Method for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners, corresponding system and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners (2, 4), wherein the communication partners (2, 4) each have at least one remote communication device (12, 14, 22, 26), wherein communication between the at least two communication partners (2, 4) is detected, wherein available remote communication devices (12, 14, 22, 26) are identified at the communication partners (2, 4), possible communication channels (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) between the different available remote communication devices (12, 14, 22, 26) are determined and evaluated with regard to the respective transmission quality, wherein, if the transmission quality on another communication channel (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) is better than on the one currently in use, the communication channel (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) is modified, whereby a time delay between the different communication channels (6-28, 6-32,8-28, 8-32) is measured and balanced.

Description

[0001] This invention describes a method for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners, a corresponding system and a motor vehicle.

[0002] Methods for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners, corresponding systems, and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above are known in the prior art. For example, it is known to switch between different input and output devices on a mobile end-user device during an ongoing call, for example, from an internal microphone and speaker to a headset or to a motor vehicle. Furthermore, it is known that the availability and quality of different communication channels depend on the respective location. Some mobile networks, for example, have no coverage in some locations.

[0003] From DE 10 2011 012 399 A1 a motor vehicle communication system is known which comprises: an outgoing communication controller which receives a communication from a first input source in a first operating mode and a second input source in a second operating mode; an input selector which selects the first input source in the first operating mode and the second input source in the second operating mode; a mode selector which is operable by a motor vehicle occupant who determines the operating mode; an incoming communication controller which receives an incoming communication from a mobile phone; an output selector which supplies an output of the incoming communication controller to a first output device in the first operating mode and to the second output device in the second mode.

[0004] US 2005 / 0143874 A1 discloses a method and a communication system for a railway train having at least one locomotive for adapting the communication system for effective communication of locomotive control data. The system comprises a transmitting and receiving unit located remotely from the locomotive. A processor is provided for selecting a preferred communication scheme to maintain satisfactory communication quality, which is measured by a monitoring device.

[0005] The disadvantage is that the mode must be selected manually. Furthermore, the procedure is limited to one vehicle.

[0006] The task therefore arises of further developing methods for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners, corresponding systems and motor vehicles in such a way that uninterrupted communication is possible under more extensive circumstances and in a more flexible manner than is currently known.

[0007] The object is achieved by a method for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners according to claim 1, a corresponding system according to the independent claim 8 and a motor vehicle according to the independent claim 14. Further embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The following describes a method for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners, wherein the communication partners each have at least one remote communication device, wherein communication between the at least two communication partners is detected, wherein available remote communication devices are identified at the communication partners, possible communication channels between the different available remote communication devices are determined and evaluated with regard to the respective transmission quality, wherein, if the transmission quality on another communication channel is better than on the one currently in use, the communication channel is modified.

[0009] Using the method described above, it is possible to automatically identify the communication channels currently available and, by evaluating the transmission quality on the different communication channels, to select the best option from the resulting different options.

[0010] Depending on the specific design, the term "communication channel" can describe the entire communication path from one person to another, or the communication channel from one person to a switching center or central office. Furthermore, it is intended that any time delay between the different communication channels is measured and compensated.

[0011] A corresponding time delay can be determined using the test signal described above. It can be compensated for by slightly slowing or speeding up the speech signal over a certain period of time, without the communication partners noticing. This avoids any offset in the speech signal.

[0012] According to a first further embodiment, it can be provided that the communication channel is changed or a hybrid communication signal is generated and transmitted from several remote communication devices.

[0013] According to this embodiment, the modification can be a switch from one communication channel to another or the generation of a hybrid communication signal by mixing signals from different input sources. This can improve the signal-to-noise ratio and compensate for fluctuations in the transmission quality of individual sources.

[0014] A hybrid communication signal is considered a separate communication channel.

[0015] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that an acoustic signal that is inaudible to the communication partners is generated and used to evaluate the respective transmission quality.

[0016] A corresponding inaudible acoustic signal is selected so that it is inaudible to humans, i.e., an infrasound or ultrasonic signal. The signal can be short. Such a signal, often referred to as a "ping," can be evaluated without disrupting the conversation.

[0017] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that when switching between two communication channels, the existing communication channel is gradually hidden and the new communication channel is gradually displayed.

[0018] In this way, a seamless transition between the different communication channels can take place and thus ensure that the conversation between at least two communication partners is not disrupted by the change of communication channels.

[0019] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the communication channels include direct communication between the at least two communication partners.

[0020] A decrease in quality can be detected, for example, by a measurement of a mobile phone used by the current communication recipient, which can measure the volume and background noise and, if a certain limit is exceeded, can establish a mobile phone connection to the mobile phone of the other communication partner.

[0021] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the detection of the communication between the at least two communication partners and the evaluation of the transmission quality of the available communication channels is carried out by an artificial intelligence system.

[0022] The use of an artificial intelligence system allows for continuous improvement of the process, on the one hand, and individualization with regard to the preferences and behavior of the respective communication partners, on the other. The evolution of the algorithm can be accelerated either by centrally comparing several or many artificial intelligence systems or by centralizing the process in data centers, so that a corresponding program implementing the process quickly becomes more reliable. Furthermore, this can ensure optimal use of available resources. For example, dead spots can be precisely mapped over time, and a timely switch from one communication channel to another that remains available in the dead spot area can be initiated.

[0023] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the artificial intelligence system determines a context of the communication between the at least two communication partners and decides on a continuation of the communication.

[0024] A first independent subject matter relates to a device for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners, wherein the communication partners each have at least one remote communication device, wherein a controller is provided which is configured to detect communication between the at least two communication partners, wherein the controller is further configured to identify remote communication devices available at the communication partners, to determine possible communication channels between the different remote communication devices available in each case and to evaluate them with regard to the respective transmission quality, wherein the controller is further configured to modify the communication channel if the transmission quality on another communication channel is better than on the one currently in use.

[0025] According to a first further embodiment, it can be provided that the controller is configured to change the communication channel or to generate a hybrid communication signal from several sources.

[0026] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the controller is configured to generate an acoustic signal that is inaudible to the communication partners and to use it to evaluate the respective transmission quality.

[0027] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the controller is configured to gradually hide the existing communication channel and gradually display a new communication channel when switching between two communication channels.

[0028] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the controller is configured to measure and compensate for a time delay between the different communication channels.

[0029] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the communication channels include direct communication between the at least two communication partners.

[0030] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the controller has an artificial intelligence system which is configured to detect the communication between the at least two communication partners and to evaluate the transmission quality of the available communication channels.

[0031] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the artificial intelligence system is configured to determine a context of the communication between the at least two communication partners and to decide on a continuation of the communication.

[0032] A further independent subject matter relates to a system for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners, comprising at least two remote communication devices located at the respective communication partners, and at least one controller, wherein the at least one controller is connected to at least one microphone for detecting a signal quality of the transmission quality on available communication channels, wherein the at least one controller is designed to modify a communication channel according to the method described above.

[0033] According to one alternative, control can be distributed among the various available remote communication devices, with these devices negotiating, based on a protocol, which communication channel is currently the best. This can be done, among other things, by comparing the evaluation results of the playback quality and / or signal strength of the respective remote communication devices. A remote communication device can be any device capable of receiving and transmitting acoustic communication from a human, as well as playing back received acoustic communication. According to another alternative, control can be centralized, for example, in one or more data centers.

[0034] According to a first further embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one controller is connected to at least one loudspeaker and is designed to generate and evaluate an acoustic signal that is inaudible to the communication partners.

[0035] A corresponding acoustic signal can be an infrasound or ultrasonic signal. The signal can be a short pulse ("ping").

[0036] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the control is provided in a central computer.

[0037] The assignment of the corresponding remote communication devices to a person can then be done by comparing the language, language content and / or location.

[0038] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the controller is configured to modify a communication signal and / or to merge at least two communication signals into a hybrid signal.

[0039] This allows multiple input signals to be used and merged into an optimal signal with the best possible signal-to-noise ratio.

[0040] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that the system is an artificial intelligence system which is designed to determine a context of the communication between the at least two communication partners.

[0041] This makes it possible to determine whether or not a continuation of communication is actually desired.

[0042] According to another further embodiment, it can be provided that at least one remote communication device uses the 5G standard.

[0043] The 5G standard makes it possible to minimize latency and ensure high availability and bandwidth. Furthermore, 5G's device-to-device communication capability allows for better allocation of available remote communication devices to a specific person.

[0044] Another independent subject matter relates to a motor vehicle having a system of the type described above.

[0045] A suitably equipped motor vehicle allows seamless communication between a passenger and another person.

[0046] Further features and details emerge from the following description, in which at least one exemplary embodiment is described in detail - where appropriate with reference to the drawing. Described and / or illustrated features constitute the subject matter, either individually or in any meaningful combination, possibly independently of the claims, and may, in particular, also be the subject of one or more separate applications. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals. The following schematically show: Fig. 1 a communication situation with two communication partners via a first communication channel; Fig. 2 a communication situation with two communication partners via a second communication channel, and Fig. 3 a flowchart of a method for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a communication situation with two communication partners, person 2 and person 4, via a first communication channel sections 6, 8.

[0048] The active communication channel section is shown here as a solid line, while inactive communication channel sections are shown as dashed lines.

[0049] Person 2 is sitting in a motor vehicle 10. Person 2 is carrying a mobile phone 12. The motor vehicle 10 is further equipped with a hands-free device 14, which is connected to a network 20 via a controller 16 with a communication module 18. The mobile phone 12 is also connected to the network 20.

[0050] Person 4 is near a telephone 22, which has a headset microphone 24, which Person 4 wears on his head. Person 4 also has a mobile phone 26.

[0051] The telephone 22 is connected to a network 30 via a communication channel section 28. The mobile phone 24 is connected to the network 30 via a communication channel 32.

[0052] The two networks 20, 30 are connected to a central computer 34. The central computer 34 runs an artificial intelligence system that continuously improves and is capable of understanding the context of a communication between the communication partners 2, 4.

[0053] With the help of the central computer 34, the different communication channel sections, 6, 8 on the one hand and 28, 32 on the other, are assigned to the respective persons 2 and 4. This results in possible communication channels 6-28, 6-32, 8-28 and 8-32 to establish a communication connection between persons 2 and 4.

[0054] In other situations, the available communication-capable devices 12, 14, 22, 24 may be connected to different networks that can be coupled together via the central computer 34.

[0055] The respective communication devices 12, 14 on the one hand and 22, 26 on the other hand each measure the transmission quality on the communication channel sections 6, 8, 28 and 32. From this, the best combination of communication channel sections can be determined and used.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a communication situation with two communication partners via a second communication channel 6-32.

[0057] In this situation, the motor vehicle 10 is located, for example, in a region where there is no longer good reception to the network 20 via the mobile phone 12.

[0058] At the same time, person 4 has removed the headset microphone 24, so the signal via phone 22 is poor. In this case, the communication channel section 32 with the mobile phone 26 is used.

[0059] Switching between the respective communication channel sections 6, 8, 28, 32 from one to the other works seamlessly and without interrupting the conversation between persons 2 and 4.

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a method for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners.

[0061] With the help of artificial intelligence, communication between at least two people is detected. The system then checks which communication channels are available, which can also be done with the help of artificial intelligence.

[0062] Checking the respective communication channels can include checking the signal quality on each channel and investigating which channels are best suited for continuing communication. Artificial intelligence can also be used for this purpose. If it is determined that a different communication channel is more suitable than the one currently in use, appropriate action is initiated.

[0063] Possible measures include opening a new channel, hiding the old channel, or providing a hybrid signal. This defines the respective user interface for current or future communication.

[0064] When checking available communication channels, a side branch can also be used to understand the communication context and use artificial intelligence to decide whether or not to continue the conversation. If it is not to be continued, a measure can be prevented.

[0065] Although the subject matter has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art. It is therefore clear that numerous variations exist. It is also clear that the exemplary embodiments mentioned are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanation in the description. List of reference symbols 2 people 4 people 6 Communication channel section 8 Communication channel section 10 motor vehicle 12 Mobile phone 14 Hands-free system 16 Control 18 Communication module 20 Network 22 Telephone 24 headphone microphone 26 Mobile phone 28 Communication channel section 30 Network 32 Communication channel section 34 central computers 6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32 communication channel

Claims

[1] Method for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners (2, 4), wherein the communication partners (2, 4) each have at least one remote communication device (12, 14, 22, 26), wherein a communication between the at least two communication partners (2, 4) is detected, wherein available remote communication devices (12, 14, 22, 26) are identified at the communication partners (2, 4), possible communication channels (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) between the different available remote communication devices (12, 14, 22, 26) are determined and evaluated with regard to the respective transmission quality, wherein, if the transmission quality on another communication channel (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) is better than on the one currently in use, the communication channel (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) is modified, whereby a time delay between the different communication channels (6-28,6-32, 8-28, 8-32) is measured and balanced. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein the communication channel (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) is changed or a hybrid communication signal is generated and transmitted from a plurality of remote communication devices (12, 14, 22, 26). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an acoustic signal inaudible to the communication partners (2, 4) is generated and used to evaluate the respective transmission quality. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when changing between two communication channels (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) the existing communication channel (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) is gradually hidden and the new communication channel (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) is gradually displayed. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication channels (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) include direct communication of the at least two communication partners (2, 4). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection of the communication between the at least two communication partners (2, 4) and the evaluation of the transmission quality of the available communication channels (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) are carried out by an artificial intelligence system (34). [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the artificial intelligence system (34) determines a context of the communication between the at least two communication partners (2, 4) and decides on a continuation of the communication. [8] System for uninterrupted communication between at least two communication partners (2, 4), with at least two remote communication devices (12, 14, 22, 26) located at the respective communication partners (2, 4), and at least one controller (34), wherein the at least one controller (34) is connected to at least one microphone for detecting a signal quality of the transmission quality on available communication channels (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32), wherein the at least one controller (34) is designed to modify a communication channel (6-28, 6-32, 8-28, 8-32) according to the method of one of claims 1 to 7. [9] System according to claim 8, wherein the at least one controller (34) is connected to at least one loudspeaker and is designed to generate and evaluate an acoustic signal that is inaudible to the communication partners (2, 4). [10] System according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control is provided in a central computer (34). [11] System according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the controller (34) is configured to modify a communication signal and / or to merge at least two communication signals into a hybrid signal. [12] System according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the system (34) is an artificial intelligence system (34) which is designed to determine a context of the communication between the at least two communication partners (2, 4). [13] System according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein at least one remote communication device (12, 14, 22, 24) uses the 5G standard. [14] Motor vehicle, comprising a system according to one of claims 8 to 13.

Images