JP6898148B2 - System and group communication control program for group communication - Google Patents

Description

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for group communication, in particular to systems suitable for communication within a group of workers at a work site, and computer programs for group communication control.

Appropriate communication is required between teamed workers at various work sites such as manufacturing, construction, logistics, and maintenance. In order to support communication between workers, for example, hands-free headsets in which a microphone and a speaker can be worn on the head have been conventionally used. In addition to microphones and speakers, the use of intelligent headgear or wearable devices equipped with cameras, displays, GPS receivers, and other sensors and computers has also been proposed.

As a related prior art, for example, there is a system described in Patent Document 1. This system uses a wearable terminal attached to a helmet and a management server that manages the wearable terminal. When each user wears a wearable terminal, the wearable terminal communicates with the management server to identify the work group to which the user belongs and to start communication between terminals within the same work group. ..

That is, when the user starts using the wearable terminal, the wearable terminal acquires the identification information of the user from the user. Then, the wearable terminal transmits the user identification information to the management server together with the terminal identifier of the wearable terminal. The management server authenticates the user personally using the user identification information received from the wearable terminal, identifies the work group to which the user belongs based on the personal authentication result, and then of the specified work unit group. Reply attribute setting information to the wearable terminal. The wearable terminal starts group communication with other wearable terminals belonging to the same work group based on the attribute setting information.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-157845

According to the system described in Patent Document 1, the management server needs to be set with the attribute information of each work group in advance.

However, depending on the work site, the work group and its members may change flexibly. In such a case, setting the attribute information of the work group in the management server in advance takes extra time and is not practical in some cases.

Further, according to the system described in Patent Document 1, the wearable terminal on the helmet needs to have a function of communicating with a remote management server and a function of acquiring identification information for personal authentication from the user.

However, helmets used at work sites are frequently subject to harsh external actions such as wind, rain and impact, and are frequently destroyed. Wearable devices on helmets are also exposed to similar adverse conditions. It is desirable that wearable terminals used in work sites in such a harsh environment be manufactured at low cost without using delicate parts as much as possible. In addition, it is desirable that the power consumption is as small as possible and the weight is light. From these points of view, it is desirable to avoid equipping the wearable terminal on the helmet with a long-distance communication function with a remote management server and a function of acquiring user identification information from the user as much as possible.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a system suitable for group communication in a situation where group members change flexibly.

One of another object of the present invention is to provide a system suitable for group communication between members in a poor environment.

A group communication system for group communication between a plurality of users according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of user communication systems used by the plurality of users, and a management server capable of communicating with the plurality of user communication systems. To be equipped. Each user communication system used for each user has user attribute information regarding identification and communication connection conditions of each user communication system. Then, each user communication system manages an attribute registration means for registering user attribute information related to the user communication system in the management server and other user attribute information related to one or more other user communication systems registered in the management server. It has an attribute acquisition means acquired from a server and a group communication means for connecting to one or more other user communication systems so as to be capable of group communication by using other user attribute information.

According to the group communication system configured in this way, user attribute information regarding the identification and communication connection conditions of each of the plurality of user communication systems used by the plurality of users is registered in the management server. Then, each user communication system acquires the user attribute information of another user communication system registered in the management server from the management server. Each user communication system can be connected to other user communication systems in a group communication manner by using the user attribute information of another user communication system acquired from the management server.

When a group member changes to a new group member, the user communication system of each member of the new group registers the user attribute information related to the user communication system in the management server. Therefore, the user attribute information of the new group member is registered in the management server. Gather. Then, the user communication system of each member acquires the user attribute information of the other members gathered in the management server from the management server, and connects to the new group member using the acquired user attribute information. Therefore, group communication can be started between new group members.

Therefore, group communication is easy in a situation where group members change flexibly.

In the group communication system according to one embodiment, each user communication system selects a member system to be a member of the group communication from one or more other user communication systems by using other user attribute information acquired from the management server. It may have a member selection means to be used. In that case, the group communication means of each user communication system may be configured to connect to the member system so as to be able to perform group communication by using the attribute information related to the member system in the user attribute information acquired from the management server.

According to the group communication system configured in this way, even if the user attribute information of another user communication system acquired from the management server includes the user attribute information of the user communication system that is not a group member, the group member User communication systems can be selected and connected. Therefore, one group communication system can control group communication of a plurality of different groups.

In the group communication system according to one embodiment, each user communication system may have a wireless LAN communication means by Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or other methods. Then, the member selection means of each user communication system detects another user communication system capable of communicating with the wireless LAN communication means of each user communication system, and among the detected other user communication systems capable of communicating, the above-mentioned It may be configured to select a member system based on other user attribute information obtained from the management server. Further, the group communication means of each user communication system may be configured to be connected to the member system so as to be capable of group communication by using the wireless LAN communication means.

According to the group communication system configured in this way, a plurality of user communication systems existing in an area capable of communicating with each other via wireless LAN are selected as group members, and the members are grouped via wireless LAN. Can communicate.

Therefore, such a group communication system can apply group communication between a plurality of users in a narrow area where communication is possible via a wireless LAN such as a work site. Then, since a plurality of user communication systems perform group communication via wireless LAN, it is not necessary to use a communication method such as mobile communication, which is often expensive. Moreover, since it is not necessary to intervene the management server in the communication path of the group communication, the burden on the management server is small.

In the group communication system according to one embodiment, each user communication system may have not only wireless LAN communication means but also wide area communication means by mobile communication or other methods. Then, the group communication means of each user communication system may selectively use the wireless LAN communication means and the wide area communication means to connect to the user communication system of the group member so as to be capable of group communication.

According to the group communication system configured in this way, for example, when group communication via wireless LAN cannot be performed for some reason, group communication by wide area communication such as mobile communication can be used as an alternative. This contributes to the reliability of group communication, especially in harsh environments such as work sites where wireless LAN communication may not be possible at a relatively high frequency.

In the group communication system according to one embodiment, each user communication system can be carried by each user and can be carried by each user as well as an input / output device for inputting / outputting communication information between users at the time of executing group communication. It can include a mobile communication terminal for controlling group communication and relaying communication information between users, which can be communicably connected to an output device. Then, the mobile communication terminal may be configured to have the user attribute information of each user communication system and to function as the above-mentioned attribute registration means, attribute acquisition means, and group communication means.

According to the group communication system configured in this way, each user communication system can be divided into two portable devices, an input / output device and a mobile communication terminal. Therefore, the user can wear the input / output device and the mobile communication terminal on the body or the place of clothes suitable for each. It contributes to reducing the hindrance to the user's work due to having to carry the user communication system, especially in the work site.

For example, the input / output device can be incorporated into a helmet, protective cap or other type of headgear that can be worn on the user's head. In addition, the mobile communication terminal can be put in a pocket of work clothes or attached to an appropriate place in a work harness. This allows the user to concentrate on their work hands-free.

Further, as described above, by providing the mobile communication terminal with a function of holding user attribute information and a function as an attribute registration means, an attribute acquisition means, and a group communication means, the functions that the input / output device should have. Can be reduced (or it becomes easier to add other functions to the input / output device). Incorporating such input / output devices into headgear can prevent system failures, simplify headgear, reduce headgear costs, or headgear at the same cost, especially in workplaces where headgear is exposed to harsh environments. It can contribute to the expansion of the functions of.

In the group communication system according to one embodiment, the group communication means of each mobile communication terminal checks whether or not there is a connection between another input / output device and the mobile communication terminal at the time of executing group communication, and responds to the result of the check. Notifications may be configured to be sent to one or more other user communication systems or management servers.

According to this configuration, for example, when the input / output device is incorporated in the helmet, the user takes off the helmet, the input / output device fails due to a large impact on the helmet, or the user encounters some danger. If the connection between the I / O device and the mobile communication terminal is interrupted due to something like that, an appropriate notification is sent to another user or the management server. This helps other users and stakeholders to take appropriate action. This contributes to the safety of users and the optimization of work, especially at work sites in harsh environments.

In the group communication system according to one embodiment, the mobile communication terminal can include a microprocessor, and the group communication control control program can be held in a recording medium readable by the microprocessor. Then, the mobile communication terminal may be configured to function as the attribute registration means, the attribute acquisition means, and the group communication means by executing the group communication control program on the microprocessor.

In the group communication system configured in this way, as the mobile communication terminal, a general-purpose mobile communication terminal called a so-called smartphone, tablet terminal, mobile personal computer, or the like with the above-mentioned group communication control program installed can be used. In modern times, a very large proportion of people have such general-purpose mobile communication terminals, which are becoming a kind of social infrastructure. By using some of the information processing and communication functions of such an infrastructure in a group communication system, the configuration of the group communication system can be simplified and it can contribute to cost reduction. Further, even in a work site where group members change flexibly, group communication can be enabled by using a general-purpose mobile communication terminal owned by each member.

The present invention also provides the group communication control program described above.

The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the group communication system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The front view which shows the schematic structure of the headgear worn by each user. A block diagram showing the configuration of each part of the system. Explanatory drawing which shows the registration example of the user attribute information table which a management server has. The front part of the flowchart showing an example of the control flow when starting group communication. The central part of the flowchart showing an example of the control flow when starting group communication. The rear part of the flowchart showing an example of the control flow when starting group communication. The flowchart which shows an example of the control flow which manages the communication connection state during group communication. A flowchart showing an example of a control flow when terminating group communication.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a group communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the group communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of users 3 (the number of users is not particularly limited, but four users are exemplified in FIG. 1 for convenience) belong to the same group and are in the same group. It enables communication of information such as conversation and provision of images with each other. Those users 3 can be, for example, workers who work in teams at a work site such as construction or manufacturing.

Each of the plurality of users 3 carries a user communication system 4 for communication. The user communication system 4 of each user 3 is composed of a pair of one headgear 5 as an input / output device and one mobile communication terminal 7 as a communication control device.

By wearing the headgear 5 on their heads, each of the plurality of users 3 can input and output communication information hands-free, and there is little hindrance to work. Each headgear 5 has an input / output device such as a microphone, a speaker, and a camera that inputs / outputs information that each user 3 communicates with another user 3. Each headgear 5 has a function of wireless short-range communication (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication).

Each of the plurality of users 3 carries the mobile communication terminal 7. Each mobile communication terminal 7 has a mobile communication function for wide area communication, a wireless LAN function for local communication (for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication), and a wireless short-range communication for short-range communication (for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication). For example, it has a function of (Bluetooth communication), and further includes a microprocessor (MPU) that executes at least an application program for the system 1. As each mobile communication terminal 7, for example, a general-purpose portable personal computer called a smartphone or a tablet terminal can be used.

For each user 3, the headgear 5 and the mobile communication terminal 7 can communicate with each other by using the function of wireless short-range communication (for example, Bluetooth) 9 possessed by each user.

Further, the plurality of mobile communication terminals 7 can communicate with each other by using the functions of their respective wireless LAN (for example, Wi-Fi communication) 11. Further, the mobile communication terminals 7 can communicate with the cloud management server 15 via the wide area communication network (for example, the mobile communication network and the Internet) 13 by using the mobile communication function of each of them.

The cloud management server 15 controls group communication and one-to-one communication of a plurality of users 3, and manages various data input / output by the headgear 5 of the user 3.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of headgear worn on the head by each user.

As shown in FIG. 2, the headgear 5 includes a tool that the user 3 can wear on his / her head, for example, a protective helmet 17 (or a protective cap), various electronic devices 21 to 31 mounted on or incorporated in the helmet 17, and the like. It has a battery 33 that supplies electric power to electronic devices 21 to 31.

The electronic devices 21 to 21 include, for example, a set of a microphone 21 and a speaker 23 for the user 3 to talk with another person, a camera 25 for photographing the front of the head of the user 3, and a helmet for showing the image to the user 3. There may be a display 27 mounted on the visor 19, a wireless short-range communication device 29 (for example, a Bluetooth communication device) for communicating with the mobile communication terminal 7, a control device 31 for controlling those electronic devices, and the like. ..

The audio data input to the microphone 21 of the headgear 5 of each user 3 and the image data taken by the camera 25 are sent to the management server 15 via the mobile communication terminal 7 of each user 3 and stored there. Can be done. Further, the voice data and image data of each user 3 are sent to the mobile communication terminal 7 of another user 3 via the mobile communication terminal 7 of each user 3, and the speaker of the headgear 5 of the other user 3 is sent. It can be output to 23 and the display 27, respectively.

FIG. 3 shows a more specific configuration of each part of the group communication system 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, each headgear 5 has various electronic devices 21 to 31 already described, and a mobile communication terminal is used by using a wireless short-range communication device 29 (for example, a Bluetooth communication device) among them. Can communicate with 7.

In the group communication system 1, in order to identify each headgear 5, identification information (hereinafter, referred to as headgear ID) 35 unique to each headgear 5 is used. In this embodiment, as the headgear ID 35 of each headgear 5, for example, unique identification information (for example, Bluetooth MAC address or beacon ID) possessed by the wireless short-range communication device 29 of each headgear 5 is used. Of course, another type of identification information such as a barcode can also be used.

Each mobile communication terminal 7 includes a wireless short-range communication device 41 (for example, a Bluetooth communication device), a wireless LAN communication device 43 (for example, a Wi-Fi communication device), a wireless wide area communication device 45 (for example, 3G, 4G, or more). It has a new generation mobile communication device). Each mobile communication terminal 7 can communicate with the headgear 5 by using the wireless short-range communication device 41. Each mobile communication terminal 7 can communicate with another mobile communication device 7 via the wireless LAN 11 by using the wireless LAN communication device 43. Further, each mobile communication terminal 7 can communicate with the management server 15 and another mobile communication device 7 via the wide area communication network 13 by using the wireless wide area communication device 45.

Each mobile communication terminal 7 has an MPU (microprocessor) 47 capable of executing various application programs. Then, in each mobile communication terminal 7 (or an external place accessible to each mobile communication terminal 7), an application program (hereinafter, referred to as a group communication control program) 49 for controlling group communication is read by the MPU 47. It is held on a possible recording medium. When the MPU 47 reads and executes the group communication control program 49, the MPU 47 functions as a control device for group communication. In other words, each mobile communication terminal 7 can control group communication between a plurality of users 3 and relay communication information between users at the time of group communication by executing the group communication control program 49. ..

In this group communication system 1, in order to identify each mobile communication terminal 7, identification information (hereinafter, referred to as a mobile communication terminal ID) 51 unique to each mobile communication terminal 7 is used. In this embodiment, as the mobile communication terminal ID 51 of each mobile communication terminal 7, for example, unique identification information (for example, Wi-Fi MAC address) possessed by the wireless LAN communication device 43 of each mobile communication terminal 7 is used. Of course, another type of identification information can also be used.

In this group communication system 1, in order to identify each user 3, identification information (hereinafter, referred to as a user ID) 53 unique to each user 3 is used. In this embodiment, as the user ID 53 of each user 3, for example, the name of the user 3 and the identification number (for example, a mobile communication number, that is, a telephone number) of the wireless wide area communication device of the mobile communication terminal 7 used by the user 3 are used. Used. Of course, another type of identification information can also be used. The user ID 53 of each user 3 is registered and stored in advance in the mobile communication terminal 7 used by the user 3.

The wireless LAN communication device 43 of each mobile communication terminal 7 is information on communication connection conditions with the wireless LAN base unit (hereinafter, wireless LAN) when it functions as a wireless LAN base unit (that is, a wireless LAN access point). It has 55 (referred to as master unit information). The wireless LAN base unit information 55 is, for example, a set of an identification name (that is, SSID (Service Set Identifier)) and an encryption key of the wireless LAN communication device 43.

Each mobile communication terminal 7 further has a master unit selection 57 set by each user 3 by operating the group communication control program 49. The master unit selection 57 specifies whether or not to select the mobile communication terminal 7 as a wireless LAN master unit (wireless LAN access point) for group communication via the wireless LAN. In group communication between a plurality of users 3 via a wireless LAN, one of them, the mobile communication terminal 7, needs to be a wireless LAN base unit. Therefore, it is possible to discuss with the plurality of users 3 to decide who will be the master unit, and set the master unit selection 57 in each mobile communication terminal 7. The user 3 can change the master unit selection 57 of his / her mobile communication terminal 7 at any time.

The cloud management server 15 has a wide area communication device 61 for connecting to the wide area communication network 13, and can communicate with the mobile communication devices 7 of a plurality of users 3 by using the wide area communication device 61. The management server 15 also has a user attribute information table 63 for identifying and communicating with a plurality of users 3 participating in group communication, and headgear 3 and a mobile communication terminal 7 used by each user 3. Information representing a predetermined attribute related to a condition (hereinafter referred to as user attribute information) is registered and managed. The cloud management server 15 also has a control device 65 (for example, an application program for group communication management and an MPU that executes the application program). The control device 65 manages group communication of a plurality of users 3 while manipulating the user attribute information on the user attribute information table 63.

FIG. 4 shows an example of user attribute information registered in the user attribute information table 63 managed by the cloud management server 15.

In the user attribute information table 63 illustrated in FIG. 4, one row is the user attribute information corresponding to one user 3. The user attribute information includes a group ID that identifies the group to which the user 3 belongs. The group ID of each user 3 is assigned in the process of controlling the start of group communication, which will be described later, and may not be assigned at the beginning of registration of the user attribute information. In other words, which user 3 belongs to which group does not need to be determined at the beginning of registration of the user attribute information, but is determined in the control process of starting group communication. Further, it is possible to change the group to which each user 3 belongs at any time after registering the user attribute information, and the system 1 updates the group ID according to the change.

The user attribute information of each user 3 further includes a user ID 53 for identifying the user 3 (for example, a name and a telephone number of the mobile communication terminal 7 to be carried), and a head gear ID 35 for identifying the head gear 5 to be worn. Connect to the mobile communication terminal ID 51 (for example, Wi-Fi MAC address) for identifying the mobile communication terminal 7 to be carried, and the mobile communication terminal 7 via wireless LAN (for example, Bluetooth MAC address or beacon ID). The unrelated LAN master unit information 55 (for example, SSID and encryption key) for the purpose is included. These information items are registered in the user attribute information table 63 at the beginning of registration of the user attribute information, as will be understood from the description of the control later.

The user attribute information of each user 3 further includes a master unit selection 57. The master unit selection 57 specifies whether or not to select the mobile communication terminal 7 of the user 3 as a wireless (wireless LAN access point) when performing group communication via the wireless LAN. The value "1" in the figure means to select, and the value "0" means not to select. The master unit selection 57 is also registered at the beginning of registration of the user attribute information, but can be changed later from the mobile communication terminal 7.

The user attribute information of each user 3 further includes an IP address for wireless LAN communication of the mobile communication terminal 7 to be carried. The IP address of each user 3 is assigned in the process of controlling the start of group communication, which will be described later, and may not be assigned at the beginning of registration of the user attribute information.

5 to 7 show an example of a control flow for starting group communication in the group communication system 1 according to the present embodiment.

For the convenience of illustration, the controls shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 take as an example the case where the number of users 3 who intend to perform group communication is two, user 3 # 1 and user 3 # 2. However, those skilled in the art should easily understand the control when a larger number of people try to perform group communication. That is, in the case of a larger number of people, the same control as that for the illustrated users 3 # 2 can be performed for the additional users.

The controls shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 are easy to understand by assuming the following situation examples.

That is, there are two users 3 # 1 and 3 # 2 who form the same team (group) at the same work site or room, and they are preparing to start group communication when starting work. There are a plurality of headgear 5s at the site, and one user 3 # 1 selects any one headgear 5 # 1 from among them, turns on the power, and wears it. Another You 3 The # 2 chooses another Headgear 5 # 2 and does the same.

Further, the users 3 # 1 and 3 # 2 carry one mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 and 7 # 2, respectively, and the group communication control program of each of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2. Start 49. The master unit selection 57 is set for each of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 by discussing between the users 3 # 1 and 3 # 2 on the spot or according to a prior agreement. For example, the master unit selection 57 of one mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 is set to "1", and the other 7 # 2 master unit selection 57 is set to "0" (that is, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 is the wireless LAN parent. It will be an opportunity). The management server 5 is remote and has already been started.

From this state, the controls shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 are started. In the process, the controls performed by the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 are executed according to the respective group communication control programs 49.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, the control of steps S1 to S5 is performed on the user 3 # 1 side. That is, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 and the headgear 5 # 1 form and connect to each other by forming a communication pair using wireless short-range communication (for example, Bluetooth communication) (steps S1 and S2). Along with this, the headgear 5 # 1 notifies the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 of the headgear ID 35 (for example, Bluetooth MAC address or beacon ID) of the headgear 5 # 1 (steps S3 and S4).

After that, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 connects to the management server 15 via the wide area communication network 13, and sends the user attribute information of the user 3 # 1 to the management server 15 (step S5). This user attribute information includes a user ID 53 of user 3 # 1, a head gear ID 35 of head gear 5 # 1 (for example, Bluetooth MAC address or beacon ID), and a mobile communication terminal ID of mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 (for example, Wi-). (Fi MAC address), wireless LAN base unit information 55 (for example, SSID and encryption key), and base unit setting 57 are included. At this point, the user attribute information does not have to include the group ID and IP address.

On the other user 3 # 2 side, steps S6 to S10 similar to the above steps S1 to S5 are performed, and the user attribute information of the user 3 # 2 is sent to the management server 15.

The management server 15 registers the user attribute information of one user 3 # 1 received from the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 in the user management table 63 (steps S11 to S12). Further, the management server 15 registers the user attribute information of another user 3 # 2 received from the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 in the user management table 63 (steps S13 to S14).

In this way, the headgear 5 and the mobile communication terminal 7 are connected to each other in each of the plurality of users 3 who want to perform group communication. Then, the user attribute information of each of the plurality of users 3 (that is, the attribute information regarding the identification of the user 3, the head gear 5, and the mobile communication terminal 7 and the communication connection condition) is transmitted from each mobile communication terminal 7 to the management server 15. Collected and registered.

After that, the control for starting group communication proceeds to the process shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 of one user 3 # 1 reads the registered user attribute information recorded in the user attribute information table 63 from the management server 15 (steps S21 to S22). Similarly, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 of the other user 3 # 2 also reads the registered user attribute information recorded in the user attribute information table 63 from the management server 15 (steps S23 to S24).

After that, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 of one user 3 # 1 searches for another wireless LAN communication device capable of communicating with the own device via the wireless LAN by using the wireless LAN device 43 of the own unit, thereby. Know the device ID (for example, Wi-Fi MAC address) of another wireless LAN communication device that can communicate with your own device (step S25). At this time, if the two users 3 # 1 and 3 # 2 forming a team are within the area where communication via wireless LAN is possible (for example, within the range within the range where the wireless LAN radio waves in the same site can reach), both mobile phones can be carried. The communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 receive the radio waves of the other party and recognize the other party's mobile communication terminal ID (via Raw socket communication). Therefore, the device ID grasped in step S25 includes the mobile communication terminal ID of the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 of the other user 3 # 1.

After that, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 includes the mobile communication terminal ID included in the registered user attribute information read out in step S21 from the grasped device IDs (that is, the user 3 of this group communication system 1). Mobile communication terminal ID) is selected (step S26). As a result, the device ID of the wireless LAN communication device unrelated to the group communication system 1 is excluded, and only the mobile communication terminal ID of the related user 3 is selected.

After that, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 displays a list of users corresponding to the selected mobile communication terminal ID (for example, a list of user names corresponding to the selected mobile communication terminal ID included in the registered user attribute information) (step). S27). In response to the member selection operation of user 3 # 1 (that is, the operation of selecting user 3 # 2) (step S28) for the displayed user list, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 is the same as the user 3 # 1. The mobile communication terminal ID of the user 3 # 2 who is a group member is specified (step S27).

The mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 of the other user 3 # 2 also performs steps S29 to S31 similar to steps S25 to S28 described above. As a result, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 of the user 3 # 2 also grasps the mobile communication terminal ID of the user 3 # 1 who is the same group member as the user 3 # 2.

In this way, each mobile communication terminal 7 of the plurality of users 3 who want to perform group communication grasps the mobile communication terminal ID of the mobile communication terminal 7 of another user 3 who is a member of the same group.

After that, the control for starting group communication proceeds to the process shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, two mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 that are members of the same group start communication via wireless LAN between each other (steps S41 to S42). That is, each of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 grasps the master unit setting 57 of the other member of the same group as the own unit (this is grasped from the user attribute information received from the management server 15 in step S23 of FIG. Which mobile communication terminal 7 will be the wireless LAN master unit or the slave unit will be recognized according to the above. In the illustrated example, the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 serves as a master unit, and the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 serves as a slave unit. The mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 serving as the slave unit is grasped from the user attribute information 55 received from the management server 15 in step S23 of FIG. 6 of the master unit information 55 of the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 serving as the master unit. ) Is used to connect to the wireless LAN of the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 of the master unit (step S41). The mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 of the master unit assigns an IP address to the connected mobile communication terminal 7 # 2, and performs communication between the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 and the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 until now. Transition from communication via socket to communication via IP socket (step S42). In this way, the communication connection via the wireless LAN between the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 and the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 is established, and the group communication is started.

The mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 of the master unit also adds each IP address to each user attribute information of the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 which is another member of the same group as the own unit, and adds them to the management server 15 To request registration as the same group (step S43). In response to the request, the management server 15 adds an IP address to the user attribute information corresponding to the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 in the user management table 63, and assigns a group ID to the group. Is added to the corresponding user attribute information (step S45). As a result, the information for managing the communication of the group consisting of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 is registered in the management server 15.

As described above, group communication between the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 is started. In group communication, each of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 receives audio data and image data received from the head gears 5 # 1 and 5 # 2 paired with the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2, and the mobile communication terminals of other members via wireless LAN. It transmits to 7 # 2 and 7 # 1, and also receives voice data and image data from other members' mobile communication terminals 7 # 2 and 7 # 1 via wireless LAN, and pairs of head gears 5 # 1 , 5 # 2 (steps S46 to S48).

In addition, when a situation occurs in which wireless LAN communication is not possible, or when a predetermined event (for example, a dangerous accident or a hiyari hat) occurs, the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 perform group communication over a wide area communication network. This can be done via 13 (steps S49-S50). In that case, the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 may directly communicate with each other without connecting to the management server 15. Alternatively, the management server 15 may relay data communication between the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 via the management server 15 between the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 (step S51). .. Alternatively, while the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 communicate directly with each other, one or both of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 connect to the management server 15, and the management server 15 can be used. The communication data may be recorded.

According to the control of starting group communication described above, each of the plurality of users 3 wears an arbitrary headgear 5, connects it to its own mobile communication terminal 7, and then displays it on each mobile communication terminal 7. You can start group communication between yourself just by selecting yourself as a group member from the list of users. Therefore, even in the field where group members change flexibly, group communication can be easily started with new members.

Further, by using the wide area communication function (mobile communication function) and the user ID holding function of the mobile communication terminal 7 of each user 3 for controlling group communication, the headgear 5 of each user 3 has a wide area communication function (mobile). There is no need to install a communication function) or a personal identification information acquisition function. By the amount of these unnecessary elements, it is easy to make the configuration of the headgear 5 simpler and easier to adapt to in a harsh environment such as a construction or manufacturing work site.

In addition, by performing group communication mainly via wireless LAN, it is possible to minimize the use of a mobile communication network, which generally requires communication costs. Especially at construction and manufacturing work sites, group members often exist in the same work site, which is a relatively small area, so it is easy to adapt to the application of wireless LAN communication.

In addition, group communication via a wide area communication network can be performed as needed, so it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the situation. Further, in group communication via a wide area communication network, communication data can be recorded in the management server 15 as needed, so that the recorded data can be used for later useful purposes.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a control flow for managing the communication connection state during group communication.

As shown in FIG. 8, each of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 is asked by the corresponding headgear 5 # 1, 5 # 2 at any time or periodically during group communication. Check whether the corresponding headgear 5 # 1 and 5 # 2 are connected depending on whether or not they respond (steps S61 to S62, S63 to S64). Then, each of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 notifies the other members of the result of the investigation and also notifies the management server 15 (steps S64 and S65).

As a result, each of the users 3 # 1 and 3 # 2 is in a dangerous state where the group member is wearing the headgear 5 (that is, a helmet or a protective cap), the headgear 5 is not abnormal, or the headgear 5 is in a dangerous state. Since it is possible to guess whether or not there is a problem, it becomes easy to pay attention to each other and help each other when there is a problem or danger. In addition, the management server 15 also performs predetermined processing (for example, alarms, guides, inquiry messages, etc. for the safety of users 3 # 1 and 3 # 2) based on the notified headgear connection presence / absence information. (Send to 1, 3 # 2 and other parties) can be done (step S67).

In addition, each of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 has a wireless LAN with the mobile communication terminals 7 # 2 and 7 # 1 of other members at any time or periodically during group communication. Check for connections via (steps S68, S69). Then, each of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 notifies the other members of the result of the investigation and also notifies the management server 15 (steps S70 and S71).

As a result, each of the users 3 # 1 and 3 # 2 has gone to a place where other members cannot perform wireless LAN communication (for example, went out of the work site), or no abnormality has occurred in the mobile communication terminal 7. Since it is possible to infer whether or not a person is in a dangerous state, it becomes easy to pay attention to each other and help each other when there is a problem or danger. Each of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 switches between group communication via wireless LAN and group communication via wide area communication network as described in FIG. 7 based on the notified information on the presence or absence of wireless LAN connection. Can be controlled. The management server 15 performs predetermined processing (for example, alarms, guides, inquiry messages, etc. for the safety of users 3 # 1 and 3 # 2) based on the notified information on the presence or absence of wireless LAN connection. , 3 # 2 and send to other parties) (step S72).

FIG. 9 shows an example of the control flow when the group communication is terminated.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the user operation is performed at the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 of the wireless LAN slave unit when the group communication ends (withdrawal from the group communication) (step S81), the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 Notifies the management server 15 and the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 of all other members of the group to the effect that the group communication is withdrawn, and disconnects from the wireless LAN (step S82). Upon receiving the notification, the member's mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 displays the withdrawal of group communication of the user 3 # 2 who uses the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2, and notifies the user 3 # 1 of his / her own machine.

Further, the management server 15 receives the notification from the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 and deletes the user attribute information corresponding to the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 that has left the group from the user management table 63, or the user. Update the attribute information so that it does not participate in group communication (for example, delete the group ID and IP address) (step S84).

After this process, when the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 participates in the group communication of an arbitrary group again, the same control as that of the mobile communication terminal 7 # 2 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 can be performed again. Good.

Further, although it may be earlier or later than the group communication termination process of the slave unit described above, the user operation of the group communication termination (complete termination of the group communication) is performed on the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 of the master unit. In the case (step S85), the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 of the master unit notifies the management server 15 and the mobile communication terminals 7 # 2 of all the members of the group of the complete completion of the group communication, and , End the provision of wireless LAN as a master unit (step S86). This disconnects all other members of the group from the wireless LAN.

Further, the management server 15 receives the notification from the mobile communication terminal 7 # 1 and deletes the user attribute information of all the members of the corresponding group from the user management table 63, or deletes the user attribute information of those members. Update to a state where you are not participating in group communication (for example, delete the group ID and IP address) (step S87).

After this process, if the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 want to form a group again and start group communication, the control of the mobile communication terminals 7 # 1 and 7 # 2 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 is performed. Should be done again.

One embodiment of the present invention described above is merely an example for explanation, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to only those embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms different from the above-described embodiments.

1 Group communication system 3, 3 # 1, 3 # 2 User 4 User communication system 5, 5 # 1, 5 # 2 Headgear 7, 7 # 1, 7 # 2 Mobile communication terminal 9 Wireless short-range communication (for example, Bluetooth communication) )
11 Wireless LAN (for example, Wi-Fi communication network)
13 Wide area communication network (for example, mobile communication network and Internet)
15 Cloud management server 21 Microphone 23 Speaker 25 Camera 27 Display 29 Wireless short-range communication device (for example, Bluetooth communication device)
31 Controller 35 Headgear ID (eg Bluetooth MAC address or Beacon ID)
41 Wireless short-range communication device (for example, Bluetooth communication device)
43 Wireless LAN communication device (for example, Wi-Fi communication device)
45 Wireless wide area communication device (for example, mobile communication device)
47 MPU
49 Group communication control program 51 Mobile communication terminal ID (for example, Wi-Fi MAC address)
53 User ID
55 Base unit information (for example, Wi-Fi MAC address)
57 Master unit selection 61 Wide area communication device 63 User attribute information table 65 Control device

Claims (8)

In a group communication system for group communication between multiple users
A plurality of user communication systems used for each of the plurality of users, and
It is equipped with a management server capable of communicating with the plurality of user communication systems.
Each user communication system used for each user
User attribute information related to the identification of each user communication system and communication connection conditions,
An attribute registration means for registering the user attribute information related to each user communication system in the management server, and
An attribute acquisition means for acquiring other user attribute information related to one or more other user communication systems registered in the management server from the management server.
A group communication means for connecting to one or more other user communication systems so as to be capable of group communication by using the other user attribute information .
An input / output device that can be carried by each user and for inputting / outputting communication information between users at the time of executing the group communication.
Wherein together may be portable to each user can be communicatively connected to the input-output device, have a <br/> a mobile communication terminal for relaying the control of the group communication the user between contact information,
The mobile communication terminal has the user attribute information of each user communication system.
The mobile communication terminal functions as the attribute registration means, the attribute acquisition means, and the group communication means.
The group communication means checks the presence or absence of a connection between the other input / output device and the mobile communication terminal at the time of executing the group communication, and notifies one or more user communication systems according to the result of the check. or that sent to the management server,
Group communication system. Each of the user communication systems
Further having a member selection means for selecting a member system to be a member of group communication from the other one or more user communication systems by using the other user attribute information.
The group communication means connects to the member system in a group communication manner by using the attribute information related to the member system in the other user attribute information.
The group communication system according to claim 1. Each of the user communication systems further has a wireless LAN communication means by Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or other methods.
The member selection means detects another user communication system capable of communicating with the wireless LAN communication means of each user communication system, and among the detected other user communication systems capable of communicating, the other user. Select the member system based on the attribute information,
The group communication means connects to the member system so as to be capable of group communication by using the wireless LAN communication means.
The group communication system according to claim 2. Each of the user communication systems further comprises a wide area communication means by mobile communication or other methods.
The group communication means selectively uses the wireless LAN communication means and the wide area communication means to connect to the member system so as to be capable of group communication.
The group communication system according to claim 3. The input / output device is incorporated into a helmet, protective cap or other type of headgear that may be worn on each user's head.
The group communication device system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The mobile communication terminal includes a microprocessor,
Further comprising a group communication control program held on a recording medium readable by the microprocessor.
The mobile communication terminal functions as the attribute registration means, the attribute acquisition means, and the group communication means by executing the group communication control program by the microprocessor.
The group communication system according to claims 1 to 5. In a group communication system for group communication between multiple users
A plurality of input / output devices for inputting / outputting communication information between users at the time of executing the group communication, which can be carried by the plurality of users, respectively.
A group communication control program held in a recording medium readable by a plurality of mobile communication terminals that can be carried by the plurality of users and can be communicably connected to the plurality of input / output devices.
It is equipped with a management server capable of communicating with the plurality of mobile communication terminals.
When the group communication control program is executed on each mobile communication terminal carried by each user, the group communication control program is used on each mobile communication terminal.
Attribute registration means for registering user attribute information regarding identification of each mobile communication terminal and communication connection conditions in the management server.
An attribute acquisition means for acquiring other user attribute information about one or more other mobile communication terminals registered in the management server from the management server, and
Using the other user attribute information, it is possible to connect to the other one or more mobile communication terminals so that group communication is possible, and whether or not the other input / output device is connected to the mobile communication terminal when the group communication is executed. To function as a group communication means for sending a notification according to the result of the check to the other one or more mobile communication terminals or the management server.
Group communication system. The said for controlling group communication between the plurality of user communication systems in a system including a plurality of user communication systems used by a plurality of users and a management server capable of communicating with the plurality of user communication systems. In a group communication control program held on a recording medium that can be read by each of the microprocessors of a plurality of user communication systems.
Each user communication system in which the group communication control program is executed by the microprocessor
An input / output device for inputting / outputting communication information between users at the time of executing the group communication, which can be carried by each user.
A mobile communication terminal for controlling group communication and relaying communication information between users, which can be carried by each user and can be communicably connected to the input / output device.
An attribute registration means for registering user attribute information regarding identification of each user communication system and communication connection conditions in the management server.
An attribute acquisition means for acquiring other user attribute information related to one or more other user communication systems registered in the management server from the management server, and
The other user attribute information is used to connect to the other one or more user communication systems so that group communication is possible, and whether or not the other input / output device is connected to the mobile communication terminal when the group communication is executed. Is checked, and a group communication control program that functions as a group communication means for sending a notification according to the result of the check to the other one or more user communication systems or the management server.

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