KR20060016885A - Method of communication using push to talk scheme in mobile communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

In the PTT (Push To Talk) call method in the mobile communication system, when the mobile communication terminal receives a hiding function setting operation for participating in the PTT call without notifying the participation in the PTT call, Informing the PTT server of the hiding function setting, and if there is a notification of the hiding function setting in the PTT server, the mobile communication terminal notifies the other mobile terminal participating in the PTT call that the hiding function is set. A process of forming a PTT call between the two parties and performing a PTT call without indicating participation in a PTT call of a mobile communication terminal having a hiding function set in another mobile communication terminal participating in the PTT call are performed.

PTT, Mobile Communication, INVITE, Importance

Description

Push-to-talk communication method in mobile communication system {METHOD OF COMMUNICATION USING PUSH TO TALK SCHEME IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL}             

1 is a schematic overall block diagram of a mobile communication system employing a push to talk (PTT) method to which the present invention is applied;

Figure 2a is a block diagram of the whole PTT mobile communication terminal to which the present invention is applied

2b is a structural diagram of a PTT mobile communication terminal to which the present invention is applied;

3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary PTT call operation in the mobile communication system of FIG.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a PTT call connection operation in a PTT mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a mobile communication system employing a Push To Talk (PTT) method, and more particularly, to a PTT call method in a PTT mobile communication terminal.

PTT is a term used to refer to the basic radio communication method of the radio.The user operates the PTT button appropriately provided on the radio or the TRS (Trunked Radio System) terminal. It is a way to make a call operation. This PTT call allows one-to-one or one-to-many instant communication.

Recently, a mobile communication system has been provided with a VoIP (Voice over IP) type of Internet telephony service after a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address is assigned to a terminal, and using such VoIP, one-to-one or one-to-many between mobile communication terminals, such as a radio. The mobile communication PTT service is provided in a format.

The PTT service is a service that enables voice / data services simultaneously for a plurality of users or groups among mobile communication terminal users, and the user is appropriately provided in a mobile communication terminal capable of PTT service in advance when a PTT service is requested. The PTT button is pressed, and accordingly, the PTT mobile communication terminal transmits a PTT service request to the mobile communication network. The mobile communication network rejects the request or allocates the requested resource according to criteria such as availability of resources and priority of the requesting user. This establishes a connection with all other active users in a particular user group. At this time, the called PTT mobile communication terminal notifies the user that the PTT call request has been received by outputting an appropriate notification sound and displaying a message. Accordingly, the called PTT mobile terminal user recognizes that the PTT call request has been received, and initiates a PTT call with the caller of the calling PTT mobile communication terminal. After the voice connection is established, the service requesting user can transmit voice, and other users can hear the transmitted voice on the channel.

Currently, the mobile communication PTT service is developed and adopted to meet the various needs of the user and to make the user more convenient to use.

Disclosure of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a PTT method of calling in a mobile communication system for allowing a user participating in a group call in a PTT group call to participate in a group call without notifying other group call participants of their participation status. have.

The present invention to achieve the above object

In the PTT (Push To Talk) method of calling in a mobile communication system, when the mobile communication terminal participates in the PTT call, the mobile terminal receives a preset hide function setting operation for participating in the PTT call without informing the participation of the PTT call. In case of the notification function setting to the PTT server, and if there is a notification of the hiding function setting in the PTT server, the corresponding mobile communication terminal is the other mobile communication participating in the PTT call that the hiding function is set Informing a terminal to form a PTT call between the mobile communication terminals, and performing a PTT call without indicating a participation in the PTT call of the mobile communication terminal in which the hiding function is set in another mobile communication terminal participating in the PTT call. Characterized in that it comprises a.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as specific components are shown, which are provided to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and it is understood that these specific details may be changed or changed within the scope of the present invention. It is self-evident to those of ordinary knowledge in Esau.

1 is a schematic overall block diagram of a mobile communication system employing a Push To Talk (PTT) method to which the present invention is applied. Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile communication system employing a PTT method first includes a plurality of base station transceivers which provide a mobile communication service by communicating with a plurality of mobile communication terminals 101, 102, and 103 located in a corresponding service area. System) 111 and 112 are provided. A plurality of base stations 111 and 112 are connected to a mobile switching center (MSC), which is connected to a PTT server 130 through a data network.

The PTT server 130 manages PTT user groups in real time, including mediating, maintaining and distributing PTT communication requests, as well as distributing registration lists for each subscriber, as well as setting up and separating calls for necessary systems and network resources, as well as overall control of the PTT user groups. Perform the action. The PTT server 130 is a PoC (PTT over Cellular) server 132 performing a communication function for the PTT service in the mobile communication network, PTT subscriber information and group list of each subscriber (aka 'buddy list, buddy list) And a Group and List Management Server (GLMS) server 134 for managing the ""

Each of the mobile communication terminals 101, 102, and 103 includes a PTT module for performing a PTT related operation including a PTT call request to the PTT server 130, and a PTT call of a format appropriately set in advance when performing a PTT call. The request is wirelessly transmitted to the base stations 111 and 112. The MSC 120 provides a PTT call request from the mobile terminal 101, 102, 103 to the PTT server 130 through the base station 112, 112, which includes the PTT request. In order to process the data packet with the PTT server 130, IWF (Inter Working Function) is provided.

On the other hand, the user can access the PTT server 130 through the mobile communication terminal (101, 102, 103) to modify the group list information and personal information set by the user, such as new, change and delete. In addition, the user may access the PTT server 130 through the Internet using the PC 104, and modify the group list and personal information set by the PTT server 130.

Figure 2a is a block diagram of the overall block diagram of a PTT mobile communication terminal to which the present invention is applied, Figure 2b is an appearance structural diagram thereof. 2A and 2B, a mobile communication terminal to which the present invention is applied performs an interface operation with a user, and includes a speaker 251, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 252, a key input unit 254, a microphone ( A memory configured to store various operation programs and operation-related data of the mobile communication terminal, including a user interface 250 including a user interface 250, an RF / IF processing unit 230 for performing a wireless signal processing operation, and a ROM and a RAM. A unit 220, a voice signal processing unit (CODEC) 240 for performing a voice signal processing operation, and a mobile station modem apparatus (MSM: Mobile Station) for performing the functions of a modem and a central processing unit for controlling the entire mobile communication terminal. Modem) 210 is configured to include.

In more detail, the configuration and operation of the respective functional units, first, in the user interface 250, the microphone 256 converts the user's voice into an electrical signal during a telephone call and sends it to the voice signal processor 240, the speaker ( On the contrary, the voice signal is received from the voice signal processor 240 to generate an audible sound. The key input unit 254 includes a plurality of numeric / character keys for receiving numbers and letters, a plurality of function keys for performing a mobile communication function, and a dedicated PTT key 254a for performing a PTT function from a user. When there is an input of a specific key, the corresponding key input data is provided to the mobile station modem apparatus 210. Although FIG. 2A illustrates that the PTT key 254a is provided separately, one of the function keys conventionally provided as the PTT key may be used. The display unit 252, which is usually composed of an LCD, is composed of an LCD controller, a memory for storing image data, an LCD display element, and the like, and under the control of the mobile station modem apparatus 210, characters of information such as the current state of the mobile communication terminal and a user menu Display the display or background image. In this case, a touch screen 253 may be employed in the LCD of the display unit 252.

The RF / IF processor 230 includes an RF transmitter for up-converting and amplifying a frequency of a signal to be transmitted, an RF receiver for low noise amplifying and down-converting a received signal, and received from a mobile station modem apparatus 210. After converting the modulated signal into an intermediate frequency, it is converted into a high frequency (RF) signal and transmitted to the base station through the antenna.The radio station receives the high frequency signal through the antenna and converts it into the intermediate frequency and the baseband in order. To the device 210.

The voice signal processor 240, which is usually composed of an audio codec, converts an analog voice signal received from the microphone 256 into a digital signal PCM and sends it to the mobile station modem device 210, and receives the other party from the mobile station modem device 210. The digital signal PCM of the voice is converted into an analog signal and the speaker 251 is transmitted. Although the voice signal processor 240 is separately illustrated as a block, the voice signal processor 240 may be configured to be included in the mobile station modem apparatus 210 in a single chip.

The mobile station modem apparatus 210 performs the angular function of the mobile communication terminal according to the key data input from the key input unit 254, and displays information such as the current status and the user menu according to the performance of the function through the display unit 252. Be sure to In particular, when processing a voice signal for a telephone call, the PCM voice signal provided from the voice signal processor 240 is converted through channel coding and interleaving, modulated, and provided to the RF / IF processor 230. The voice signal provided from the RF / IF processor 230 is generated as a PCM voice signal through demodulation, equalization, channel decoding, and deinterleaving, and then the voice signal processor 240 is generated. Send to. In addition, the mobile station modem apparatus 210 is provided with a PTT module for performing a PTT service, and performs a PTT call operation according to a feature of the present invention, and in particular, performs a one-to-one call with a specific user during a PTT group call according to a feature of the present invention. .

Referring to the operation of the mobile communication terminal having the configuration as shown in Figures 2a, 2b, when the user performs the dialing operation using the key input unit 254, and set the dialing mode, the mobile station modem device 210 After sensing and processing the dial information, the RF / IF processor 230 converts the radio signal into a wireless signal and outputs the converted signal. Thereafter, the response signal of the counterpart subscriber received through the RF / IF processor 230 is a voice call path for outputting the voice signal processor 240 to the speaker 251 to perform a communication function. In the incoming mode, the mobile station modem apparatus 210 detects the incoming mode through the RF / IF processor 230 and generates a ring signal through the voice signal processor 240. Afterwards, the mobile station modem apparatus 210 detects the user's response and performs a communication function by forming a voice call path through the voice signal processor 240. In the outgoing and incoming modes, voice communication is described as an example. In addition to the voice communication, a data communication function for communicating packet data and video data and a PTT call operation according to input of a PTT key are similarly performed.

3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary PTT call connection operation in the mobile communication system of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 3, first, a user who wants to perform PTT communication inputs a PTT key provided in a mobile communication terminal (terminal A in the example of FIG. 2), or operates a PTT call function through a menu setting operation. In step 301, the PTT application is driven to transmit the PTT connection request message to the PTT server through the wireless network. After receiving the PTT connection request message, the PTT server checks the user through the GLMS server, and then, in step 304, the PTT server approves the PTT connection request of the user and transmits a buddy list of the PTT call group subscriber information of the user. In step 305, the mobile station modem apparatus receiving the buddy list is displayed on the display unit in a proper form. By checking the displayed buddy list, the user can select a subscriber who wants to make a PTT call by using an appropriate direction key. In step 307, the mobile communication terminal (terminal A) receives the user's selection of the subscriber who wants the PTT call from the user. In FIG. 2, the terminal B is selected as an example. In step 309, a message for requesting a PTT call to the selected subscriber (called 'INVITE') is transmitted to the PTT server through the wireless network. The PTT call request message (INVITE) includes information on the ID of the calling party and the receiving party.

When the mobile communication terminal (terminal A) transmits the PTT call request message (INVITE) to the PTT server in more detail, first, the mobile communication terminal (terminal A) requests the PTT call in the form of a short data burst (SDB). A message (INVITE) is transmitted to a base station connected to a corresponding terminal, and then a traffic channel (TCH) setup is performed while performing a service option (SO_PTT) negotiation with the corresponding base station for a PTT service. . Here, the Nego is a process of preparing a higher network session from the physical layer to the application layer including a PPP session (session).

The PTT call request message (INVITE) transmitted to the base station is then transmitted to the PTT server, the PTT server checks the calling party ID in the corresponding PTT call request message (INVITE), and then in step 311 through the wireless network through the calling party mobile terminal The PTT call request message (INVITE) is transmitted to the (terminal B). The receiving side mobile terminal (terminal B) receiving the PTT call request message (INVITE) then informs the user of the reception of the corresponding PTT call request message (INVITE) through a display of an appropriate alarm sound and a notification message in step 313. do.

The steps 311 and 313 will be described in more detail, and the PTT server transmits the PTT call request message (INVITE) to a base station that is received by a called mobile terminal (terminal B). The base station periodically transmits a paging signal (General Page) to the called-side mobile communication terminal (terminal B), and the called-side mobile communication terminal (terminal B) sends a page response to the paging signal to the base station. Sending During this paging, the base station transmits a PTT call request message (INVITE) in the form of SDB to the called-party mobile communication terminal (terminal B). Then, the called-party mobile communication terminal informs the called party that the PTT call request message (INVITE) has been received. At this time, the called-party mobile communication terminal (terminal B) transmits a signal indicating that the PTT call request message (INVITE) has been normally received to the base station.

On the other hand, the user who knows the reception of the PTT call request message (INVITE) in step 313 may allow the corresponding PTT call request through the operation of the appropriate key, the destination mobile terminal (terminal B) is the user in step 314 Receives a key operation allowing the PTT call request from the user, and in step 315 transmits a message indicating the permission of the PTT call request to the PTT server via the wireless network, the PTT server in step 317 to the calling mobile terminal (A Terminal) to inform that the PTT call request is allowed, and then a PTT call is made between both terminals.

In more detail with reference to the steps 315 and 317, when the PTT call request is allowed, the called-party mobile communication terminal (terminal B) transmits a PTT call request permission message (also called '200 OK') to the corresponding base station in the SDB form. Thereafter, the called-party mobile communication terminal (terminal B) performs a traffic channel setup while performing service option negotiation for the PTT service in association with the corresponding base station. The PTT call request permission message 200 OK transmitted to the base station of the called-party mobile communication terminal (terminal B) is transmitted to the calling mobile terminal (terminal A) through the PTT server and the corresponding service base station. The calling mobile terminal (terminal A) receiving the allow message 200 OK completes the traffic channel setup. At this time, the calling mobile terminal (terminal A) displays a message indicating that the called party allows the PTT call request through the display unit to inform the user.

In the subsequent PTT call between the two terminals, a specific mobile communication terminal (terminal A) sends a message requesting a right to speak, aka "Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Ack" to the PTT server to request a right to speak. By controlling the talk right request between terminals, the talk right is granted to an appropriate mobile communication terminal, and the mobile communication terminal having the right to speak transmits talk burst to the PTT server in real time through the RTP (Real Time Protocol). The server first buffers the statement and then transmits it through the RTP to the mobile terminal.

The PTT group call can be made in the mobile communication system through the process as shown in FIG. 3, wherein the user who participates in the group call during the PTT group call according to the characteristics of the present invention participates in other group call participants. A so-called 'hide' function can be performed to allow a user to join a group call without announcing the status. This will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a PTT call connection operation in a PTT mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a specific participant (a user of the terminal C in the example of FIG. 4) is 'hidden' according to an aspect of the present invention. An example of participating in a group call using is shown. Referring to FIG. 4, in a state where the calling mobile terminal (terminal A) is connected to the PTT server, the user checks the buddy list displayed on the mobile terminal (terminal A) and operates the PTT through an operation of a direction key. In step 401, the mobile communication terminal selects a subscriber who wants to make a call. The mobile communication terminal transmits a PTT call request message (INVITE) to the terminals of the subscriber who wants the PTT call selected from the user (terminal B and terminal C in FIG. Send to server. Thereafter, in step 403 and 405, the PTT server transmits the corresponding PTT call request message (INVITE) to each called mobile terminal (terminal C and terminal B). In the example of FIG. 4, any one called-party mobile communication terminal (terminal B) accepts the PTT call request in step 406, and transmits a message indicating the permission of the PTT call request to the PTT server through the wireless network, and the PTT server. In step 407, the calling mobile communication terminal (terminal A) is notified that such a PTT call request is allowed, and then PTT calls are made between both terminals (terminal A and terminal B).

On the other hand, referring to the operation of the other called-side mobile communication terminal (terminal C) receiving the PTT call request message (INVITE) in step 403, the mobile communication terminal (terminal C) then the PTT call request message (INVITE) in step 408. The user's reception status will be notified to the user with the appropriate notification sound and display of the message.

At this time, the menu items for properly setting the 'hide' function according to the feature of the present invention can be provided in the PTT operation configuration menu, when the notification message of the PTT call request message (INVITE), a separate name It can be configured to be set according to the input of the 'menu key'. When performing the 'hide' function setting operation, an appropriate menu item for setting the 'hide' function is displayed in a separate menu window, and the 'hide' function according to the input of the user's direction key or confirmation key. To be manipulated. When there is a selection of the 'hide' menu item and setting of the 'hide' function accordingly, the mobile communication terminal (terminal C) proceeds to step 410 and transmits a 'hide' request message to the PTT server. If there is no setting of the 'hide' function, the process proceeds to step 424.

In step 424, as shown in the related art, if the appropriate key is input from the user, the PTT call request is confirmed whether it is allowed or denied. The PTT server transmits to the PTT server. Accordingly, in step 426, the PTT server notifies the calling mobile terminal (terminal A) that the PTT call request is allowed and then the corresponding terminals (terminal A, terminal B and terminal C). PTT calls are made between them.

On the other hand, when the 'hide' function is set in step 409, when the 'hide' request message is transmitted to the PTT server in step 410, the PTT server indicates that the 'hide' request is the calling mobile terminal (Terminal A). The calling mobile terminal (terminal A) displays such a 'hide' request to the user through a display unit with an appropriate message. In this case, the displayed message may include a menu item including an ID of the called user who requested the 'hide' and an appropriate message or icon to be selected to allow / deny the 'hide' request. If the user of the calling mobile terminal (terminal A) sees this 'hide' request notification message and sets the allow / deny menu item of the 'hide' request through the input of a direction key or confirmation key, The communication terminal (terminal A) confirms this in step 417. In step 417, if the 'hide' request is allowed, the UE notifies the PTT server that the 'hide' request is allowed in step 418.

When it is known that the 'hide' request is allowed from the calling mobile terminal (terminal A) as described above, the PTT server 'hides' the mobile terminal (terminal C) that has made the 'hide' request in step 419. Listen 'indicates that the request is allowed. If it is known that the 'hide' request is allowed, the corresponding mobile communication terminal (terminal C) deactivates the voice request function at step 423, and then proceeds to step 425 to notify the PTT server that the PTT call request is allowed. . Accordingly, the mobile communication terminal (terminal C) that has made the 'hide' request subsequently participates in the PTT group call, and since the talk right request is deactivated in step 423, the request for the talk right is not performed and the PTT group call is currently being performed. Only the contents of the call between the counterpart mobile communication terminals (terminal A and terminal B) can be confirmed.

On the other hand, the PTT server informs that the 'hide' request is allowed to the mobile communication terminal (terminal C) that made the 'hide' request in step 419, and the mobile communication that made the 'hide' request in step 420. The terminal (terminal C) sets a 'hide' function flag indicating that the terminal participates in the PTT group call while the 'hide' function is activated. The 'hide' function flag may be included in a so-called 'participant status information' transmitted to mobile terminals participating in a group call during a PTT group call, and each mobile terminal checks the 'hide' feature flag. Participants with the 'hide' function flag is not displayed as a participant of the current PTT group call.

On the other hand, when the user of the calling mobile terminal (terminal A) confirms the 'hide' request notification message and rejects the corresponding 'hide' request in step 417, the 'hide' request is notified. The message is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal (terminal C) requesting the corresponding 'hide' function through the PTT server. Upon receiving the message indicating that the 'hide' request is denied, the mobile communication terminal (terminal C) displays an appropriate message indicating the message on the display unit, and then proceeds to step 424 to receive confirmation from the user whether to respond to the corresponding PTT call request. do.

Through the operation as shown in FIG. 4, during a PTT group call, a specific participant can use the 'hide' function to participate in the corresponding PTT group call without notifying other PTT group participants of their participation. do. At this time, when the participant who participated in the PTT group call using the 'hide' function as described above releases the 'hide' function and wants to join the group call in a general manner, it can be made possible through proper operation. For example, a menu item for releasing the 'hide' function is prepared in advance, and the 'hide' function is activated when there is a menu key input during a PTT group call while the 'hide' function is activated. The menu item for selecting to release the display is displayed and the 'hide' function is canceled according to the user's direction key or confirmation key input. When the 'hide' function is released, the corresponding mobile communication terminal activates the voice request function and notifies the release of the 'hide' function to the PTT server. Accordingly, the PTT server cancels the setting of the 'hide' function flag, and the mobile communication terminal participating in each PTT group call confirms the release of the 'hide' function flag so that the user of the mobile communication terminal is currently PTT. The group call is marked as joined.

As described above, a PTT call operation may be performed in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Meanwhile, in the above description of the present invention, specific embodiments have been described, but various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be implemented. For example, in the above description, when a mobile terminal participating in a PTT group call makes a 'hide' request, the request is transmitted to the mobile terminal that has sent the PTT call request message and is approved by the user. Although it was described as to receive a 'Hide' request, in addition to the 'hide' request, the user may be configured to allow a 'hide' request immediately after checking the user of the mobile terminal that made the 'hide' request. have.

In addition, there may be various modifications and changes of the present invention, and therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims and the equivalents of the claims.

As described above, the PTT call method in the mobile communication terminal according to the present invention may allow a user participating in a group call to participate in a group call without informing the other group call participants of their participation status. have.

Claims (6)

In the PTT (Push To Talk) call method in the mobile communication system, When the mobile terminal receives a preset hide function setting operation for participating in the PTT call without notifying the PTT call participation, informing the PTT server to the PTT server; When the PTT server is notified of the hiding function setting, the corresponding mobile communication terminal notifies the other mobile communication terminal participating in the PTT call to set up the hiding function to make a PTT call between the mobile communication terminals. Process,  And performing the PTT call without indicating the PTT call participation of the mobile communication terminal in which the hiding function is set in the other mobile communication terminal participating in the PTT call. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: informing the PTT server of the hiding of the hiding function when receiving a preset hiding function release operation during a PTT call in the mobile communication terminal in which the hiding function is set; Informing the other mobile communication terminal participating in the PTT call that the mobile communication terminal which has notified the hiding function is released from the PTT server;  And performing a PTT call while indicating that the mobile communication terminal in which the hiding function is released has participated in the PTT call in another mobile communication terminal participating in the PTT call. The call method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the talk request function is deactivated during a PTT call in the mobile communication terminal. In the PTT (Push To Talk) call method in the mobile communication system, When the mobile terminal receives the PTT call, the mobile terminal receives a preset hide function setting operation for participating in the PTT call without notifying the participation of the PTT call, and transmitting the preset hide request message to the PTT server; Transmitting the hide request message to the calling mobile terminal which has made a PTT call request to the corresponding mobile communication terminal when the PTT server receives the hide request message; Informing the user of receiving the corresponding hide request message in a preset manner from the calling mobile terminal having received the hide request message, and notifying the PTT server when receiving the allow operation of the preset hide request; When the PTT server receives the notification of the hiding request from the calling mobile terminal, the PTT server notifies that the hiding request is allowed to the mobile communication terminal that has transmitted the hiding request message, and the corresponding mobile communication terminal has the hiding function. Informing the other mobile communication terminal participating in the PTT call to establish a PTT call between the mobile communication terminals;  And performing a PTT call without indicating participation in the PTT call of the mobile communication terminal which has transmitted the hiding request message from the other mobile communication terminal participating in the PTT call. The method of claim 4, further comprising: informing the PTT server of the hiding of the hiding function when receiving the preset hiding function during the PTT call from the called-party mobile communication terminal which is allowed the hiding request; Notifying, by the PTT server, that the mobile communication terminal notifying the hiding function is released to the other mobile communication terminal participating in the PTT call;  And performing a PTT call while indicating that the mobile communication terminal in which the hiding function is released has participated in the PTT call in another mobile communication terminal participating in the PTT call. The communication method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the voice communication request function is deactivated during a PTT call in the mobile communication terminal in which the hiding function request is permitted.

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