Patent Application
20110112988
The present invention relates to portable radio communication apparatus and methods of use, and more particularly relates to a FCC license-able portable radio broadcast system that operates in the commercial AM radio band, 540-1700 KHz, as well as on 530 KHz, particularly constructed for mobility, durability, simplicity and ease of use, making it well adapted for use in emergency situations as well as for the broadcast of general community or travelers information at fixed or temporary locations during nonemergency times.
Communities must deal with a variety of different situations, including public events involving large numbers of people (e.g., concerts, shows, sporting events, etc.), construction and traffic situations (e.g., road and bridge construction), emergency situations (e.g., accidents, aftermath of storms, terrorist threats, etc.), and community health and medical situations (e.g., an H1N1 flu epidemic). Each of these situations require communication systems that can be temporarily put in place quickly for providing information about the particular situation to citizens via a device that is commonly possessed by these persons, in this application, a standard radio receiver. Additionally, community organizations and entities are under tremendous budget constraints and financial pressures, such that they cannot afford expensive, complex equipment, nor extensive training to operate such equipment.
Systems do exist that could potentially be used in these applications which employ FM radio signals and broadcast in the commercial FM band. However, while FM radio communication systems tend to be smaller in size and potentially more portable than AM systems, there are problems associated with FM systems. For example, the FM band is crowded, and acceptable frequencies are limited. Neither of the two FM technologies available from the FCC are adequate for the application. Also, unlicensed FM (available under FCC Part 15) is restricted in its range to 30 meters whereas the range of the proposed AM system is up to 5 miles. Licensed FM (Lower Power FM/LPFM) has range of up to 5 miles but is not available at this time from the FCC. Also, Lower Power FM (LPFM) is not practical for emergency services as its license authorization has requirements that would not meet the needs of emergency managers, including the requirement for fulltime, fixed-point operation only.
Other systems exist that do use AM radio signals and broadcast in the commercial AM band and are portable in nature. However, they are much larger in size, in the form of a towable trailer, and therefore are less portable than the proposed AM system which can be moved by hand by individuals and can be placed in any conveyance (e.g. automobile or airplane). Also, such systems do not possess the unique message database or message transfer abilities of the proposed solution.
In one aspect of the present invention, a manually-movable portable system for giving community emergency information, as well as general travelers information, comprises a portable wheelable cabinet with a handle for manual transport to sites of use. A portable transmitter is housed in the cabinet and adapted to broadcast radio signals that can be received by a standard radio receiver in a passenger vehicle. A portable antenna is operably connected to the transmitter. A control circuit is connected to the transmitter, the control circuit including externally-accessible controls on at least one side of the cabinet and a digital audio file player for providing audio to the transmitter. A database of pre-recorded, selectable, messages is provided that can be accessed and selectively sent to the transmitter for broadcasting by the digital audio file player. A microphone is provided for receiving a live spoken message and is operably connected to the control circuit. The controls include a switch for switching between the pre-recorded messages and the microphone, whereby the system can be operated to transmit any one of the pre-recorded selectable messages as well as to transmit a specific real-time spoken instruction to passengers of the passenger vehicles by an operator who may be watching the passenger vehicle when the passenger vehicle enters a critical space.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of giving community emergency information, comprises steps of providing a portable transmitter system and portable antenna system adapted to communicate to standard radio receivers within passenger vehicles, transmitting selected pre-recorded messages on the transmitter to communicate directly with passengers in the passenger vehicles, the pre-recorded messages including information about particular assistance sites to drive to for help with particular emergencies, watching the passenger vehicles as the passenger vehicles arrive at a particular assistance site, and switching to provide a live instruction to passengers in the passenger vehicles to control activity of the passengers and/or to control a flow of the passenger vehicles at the particular assistance site.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of coordinating community emergency health treatment, comprises steps of providing a portable transmitter and portable antenna adapted to communicate to standard radio receivers within passenger vehicles, and transmitting selected messages on the transmitter to communicate directly with passengers in the passenger vehicles, the messages including instructions to the passengers asking for the passengers to extend their arm from a vehicle window for inspection and/or treatment as the vehicle passes one or more points of medical information-gathering, diagnosis and treatment. By this method, health emergencies, such as swine flu and other contagious epidemics, can be safely handled while still providing mass medical treatment in an efficient manner.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of coordinating community emergency health treatment, comprises steps of providing a portable transmitter and portable antenna adapted to communicate to standard radio receivers within passenger vehicles, and transmitting selected messages on the transmitter to communicate directly with passengers in the passenger vehicles, the messages including instructions to the passengers asking for the passengers to follow specific procedures in order to obtain treatment or testing while the vehicle is in listening rage of the transmitter.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for giving community emergency information, comprises steps of providing a plurality of at least three hand-portable cabinets each with a handle for manual transport to sites of use, a portable transmitter system housed in the cabinet and adapted to broadcast radio signals that can be received by a standard radio receiver in a passenger vehicle, and a portable antenna system adapted to operably connect to the transmitter system; the cabinets each further including a control circuit connected to the transmitter, the control circuit including controls on an outside of the cabinet and a digital audio file player for providing audio to the transmitter, a database of pre-recorded selectable messages that can be accessed and selectively sent to the transmitter for broadcasting by the digital audio file player, a microphone for receiving a live spoken message operably connected to the control circuit, and a switch for switching from transmitting the pre-recorded messages to the microphone. The method further includes placing the at least three hand-portable cabinets and associated antennas in a truck, dropping off the at least three hand-portable cabinets at different strategic locations, activating each of the transmitters to transmit a selected message, and manually operating at least one of the transmitters to periodically transmit a specific real-time spoken instruction to passengers of the passenger vehicles by an operator watching the passenger vehicle when the passenger vehicle enters a critical space.
An object of the present invention is to provide a hand-portable system operating in the standard AM band—540-1700 KHz, as well as on 530 KHz, a frequency exclusive to the TIS service.
An object of the present invention is to provide a system that can be set up and turned on quickly, and made fully operational quickly, such as within 5 minutes.
An object of the present invention is to provide an entire system that weighs less than 130 lbs (the heaviest component being the rolling portable case—potentially weighing as little as 68 pounds), such that it can be moved by hand by a single person without the need for special trailers or transporters, yet that has a weight that does not cause lifting/safety issues.
An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system in finished form that can be shipped by common carrier to different locations, unpackaged and set up for immediate use without assembly, including shipment on light “bush” airplanes, boats and other light-capacity vehicles.
An object of the present invention is to provide a system that, due to its compact size, it may be loaded into the back of a vehicle or carried onto an airplane or small boat for easy transport.
An object of the present invention is to provide multiple radio stations that, due to their compact size and low weight, can be distributed to various locations in one vehicle, sequentially (as well as the portable signs that announce the signal frequencies).
An object of the present invention is to provide a one-piece lightweight portable antenna stand (with integral antenna mounts, lightning arrestor, portable ground plane, and ground bus) designed to operate in high wind conditions. The stand with attached antenna and ground plane may be placed on a rooftop or on the ground, and the folding legs weighted with sand bags (provided) for stability. The legs of the stand can become part of the ground plane of the antenna system. The horizontal groundplane is designed such that it may be temporary installed on the surface of the ground, rooftop, paved street or parking lot without the requirement for burial under the surface of the ground beneath it, and may be deployed and stowed in less than one Minute by a single operator.
An object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows the transmitter and antenna system to be installed at locations separated by as much as 100 feet from the transmitter to accommodate the variations in broadcasting locations. For example, the present system allows an operator to keep the transmitter/electronics case in the building, and place the antenna atop the building on the roof. Also, an operator can operate the transmitter from the back of his/her van and locate the antenna on an optimum broadcast point nearby, such as a high point of ground or clear area such as a parking lot.
An object of the present invention is to provide a portable case having an inline watt meter for confirming transmitter operation and diagnosing antenna tuning and performance as well as for providing a dummy load for determining coaxial cable connection integrity.
An object of the present invention is to provide a system that can broadcast live or broadcast recorded messages to listeners or motorists, including listeners who the broadcaster can see, which thus allows the live broadcaster to tailor the messages to the person being watched.
An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system where messages may be uploaded as digital audio files via Ethernet protocol or USB ports located within the electronics case. Optionally, the messages may also be uploaded via dial-up telephone line, cellular telephone and/or two-way radio transceiver.
An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system that is sufficiently durable and rated for continuous duty such that at the option of the operator, it can be operated full-time at a fixed location if portability is not required.
An object of the present invention is to take advantage of the reduction in size and weight of the transmitter and the emergence digital audio file players such as those which operate by the use of .mp3 or similar electronic audio files. This has made it possible to put such players in humanly transported cases. Advances in the portable case market have made them a reasonable host for the specific electronics we use: rack mountable with shock mounts; wheels and handle for rolling transport.
An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system and method that can be used in unique emergency and medical applications, such as:
An object of the present invention is that this system may be licensed under FCC rules (90.242) Travelers Information Service (TIS) which affords the following unique points.
Because of its utility to communities in emergencies, grant funding from the US Department of Homeland Security is often obtained for the purchase of TIS stations.
These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings.
The present portable communication system/apparatus 20 (
The transmitter assembly 21 includes a wheeled cabinet 30 with wheels 31 and a handle 32 for manual rolling transport. The assembly 21 weighs only about 68 pounds such that it can be readily manually lifted and carried by a single individual. A portable AM transmitter 10 is housed within the cabinet, and is connected to a circuit 34 with controls 35 located inside and outside the cabinet for easy access and use. A digital audio file player 6 is connected to the circuit and includes a database of pre-recorded selectable messages and/or connectors for connecting to an exterior source of messages, such as a USB port, a connector for connecting to a device with digital audio files (i.e. a USB flash drive), an Ethernet port for direct connection to local area network (LAN) or a laptop computer containing digital audio files or in other iterations a dial-up connection (e.g., a cell phone, dialed-up telephone line) or two-way radio receiver.
The illustrated circuit shown in
As shown in
RadioSTAT™ system 20 broadcasts may be received on standard vehicle radio receivers over a 3-5 mile range (25-75 square miles), and can be deployed simultaneously at different locations during an emergency, if required. Each RadioSTAT™ apparatus 20 can broadcast a select series of messages from a prerecorded library. Notably, because it may be licensed in either a fixed-point and/or within a territory (or both) and therefore has the capability to allow the licensee to move the radio stations to reach the required geography/audience in an emergency, grant money from the US Department of Homeland Security is often obtained for the purchase of TIS stations. Alternatively, as situations change, new messages may be recorded on the spot. Audio software is provided for message creation, editing, processing and archiving on a field laptop or desktop PC. Messages may be staged on USB flash drives 5 for quick deployment. “Live” programming may be placed on the air immediately with the flip of switch 7. RadioSTAT™ systems are FCC-licensed and one or more RadioSTAT™ systems can be operated within a specified territory such as a city, county or state. The signal is typically announced to the public by portable signs 37, positioned at the periphery of the signal coverage area.
During non-emergency times, the RadioSTAT™ system operators typically establish the broadcast on an ongoing basis at a “home location” using a (optional) fixed antenna. Thus, the system can be used during non-emergency times as well as during emergencies, which is a great advantage for community entities. If the home location ever requires evacuation, RadioSTAT™'s portability becomes an instant asset, allowing reestablishment of the signal from the new location quickly.
RadioSTAT™ system's portability makes it especially useful at large public gatherings. broadcasting key information, such as: schedules, traffic, parking, safety and critical instructions for patrons approaching or exiting. It may be called into action at the event or gathering should an emergency occur and/or the event would require an efficient evacuation.
The system/apparatus 20 includes: a transmitter assembly 21 with digital audio file player 6 in portable shock case 30 containing power supplies (2, 3), wattmeter 11, broadcast controls 35 and circuitry 34.
Optionally, the antenna system may be configured for difficult regions, such as by using an antenna height extender for terrain/interference/obstruction-challenged areas. In addition, the present antenna system can be engineered to and compliant with ANSI/TIA-222-G-2005 (Class III, Category 4, Exposure D) standards. This means it is rated to perform in worst-case environments, such as, unobstructed shorelines in hurricane-prone areas and atop ridges in terrain where wind speeds can achieve great force. Additionally, it is rated for essential communications in critical areas where failure of a structure could damage buildings or present a hazard to life. To achieve these designations, the antenna has to be able to sustain 130 mph/3-second gust winds without failure.
New messages may be sent to the station/apparatus 20 for broadcast either directly by Ethernet network or USB flash drive, telephone (for in telephone-managed systems) or two-way radio. Messages may be sent to the operator as email attachments for transfer to the operator's hard drive or USB flash drive for subsequent sending to the station for broadcast. Messages may be stored off site on data storage devices such as hard drives, USB flash drives or tape for additional security and editing convenience.
Transmitter 10
Test Equipment
IP76 Digital Audio File Player
Live Microphone
Portable Shock Case
Computer Software & Headset
Audio Control Software
Mic/Headset for recording.
Antenna
Antenna Stand and Arrestor
Ground plane
Coaxial Cable
Carrying Sleeves
Setup Tools
Overall Station Specifics
System Options
Companion Product
The present apparatus 20 can advantageously be licensed as a Travelers Information Station under FCC Rules Part 90.242 at—for example—1610 KHz AM. Further, the entire system can be made to occupy less than 6 square feet of floor space when in storage or in transit to the broadcast location. The one-piece lightweight (aluminum) portable antenna stand (with integral antenna mounts, lightning arrestor, portable ground plane, and ground bus) is designed to operate in high wind conditions. The stand with attached antenna and ground plane may be placed on a rooftop or on the ground, and the folding legs weighted with sand bags (provided) for stability. The legs of the stand become part of the ground plane of the antenna system. The variable-length, deployable coaxial cable allows the transmitter in the portable case and antenna system to be installed in locations separated by as much as 100 feet to accommodate the variations in broadcasting sites. The case is built for portability, including built-in pull handle & wheels for rolling transport—and handles for two-sided lifting by one or two people. The case is ATA specification 300—Category 1 rated, and includes lockable TSA latches and includes rubber shock-mounts, weatherproof gasketed doors, and weatherproof ports for AC or DC power and Coaxial Antenna Cable. Inside are custom pouches for stowing microphones, cables, USB flash drives and other equipment used in the function of the system. Though typically operated via AC power from landline or generator, RadioSTAT™ apparatus 20 may be optioned to operate on DC 24v power, or, with the addition of a DC to AC power inverter, any DC voltage may be utilized to power the system. Integral to the portable case is an inline watt meter for confirming transmitter operation and diagnosing antenna performance as well as a dummy load, which may be used in conjunction with the wattmeter to monitor the integrity of the coaxial cable and connectors, as well as verifying the transmitter's RF output level.
When using the present system 20, the operator has the ability to broadcast live or pre-recorded messages to motorists with standard automobile radio receivers, who the broadcaster can see and therefore can tailor the messages to address. Further, messages may be uploaded to the RadioSTAT™ unit/system as digital audio files over an Ethernet network utilizing standard network protocol or USB ports located within the RadioSTAT™ electronics case using a USB flash drive containing messages as digital audio files. In other iterations, messages may also be loaded via dialed-up telephone line, cell phone and/or two-way radio transceiver. Thus, TIS broadcast messages can be transferred to RadioSTAT by email, USB flash drive or Ethernet network. In the case of the Ethernet network method, the messages may be automatically downloaded from a FTP site. TIS broadcast messages can be professionally produced by the licensee, his agent, the equipment manufacturer or others, since a standard file format is utilized such as mp3.
The RadioSTAT™ system is sufficiently durable and long lasting such that it can be used portably as well as at a fixed location, thus allowing “bonus” use by a community during non-emergency periods (i.e. when the portable use is not required.)
The system 20 can be advantageously used in unique emergency and medical applications, such as:
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
