FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of voice communication, and more specifically, to an efficient system for voice communication inside a vehicle
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Most of the vehicle intercom systems are digital TDM (Time-division multiplexing) based
products with its limitation to restrict communication within the geographical place. In today’s
scenario, the vehicles are not only expected to be networked with each other but also
expected to network with the IP networks in some applications of this product. In
conventional intercom systems, voice communication occurs between one centralised
master device and multiple slave devices, wherein Master device receives voice streams
from one or more slave device and master device act as centralized voice switching device,
which switches voice streams between multiple master and/or slave devices. There by
making master device a point of major failure. In conventional intercom systems,
communication between a master device and a slave device involves reception of multiple of voices over multiple channels at the same time, thereby making the conventional intercom systems prone to noises. In conventional intercom systems, voice payload from the master device is broadcasted and is always received by each of the slave devices which creates unnecessary noise to the slave devices and further hampers the operation of the slave device by engaging the slave device in receiving the voice payload which is not required by the slave device. Furthermore, the master device and the slave devices if connected in a ring network topology, suffers from a problem of uncontrolled repeated payload transmission which hampers the communication path between the master device and the slave devices by generating huge amount of echo, hence in conventional intercom system only star connection topology is possible which increases cabling complexity and cost of maintenance
Therefore, there is a need to alleviate the problems associated with the conventional intercom systems.
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SUMMARY
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system which does not include a master switching device to communicate with one or more devices, wherein all the devices are connected in one of a ring network topology or a star network topology to perform a seamless communication through a communication network, and wherein all the devices transmit and receive voice and/or data at least through Voice over IP (VoIP), and wherein all devices selectively choose receive communication payload/stream from all other devices based on a configuration matrix stored at each, and based on a unique multicast IP allocated to each device, and wherein all the devices selectively communicate with each other based on the configuration matrix stored at each device and the unique multicast IP allocated to that device. For the purpose of seamless voice communication, every device, based on its configuration matrix, choose the voice stream from which it has to listen the voice, no device is master switching device, in reality switching does not occur for voice communication. Unlike the conventional intercom system, master switching device becomes the single point of failure, here there is no such possibility of single point of failure, as each device is independent and is capable of receiving and/or transmitting voice payloads seamlessly. For the purpose of providing first boot configuration and additional functionality like alarm monitoring, changing configuration, selecting configuration sets, and the type of interface it connects to, the devices are named as COMMANDER (Master device), CREW (Slave device) and RIU (Slave device)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a master device of an intelligent intercom system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the master device of the intelligent intercom system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
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Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a slave device of the intelligent intercom system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 4, 5, and 6 illustrates another view of the slave device of the intelligent intercom system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrates a view of a radio unit of the intelligent intercom system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Exemplary embodiments now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
The specification may refer to “an”, “one” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be
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understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The figures depict a simplified structure only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units whose implementation may differ from what is shown. The connections shown are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different.
The present invention is directed to an Intelligent Intercom System. The invention is a combination of hardware and software elements along with ruggedized mechanical housing to suit harsh and noisy environments.
According to Figures 1-8, the intelligent intercom system includes a master device which communicates with one or more slave devices. The master device (100, 200) and the one or more slave devices (300, 400, 500, 600) are connected in one of a ring network topology or a star network topology to perform a seamless communication through a communication network. The intelligent intercom system of the present invention utilizes Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) to automatically detect a loop which is a common problem when devices are connected in the ring network topology. The intelligent intercom system of the present invention detects the break in the ring in working direction and reverses the path of ETH payload to allow seamless communication between the master device and the one or more slave devices. Each of the master device (100, 200) and the slave devices (300, 400, 500, 600) include Ethernet interfaces, in which one Ethernet interface is connected in one direction and other interface for
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other direction of traffic, thereby allowing the intercom system of the present invention to be used in ring network with RSTP functionality enabled to prevent loop and detecting break in working path. Further, in case of the star network topology, one Ethernet interface needs to be connected to an Ethernet switch with RSTP disabled. The master device and the one or more slave devices includes a network interface to communicate with each other and to another network entity through radio waves at predetermined frequencies. The network interface enables the master device and the one or more slave devices to transmit and receive voice and/or data communication preferably through Voice over IP (VoIP).
In Figure 1,
Reference
Numerals Description
Specially designed protection hinges to protect
screen, knobs and operating switches.
2 Ethernet input from the network. In case of ring topology both Ethernet are used to form ring.
3 Ethernet output (which is also a POE driven output) for next node to use power from centralized master device.
4 9 – 36 Volt DC input for master device’s operating. This power is from vehicle battery. This power will be used to distribute power to other units over Ethernet using POE technology.
5 Volume knob to adjust volume of the stereo speaker.
6 Connector to connect Monaural/binaural headsets to listen to mono/dual channel speech/audio.
7 USB connectors to connect USB Powered RIU units to Master device
8 Connector to connect external speaker for broadcast messaging for mic-less slaves.
In Figure 2,
Reference Numerals Description

1 Specially designed hinges to stack up multiple units to save space as well as to protect other connectors in case of drop of the unit.
2 Knob to control brightness/dimming of the master screen.
3 Mounting hinges to mount the unit on to vehicle.
4 Program selection control rotary knob. The special lock at both direction prevents the
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rotation thus giving understanding of knob position.
5 Master device’s display screen.
6 3 Position toggle knob to select, selected radio’s mode as Secure, Non-Secure, Immune.
7 USB connectors to connect USB Powered RIU units to Master device
8 Connect ALARM audio input from Alarm monitoring unit to feed audio alarms to predefined master and slave’s.
9 Radio channel selection knob. This knob is used to select, selected radio’s channel.
In Figure 3,
Reference Numerals Description

2 Ethernet input from the network. In case of ring topology both Ethernet are used to form ring.
3 Ethernet output which is also POE driven output for next node to use power from centralized Master device.
4 9 – 36 Volt DC input for master device’s operating. This power is from vehicle battery. This power will be used to distribute power to other units over Ethernet using POE technology.
5 Volume knob to adjust volume of the stereo speaker.
6 Connector to connect Monaural/ binaural headsets to listen to mono/dual channel speech/audio.
7 USB connectors to connect USB Powered RIU units to Master device
8 Connector to connect external speaker for broadcast messaging for mic-less slaves.
In Figure 4,

Reference Numerals Description
2 2 Press buttons to turn off the display and turn on the display.
3 Mounting hinges to mount the unit on to vehicle.
4 Program selection control rotary knob. The special lock at both direction prevents the rotation thus eases understanding of knob position.
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In Figure 5,
In Figure 6,

5 Slave device’s display screen. 4 X 20 Alphanumeric OLED display to display operations and status.
6 3 Position toggle knob to select, selected radio’s mode as Secure, Non-Secure, Immune.
7 USB connectors to connect USB Powered Extension units to Slave device
8 Connect ALARM audio input from Alarm monitoring unit to feed audio alarms to predefined master and slave’s.
9 Radio channel selection knob. This knob is used to select, selected radio’s channel.

Reference Numerals Description
2 USB connectors to connect USB Powered Slave devices to MASTER OR DC/POE Powered Slave device
3 Volume knob to adjust volume of the stereo speaker.
4 Connector to connect
Monaural/binaural headsets to listen to mono/dual channel speech/audio.

Reference Numerals Description
2 2 Press buttons to turn off the display and turn on the display.
3 Mounting hinges to mount the unit on to vehicle.
4 Program selection control rotary knob. The special lock at both direction prevents the rotation thus eases understanding of knob position.
5 Slave device’s display screen. 4 X 20 Alphanumeric OLED display to display operations and status.
6 3 Position toggle knob to select, selected radio’s mode as Secure, Non-Secure, Immune.
7 Radio channel selection knob. This knob is used to select, selected radio’s channel.
8

In Figure 7,

Reference Numerals
2
3
4

Description
Connector to connect external speaker
for broadcast messaging for mic-less
slaves.
Ethernet-POE connector. Power is taken
from POE ETH-IN and connecting to
network. ETH-OUT drives out POE and
ethernet connection to complete ring, in
RING Topology.
Connectors to connect radio’s using
specially designed harness for each type
of radio.
4 Connectors to connect four radio base
stations.

In Figure 8,

Descripti
2
3

Reference Numerals
USB
RADIO Cable Connectors

USB connectors to connect RIU-2 units to MASTER OR DC/POE Powered Slave device Connectors to connect radio’s using specially designed harness for each type of radio. 2 Connectors to connect two radio base stations.

The intelligent intercom system of the present invention comprises multiple voice-end points. The intelligent intercom system of the present invention is an intelligent connection selection of multiple voice end points instead of cross connection of multiple voice end points at central switching node, as in case of conventional intercom systems, based on position selection by each individual voice end point. Herein, for the sake of explanation in the description, the master device and the one or more master devices are referred as voice end points. For a person having ordinary skill in the art, it is obvious that the voice end points herein may be referred as master device and the one or more master devices. Each end point may operate in receive only, transmit only OR both-way operation, this is defined based on voice-end point
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type. Each voice end-point in the intercom system of the present invention has been allocated with a unique multicast IP. Further, there is a configuration matrix in which configuration of each voice end point is also stored. The position of a knob on the voice end points defines the voice end point’s participation in the selected voice operation as receive only, transmit only, both way communication or inactive. Each voice end point can be a source for selection of knob position of each other voice end-point. Therefore, for particular knob position of any end point, any number of source end points can be selected. With so many options available to choose from, the intercom system of the present invention is very portable to several kind of vehicle applications.
Types of communication available through configuration matrix are:
1. Point to point
2. Point to multi point
3. Receive only
4. Transmit only
Any one of the configuration is pre-stored into each of the master device (100, 200) and the master devices (300, 400, 500, 600). Further, each of the master device (100, 200) and the master devices (300, 400, 500, 600) includes configuration matrix for operation, due to which each of the master device (100, 200) and the master devices (300, 400, 500, 600) are already aware of type of port, position selection and effect of position selection.
In an exemplary embodiment, during transmitting operation, at the master device (100, 200) or at the master device (300, 400, 500, 600), on detection of voice activity based on PTT/COR event/VOX event, the master device (100, 200) or the master device (300, 400, 500, 600) transmit their voice payload over the communication network on an allocated multicast IP.
In another exemplary embodiment, during receiving operation, at the master device (100, 200) or at the master device (300, 400, 500, 600), based on the selected knob position and configuration via the configuration matrix, the master device (100, 200) or the master device
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(300, 400, 500, 600) decides which voice stream to pick and start collecting multicast RTP voice packets and replays via own speakers or headsets.
The master device and the one or more master devices provide noise cancellation during operation of the master device and the one or more master devices. The master device and the one or more master devices comprise headsets which are preferable for providing noise reduction/cancellation.
The voice and data communication is facilitated through wideband codecs. Further, the master device and the one or more master devices communicate through a combat-net radio. In the intelligent intercom system, the master device includes a processor which process data for providing field Management System. The processor processes based on a mission program selected from a group of pre-programmed mission critical programs.
The master device and each of the one or more master devices includes a graphical user interface (GUI) which enables programming of various parameters of the master device and the one or more master devices.
The headsets are one of Monaural and binaural headsets. In an embodiment, the headsets are Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headsets which employ a plurality of noise-reduction technologies to ensure clear voice and acoustic protection.
The master device includes a industrial Ethernet switch to facilitate Power over Ethernet (PoE). In an embodiment, the industrial Ethernet switch is connected to a power system of an object associated with the intercom system. The industrial Ethernet switch also facilitates distribution of power other connected units of the intelligent intercom system of the present invention.
The master device and each of the one or more master devices include an external speaker and an interface for external alarms. In one embodiment, the one or more master devices selectively operates independent of the master device. In predetermined conditions, the one or
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more master devices may act as a master device on their own. In another embodiment, any one of the master devices can be made a new master device and an existing master device can be operated as a master device of the new master device. In an embodiment, the intelligent intercom system of the present invention can support up to 16 master devices. In an embodiment, the intelligent intercom system of the present invention can operate with 12 combat net radios.
The applications of the system are manifold, including but not limited to:
Use in areas of high noise/disturbances
With IP/Ethernet interface, the system of the instant invention enables users to inter-work with the wireless radios inside the areas of high noise/disturbances such as mines which excess drilling noises, using standard IP-based application. Users from one mine can gain access to other mines by use of networking radios. A preferred embodiment of the invention is to have option of connecting multiport Ethernet switch, eliminating the need for any additional box. Each master device and the master device may drive external speaker and supports interface for vehicular alarms and PA system within mines. Each master device in this embodiment may have independent volume control and display for desired information like alarms, channel number, frequency of operation and the like.
Use in Noisy Production floors
The system of the instant invention is designed as an intercom system, easy to operate, providing crystal clear voice communication inside on the noisy production floor and over the radio using Active Noise Reduction headsets. The system is designed with clear understanding that it be tailored to fit specific platform configuration and preferably with high degree of interoperability between Walky Talky and other units. The system allows clear communication between production supervisors and Managers. Preferred embodiment of the invention is to have advanced ring architecture with no single point of failure. Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is to have Broadband IP connectivity to all nodes provide for data transfer.
Use in moving Vehicles
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The intercom system of the present invention is easy to operate, providing crystal clear voice communication inside the vehicle and over the radio using Active Noise Reduction headsets.
The system provides voice, data and video communication along with command and control of radios. Further integrated alarms and sensor, GPS and computer terminals and choice of multiple modes of operations (Programs) along with Radio channel selection is also yet another embodiment of the invention.
Use as a disaster control Vehicle
The intercom system of the present invention is easy to operate, providing crystal clear voice communication inside the vehicle and over the radio using Active Noise Reduction headsets. Typical disaster vehicle configuration consists of one Master, two members along with two walky talkies. The invention preferred embodiment is therefore a high performance multimedia networking system that switches voice and data. It provides voice, data and video communication along with command and control of radios; integrated alarms and sensor, GPS and computer terminals. There are choices of multiple modes of operations (Programs) along with Walky Talky channel selection.
The system and method of the present invention therefore is very advantageous and provides crystal clear voice in Harsh / Noisy audio environments due to noise cancellation algorithms. It provides interoperability between various communication interfaces such as wireless Walky Talky with various frequencies and IP. The IP based architecture gives flexibility of connecting over the network. Further embodiment of the invention includes ruggedization of the mechanical housing to suit various applications involving outdoor installations.
Furthermore, the present invention may also be described in part above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention.
It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or
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other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer- readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus like a scanner/check scanner to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The flowchart and schematic diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operations of some embodiments of methods, systems, and computer program products for managing security associations over a communication network. In this regard, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in other implementations, the function(s) noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.
In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention. Although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

We claim:
1. An intercom system comprising:
a master device configured to communicate with one or more master devices, wherein the master device and the one or more master devices are connected in one of a ring network topology or a star network topology to perform a seamless communication through a communication network, and
wherein the master device and the one or more master devices are configured to transmit and receive voice and/or data at least through Voice over IP (VoIP), and
wherein the one or more master devices selectively receive communication from the master device based on a configuration matrix stored at the master device and the one or more master devices, and based on a unique multicast IP allocated to each of the master device and the one or more master devices, and
wherein the master devices selectively communicate with each other based on the configuration matrix stored at the master devices and the unique multicast IP allocated to each of the master devices.
2. The intercom system of claim 1, wherein the configuration matrix, stored at a particular master device and a master device, comprises information for configuring that particular master device and the master device.
3. The intercom system of claim 1, wherein the configuration matrix stored at the master device enables the master device to perform one or more of: communicating with another entity through radio waves, broadcasting data to plurality of master devices, receiving from a preselected master device, and transmitting only to the preselected master device.
4. The intercom system of claim 1, wherein the master device broadcasts the voice data over the communication network using an allocated unique multicast IP, and wherein a master device having the information about the allocated unique multicast IP of the master device in the configuration matrix, receive the transmitted voice data.
5. The intercom system of claim 1, wherein the master device matches the unique multicast IP of the broadcasted voice data with a unique multicast IP stored in the configuration matrix available with the master device, and the master device starts collecting multicast RTP voice packets if the unique multicast IP of the broadcasted voice data

matches with the unique multicast IP stored in the configuration matrix available with the master device.
6. The intercom system of claim 1, wherein the master device and the one or more master devices utilizes Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) to prevent loop formation when the master device and the one or more master devices are connected in the ring network topology.
7. The intelligent intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voice and data communication is facilitated through wideband codecs.
8. The intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the master device and the one or more master devices communicate through a combat-net radio.
9. The intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the master device and each of the one or more master devices comprise a graphical user interface (GUI) which enables programming of various parameters of the master device and the one or more master devices.
10. The intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the master device and the one or more master devices utilizes headsets which are one of Monaural or binaural headsets.
11. The intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the master device comprising a industrial Ethernet switch to facilitate Power over Ethernet (PoE).
12. The intercom system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the master device and each of the one or more master devices comprise an external speaker and an interface for external alarms.
13. An intelligent intercom system substantially as herein described with reference to examples and drawings.