JP2004023479A - Voice talking system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a drawback resulting from a fact that power consumption of a master station side is larger than that of a slave station side because the usage of a low power consumption mode is restricted on the master station side due to the relationship between the master station and slave station at the time of telephone conversation using BT (Bluetooth (R)), and to improve user-friendliness for user. <P>SOLUTION: A voice talking system is provided with two talking devices 11a, 11b on which BT units 10a, 10b are mounted; a device body 21 on which two BT units 20a, 20b for performing radio communication between the two devices 11a and 11b are mounted; and a transmission means (voice PCM signal changeover switch 28) for transmitting voice signals to connect between the two devices 11a and 11b through two master stations, in performing a mutual voice call between the two slave stations, where two BT units 20a, 20b mounted on the body 21 are defined as the master stations, and the BT units 10a, 10b of the respective sides of the two devices 11a, 11b are defined as the slave stations for the two master stations of the body 21 side. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a voice communication system, and more particularly to a device for a voice communication device using Bluetooth.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Bluetooth (Bluetooth: hereinafter referred to as “BT”), which is one of the standards for short-range wireless communication that has been in the spotlight in recent years, uses a 2.4 GHz frequency band called an ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical) band. The frequency hopping type spread spectrum communication system has been adopted. In this communication system, 79 communication channels in the 2.4 GHz frequency band (2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz) (center frequency f (k) = 2402 + k (MHz) (k = 0, 1, 2,..., 78) , The bandwidth is 1 MHz), and the channel is changed (hopped) at random every 625 μs time slot, that is, the channel is switched 1600 times per second to perform communication.
[0003]
In this BT, a topology configuration of one-to-many (“Master” vs. “Slave”) communication by a group of terminals (communication devices) is adopted. In this configuration, a group called a piconet is formed in which up to seven terminals functioning as slaves can be simultaneously connected to one terminal functioning as a master. In this piconet, in synchronization with the frequency hopping pattern determined on the master side, transmission and reception between the master side terminal and the slave side terminal are repeated every time slot of 625 μs, so that bidirectional transmission is performed. Is performed. The communication by the BT is defined between the master and the slave according to the standard (technical specification of the BT), and the direct communication between the slave and the slave is not permitted.
[0004]
In this case, two connection links, a circuit-switched SCO (Synchronous Connection Oriented) link and an asynchronous packet communication-type ACL (Asynchronous Connection Less) link, are defined between the master side terminal and the slave side terminal. . For example, the SCO link is used for data that requires real-time properties such as voice, and the ACL link is used for general data.
[0005]
In this BT, as the state transition, from a standby phase immediately after power-on or after a communication link is disconnected, a synchronization establishment phase (inquiry, call (Page)) between the master and the slave, and a communication connection phase (connection) , Data transfer), and sequentially shifts to the low power consumption mode. Among them, the low power consumption mode is defined by three modes of a park mode (park mode), a hold mode (hold mode), and a sniff mode (sniff mode). All, and the master side is supported to be able to transition to the hold mode only.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Using a BT between terminals (for example, a headset) equipped with the BT unit (a unit having the above-described BT function, hereinafter referred to as a “BT unit”, for example, a BT module corresponds to this). Considering the case of making a voice call, a call between two parties (such as headsets) is always realized in a master-slave relationship.
[0007]
That is, on the master side, the hold mode, which is the only supported among the three low power consumption modes, is not supported by the current BT unit according to the BT regulations. There is a problem in that any of the power modes cannot be used, and accordingly, power consumption is higher than that of the terminal on the slave side.
[0008]
In this case, even if the BT unit corresponding to the hold mode is actually released in the future, the response may be deteriorated depending on the timing of restoring from the low power consumption mode to the communication connection phase in normal use. , The user is inconvenient. Further, when the response is improved, the effect of the low power consumption mode is reduced. This is a problem especially when a terminal operated by a small-capacity battery such as a mobile phone or a headset is operated as a master.
[0009]
In addition to the power consumption problem of the master terminal and the inconvenience of the user, in addition, in a two-way call, an operation system such as a switch is required in a communication device (such as a headset). It cannot be used as it is with a communication device. Furthermore, when the user is a driver of a vehicle, etc., a switch operation for voice communication is required separately from the communication device while performing the driving operation, which is disadvantageous in terms of safety. It is expected that.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional situation, and the power consumption is higher than that of the slave side due to the restriction on the use of the low power consumption mode on the master side in a master-slave relationship during a call using BT. It is an object of the present invention to provide a voice communication system that eliminates the inconvenience caused by the above and improves the usability of the user.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, two BT units are mounted (dual mounting) on a device main body disposed between the two communication devices when a call is made between two parties by a communication device (with a BT unit). The main point is to establish a voice communication path for performing forwarding so that the two BT units are turned back to each other. The position for forwarding between the two BT units may be, for example, a PCM interface or an analog interface after the PCM codec.
[0012]
As a result, a voice call can be made between the communication devices via the dual-mounted BT units in a state where the dual-mounted BT unit is set as the master and all the communication devices are set as the slaves. As a result, the power consumption mode of the BT can be used in all the communication devices, so that the power consumption of the communication device can be reduced, thereby achieving a device design that is excellent in multifunctionality and upgrades. This eliminates the need for a switch operation for a telephone call, so that an excellent voice communication system can be provided in that a general-purpose telephone device can be used. The voice communication system according to the present invention has been completed based on such an idea.
[0013]
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of communication devices equipped with a Bluetooth unit for performing wireless communication in a relationship between a master and a slave defined by the Bluetooth standard, and a master device and a slave device defined by the Bluetooth standard In order to perform wireless communication between the plurality of communication devices in relation to the device body equipped with a plurality of Bluetooth units, each of the plurality of Bluetooth units mounted on the device body as the master, the plurality of communication devices Each of the mounted Bluetooth units is set as the slave for the plurality of masters, and when performing a voice call with each other between the plurality of slaves, the Bluetooth units of the communication device are mutually connected via the plurality of masters. Transmission means for transmitting the audio signal to be connected. Characterized in that was.
[0014]
In the invention according to claim 2, the device main body is connected to an interface for an audio PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) signal connected to each of the plurality of Bluetooth units, and an interface for the audio PCM, and the audio PCM signal and the audio are connected. A PCM codec for mutually converting analog signals; and an interface for an audio analog signal connected to the PCM codec, wherein the transmission means passes through the audio PCM signal interface or the audio analog signal interface. There is a feature.
[0015]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is further provided an operation means capable of switching between the plurality of communication devices.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 4 further includes means for distributing music to the plurality of communication devices via a plurality of Bluetooth units mounted on the device main body (forwarding).
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a voice communication system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the entire configuration of the voice communication system according to the present embodiment. The voice communication system shown in FIG. 1 performs a voice communication between two parties (callers 1 and 2) by BT wireless communication via a device body. Two communication devices 11a (caller 1 side) and 11b (caller 2 side) on which BT units 10a and 10b are mounted, and two communication devices 11b (caller 2 side) connected to enable wireless communication by BT between them. And a device main body 21 on which the BT units 20a and 20b are mounted.
[0019]
The two communication devices 11a and 11b are configured by electronic devices such as a headset, a mobile phone, a PHS, and a personal digital assistant (PDA or the like), and have a basic configuration (power supply, control circuit, display device) in the communication device (not shown). BT units 10a and 10b as well as the BT units 10a and 10b, which are integrated into the communication device or are separately mounted separately.
[0020]
Due to its hardware configuration, the BT units 10a and 10b have, in addition to the BT antennas 10a and 10b for the 2.4 GHz band, an RF chip for frequency hopping type spread spectrum communication that supports the 2.4 GHz band (not shown). And a BB chip as a link controller for controlling transmission and reception of a base band (BB) signal to and from an RF transceiver.
[0021]
The device main body 21 is applicable as a gateway device as a communication device (relay device) for performing various communication protocol conversions including, for example, BT, or a vehicle-mounted device that can be mounted on a vehicle such as a motorcycle. In the example shown in the figure, the device main body 21 includes a power supply unit 22 that converts (steps down) a voltage from an external power supply 22 a into an internal power supply voltage and supplies the voltage to an internal unit of the device main body 21 due to its hardware configuration. And a host controller (built-in CPU core 23a, ROM (flash ROM, EEPROM, etc.) 23b and RAM 23c) 23 for controlling the entire device body 21, and an I (Input) / O (Output) connected to the host controller 23. A controller 24, an SRAM 25, a display 26 (a buffer 26a in the figure is a buffer), and a switch operation unit 27 connected to the I / O controller 24 are mounted.
[0022]
Among these, the switch operation unit 27 includes an operation device (such as a program corresponding to each profile defined by a BT stack described later) required for various operations such as switching of an application, volume adjustment, and power on / off. In addition to operation buttons, operation switches, and the like, an LED (which may be a liquid crystal or a VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display)) that displays the current status is mounted as necessary.
[0023]
In addition to the above configuration, the device body 21 includes the above-described BT units 20a and 20b connected to the host controller 23 via an interface such as a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), and each of the BT units 20a and 20b. Switch 28 which is connected to the input and output terminals for audio PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) signal and has a function of forward or through, and an audio PCM signal / audio analog signal individually connected to this switch 28 PCM codecs (CODEC: CODE / DECODE) 29a and 29b for conversion are mounted. Input and output terminals of each PCM codec 29a, 29b are connected to audio input / output devices 33a, 33b (speakers 34 and 33, respectively) via amplifiers 30a, 30b (including an input amplifier 31 and an output amplifier 32, respectively). Microphone 35).
[0024]
In the above configuration, the host controller 23 stores various setting conditions in the device main body 21 in a predetermined area on the ROM 23b or the external ROM 25a so as to be stored even when the power is off, and the ROM 23b or the external Based on the data stored in the ROM 25a, each unit in the device main body 21 is set to the same setting condition, and processing based on various programs stored in advance in a predetermined area of the ROM 23b or the external ROM 25a is performed on the RAM 23c or the SRAM 25. Is executed using the predetermined area as the work area. Thereby, the host controller 23 controls the operation of each unit in the device main body 21 based on the processing result, and displays the processing result via the I / O controller 24 with the display 26 and the LED (switch operation unit 27). (Not shown).
[0025]
Among the various programs to be executed by the host controller 23, the types of applications (each profile of the BT) based on the BT protocol stack mounted on the ROM 23b or the external ROM 25a include, for example, two communication devices 11a, Necessary profiles such as “Headset Profile (HS)” and “Hands Free Profile (HF)” according to the model (headset, mobile phone, etc.) of 11b and its use scene, etc. Is exemplified.
[0026]
In this case, when the host controller 23 receives a command corresponding to an input operation on the switch operation unit 27 via the I / O controller 24, the host controller 23 switches between BT applications (each profile: HS, HF) according to the command. Is performed, and each unit in the system main body 21 is caused to execute an operation according to a predetermined use scene via the two BT units 20a and 20b according to the application.
[0027]
Similar to the BT units 10a and 10b mounted on the above-described communication devices 11a and 11b, the two BT units 20a and 20b have a 2.4 GHz band BT antenna 40 in addition to a 2.4 GHz band BT antenna 40 due to their hardware configuration. An RF chip for frequency hopping type spread spectrum communication supporting the 2.4 GHz band, a BB chip as a link controller for controlling transmission / reception of a baseband (BB) signal to / from an RF transceiver, and the like are included. .
[0028]
The BT antennas 40a and 40b are individually attached to two BT units 20a and 20b mounted on the device main body 21. The mounting positions of the two BT antennas 40a and 40b are appropriately set at an appropriate distance in consideration of the influence of mutual radio wave interference according to the installation location of the device main body 11, its housing shape and dimensions, and the like. Is set to
[0029]
The changeover switch 28 provides a transmission path for the voice PCM signal (the transmission of the present invention) that connects the two BT units 20a and 20b to each other during a call using the communication devices 11a and 11b between the two (talkers 1 and 2). Means for returning an audio PCM signal input from one (for example, the BT unit 20a) and outputting (forwarding) it to the other (for example, the BT unit 20b), and when the forwarding function is not used. Outputs an audio PCM signal input from one of the two PCM codecs 29a and 29b to one of the two BT units 20a and 20b, or outputs an audio PCM signal input from one of the two BT units 20a and 20b to the Output to one of the two PCM codecs 29a and 29b.
[0030]
Here, the overall operation of the present embodiment will be described.
[0031]
First, when the system is started, when a power switch (not shown) of the switch operation unit 27 is turned on, the two BT units 20a and 20b in the device body 21 and the communication device 11a used by the talker 1 Wireless communication according to the BT state transition phase (standby phase, synchronization establishment phase, and communication connection phase) is performed between the BT unit 10a and the BT unit 10b in the communication device 11b used by the caller 2. , Transition to the connected state.
[0032]
In this connection state, the BT units 10a and 10b of the two communication devices 11a and 11b function as slaves, and the two BT units 20a and 20b in the device main body 21 function as masters for the slaves (BT units 10a and 10b), respectively. Operable.
[0033]
As a result, the voice signal of the caller 1 is received by the one BT unit 20a of the device main body 21 from the one communication device 11a by BT wireless communication by the BT unit 10a, and the voice PCM signal output therefrom is received. The signal is input to the other BT unit 20b of the device body 21 via the changeover switch 28, and is received by the BT unit 10b of the other communication device 11b used by the talker 2 by the BT wireless communication by the BT unit 20b. You.
[0034]
On the other hand, the voice signal of the caller 2 is sequentially transmitted through the reverse voice communication path to the BT unit 10b of the telephone device 11b, the BT unit 20b of the device body 21, the changeover switch 28, the BT unit 20a, and the BT unit of the telephone device 11a. It is supplied to the unit 10a.
[0035]
Thereby, a voice communication path by a voice link (SCO connection) is established through the two communication devices 11a and 11b and the device main body 21, and a voice call between the callers 1 and 2 is realized.
[0036]
In this case, since the BT units 10a and 10b on the side of the communication devices 11a and 11b operate as slaves, any one of the three low-power consumption modes (park mode, hold mode, and sniff mode) can be used depending on the BT connection state. Can also be used.
[0037]
On the other hand, the BT units 20a and 20b dual-mounted in the device main body 21 always operate as masters except when a link is established with a predetermined communication device (mobile phone). By the way, when a BT connection is established between the mobile phone as the communication device and the device main body 21, in the phase (inquiry, call) until the synchronization is established, the mobile phone becomes the master side and the device main body 21 becomes the slave side. After the synchronization is established, a call can be made from the device main body 21 to make the device main body 21 the master side and the mobile phone the slave side. Therefore, even in this case, at the time of a call between the two parties after the synchronization is established, the device main body 21 can operate as a master as described above.
[0038]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, at the time of communication between the two devices using the communication devices 11a and 11b, both the communication devices 11a and 11b (each of the BT units 10a and 10b) are set as slaves and the device main body 21 (two units are mounted). With the BT units 20a and 20b) as masters, a voice communication path passing between the two mounted BT units 20a and 20b is secured, and the two parties can exchange voice.
[0039]
According to this, although the two BT units mounted on the device main body operate as a master, the BT unit that does not support the current hold mode cannot use the low power consumption mode, but the device main body 21 has a large size. Since it can be connected to a power supply device having a large current capacity such as a battery, power consumption does not pose a particular problem. In addition, the BT unit on the side of the communication device (mobile phone, headset, etc.) to which the two mounted BT units are connected always operates as a slave during the call, and can use the BT's low power consumption mode.
[0040]
In other words, in the conventional example, one of the two communication devices always becomes the master, and there is a possibility that a problem regarding power consumption may occur due to restrictions on the use of the BT in the low power consumption mode. Since the voice communication is realized while both of the two communication devices remain slaves, it is possible to effectively suppress the power consumption particularly on the side of the communication device having a limited battery capacity.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, the two PC-mounted BT units on the device body side are forwarded in the state of the audio PCM signal via the audio PCM switch (audio PCM signal interface). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the audio analog signal after the PCM codec may be forwarded via the audio analog signal changeover switch (audio analog signal interface). FIG. 2 shows an example of this configuration.
[0042]
The voice communication system shown in FIG. 2 includes a voice analog signal changeover switch 28a in addition to the same configuration as described above (description is omitted for convenience). The voice analog signal changeover switch 28a provides a voice analog signal transmission path that connects the two BT units 20a and 20b to each other during a call between the two parties (talkers 1 and 2) using the communication devices 11a and 11b. For example, when the audio analog signal input from one BT unit 20a via the audio codec 29a is folded back, and the function of outputting (forwarding) the other audio codec 29b to the BT unit 20b and when the forwarding function is not used Outputs an audio analog signal input from the audio input devices 33a and 33b via the amplifiers 30a and 30b to one of the PCM codecs 30a and 30b, or outputs an audio analog signal input from one of the PCM codecs 30a and 30b to the amplifier. 30a, 30b
It has a function of outputting to one of the voice input devices 33a and 33b via the voice input device 33a or 33b.
[0043]
Further, it is also possible to perform music distribution by BT connection to the telephone device using the voice communication system of the present embodiment. An example of this application is shown in FIG. The voice communication system shown in FIG. 3 has the same configuration as above (illustration and description are omitted except for a part). In addition, in order to function as a music distribution system, for example, a ROM in the host controller 23 or an external ROM 25a is used. "Audio Visual Profile" is implemented as a BT profile (application).
[0044]
In addition to this, this voice communication system converts an analog audio signal for music from an external music source into a digital signal via an A / D 52 in the device main body 21 via an analog interface 51 and takes it in. For example, in a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 54 by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 54, the host controller 23 transmits music information to maintain CD quality by SBC (Sub Band Codec) from the host controller 23 to two predetermined BT units 20a and 20b via a predetermined communication device (see FIG. In the example, music can be distributed to the headsets 11a and 11b.
[0045]
As a modified implementation of this example, a digital interface can be used instead of the analog interface 51. In this case, it is desirable to take a copy prevention measure such as SCMC (Serial Copy Management System).
[0046]
Further, as another application example of this embodiment, voice recognition and voice synthesis functions are added to the communication device side or the device body side in place of the buttons and switches of the switch operation unit, and the command by the voice of the caller is transmitted by voice. Recognize and specify a preset control command in response to the command with reference to, for example, a memory table or the like, transmit the control command to the device main body side by BT connection, or use a status display LED (a switch operation unit). Alternatively, the current status information may be voice-synthesized and transmitted to the communication device side by BT connection so that guidance can be provided.
[0047]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, two BT units are mounted on the device main body side, but the present invention is not limited to this number, and may be three or more, for example. In this case, three or more callers can simultaneously make a voice call using the call device. Even in this case, the same two-way communication as described above is possible by the switching control of the host controller based on an operation command or the like from the switch operation unit.
[0048]
Further, in the present embodiment, an example of a two-party call using two communication devices has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this number, and may be three or more. This application is shown in FIG.
[0049]
In the voice communication system shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the same configuration as described above (description is omitted for convenience), a BT unit of five communication devices (three headsets 111 to 113 and two mobile phones 114 and 115) is provided. As a slave, a BT audio link (SCO connection, ACL connection) can be established because the two BT units 20a and 20b mounted on the device main body are used as masters. In this example, a predetermined switching operation of the switch operation unit 27 causes the host controller 23 to control the switching of each profile of the BT based on the switching command. Voice communication by BT connection is possible between devices.
[0050]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described above as a representative, and those skilled in the art may use various modes based on the description in the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. Can be modified and changed. These changes and modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the low power consumption mode of the BT can be used in all the communication devices, the power consumption of the communication device can be reduced, and the multifunction and the upgrade are excellent. Since a device design can be performed, and a switch operation for a call on the side of the communication device is not required, a voice communication system excellent in that a general-purpose communication device can be used can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an overall configuration of a voice communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a voice communication system in a case where BT units on the device main body side are connected by voice analog signals.
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a voice communication system according to an application example when music distribution is performed.
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a voice communication system according to an application example when a plurality of communication devices are switched and used.
[Explanation of symbols]
10a, 10b BT unit (communication device side: operates as slave)
12a, 12b BT antenna (communication device side)
11a, 11b communication device
20a, 20b BT unit (device main body side: operates as master)
21 Main unit
23 Host Controller
28 Voice PCM signal changeover switch
28a Audio analog signal switch
29a, 29b PCM codec
33a, 33b voice input / output device
40a BT antenna attached to BT unit 20a (device main body side)
40b BT antenna attached to BT unit 20b (device side)

Claims (4)

A plurality of communication devices equipped with a Bluetooth unit for performing wireless communication in a master and slave relationship defined by the Bluetooth standard,
A device body equipped with a plurality of Bluetooth units for performing wireless communication between the plurality of communication devices in a master and slave relationship defined by Bluetooth standards,
Each of the plurality of Bluetooth units mounted on the device main body is set as the master, and each of the Bluetooth units mounted on the plurality of communication devices is set as the slave for the plurality of masters. A voice communication system, comprising: a transmission unit that transmits a voice signal for connecting the Bluetooth units of the communication device to each other via the plurality of masters when performing a voice communication. The device body is
An interface for a voice PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) signal connected to each of the plurality of Bluetooth units;
A PCM codec that is connected to the voice PCM interface and converts a voice PCM signal and a voice analog signal to and from each other;
An interface for audio analog signals connected to the PCM codec,
3. The voice communication system according to claim 2, wherein said transmission means is via said voice PCM signal interface or said voice analog signal interface. 2. The voice communication system according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit capable of switching between the plurality of communication devices. 2. The voice communication system according to claim 1, further comprising means for distributing music to the plurality of communication devices via a plurality of Bluetooth units mounted on the device main body (forwarding).

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