KR20090002347A - Portable terminal and method for communicating using push to talk protocol thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a PTT communication method thereof, the process of requesting connection to a PTT server when a PTT button is input during image display, a process of selecting a receiver capable of PTT communication when receiving a response from the PTT server, and a PTT communication. Through the step of transmitting the image to the mobile terminal of the selected recipient. According to the present invention, by transmitting the image through the PTT communication, which was capable of transmitting only the voice call signal, it is possible to transmit the image quickly and easily, thereby increasing the awareness of the PTT communication.

Description

PORTABLE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING USING PUSH TO TALK PROTOCOL THEREOF

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a communication relationship between a mobile terminal and a push-to-talk server for push-to-talk communication according to the present invention.

2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a portable terminal for push-to-talk communication according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a push-to-talk communication method of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a portable terminal for push-to-talk communication according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a push-to-talk communication method of a portable terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a push to talk (PTT) communication method thereof, and in particular, when a PTT button is input on a preview screen of a camera, an image is taken and captured through PTT communication. The present invention relates to a portable terminal capable of transmitting a PTT communication method thereof.

In general, a mobile communication system of a mobile terminal divides an entire service area into a plurality of base station (BS) areas to configure cells, which are small service areas. The base stations are centrally controlled by a mobile switching center (MSC) to allow subscribers to make calls while moving between cells.

As a mobile communication technology is developed, various technologies for combining an IP (Internet Protocol) network and a mobile communication network using an Internet-based protocol have been developed. One such technology is called VoIP (Voice over IP), a packet-based voice service using IP.

This packet-based call service has a disadvantage in that a call setup time is relatively long because a call must be established through a mobile communication network and an IP network. In order to solve this disadvantage, it is possible to provide an interactive call service such as a group call and a private call by using the multi-cast function of the IP network. In this case, the interactive call service is a kind of call in which calls are made by users' interactions, for example, a PTT function as in a walkie-talkie. The group call refers to a multi-party call between users in a predetermined group of users, and the personal call refers to a one-to-one call between users in a predetermined group of users.

This PTT communication enables a voice service for a plurality of users or groups. By pressing the PTT button, the user indicates that he wants to speak, and the portable terminal capable of PTT communication transmits a service request to the network. The network rejects the request or allocates the requested resource based on predetermined criteria such as availability of resources, priority of the requesting user, and the like. After the connection is established, the user who requested the voice transmission can speak, and other users can hear it. Such PTT communication systems are capable of one-to-one or one-to-many communication services.

The PTT communication between the portable terminals starts when the calling mobile terminal requests the PTT communication from the receiving mobile terminal. PTT communication is enabled by pressing the PTT button. The receiving mobile terminal notifies that the PTT communication is requested by using a PTT notification sound and the like, and accepts the PTT communication.

In the PTT communication as described above, the calling mobile terminal transmits the user's voice and the receiving mobile terminal receives the voice. That is, such a PTT communication was capable of transmitting only voice calls. Therefore, there is a demand for a variety of fields that can use PTT communication.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal and a PTT communication method thereof capable of transmitting an image through PTT communication.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and its PTT communication method capable of capturing an image that is being displayed when the PTT button is input on a preview screen of a camera and transmitting the image through PTT communication.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminal and a PTT communication method thereof capable of transmitting a specific image through PTT communication when selecting a specific stored image and inputting a PTT button.

The present invention for achieving the above object is a PTT communication method of a mobile terminal, the process of requesting the connection to the PTT server when the PTT button input during image display, and when the response is received from the PTT server, the receiver capable of PTT communication And receiving the image, and transmitting the image to the mobile terminal of the selected receiver through the PTT communication.

Another invention for achieving the above object is a portable terminal, a camera for taking an image, a memory unit for storing the image, a key input unit including a PTT button for requesting PTT communication to the PTT server, and the image When the PTT button is input during the display, it includes a PTT module for requesting a connection to the PTT server and transmitting the image through the PTT communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the detailed description of the present invention, the portable terminal will be described by way of example and for convenience of description, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the portable terminal according to the embodiments of the present invention provides a convenience to the user and enables a PTT communication, preferably a mobile terminal, a mobile phone, a portable multimedia player (PMP), Applicable to all information communication devices and multimedia devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, notebooks and personal computers, and applications thereof. something to do.

First embodiment

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a communication relationship between a portable terminal for PTT communication and a PTT server according to the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of a system for PTT communication according to the present invention comprises a plurality of mobile terminals (100a, 100b, 100c), base stations (BS; Base Station, 130a, 130b), mobile switching center (MSC; Mobile) Switching Center, and 150 and the PTT server 170 is configured.

The mobile terminal 100 may use a voice call, a short message service (SMS), a multimedia message service (MMS), a built-in camera, and shoot a subject according to a user's request. Built-in MP3 player can play music according to user's needs.

In addition, the portable terminal 100 includes a PTT button according to the present embodiment, and PTT communication is possible according to the input of the PTT button. The mobile terminal 100 includes a PTT module that performs a PTT related operation including a PTT call request to the PTT server 170. When the PTT call is performed, the mobile terminal 100 wirelessly transmits a PTT call request of a predetermined format to the base station 130. In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may access the PTT server 130 and perform a modification operation such as creating, changing, and deleting group list information and personal information set by the user of the mobile terminal 100.

The base station 130 is connected to the switching center system 150, and the switching center system 150 is connected to the PTT server 170 through the data network. The switching center system 150 provides a PTT call request from the mobile terminal 100 to the PTT server 170 through the base station 130, and the switching center system 150 includes such a PTT request with the PTT server 170. An Inter Working Function (IWF) is provided to process data packets.

The PTT server 170 performs a real time management operation of the PTT user group. That is, the PTT server 170 performs not only overall control of the PTT user group, but also mediates, maintains, and distributes a registration list for each user, and sets up and separates calls between necessary systems and network resources. The PTT server 170 may allow a right to speak to any one of the mobile terminals 100 currently connected.

The PTT server 170 includes a PTT Over Cellular (POC) server 171 and a Group and List Management Server (GLMS) 173. The POC server 171 performs a communication function for a PTT service in mobile communication, and the GLMS 173 manages information of a PTT user and a group list of each user.

Hereinafter, a portable terminal for PTT communication according to the present embodiment will be described. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a portable terminal for PTT communication according to the present invention.

2, the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention includes an RF unit 101, a camera 103, an image processing unit 105, a display unit 107, a memory unit 109, and a key input unit 111. And a control unit 115.

The RF unit 101 performs a wireless communication function of the mobile terminal 100. The RF unit 101 includes an RF transmitter for upconverting and amplifying a frequency of a transmitted signal, and an RF receiver for low noise amplifying and downconverting a received signal.

The RF unit 101 performs all processing for providing a PTT service. In particular, the RF unit 101 starts an operation in response to a user's manipulation signal input through the PTT button 113 and performs PTT data processing for providing a PTT service. For example, when the PTT button 113 is input, the RF unit 101 waits for reception of the PTT data and transmits the voice of the user input through the microphone. The demodulated PTT data is output to the speaker. The RF unit 101 transmits the captured image to the called party's mobile terminal through PTT communication when the PTT button 113 is input during the preview screen display by driving the camera 103 according to the present embodiment.

The camera 103 photographs a subject to generate an image signal. The camera 103 includes a camera sensor that converts the photographed optical signal into an electrical signal, and a signal processor that converts the analog image signal photographed from the camera sensor into a digital signal. The camera 103 captures an image according to the present embodiment. The camera 103 displays an image viewed through the camera 103 as a preview screen before photographing is performed.

The image processor 105 performs a function of generating screen data for displaying an image signal output from the camera 103. The image processing unit 105 includes an image codec and performs a function of compressing image data displayed on the display unit 107 in a set manner or restoring the compressed image data to original image data.

The display unit 107 visually displays various types of information related to the state and operation of the portable terminal 100. The display unit 107 may use an LCD, in which case the display unit 107 includes an LCD control unit, an LCD display element, and the like. When the LCD is implemented using a touch screen method, the display unit 107 may operate as an input unit.

The display unit 107 displays a preview screen viewed through the camera 103 according to the present embodiment. The display unit 107 displays a group list received from the PTT server 170 when the PTT button 113 is input while displaying the preview screen by driving the camera 103.

The memory unit 109 stores programs and information necessary for the operation of the portable terminal 100. The memory unit 109 may store a group list for PTT communication according to the present embodiment. Such a group list may be received through the PTT server 170 or may be stored in the memory unit 109.

The key input unit 111 receives a user's operation signal for controlling the operation of the portable terminal 100. The key input unit 111 has a PTT button 113 according to the present embodiment. The PTT button 113 transmits a user's manipulation signal for using the PTT service to the controller 115. For this purpose, the PTT button 113 may be provided as a dedicated key in the portable terminal 100 separately. Alternatively, the PTT button 113 may be one of the keys included in the key input unit 111.

The key input unit 111 performs operations such as driving a camera, inputting a PTT button 113, and selecting a receiver for transmitting a photographed image from the displayed group list.

The controller 115 controls the overall operation of each component of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 115 controls the PTT communication function of the mobile terminal 100 according to the present embodiment. The controller 115 includes a PTT module 117. When the PTT button 113 is input while displaying the preview screen by driving the camera 103, the controller 115 captures an image being displayed and stores the image in the memory unit 109. At the same time, the controller 115 drives the PTT module 117 to request a PTT connection to the PTT server 170.

When the PTT module 117 receives a response to the PTT connection request, the PTT module 117 receives the set group list together, and the control unit 115 displays this on the display unit 107. When a specific receiver is selected through the key input unit 111, the controller 115 drives the PTT module 117 to transmit an image to the corresponding portable terminal through PTT communication. Here, the controller 115 may request a PTT call from the corresponding portable terminal when transmitting an image. When receiving the acceptance of the PTT call request from the receiving mobile terminal, the controller 115 drives the PTT module 117 to perform a PTT call with the receiving mobile terminal.

As described above, the controller 115 and the PTT module 117 has been described as performing functions related to the PTT service, but is not limited thereto. That is, the controller 115 may include the PTT module 117 or the PTT module 117 may be provided in the portable terminal 100 separately from the controller 115 to perform functions related to the PTT service as described above. .

Hereinafter, the PTT communication method of the portable terminal according to the present embodiment will be described. 3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a PTT communication method of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 3, referring to the PTT communication method of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 115 of the source mobile terminal 100a is connected to the camera 103. The preview screen resulting from the driving is displayed on the display unit 107 (S301).

While displaying the preview screen, the control unit 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a checks whether or not the PTT button 113 is input (S303). If the user of the calling-side portable terminal 100a displays an image to be photographed while driving the camera 103 to display the preview screen, the user may input the PTT button 113 to capture the image. Here, if the PTT button 113 is not input, the control unit 115 returns to the above-described step S301 as shown in the figure. Alternatively, general image capturing may be performed by inputting a general camera 103 function, for example, a confirmation key.

When the PTT button 113 is input, the control unit 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a captures an image displayed on the preview screen and stores the captured image in the memory unit 109 (S305). That is, during the preview screen display, the user captures an image by inputting the PTT button 113. Here, although the image is described as being immediately stored in the memory unit 109, but is not limited thereto. For example, the user may select whether or not to save.

At the same time, the control unit 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a requests a PTT connection to the PTT server 170 (S307). The controller 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a drives the PTT module 117 as the PTT button 113 is input in step S303, and the PTT module 117 connects the PTT to the PTT server 170. Ask.

Subsequently, the PTT server 170 checks the user of the mobile terminal 100a through the GLMS 173 and responds to the PTT connection request of the user of the mobile terminal 100a. The PTT server 170 transmits a group list which is PTT call group subscriber information of the user of the mobile terminal 100a (S309).

Next, the control unit 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a displays the group list received from the PTT server 170 on the display unit 107 (S311). Here, as described above, the group list set by the calling mobile terminal 100a user is not limited to being received from the PTT server 170 at the time of PTT connection. For example, during PTT connection, the controller 115 may drive the PTT module 117 to display the group list stored in the memory unit 109 on the display unit 107.

After that, the control unit 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a receives a receiver to which the image captured in step S305 is to be transmitted (S313). The user selects a receiver to which the captured image is to be transmitted from the group list displayed in step S311 through the key input unit 111.

When the receiver is selected, the control unit 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a transmits the captured image. At this time, the control unit 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a transmits a PTT call request message INVITE to the receiving mobile terminal 100b (S315). The PTT call request message includes information on the IDs of the calling mobile terminal 100a and the receiving mobile terminal 100b.

In detail, the process 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a drives the PTT module 117 to connect the PTT call request message with the corresponding mobile terminal 100a in the form of a short data burst (SDB). The base station 130 is transmitted. Thereafter, a service option (SO_PTT) negotiation is performed with the corresponding base station 130 for the PTT service, and a traffic channel (TCH) setup is performed. Here, the Nego is a process of preparing a higher network session from the physical layer including the PPP session to the application layer.

The PTT server 170 receiving the PTT call request message together with the image checks the ID of the calling mobile terminal 100a in the PTT call request message and transmits it to the receiving mobile terminal 100b (S317). The PTT server 170 transmits the PTT call request message to the base station 130 which the receiving mobile terminal 100b receives. Here, the base station 130 periodically transmits a paging signal (General Page) to the receiving mobile terminal 100b, and the receiving mobile terminal 100b transmits a page response to the paging signal. 130). During the paging, the base station 130 transmits the PTT call request message in the SDB form to the receiving mobile terminal 100b together with the image.

Next, the control unit 115 of the receiving side mobile terminal 100b displays the received image and the PTT call request message on the display unit 107 (S319). Here, when the PTT call request message is transmitted to the receiving side mobile terminal 100b, the control unit 115 of the receiving side mobile terminal 100b transmits a signal indicating that the PTT call request message has been normally received to the base station 130. .

After that, the control unit 115 of the reception-side portable terminal 100b checks whether or not a PTT call is attempted (S321). Attempt of the PTT call may be performed by inputting the PTT button 113 provided in the receiving portable terminal 100b.

Upon confirming the desired input for the PTT call, the control unit 115 of the receiving side mobile terminal 100b drives the PTT module 117 to transmit a message indicating the acceptance of the PTT call request to the PTT server 170 (S323). . Upon acceptance of the PTT call request, the receiving side mobile terminal 100b transmits a PTT call request acceptance message to the corresponding base station 130 in the form of SDB. Subsequently, the reception side portable terminal 100b performs traffic option setup for the PTT service in association with the corresponding base station 130 and performs traffic channel setup.

The PTT server 170 which has received the PTT call request acceptance message from the receiving portable terminal 100b transmits it to the calling portable terminal 100a (S325). The PTT server 170 transmits a PTT call request accept message through the base station 130 of the calling mobile terminal 100a.

Subsequently, a PTT call is made between the calling portable terminal 100a and the receiving portable terminal 100b (S327). Upon receiving the PTT call request acceptance message, the controller 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a drives the PTT module 117 to complete the traffic channel setup. At this time, the control unit 115 of the calling mobile terminal 100a displays a message indicating that the PTT call request has been accepted from the receiving mobile terminal 100b on the display unit 107.

In the above-described S315 process of the present embodiment, when the image is transmitted through the PTT network, the PTT call request message is transmitted together as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, the calling mobile terminal may perform only image transmission in step S315, and the receiving mobile terminal may perform only image reception in step S319.

In the present embodiment, the image is transmitted to one portable terminal, but is not limited thereto. For example, the calling mobile terminal may designate a group and transmit an image to the mobile terminals of the designated group through the PTT network.

In the PTT communication method of the mobile terminal and the portable terminal according to the present embodiment, the image can be quickly and simply transmitted by transmitting the image through PTT communication, thereby increasing the recognition of the PTT.

Second embodiment

In this embodiment, descriptions of the same components as those of the first embodiment or corresponding components will be omitted.

The PTT communication method of the mobile terminal and the portable terminal according to the present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described above, but when the image is captured by using the PTT button in the camera mode, the stored image is not transmitted, but the stored image is selected. When the PTT button is input, the selected image is transmitted through the PTT network.

4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a portable terminal for push-to-talk communication according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 4, the display unit 407 displays an image stored in the memory unit 409 according to a user's input through the key input unit 411. When the PTT button 413 is input while displaying the stored image, the display unit 407 displays a group list received from the PTT server 170 or stored in the memory unit 409.

The memory unit 409 includes an image storage unit 419. The image storage unit 419 stores an image photographed through a camera or downloaded from an external server.

The key input unit 411 performs operations such as viewing an image and selecting an image stored in the image storage unit 419 of the memory unit 409.

If a specific image is selected while the image stored in the image storage unit 419 is displayed and the PTT button 413 is input, the controller 415 requests the PTT connection to the PTT server 170 by driving the PTT module 417. do. The PTT module 417 receives a response to the PTT connection request, and the controller 415 receives the set group list together and displays it on the display unit 407. When a specific receiver is selected through the key input unit 411, the controller 415 transmits an image to the corresponding portable terminal through PTT communication.

In the present embodiment, although the description and drawings of the camera and the image processing unit as in the above-described first embodiment are not illustrated, the present invention is not limited thereto. The portable terminal according to the present embodiment may further include a camera and an image processing unit as in the first embodiment, and may store an image captured by the camera in the image storage unit of the memory unit.

Hereinafter, the PTT communication method of the portable terminal according to the present embodiment will be described. 5 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a push-to-talk communication method of a portable terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

1, 4 and 5, referring to the PTT communication method of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the controller 415 of the calling mobile terminal 400a may include a memory unit. It is recognized that a specific image is selected among the images stored in the 409 (S501). The user may select an image view stored in the image storage unit 419 of the memory unit 409, for example, an image stored in an album, by using the key input unit 411, and select a specific image therefrom.

When a specific image is selected, the controller 415 of the calling mobile terminal 400a checks whether the PTT button 413 is input (S503).

When the PTT button 413 is input, the control unit 415 of the calling mobile terminal 400a requests a PTT connection to the PTT server 170 (S505). The controller 415 of the calling mobile terminal 400a drives the PTT module 417 as the PTT button 413 is input in step S503, and the PTT module 417 connects the PTT to the PTT server 170. Ask.

Subsequently, the PTT server 170 checks the user of the mobile terminal 400a through the GLMS 173 and responds to the PTT connection request of the user of the mobile terminal 400a. In operation S507, the mobile terminal 400a transmits the group list which is the subscriber information of the PTT call group of the user.

Next, the control unit 415 of the calling mobile terminal 400a displays the group list received from the PTT server 170 on the display unit 407 (S509).

Thereafter, the control unit 415 of the calling mobile terminal 400a receives a selection of a receiver to which the selected image is to be transmitted in step S501 (S511). The user selects, via the key input unit 411, a receiver to which the selected image is to be transmitted from the group list displayed in step S509 described above.

When the receiver is selected, the controller 415 of the calling mobile terminal 400a transmits the selected image (S513). Subsequently, the PTT server 170 that has received the image transmits it to the receiving side mobile terminal 400b (S515).

Next, the control unit 415 of the reception side portable terminal 400b displays the received image on the display unit 407 (S517).

Although an example of transmitting an image through a PTT network in step S511 of the present embodiment has been described as an example, as in the above-described first embodiment, a PTT call request message may be transmitted together. In addition, the receiving mobile terminal may accept the PTT call request message to perform a PTT call between the calling mobile terminal and the receiving mobile terminal.

In the present embodiment, the image is transmitted to one portable terminal, but is not limited thereto. For example, the calling mobile terminal may designate a group and transmit an image to the mobile terminals of the designated group through the PTT network.

Meanwhile, the portable terminal and the PTT communication method thereof according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be variously modified within the scope not departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. This will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

According to the present invention, by transmitting the image through the PTT communication, which was capable of transmitting only the voice call signal, it is possible to transmit the image quickly and easily, thereby increasing the awareness of the PTT communication.

Claims (18)

Requesting a connection to a PTT server when a push-to-talk button is pressed during image display; Receiving a response from the PTT server, selecting a receiver capable of PTT communication; And transmitting the image to the portable terminal of the selected receiver through the PTT communication. The method of claim 1, wherein the connection request process comprises: When the PTT button is input while displaying an image in the preview mode of the camera mode, the PTT communication method of the mobile terminal, characterized by photographing the image being displayed and making a connection request to the PTT server. The method of claim 1, wherein the connection request process comprises: When the PTT button is input while displaying a specific image among the stored images, the PTT communication method of the mobile terminal, characterized in that the connection request is made to the PTT server. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the transmission process, Requesting an invitation of the selected receiver mobile terminal to the PTT server for PTT communication with the portable terminal of the selected receiver when transmitting the image; The PTT server requests the PTT communication to the selected recipient portable terminal, and when the selected recipient portable terminal accepts the PTT communication, the PTT communication method further comprises the step of performing a PTT communication. The method of claim 4, wherein the PTT communication process, And the pop-up window for requesting the PTT communication is displayed on the screen. According to claim 2 or 3, wherein the selection process, And receiving a list of recipients capable of the PTT communication from the PTT server when receiving a response from the PTT server. The method of claim 6, wherein the selection process, PTT communication method of the mobile terminal, characterized in that proceeding by selecting a group from the list. The method of claim 7, wherein the transmission process, Requesting an invitation of the mobile terminal of the selected group to the PTT server for PTT group communication with the mobile terminal of the selected group when transmitting the image; The PTT server requests PTT group communication to the mobile terminals of the selected group, and when the mobile terminals of the selected group accept the PTT group communication, the PTT group communication is further included. PTT communication method. A camera for shooting the first image, A memory unit for storing the second image, A key input unit including a PTT button, And a PTT module for requesting connection to the PTT server and transmitting the displayed image through the PTT communication when the PTT button is input while displaying one of the first or second images. The method of claim 9, And a controller configured to drive the camera to capture the first image being displayed when the PTT button is input while displaying the first image on the preview screen. The method of claim 9, wherein the PTT module, And selecting a specific image from the second images stored in the memory unit and transmitting the selected second image through the PTT communication when the PTT button is input. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the PTT module, When the PTT button is input, request a connection to the PTT server, When receiving a response from the PTT server, the mobile terminal further comprises a display unit for displaying a list of recipients capable of PTT communication. The method of claim 12, wherein the key input unit, And a specific recipient is selected when the recipient list is displayed. The method of claim 13, wherein the PTT module, And transmitting a PTT request to the portable terminal of the selected receiver. The method of claim 14, wherein the PTT module, And, upon accepting the PTT communication from the selected recipient portable terminal, perform PTT communication with the selected recipient portable terminal. The method of claim 12, wherein the key input unit, And selecting a group when the recipient list is displayed. The method of claim 16, wherein the PTT module, And transmitting the image, requesting PTT group communication to the mobile terminal of the selected group. The method of claim 17, wherein the PTT module, And, when accepting the PTT communication from the portable terminals of the selected group, perform PTT group communication with the portable terminals of the selected group.

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