable energy unit may be a wind power
harvester. A harvesting energy unit can harvest solar and kinetic
energy and covert to electrical energy. The powering may be by
means of a battery which stores the energy from the renewable
energy unit and powers the receiver, communications module and
transmitter when required, at a later point in time.
[0008] The cellular communications module may be configured to be
initiated automatically upon detecting a predetermined signal
issued by the vehicle over a wireless channel.
[0009] The module may further comprise a non-cellular wireless
communications module, e.g. a Bluetooth module, for communicating
with a remote terminal.
[0010] The module may further comprise a digital radio receiver,
e.g. a DAB receiver connected to an onboard antenna for receiving
and decoding digital radio channels, e.g. DAB channels, and for
transmitting said channels using an analogue, e.g. FM, frequency
down a wired feed to the vehicle's internal head unit. In the
context of this specification, digital radio means any form of
digitally modulated radio including but not limited to DAB, DAB+
and satellite radio.
[0011] A second aspect provides a self-contained antenna module for
attachment to a vehicle exterior, comprising a connector for
attaching to an existing wired feed connector to an entertainment
head unit, a cellular communications module, e.g. a 3G/4G module
configured to provide a local wireless internet access point, and a
renewable energy source for generating independently of the
vehicle's own power source electrical energy for charging an
on-board battery which provides power to the cellular
communications module.
[0012] A third aspect provides a method of providing wireless
internet on-board a vehicle, comprising: removing an existing
aerial from a connector on the exterior of the vehicle; and
connecting the module of any preceding definition to the exterior
connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting
example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram of a DAB receiver unit
which includes a cellular Internet module according to the
invention, provided as part of a car aerial unit, shown in relation
to existing car audio infrastructure;
[0015] FIG. 1(b) shows front and side views of an alternative DAB
receiver and cellular Internet unit according to the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of functional components of the
DAB receiver unit in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing processing steps performed
by the DAB receiver unit in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing processing steps in an
alternative setup performed by the DAB receiver unit in FIG. 1 or
FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of functional components of the
DAB receiver unit in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 in a second embodiment,
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of DAB to FM frequency preset
assignments, which is useful for understanding the operation of a
second embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 7 shows views of an example intermediate module for
mounting on a vehicle exterior;
[0022] FIG. 8 shows views of a further example intermediate module
for mounting on a vehicle exterior;
[0023] FIG. 9 shows the FIG. 8 module connected to a base unit and
with an antenna connected to the top;
[0024] FIG. 10 shows views of a further example module for mounting
on a vehicle exterior;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 10 module;
and
[0026] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a further embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0027] Embodiments described below relate to aerial units which can
be retro-fitted to a vehicle's exterior and which include a
cellular communications module providing wireless Internet
connectivity. The units have an on-board renewable power generator
in the form of a wind turbine, which delivers charging current to
an on-board battery as the vehicle travels. The battery powers the
cellular communications module, thereby offering a neat solution to
providing wireless Internet access on virtually any vehicle.
Although not essential to the invention, the embodiments also
provide a DAB receiving capability to provide a combined solution
and hence are introduced as "DAB receiver units".
[0028] A first embodiment comprises a DAB receiver unit provided in
the form of a self-contained aerial unit that comprises the
functionality to scan, receive and indicate to a remote device
(e.g. a head unit) both DAB and FM channels receivable through an
on-board antenna which may be integrally attached or which may be
detachable. Upon receiving selection of a channel from the remote
device, the aerial unit transmits the channel (after decoding in
the case of DAB) down the existing FM feed to the vehicle's head
unit. This is done over an available FM frequency. The DAB receiver
unit is designed to connect to the external antenna connector,
commonly found on the roof of a vehicle, which connector is
connected via a wired feed to the vehicle's head end. This aerial
unit in use replaces, or works with the existing, standard FM whip
or fin type aerial fitted to vehicle exteriors. Attachment is by
means of a threaded bolt that screws within the standard roof
socket, for example the universally-used 4.5 mm socket. This socket
has an existing wired connection to the FM input of the vehicle's
head unit which handles analogue FM channel selection, channel
display, and output to the speakers.
[0029] Further, the aerial unit comprises a cellular communications
module, in this case a 3G/4G communications unit, which provides
wireless access to the Internet.
[0030] Further still, the aerial unit comprises a renewable energy
source, for example one or both of a wind turbine or solar cell(s)
that converts kinetic/solar energy to electrical energy which is
stored within an internal rechargeable (e.g. lithium) battery of
the aerial unit for powering its internal electronics, including
the cellular communications module. In the case of a wind turbine,
the travel of the vehicle will generate sufficient energy for an
estimated 10 to 12 hours of continual usage when the vehicle is
subsequently stationary.
[0031] A second embodiment is also described later on, in which a
similar retro-fit aerial unit is provided, having a memory for
storing a plurality of preset analogue frequencies, e.g. FM
frequencies, assigned to each of which is a DAB radio station set
by a user. In addition, as back-up, the FM frequency or frequency
range that corresponds to the same radio station as each DAB
station can also be stored. This is so that should the DAB signal
fail, the same radio station can be sent in its FM form down the
respective present FM frequency in hopefully a seamless manner. The
assignment can be performed using an external computer program or
application. The aerial unit may connect to a PC or similar
computing device running the computer program through a wired
connection, e.g. a USB or micro-USB connector, or over a wireless
connection, e.g. a WiFi connection to a home network. The wired
connection can enable charging of the unit. The aerial unit in this
embodiment simultaneously transmits down the wired feed to the head
unit each of the decoded DAB stations on their respective assigned
frequency. At the head unit, therefore, the user can scan the FM
spectrum to one of the assigned frequencies at which point the
corresponding DAB station is output. In practise, the user may save
the assigned frequencies to the head units preset buttons, as
commonly provided.
[0032] This embodiment does not therefore require a remote device,
e.g. a Bluetooth device, to select a DAB station from within the
vehicle, as these are preset into the unit's memory. However, the
memory may store a special frequency assigned to a remote Bluetooth
device, and this frequency can be used to carry audio/video
(generally `media`) sent from the Bluetooth device and transmit it
down the wired feed to the head unit. This allows tracks saved on
the Bluetooth device also to be played via the head unit.
[0033] Similarly, the second embodiment includes a cellular
communications module for wireless internet connectivity, which
receives power from an on-board renewable energy source which
charges an internal battery.
[0034] Aspects of the first and second embodiments can be combined,
e.g. with the preset channel memory in the second embodiment also
being provided in the first embodiment. Both embodiments can be
provided in a series of product options. Both embodiments can also
utilise geographic positioning means, e.g. data from a GPS
receiver, to identify dead zones (areas of weak or no signal) where
all or certain DAB channels cannot be received, or the signal level
is low, and to report the positions to an external system. The GPS
positioning data can come from a portable device such as a mobile
telephone or similar mobile terminal.
[0035] The first embodiment will now be described in detail.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1(a), a self-contained DAB and FM aerial
unit (hereafter "aerial unit") 1 is shown in relation to a
vehicle's existing infrastructure. This existing infrastructure
comprises an aerial base 3 connected to a car roof 5 by a rubber
gasket 7. A wire feed 9 connects the base 3 to the FM input of the
car's head unit 11 which comprises the facia, controls and
electronics for demodulating, amplifying and outputting an analogue
signal. The head unit 1 is powered by the car's 12v battery and
audio is output to speakers 15. All this is conventional and so
further explanation is not required.
[0037] The aerial unit 1 comprises a receiver module 19, a whip
antenna 21 and a threaded bolt 17 connected to the receiver module
19.
[0038] The threaded bolt 17 connects to the socket in the base 3,
providing an analogue output signal from the receiver module 19.
The receiver module 19 itself is connected in this case to the whip
antenna 21 (although any type of DAB compatible or capable antenna
can be used) and circuitry within the receiver module is powered by
stored energy harvested from a renewable energy source, in this
case generated by a wind turbine 23 internal to the unit 1.
Alternatively or additionally, solar cell(s) may be mounted on or
around the unit. Visible in FIG. 1 is one of a pair of grilles
which enable ingress and egress of air as the car moves. A micro
USB socket 20 is provided as another source of power to an internal
battery of the unit 1 and also for the transfer of data, if
required.
[0039] FIG. 1(b) shows an alternative aerial unit 50 comprising a
receiver module 51 having a base 52 for connection to the wired
feed on the vehicle roof, an upper connector 53 for connection to
an antenna, and front and rear grilles 54, 55 between which is
positioned a vertically mounted wind turbine 60, although it is
possible that the orientation may be off-vertical. The function and
internal circuitry is considered largely identical to that shown in
FIG. 1(a). A Bluetooth pairing button 56 is provided on the body
exterior, covered by a bung or plug for waterproofing and/or dust
protection, the role of which will be explained below. This button
56 may also serve as a power-on button, e.g. if held down it turns
the unit 50 on, although the unit 50 may also be configured to be
turned on automatically upon detecting when the vehicle ignition is
turned on and/or if the vehicle is moving. A micro-USB socket 57 is
provided as another source of power to an internal battery and also
for the transfer of data, if required.
[0040] In the aerial units 1, 50 the whip antenna 21 is shown
permanently fixed to the receiver module 19, 51 as part of the unit
but it can be removable by means of a bolt that secures to a top
socket of the receiver module. The bolt (not visible in the Figure)
will be substantially identical in dimensions to the bolt 18 on the
base. In the case of the latter, the receiver module 19, 51 act as
an intermediate module and all the user needs to do is unscrew the
existing antenna 21 from the vehicle roof, connect the receiver
module 19, 51 in its place, and then screw the antenna to the top.
For ease of explanation, however, we will assume that the whip
antenna 21 is permanently fixed to the receiver module 19, 51 in
the following.
[0041] Any of the antennae disclosed herein could be a passive or
powered (amplified) antenna, if sufficient power is available.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, components of the receiver module
19, 51 comprise a baseband processor 23 which is connected to a RF
tuner 25, a digital to analogue convertor (DAC) 27 and to a
Bluetooth module 29. The baseband processor 23 can be of any
suitable form, including one or plural microcontrollers or
microprocessors. Although not shown. RAM and external flash memory
may also be connected to the baseband processor 23 to enable
operation thereof. The baseband processor 23, RF tuner 25 and DAC
27 can be provided by a conventional off-the-shelf package, such as
Frontier Silicon's Verona.TM. module. The Bluetooth module 29 can
be an off-the-shelf CSR.TM. Bluetooth module. The baseband
processor 23, RF tuner 25, DAC 27 and Bluetooth module 29 are
collectively powered by a lithium ion 800 mA battery 31 which is
charged by the aforementioned wind turbine 23.
[0043] The RF tuner 25 is both a DAB and FM tuner, although
separate units can be used. It is connected to the whip antenna
indicated by reference numeral 21.
[0044] Software or firmware is provided on the baseband processor
23 (or alternatively on a separate processor) to control the
operation of the receiver module 19, 51 as will be explained below.
Control of the receiver module 19, 51 is in this embodiment by
means of a wireless terminal, likely to be a terminal such as
smartphone or tablet 39, but it can be any portable communications
device with a display screen and user inputs.
[0045] The receiver module 19, 51 also comprises a 3G/4G cellular
communications module 80 which draws power from the battery 31
which is charged by the wind turbine 23. The antenna associated
with this module 80 can be combined with the whip antenna 21 or a
separate antenna can be provided. This module 80 is largely
conventional in that it includes a modem of the bidirectional
transfer of data wirelessly using cellular communications, enabling
computer devices in-range of the module, particularly those inside
the car, to access the Internet. The internal fixed computer system
of the vehicle may itself communicate using this connection. The
cellular communications module 80 may require a SIM card 81 or the
like provided by a cellular service provider, which may be inserted
into a suitable SIM or SD card slot of the module.
[0046] The cellular communications module 80 permits a wireless
internet connection to be provided without the need for a
connection to the vehicle's battery, as is conventional. This also
makes retro-fitting very convenient and is
environmentally-friendly.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, a first method of operation of the FIG.
2 components will be described in association with other
components.
[0048] Step 3.1 indicates the start condition, e.g. when the car is
first started. In step 3.2 the receiver unit 19 attempts to pair
with an in-range Bluetooth device 39, i.e. the tablet in FIG. 2.
The pairing can be an existing one that therefore occurs
automatically, or a new one where the pairing has to be set-up. If
the tablet 39 is not in-range or cannot be found (e.g. because it
is switched off) then in step 3.3. the receiver unit 19 simply acts
as a FM feed-through and in step 3.4 passes analogue FM signals
down the wire feed 9 to the head unit 11. If in step 3.3. a paired
connection is identified, then the RF tuner 25 is configured to
scan available DAB (and FM) channels. In step 3.6 radiotext (or
Dynamic Label Segment--DLS) data identifying the channel name, song
titles, music type, images etc. is transmitted to the tablet 39
using Bluetooth. At the tablet 39 a dedicated "Application" is used
to display this information in a form of Electronic Programme Guide
(EPG) which can be selected using, e.g. touch gestures.
[0049] In step 3.8, a channel selection effected by the user on the
tablet 39 app causes a selection signal to be sent back to the
receiver module 19, 51 over Bluetooth. When received at step 3.9
the selected channel is received, decoded and transmitted over an
available FM frequency down the wire feed 9 as an analogue signal
for output by the head unit 11 in the conventional way, i.e. at
step 3.11.
[0050] FIG. 4 shows an alternative method of operation, which is
different in that audio tracks stored on the tablet 39 are also
scanned for (in step 4.6) and in step 4.7 both the track
information and the DAB DLS information is transmitted to the
tablet 39 for selection. The user is therefore presented with more
options for playback through the App EPG. Otherwise, the operation
is the same as that shown in FIG. 3.
[0051] If at any point in the operation the DAB signal is lost, the
receiver module 19, 51 will revert to FM operation.
[0052] The choice of FM frequency over which to send DAB channels
or tracks down the wire feed 9 can be done manually. In some
embodiments, the receiver module 19, 51 is configured to
automatically locate a free frequency in the conventional manner.
This can be performed periodically.
[0053] An additional step may be incorporated into the methods
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 which is to transmit a brand name associated
with the product along with the FM signal as Radio Data System
(RDS) information for display at the head unit 11.
[0054] The wind turbine 23 may be mounted horizontally, or
substantially horizontally, within the body of the receiver unit 19
so that it rotates about a vertical axis. This enables energy
generation as the car moves forwards. It is estimated that the
battery will provide 10 to 12 hours of continual usage when the car
is stationary following a non-trivial period of driving. The FIG.
1(b) embodiment employs a vertically-mounted wind turbine 60. In
both cases, the position of the turbine 23, 60 relative to the
vehicle can be adjusted, e.g. by a hinge or ball joint, in one or
more dimensions.
[0055] It will therefore be appreciated that the receiver module
19, 51 provides an elegant solution to providing a wireless
Internet connection, and also a DAB service to any vehicle by
utilising its existing wired feed 9 from aerial connector to head
unit 11. The provision of the in-built power generator(s) removes
the requirement for the unit 19, 51 to be connected to the battery,
e.g. using the lighter socket or a direct connection to the loom,
and lowers the carbon footprint by using a renewable source. The
local, personal area network (PAN) provided by the cellular
communications module 80 and Bluetooth module 29 removes the need
for a dedicated control unit. No specialist technical expertise is
necessary to retro-fit the module 19, 51.
[0056] A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the
receiver module 19, 51 is identical to that of the first
embodiment, but there is also provided a preset memory 70 which
stores within it data assignments between each of a plurality of
different FM radio frequencies and a DAB channel. FIG. 6 indicates
schematically example assignments in which six FM frequencies are
shown. Against five of these frequencies are assigned a respective
DAB channel and its FM equivalent as backup should the DAB channel
fail. This assignment is preferably performed using a special
application program stored on an external computer, e.g. the PC 80
indicated in FIG. 6. Alternatively, a Bluetooth device such as the
smart terminal (e.g. tablet) 39 can be used to set the assignment,
using a dedicated "App". The use of WiFi can be employed to set the
assignment without the need to disconnect the receiver module 19,
51 from the vehicle, if the module has a suitable communications
module provided. The user can communicate with the module 19, 51
when the vehicle is close-by, in the driveway for example, and set
the assignment using the smart terminal 39 or PC 80.
[0057] In use, the user will remove the module 19, 51 from the
vehicle, and connect it using the micro-USB port 20, 57 to the PC
80. The user selects via a Graphical User Interface (GUI) which
five DAB stations from a presented menu are to be allocated to each
distinct frequency. When the user has finished, the receiver module
19, 51 is synchronised to the application program and the
assignments are stored on the memory 70 as in FIG. 6.
[0058] Because the module 19, 51 has data connectivity, through the
cellular communications module 80, then the synchronisation may be
performed wirelessly.
[0059] In use, when the receiver module 19, 51 is re-connected to
the vehicle and so to the wired feed 9 and to the head unit 11,
each of the five digital channels is received, decoded and
simultaneously transmitted to the head unit over the distinct,
respective FM frequencies. Thus, only these five FM frequencies
will be available at the head unit 11 and scanning the head unit
across the FM spectrum in the normal way (whether a manual or auto
scan) will detect them to allow output of the associated DAB
channel. In practise, a user will likely assign the frequencies to
respective preset buttons on the head unit 11.
[0060] It will be appreciated that in this second embodiment, the
use of the Bluetooth module 29 for displaying and selecting a DAB
channel is not necessary; rather five DAB channels are preset into
the module 19.
[0061] Having said that, the sixth FM frequency shown in FIG. 6 is
a special frequency that is associated with the Bluetooth module
29. Any data received by the Bluetooth module 29, e.g. a track sent
from the user's tablet 39, is transmitted down the wired feed 9
over this sixth FM frequency simultaneously with the five DAB
channels for selective output at the head unit 11.
[0062] The application program for setting up and synchronising the
preset memory 70 may be associated with a user account with a
remote server. In this way, user preferences can be stored in
association with the account. As is conventional, initially, the
user will need to set up the account, including inputting an ID
associated with their module 29 hardware, as well as a username and
password.
[0063] Certain other features which are applicable to the first and
second embodiments will now be described.
[0064] In some embodiments, there is provided the ability to
identify the geographic location of the receiver module 19, 51 and
to use the location when no DAB channels are available (i.e.
because the car is in a dead zone), or certain DAB channels are
unavailable, to provide to a central server or database the
location information. In a refinement, DAB signal strength can be
recorded and uploaded to the server to provide an overall picture.
In this way, the central server can maintain an up-to-date picture
or map of DAB service quality based on a regular update stream from
potentially very many mobile units.
[0065] The geographic location may be obtained by a GPS receiver
provided in the receiver module 19, 51 or perhaps within the smart
terminal (e.g. tablet) 39. Cellular triangulation may be used as an
alternative or backup source of location information. In operation
the receiver module 19, 51 identifies when no DAB signal or
channel(s) is or are received (or signal strength information) and
at that time causes the current location to be recorded. Where the
location is determined on the receiver module 19, 51 it can be
stored locally and/or passed to the tablet 39 for subsequent
uploading to the central server. Where the location is determined
on the tablet 39, it simply stores the location when the received
DAB channels received over the Bluetooth link drop out. The
locations are subsequently uploaded to the central server.
[0066] Uploading to the central server can be by means of any data
channel when available. For example, the cellular communications
module 80 offers a straightforward way of passing the information
onwards wirelessly over the Internet.
[0067] In some embodiments, software within the receiver module 19,
51 is configured to detect and store different routes or journeys,
as well as dead zone information along the route or journey. In the
event that the progress of a stored journey is detected as being
taken by the vehicle subsequently, then the software is configured
to predict approaching dead zones and thereby switch to the FM
equivalent in advance of vehicle entering the dead zone.
Subsequently, when the dead zone is exited according to the stored
information, the DAB station is returned to.
[0068] An alternative or additional method is through docking the
tablet 39 to a home computer.
[0069] In some embodiments, the receiver module 19, 51 is
configured automatically to switch on and/or pair with a Bluetooth
device 39 in accordance with a signal received wirelessly from the
vehicle. In this regard, as is known, there is an on-board
diagnostic port provided on most cars referred to as OBD-II. This
takes data from various sensors of the vehicle primarily for
diagnostic purposes. It is currently possible to purchase
off-the-shelf an OBD-II Bluetooth unit which in the case of the
first and second embodiments described, would permit the status of
the vehicle (e.g. ignition on) to be transmitted wirelessly over
Bluetooth to the Bluetooth module 29 for switching the receiver
module 19, 51 on and/or for initiating pairing. Another option of
using the OBD-II port may be to alter the volume of the signal
output based on sensed engine speed, with the volume being
increased automatically as the RPM increases.
[0070] Although DAB has been given in the embodiments as an example
of a digital radio system, it will be appreciated that the system
and methods are applicable to other digital radio technologies.
Similarly, whilst Bluetooth has been used as the local data
streaming technology and protocol, alternatives may be used.
Similarly, in place of the tablet 39, any portable display device
having a wireless communications function enabling data exchange
with the receiver module 19, 51 can be used, for example a
smartphone.
[0071] A number of practical intermediate receiver modules which
can be used for modules 19, 51 are shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. Each is
an intermediate unit, meaning that the modules are secured to the
existing socket on a vehicle roof and the existing aerial secured
to a top socket, as will be explained.
[0072] FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show a first intermediate receiver
module 100 which comprises a plastics or metallic housing having a
fore surface 102 which is a polyhedron comprising of four flat
surfaces part of which are solid and part of which comprise a
grille 104 into which air can be received in use. The flat surfaces
meet at an apex point 106 within the grille 104. To the rear of the
housing is an aft fin 108 which projects upwardly and backwards.
Overall, the shape is found to be aerodynamic. A pair of vents 110
(only one of which can be seen in the Figures) allow the egress of
air from the internal part of the module 100. A top socket 112 is a
4.5 mm socket for receiving connection of a vehicle antenna. A
bottom bolt 114 is a 4.5.mm bolt for connection to a standard
socket on a vehicle, connected to the existing FM feed.
[0073] FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the receiving module
100 and it will be seen that a wind turbine 121 is mounted within a
central chamber 123 which is angled generally upwards towards the
rear with the central axis X-X at about 25 degrees to the
horizontal. Air is scooped upwardly through the central chamber 123
and causes the wind turbine 121 to turn. The wind turbine 121
itself comprises a generator 122 with a central rotor and plurality
of blades 124 angled downwardly, transverse to X-X, so that the
upwardly moving air causes them to turn. Air is exhausted through
the side vents.
[0074] The hardware used in the modules 19, 51, including the
battery and electronic circuitry, is securely located within one of
two watertight chambers 126, 127, or can be divided between both.
In this case, a lead 126 carrying the electricity generated by the
wind turbine 121 is shown entering the upper chamber 126 where the
battery (at least) will be stored. The FM analogue signal will be
connected to the bolt 114.
[0075] FIGS. 8(a)-(c) show a second intermediate receiver module
140, which is similar to that shown in FIG. 7 but in this case
comprises a generally smooth and curved fore surface 142 and a
curved aft fin 144. Otherwise, there are the same grille 148, top
socket 152 and bottom bolt 154 components and rear vents 149, as
well as the internally-mounted turbine 122 (comprising of generator
122 and blades 124) and upper and lower watertight chambers 160,
162 for battery, components and circuitry.
[0076] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second intermediate
receiver module 140 when connected to the base 160 provided on a
vehicle roof, and also with a whip aerial 162 connected to the top
socket 152.
[0077] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a still further practical example of a
receiver module 170 that may be retro-fitted to a vehicle's
exterior. The module 170 can be an intermediate unit or one with an
integral antenna. The module 170 comprises an aerodynamic base 172
which houses the battery module, aforementioned electronic
circuitry etc. A whip-type antenna 174 is connected to the aft end
of the base 172, extending upwardly at approximately 45 degrees. At
the front end of the base 172 is the renewable energy unit 176,
which can be a wind turbine or solar panel or combination of both.
For example, the wind turbine 176 can be horizontally mounted so
that it rotates efficiently about a vertical axis as the vehicle
moves forwards. The module 170 is relatively compact and its shape
is conducive to efficient, aerodynamic operation. A bolt (not
shown) which extends from the lower wall of the base 176 can be
used (as with the other aforementioned modules) to connect the
internal circuitry to the existing socket on the vehicle which
feeds to the vehicle's head unit.
[0078] FIG. 11 shows the receiver module 170 in cross-section, in
which it will be seen that an internal space 178 is provided within
which the battery module and electronic circuitry can locate. As
with other embodiments, a Bluetooth pairing button, power button
and socket can be provided on the exterior.
[0079] In the above embodiments, although the provision of the
wireless communications (3G/4G) module comprises also the provision
of digital (DAB) radio receiving modules, it should be understood
that, in some embodiments, only the former need be present. For
example, with reference to FIG. 12, a further embodiment is shown,
which is a self-contained roof-fitting unit 210 for providing
mobile wireless internet. The unit comprises the 3G/4G module 80
and the associated SIM 81 (if required). The power to module 80
comes from the rechargeable battery 31 in association with the
renewable power source 23 which charges it. A dedicated antenna 130
is also provided, and hence a retro-fit wireless internet solution
is provided. The FM antenna 30 otherwise feeds through to the bolt
and, when connected to the roof socket, is connected to the
vehicle's head unit for FM reception in the known manner. Radio and
internet capability is therefore independently provided through the
single unit. In some embodiments, a single antenna may be used for
both purposes. This principle may be achieved practically through
any of the housing units shown, and described with reference to,
FIGS. 7 to 10.
[0080] In some embodiments where the aerial is built-in or
integral, it will be a powered (amplified) aerial/antenna.
[0081] The term renewable energy is interchangeable and synonymous
with harvested energy, being the process of deriving energy from
external sources, such as solar power, thermal energy, wind energy
and kinetic energy.
[0082] It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments
are purely illustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the
invention. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to
persons skilled in the art upon reading the present
application.
[0083] Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should
be understood to include any novel features or any novel
combination of features either explicitly or implicitly disclosed
herein or any generalization thereof and during the prosecution of
the present application or of any application derived therefrom,
new claims may be formulated to cover any such features and/or
combination of such features.
* * * * *