Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a communications system for mobile applications, and particularly, though not exclusively, a communications system for use in an emergency vehicle such as a police, ambulance or fire vehicle.

Background of the Invention

Modern emergency vehicles, for example police cars, comprise in-situ computer systems providing a plurality of applications commonly employed by operators in the course of their duties. Applications running on the computer system may include a GPS navigation program, a digital radio GUI, a license plate recognition program and video playback facilities utilising external cameras. This list is non-exhaustive. Operation and display of said applications can be performed using a touch screen device mounted in the vehicle and which is connected to the computer system, usually stowed securely in the vehicle boot or trunk. The sirens, beacons, strobe lighting and matrix displays provided on such vehicles are controlled by a physically separate unit. This separate unit comprises a control system providing power management and overload protection for the aforementioned external devices connected to this unit. The control system is operated by another dedicated user control unit installed in the vehicle, separate from the touch screen device associated with the main computer system.

In addition to the usual radio systems used by officers to communicate with other officers and emergency control centres, emergency vehicles sometimes include a voice/data modem configured to transmit voice and other data over a cellular mobile telephone network, for example using 3G. Such conventional modem systems have disadvantages in that they are heavily reliant on network availability which may be degraded or non-existent in certain areas or terrains. Summary of the Invention

According to the invention, there is provided a communications device for use in mobile applications, for example in a vehicle, the device comprising, in a single unit, a plurality of modems each arranged to transmit and receive data according to a different wireless protocol, an input and an output port for passing data to and from an external computer system, and means arranged to enable user configuration of each modem from the external computer system.

The device provides a device capable of providing voice and data communications using a number of different wireless protocols, for example WiFi, 3G, HSDPA, GPRS and Bluetooth, thereby giving the operator options in terms of how best to get data to and from a remote device or base station. The modems are configurable using an external computer system enabling the modems to be updated or changed at the software or firmware level for greater flexibility. For example, SIM data can be updated to provide cellular communications over two or more different networks, thereby catering for the situation where one network is degraded or non-existent at a particular location. The input and output port may be a single physical port, for example a USB port.

The device may further comprise a hub arranged to allow electronic switching between a selected one of the modems and the physical port.

At least two of the modems may be configured to transmit and receive data using cellular communications protocols by means of different networks. One or more of the modems may be a satellite modem to enable the device to establish a satellite communications uplink and/or downlink.

The device may further comprise a GPS receiver arranged to provide geographical positioning data for transmission using one or more of the modems.

The device may be arranged to transmit the geographical positioning data to a specified external receiver in response to receiving an interrogation signal received from an external transmitter.

The GPS receiver may be further arranged to provide the geographical positioning data to a dedicated port for communication to an external device. The device may further comprise processing means arranged to receive, via one or more of the modems, an interrogation signal from an external communications device and to transmit a set of status data representative of the status of external electronic systems connected to the device to the or a further external communications device.

The interrogation signal can be received in the form of an SMS message, and in the processing means arranged to identify the external communications device that sent the message and to transmit the status data back to said communications device.

There may be provided vehicular computer system comprising a vehicle controller module arranged to generate data indicative of the state of one or more electronic systems associated with the vehicle, and the communications device according to the abovementioned definitions. The vehicle controller may be arranged to generate data indicative of the state of one or more of lights, beacons, sirens or matrix display devices provided on the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, there is provided an emergency vehicle computer system comprising: a computer system arranged to run one or more programs for output to a display system provided in the interior of the vehicle; a vehicle controller arranged to control any one of the vehicle's light, siren or display systems independently of the first processing system; and a communications device arranged to receive data from both the computer system and the vehicle controller, in which the communications device comprises, in a single unit, a plurality of modems each arranged to transmit and receive data according to a different wireless protocol and which is arranged to receive, via one or more of the modems, an interrogation signal from an external communications device and to transmit a set of status data representative of the status of either programs running on the computer system or devices under the control of the vehicle controller to the or a further external communications device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the main functional units of an in-vehicle computer system, including a communications module according to the invention; and

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the communications module in more detail.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figure 1 , the preferred embodiment relates to an in-vehicle computer system. More especially it relates to a computer system incorporating all electronic software and hardware required for controlling information systems associated with a police vehicle and the like. The computer system comprises a PC 1 which provides the core processing capability for running an operating system (such as MS Vista or Windows 7) and a plurality of computer programs or applications for assisting police officers in the course of their duties. Such programs may include, for example, a digital radio, a GPS navigation system, an automatic number plate reader (ANPR) program, and a digital video recorder (DVR) program. This list is non-exhaustive. The PC 1 is comparable to the type provided by the applicant under the brand eMC1 or one of its derivatives, such a computer using anything ranging from a 2GHz Celeron processor to a Core 2 Quad 2.53 GHz Extreme processor in the current range. Memory and input/output capabilities are comparable with the more powerful PCs available on the market, with input and output ports being controlled by the PC's internal processor (not shown). Also provided in the computer system is an electronic vehicle controller (EVC) 7 which is an independent module arranged to control mission critical vehicle operations, i.e. independently of the PC 1 , such as power management and control of lights, sirens, emergency lights (strobes, light bars), matrix display signs, audio and also takes vehicle inputs such as handbrake and door inputs. Independence from the PC 1 is by virtue of the EVC 7 having its own processor and memory (not shown). The EVC 7 is not reliant on the PC 1 and can function substantially immediately without having to wait for the operating system on the PC to boot up. The EVC 7 also provides full remote diagnostic capabilities of all the systems it controls.

The EVC 7 is connected to a set of physical ports which are independent of the PC 1. In terms of outputs, these ports include 16 fully programmable outputs, volt free changeover contacts, high-sided fused and monitored outputs, a dedicated mobile computer power output, a dedicated power output for a touch screen controller, a proprietary configurable data port for expansion, a programmable intelligent interface to light bars and matrix signs, programmable voice storage and announcements, and an on-board PC audio speaker driver. Input ports include a dedicated handbrake, footbrake, ignition, door and 999 and arrive scene ports, an expandable fibre-optic port for special applications, and two battery feeds, one dedicated for electronics and one dedicated for loads. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , certain ones of the ports are shown connected to external lights 9, sirens 11 and a display matrix 13, each of which is an electronic module fitted to the vehicle. The programmable outputs of the EVC 7 can be configured by users to output control signals to external modules, such as the external lights 9, sirens 11 and display matrix 13 in response to predetermined inputs. For example, different predetermined combinations of lights can be displayed in accordance with a selected one of the inputs to the EVC 7 being enabled. For example, when a dedicated '999' input is received (this being an emergency condition) the EVC 7 can be programmed to causes all strobes (front and rear) and the roof light bar to be switched on. The siren may also be initiated. When a dedicated 'arrive scene' input is received (appropriate when the vehicle arrives at a scene following a 999 emergency condition) the EVC 7 can be programmed to cause the front strobes to be switched off whilst keeping the rear strobes and light bar operating to warn vehicles approaching the scene. The siren is switched off in this mode.

Thus, the EVC 7 not only allows individual lights, sirens and other external indicating systems to be individually controlled, but also has programmable functionality to allow different combinations of said indicators to be initiated in response to a dedicated control signal. As will be explained below, control signals for the individual indicating systems and the programmable combinations are received from a PDS 3.

A communications module (CM) 5 is also provided as part of the computer system.

Referring to Figure 2, the main components of the CM 5 will now be described.

The CM 5 is a single unit comprising a plurality of voice/data modems, in this case four, connected to suitable antenna(s) 20 located on the vehicle. Each modem is fully configurable, and in this case comprises first and second 3G/GPRS cellular modems 21 , 23, a WiFi modem 25 and a Bluetooth modem 27. The 3G/GPRS modems 21 , 23 are configured in this case, by virtue of their SIM data, to operate using different cellular networks. This caters for the situation where the signal quality of one network is degraded or non-existent due to location or terrain, for example.

Alternatively, or additionally, there may be provided a satellite modem to enable the device to establish a satellite communications uplink and/or downlink.

Each modem is connected to a hub 29 which allows seamless switching between the different modems 21 , 23, 25, 27 in accordance with a selection signal from an internal processor 35. The data feed to and from the modems 221 , 23, 25, 27 from and to external devices, such as the PC 1 or EVC 7 is by means of a respective USB port 33 and driver 31.

The processor 35 handles data requests made to and/or from the CM 5 and is connected to a management port 37 which allows for external programming and configuration of the modems 21 , 23, 25, 27, for example to change a modem's SIM data or to completely re-configure a particular modem to change the protocol it uses. Thus, the WiFI and Bluetooth modems 25, 26 could be swapped.

Security is provided by means of a removable dongle 39 which is required to be connected to the processor 35 in order for the CM 5 to function.

A GPS engine 41 is also provided and connected to a GPS antenna 43 located on the vehicle. The GPS engine 41 is an advanced GPS receiver which generates positional data and outputs this to the processor 35 to enable output of said data over the modems 21 , 23, 25, 27. Two further feeds of the positional data is made available to output ports 45 to enable external devices to make use of it. For example, one feed may be used by the GPS navigation system running on the PC 1. Typically, the CM 5 allows police officers to upload data to remote locations such as a control centre or other police cars forming part of a police network. Thus, police officers may use the PC 1 to send emails, access the internet, send and receive video footage from the on-bard cameras 5, and acquire information from the Police National Computer (PNC) such as ownership data of vehicles identified using the ANPR system. Status data regarding various systems associated with the vehicle can also be uploaded for diagnostic purposes by the fleet operator. Such status data may include the GPS location of the vehicle, the identification of the officers logged into the PC 1 , the status of systems connected to the EVC 7 (for example, the temperature of the engine), the status of the lights, sirens and displays and so on. This data exchange can be initiated by the officers in the vehicle themselves, can be done automatically at periodic intervals, or can be in response to an interrogation signal received from a remote location.

Regarding the latter, a remote base station, for example a control centre or fleet management centre, may wish to know the current status of a police vehicle. For this purpose, they may send an interrogation signal from a computer, or using a SMS text message from a mobile telephone, to a number associated with the CM 5, as specified in the SIM or SIMs of the modems 21 , 23. In response to receiving the interrogation signal, the CM 5 is arranged to verify the request and to transmit status data back to the number or address that requested it using one of the modems 21, 23, 25, 27. The status data may be a standard set of data or a subset as specifically requested in the interrogation signal; for example, the SMS text message may include a word or code that is interpreted as requiring only status data relating to position from the GPS engine 41 and whether the vehicle is in a 999 or arrive mode. Returning to Figure 1 , a number of further electronic systems 15 are connected to the PC 1 , for example a printer, fingerprint reader and one or more cameras. These 'peripherals' are used by programs running on the PC 1. A first camera, for example, may be used to record video from the front of the vehicle, the video being stored on a hard drive of the PC 1 with the PVR application providing an interface enabling playback of the video to offending motorists or as evidence in subsequent proceedings. The video may also be fed to the ANPR program which uses image processing technology to identify license plates and access external databases through the CM 5 to identify the registered user and/or stolen vehicle reports.

Connected to the mobile data unit 1 is a programmable display system (PDS) 3, which is typically mounted in the interior of the vehicle, in or adjacent to the dashboard thereby enabling easy access by a police driver or front passenger. The PDS 3 provides a touch screen interface to the PC 1 and EVC 7 enabling initiation and control of programs running on the PC 1 and initiation of the lights, sirens and matrix display via the EVC 7. A set of further buttons may be provided on the PDS 3 for independent control of systems controlled by the EVC 7.

The technical specification of a typical CM 3 is as follows. The CM is a purpose-built communications and GIS module designed to provide communication s, remote diagnostics and geographical information between the vehicle and a control room. The multi-bearer solution provides up to four (or more) different voice and data modems, a GPS engine, WiFi and Bluetooth II in a fully integrated package. It is fully configurable to optimise performance.

Multiple modem slots provide users with insurance against poor coverage by allowing the use of multiple SIMs. Any choice of 3G+/HSDPA or GPRS modems is possible, from one to many; the upgrade path is simple and cost effective.

The CM 3 includes integrated GPRS diagnostics; this means that fleet managers can determine vehicle location, equipment status, and performance of systems remotely.

The GPS engine provides geographical information and provides a clean GPS signal via two dedicated GPS RF outputs for other GPS devices to use. This simplifies installation and reduces the number of aerials required.

To summarise, a typical CM 3 may comprise:

- a stand alone communications module;

- configurable inputs and outputs;

- secure USB dongle port inside, for ANPR and other software license keys;

- multiple modem capability, for example HSDPA/3G+. GPRS, WiFI, Bluetooth II, Satellite Modem or any combination of the above; and

- text and voice communications.