JP2011234251A - Wireless communication device, repeater, and wireless communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user of a wireless communication device to determine whether or not to use a repeater.SOLUTION: Each repeater 2A to 2C stores one or more group identification information identifying a group to which a wireless communication device permitted to use the repeater itself belongs. For example, the repeater 2A receives from a repeater 2B to which the repeater 2A is connected through a network N the group identification information identifying a group G4 to which a wireless communication device 1J communicating with the repeater 2B belongs and communication state information showing the communication state between the repeater 2B and the wireless communication device 1J ; determines that the group G4 is not included in the groups G1 to G3 on which the repeater 2A stores the identification information; and sends by wireless the communication information based on the communication state shown by the communication state information received by the repeater 2A.

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, a repeater, and a wireless communication system.

  Wireless communication includes a method of performing communication between wireless communication devices via a so-called repeater. Wireless communication devices can communicate with each other by changing the frequency or time slot between the uplink of transmission from the wireless communication device to the repeater and the downlink of transmission from the repeater to the wireless communication device at the same time. it can.

  A plurality of repeaters are connected via a network to form one wireless communication system, and a communication area of the wireless communication system is configured by a communication range of the plurality of repeaters. Usually, communication channels (uplink and downlink frequencies) are determined for each repeater. The wireless communication apparatus selects a repeater channel within the communication range of the repeater in which the wireless communication apparatus is staying and performs communication with the repeater. That is, a call is awaited at the downlink frequency of the repeater, and another wireless communication device is called at the uplink frequency of the repeater.

  As this type of technology, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless communication system in which a wireless communication device designates an arbitrary repeater and simultaneously calls other wireless communication devices in a designated communication range of the repeater. .

JP 2007-295135 A

  In such a wireless communication system, when any one of a plurality of repeaters connected to a network receives a communication frame from a wireless communication device, each repeater is in a communication state. That is, a plurality of repeaters connected via a network operate as if they are “one repeater”.

  However, there is a problem that the user of the wireless communication apparatus cannot know the usage state of each repeater. For this reason, the user of the wireless communication apparatus may perform an operation of trying communication many times even though any one of the plurality of repeaters connected to the network is in use.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and allows a user of a wireless communication apparatus to determine whether or not a repeater on a network can be used, and a repeater, a wireless communication apparatus, and An object is to provide a wireless communication system.

The repeater according to the first aspect of the present invention is:
A repeater used in a wireless communication system including a relay system including a plurality of repeaters connected to each other via a communication line, and a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform communication via the relay system. ,
Group identification information storage means for storing one or more group identification information for identifying a group to which the wireless communication device belongs and which is permitted to use its own repeater;
Group identification information for identifying a group to which a wireless communication device communicating with the other repeater belongs from other repeaters connected via the communication line, and the other repeater and the wireless communication device Communication state information receiving means for receiving communication state information representing a communication state between;
The communication status information receiving means when the group identified by the group identification information received by the communication status information receiving means does not match any of the one or more group identification information stored by the group identification information storage means Control means for performing control to wirelessly transmit communication information based on a communication state represented by the communication state information received by
Is provided.

  In addition, the control unit may be configured such that the group identified by the group identification information received by the communication state information receiving unit matches one of the one or more group identification information stored by the group identification information storage unit. You may comprise so that a relay process may be performed.

  The communication state information receiving unit receives group identification information for identifying a group to which the wireless communication device belongs from the wireless communication device staying in a communication range, and the control unit includes the communication state information receiving unit. A relay process may be performed when a group identified by the received group identification information matches any one of the one or more group identification information stored in the group identification information storage unit.

A wireless communication apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is:
A wireless communication device used in a wireless communication system including a relay system including a plurality of repeaters connected to each other via a communication line and a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform communication via the relay system. There,
Receiving means for receiving other repeater communication status information indicating the communication status of another repeater connected via the communication line, transmitted wirelessly from the repeater;
Notification means for notifying the communication status of the other repeater based on the other repeater communication status information received by the receiving means;
Is provided.

  And a repeater identification information storage unit storing at least one repeater identification information for identifying a repeater permitted to be used, and a control unit for controlling the notification unit, wherein the control unit includes the other repeater communication state. When the repeater identification information other than the repeater that transmitted the information is stored in the repeater identification information storage unit, the notification unit may be configured to notify the communication state of the other repeater.

  In addition, when the repeater identification information other than the repeater that has transmitted the other repeater communication state information is not stored in the repeater identification information storage unit, the control unit transmits the communication state of the other repeater to the notification unit. May be configured not to be notified.

  In addition, it further comprises group identification information storage means for storing group identification information for identifying the group to which it belongs, and the receiving means communicates via the repeater or the other repeaters transmitted from the repeater. Receiving group identification information for identifying a group to which a wireless communication device belongs, and the control means matches the group identification information received by the receiving means with the group identification information stored in the group identification information storage means Control to communicate with the wireless communication device, and in the event that they do not match, instead of communicating with the wireless communication device, the communication means is notified of the communication state You may do it.

A wireless communication system according to a third aspect of the present invention is:
A wireless communication system including a relay system including a plurality of repeaters connected to each other via a communication line, and a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform communication via the relay system,
The repeater is
Group identification information storage means for storing one or more group identification information for identifying a group to which the wireless communication device belongs and which is permitted to use its own repeater;
Group identification information for identifying a group to which a wireless communication device communicating with the other repeater belongs from other repeaters connected via the communication line, and the other repeater and the wireless communication device Communication state information receiving means for receiving communication state information representing a communication state between;
The communication status information receiving means when the group identified by the group identification information received by the communication status information receiving means does not match any of the one or more group identification information stored by the group identification information storage means Control means for performing control to wirelessly transmit communication information based on a communication state represented by the communication state information received by
With
The wireless communication device
Receiving means for receiving other repeater communication status information indicating the communication status of another repeater connected via the communication line, transmitted wirelessly from the repeater;
Notification means for notifying the communication status of the other repeater based on the other repeater communication status information received by the receiving means;
Is provided.

  According to the present invention, a user of a wireless communication apparatus can determine whether or not a repeater on a network can be used.

It is a block diagram of the radio | wireless communications system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the radio | wireless communication apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of a repeater according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the group information which the radio | wireless communication apparatus has memorize | stored. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the multi table which the repeater has memorize | stored. It is a sequence diagram explaining the notification procedure of repeater communication in-progress information and repeater communication end information in an embodiment of the present invention.

  An embodiment of a wireless communication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, radio communication system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of repeaters 2A to 2C connected to network N. The radio communication system 100 includes a plurality of radio communication devices 1A to 1L. A server S is connected to the network N. In the wireless communication system 100, a plurality of repeaters 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> C are geographically dispersed and connected via a network N to widen a communication area.

  In the wireless communication system 100, communication between the wireless communication devices 1 is performed via the repeater 2. In the wireless communication system 100, communication between the wireless communication apparatuses 1 staying in the communication ranges of different repeaters 2 is performed via the network N. The wireless communication system 100 operates as if it is “one repeater” by the plurality of repeaters 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> C connected by the network N.

  In particular, in the wireless communication system 100, each wireless communication device 1 performs communication with the wireless communication devices 1 belonging to the same group. Here, the group represents a unit such as an organization or a company. That is, the wireless communication device 1 communicates only with the wireless communication devices 1 belonging to the same group or company group, and communicates with the wireless communication devices 1 belonging to different group or company groups. Do not do.

  Each wireless communication device 1 is preset with one or a plurality of repeaters 2 that can be used for each group. That is, in the wireless communication system 100 according to the present embodiment, each wireless communication device 1 belonging to a different group may be set to be able to use the same repeater 2, and each repeater 2 has a public property. is doing.

  In FIG. 1, the wireless communication devices 1A to 1C belong to the group G1, and repeaters 2A to 2C are set as usable repeaters 2. The wireless communication devices 1D and 1E belong to the group G2, and the repeater 2A is set as the usable repeater 2. The wireless communication devices 1F to 1I belong to the group G3, and the repeater 2A is set as the usable repeater 2. In addition, the wireless communication devices 1J to 1L belong to the group G4, and repeaters 2B and 2C are set as usable repeaters 2.

  Each wireless communication device 1 stores a group ID for identifying a group to which the wireless communication device 1 belongs and a repeater ID for identifying a usable repeater 2 in association with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the wireless communication device 1A has a group ID (G1) that identifies a group G1 to which the wireless communication device 1A belongs and a repeater ID (rA, rB, that identifies usable repeaters 2A to 2C). rC) are stored in association with each other.

  Each wireless communication device 1 performs communication by selecting each channel assigned by the usable repeater 2. For example, the wireless communication device 1A belonging to the group G1 performs communication by selecting the channel of the repeater 2A within the communication range of the repeater 2A and selecting the channel of the repeater 2B within the communication range of the repeater 2B.

  Each repeater 2 stores a group ID for identifying a group of the wireless communication apparatuses 1 that can use the repeater 2 in a table (hereinafter referred to as a multi-table) for each group. Thereby, the wireless communication device 1 having the same group ID as the group ID stored in the multi-table of the repeater 2 communicates with the wireless communication device 1 belonging to the same group via the repeater 2. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the repeater 2A stores each group ID (G1, G2, G3) for identifying each of the groups G1, G2, G3 in a multi-table. As shown in FIG. 5B, the repeater 2B stores each group ID (G1, G4) for identifying each of the groups G1, G4 in a multi-table. As shown in FIG. 5C, the repeater 2C stores each group ID (G1, G4) for identifying each of the groups G1, G4 in a multi-table.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the frequencies of uplinks (communications performed from the wireless communication apparatus 1 to the repeater 2) of the repeaters 2A to 2C are respectively F _{A to} F _C. Further, the frequencies of the downlinks of the repeaters 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> C (communication performed from the repeater 2 to the wireless communication device 1) are respectively f _{A to} f _C. For example, the wireless communication apparatus 1A waits for the acquired call from repeater 2A by the frequency f _A of the downlink repeater 2A, a call to the repeater 2A by the frequency F _A in the uplink repeater 2A.

  In one repeater 2, the number of channels (number of simultaneous communication channels) that can be communicated simultaneously with one set of uplink and downlink depends on the configuration of the repeater 2. Hereinafter, the number of simultaneous communication channels of each repeater 2 of the present embodiment will be described as one set. When the number of simultaneous communication channels of the repeater 2 is one set, for example, when the repeater 2A is communicating with the wireless communication apparatus 1 staying in the communication range, or another repeater 2B via the network N Alternatively, when communicating with the wireless communication device 1 staying in the communication range of the repeater 2 </ b> C, the repeater 2 </ b> A cannot communicate with another wireless communication device 1. In this case, the repeaters 2B and 2C other than the repeater 2A are also in use.

  The communication form of each wireless communication device 1 includes a group call for making a call with all the wireless communication devices 1 belonging to the same group as the wireless communication device 1, and a predetermined range of groups (for example, department, section, group, etc.) There are a range designated call for making a call for each subdivided range and an individually designated call for making a call by individually designating the wireless communication devices 1 in the group. For convenience, only the group call mode will be described.

  The network N uses, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The network N may be a circuit switching network, a packet switching network, the Internet, or a dedicated line network. The network N is not limited to such a wired communication network, and a wireless communication network such as a wireless LAN may be used.

  In addition, the server S stores the network addresses and the like of the repeaters 2A to 2C connected via the network N. The server S uses, for example, a DNS (Domain Name System) server or a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server.

  In the wireless communication system 100 configured as described above, each repeater 2 stays in the communication range of the communication state of its own repeater 2 or the communication state of another repeater 2 connected via the network N, The wireless communication device 1 that is not using the repeaters 2A to 2C is notified so that the user of each wireless communication device 1 can determine whether or not the repeater 2 can be used.

  Next, the configuration of radio communication apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the wireless communication device 1 includes an antenna 10, a transmission / reception switching unit 11, a transmission unit 12, a baseband processing unit 13, an A / D conversion unit 14, a microphone 15, and a reception unit 16 as signal system blocks. A baseband processing unit 17, a D / A conversion unit 18, and a speaker 19. In addition, the wireless communication device 1 includes a controller 20, a timer unit 25, a display unit 26, and an operation unit 27 as control system blocks. Further, the controller 20 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 21, an I / O (input / output unit) 22, a RAM (read / write memory) 23, a ROM (read-only memory) 24, and an internal bus 28 for connecting them together. I have.

  Each block of the signal system of the wireless communication device 1 is controlled by the CPU 21. The CPU 21 executes a control program stored in the ROM 24 to control the entire wireless communication apparatus 1, and obtains commands and data input from the operation unit 27 via the I / O 22 and the baseband processing unit 17. Data to be processed and temporarily stored in the RAM 23. Further, the CPU 21 displays commands and data stored as necessary on a display unit 26 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Further, the CPU 21 displays the current time obtained from the time measuring unit 25 on the display unit 26. The controller 20 may have a configuration in which a rewritable nonvolatile memory card such as a flash memory in which unique identification information of the wireless communication device 1 is recorded is detachably mounted.

  Next, with respect to each block of the signal system, the transmission / reception switching unit 11 has an input end connected to the antenna 10 and an output end alternatively connected to the transmission unit 12 and the reception unit 16 according to the control of the CPU 21. . When no transmission operation is performed by the operation unit 27, the wireless communication device 1 is in a reception (standby) mode, and the output terminal of the transmission / reception switching unit 11 is connected to the reception unit 16. On the other hand, when a transmission operation is performed by the operation unit 27, the wireless communication apparatus is in a transmission mode, and the output terminal of the transmission / reception switching unit 11 is connected to the transmission unit 12. The operation unit 27 configures, for example, a PTT (Push to talk) switch.

  When the wireless communication device 1 is in the transmission mode, the microphone 15 outputs an analog audio signal to the A / D converter 14 in response to the user's audio input.

  The A / D conversion unit 14 converts the analog audio signal acquired from the microphone 15 into a digital audio signal and outputs the digital audio signal to the baseband processing unit 13.

  The baseband processing unit 13 generates a communication frame (baseband signal) in a predetermined format based on the digital audio signal acquired from the A / D conversion unit 14 or based on data stored in the RAM 23 of the controller 20. Generate and output to the transmitter 12.

  The transmission unit 12 modulates a carrier wave using the communication frame acquired from the baseband processing unit 13 and transmits the modulated carrier wave to the repeater 2 via the transmission / reception switching unit 11 and the antenna 10. As a modulation method of the transmission unit 12, GMSK (Gaussian filtered Minimum Shift Keying), PSK (Phase Shift Keying), QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), FSK (Frequency Shift Keying), or the like is used.

  When the wireless communication device 1 is in the reception mode, the transmission / reception switching unit 11 connects the antenna 10 and the reception unit 16. The receiving unit 16 receives a wireless signal acquired from the repeater 2 that performs wireless communication with the wireless communication device 1 via the antenna 10. The receiving unit 16 amplifies the received signal and performs signal processing such as demodulation processing, and outputs the demodulated signal to the baseband processing unit 17.

  The baseband processing unit 17 extracts a communication frame from the demodulated signal output from the receiving unit 16. Further, the information of the header part of the extracted communication frame is output to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 analyzes the information of the header part, and when the transmission destination of the received signal is itself, causes the D / A conversion part 18 to output the audio signal data included in the data part. Further, the CPU 21 temporarily stores data other than the audio signal included in the data portion in the RAM 23 and displays it on the display unit 26 as necessary. The D / A converter 18 converts the audio signal acquired from the baseband processor 17 from digital to analog and causes the speaker 19 to generate a sound.

  Next, the configuration of the repeater 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the repeater 2 includes, as signal blocks, a transmission-dedicated antenna 30S, a transmission unit 32, a baseband processing unit 33, a reception-dedicated antenna 30R, a reception unit 36, a baseband processing unit 37, and an input. Unit 34, output unit 38, and network I / F (interface) 35. The repeater 2 includes a controller 40, a timer unit 45, a display unit 46, and an operation unit 47 as control system blocks. Further, the controller 40 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 41, an I / O (input / output unit) 42, a RAM (read / write memory) 43, a ROM (read only memory) 44, and an internal bus 48 that connects these components to each other. I have.

  The repeater 2 (for example, the repeater 2A) performs signal processing such as amplification processing and waveform processing on the wireless signal received from the wireless communication device 1 (for example, the wireless communication device 1A) as the transmission source, and performs wireless signal processing as the transmission destination. 1 (for example, the wireless communication apparatus 1B) or the other repeater 2 via the network N, basically, the same configuration as the wireless communication apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Therefore, the description of the components that are basically the same as the components of the wireless communication device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 will be omitted.

  In communication performed between the wireless communication devices 1 via the repeater 2, the uplink of transmission from the wireless communication device 1 to the repeater 2 and the downlink of transmission from the repeater 2 to the wireless communication device 1 are frequency or time. Communication is performed substantially simultaneously by changing slots. Therefore, the repeater 2 includes an antenna 30S dedicated for transmission and an antenna 30R dedicated for reception. The input unit 34 inputs a communication frame received from another repeater 2 via the network N and the network I / F 35, and outputs this to the baseband processing unit 33. The output unit 38 receives the communication frame output from the baseband processing unit 37 and transmits the communication frame to another repeater 2 via the network I / F 35 and the network N.

  Next, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.6, operation | movement of each radio | wireless communication apparatus 1 and each repeater 2 in the radio | wireless communications system 100 is demonstrated. Here, the operation of each wireless communication device 1 and each repeater 2 when a user performs a group call with the wireless communication device 1 belonging to the same group G4 as the wireless communication device 1J using the wireless communication device 1J will be described. .

  The user uses the operation unit 27 of the wireless communication device 1J to perform an operation for starting a group call with the wireless communication device 1 belonging to the same group as the wireless communication device 1J. Specifically, when the user of the wireless communication device 1J starts a group call, if the user keeps pressing the operation unit 27 (for example, a PTT switch) for a few seconds, the communication frame indicates “the operation unit 27 is A code indicating that it has been pressed (a PTT switch has been pressed) is written. In the communication frame, the group ID (G4) for identifying the group G4 to which the wireless communication device 1J belongs is the originating group ID, the device ID (1J) for identifying the device of the wireless communication device 1J is the originating device ID, and the transmission destination ( A group ID (G4) for identifying the group G4 of the other party is set as the destination group ID. This communication frame is the first communication frame for requesting the start of a group call.

The wireless communication device 1J performs modulation processing on the generated communication frame and uses the uplink frequency F _B of the repeater 2B as a signal for requesting the start of a group call (hereinafter referred to as a call start request signal). It transmits by radio | wireless (step S1 of FIG. 6). Various IDs, codes, and the like are stored in advance in the wireless communication device 1J, and a communication frame is automatically generated.

The repeater 2B receives the call start request signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 1J, and extracts a communication frame from the call start request signal. The repeater 2B determines whether or not the originating group ID (G4) included in the extracted communication frame is included in the multitable (G1, G4) shown in FIG. 4B stored in the repeater 2B. . When the calling group ID (G4) is included in the multi-table, the repeater 2B indicates that the operation unit 27 has been pressed (the PTT switch has been pressed) included in the extracted communication frame. Based on the above, a communication frame for generating a response to permit use is generated. Specifically, in this communication frame, the wireless communication device 1J is set as the destination device ID, and a code indicating “use permission” is written. The repeater 2B performs modulation processing on the communication frame that makes a response indicating that the use is permitted, and wirelessly transmits the communication frame as a response signal to the communication range of the repeater 2B using the downlink frequency f _B of the repeater 2B ( Step S2 in FIG.

  The wireless communication device 1J receives the response signal transmitted from the repeater 2B and extracts a communication frame from the response signal. The wireless communication device 1J determines that the use of the repeater 2B is permitted from the destination device ID included in the extracted communication frame, the code indicating “use permission”, and the like, via the speaker 19, the display unit 26, and the like. (For example, an LED that emits green light is turned on), and notifies the user of the wireless communication device 1J that it is ready to start a call. In response to this, the user starts a call. During the group call, the above-described operation unit 27 is continuously pressed by the user. During this time, the wireless communication device 1J generates a communication frame for performing the group call at a predetermined time. ,Send.

  The wireless communication device 1J performs various processes on the voice input via the microphone 15 to generate a communication frame. In the communication frame, the group ID (G4) is set as the calling group ID, the device ID (1J) is set as the calling device ID, and the group ID (G4) is set as the called group ID, as in the case of generating the call start request signal. The In the communication frame, a code indicating “group call” is written.

Wireless communication device 1J is in the same manner as above, subjected to a resultant modulation processing or the like in the communication frame, as a group call signal for calling the group G4, the frequency F _B of the uplink repeater 2B, transmitted wirelessly to the repeater 2B (Step S3 in FIG. 6).

  The repeater 2B receives the group call signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 1J and extracts a communication frame. The repeater 2B indicates “group call” after determining that the calling group ID (G4) included in the extracted communication frame is included in the multitable (G1, G4) in the same manner as described above. Relay processing is performed based on the code. When the group ID (G4) is not included in the multi-table of the repeater 2B, the repeater 2B discards the communication frame and does not perform subsequent communication.

The repeater 2B wirelessly transmits the group call signal including the communication frame to the communication range of the repeater 2B at the downlink frequency f _B of the repeater 2B (step S4 in FIG. 6).

  In the communication range of the repeater 2B, the wireless communication device 1 (not shown) belonging to the group G4 receives the group call signal transmitted from the repeater 2B and extracts a communication frame. The wireless communication device 1 determines whether or not the calling group ID (G4) included in the extracted communication frame matches the group ID stored in the wireless communication device 1 itself. In addition, a group call is performed with the wireless communication device 1J based on a code indicating “group call”.

Note that in the communication range of the repeater 2B, the wireless communication system 1B belonging to the group G1 also receives the frequency f _B of downlink group call signal transmitted from the repeater 2B. However, in the wireless communication device 1B, the originating group ID (G4) included in the communication frame extracted from the group call signal does not match the group ID (G1) stored in the wireless communication device 1B. No group call is performed with the wireless communication device 1J.

  Further, the repeater 2B enters a communication state at the time when a communication frame is acquired from the wireless communication device 1J. At this time, the wireless communication device 1B belonging to the group G1 that stays in the communication range of the repeater 2B and can use the repeater 2B cannot communicate with the repeater 2B.

  Therefore, when the originating group ID (G4) included in the communication frame does not match the group ID (G1) stored in the wireless communication device 1B, the wireless communication device 1B uses a code indicating “group call”. Based on this, the communication frame is discarded, and the repeater 2B is being used by the user of the wireless communication device 1B via the speaker 19, the display unit 26, and the like (by turning on the LED that emits red light). Notify that. For example, the wireless communication device 1B notifies the user that the repeater 2B is in use by turning on an LED or the like. As a result, the user of the wireless communication device 1B can know that the repeater 2B is currently in use, and does not need to perform a useless operation for attempting communication with the repeater 2B. This notification may be performed when the wireless communication apparatus 1B receives a response signal including a communication frame transmitted from the above-described repeater 2B and performing a response indicating that the use is permitted.

  Further, the repeater 2B transmits a group call signal having the same configuration as the group call signal transmitted in step S4 to the repeater 2A and the repeater 2C via the network N (step S5 in FIG. 6). At this time, the repeater 2B may transmit the group call signal by broadcasting, or may specify and transmit the network addresses of the repeater 2A and the repeater 2C.

  When the repeater 2B does not have the network addresses of the repeater 2A and the repeater 2C on the network, the repeater 2B may inquire the server S shown in FIG. 1 for these network addresses. In this case, the network address of the repeater 2A and the repeater 2C is given by the server S.

  The repeater 2C receives the group call signal transmitted from the repeater 2B via the network N and extracts a communication frame. In the repeater 2C, the originating group ID (G4) included in the extracted communication frame is included in the multi-table (G1, G4) shown in FIG. 4C stored in the repeater 2C in the same manner as described above. It is determined whether or not.

When the calling group ID (G4) is included in the multi-table, the repeater 2C performs the relay process based on the code indicating “group call” included in the extracted communication frame, and the group including the communication frame The calling signal is wirelessly transmitted to the communication range of the repeater 2C using the downlink frequency f _C of the repeater 2C (step S5 in FIG. 6).

  In the communication range of the repeater 2C, the wireless communication devices 1K and 1L belonging to the group G4 receive the group call signal transmitted from the repeater 2C and extract a communication frame. The wireless communication devices 1K and 1L determine whether or not the calling group ID (G4) included in the extracted communication frame matches the group ID stored in the wireless communication device 1 of the wireless communication devices 1K and 1L. If there is a group call, a group call is performed with the wireless communication apparatus 1J based on the code indicating "group call".

In the communication range of the repeater 2C, the wireless communication device 1C belonging to the group G1 also receives the group call signal transmitted from the repeater 2C at the downlink frequency f _{C in the} same manner as described above. However, in the wireless communication device 1C, the originating group ID (G4) included in the communication frame extracted from the group call signal does not match the group ID (G1) stored in the wireless communication device 1C. No group call is performed with the wireless communication device 1J.

  Further, the repeater 2C enters a communication state at the time when a communication frame is acquired from the repeater 2B. At this time, the wireless communication device 1C that stays in the communication range of the repeater 2C and belongs to the group G1 that can use the repeater 2C cannot communicate with the repeater 2C.

  Therefore, the wireless communication device 1C discards the communication frame based on the code indicating “group call” in the same manner as described above, and emits light in red (for example, red) via the speaker 19, the display unit 26, and the like. LED is turned on) to notify the user of the wireless communication device 1C that the repeater 2C is in use. As a result, the user of the wireless communication device 1C can know that the repeater 2C is currently in use, and does not need to perform a useless operation for attempting communication with the repeater 2C.

  On the other hand, the repeater 2A receives the call signal of the group G4 from the repeater 2B via the network N, and extracts the communication frame. The repeater 2A determines whether or not the originating group ID (G4) included in the extracted communication frame is included in the multi-table (G1, G2, G3) shown in FIG. 4A stored in the repeater 2A. judge. The repeater 2A discards the communication frame when the calling group ID (G4) is not included in the multi-table.

  In this case, the repeater 2A determines that another repeater 2 on the network N is used based on the code indicating “group call” included in the extracted communication frame. A communication frame indicating that it is in use is generated. In the communication frame, a repeater ID (rA) for identifying the repeater 2A is set as a calling repeater ID, and each group ID (G1, G2, G3) represented by a multi-table is set as a called group ID. In addition, a code indicating “in use of another repeater” is written in the communication frame.

The repeater 2A generates a communication frame including each set ID, code, etc., modulates the generated communication frame, etc., and uses this as another repeater communication signal, and the repeater 2A downlink frequency f _A Thus, it is transmitted wirelessly to the communication range of the repeater 2A (step S7 in FIG. 6). Note that the repeater 2A sets all group IDs for designating all groups, a code for distinguishing from communication frames during a call between the wireless communication devices 1 instead of setting the destination group ID and the like in the communication frame, A communication frame indicating that the other repeater 2 is communicating is generated, and based on this, the other repeater communication signal is wirelessly transmitted to the communication range of the repeater 2A by the downlink frequency f _A of the repeater 2A. You may make it do.

  The interval at which the repeater 2A transmits a communication frame indicating that another repeater 2 is communicating is about 80 milliseconds when one communication frame is about 80 milliseconds (400 milliseconds ( 80 milliseconds × 4 = 320 milliseconds + transmission start / end time) is desirable. Note that the transmission interval of the communication frame is lengthened (for example, every 2 seconds), and the wireless communication apparatus 1 that has acquired the transmission frame keeps the information that the other repeaters 2 are using for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). Also good.

  Here, the repeater 2A is handled during communication when a communication frame is acquired from the repeater 2B via the network N, but the repeater 2A is not actually used.

  For the wireless communication device 1A belonging to the group G1 that can use the repeaters (2B, 2C) on the network N in addition to the repeater 2A, while the repeaters 2B, 2C on the network are actually used, these are Communication is not possible without waiting for an empty state.

  Therefore, the wireless communication device 1A belonging to the group G1 notifies the user via the speaker 19 or the display unit 26 that the other repeater 2 is communicating in response to the reception of the other repeater communication signal. Notice.

  Specifically, in the communication range of the repeater 2A, the wireless communication device 1A belonging to the group G1 receives the other repeater communication signal transmitted from the repeater 2A and extracts the communication frame.

  The wireless communication device 1A determines that the other repeater 2 (any one of the repeaters 2B and 2C other than the repeater 2A) is in use from the code indicating "used other repeaters" included in the extracted communication frame, Via the speaker 19 or the display unit 26 (for example, by turning on an LED that emits red light), the user of the wireless communication device 1A is notified that the other repeater 2 is in use. As a result, the user of the wireless communication device 1A can know that another repeater 2 (one of the repeaters 2B and 2C other than the repeater 2A) is currently in use, and can communicate with the repeater 2A. You do n’t have to waste your time trying.

  On the other hand, since only the repeater 2A can be used for the wireless communication devices 1D and 1E belonging to the group G2 and the wireless communication devices 1F to 1I belonging to the group G3, the repeaters 2B and 2C on the network are actually used. Even during use, communication can be performed using only the repeater 2A, and there is no need to wait for the repeaters 2B and 2C to become empty.

  Therefore, the wireless communication devices 1D and 1E belonging to the group G2 and the wireless communication devices 1F to 1I belonging to the group G3 include a code indicating “in use of another repeater” in the communication frame of the received other repeater communication signal. However, when the own wireless communication devices 1D to 1I do not use any other repeater 2 other than the repeater 2A, the other repeaters 2 are not notified that they are communicating.

  Specifically, when the wireless communication devices 1D and 1E belonging to the group G2 acquire the communication frame in the same manner as the wireless communication device 1A, and the communication frame includes a code indicating “in use of another repeater”, Although it is determined that the repeater 2 other than the repeater 2A is communicating, the wireless communication devices 1D and 1E are used via the speaker 19, the display unit 26, etc. (for example, the LED that emits red light is turned on). The other repeater 2 is not in use. Note that the wireless communication devices 1F to 1I belonging to the group G3 do not notify the user in the same manner as described above.

  As a result, the wireless communication devices 1D and 1E belonging to the group G2 and the wireless communication devices 1F to 1I belonging to the group G3 that can use only the repeaters 2A that are not actually used are connected via the network N. When the repeater 2 (repeater 2B or repeater 2C) is in use, the repeater 2A can be used. At this time, the repeater 2A is temporarily disconnected from the network N and operates as if it is a “repeater that operates alone”. That is, when the other repeater 2 (repeater 2B and repeater 2C) is in use, the repeater 2A cannot communicate even if a group call signal or the like is transmitted to the other repeater 2. Therefore, the repeater 2A is a group call transmitted from each of the wireless communication devices 1D to 1I (wireless communication devices 1 belonging to the group G2 or the group G3) that can use only the repeater 2A when another repeater 2 is in use. Various signals such as signals are wirelessly transmitted only to the communication range of the repeater 2A, and are not transmitted to the network N side.

Thereafter, the user uses the operation unit 27 of the wireless communication device 1J to perform an operation to end the group call. Specifically, when the user of the wireless communication device 1J ends the group call, if the hand is released from the operation unit 27 (for example, the PTT switch) that has been continuously pressed by the user, the communication frame indicates “call A code indicating "END" is written. In the communication frame, the group ID (G4) for identifying the group G4 to which the wireless communication device 1J belongs is the calling group ID, the device ID (1J) for identifying the device of the wireless communication device 1J is the calling device ID, and the transmission destination ( A group ID (G4) for identifying the group G4 of the other party is set as the destination group ID. This communication frame is the last communication frame indicating the end of the group call. Wireless communication device 1J performs modulation processing or the like to the generated communication frame, which as a group call end signal, the frequency F _B of the uplink repeater 2B, and transmits wirelessly the repeater 2B (step S8 in FIG. 6) .

In the same manner as in step S4, the repeater 2B determines that “calling” is performed when the calling group ID (G4) included in the extracted communication frame matches the group ID stored in its own wireless communication device 1. Based on the code indicating "end", a group call end signal for ending the group call is generated, and this signal is wirelessly transmitted to the communication range of the repeater 2B using the downlink frequency f _B of the repeater 2B (step of FIG. 6). S9).

  In the communication range of the repeater 2B, the wireless communication devices 1 (not shown) belonging to the group G4 extract the communication frame of the group call end signal transmitted from the repeater 2B, and the calling group ID (G4) included in the extracted communication frame. ) Is the same as the group ID stored in its own wireless communication device 1, the group call performed with the wireless communication device 1 </ b> J is terminated based on the code indicating “end of call”. To do.

  Further, the repeater 2B is ready to be used when a communication frame of a group call end signal is acquired from the wireless communication device 1J. At this time, the wireless communication device 1B belonging to the group G1 that stays in the communication range of the repeater 2B and can use the repeater 2B can communicate with the repeater 2B.

  Therefore, when the originating group ID (G4) included in the communication frame does not match the group ID (G1) stored in the wireless communication device 1B, the wireless communication device 1B uses a code indicating “end of call”. Based on this, the communication frame is discarded, and the user of the wireless communication device 1B is notified that the repeater 2B is usable via the speaker 19, the display unit 26, and the like (with the LEDs turned off). . For example, the wireless communication device 1B notifies the user that the repeater 2B can be used by turning off the LED or the like. Thereby, the user of the wireless communication device 1B can know that the repeater 2B can be used.

  Further, the repeater 2B transmits a group call end signal having the same configuration as the group call end signal transmitted in step S9 to the repeater 2A and the repeater 2C via the network N in the same manner as in step S5 (FIG. 6). Step S10).

The repeater 2C receives the group call end signal transmitted from the repeater 2B via the network N in the same manner as in step S6, and extracts a communication frame. When the calling group ID (G4) is included in the multi-table, the repeater 2C performs the relay process based on the code indicating “end of call” included in the extracted communication frame, and the group including the communication frame A call end signal is wirelessly transmitted to the communication range of the repeater 2C using the downlink frequency f _C of the repeater 2C (step S11 in FIG. 6).

  In the communication range of the repeater 2C, the wireless communication devices 1K and 1L belonging to the group G4 receive the group call end signal transmitted from the repeater 2C and extract the communication frame, and the calling group ID ( When G4) matches the group ID stored in the wireless communication device 1 of itself, based on the code indicating “end of call” included in the extracted communication frame, between G4) and the wireless communication device 1J End the group call you made in.

  The repeater 2C is ready to use when a communication frame of a group call end signal is acquired from the repeater 2B via the network N. At this time, the wireless communication device 1C belonging to the group G1 that stays in the communication range of the repeater 2C and can use the repeater 2C is in a state where it can communicate with the repeater 2C.

  Therefore, in the same manner as described above, the wireless communication device 1C determines that the originating group ID (G4) included in the communication frame does not match the group ID (G1) stored in the wireless communication device 1C. Based on the code indicating "end of call", the communication frame is discarded, and the repeater 2C can be used by the user of the wireless communication device 1C via the speaker 19, the display unit 26, etc. (LEDs are turned off). Notify that As a result, the user of the wireless communication device 1C can know that the repeater 2C can be used.

  On the other hand, the repeater 2A receives the group call end signal transmitted from the repeater 2B via the network N and extracts a communication frame in the same manner as in step S7, and extracts the calling group ID ( If G4) is not included in the multi-table (G1, G2, G3) shown in FIG. 4A stored in the repeater 2A, the communication frame is discarded.

  In this case, the repeater 2 </ b> A determines that another repeater 2 on the network N is available based on the code indicating “end of call” included in the extracted communication frame, and the other repeater 2 A communication frame is generated to indicate that is available. In the communication frame, a repeater ID (rA) for identifying the repeater 2A is set as a calling repeater ID, and each group ID (G1, G2, G3) represented by a multi-table is set as a called group ID. In addition, a code indicating “other repeater can be used” is written in the communication frame.

The repeater 2A generates a communication frame including each set ID, code, etc., performs a modulation process on the generated communication frame, and uses this as another repeater communication end signal, and the repeater 2A downlink frequency f _A Thus, it is transmitted wirelessly to the communication range of the repeater 2A (step S12 in FIG. 6).

  The wireless communication device 1A belonging to the group G1 responds to reception of the other repeater communication end signal to the user of the wireless communication device 1A via the speaker 19, the display unit 26, etc. (with the LEDs turned off). The other repeater 2 is notified that it can be used. Thus, the user of the wireless communication device 1A can know that another repeater 2 (any one of the repeaters 2B and 2C other than the repeater 2A) can be used.

  On the other hand, the wireless communication devices 1D and 1E belonging to the group G2 and the wireless communication devices 1F to 1I belonging to the group G3 use these wireless communication devices 1 even if other repeaters 2 become usable. It is not necessary for the person to know that the other repeater 2 (one of the repeaters 2B and 2C other than the repeater 2A) can be used, and in response to reception of the other repeater communication signal described above. Since the user of the wireless communication device 1 is not notified via the speaker 19, the display unit 26, or the like, it is not necessary to notify this.

  As described above, according to radio communication system 100 according to the present embodiment, any one of a plurality of repeaters 2A to 2C connected via network N performs communication so that repeater 2 on the network is in communication. In this case, it is possible to notify the users of other wireless communication apparatuses 1 that are not performing communication that the repeaters 2A to 2C cannot be used. On the other hand, when the repeater 2 on the network becomes ready for communication, the repeaters 2A to 2C can be used by other users of the wireless communication apparatus 1 that are not communicating. You can be notified. As a result, the user of the wireless communication device can know the use status of a repeater that communicates with the wireless communication device in its communication range or other repeaters connected via the network, and determines whether or not the repeater can be used. can do.

  Note that the present invention is not limited by the description of the above-described embodiment and the drawings, and appropriate modifications and the like can be made to the above-described embodiment and the drawings.

  In addition, the hardware configuration and flowchart of the above embodiment are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily changed and modified.

  The controller of the wireless communication device 1 and the repeater 2 configured by a CPU, an I / O, a RAM, a ROM, and the like can be realized using a normal computer system, not a dedicated system. For example, a computer program for executing the above operation is stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium (flexible disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.), and the computer program is installed in the computer. Thus, the wireless communication device 1 or the repeater 2 that executes the above-described processing may be configured. Alternatively, the wireless communication device 1 or the repeater 2 may be configured by storing the computer program in a storage device included in a server device on a communication network such as the Internet and downloading it by a normal computer system.

  Further, when the functions of the wireless communication device 1 or the repeater 2 are realized by sharing of an OS (operating system) and an application program, or by cooperation between the OS and the application program, only the application program portion is stored in a recording medium or a storage medium. You may store in an apparatus.

  It is also possible to superimpose a computer program on a carrier wave and distribute it via a communication network. For example, the computer program may be posted on a bulletin board (BBS, Bulletin Board System) on a communication network, and the computer program distributed via the network. The computer program may be started and executed in the same manner as other application programs under the control of the OS, so that the above-described processing can be executed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A-1I Wireless communication apparatus 2,2A-2C Repeater 100 Wireless communication system N Network S server 10 Antenna 30S Transmission-only antenna 30R Reception-only antenna 11 Transmission / reception switching unit 12, 32 Transmission unit 13, 17, 33, 37 Baseband processing unit 14 A / D conversion unit 15 Microphone 16, 36 Reception unit 18 D / A conversion unit 19 Speaker 20, 40 Controller 21, 41 CPU (Central processing unit)
22, 42 I / O (input / output unit)
23, 43 RAM (read-write memory)
24, 44 ROM (read only memory)
25, 45 Timekeeping section 26, 46 Display section 27, 47 Operation section 28, 48 Internal bus 34 Input section 35 Network I / F (interface)
38 Output section

Claims (8)

A repeater used in a wireless communication system including a relay system including a plurality of repeaters connected to each other via a communication line, and a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform communication via the relay system. ,
Group identification information storage means for storing one or more group identification information for identifying a group to which the wireless communication device belongs and which is permitted to use its own repeater;
Group identification information for identifying a group to which a wireless communication device communicating with the other repeater belongs from other repeaters connected via the communication line, and the other repeater and the wireless communication device Communication state information receiving means for receiving communication state information representing a communication state between;
The communication status information receiving means when the group identified by the group identification information received by the communication status information receiving means does not match any of the one or more group identification information stored by the group identification information storage means Control means for performing control to wirelessly transmit communication information based on a communication state represented by the communication state information received by
A repeater comprising: The control unit performs relay processing when a group identified by the group identification information received by the communication state information receiving unit matches any one of the one or more group identification information stored by the group identification information storage unit. I do,
The repeater according to claim 1. The communication state information receiving means receives group identification information for identifying a group to which the wireless communication device belongs from the wireless communication device staying in a communication range,
The control unit performs relay processing when a group identified by the group identification information received by the communication state information receiving unit matches any one of the one or more group identification information stored by the group identification information storage unit. I do,
The repeater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. A wireless communication device used in a wireless communication system including a relay system including a plurality of repeaters connected to each other via a communication line and a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform communication via the relay system. There,
Receiving means for receiving other repeater communication status information indicating the communication status of another repeater connected via the communication line, transmitted wirelessly from the repeater;
Notification means for notifying the communication status of the other repeater based on the other repeater communication status information received by the receiving means;
A wireless communication apparatus comprising: Repeater identification information storage means for storing at least one repeater identification information for identifying a repeater permitted to be used;
Control means for controlling the notification means,
When the repeater identification information other than the repeater that has transmitted the other repeater communication state information is stored in the repeater identification information storage unit, the control unit notifies the notification unit of the communication state of the other repeater. Let
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 4. The control means notifies the notifying means of the communication status of the other repeater when the repeater identification information other than the repeater that has transmitted the other repeater communication status information is not stored in the repeater identification information storage means. Do not let,
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 5. Further comprising group identification information storage means for storing group identification information for identifying a group to which the apparatus belongs.
The receiving means receives group identification information for identifying a group to which a wireless communication apparatus communicating with the repeater or the other repeater belongs, transmitted from the repeater,
The control means performs control to communicate with the wireless communication device when the group identification information received by the receiving means matches the group identification information stored by the group identification information storage means, On the other hand, if they do not match, instead of communicating with the wireless communication device, let the notification means notify the communication state,
The wireless communication device according to claim 4, wherein the wireless communication device is a wireless communication device. A wireless communication system including a relay system including a plurality of repeaters connected to each other via a communication line, and a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform communication via the relay system,
The repeater is
Group identification information storage means for storing one or more group identification information for identifying a group to which the wireless communication device belongs and which is permitted to use its own repeater;
Group identification information for identifying a group to which a wireless communication device communicating with the other repeater belongs from other repeaters connected via the communication line, and the other repeater and the wireless communication device Communication state information receiving means for receiving communication state information representing a communication state between;
The communication status information receiving means when the group identified by the group identification information received by the communication status information receiving means does not match any of the one or more group identification information stored by the group identification information storage means Control means for performing control to wirelessly transmit communication information based on the communication state represented by the communication state information received by
The wireless communication device
Receiving means for receiving other repeater communication status information indicating the communication status of another repeater connected via the communication line, transmitted wirelessly from the repeater;
Notification means for notifying the communication status of the other repeater based on the other repeater communication status information received by the receiving means,
A wireless communication system.

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