Critical wireless communication system and method for monitoring direct wireless communication links

Abstract

A wireless communication system (10) is proposed, comprising a set of at least two communication devices (100). Each communication device (100-n) is associated with a unique identifier and includes a direct communication module (1060). The direct communication module is configured to receive one or more identified direct communication messages transmitted by one or more other communication devices (100-(n+1)) in said set (called transmitting devices).A communication device (100-n) is configured to determine the unique identifier for each transmitting device from the received identified message, to determine a direct connectivity state corresponding to a direct wireless communication link state of each transmitting device with the communication device, and to determine an elementary connectivity matrix comprising the direct connectivity state associated with the unique identifier of each transmitting device. Figure for the abstract: [Fig.2].

Description

Title of the invention: Critical wireless communication system and method for monitoring direct wireless communication links Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a system and method for communication by redundancy.

[0002] In so-called "critical" wireless communication systems, used for example for civil or military missions, it is known to use wireless communication devices that can operate according to communication protocols in relayed mode, i.e. with connection to a network infrastructure, or in direct mode (i.e. without network infrastructure). For example, the TETRA (TErrestrial Trunked RAdio) standard, established by the ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) standardization body, relates to a two-way mobile digital radio communication protocol intended for public services such as emergency services, police forces, ambulances, firefighters, public transport services and the army.

[0003] Some known critical wireless communication systems use communication devices comprising a dual terminal integrating a 4G type cellular terminal (relayed mode) with a radio terminal often analog (direct mode). However, in such solutions, a communication breakdown of a user with respect to the rest of the wireless communication group is frequent, leading to sometimes critical transmission losses. Indeed, a fundamental need of such public services is to be able to communicate in all circumstances (under and outside network coverage), for example to effectively coordinate their actions with all the members of their communication group, or to transmit a distress signal to at least one member of their communication group or to other people nearby likely to come to their aid.

[0004] In group communication, each dual terminal may be under the coverage of an infrastructure or not, within range of another dual terminal in direct mode or not. The situation is constantly changing depending on the mobility of the terminal users. The devices must always be able to communicate with each other.

[0005] Today, there is no effective solution to address the problems of communication discontinuity between critical wireless communication devices, located under the coverage of an infrastructure and / or non-accessible areas. covered by this infrastructure.

[0006] There is thus a need for a system (comprising devices) and a method capable of improving the management of these wireless communications and in particular for the supervision of links according to the direct mode between devices. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention improves the situation by proposing a wireless communication system comprising a set of at least two communication devices. Each communication device is associated with a unique identifier i(tt j and comprises a direct communication module operating according to a direct communication protocol, the direct communication module of a communication device being configured to receive one or more identified direct communication messages Mf / ( „+] ) transmitted by one or more other communication devices of the set of communication devices, called transmitter devices. A communication device is configured to determine the unique identifier relating to each of the transmitter devices from the received identified direct communication message, and to determine a direct connectivity state Ed(n*»n+1) corresponding to a direct wireless communication link state of each of the transmitting devices with the communication device. The communication device is configured to determine an elementary connectivity matrix T(„) comprising the direct connectivity state associated with the unique identifier i(„+i) of each transmitting device.

[0008] The system may further comprise a network infrastructure configured to implement an interconnection network. Each communication device may comprise a relayed communication module operating according to a relayed communication protocol via the interconnection network. Each communication device may be configured to determine a relayed connectivity message comprising the elementary connectivity matrix T(n). The relayed communication module of each communication device may be configured to transmit the relayed connectivity message MT(n) if the communication device is connected to the interconnection network, according to predefined repetition parameters.

[0009] The system may further comprise a communication center connected to the interconnection network and at least one supervisory device, the supervisory device being the communication center and / or a communication device of the system connected to the interconnection network. The supervisory device may be configured to receive the message via the interconnection network. relayed connectivity sent by each of the communication devices connected to the interconnection network. The supervision equipment may further be configured to determine an updated global connectivity matrix T from the elementary connectivity matrices T(n) included in the relayed connectivity messages received by the supervision equipment.

[0010] The supervision equipment may be a communication device and may be configured to determine a control list comprising at least one communication device of the system. The supervision equipment may further be configured to determine a supervision message M(4oo), the communication devices of the control list being not connected to the interconnection network, the control list being determined from the global connectivity matrix T. The direct communication module of the supervision equipment may be configured to transmit the supervision message repeatedly according to a predefined supervision time frequency.

[0011] The control list and the supervision message M(400) can be updated if the supervision equipment receives an identified direct communication message from one of the communication devices in the control list and / or if the relayed connectivity state h) of one of the communication devices in the global connectivity matrix T is modified.

[0012] In embodiments, the control list may comprise H communication devices. The supervision message may be determined from the unique identifier of each of the H communication devices in the control list, each unique identifier being associated in the supervision message M(4qo) with a response index h between 1 and H.

[0013] Each communication device may comprise a supervision clock and may be configured to activate an individual supervision mode, in response to the disconnection of the communication device from the interconnection network. The communication device may be configured to perform, in response to the activation of the individual supervision mode, a first initialization of the supervision clock to 0 and a triggering of an alert of the loss of the interconnection network, then:

[0014] - a reset of the supervision clock to 0, if the communication module direct communication device receives an identified direct communication message from another device of the set of at least two communication devices,

[0015] - triggering of an alert for loss of all connections, during the mode of individual supervision if the supervision clock exceeds a predefined supervision time threshold Th, such that T >

[0016] In some embodiments, each communication device may comprise a supervision clock and may be configured to activate an individual supervision mode, in response to the disconnection of the communication device from the interconnection network, the communication device being configured to perform, in response to the activation of the individual supervision mode, an initialization of the supervision clock to 0, if the direct communication module of the communication device receives a supervision message transmitted by the supervision equipment, the direct communication module of the communication device being configured to transmit a direct communication response message Mç( in response to the supervision message M( 400) received.

[0017] The communication device can be configured to determine the response index h associated with the unique identifier i(„) of the communication device from the supervision message M / 400), the communication device being configured to transmit the direct communication response message Mÿ(„) to be sent to the direct communication module after a control duration tc defined from a given initial duration ri, the control duration being defined by tc — ( h - 1 ) X Tf

[0018] Each communication device may comprise a geolocation unit providing geolocation data of the communication device. The direct communication response message may comprise at least a portion of the geolocation data of the communication device.

[0019] The invention also provides a method for managing wireless communication, implemented in a system comprising a set of at least two communication devices and a network infrastructure configured to implement an interconnection network, each communication device is associated with a unique identifier i(„) and comprises a direct communication module operating according to a direct communication protocol and a relayed communication module operating according to a relayed communication protocol via the interconnection network. The method comprises the steps of:

[0020] - receive via the direct communication module of a communication device an identified message of direct communication transmitted by another communication device of the set of communication devices, called transmitting device,

[0021] - determine the unique identifier i(„+i) relating to the transmitting device from the identified direct communication message received,

[0022] - determine a direct connectivity state E^^i) corresponding to a state of direct wireless communication link from the transmitting device to the communication device,

[0023] - determine an elementary connectivity matrix T( „j from the state of direct connectivity E^^^) associated with the unique identifier i(„+[) of each transmitting device,

[0024] - determine a relayed connectivity message MT(„) comprising the matrix of elementary connectivity T(„j, and

[0025] - transmit the relayed connectivity message if the communication device nication is connected to the interconnection network,

[0026] The method further comprises the steps of:

[0027] - determine a global connectivity matrix T of the set of at least two communication devices from the elementary connectivity matrix of each communication device in the set,

[0028] - determine from the global connectivity matrix T a checklist comprising at least one communication device of the system, the communication devices of the control list being not connected to the interconnection network,

[0029] - determining a supervision message M(400) from the control list, transmit the supervision message M(400) repeatedly according to a predefined supervision time frequency L.

[0030] The critical wireless communication management system and method according to the embodiments of the invention make it possible to improve communication between critical wireless communication devices arranged under the coverage of an infrastructure and / or areas not covered by this infrastructure.

[0031] They make it possible to generate an affordable solution, in terms of implementation and price, for maintaining communications between critical wireless communication devices over a surface coverage greater than 99% of the territory and in particular native national coverage.

[0032] They also make it possible to generate an affordable solution, in terms of implementation and price, for maintaining communications between critical wireless communication devices outside network coverage over several hundred meters. Description of figures

[0033] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given with reference to the appended drawings given by way of example.

[0034] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a diagram representing a communication system, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0035] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a diagram showing two modes of wireless communication between two critical wireless communication devices, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0036] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a diagram showing a wireless communication device critical, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0037] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates an example of an elementary connectivity matrix of a critical wireless communication device, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0038] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates an example of a global connectivity matrix of a supervision equipment, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0039] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates an example of a supervision message determined by a supervision equipment, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0040] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a flowchart representing the steps of the management process critical wireless communication for transmitting messages, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0041] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a flowchart representing the steps of the management process critical wireless communication for receiving messages, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0042] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a flowchart representing the steps of the management process critical wireless communication for monitoring direct wireless communication links of a critical wireless communication device, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0043] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a flowchart representing the steps of the critical wireless communication management method for supervising direct wireless communication links between critical wireless communication devices, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0044] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a flowchart representing substeps of the critical wireless communication management method for supervising direct wireless communication links between devices, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0045] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a flowchart representing substeps of the critical wireless communication management method for supervising direct wireless communication links of a critical wireless communication device, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0046] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a flowchart representing substeps of the method of managing critical wireless communication for receiving messages, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0047] Identical references are used in the figures to designate elements identical or similar. For clarity, the items shown are not to scale. Detailed description

[0048] [Fig.l] schematically represents a critical wireless communication system 10 comprising a set of communication devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4 and 100-5, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0049] The critical wireless communication system 10 is used in the field of critical wireless communications, by users, in critical situations, for example in situations related to public safety, in the military field or emergency situations. For example and without limitation, the users may be, depending on the use case, rescue forces or security forces, paramedics, etc.

[0050] A critical wireless communication device 100-n (or communication device) designates a user equipment used by an end user Un, to communicate with at least one other user U-(n+l) having a communication device 100-(n+l) in the critical wireless communication system 10. The index 'n' is associated with different end users.

[0051] Each communication device 100-n of the critical wireless communication system 10 is configured to communicate with at least one other communication device 100-(n+l) of the critical wireless communication system 10, according to at least one wireless communication mode.

[0052] [Fig.2] schematically represents two modes of wireless communication between two communication devices 100-n and 100-(n+l), according to embodiments of the invention.

[0053] The first wireless communication mode between the two communication devices 100-n and 100-(n+1) may be a “direct communication mode” implemented according to a “direct communication protocol” (i.e. without network infrastructure). In particular, a direct communication protocol may be, for example, a radiocommunication transmission defined according to the DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) digital mobile radio standard established by the ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) standardization body.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], the communication device 100-n and the communication device 100-(n+l) are connected to each other by means of a direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+l). Furthermore, for the direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+l) to be effective, the devices 100-n and 100-(n+l) must be within direct radio range.

[0055] The second wireless communication mode between the two communication devices 100-n and 100-(n+1) may be a “relayed communication mode” implemented according to a “relayed communication protocol” (i.e. with connection to a network infrastructure). In particular, a relayed communication protocol may be a wireless radiocommunication transmission, for example and without limitation, defined according to the LTE (Long Term Evolution) mobile telephony standard and established by the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standardization body, or according to a communication standard subsequent to LTE, for example associated with the fifth generation of mobile network technology (5G).

[0056] The critical wireless communication system 10 may comprise a network infrastructure configured for implementing an interconnection network 200. In one embodiment, the network infrastructure may comprise a centralized or distributed architecture in a plurality of radio sites (not shown in the figures) interconnected via an interconnection network 200 (schematically shown in [Fig.2]). In such an embodiment, the radio sites may be, for example, mobile radio sites, deployed via a mobile vehicular infrastructure. In such a system, a communication device 100-n corresponds to a mobile (or telephone) terminal, also called user equipment UE (acronym for 'user equipment'), capable of being connected to the interconnection network 200 via one or more radio sites.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the communication device 100-n and the communication device 100-(n+l) are connected to the interconnection network 200 (and consequently to each other) respectively by a relayed wireless communication link 120-n and the relayed wireless transmission (or link) 120-(n+l).

[0058] According to some embodiments, the critical wireless communication system 10 may comprise a communication center 210 connected to the interconnection network 200 (and thus to the communication devices 100-n connected to the interconnection network 200) by a wireless transmission 220 (referred to as a 'central wireless transmission'). For example and without limitation, a communication center 210 may be a command center and / or a data management center.

[0059] Each communication device 100-n of the critical wireless communication system 10 is arranged in a geographical area which may comprise one or more geographical areas with coverage of the interconnection network 200, called areas with coverage 20, and at least one geographical area without coverage (or out of coverage) of the interconnection network 200, called out of coverage areas 30. In the exemplary embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the communication devices communication devices 100-1 and 100-2 are arranged in areas with coverage 20, while communication devices 100-3, 100-4 and 100-5 are arranged in an area without coverage 30. Communication devices 100-1 and 100-2 are then "online" or "networked", while communication devices 100-3, 100-4 and 100-5 are "offline" or "networked" and cannot communicate with each other or with communication devices 100-1 and 100-2, depending on the mode of communication relayed.

[0060] Generally, two communication devices 100-n and 100-(n+l) "on-line" can communicate with each other according to the relayed communication mode. Two communication devices 100-n and 100-(n+l) "on-line" can further communicate with each other according to the direct communication mode if they are within direct radio range. If one or both communication devices 100-n and 100-(n+l) are "off-line", the two devices cannot communicate with each other according to the relayed communication mode, and can communicate with each other according to the direct communication mode if they are within direct radio range.

[0061] Each communication device 100-n of the critical wireless communication system 10 is configured to be capable of:

[0062] - to transmit the same message synchronously both through the mode of relayed communication and through direct communication mode; and

[0063] - to receive messages sent (or transmitted) through the communication mode relayed and / or through the direct communication mode by one or more other communication devices 100-(n+l) of the set of communication devices. These other communication devices 100-(n+l) are also called 'transmitter devices'.

[0064] As used herein, the term 'message', in transmission, may designate a set of data associated with one or more pieces of information to be transmitted by a user Un having a communication device 100-n, to one or more other users U-(n+1) having a communication device 100-(n+1) having functions similar or equivalent to the functions of the communication device 100-n. Similarly, the term 'message', in reception, refers to a set of data associated with one or more pieces of information received by a user Un having a communication device 100-n, and coming from another user U-(n+1) having a communication device 100-(n+1). For example and without limitation, a message may be an acoustic signal (i.e. a voice or audio message, a sound message, etc.) and / or a visual signal (i.e. one or more images, a text message, etc.).

[0065] [Fig.3] schematically represents a communication device 100-n comprising a message acquisition and transmission module 1020, a module management module 1040, a direct communication module 1060 and a relayed communication module 1080, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0066] The message acquisition and transmission module 1020 may comprise one or more human-machine interfaces. These human-machine interfaces may comprise one or more message acquisition means configured to acquire a message M0(n) (also called an initial message M0(n)) generated by a user Un, by the communication device 100-n. These human-machine interfaces may also comprise one or more means for transmitting messages Mt(n+1), received by the communication device 100-n, to the user Un, these messages Mt(n+1) having been previously generated by users U-(n+1) and transmitted by the latter to the user Un. For example and without limitation, the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 may comprise a microphone, a loudspeaker, a keyboard, a display screen and / or one or more optoelectronic units capable of emitting light such as light-emitting diodes..

[0067] The direct communication module 1060 of the communication device 100-n is configured to transmit and receive one or more messages through the direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+1). For example and without limitation, the direct communication module 1060 may comprise a hardware unit such as an electronic card called a 'DMR module' for example.

[0068] In embodiments, the direct communication module 1060 may further be configured to secure by encryption the messages to be transmitted according to a 'direct communications encryption key', for example common to the communication devices of the critical wireless communication system 10. Consequently, the direct communication module 1060 may further be configured to decrypt the received messages according to the common direct communications encryption key.

[0069] The relayed communication module 1080 of the communication device 100-n is configured to transmit and / or receive one or more messages by means of the relayed wireless transmission 120-n of the interconnection network 200. For example and without limitation, the relayed communication module 1080 may be a telephone terminal (i.e. user equipment or UE), suitable for being connected to the interconnection network 200 via one or more radio sites. The relayed communication module 1080 may comprise an application dedicated to mission-critical communications, or group communications, also called an MCX (Mission-Critical Services) application. In such an embodiment, according to the relayed communication protocol, the relayed communication module 1080 of the devices of the system 10 may comprise an MCX client while the communication center 210 comprises an MCX server.

[0070] The relayed communication module 1080 of the communication device 100-n is associated with a unique identifier noted i^, identifying the communication device 100-n.

[0071] The relayed communication module 1080 of the communication device 100-n is further associated with a relayed connectivity state Er (corresponding to a connection state of the communication device 100-n with the interconnection network 200.

[0072] In embodiments, the relayed communication module 1080 of the communication device 100-n can then be configured to generate (i.e. determine and update) a data structure, also called a 'relayed connectivity matrix' noted comprising the relayed connectivity state Er(„) of the communication device 100-n and the relayed connectivity states E,qn+1) of each of the other communication devices 100-(n+1) of all the communication devices of the system 10 according to the unique identifiers eti r(n+1)*

[0073] In some embodiments, the communication center 210 can then be configured to supervise the connection of each of the communication devices 100-n with the interconnection network 200, via their respective module 1080, and to generate (i.e. determine and update) a data structure such as a 'global relayed connectivity matrix' denoted Tr, comprising the relayed connectivity state Er(„) of each of the communication devices (100-n and 100-(n+1)) of all the communication devices of the system 10 according to their unique identifiers 1^,. The communication center 210 can then be configured to transmit some or all of the information of the global relayed connectivity matrix Tr to the communication devices 100-n via the interconnection network 200 and therefore their respective module 1080.

[0074] The relayed connectivity matrix may be initialized when all devices of the system 10 are “online” in an operational mode. As used herein, an “online” device refers to a device connected to the network 200. The initialization of the connectivity matrix may be implemented at the start of a specific mission or intervention carried out by the users of the system 10. The relayed connectivity matrix may then be updated, according to a predefined frequency, by the relayed communication module 1080, when the device is connected to the network 200. A global relayed connectivity matrix denoted Tr includes the precise relayed connectivity state Er(„) at any instant f of all devices of the system. The relayed connectivity matrix Tr(„) of an “offline” device may, however, be erroneous.The relayed connectivity matrix Tf can be determined and maintained by the communication center 210 for example.

[0075] A relayed connectivity state Er(n) may comprise, for example and without limitation, an integer and / or a Boolean element. In particular, the integer may be of binary type. Thus, the relayed connectivity state E^,,) may take a binary value from among a first value and a second value. The relayed connectivity state Er(„) may take the first value, for example equal to '1' (or 'true') if the device 100-n is connected to the network 200, or the second value, for example equal to '0' (or 'false'), if the device 100-n is disconnected from the network 200. A relayed connectivity matrix T, (or may be represented by a data structure, such as a data table, comprising the information relating to the state of the relayed communication mode (i.e.network range) of some or all of the communication devices included in the system 10 based on their unique identifier. A relayed connectivity state Er(„) may also include a date relating to a timestamp corresponding to the last “observation” of connectivity of the device 100-n to the interconnection network 200.

[0076] In embodiments, the relayed communication module 1080 may further be configured to secure by encryption the messages to be transmitted according to a relayed communications encryption key, which may, for example, be common to the communication devices of the critical wireless communication system 10. The relayed communication module 1080 may then be configured to decrypt the received messages according to the common relayed communications encryption key.

[0077] The communication center 210 can generate via the network 200 the sharing of encryption keys for the relayed communications among all the relayed communication modules 1080 of the devices of the critical wireless communication system 10, when these devices are all “online” (i.e. connected to the network 200) in an operational mode. Such key sharing can be implemented at the start of a specific mission or intervention carried out by the users of the system 10.

[0078] The message acquisition and transmission module 1020, as well as the direct communication module 1060 and the relayed communication module 1080 can each be connected to the management module 1040. The management module 1040 is then configured to collect and process the messages to be transmitted from the module 1020 (acquired from user One) and to transfer them to the two communication modules 1060 and 1080. The management module 1040 is further configured to collect and process messages received from the two communication modules 1060 and 1080 and transfer them to the module 1020 (to be transmitted to user One).

[0079] According to certain embodiments, the communication center 210 can generate via the network 200 the sharing of encryption keys for direct communications to all the devices of the critical wireless communication system 10, when these are all “online”. Advantageously, this key sharing can be implemented at the start of a specific mission or intervention carried out by the users of the system 10. For this, the communication center 210 can be configured to transmit a direct communications encryption key to the relayed communication module 1080 of the different devices. The management module 1040 (connected to the relayed communication module 1080) can then be configured to transmit this direct communications encryption key to the direct communication module 1060, allowing rapid renewal (for example, at each mission and / or intervention) of the keys in this specific communication mode.

[0080] According to certain embodiments, the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 may be a portable transceiver device or portable two-way transceiver. For example, the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 may be a 'micro-pear' comprising means for acquiring and transmitting voice messages, such as for example a microphone, a loudspeaker and / or push-to-talk buttons. This micro-pear may also have a screen allowing the reading of received text messages. The message acquisition and transmission module 1020 may for example be a smartphone configured for entering and / or reading text or audio type messages, for entering and / or consulting geolocation positions, acquiring and / or viewing images.

[0081] According to embodiments, the modules 1020, 1080 and 1060 can be integrated into the same element. In other embodiments, the modules 1020, 1080 and / or 1060 can comprise connectors allowing exchange between them and / or with other external modules.

[0082] In embodiments, the management module module 1040 may comprise a hardware unit (such as an electronic card for example) interfacing with the direct communication module 1060 and the relayed communication module 1080. The management module 1040 may further comprise a software and / or micro-software unit (i.e. embedded software) implemented or integrated with the direct communication module 1060, the relayed communication module 1080 and / or the message acquisition and transmission module 1020.

[0083] [Fig. 3] represents a structure of the management module 1040, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0084] In some embodiments, the management module 1040 comprises a message processing unit 1042 and an identification unit 1044.

[0085] The software and / or firmware unit of the management module 1040 may comprise the message processing unit 1042 and the identification unit 1044.

[0086] The message processing unit 1042 is configured to convert a message M 0(n), acquired via the message acquisition module 1020, into a direct communication message Md according to the direct communication protocol associated with the direct communication module 1060. The message processing unit 1042 is configured to convert the same message M0(n) into a relayed communication message Mr according to the relayed communication protocol associated with the relayed communication module 1080.

[0087] In particular, a message sent by a relayed communication module 1080 within the interconnection network 200 comprises identification data associated with the unique identifier ir(n) of this relayed communication module 1080. The unique identifier ir(n) can then be recognized by any relayed communication module 1080 and / or management module 1040 of a device 100-(n+1) of the critical wireless communication system 10 receiving and / or processing this message, then noted

[0088] The identification unit 1044 is configured to determine an identifier id(n) associated with the direct communication module 1060 of the communication device 100-n, from the unique identifier i^ of the relayed communication module 1080 of the same communication device 100-n.

[0089] In particular, the identification unit 1044 can be configured to apply a function f to a unique identifier i, to generate an associated identifier id such that:

[0090] id= f(ir) (01)

[0091] In equation (01), for example and without limitation, the function f can be a translation or format transformation function, or a bijective, injective, and / or surjective application.

[0092] In some embodiments, a unique identifier i, may be an MCX identifier comprising a number Nr of digits (for example Nr=10) and defined in an MSISDN format (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number according to the corresponding English expression). The function f may then be a truncation function such that the associated identifier id comprises a number Nd of digits and such that Nd is less than Nr (Nd <Nr et par exemple Nd=7 correspondant aux 7 premiers digits de l’identifiant MCX appelés les 7 digits "call ID").

[0093] Advantageously, the message processing unit 1042 is configured to add to the direct communication message Md to be sent by a direct communication module 1060 an identification data defined by this associated identifier id(n). Consequently, the associated identifier id(n) can be recognized by any management module 1040 of a device 100-(n+1) of the critical wireless communication system 10 processing this message, then noted Md(n).

[0094] In embodiments, the message processing unit 1042 may be configured to ensure the synchronous transmission of the direct communication message Md(n) and the relayed communication message (transmitted by the module of direct communication 1060 and the relayed communication module 1080 respectively), in particular when the communication device 100-n is connected to the interconnection network 200.

[0095] Therefore, the management module 1040 can be configured to provide for the transmission and reception of messages between devices.

[0096] The management module 1040 can further be configured to perform the duplication of messages between the relayed mode and the direct mode, as well as to perform the adaptation of the messages to the formats expected in each of the modules 1080 and 1060, and of the module 1020.

[0097] The management module 1040 can also take into account local commands from the user Un of the device 100-n. Certain local commands can be, for example, a call pickup (or a switch pickup) and / or signaling associated with the acquisition, reception and / or transmission of messages, to each of the modules 1020, 1080 and 1060. The management module 1040 can further be configured to apply a set of configurable rules taking as input the local commands and the signaling carried out by the user Un to apply processing to the different messages.

[0098] For example and without limitation, in response to a "switch" command made by user One, a call signaling may be generated by module 1020 to modules 1080 and 1060. Modules 1080 and 1060 may then be configured to acknowledge this signaling to management module 1040. In response to the acknowledgment of each of the two modules 1080 and 1060, management module 1040 may be configured to duplicate and format an (initial) voice message acquired by module 1020, then to send it to the two modules 1080 and 1060.

[0099] In embodiments, the message processing unit 1042 comprises a message storage sub-unit (such as a buffer). In particular, the message storage sub-unit of the device 100-n may be configured to temporarily store the message(s) Md(n) and to be transmitted.

[0100] Generally, the direct communication module 1060 of the communication device 100-n is configured to receive direct communication messages Md(n+1) transmitted by at least one device 100-(n+1) through the direct wireless transmission 110-n(n+1). The relayed communication module 1080 of the communication device 100-n is configured to receive relayed communication messages transmitted from devices 100-(n+1) via the relayed wireless transmissions 120-n and 120-(n+1) of the interconnection network 200.

[0101] The message processing unit 1042 can then be configured to process the Mr(n+1) messages and / or the Md(n+1) messages received by the modules 1060 and 1080. In particular, the message processing unit 1042 can be configured to convert the messages Mr(n+1) and / or Md(n+1) into converted messages, also called 'messages to be transmitted' (noted and Mtd(n+1)) via the message acquisition and transmission module 1020.

[0102] Furthermore, the message storage subunit of the device 100-n may be configured to temporarily store the received message(s) Md(n+1) and M r(n+D).

[0103] In embodiments, the identification unit 1044 may be configured to determine:

[0104] - the unique identifier ir(n+i) relating to the identification data of the communication message relayed communication Mr(n+1), and

[0105] - the associated identifier id(n+1) relating to the identification data of the communication message direct communication Md(n+1).

[0106] The management module 1040 of the first communication device 100-n can then be configured to compare the identifiers Ln+ij and id(n+i) to determine, based on the result of the comparison, whether the identified direct communication message Md(n+1) and the relayed communication message Mr(n+1) are transmitted by the same and unique second communication device 100-(n+1) then being associated with a unique identifier of the device, noted i(n+i) (also called common identifier). For example, this comparison can be implemented by the message processing unit 1042 and / or the identification unit 1044.

[0107] The message backup sub-unit of the device 100-n can further be configured to keep in memory some or all of the identifiers i(n)ir(n) and / or id(n) associated with the devices 100-n of the system 10. Some or all of the identifiers can also be saved in memory in the MCX application and be made available and accessible by the management module 1040 for example by means of requests.

[0108] The management module 1040 of the communication device 100-n can be configured to determine the unique identifier and the associated identifier U(„+i) and to associate each of these identifiers and Uf^+i) with the same identifier i(„+i) (or common identifier) ​​relating to the communication device 100-(n+l). To facilitate understanding of the invention and for the sake of simplification, the remainder of the description will be made mainly with reference to the identifier i^) (respectively i(„+l)) associated with the communication device 100-n (respectively 100-(n+l)).

[0109] In some embodiments, the management module 1040 of each device 100-n of the system 10 also comprises a supervision unit 1046, as shown in [Fig.3].

[0110] Upon receipt by a device 100-n of a direct communication message associated with the identifier i(„+i) of the device 100-(n+l), the direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+l) is established between the transmitter device 100-(n+l) and the communication device 100-n. The supervision unit 1046 of the device 100-n can thus be configured to determine a direct connectivity state Ed(H«. / î+^ corresponding to a direct wireless communication link state of the transmitter device 100-(n+l) with said communication device 100-n.

[0111] In particular, a direct connectivity state E^j+1) may comprise, for example and without limitation, an integer and / or a Boolean element. The integer may be of binary type. For example, the direct connectivity state may take a binary value among a first value and a second value. The direct connectivity state Ef / („«.„+]) may take a first value, for example equal to '1' (or 'true') if the device 100-n receives the direct communication messages transmitted by the device 100-(n+l) (i.e. within direct radio range), or a second value, for example equal to '0' (or 'false'), if the device 100-n no longer receives the direct communication messages transmitted by the device 100-(n+l) (i.e. out of direct radio range, i.e. not having received a direct communication message for a determined period). Thus, a direct connectivity state Erf(„«.„+]) may also comprise a date relating to a timestamp corresponding to the last direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+l) established between the transmitting device 100-(n+l) and the communication device 100-n.

[0112] The supervision unit 1046 of the device 100-n can be further configured to generate (i.e. determine and update) a data structure, also called 'elementary connectivity matrix' noted T(„), comprising the direct connectivity states of each of the other communication devices 100-(n+l) of the entire system 10 with the device 100-n. Each of the direct connectivity states E^e»,^ is then associated with the different unique identifiers i(«+!j of the devices 100-(n+l) of the system 10.

[0113] In embodiments, the elementary matrix T(„ j may further be generated from the relayed connectivity matrix T,.. The elementary connectivity matrix may be initialized when all devices of the system 10 are “online” (i.e., connected to the network 200) and within direct radio range in an operational mode. Such matrix initialization may be implemented at the start of a specific mission or intervention conducted by the users of the system 10. Therefore, the elementary connectivity matrix T(„ j may be updated upon each reception of a direct communication message. The elementary matrix T(„) can be updated (or enriched and supplemented) in response to the establishment of a direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+l) and / or of a relayed wireless transmission 120-n active to the interconnection network 200.

[0114] In embodiments, the management module 1040 of the communication device 100-n may comprise an internal clock (not shown in the figures). Advantageously, in this case, the supervision unit 1046 may be configured to assign a timestamp O+i) to each direct connectivity state associated with the time of reception of the last direct communication message (establishment of a direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+l)), using the internal clock provided in the module 1040. For example and without limitation, the supervision unit 1046 can determine a direct connectivity state E^(„«.„+q equal to '0' (or 'false') if the device 100-n no longer receives a direct communication message transmitted by the device 100-(n+l) at a time z, the time f being defined with respect to a communication monitoring threshold Tc as defined by the following equation (02), which indicates that the device 100-(n+l) is out of direct radio range:

[0115] ' -^(02)

[0116] Figure 4 illustrates an example of an elementary connectivity matrix T(„ ) of a device 100-n in a system 10 comprising the devices 100-n, 100-(n+1), 100-(n+2) and 100-(n+3). The elementary connectivity matrix T(„) is represented in this example by a data table comprising the information relating to the relayed connectivity states Er(„), Er(M+Q, and Er(w+3) of each device 100-n, 100-(n+1), 100-(n+2) and 100-(n+3) of the system 10. The data table for a device 100-n may also comprise the information relating to the direct connectivity states E^f„«.„+2) and E^(„«.„+3) of each device 100-(n+l), 100-(n+2) and 100-(n+3) of system 10 with device 100-n. Further, each of the direct connectivity states E^(n«w+Q, Ej^^+2) and Ej( „«„+3 ) may be associated with a respective timestamp (i.e. ^(„+i), *(«+2) and E"+3), not shown in [Fig.4]).

[0117] The management module 1040 of the communication device 100-n can be configured to determine a relayed connectivity message noted from the elementary connectivity matrix T(„).

[0118] According to certain embodiments, the relayed communication module 1080 of the communication device 100-n can be configured to transmit this relayed connectivity message only if the communication device 100-n is "online", i.e. connected to the interconnection network 200.

[0119] In embodiments, the transmission of the relayed connectivity message Mt(„) may be performed according to predefined connectivity transmission parameters. For example, the management module 1040 of the communication device 100-n (comprising an internal clock) can be configured to use a connectivity transmission parameter defined by the regular repetition of the transmission of the relayed connectivity message Myf according to a predefined transmission time frequency f such that f = 1 / Te. The management module 1040 of the communication device 100-n can further use another connectivity transmission parameter corresponding to an update parameter of the elementary connectivity matrix T(„) generating the transmission of the updated relayed connectivity message Mt(„).

[0120] For example and without limitation, the relayed connectivity message MT(n) may be empty if the elementary connectivity matrix T(n) remains unchanged between two transmissions of the relayed connectivity message, i.e. if no relayed and / or direct connectivity state has been modified. This implies in particular that the device 100-na receives at least one direct communication message from each of the other transmitting devices 100-(n+1) during the time interval Te between the two transmissions of the relayed connectivity message Alterna tively, the relayed connectivity message may comprise part or all of the elementary connectivity matrix T(„), if at least one relayed and / or direct connectivity state of the elementary connectivity matrix is ​​modified. The relayed connectivity message My(nj may comprise for example the identifier i(n+i) of the device 100-(n+l) which has not established a direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+l). Such an embodiment of differential message transmission has the advantage of allowing the generation of compact messages, and in particular less important (in terms of size) than a message generated according to an embodiment involving the systematic transmission of the matrix T(„).

[0121] In embodiments, a method for supervising critical wireless communications can then be implemented by one or more supervision devices 400 included in the critical wireless communication system 10. A supervision device 400 can be a communication device connected to the interconnection network 200 and / or the communication center 210 (via the MCX server for example). A supervision device 400 can in particular be configured to receive the relayed connectivity messages sent by each communication device 100-n connected to the interconnection network 200 and deduce therefrom the associated elementary connectivity matrices. In particular, if the supervision device 400 is a communication device 100-n, the relayed communication module 1080 receives the relayed connectivity messages MT^^and the management module 1040 (via the message processing unit 1042 and the identification unit 1044 for example), and processes them to deduce the associated elementary connectivity matrices.

[0122] According to embodiments, the supervision equipment 400 can be configured to associate with each elementary connectivity matrix T(„) received a timestamp fT(w), using an internal clock provided in the management module 1040. For example, a timestamp tT(n) can comprise at least one time data item relating to the transmission and / or reception of the relayed connectivity message Mt(q) received.

[0123] A supervisory device 400 may further be configured to generate (i.e. determine and update) a data structure, also called 'global connectivity matrix' noted T, in particular from all the elementary connectivity matrices T( „ ) received. In particular, the global connectivity matrix T may be initialized when all the devices of the system 10 are 'online' (i.e. connected to the network 200) and within direct radio range in an operational mode. Such a matrix initialization may be implemented at the start of a mission or a specific intervention carried out by the users of the system 10. The global connectivity matrix T may then be updated according to a predefined frequency by the supervisory device 400 and / or upon each reception of a relayed connectivity message

[0124] In one embodiment, the global connectivity matrix T may comprise all of the identifiers i(„) of the devices 100-n of the system 10 and 'status' information associated with each of the identifiers. For example and without limitation, a status may be "network and direct mode connected", "network connected", "direct mode connected" or "not connected".

[0125] Figure 5 represents a global connectivity matrix T of a system 10 comprising the devices 100-n, 100-(n+1), 100-(n+2) and 100-(n+3), according to another exemplary embodiment. The global connectivity matrix T is represented in this example by a data table comprising the information relating to the relayed connectivity states Er(n), Er(n+1), E^^1 and E^^) of each of the devices of the system 10. The data table also comprises:

[0126] - information relating to the direct connectivity states, Ef / („«n+2) and E^G^hS) of devices 100-(n+l), 100-(n+2) and 100-(n+3) of system 10 with device 100-n, updated upon each reception of relayed connectivity message Mt(»);

[0127] - information relating to direct connectivity states, E^(h+i^„+2) and Ej(„+i«.r+3) of devices 100-n, 100-(n+2) and 100-(n+3) of system 10 with device 100-(n+l), updated upon each reception of relayed connectivity message W(n+1);

[0128] - information relating to the direct connectivity states E7^h+2^w), Ej(„+2«7I+] ) and Ej(w+2^m+3) of devices 100-n, 100-(n+l) and 100-(n+3) of system 10 with device 100-(n+2), updated upon each reception of relayed connectivity message W(«+2); and

[0129] - information relating to the direct connectivity states Ej(„+g«»„ >, Ej(„+j«.h+] j and Ej^w+3«;î+2) of devices 100-n, 100-(n+l) and 100-(n+2) of system 10 with device 100-(n+3), updated upon each reception of relayed connectivity message W(n+3)-

[0130] Thus, although a device 100-n arranged only within direct radio range cannot transmit a relayed connectivity message MT(n), the global connectivity matrix T includes information relating to the state of the direct communication links of the device 100-n, via the direct connectivity states Ej(h+i«.„), Erf( w+2^w ) and Ed< n+^n) of the device 100-n with the devices 100-(n+l), 100-(n+2) and 100-(n+3) of the system 10, updated upon each reception of the relayed connectivity messages n+i), My(„+2) and W(w3) if these devices are “online”.

[0131] Furthermore, each of the connectivity states (relayed and / or direct) of the global connectivity matrix T may be associated with one or more respective timestamps (not shown in FIG. 5). Such a timestamp may be a timestamp related to the direct connectivity states f(«), ^(„+i), ?(n+2) and A«+3), and / or a timestamp related to the reception of the relayed connectivity message UX»), U(«+i), ^tGh-2) and U(n+3).

[0132] In one embodiment, the communication center 210 may be configured to determine (i.e., select) the supervisory equipment 400 as being one of the communication devices among all the devices of the system 10 connected to the interconnection network 200, according to one or more selection criteria. For example and without limitation, the supervisory equipment 400 may be the “online” device 100-n comprising the most devices in direct radio range, i.e., the supervisory equipment 400 may be the communication device 100-n comprising the greatest number of direct connectivity states = 1 of all the devices of the system 10.

[0133] In this embodiment, the supervisory equipment 400 can be configured to receive the direct communication messages Md(n) from “offline” communication devices 100-n arranged within its direct radio range, then to repeat some of the messages Md(n) via the relayed communication mode, so as to to transmit them for example to other devices connected to the interconnection network 200 and out of direct radio range of the device 100-n. In this case, following a given repetition command, the supervision equipment 400 (for example via a management module 1040) can also be configured to determine a message called a “message to be repeated” of relayed communication, noted from the received direct communication message Md(n) transmitted by the “offline” communication device 100-n, the unique identifier i(400) of the supervision equipment 400 and the determined identifier i(n) associated with the “offline” communication device 100-n. The supervision equipment 400 can then be configured to transmit, only according to the relayed communication mode (i.e. only via the relayed communication module 1080), the relayed communication message to be repeated

[0134] In embodiments, the supervision equipment 400 may be configured to determine a control list comprising at least one and / or all of the “offline” devices of the system 10, the control list being determined from the global connectivity matrix T. The supervision equipment 400 may further be configured to determine a supervision message denoted M(400) from the control list, then to transmit the supervision message only according to the direct communication mode (for example only via the direct communication module 1060 of the supervision equipment 400 if it is a communication device). The supervision message may be transmitted repeatedly according to predefined supervision transmission parameters.For example, a supervisory transmission parameter may be defined by regularly repeating the transmission of the supervisory message according to a predefined supervision time frequency / v ( / ç predefined such that f = 1 / Tx) and using an internal clock provided in the module 1040. The supervisory equipment 400 may further comprise another supervisory transmission parameter which may be a parameter for updating the control list (via the prior updating of the global connectivity matrix T) to generate the transmission of the updated supervision message M(4Oo).

[0135] In embodiments, the supervisory equipment 400 may be a device 100-n and comprise a supervisory unit 1046. The supervisory unit 1046 of the supervisory equipment 400 may comprise a supervisory clock (not shown in the figures) associated with the internal clock provided in the management module 1040. Furthermore, the supervisory clock of the supervisory equipment 400 may be linked to the supervision of one or more devices 100-n disconnected from the network 200. For example and without limitation, the supervision clock of the supervision equipment 400 can be set to 0 (r = 0) and activated when a device 100-n is disconnected from the network 200.

[0136] According to embodiments, the supervision clock of the supervision equipment 400 can also be initialized according to one or more values ​​associated with one or more timestamps ?(n+i) relating to the different direct connectivity states Ej( / ,«„+1) and / or timestamps ^T / n) relating to the elementary connectivity matrices received. The supervision clock of the supervision equipment 400 can also be initialized if any direct communication message (i.e. ^d(n) or ^s(n)), sent by the device 100-n disconnected from the network 200, is received by the supervision equipment 400. The supervision equipment 400 can thus be configured to monitor the direct communications associated with the 'natural' communication traffic between the different devices of the system 10, and to adapt the sending of the supervision message M(4qq) and / or the supervision time frequency f according to this traffic. natural.

[0137] In embodiments, the supervision clock of the supervision equipment 400 can reach the time value associated with the supervision frequency, such that T ~ then the supervision message ^4oo) is determined and then transmitted.

[0138] In embodiments, the control list may comprise a set of H "offline" devices, denoted 100-h (i.e. the index 'h' being associated with different end users with devices not connected to the interconnection network 200). The supervision message M(4oq) may be determined from the unique identifier of each of the H communication devices 100-h of the control list. As shown in the example of FIG. 6, the supervision message M(4qq) may comprise each unique identifier ) associated with a response index h between 1 and H. For example, this response index h may be indicated in the supervision message M(4oojou deduced by processing the message.

[0139] In particular, the order of the identifiers in the control list (i.e. their response index h) may depend on the duration of non-establishment of the direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+1), a duration of non-establishment being obtained from the timestamps for example. The supervision equipment 400 may thus be configured to determine the duration for which a device has not been connected to the direct mode and to sort the identifiers of the devices not connected to the direct mode according to this determined duration. For example, the response index h equal to 1 may be associated with the device not connected to the direct mode for the longest duration.

[0140] In embodiments, the management module 1040 (e.g., the supervisory unit 1046) of a communication device 100-n may be configured to activate (i.e., trigger) an individual supervision mode in response to the device disconnecting from the interconnection network 200 at instant f noted using an internal clock provided in the management module 1040.

[0141] In response to the activation of the individual supervision mode (i.e. at time * / ), the supervision unit 1046 of an “offline” device 100-h may be configured to trigger an alert to notify a loss of connection to the interconnection network 200, using one or more network loss alert means. For example and without limitation, a network loss alert means may be implemented via the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 to inform the end user Uh of this network loss. The module 1020 may comprise at least one light-emitting diode (for example assigned to the relayed mode) and a microphone, the microphone executing a short sound signal and the light-emitting diode assigned to the relayed mode performing intermittent light emissions (such as for example slow light flashes), in response to the activation of the individual supervision mode.The intermittent light emissions may be maintained continuously until the end of the individual supervision mode. According to other examples, an alert means for informing the end user Uh of this network loss may be implemented via the relayed communication module 1080. The module 1080 may comprise, for example, a telephone terminal provided with a graphical interface in which a display of a network loss indicator is generated, such as, for example, a crossed-out network icon that may flash to indicate network loss, in response to the activation of the individual supervision mode, until the device is again "online".

[0142] In embodiments, in response to the activation of the individual supervision mode, another means of alerting the network loss can be implemented via the direct communication module 1060 of the device 100-h to inform the other users U-(n+1) of the system 10 of this network loss of the device 100-h. The direct communication module 1060 of the “offline” device 100-h can be configured to transmit a direct communication warning message to any device of the system 10 within direct radio range to inform of the loss of network connection of the “offline” device 100-h. The direct communication warning message can be a direct communication message Md(h) including in particular the relayed connectivity state of the device 100-h.

[0143] In embodiments, the supervision unit 1046 of an “offline” device 100-h may comprise a supervision clock (not shown in the figures) associated with the internal clock provided in the management module 1040. In addition, upon activation of the individual supervision mode (i.e. at time ^), the supervision clock of the 100-h device can be initialized to 0 (r — 0) and activated.

[0144] According to embodiments, the supervision clock of the device 100-h can also be initialized according to one or more values ​​associated with one or more timestamps ^(n+i) relating to the direct connectivity states p Par example, during the individual supervision mode (i.e. at a time 1 - U), the supervision clock of the device 100-h can be reset to 0 (r = 0) and restarted, if the direct communication module 1060 of the “offline” device 100-h receives an identified direct communication message transmitted by any which other communication device 100-(n+l) of the system 10. In this case, at least one direct connectivity state (equal to '1' for example) allows a direct wireless communication link 110-h(n+l) between the “offline” device 100-h and said device 100-(n+l) (which may be “online” or “offline”).

[0145] During the individual supervision mode, the supervision clock of the 100-h device can take a value which exceeds a predefined supervision time threshold noted Th, such as T Th- For example, the supervision time threshold noted 1 h can be equal to or defined from the communication monitoring threshold Te.

[0146] The supervision unit 1046 of the “offline” device 100-h may be configured to trigger a network loss alert for all connections, using one or more connectivity loss alert means, to indicate a loss of connection to the interconnection network 200 and an interruption of links to all devices 100-(n+1) by direct wireless communication, out of direct radio range. For example and without limitation, an alert means for informing the end user Uh of this loss of connectivity may be implemented using the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 and / or the relayed communication module 1080.In this case, the microphone of the module 1020 may, for example, execute a sound signal in repeated pulses every second, and the light-emitting diode (assigned to the relayed mode) may perform intermittent light emissions, while another light-emitting diode (assigned to the direct mode) may be used to perform intermittent light emissions. A direct communication indicator such as a crossed-out and flashing direct communication icon may, for example, be displayed on the graphical interface of the telephone terminal of the module 1080 (screen, for example) in addition to the connection loss indicator (crossed-out and flashing network icon).

[0147] The supervision unit 1046 of a device 100-n can be configured to implement one or more means of alerting for interruption of direct links associated with the interruption of all links associated with all of the devices 100-(n+1) by direct wireless communication because it is out of direct radio range, even when the device is "online" (i.e. connected to the interconnection network 200). For example and without limitation, an alert means to inform the end user of this interruption of direct links can be implemented using the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 and / or the relayed communication module 1080. The speaker of the module 1020 can, for example, execute an audible signal according to pulses repeated every second and the light-emitting diode (assigned to the direct mode) can carry out intermittent light emissions.A direct communication indicator, such as a crossed-out and flashing direct communication icon, may be displayed on the telephone terminal screen of the module 1080, while the network loss indicator is not activated (the network loss icon is not crossed out and not flashing) to indicate a stable connection to the network 200.

[0148] In embodiments, during the individual supervision mode (i.e. at a time z L), the supervision clock of the device 100-h can be reset to 0 such that (r = 0) and reactivated if the direct communication module 1060 of the “offline” device 100-h receives a supervision message from the supervision equipment 400. The frequency of reception of supervision messages M(4qoj can be equal to (or predefined as a function of) the supervision time frequency f of transmission of these messages induced by the supervision equipment 400. Advantageously, the time interval L associated with the supervision time frequency / can be less than or equal to the supervision time threshold T / \ such that Us - T h, which makes it possible to ensure that the “offline” device 100-h comprises at least one direct wireless communication link (i.e. is at least connected to the supervision equipment 400).Consequently, the rate of transmission of supervision messages M(4oq) by the supervision equipment 400 is higher than the rate of individual (i.e. local) supervision of a 100-h device, in particular when there is no natural direct communication traffic.

[0149] In some embodiments, the message processing unit 1042 may be configured to record the supervision message originating from the supervision equipment 400, for example in a backup memory such as the backup sub-unit of the module 1040.

[0150] In embodiments, the direct communication module 1060 of the “offline” device 100-h can be configured to determine and then transmit a direct communication response message Mç(hy, in response to the supervision message M(400) received. This direct communication response message can be a simple message (for example textual) including in particular the identifier unique and intended to confirm receipt of the supervision message For this, the supervisory equipment 400 and / or any device 100-(n+1) of the system 10 can be configured to receive the response messages in direct communication and to update the elementary connectivity matrices Tf„+1) and / or the global connectivity matrix T.

[0151] According to certain embodiments, the supervision unit 1046 of the “offline” device 100-h can further be configured to determine the response index h (between 1 and H) associated with the unique identifier i^ of the communication device 100-h from the supervision message M(400^ received. The supervision unit 1046 of the “offline” device 100-h can be configured to transmit the direct communication response message to be sent to the module 1060, after a control duration U defined from a given initial duration ri and the response index h, the control duration L- being defined for example by the following equation (03):

[0152] / ,..= (- 1 ) x (03)

[0153] In certain embodiments, the management module 1040 of the devices 100-n of the system 10 also comprises a geolocation unit 1048, as shown in [Fig.3].

[0154] A geolocation unit 1048 may be configured to provide geolocation data of the communication device 100-n. The management module 1040 may then be configured to associate at least a portion of this geolocation data with some or all of the direct communication messages and / or the relayed communication messages sent by the device 100-n. For example, the management module 1040 of an “offline” device 100-h may be configured to associate with the direct communication response messages M^) at least a portion of the geolocation data of the “offline” device 100-h. In this case, the supervision equipment 400 may be configured to extract the information relating to the geolocation data of the “offline” device 100-h, from direct communication response messages Mq received and geolocated, and associate them with each identifier i(h).In particular, the supervision equipment 400 can be arranged to complete the global connectivity matrix T with this information so as to determine a mapping of the positioning of the different devices not connected to the network 200.

[0155] [Fig.7] is a flowchart describing the method of managing critical wireless communication, implemented by a communication device 100-n, for the transmission of a message, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0156] In step 600-E of initializing the communication device 100-n, the identifier id(n) associated with the direct communication module 1060 of the device 100-n is determined from the unique identification ir(n) of the relayed communication module 1080 of the device 100-n.

[0157] In step 620-E, the message M0(n) is acquired via the message acquisition module 1020.

[0158] In step 640-E, the message M0(n) is converted into a direct communication message Md according to the direct communication protocol and into a relayed communication message Mr(n) according to the relayed communication protocol.

[0159] In step 660-E, the identified direct communication message Md(n) is determined from the direct communication message Md and the associated identifier id(n).

[0160] In step 680-E, the identified direct communication message Md(n) and the relayed communication message Mr(n) are transmitted synchronously (and therefore redundantly) respectively via the direct communication mode by the direct communication module 1060 and the relayed communication mode by the relayed communication module 1080.

[0161] Those skilled in the art will easily understand that steps 640-E and 660-E can be carried out simultaneously and / or in a different order, for example a given order defined by the management module 1040.

[0162] [Fig.8] is a flowchart according to embodiments of the invention describing steps of the method for managing critical wireless communication for receiving a message, implemented by a communication device 100-n.

[0163] In step 620-R, a direct communication message Md(n+1) (or a relayed communication message Mr(n+1)) sent by a communication device 100-(n+1) is received by the communication device 100-n, via the direct communication mode by the direct communication module 1060 (and / or the relayed communication mode by the relayed communication module 1080).

[0164] In step 640-R, the identifier id(n+1) (and / or the identifier 4^+1)) of the communication device 100-(n+1) is determined from identification data of the received message Md(n+1) (or M^d).

[0165] In step 660-R, the received message Md(n+1) (and / or Mr(n+1)) is converted into a message Mt to be transmitted to user Un.

[0166] In step 680-R, the message is transmitted via the message acquisition module 1020.

[0167] Those skilled in the art will easily understand that steps 640-R and 660-R can be carried out simultaneously and / or in a different order, for example an order defined by the management module 1040.

[0168] [Fig.9] is a flowchart describing substeps of the critical wireless communication management method, implemented by a communication device 100-n, for supervising the direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+l) with the other communication devices 100-(n+l) of the system 10, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0169] In step 700-n, which may be a step of initializing the communication device 100-n for example, the elementary connectivity matrix is ​​determined from the relayed connectivity matrix Tf and from all the direct connectivity states between the devices 100-(n+1) and the device 100-n.

[0170] In step 720-n, a direct communication message Md(n+1) transmitted by a communication device 100-(n+1) is received by the communication device 100-n, via the direct communication mode by the direct communication module 1060.

[0171] In step 740-n, the identifier id(n+1) of the communication device 100-(n+1) is determined from identification data of the received message Md(n+1).

[0172] In step 750-n, the direct connectivity state Et / (between the device 100-(n+l) and the device 100-n is updated in the elementary connectivity matrix T^().

[0173] In step 760-n, the relayed connectivity message MT(„) is determined from the elementary connectivity matrix and the unique identifier i(n) of the device 100-n.

[0174] In step 780-n, the relayed connectivity message is transmitted via the direct communication mode by the direct communication module 1060 of the device 100-n.

[0175] Those skilled in the art will easily understand that steps 740-n, 750-n, and 760-n can be performed simultaneously and / or in a different order, for example an order defined by the management module 1040.

[0176] [Fig. 10] is a flowchart describing sub-steps of the management method of critical wireless communication, implemented by a supervision equipment 400, for the supervision of the connections to the network 200 of the different communication devices 100-n and 100-(n+l) of the system 10 and their direct connectivity states between them, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0177] In step 700-S, which may be a step of initializing the supervision equipment 400 for example, the global connectivity matrix T is determined from the connections to the network 200 of the different communication devices 100-n and 100-(n+l) of the system 10, and from all the direct connectivity states (Ej(ra«.rt+i) and Erff„+[W„j) between the devices 100-(n+l) and the device 100-n.

[0178] In step 720-S, a relayed connectivity message transmitted by a communication device 100-n is received by the supervision equipment 400, via the relayed communication mode.

[0179] In step 740-S, the identifier i(n) of the communication device 100-n is determined from identification data of the received message

[0180] In step 750-S, the global connectivity matrix T is updated.

[0181] In step 800-S, which may also be a step of initializing the equipment of supervision 400 for example, the checklist including the unique identifier of all “offline” devices 100-h is determined.

[0182] Those skilled in the art will easily understand that steps 720-S, 740-S, 750-S, and 800-S can be performed simultaneously and / or in a different order, for example an order defined by the supervision equipment 400.

[0183] [Fig. 11] is a flowchart describing sub-steps of the critical wireless communication management method, implemented by a supervision equipment 400, for the supervision of the direct connectivity states between the different communication devices 100-n and 100-(n+l) of the system 10, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0184] In step 800, a communication device 100-n is disconnected from the network 200.

[0185] In step 820-S, the control list comprising the unique identifier of all the “offline” devices 100-h is updated. In particular, the unique identifier i^n) of the device 100-n disconnected from the network 200 in step 800 is added to the control list.

[0186] In step 840-S, a supervision clock of the supervision equipment 400 (for example linked to the supervision of the device 100-n disconnected from the network 200 in step 800) is set to 0 (t — 0) and activated. In embodiments, the value of the supervision clock can also be set according to one or more values ​​associated with one or more timestamps ^(«+1) relating to the different direct connectivity states and / or timestamps ?T(» relating to the matrices of elementary connectivity T(„) received.

[0187] In step 860-S, if the value of the supervision clock reaches the value of the supervision time frequency T = then the supervision message ^400) is determined from the identifiers of the control list, then transmitted via the direct communication mode in step 880-S.

[0188] In step 850-S, if any direct communication message (i.e. ^d(n) or (n)), sent by the device 100-n disconnected from the network 200 in step 800, is received by the supervision equipment 400, via the direct communication mode, before the supervision clock linked to the supervision of this device 100-n reaches a supervision time frequency value T < then the value of this supervision clock is reset to 0 and reactivated.

[0189] [Fig. 12] is a flowchart describing sub-steps of the management process of critical wireless communication, implemented by an “offline” communication device 100-h disconnected from the network 200 at step 800, for monitoring its direct connectivity states with the other communication devices 100-(n+l) of the system 10, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0190] In step 820-h, the individual supervision mode of the direct wireless links is triggered.

[0191] In step 832-h, one or more network loss alert means are implemented to notify a network loss.

[0192] In step 840-h, the value of the supervision clock of the “offline” communication device 100-h is set to 0 (t — 0) and activated. According to embodiments, the supervision clock can also be initialized according to one or more values ​​associated with one or more timestamps ^(n+i) relating to the different direct connectivity states Ec|(j1Wn+1j.

[0193] In step 860-h, if the value of the supervision clock reaches a supervision time threshold value T “ Th then one or more loss of connectivity alert means are implemented in step 834-h to notify a loss of connectivity.

[0194] In step 850-h, if any direct communication message (for example ^d(n+i) sent by another device 100-(n+l)) is received by the “offline” device 100-h, before the supervision clock value reaches a supervision time threshold value r T h, then this supervision clock is reset to 0 and reactivated.

[0195] In step 870-h, if the direct communication message received in step 850-h is a supervision message ^4oo), then the direct communication response message ^s(h) is determined from the ^4oo) and the identifier i(h) of the “offline” device 100-h, then transmitted via the direct communication mode in step 880-11.

[0196] [Fig. 13] is a flowchart according to embodiments of the invention describing sub-steps of the method of managing critical wireless communication for receiving and transmitting a message, implemented by a communication device 100-n.

[0197] In step 920, a direct communication message sent by a communication device (for example a message Md(h) sent by an “offline” device 100-h) is received by a supervisory equipment 400 being a communication device 100-n, via the direct communication mode by the direct communication module 1060.

[0198] In step 940, the identifier i(h) of the communication device 100-h is determined from identification data of the message received Md(h) by the communication device 100-n.

[0199] In step 960, the relayed communication message M$0{» is determined, by the supervision equipment 400, from the received direct communication message Md(h) transmitted by the device 100-h, from the unique identifier i(n) (or i(400)) of the device 100-n associated with the supervision equipment 400 and from the unique identifier i(h) associated with the device 100-h.

[0200] In step 980, the relayed communication message to be repeated is transmitted via the relayed communication mode by the relayed communication module 1080 of the supervision equipment 400.

[0201] Those skilled in the art will understand that the communication devices, according to the embodiments of the invention, may be implemented in various ways by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, including in the form of program code that may be distributed as a program product, in various forms. The program code may be distributed using computer-readable media, which may include computer-readable storage media and communication media. The methods described in this disclosure may be implemented, in particular, in the form of computer program instructions executable by one or more processors in a computer computing device. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium.

[0202] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as a non-limiting example. It encompasses all the variant embodiments that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art. In particular, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to the various management, relayed communication and / or direct communication modules described as non-limiting examples.

Claims

Claims

1. Critical wireless communication system (10) comprising a set of at least two communication devices (100), characterized in that each communication device (100-n) is associated with a unique identifier and comprises a direct communication module (1060) operating according to a direct communication protocol and an internal clock, said direct communication module (1060) of a communication device being configured to receive one or more identified direct communication messages transmitted by one or more other communication devices (100-(n+l)) of said set of communication devices, called transmitter devices, a communication device (100-n) being configured to determine the unique identifier i(„+j ) relating to each of said transmitter devices (100-(n+l)) from said identified direct communication message j received,and to determine a direct connectivity state corresponding to a com link state, direct wireless communication of each of said transmitter devices (100-(n+l)) with said communication device (100-n), and in that the communication device (100-n) is configured to determine an elementary connectivity matrix T(„) comprising the direct connectivity state associated with the unique identifier i(„+i) of each transmitting device (100-(n+l)), said direct connectivity state E6^„^k+i) being updated in the absence of the reception of an identified direct communication message ) transmitted by the device (100-(n+l)) at a time1 determined by said internal clock and defined with respect to a communication monitoring threshold Tc.

2. A critical wireless communication system (10), according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a network infrastructure configured to implement an interconnection network (200), each communication device (100-n) comprising a relayed communication module (1080) operating according to a relayed communication protocol, i.e. with connection to a network infrastructure via said interconnection network (200), and wherein each communication device (100-n) is configured to determine a relayed connectivity message MT(„) comprising said matrix of elementary connectivity T(„), said relayed communication module (1080) of each communication device (100-n) being configured to transmit said relayed connectivity message MT(n) if said communication device (100-n) is connected to said interconnection network (200), according to predefined repetition parameters.

3. Critical wireless communication system (10), according to claim 2, wherein the system further comprises a communication center (210) connected to said interconnection network (200) and at least one supervisory equipment (400), the supervisory equipment (400) being the communication center (210) and / or a communication device (100) of the system (10) connected to said interconnection network (200), and wherein the supervisory equipment (400) is configured to receive through the interconnection network (200) said relayed connectivity message sent by each of the communication devices (100-n) connected to said interconnection network (200), the supervisory equipment (400) being further configured to determine an updated global connectivity matrix T from the elementary connectivity matrices included in the relayed connectivity messages received by the supervisory equipment (400).

4. Critical wireless communication system (10), according to claim 3, wherein the supervision equipment (400) is a communication device and is configured to determine a control list comprising at least one communication device (100-h) of the system (10), the supervision equipment (400) being further configured to determine a supervision message M(4qq), the communication devices (100-h) of the control list being not connected to said interconnection network (200), said control list being determined from said global connectivity matrix T, the direct communication module (1060) of said supervision equipment (400) being configured to transmit said supervision message M / 40Q) repeatedly according to a predefined supervision time frequency.

5. A critical wireless communication system (10), according to claim 4, wherein said control list and said supervision message M(400) are updated if said supervision equipment (400) receives an identified direct communication message from one of said communication devices (100-h) of said control list and / or if the relayed connectivity state of one of the communication devices (100-h) in said global connectivity matrix T is modified.

6. Critical wireless communication system (10), according to claim 5, wherein said control list comprises H communication devices (100-h), said supervision message being determined from the unique identifier of each of said H communication devices (100-h) of the control list, each unique identifier being associated in said supervision message M(400) with a response index h between 1 and H.

7. Critical wireless communication system (10), according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each communication device (100-n) comprises a supervision clock and is configured to activate an individual supervision mode, in response to the disconnection of said communication device (100-n) from said interconnection network (200), the communication device (100-n) being configured to perform, in response to the activation of said individual supervision mode, a first initialization of the supervision clock to 0 and a triggering of an alert of the loss of said interconnection network (200), then: - a reinitialization of the supervision clock to 0, if the direct communication module (1060) of said communication device (100-n) receives an identified direct communication message) from another device (100-(n+1)) of said set of at least two communication devices (100),- triggering of an alert for loss of all connections, during said individual supervision mode if the supervision clock exceeds a predefined supervision time threshold Th, such as T Th.,

8. A critical wireless communication system (10), according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein each communication device (100-n) comprises a supervisory clock and is configured to activate a individual supervision mode, in response to the disconnection of said communication device (100-n) from said interconnection network (200), the communication device (100-n) being configured to carry out, in response to the activation of said individual supervision mode, an initialization of the supervision clock to 0, if the direct communication module (1060) of said communication device (100-n) receives a supervision message transmitted by said supervision equipment (400), said direct communication module (1060) of said communication device (100-n) being configured to transmit a direct communication response message MqH j in response to the received supervision message.

9. Critical wireless communication system (10), according to claim 6 and one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the communication device (100-n) is configured to determine the response index h associated with the unique identifier i^ of said communication device (100-n) from said supervision message M(40oï, the communication device (100-n) being configured to transmit said direct communication response message Mq to be sent to said direct communication module (1060) after a control duration 6? defined from a given initial duration Ti, the control duration being defined by tc- (h- 1) XTf

10. Critical wireless communication system (10), according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein each communication device (100-n) comprises a geolocation unit (1048) providing geolocation data of said communication device (100-n), and wherein said direct communication response message comprises at least a portion of said geolocation data of said communication device (100-n).

11. Method for managing critical wireless communication, implemented in a system comprising a set of at least two communication devices (100) and a network infrastructure configured to implement an interconnection network (200), each communication device (100-n) is associated with a unique identifier i(„) and comprises a direct communication module (1060) operating according to a direct communication protocol, an internal clock and a relayed communication module (1080) operating according to a relayed communication protocol, i.e. with connection to a network infrastructure via said interconnection network (200), characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: - receiving via said direct communication module (1060) from a communication device (100-n) an identified direct communication message > transmitted by another communication device (100-(n+l)) of said set of communication devices (100), called the transmitting device, - determining the unique identifier relating to said transmitting device (100-(n+l)) from said identified direct communication message received, - determine a direct connectivity state) cor responding to a direct wireless communication link state of said transmitting device (100-(n+l)) with said communication device (100-n), - determine an elementary connectivity matrix from the direct connectivity state associated with said unique identifier i(„+i) of each transmitting device (100-(n+l)), - determining a relayed connectivity message comprising said elementary connectivity matrix T(„), and - transmitting said relayed connectivity message MT; n) if said communication device (100-n) is connected to said interconnection network (200), and in that the method further comprises the steps of: - update said direct connectivity state Ej^^+j ) in the absence of reception of an identified direct communication message Md(n+i) sent by the device (100-(n+l)) at a time t determined by said internal clock and defined in relation to a communication monitoring threshold V - determining a global connectivity matrix T of said set of at least two communication devices (100) from said elementary connectivity matrix of each communication device (100-n) of said set, - determine from said global connectivity matrix T a control list comprising at least one communication device (100-h) of the system (10), the communication devices (100-h) of the control list being not connected to said interconnection network (200), determining a supervision message M(400) from said control list, transmitting said supervision message repeatedly according to a predefined supervision time frequency Ts.

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