CN1756383A

CN1756383A - Method and system for receiving and transmitting information using multiple pathway communications

Info

Publication number: CN1756383A
Application number: CN200510088396.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 纳拜瑞简·塞亚爵; 吉汉·卡若古; 詹姆士·D·贝内特
Original assignee: Zyray Wireless Inc
Current assignee: Broadcom Corp; Zyray Wireless Inc
Priority date: 2004-08-13
Filing date: 2005-08-11
Publication date: 2006-04-05

Abstract

A system and method for utilizing multiple independent communication pathways for communication. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise receiving a first signal directly from a first communication network, where the first signal communicates a unit of information. A second signal may be received from a second communication network, where the second signal communicates the unit of information. The received first and second signals may be processed to determine the unit of information. For example, respective indications of reliability may be determined and utilized to select between the units of information determined from the first and second signals. Also for example, such indications of reliability may be utilized to calculate the unit of information (e.g., based on a weighted averaging technique). Also for example, the unit of information determined from the first signal may be utilized to determine the unit of information from the second signal.

Description

Utilize the method and system of the multichannel communication reception and the information of transmission

Technical field

The present invention relates to wireless communication system, more specifically, the present invention relates to a kind of method and system that utilizes the many communication channels receptions and the information of transmission.

Background technology

Various communication systems can use the single communication passage to come transmission information.Such communication system, the communication environment that its effect perhaps can the coverlet communication port limits.For example, perhaps the communication network of a single communication passage can face part or all of inefficacy.Again for example, the communication network of a single communication passage is subjected to the influence of network utilization or operational environment, may experience one low performance period.

In the different communication scheme, a communication system can be roamed in the coverage of a plurality of different communication networks.For example, perhaps a communication system works finely in initial communication network.Subsequently, this system may be repositioned onto different geographical position or

On the physical direction, at this moment, the communication quality between it and communication network may reduce.

By comparing the system of the present invention that existing system and the application's further part will be introduced, existing and more restrictions and shortcoming conventional method are very tangible for the person of ordinary skill of the art.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a kind of system and method that utilizes a plurality of independently communication ports to communicate.Various advantage of the present invention, various aspects will provide in following specification and accompanying drawing fully with, various character of innovation and detailed embodiment and describe.

According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of method that receives information in communication system, described method comprises:

Directly receive first signal from first communication network, described first signal transmits an information unit;

Directly receive secondary signal from the second communication network, described secondary signal is transmitted information unit;

Handle described first and second received signals and determine information unit.

Preferably, described processing first and second received signals determine that information unit comprises:

Handle described first received signal and determine information unit;

For the described information unit of determining from first received signal is determined the indication of first reliability;

Handle second received signal and determine information unit;

For the described information unit of determining from second received signal is determined the indication of second reliability;

Determine information unit based on described first and second reliabilities indication at least in part.

Preferably, the described indication based on first and second reliabilities at least in part determines that information unit comprises: indicate based on first and second reliabilities at least in part and select described information unit or the described information unit of determining from first received signal of determining from second received signal.

Preferably, describedly indicate to determine that information unit comprises based on first and second reliabilities at least in part: determine information unit based on following content at least in part:

From the definite information unit of first received signal;

The indication of first reliability;

The information unit of from second received signal, determining;

The indication of second reliability.

Preferably, describedly indicate to determine that information unit comprises based on first and second reliabilities at least in part: determine information unit based on following every weighted average at least in part:

The information unit of from first received signal, determining;

The indication of first reliability;

The information unit of from second received signal, determining;

The indication of second reliability.

Preferably, described first communication network is a communication network, and described second communication network is a computer network.

Preferably, described second communication network is connected with described first communication.

Preferably, described first and second signals are separately according to following different content:

Coding strategy;

Modulation technique; Or

Communication protocol.

Handle first received signal and determine information unit;

Determine that by utilizing the information unit of determining from first signal information unit of secondary signal handles second received signal to determine information unit.

Preferably, described method further is included as the described information unit of determining from first received signal and determines the indication of first reliability, wherein handles second received signal and determines that information unit comprises: the information unit that utilizes the information unit definite from first signal and first reliability to indicate to determine secondary signal.

Preferably, described method further comprises:

For the information unit of determining from second received signal is determined the indication of second reliability;

The information unit that utilization is determined from secondary signal and second reliability indicate the information unit of determining described first signal again.

According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of communication system that receives information, described system comprises:

At least one directly receives the module of first signal from first communication network, described first signal transmits an information unit;

At least one directly receives the module of secondary signal from the second communication network, described secondary signal is transmitted an information unit;

At least one handles first received signal and second received signal to determine the module of described information unit.

Preferably, described at least one module comprises first receiver module, second receiver module and a processing module.

Preferably, in handling first received signal and second received signal process, comprise that at least a module is next with definite described information unit:

Handle first received signal and determine information unit;

For the information unit of determining from first received signal is determined the indication of first reliability;

Handle second received signal and determine information unit;

Indicate to determine described information unit based on first and second reliabilities at least in part.

Preferably, determining in the process of information unit based on first and second reliabilities indications that at least in part at least one module is indicated based on first and second reliabilities at least in part and selected information unit of determining from first received signal or the information unit of determining from second received signal.

Preferably, indicating in the process of determining information unit based on first and second reliabilities at least in part, at least one module is determined described information unit based on following content at least in part:

From the definite information unit of first received signal;

The indication of first reliability;

From the definite information unit of second received signal;

The indication of second reliability.

Preferably, indicating in the process of determining information unit based on first and second reliabilities at least in part, at least one module is determined described information unit based on the weighted average of following content at least in part:

From the definite information unit of first received signal;

The indication of first reliability;

From the definite information unit of second received signal;

The indication of second reliability.

Preferably, described first and second signals are according to different separately:

Coding strategy;

Modulation technique; Or

Communication protocol.

Preferably, in handling the process of first and second received signals with definite information unit, at least one module:

Handle first received signal and determine information unit;

Determine that by utilizing the information unit of determining from first signal information unit of secondary signal handles second received signal to determine described information unit.

Preferably, determine in the process of information unit at least one module in processing first received signal and second received signal:

For the information unit of determining from first signal is determined the indication of first reliability;

The information unit that the information unit that utilization is determined from first signal and first reliability indicate to determine secondary signal;

For the information unit of determining from secondary signal is determined second reliability indication number;

Utilize the information unit and second reliability determined in the secondary signal to indicate the information unit of determining described first signal again.

According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of method of utilizing multi communication network to transmit information unit in communication system, described method comprises:

Determine first group of information of representative information unit;

Transmit first group of information and give the second communication system in first signal of direct and first communication, described first communication network is connected with second communication system communication;

Determine second group of information of the described information unit of representative;

Transmit second group of information and give the second communication system in the secondary signal of direct and second communication network service, described second communication network is connected with second communication system communication.

Coding strategy;

Modulation technique; Or

Communication protocol.

According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of communication system of utilizing many communication ports to transmit information unit, described system comprises:

At least one module, in order to:

Determine first group of information of representative information unit;

Determine second group of information of representative information unit;

At least one module, directly with first signal of first communication that communicates to connect the second communication system in, transmit first group of information and give the second communication system;

At least one module, directly with the secondary signal of the second communication network service that communicates to connect the second communication system in, transmit second group of information and give the second communication system.

Preferably, described at least one module comprises a signal processing module, first transmitter module and second transmitter module.

Coding strategy;

Modulation technique; Or

Communication protocol.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram according to a multi-network communication environment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 uses many communication ports to receive the flow chart of the method for information in the communication system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is the flow chart of the method by many communication ports reception information in the communication system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is the flow chart of the method by many communication ports reception information in the communication system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is the flow chart of the method by many communication ports transmission information in the communication system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is the structured flowchart that includes by the multi-network communication environment of the communication system of many communication channels transmission information according to of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is the schematic diagram that receives the communication system of information according to an embodiment of the invention by many communication channels;

Fig. 8 is the schematic diagram that receives the communication system of information according to an embodiment of the invention by many communication channels;

Fig. 9 is the schematic diagram that transmits the communication system of information according to an embodiment of the invention by many communication channels.

Embodiment

Shown in Figure 1 is schematic diagram according to multi-network communication environment 100 of the present invention.This multi-network communication environment 100 can be explained many aspects of the present invention with in the following discussion.But scope of the present invention never is subjected to the restriction of the feature of this communication environment 100.

Communication environment 100 includes first communication system 110 (for example, portable communication device).Although first communication system 110 is exemplified as a portable portable communication equipment usually, first communication system 110 can comprise the feature of various communication systems.The feature that can comprise cell phone, paging equipment, portable multimedia communication equipment, pocket computer, personal digital assistant, mobile phone, desk-top or notebook computer etc. such as but not limited to, first communication system 110.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of concrete communication system.

Communication environment 100 can comprise a cellular carrier central office 120, and management of routing information is also by various communication networks (for example wireless network) and other communication systems communicate information.Following discussion will be an example with cellular carrier central office 120, and other communication system is by its transmission information.But scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of concrete communication system.

First communication system 110 can possess the ability that goes up transmission information at multiple communication channels (for example by a plurality of communication networks).Article one, communication port is generally defined as the circuit that information (or data) is transmitted between a communication system and another or a plurality of communication system.Article one, communication port can comprise any characteristics of various communication ports.Such as but not limited to, communication port can be the direct link between communication system, also can be the one or more intermediate communication networks between communication system.

For example, first communication port in the multiple communication channels can be first communication network, and the second communication passage in the multiple communication channels can be the second communication network, substitutes at least a portion of first communication network.In a nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, first communication port in the multiple communication channels can be a communication network, and the second communication passage in the multiple communication channels can be a computer communication network, substitutes at least a portion of communication network.In this non-limiting example scheme, first communication port can utilize communication network that whole communication ports between first communication system and second communication system are provided, the second communication passage can utilize computer network to communicate between first communication system and communication network center switch, and utilizes communication network transmission information between center switch and second communication system.Scope of the present invention is not subjected to any specific restriction that is used for transmitting the passage (or communication network group) of information between system.

In the communication environment 100, first communication system 110 communicates to connect by two communication ports and cellular carrier central office 120.First communication port comprises the wave point 130 (for example transceiver subsystem in the cellular carrier infrastructure) between first communication system 110 and the cellular carrier central office 120.The second communication passage comprises a local wireless interface 140 between first communication system 110 and the local gateway 141.Local wireless interface 140 and local gateway 141 can be the common local communication system in workplace () parts for example, local telecommunication network or LAN (Local Area Network), but be not limited thereto.

Gateway 141 can comprise a modulator-demodulator, and communicates to connect by communication link 142 and broadband communication network 143.Broadband communication network 143 can comprise the feature of cable, DSL or satellite broadband access provider, but is not limited thereto.Broadband communication network 143 can be connected with cellular carrier central office 120 by communication link 144.

Communication link 142 and 144 (and other communication links in the communication environment 100) can comprise any feature of polytype communication link.Can utilize any communication media (for example, wired, wireless, lasso trick optical fiber, non-lasso trick optical fiber etc.) such as but not limited to, communication link 142 and 144.Again for example,

communication link

142 and 144 can be based on any communication standard or agreement.Scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of the communication media of any particular type.

(for example, connect cordless communication network by above-mentioned first or second communication passage by wave point 130; Or local wireless interface 140 connects computer networks), first communication system 110 can with cellular carrier central office 120 pass-along message information.Notice that although first communication system 100 is described to communicate by two different communication passages and network of relation, first communication system 110 also has the ability that communicates on plural different communication passage and network of relation.

Communication environment 100 also includes second communication system 150 (for example portable email equipment, pocket computer, desktop computer or possess the kneetop computer of multi-network communication ability), has the ability that goes up transmission information at multiple communication channels (for example, using a plurality of communication networks).

In the communication environment 100, second communication system 150 communicates to connect by two communication ports and cellular carrier central office 120.First communication port comprises the wave point 160 (for example transceiver subsystem in the cellular carrier infrastructure) between second communication system 150 and the cellular carrier central office 120.The second communication passage comprises local wireless interface 170 (for example wireless router and modulator-demodulator).Local wireless interface 170 can be the family common in the family or the part of PCS Personal Communications System (for example, is the telecommunication system or the individual local area computer network at center with the family).

Local wireless interface 170 can comprise a modulator-demodulator, communicates to connect by communication link 171 and aforesaid broadband communication network 143.Broadband communication network 143 can communicate to connect by communication link 144 and cellular carrier central office 120.The same with

aforesaid communication link

142 and 144, communication link 171 can comprise the feature of multiple communication link type.

Second communication system 150 can be by any and the cellular carrier central office 120 transmission information in above-mentioned first or the second communication passage.Notice that although the second communication system 150 of above-mentioned introduction can communicate by letter, second communication system 150 also has the ability that communicates on two above different communication passages and network of relation on two different communication passages and network of relation.

Communication environment 100 also includes third communication system 180 (for example cell phone), has the ability of the information of transmitting by multiple communication channels.

In the communication environment 100, third communication system 180 communicates to connect by two communication ports and cellular carrier central office 120.First communication port comprises the wave point 190 (for example transceiver subsystem in the cellular carrier infrastructure) between second communication system 180 and the cellular carrier central office 120.The second communication passage comprises the wave point 193 of cdma network 195, communicates to connect by communication link 196 and transmission network 197.Transmission network 197 can communicate to connect by communication link 198 and cellular carrier central office 120 then.As aforesaid communication link 142,144 and 171,

communication link

196 and 198 can comprise any feature of multiple communication link type.

Third communication system 180 can be by any and the cellular carrier central office 120 transmission information in above-mentioned first or the second communication passage.Notice that although the third communication system 180 of above-mentioned introduction communicates by letter, second communication system 180 also has the ability that communicates on two above different communication passages and network of relation on two different communication passages and network of relation.

At this moment, what need emphasize once more is that communication environment 100 only is an example, is used for general objects of the present invention is carried out concrete illustrating.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of this communication environment 100.

Fig. 2 is according to the flow chart that receives the method 200 of information in the communication system of the present invention by many communication channels.As previously mentioned, communication system can comprise any feature of plurality of communication systems (for example, portable or hand communication system).The feature that can comprise cell phone, paging equipment, portable multimedia communication equipment, pocket computer, personal digital assistant, desk-top or portable computer etc. such as but not limited to, communication system.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of certain particular communications system.

Notice that following major part introduction will use the dual signal scheme to make an explanation to various aspects of the present invention.Will be appreciated that selecting the dual signal scheme only is in order to make explanation more clear.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of various dual signal schemes.For example, various dual signal embodiment can expand in three signals or the n signaling plan easily.

Method 200 is from step 210.All methods of discussing among method 200 and the application can start because of multiple reason.Such as but not limited to, when the communication system of a manner of execution 200 was restarted or powered on, method 200 just began to carry out.Again for example, method 200 can start according to user's order (for example, outer apparent order that makes that communication system begins to communicate by letter).Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of certain specific startup incident or condition.

At step 220 place, method 200 comprises that directly (for example not by any intermediate communication network) receives first signal of transmission information from first communication network.This information can comprise one or more information units, wherein " information unit " information of some normally.Such as but not limited to, an information unit can be a packet, bit, symbol, Frame, message, song, program, music video, film, communication fragment or the like.This information can comprise any feature (for example, text, figure, multimedia, video, audio frequency, picture, general data or the like) of polytype information.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of the information of certain particular type, the restriction of the feature of the various contents that are not subjected to this information unit yet and comprised.

First communication network can possess any feature of polytype communication network.Such as but not limited to, first communication network can be communication network, TV network or a computer network.First communication network can be a less relatively LAN, for example PAN (Personal Area Network) (" PAN ") or local area network (LAN) (" LAN ").First communication network can also be a relatively large LAN, for example metropolitan area network (" MAN "), national communication network or global communications network (for example internet or various satellite communication network).First communication network can be part or all of first communication port between communication system.For example, as previously mentioned, a communication port can comprise one or more communication networks that communicate to connect.

With reference to the communication environment 100 shown in the figure 1, the first communication system 110 directly wave point from the radio communication operator system 130 receives first signal of communication, wherein, first signal of communication has transmitted an information unit (for example call fragment).Again for example, second communication system 1 50 can directly receive first signal of communication by the local wireless interface 170 from PAN (Personal Area Network), and wherein, first signal of communication has transmitted an information unit (a for example first song).Again for example, third communication system 180 can directly receive first signal of communication from the radio access point 193 of cdma network 195, and wherein, first signal of communication has transmitted an information unit (for example video pictures).

In a word, first communication network can possess any feature of polytype communication network.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any particular communication networks type.

Above-mentioned first signal can possess any feature of polytype signal of communication.Can go up and transmit at any communication media (for example, wired, wireless, lasso trick optical fiber, non-lasso trick optical fiber etc.) such as but not limited to, first signal.Again for example, first signal can use various coding strategies, modulation technique, compress technique, communication protocol to wait transmission information (for example communication unit).In a nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, the wireless signal that first signal can be to use the IEEE802.11 communication standard to transmit transmits the video information of compressing according to MPEG-4 (part10) mode, and uses public/private cipher key technology to encrypt.In another nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, the wireless signal that first signal can be to use the gsm communication standard to transmit transmits cellular telephone information.

In a word, first signal can possess any feature of polytype signal of communication.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any particular communication signal type.

Can also use a receiver to receive first signal in the step 220.Such receiver can possess any characteristics of polytype receiver.Such as but not limited to, this receiver can comprise wired, wireless or fibre optic receiver.Again for example, this receiver can be used for transmitting the information of using any communication protocol or standard transmission.For example, this receiver can also be connected with an antenna (or other signal ports).But scope of the present invention should not be subjected to the restriction of the feature of the receiver of any particular type or other equipment that can receive the signal that is used to the information of transmitting.

At step 230 place, method 200 directly receives the secondary signal of transmission information (information unit for example foregoing first signal) from second communication network (telecommunication network that for example is different from first communication network fully).For example, secondary signal can be transmitted the identical information unit with first signal (for example receiving at step 220 place) transmission usually.But it should be noted that transmitting identical information unit might not transmit identical data.Such as but not limited to, information unit can transmit with different data resolutions (for example space, colour, intensity and/or instantaneous resolution etc.).Again for example, information unit can use different data compression techniques and/or coding strategy to transmit.

As previously mentioned, first and second signals can transmit at least a portion of same data unit respectively.Notice that first and second signals also can transmit the information that is used to discern the information unit (or part wherein) that is transmitted.Can transmit the packet or the frame of the header information that includes the particular information unit that is used to discern transmission respectively such as but not limited to, first and second signals.This identifying information can comprise timestamp information, time sequence information, data identification information etc., but is not limited thereto.In a nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, first signal can transmit the header information that is used to discern this information unit when transmitting an information unit; Secondary signal can be when transmitting this identical information unit, transmits at least a portion of the identical header information that is used to discern this information unit.

The same with first communication network, the second communication network can comprise any feature of multiple communication network type.The second communication network can be the part (or all) of second communication passage between communication system.Notice that the second communication passage can be shared one or more communication networks (or wherein a part of).For example, the second communication network can be connected (directly or indirectly) with first communication of introducing previously.

With reference to the communication environment 100 shown in the figure 1, first communication system 110 can directly receive the second communication signal from the local wireless interface 140 of for example office's local area network (LAN), wherein, the second communication signal has transmitted an information unit (for example call fragment).Can transmit at least a portion of this identical information units (a for example fragment of this identical call) respectively such as but not limited to, first signal (from aforesaid wave point 130, receiving) and secondary signal.

Again for example, second communication system 150 directly receives the second communication signal in the wave point from the radio communication operator system 160, and wherein, the second communication signal has transmitted an information unit (a for example first song).Can transmit at least a portion (a for example identical song or a part wherein) of this identical information units respectively such as but not limited to, first signal (from aforesaid local wireless interface 170, receiving) and secondary signal.

Again for example, third communication system 180 directly receives the second communication signal in the radio access point from the radio communication operator system 190, and wherein, the second communication signal has transmitted an information unit (for example video pictures).Can transmit at least a portion of this identical information units (for example identical video pictures) respectively such as but not limited to, first signal (from the radio access point 193 of aforesaid cdma network 195, receiving) and secondary signal.

In a word, the second communication network can possess any feature of polytype communication network.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any particular communication network type.

The same with first signal in the aforesaid step 220, secondary signal can possess any feature of polytype signal of communication.Can pass through multiple communication media (for example, wired, wireless, lasso trick optical fiber, non-lasso trick optical fiber etc.) such as but not limited to, secondary signal transmits.Again for example, secondary signal can use various coding strategies, modulation technique, compress technique, communication protocol to wait transmission information.In a nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, the wireless signal that secondary signal can be to use the IEEE802.11 communication standard to transmit transmits the video information of compressing according to MPEG-4 (part10) mode, and uses public/private cipher key technology to encrypt.In another nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, the wireless signal that secondary signal can be to use the gsm communication standard to transmit transmits cellular telephone information.

In a word, secondary signal can possess any feature of polytype signal of communication.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any particular communication signal type.

Can also use a receiver to receive secondary signal in the step 230.This receiver can possess any characteristics of polytype receiver.Such as but not limited to, this receiver can comprise wired, wireless or fibre optic receiver.Again for example, this receiver can be used to transmit the information of using various communication standards or protocol transmission.For example, this receiver can be independent of the receiver that is used for receiving in step 220 first signal.Selectively, this receiver can be shared the one or more elements that are used for receiving in step 220 receiver of first signal again.This receiver can also be connected with an antenna (or other signal ports).But scope of the present invention should not be subjected to the restriction of the feature of the receiver of any particular type or other equipment that can receive the signal that is used to the information of transmitting.

At step 240 place, method 200 is handled first received signals and second received signal information (for example information unit) to transmit in first and second signals of determining to receive from step 220 and 230.Can handle this first and second received signal by any way in the step 240, below will introduce a nonrestrictive example.

Notice that in order to realize the processing to first and second received signals, method 200 comprises first signal or secondary signal or simultaneously two signals (or the information in the signal) carried out buffered.This buffered can be used for compensating the timing problems that receives and/or handle in first and second signals.

In first nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, step 240 comprises that handling first signal determines information unit, and determines first reliability for this information unit of determining and indicate from first signal.Step 240 comprises that subsequently handling secondary signal determines information unit, and determines second reliability for this information unit of determining and indicate from secondary signal.Step 240 also comprises indicates to determine information unit to small part based on first and second reliabilities.

Exemplary scenario above the continuation, step 240 also comprise by one in the information unit of selecting information unit definite from first signal or determining from secondary signal, indicate to the reliability based on separately of small part and determine information unit.Selectively, step 240 can also comprise by determine information unit in conjunction with information unit of determining and the information unit determined from secondary signal from first signal.This merging can be indicated relevant weighting technique with reliability separately to the foundation of small part.

In second nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, step 240 comprises handles the information unit that first received signal determines that first signal transmits.Step 240 processing second received signal is determined information unit then, by using the information unit of determining secondary signal from the definite information unit of first signal.In other words, determining under the situation of information unit from first signal that step 240 can comprise based on to the definite result from the definite information unit of first signal, determine the information unit of secondary signal.Should determine also to indicate and make based on the reliability of the information unit of the first signal transmission.

At step 250 place, method 200 is carried out subsequent treatment.This subsequent treatment can comprise the feature of various subsequent treatment.Such as but not limited to, step 250 can turn back to step 220 and receive and handle more information.Again for example, step 250 can also be carried out additional treatments reception information is shown to the user.Again for example, can be connected the information that determines whether or how to handle reception with the user in the step 250.Again for example, can send information in the step 250.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any specific subsequent treatment.

More than two exemplary scenario be concrete exemplary illustration to overall range of the present invention.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of above-mentioned concrete example explanation.

Fig. 3 is according to using many communication ports to receive the flow chart of the method 300 of information in the communication system of the present invention.

At step 320 place, method 300 comprises directly and receives first signal from first communication network that wherein first signal transmits information (for example information unit).Such as but not limited to, step 320 can be shared the various features of the step 220 of method 200 in the earlier figures 2.

At step 330 place, method 300 comprises directly from second communication network (for example, with the diverse communication network of first communication network) and receives secondary signal, and wherein secondary signal is transmitted information (for example, the information unit of aforesaid and first signal correction).Such as but not limited to, step 330 can be shared the various features of the step 230 of method 200 in the earlier figures 2.

At step 340 place, method 300 comprises that handling first and second received signals determines wherein information (for example, the information unit that transmits in first and second received signals in the

step

320 and 330).Step 340 can be shared the substep that will introduce step 340 below the various features of step 240 of method 200 in the earlier figures 2.Notice that scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of this substep.

At step 342 place, method 300 comprises that handling first received signal determines wherein information (for example, information unit).This processing can comprise that carrying out any signal processing operations determines information in the received signal.Such as but not limited to, can carry out signal rectification, digital detection (to digital signal), signal decoding, deciphering, decompression, error-detecting and correction etc. in the step 342.But scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any concrete mode of determining information from signal.

At step 343 place, method 300 is included as from the definite information unit of first received signal (for example, the information unit of determining in the step 342) determines the indication of first reliability.Reliability indication can be considered to be relevant with the confidence level of the accuracy of information unit definite from a signal or reliability signal or value (for example, numerical value, alpha value etc.) usually.In a nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, can adopt digital scale, seniority top digit is represented higher relatively confidence level, lower-order digit is represented relatively low confidence level.In another nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, accurately whether definite information unit of a digital scale correspondence statistical probability.But the restriction that is not subjected to the feature of any specific signal reliability (accuracy) indication of the present invention.

Step 343 can be determined the indication of first reliability for this information unit by variety of way.Such as but not limited to, step 343 can be determined this reliability indication to the error based on detected frequency and/or correction of small part.Again for example, step 343 can also be determined this reliability indication to the condition based on communication environment (for example signal to noise ratio) of small part.What more for example, step 343 can be to small part determines that based on the confidence levels that presets (for example, based on the record before the customizing messages source of received signal or the communication network) this reliability indicates.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of the ad hoc fashion of any reliability indication that is used for determining reception information or confidence level.

At step 344 place, method 300 comprises processing second received signal and determines information unit.Step 344 can be shared the various features of abovementioned steps 342, and first received signal that only receives in the step 320 has changed the secondary signal that receives in the step 330 into.

At step 345 place, method 300 is included as the information of determining (for example information unit) and determines the indication of second reliability in step 344.Step 345 can be shared the various features of abovementioned steps 343, and only the definite information of first signal that receives in the step 320 and step 342 has changed secondary signal and the definite information of step 344 that receives in the step 330 into.

At step 346 place, method 300 comprises to first and second reliabilities based on determining of small part indicates to determine information unit.Step 346 can comprise by variety of way to first and second reliabilities based on determining of small part indicates to determine information unit.Discuss below with reference to various nonrestrictive examples, these examples are limitation of the scope of the invention anything but.

In first nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, step 346 comprises the most reliable information unit of selection.For example, step 346 can comprise to the reliability indication separately based on determining in

step

343 and 345 of small part to be determined: information that first signal that receives in the step 320 transmits and that determine in step 342 (as, that an information unit) transmit than the secondary signal that receives in the step 330 and information that step 344 is determined (as, an information unit) more reliable.Step 346 is chosen in the information unit of determining in the step 342 then.

In second nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, step 346 can comprise to small part based on the information unit of from first received signal, determining (for example, determine in the step 342), first reliability indication (for example determining in the step 343), the information unit of determining from second received signal (as determining the step 344) and the indication of second reliability (for example, in step 345 definite) determine information unit.What for example, step 346 can be to small part determines information unit based on a weighted average.This weighted average can obtain by using the reliability indication separately of each information unit that each information unit (or part wherein) is weighted.

In a word, step 346 can comprise to first and second reliabilities based on determining of small part and indicates to determine information unit.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to any specific restriction of making the feature of above-mentioned definite mode.

Said method 300 is that therefore, scope of the present invention is not limited by the feature of this exemplary method 300 to specifically the illustrating of overall range of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is according to using many communication ports to receive the flow chart of the method 400 of information in the communication system of the present invention.

At step 420 place, method 400 comprises directly and receives first signal from first communication network, and wherein first signal transmits information (for example, information unit).Step 420 can share method 200,300 among the earlier figures 2-3 step 220 and 320 various.

At step 430 place, method 400 comprises directly from second communication network (for example, with the diverse communication network of first communication network) and receives secondary signal, and wherein secondary signal is transmitted the information information unit of aforementioned first signal correction (for example, with).Step 430 can be shared the step 230 of method 200,300 among the earlier figures 2-3 and 330 various features.

At step 440 place, method 400 comprise handle first and second received signals determine wherein information (for example, the information unit that transmits in first and second signals of reception in the step 420 and 430) step 440 can share method 200,300 among the earlier figures 2-3 step 240 and 340 various.Below will introduce the substep of step 440, notice that scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of this substep.

At step 442 place, method 400 comprises that handling first received signal determines wherein information (for example information unit).Step 442 can be shared the various features of the step 342 of model method 300 in the earlier figures 3.

At step 443 place, method 400 is included as from the definite information unit of first received signal (for example, the definite information unit of step 442) determines the indication of first reliability.Step 443 can be shared the various features of the step 343 of method 300 in the earlier figures 3.

At step 444 place, method 400 comprises that handling second received signal determines information unit, and this is an information unit of determining secondary signal from the definite information unit (as step 442) of first signal by using.Step 440 can be carried out this processing operation in every way.Discuss below with reference to various nonrestrictive examples, these examples are limitation of the scope of the invention anything but.

In first nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, step 444 can comprise information unit that utilization determines from first signal as essential information, and it can be made amendment according to the information unit of determining from secondary signal.For example, if the information unit of determining from second received signal (or part wherein) is different from the corresponding information unit of determining from first signal (or part wherein), and higher relatively from the reliability of the definite information unit of second received signal, step 444 can be determined to be higher than the information unit of determining from first signal in reliability from the information unit (or part wherein) that secondary signal is determined so.

In second nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, step 444 can comprise information unit that utilization determines from first signal as guidance information, and it can be used to adjust or influence the information unit of determining from secondary signal.For example, if the information unit of determining from secondary signal (or part wherein) has relatively low reliability, then in the step 444 can according to the information unit of determining from first signal revise this information (as, particularly when from the reliability of the definite information unit of first signal when higher relatively).

As previously mentioned, in various exemplary scenario, step 444 can comprise information unit that utilization is determined from first signal and the information unit reliability indication of determining from secondary signal separately.But noting, is not to utilize this reliability indication in the step 444.Such as but not limited to, step 444 can comprise the information unit that utilizes a predetermined algorithm to the information unit based on determining from first signal of small part to determine secondary signal, wherein this predetermined algorithm is not clearly used information reliability decision.

At step 450 place, method 400 is carried out subsequent treatment.Step 450 can comprise carries out various subsequent treatment (as, various processing of step 250 in the aforementioned method 200 shown in Figure 2).

For example, step 450 can be returned step 420 and receive and handle other signals and information.The information unit that step 450 can also be used the information unit of determining from the secondary signal of step 444 further to optimize to determine from first signal (as, use the iterative processing method).For example, step 450 can be determined the indication of second reliability for the information unit determined from secondary signal (as, step 444 place).Step 442 utilizes this information unit determined from secondary signal and second reliability to indicate information unit to first signal to be optimized or determine then.

In a word, step 444 comprises that handling second received signal determines information unit, determines the information unit of secondary signal by the information unit that utilizes first signal to determine.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to any restriction of making the feature of above-mentioned definite ad hoc fashion.

Said method 400 is that therefore, scope of the present invention is not limited by the feature of this exemplary method 400 to specifically the illustrating of overall range of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is according to using many communication ports to transmit the flow chart of the method 500 of information (as, information unit) in the communication system of the present invention.Method 500 can realize in plurality of communication systems, can comprise the feature of cell phone, paging equipment, portable multimedia communication equipment, pocket computer, personal digital assistant, desk-top or portable computer etc. such as but not limited to, this communication system.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any particular communications system.

Described information can comprise one or more information units.As previously mentioned, one " information unit " information of some normally.Such as but not limited to, an information unit can be a packet, bit, symbol, Frame, message, song, program, music video, film, communication fragment or the like.This information can comprise any feature (for example, text, figure, multimedia, video, audio frequency, picture, general data or the like) of polytype information.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of the information of certain particular type, the restriction of the feature of the various contents that are not subjected to this information unit yet and comprised.

At step 520 place, method 500 comprises first group of information determining the representative information unit.This first group of information can be represented described information unit by variety of way.For example, first group of information can corresponding exactly described information unit.Again for example, first group of compressed version, coding version or encrypted version that information can be described information unit.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to any one group of information to represent the restriction of feature of the ad hoc fashion of an information unit.

Step 520 can comprise by variety of way determines first group of information.Such as but not limited to, step 520 can comprise compresses the data of representing this information unit.This compression can realize by various compress modes and/or according to various compression standards.Again for example, step 520 can comprise the information of representing this information unit is encoded or encrypted.Thereby scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of ad hoc fashion of one group of information of any definite representative one particular information unit.

At step 530 place, method 500 comprises the information of determining second group of representative information unit.Step 530 can be shared the various features of step 520.For example, second group of information can be identical with first group of information.

Again for example, second group of information can be different from first group of information.Such as but not limited to, second group of information can be the compressed version of this information unit, and first group of information can be accurately this information unit or with second group of compressed version that information is different.Again for example, can carry out different codings and encryption with first group of information to second.Again for example, second can represent this information unit with different separately resolution levels (for example, data point, space and/or instantaneous stage resolution ratio) with first group of information.

Notice that first and second groups of information can comprise various additional informations (for example, not directly the information of representative information unit), perhaps transmits with various additional informations.Such as but not limited to, this additional information can comprise the information of the information unit (or part wherein) of discerning representative.For example, this additional information can also comprise timestamp or time sequence information.In a nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, first and second groups of information can further be decomposed into one or more Frames or packet, and wherein each all includes header information.Equally in above-mentioned nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, first and second groups of information header separately includes the information of synchronous or related first and second groups of information of being used for.For example, first and second groups of information can include some common header information at least.Still in the above-mentioned nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, first and second groups of information header separately can include universal source and/or purpose information.

In a word, first and second groups of information can comprise various additional informations (for example, not directly the information of representative information unit) or together transmit with various additional informations.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of the additional information of any particular type.

Step 530 comprises the information of determining second group of representative information unit in a word.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not used for the restriction of feature of the ad hoc fashion of representative information unit, is not subjected to the restriction of feature of the ad hoc fashion of any information sets that is used for determining the representative information unit yet.

At step 540 place, method 500 is included in directly in first signal with (or by) first communication and transmits first group of information.First communication network can communicate to connect with other communication systems that one or more first signals are communicated by letter with it.The various features of signal and network are introduced in conjunction with Fig. 2 in front.

With reference to the communication environment among the figure 1 100, first communication system 110 can be transmitted first signal to radio communication operator central office 120 (or other systems that communicate to connect with it) by the wave point in the radio communication operator system 130, wherein first group of information an of information unit (for example, call fragment) is represented in the first signal transmission.Again for example, second communication system 150 can transmit first signal to radio communication operator central office 120 by personal area network's local wireless interface 170, and wherein first group of information of an information unit (for example, a first song) is represented in the first signal transmission.Again for example, third communication system 180 can transmit first signal to the radio communication operator central office by the WAP (wireless access point) 193 of cdma network 195, and wherein first group of information an of information unit (for example, video pictures) is represented in the first signal transmission.Further for example, radio communication operator central office 120 can be transmitted first signal by wave point 130 and be given first communication system 110, and wherein first group of information an of information unit (for example, text message) is represented in the first signal transmission.

As mentioned above, general first signal can comprise any feature of all kinds signal of communication, and first communication network can comprise any feature of various communication networks.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any signal specific type or communication network type.

Step 540 can comprise utilizes a transmitter (or transceiver) to send first signal.This transmitter comprises any characteristics of all kinds transmitter.Such as but not limited to, this transmitter can comprise the feature of wired, wireless or fibre optic transmitter.Again for example, this transmitter can use multiple network agreement or standard to come transmission information.This transmitter can be connected with an antenna (or other signal ports).Scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of the transmitter of any particular type or other equipment that can launch the signal that is used to the information of transmitting.

At step 550 place, method 500 be included in directly second group of information of transmission in the secondary signal of communicating by letter with (or by) second communication network (diverse) with first communication network (as, definite in the step 530).The second communication network can communicate to connect with other communication systems that one or more secondary signals are communicated by letter with it.The feature of various signals and communication network has had relevant introduction in front.

With reference to the communication environment among the figure 1 100, first communication system 110 can be transmitted secondary signal to radio communication operator central office 120 (or other systems that communicate to connect with it) by the local wireless interface 140 of for example LAN of office, wherein second group of information an of information unit (for example, call fragment) is represented in the secondary signal transmission.Again for example, second communication system 150 can transmit secondary signal to radio communication operator central office 120 by the wave point 160 in the cellular carrier communication system, wherein second group of information of an information unit (for example, a first song) is represented in the secondary signal transmission.

Again for example, third communication system 180 can transmit secondary signal to radio communication operator central office 120 by the WAP (wireless access point) 190 in the cellular carrier communication system, wherein second group of information an of information unit (for example, video pictures) is represented in the secondary signal transmission.Further for example, radio communication operator central office 120 can be passed through broadband access network 143, local gateway 141 and local wireless interface 140 and transmit secondary signal to first communication system 110, wherein second group of information an of information unit (for example, text message) is represented in the secondary signal transmission.

In a word, step 550 can be included in directly in the secondary signal with (or by) second communication and transmit second group of information (for example, being determined by step 530).Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any specific signal type or communication network type.

Step 550 can also comprise uses a transmitter (or transceiver) emission secondary signal.This transmitter comprises any feature of all kinds transmitter.Such as but not limited to, transmitter can comprise the feature of wired, wireless or fibre optic transmitter.Again for example, this transmitter can use multiple network agreement or standard to come transmission information.This transmitter can be independent of the transmitter at step 540 emission first signal.Selectively, can the coexist transmitter of step 540 emission first signal of this transmitter is shared one or more parts.This transmitter can be connected with an antenna (or other signal ports).Scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of the transmitter of any particular type or other equipment that can launch the signal that is used to the information of transmitting.

Above-mentioned method 500 shown in Figure 5 is that therefore, scope of the present invention is not limited by the feature of above-mentioned concrete example to specifically the illustrating of overall range of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is the structured flowchart that includes the communication environment 600 of the communication system 610 that is used for transmitting (promptly receive and/or send) information according to of the present invention.Each parts of communication system 610 can be shared the various functional characters of the method 200-500 among the earlier figures 2-5, but are not limited thereto.

In addition, communication environment 600 can be shared the various features of the communication environment 100 in the earlier figures 1.Notice that shown in the communication environment 600 is less relatively communication system group and communication system components of quantity.Selecting this less relatively communication system group is in order to make description more clear, anything but limitation of the scope of the invention.

Communication environment 600 comprises a communication system 610, and this communication system 610 comprises a communication interface modules 620 and a signal processing module 630.Communication system 610 communicates to connect by the multiple communication channels and second system 690.Second system 690 can transmit the information of any kind with communication system 610.

Following discussion will be referred to a plurality of functional modules of communication system 610.It should be noted that these a plurality of functional modules can realize by hardware, software or the combination of the two.These a plurality of modules can be separate, also can share a plurality of parts or submodule.For example, first module can be shared a plurality of hardware and/or software part with second module.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not realized by any concrete module or the restriction of the boundary of intermodule.

First communication port between the communication system 610 and second system 690 has passed through communication link 644, first communication network 640 and communication link 642.Second communication passage between the communication system 610 and second system 690 has passed through communication link 652, second communication network 650, communication link 654, first communication network 640 and communication link 642.It should be noted that the second communication passage has comprised the part of first communication port (for example, at least a portion of first communication network 640 and communication link 642).

Third communication passage between communication system 610 and the second communication system 690 has passed through communication link 652, second communication network 650, communication link 656, third communication network 660 and communication link 662.For convenience, third communication network 660 is called internet 660 again in following description.But notice that this illustrates limitation of the scope of the invention anything but.Notice that third communication passage has comprised the part (for example, at least a portion of communication link 52 and second communication network 650) of second communication passage, but but be totally independent of first communication port.This illustrates can be separate between a plurality of communication ports or communications network element wherein, also can interdependence.

First, second and third communication passage with and separately communication network be illustrating to overall range of the present invention.As previously mentioned, this communication port can comprise any feature of a plurality of communication ports, and this communication network can comprise any feature of a plurality of communication networks.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any specific communications passage, and the restriction of the feature of the one or more communication networks that are not subjected to communication port and comprised is not subjected to the restriction of the concrete quantity of any communication port or network yet.

Communication system 610 can comprise any feature of various communication systems (for example, portable or hand communication system).The feature that can comprise cell phone, paging equipment, portable multimedia communication equipment, pocket computer, personal digital assistant, desk-top or portable computer etc. such as but not limited to, communication system 610.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any particular communications system.

Note, below will use the dual signal scheme to illustrate various aspects of the present invention.Selecting the dual signal scheme only is in order to make explanation more clear.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of various dual signal schemes.For example, this dual signal scheme can expand in three signals or the n signaling plan easily.

Communication system 610 comprises a communication interface modules 620 and a signal processing module 630.Communication interface modules 620 includes first transceiver module 622 and second transceiver module 624 successively.Notice that following discussion will be used term " transceiver ", " receiver " and " transmitter ".These terms will be used alternatingly, and therefore scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the concrete use of these terms.In addition, following discussion will be referred to the signal that each transceiver transmits separately.It should be noted that in different schemes multiple signals may be transmitted by a transceiver.

First transmitter module 622 can directly receive first signal from first communication network 640 (for example, by communication link 644), and wherein first signal has transmitted corresponding information.This information can comprise one or more information units, wherein " information unit " information of some normally.Such as but not limited to, an information unit can be a packet, bit, symbol, Frame, message, song, program, music video, film, communication fragment or the like.This information can comprise any feature (for example, text, figure, multimedia, video, audio frequency, picture, general data or the like) of polytype information.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of the information of certain particular type, the restriction of the feature of the various contents that are not subjected to this information unit yet and comprised.

First communication network 640 can possess any feature of polytype communication network.Such as but not limited to, first communication network 640 can be communication network, TV network or a computer network.First communication network 640 can be a less relatively LAN, for example PAN (Personal Area Network) (" PAN ") or local area network (LAN) (" LAN ").First communication network 640 can also be a relatively large LAN, for example metropolitan area network (" MAN "), national communication network or global communications network (for example internet or various satellite communication network).First communication network 640 can be part or all of first communication port between communication system.For example, as previously mentioned, a communication port can comprise one or more communication networks that communicate to connect.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of particular communication networks type.

In a word, first signal can possess any feature of polytype signal of communication.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any concrete communication signal type.

First transceiver module 622 can possess any feature of polytype transceiver (receiver or transmitter).The feature that can possess wired, a wireless or fiber-optic transceiver such as but not limited to, first transceiver module 622.Again for example, first transceiver module 622 can use various communication protocols or standard to come transmission information.First transceiver module 622 can be connected with an antenna (or other signal ports).Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of equipment of transceiver, receiver or other the signal that can receive transmission information of particular type.

Second transceiver module 624 can directly receive secondary signal from the second communication network 650 that is different from first communication network 640 fully, and wherein, secondary signal has been transmitted corresponding information (information unit of first signal for example previously discussed).For example, the general identical information unit that transmits with first signal (by first transceiver module 622 receptions) transmission of secondary signal.It should be noted that even so, transmit an identical information unit and not necessarily transmitted identical data.Such as but not limited to, an information unit can several data resolution (for example space, colour, intensity and/or instantaneous resolution etc.) transmit.Again for example, information unit can use different data compression techniques and/or coding strategy to transmit.

The same with first communication network 640, second communication network 650 can comprise any feature of multiple communication network type.In the communication environment 600, second communication network 650 can be the part (or all) of second communication passage between communication system (for example, first communication system 610 and second system 690) as the aforementioned.Notice that the second communication passage can be shared one or more communication networks (or wherein a part of) with other communication ports.For example, second communication network 650 can communicate to connect by communication link 654 (direct or indirect) and aforesaid first communication network 640.

In a word, the second communication network can possess any feature of polytype communication network.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of particular communication networks type.

First signal that receives with aforesaid first transceiver module 622 is the same, and secondary signal can possess any feature of polytype signal of communication.Can go up and transmit at any communication media (for example, wired, wireless, lasso trick optical fiber, non-lasso trick optical fiber etc.) such as but not limited to, secondary signal.Again for example, secondary signal can use various coding strategies, modulation technique, compress technique, communication protocol to wait transmission information (for example communication unit).In a nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, the wireless signal that secondary signal can be to use the IEEE802.11 communication standard to transmit transmits the video information of compressing according to MPEG-4 (part10) mode, and uses public/private cipher key technology to encrypt.In another nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, the wireless signal that secondary signal can be to use the gsm communication standard to transmit transmits cellular telephone information.

In a word, secondary signal can possess any feature of polytype signal of communication.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of specific communication signal type.

Signal processing module 630 (for example can be handled first signal, receive by first transceiver module 622) and secondary signal is (for example, receive by second transceiver module 624), determine the information of transmitting by first and second signals (for example, information unit).Signal processing module 630 can be handled first and second received signals by any way, below will introduce some non-limiting examples wherein.

In first nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, signal processing module 630 is handled first signal (for example, being received by first transceiver module 622) and is determined information unit, and determines first reliability for this information unit and indicate.Signal processing module 630 processing secondary signals (for example, being received by second transceiver module 624) are determined information unit then, and determine second reliability for the information unit of determining from secondary signal and indicate.Information unit is determined in signal processing module 630 to the indication based on first and second reliabilities of small part then.

In the non-limiting example scheme above continuing, signal processing module 630 is by information unit of selecting to determine from first signal or the information unit of determining from secondary signal, determines information unit to the reliability indication based on separately of small part.Selectively, signal processing module 630 can also be by determining information unit in conjunction with information unit of determining and the information unit determined from secondary signal from first signal.This merging can indicate relevant weighting technique to carry out with reliability separately to the foundation of small part.

In second nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, signal processing module 630 is handled first received signal (for example, being received by first transceiver module 622) and is determined the information unit that first signal transmits.Signal processing module 630 processing second received signal (for example, being received by second transceiver module 624) is determined information unit then, by using the information unit of determining secondary signal from the definite information unit of first signal.In other words, determining under the situation of information unit from first signal that signal processing module 630 can be determined the information unit of secondary signal based on to the definite result from the definite information unit of first signal.Should determine also to indicate and make based on the reliability of the information unit of the first signal transmission.

Fig. 7 is the block diagram that receives the communication system 700 of information according to the present invention by many communication ports.A plurality of parts of communication system 700 can be shared the various functional characters of method 200-400 among the earlier figures 2-4.A plurality of parts of communication system 700 can also be shared the various functional characters of the parts of communication system 610 in the earlier figures 6.

Communication system 700 comprises a communication interface modules 720 and a signal processing module 730.Communication interface modules 720 can comprise first receiver module 722 and second (or N) receiver module 724.Signal processing module 730 can comprise first decoder 732 and second (or N) decoder 734.Signal processing module 730 can also comprise a selector/combiner modules 736.

Communication interface modules 720 can be shared the various functional characters of communication interface modules 620 in the earlier figures 6, but is not limited thereto.Communication interface modules 720 can also be shared step 220-230, the 320-330 of method 200-400 among the earlier figures 2-4 and the various functional characters of 420-430.

In the communication system 800,900 shown in communication system 700 and Fig. 8-9, transmitter and/or receiver all are connected with antenna.It should be noted that this antenna only is to illustrate for example, therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of wireless radiofrequency communication system.

First receiver module 722 directly receives first signal from first communication network, wherein first signal has transmitted corresponding information (for example, information unit).First receiver module 722 can be shared the step 220 of method 200-400 among the earlier figures 2-4,320 and 420 various functional characters, but is not limited to this.First receiver module 722 can also be shared the various functional characters of first transceiver module 622 in the earlier figures 6.

Second receiver module 274 directly receives secondary signal from second communication network (for example, diverse with first communication network), wherein secondary signal has been transmitted corresponding information (for example, the information unit of aforementioned first received signal).Second receiver module 724 can be shared the step 230 of method 200-400 among the earlier figures 2-4,330 and 430 various functional characters.Second receiver module 724 can also be shared the various functional characters of second transceiver module 624 in the earlier figures 6.

Signal processing module 730 handles first signal (for example, receiving from first receiver module 722) and secondary signal (for example receiving from second receiver module 724) is come definite information (for example information unit of first and second signals transmission) wherein.Signal processing module 730 can be shared the step 240 of method 200,300 among the earlier figures 2-3 and 340 various functional characters.To illustrate the processing scheme of signal processing module 730 below.It should be noted that scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of this example process scheme.

Signal processing module 730 can be handled the information (for example, information unit) that first signal determines that first signal transmits.This processing comprises that carrying out any signal processing operations determines information in the received signal.Such as but not limited to, signal processing module 730 can utilize first decoder 732 to come first received signal is decoded.Again for example, signal processing module 730 Processing tasks that can carry out other or that add, for example, signal rectification, digital detection (to digital signal), signal decoding, deciphering, decompression, error-detecting and correction etc.Scope of the present invention is not subjected to from signal to determine the restriction of the feature of the ad hoc fashion of information or relevant device.

Signal processing module 730 can be determined the indication of first reliability for the information unit of determining from first received signal.As previously mentioned, reliability indication can be considered to be relevant with the confidence level of the accuracy of information unit definite from a signal or reliability signal or value (for example, numerical value, alpha value etc.) usually.In a nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, can adopt digital scale, seniority top digit is represented higher relatively confidence level, lower-order digit is represented relatively low confidence level.In another nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, accurately whether definite information unit of a digital scale correspondence statistical probability.But the restriction that is not subjected to the feature of any specific signal reliability (accuracy) indication of the present invention.

Signal processing module 730 can be determined the indication of first reliability for this information unit by variety of way.Such as but not limited to, signal processing module 730 can be determined this reliability indication to the error based on detected frequency and/or correction of small part.Again for example, signal processing module 730 can also be determined this reliability indication to the condition based on communication environment (for example signal to noise ratio) of small part.What more for example, signal processing module 730 can be to small part determines that based on the confidence levels that presets (for example, based on the record before the customizing messages source of received signal or the communication network) this reliability indicates.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of the ad hoc fashion of any reliability indication that is used for determining reception information or confidence level.

Signal processing module 730 can be handled secondary signal and determine information unit.Signal processing module 730 can be shared the various features of the step 344 of method 300 in the earlier figures 3.

Signal processing module 730 can be determined the indication of second reliability for the information of determining from secondary signal (for example information unit).Signal processing module 730 can be shared the various features of the step 345 of method 300 in the earlier figures 3.

Signal processing module 730 can also indicate to determine information unit to first and second reliabilities based on determining of small part.Signal processing module 730 can be shared in the earlier figures 3 the various functions of step 346 in the model method 300.For example, signal processing module 730 can indicate to determine information unit by variety of way to first and second reliabilities based on determining of small part.Discuss below with reference to various nonrestrictive examples, these examples are limitation of the scope of the invention anything but.

In first nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, signal processing module 730 (for example, using selector/colligator module 736) can be selected the most reliable information unit.For example, selector/colligator module 736 can be come definite to the reliability indication of determining based on the front separately of small part: more reliable than the information of determining from secondary signal (for example, information unit) from the information (for example, information unit) that first signal is determined.Selector/colligator module 736 is selected information unit definite from first signal then.

In second nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, signal processing module 730 (for example, using selector/colligator module 736) can indicating, indicating to determine information unit from second the received signal definite information unit and second reliability based on the information unit of determining from first received signal, first reliability to small part.What for example, selector/colligator module 736 can be to small part determines information unit based on a weighted average.This weighted average can obtain by using the reliability indication separately of each information unit that each information unit (or part wherein) is weighted.

In a word, signal processing module 730 can indicate to determine information unit to first and second reliabilities based on determining of small part.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to any specific restriction of making the feature of above-mentioned definite mode.

Above-mentioned signal processing module 730 is that therefore, scope of the present invention is not limited by the feature of this signal processing module 730 to specifically the illustrating of overall range of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is the schematic diagram that many communication ports used according to the invention receive the communication system 800 of information.Communication system 800 can be shared the various features of communication system 610,700 among the earlier figures 6-7.Each parts of communication system 800 can be shared the various functional characters of method 200,400 in earlier figures 2 and 4.

Communication system 800 comprises a communication interface modules 820 and a signal processing module 830.Communication interface modules 820 can comprise first receiver module 822 and second (or N) receiver module 824.Signal processing module 830 can comprise first decoder 832 and second (or N) decoder 834.

Communication interface modules 820 can be shared the various features of communication interface modules 620,720 among the earlier figures 6-7.Communication interface modules 820 can also be shared the step 220-230 of method 200-400 among the earlier figures 2-4 and the various functional characters of 420-430.

Signal processing module 830 can handle first signal (for example, receiving from first receiver module 822) and secondary signal (for example receiving from the second reception mould machine piece 824) is come definite information (for example information unit of first and second signals transmission) wherein.Signal processing module 830 can be shared the step 240 of method 200,400 in earlier figures 2 and 4 and 440 various functional characters.To illustrate the processing scheme of signal processing module 830 below.It should be noted that scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of this example process scheme.

Signal processing module 830 can be handled first signal and determine wherein information (for example, information unit).Signal processing module 830 can be shared the various functional characters of the step 442 of method 400 in the earlier figures 2.This processing comprises that carrying out any signal processing operations determines information in the received signal.Such as but not limited to, signal processing module 830 can utilize first decoder 832 to come first received signal is decoded.Again for example, signal processing module 830 Processing tasks that can carry out other or that add, for example, signal rectification, digital detection (to digital signal), signal decoding, deciphering, decompression, error-detecting and correction etc.Scope of the present invention is not subjected to from signal to determine the restriction of the feature of the ad hoc fashion of information or relevant device.

Signal processing module 830 can be determined the indication of first reliability for the information unit of determining from first received signal.Signal processing module 830 can be shared the various functional characters of the step 443 of method 400 in the earlier figures 4.Signal processing module 830 can be determined the indication of first reliability by variety of way.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of any ad hoc fashion (or equipment) that is used for determining reliability indication or confidence level.

Signal processing module 830 processing secondary signals (as, second receiver module 824 receives) determine information unit, this is an information unit of determining secondary signal from the definite information unit (introducing as top) of first signal by using.Signal processing module 830 can be shared the various functional characters of the step 444 of method 400 in the earlier figures 4.For example, signal processing module 830 can be carried out this processing operation by variety of way.Discuss below with reference to various nonrestrictive examples, these examples are limitation of the scope of the invention anything but.

In first nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, signal processing module 830 utilizes the information unit of determining from first signal as essential information, and it can be made amendment according to the information unit of determining from secondary signal.For example, if the information unit of determining from second received signal (or part wherein) is different from the corresponding information unit of determining from first signal (or part wherein), and higher relatively from the reliability of the definite information unit of second received signal, signal processing module 830 can be determined to be higher than the information unit of determining from first signal in reliability from the information unit (or part wherein) that secondary signal is determined so.

In second nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, signal processing module 830 utilizes the information unit of determining from first signal as guidance information, and it can be used to adjust or influence the information unit of determining from secondary signal.For example, if the information unit of determining from secondary signal (or part wherein) has relatively low reliability, then signal processing module 830 can according to the information unit of determining from first signal revise this information (as, particularly when from the reliability of the definite information unit of first signal when higher relatively).

As previously mentioned, in various exemplary scenario, signal processing module 830 can utilize information unit of determining from first signal and the information unit reliability indication of determining from secondary signal separately.But notice that signal processing module 830 is not to utilize this reliability indication.Such as but not limited to, signal processing module 830 can utilize a predetermined algorithm to the information unit based on determining from first signal of small part to determine the information unit of secondary signal, and wherein this predetermined algorithm is not clearly used information reliability decision.

In a nonrestrictive exemplary scenario, signal processing module 830 can use alternative manner to determine the information unit of first and second received signals.For example, the information unit that the further optimization of information unit that signal processing module 830 uses are determined from secondary signal is determined from first signal (as, use iterative processing method).For example, signal processing module 830 can be determined the indication of second reliability for the information unit of determining from secondary signal.Signal processing module 830 utilizes the information unit determined from secondary signal and second reliability to indicate information unit to first signal to be optimized or determine then.

In a word, signal processing module 830 can be handled second received signal and determine information unit, and this is an information unit of determining secondary signal by the information unit that utilizes first signal to determine.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to any restriction of making the feature of above-mentioned definite ad hoc fashion.

Said system 800 is that therefore, scope of the present invention is not limited by the feature of this system 800 to specifically the illustrating of overall range of the present invention.

Fig. 9 utilizes a plurality of communication ports to transmit the schematic diagram of the communication system 900 of information according to the present invention.Communication system 900 can be shared the various features of communication system 610 in the earlier figures 6.Each parts of communication system 900 can be shared the various functional characters of method 500 in the earlier figures 5.

Communication system 900 comprises a communication interface modules 920 and a signal processing module 930.Communication interface modules 920 can comprise first transmitter module 922 and second (or N) transmitter module 924.Communication interface modules 920 can be shared the various functional characters of communication interface modules 620 in the earlier figures 6.Communication interface modules 920 also can be shared the various functional characters of step 540 in the aforementioned method shown in Figure 5 500 and 550.

Signal processing module 930 can be shared the various functional characters of step 520 in the aforementioned method shown in Figure 5 500 and 530, but is not limited thereto.For example, signal processing module 930 can be determined first group of information of representative information unit.This first group of information can be represented described information unit by variety of way.For example, first group of information can corresponding exactly described information unit.Again for example, first group of compressed version, coding version or encrypted version that information can be described information unit.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not subjected to any one group of information to represent the restriction of feature of the ad hoc fashion of an information unit.

Signal processing module 930 can be determined first group of information by variety of way.Such as but not limited to, signal processing module 930 can compress the data of representative information unit.Signal processing module 930 can and/or be carried out compression according to various compression standards and handle by various compress modes.Again for example, signal processing module 930 can be encoded or encrypts the information of representing this information unit.Thereby scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of ad hoc fashion of one group of information of any definite representative one particular information unit.

Signal processing module 930 can also be determined second group of information of representative information unit.For example, second group of information can be identical with first group of information.Again for example, second group of information can be different from first group of information.Such as but not limited to, second group of information can be the compressed version of this information unit, and first group of information can be accurately this information unit or with second group of compressed version that information is different.Again for example, can carry out different codings and encryption with first group of information to second.Again for example, second can represent this information unit with different separately resolution levels (for example, data point, space and/or instantaneous stage resolution ratio) with first group of information.

In a word, signal processing module 930 can be determined second group of information of representative information unit.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not used for the restriction of feature of the ad hoc fashion of representative information unit, is not subjected to the restriction of feature of the ad hoc fashion of any information sets that is used for determining the representative information unit yet.

Signal processing module 930 can use communication interface modules 920 (for example, first transmitter module 922) directly and in first signal of (or passing through) first communication transmitting first group of information.First communication network can communicate to connect with other communication systems that one or more first signals are communicated by letter with it.The various features of signal and network are introduced in conjunction with Fig. 2 in front.

With reference to the communication environment among the figure 6 600, communication system 610 can be transmitted first signal and give second system 690.For example, communication interface modules 620 can directly transmit first signal to first communication network 640 by communication link 644, and wherein first communication network 640 can transmit first signal to second system 690 by communication link 642 subsequently.

As previously mentioned, signal processing module 930 can transmit first group of information by first transmitter module 922 in first signal.First transmitter module 922 can possess any characteristics of all kinds transmitter.Such as but not limited to, this transmitter can comprise the feature of wired, wireless or fibre optic transmitter.Again for example, first transmitter module 922 can use multiple network agreement or standard to come transmission information.First transmitter module 922 can be connected with an antenna (or other signal ports).Scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of the transmitter of any particular type or other equipment that can launch the signal that is used to the information of transmitting.

Signal processing module 930 can use communication interface modules 920 (for example second transmitter module 924) directly with secondary signal that (or by) second communication network (diverse with first communication network) is communicated by letter in second group of information of transmission.The second communication network can communicate to connect with other communication systems that one or more secondary signals are communicated by letter with it.The feature of various signals and communication network has had relevant introduction in front.

With reference to communication environment 600 among the figure 6, communication system 610 can be transmitted secondary signal and give second system 690.For example, communication interface modules 620 can transmit secondary signal to second communication network 650 by communication link 652.Second communication network 650 can pass through many passages (for example, by communication link 654, first communication network 640 and communication link 642 subsequently; Or by communication link 656, third communication network 660 and communication link 662) transmit secondary signal to second system 690.

As previously mentioned, signal processing module 930 can use second transmitter module 924 to transmit second group of information in secondary signal.Second transmitter module 924 can comprise any feature of various transmitters.Such as but not limited to, second transmitter module 924 can comprise all features of wired, wireless or fibre optic transmitter.Again for example, second transmitter module 924 can use multiple communication standard or agreement to come transmission information.For example, second transmitter module 924 can be independent of first transmitter module 922.Selectively, second transmitter module 924 can be shared one or more parts with first transmitter module 922.Second transmitter module 924 can be connected with an antenna (or other signal ports).Scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of the feature of the transmitter of any particular type or other equipment that can launch the signal that is used to the information of transmitting.

In a word, signal processing module 930 can use communication interface modules 920 to transmit first group of information in first signal of direct and first communication, and can transmit second group of information in the secondary signal of direct and second communication network service.Scope of the present invention is not subjected to the restriction of feature of signal, network and the transmitter of any particular type.

Above-mentioned communication system 900 shown in Figure 9 is that therefore, scope of the present invention is not limited by the feature of above-mentioned communication system 900 to specifically the illustrating of overall range of the present invention.

Generally speaking, the invention provides a kind of system and method that uses a plurality of independent communication channel communications.Above-mentioned description to the various different embodiment of the present invention should be understood that only to be used for the purpose of example explanation, and the present invention is not limited only to the foregoing description.Will be understood that for the correlative technology field those of ordinary skill it all is conspicuous doing certain modification, variation or equivalence replacement within the spirit and scope of the present invention.Scope of the present invention is not limited only to the foregoing description, present invention includes all embodiment that dependent claims covers.

Claims

1, a kind of method that in communication system, receives information, described method comprises:

2, receive the method for information in the communication system according to claim 1, it is characterized in that described processing first and second received signals determine that information unit comprises:

Handle described first received signal and determine information unit;

Handle second received signal and determine information unit;

3, receive the method for information in the communication system according to claim 2, it is characterized in that described the indication based on first and second reliabilities at least in part determines that information unit comprises: indicate based on first and second reliabilities at least in part and select described information unit or the described information unit of determining from first received signal of determining from second received signal.

4, the method for reception information in the communication system according to claim 2 is characterized in that, describedly indicates to determine that information unit comprises based on first and second reliabilities at least in part: determine information unit based on following content at least in part:

From the definite information unit of first received signal;

The indication of first reliability;

The information unit of from second received signal, determining;

The indication of second reliability.

5, a kind of communication system that receives information, described system comprises:

6, the communication system of reception information according to claim 5 is characterized in that, described at least one module comprises first receiver module, second receiver module and a processing module.

7, the communication system of reception information according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in handling first received signal and second received signal process with definite described information unit, comprises that at least a module is next:

Handle first received signal and determine information unit;

Handle second received signal and determine information unit;

8, the communication system of reception information according to claim 7, it is characterized in that, determining in the process of information unit based on first and second reliabilities indications that at least in part at least one module is indicated based on first and second reliabilities at least in part and selected information unit of determining from first received signal or the information unit of determining from second received signal.

9, a kind of method of in communication system, utilizing multi communication network to transmit information unit, described method comprises:

Determine first group of information of representative information unit;

10, a kind of communication system of utilizing many communication ports to transmit information unit, described system comprises:

At least one module, in order to:

Determine first group of information of representative information unit;

Determine second group of information of representative information unit;