Redundancy-critical wireless communication system and method

Abstract

A communication device (100-n) is proposed, comprising a message acquisition and transmission module (1020), a direct communication module (1060), a relayed communication module (1080), and a management module (1040). Module (1020) is configured to acquire an initial message. Module (1080) is associated with a unique identifier. Module (1040) is configured to determine an identifier associated with module (1060) from the unique identifier, to convert the initial message into a direct communication message and a relayed communication message, and to determine an identified direct communication message from the direct communication message and the associated identifier. Module (1060) is configured to transmit the identified direct communication message, and module (1080) is configured to transmit the relayed communication message synchronously with the transmission of the identified message by module (1060).Figure for the abridged version: Fig.2.

Description

Title of the invention: System and method for critical wireless communication using redundancy technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a system and method of 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 a connection to a network infrastructure, or in direct mode (i.e., without a network infrastructure). For example, the TETRA (TErrestrial Trunked RAdio) standard, established by the ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) standards body, covers a two-way mobile digital radio communication protocol intended for public services such as emergency services, police forces, ambulances, fire departments, public transport services, and the military.

[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 break between a user and the rest of the wireless communication group is frequent, resulting in transmission losses that are sometimes critical. Indeed, a fundamental need of such public services is to be able to communicate under all circumstances (within and outside network coverage), for example, to effectively coordinate their actions with all 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 who might be able to help them.

[0004] In group communication, each dual terminal may or may not be within the coverage of an infrastructure, and may or may not be within range of another dual terminal in direct mode. This 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 cover of an infrastructure and / or in areas not covered by that infrastructure.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a system (comprising devices) and a method capable of improving the management of these critical wireless communications. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention improves the situation by providing a communication device comprising a message acquisition and transmission module, a direct communication module, and a relayed communication module. The message acquisition and transmission module is configured to acquire an initial message. The direct communication module operates according to a direct communication protocol, and the relayed communication module operates according to a relayed communication protocol and is associated with a unique identifier i^. The device further includes a management module configured to determine an identifier id(n) associated with the direct communication module from the unique identifier ir(n).The management module is configured to convert the message M0(n) into a direct communication message Md according to the direct communication protocol and into a relayed communication message Mr(n) according to the module's relayed communication protocol. The management module is further configured to determine an identified direct communication message Md(n) from the direct communication message Md and its associated identifier id(n). The direct communication module is configured to transmit the identified direct communication message Md(n), and the relayed communication module is configured to transmit the relayed communication message Mr(n) synchronously with the transmission of the identified direct communication message Md(n) by the direct communication module.

[0008] The direct communication module and the relayed communication module may each include a transmission control unit configured to control transmission refusals and / or temporary transmission authorizations of the direct communication message Md(n) and the relayed communication message Mr(n). The management module may be configured to generate a global transmission refusal for the communication device and / or global temporary transmission authorizations for the communication device based on the transmission refusals and / or temporary transmission authorizations of the direct and relayed communication modules.

[0009] The direct communication module can be configured to receive an identified direct communication message Md(q) and / or the relayed communication module can be configured to receive a relayed communication message Mr(n). The management module can be configured to convert the received direct communication message Md(q) into a transmittable message Mtd(q) and / or the received relayed communication message Mr(k) into a transmittable message. The message acquisition and transmission module can be configured to transmit the message to transmit Mtd(q) and / or the message to be transmitted Mtt(k). The identified direct communication message Md(q) and / or the relayed communication message can be transmitted by at least one other critical wireless communication device distinct from the first communication device.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the management module can further be configured to determine an identifier id(q) relating to the communication device that transmitted the received message from direct communication Md(q) and / or an identifier i^, relating to the communication device that transmitted the received message from relayed communication H(k)-

[0011] The management module can be configured to compare the identifier id(q) and the identifier ir(k) to determine whether the identified direct communication message Md(q) and the relayed communication message are transmitted by the same communication device, or whether the identified direct communication message Md(q) is transmitted by a second communication device while the relayed communication message is transmitted by a third communication device, depending on the comparison. The management module can be configured to select a message to transmit from among the received direct communication messages Md(q) and relayed communication messages Mr(k), based on given parameters.

[0012] The management module can further be configured to determine a relayed communication repeat message from the received direct communication message Md(q) transmitted by a second communication device, the unique identifier of the relayed communication module of the communication device, and the determined identifier id(q) associated with the second communication device. The relayed communication module of the communication device can be configured to transmit the relayed communication repeat message Mr(q^n).

[0013] The invention also provides a critical wireless communication system comprising a communication center and a network infrastructure configured to implement an interconnection network and a set of communication devices.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention provides a method for managing critical wireless communication, implemented in a system comprising at least a first communication device including a message acquisition and transmission module, a direct communication module, and a relayed communication module, the direct communication module operating according to a direct communication protocol, the relayed communication module operating according to a relayed communication protocol and comprising a unique identifier. The method includes an initialization step consisting of determining an identifier id(n) associated with the direct communication module from the unique identifier. The method includes in in addition to the steps consisting of:

[0015] - acquire a message M0(n) via the acquisition and transmission module message,

[0016] - convert the message M0(n) into a direct communication message Md as a function of the direct communication protocol and in a relayed communication message M r(n) depending on the relayed communication protocol of the module,

[0017] - determine an identified direct communication message Md(n) from the direct communication message Md and identification data id(n),

[0018] - synchronously transmit the identified direct communication message Md(n) and the relayed communication message Mr(n), respectively via the direct communication module and via the relayed communication module.

[0019] The critical wireless communication management process may further include the steps of:

[0020] - receive via the direct communication module an identified message from the commun direct communication Md(q) and / or receiving at least one relayed communication message via the relayed communication module

[0021] - convert the received message from direct communication Md(q) into a message at transmit Mtd(q) and / or the received message from relayed communication Mr(k) into a message to be transmitted

[0022] - transmit the message to be transmitted and / or the message to be transmitted via the message acquisition and transmission module. The identified direct communication message Md(q) and the relayed communication message Mr(k) can be transmitted by at least one other critical wireless communication device distinct from the first communication device.

[0023] The critical wireless communication management process may further include the steps of determining the identifier id(q) relating to the communication device that transmitted the received direct communication message Md(q) and / or the identifier i^ relating to the critical wireless communication device that transmitted the received relayed communication message Mr(k),

[0024] In some embodiments, the critical wireless communication management process may further include the steps of:

[0025] - compare the identifier id(q) and the identifier i^ to determine if the identified message If the direct communication message Md(q) and the relayed communication message Mr(k) are transmitted by the same communication device, or if the identified direct communication message Md(q) is transmitted by a second communication device while the relayed communication message Mr(k) is transmitted by a third communication device, depending on the comparison,

[0026] - select a message to transmit from among the messages received from communication direct Md(q) and relayed communication Mr(k), and depending on given parameters.

[0027] The critical wireless communication management process may further include the steps of:

[0028] - determine a message to be repeated for relayed communication Mr(q^n) from the message received from direct communication Md(q) transmitted by a second communication device, the unique identifier of the relayed communication module of the communication device and the determined identifier id(q) associated with the second communication device,

[0029] - transmit the message to be repeated via relayed communication Mr(q^n) using the module communication relayed.

[0030] Embodiments of the invention make it possible to improve communication between critical wireless communication devices located under the cover 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 a 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.

[0033] Description of the figures

[0034] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of example.

[0035] [Fig-1] Fig.1 is a diagram representing a communication system, according to methods of embodying the invention.

[0036] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a diagram representing two modes of wireless communication between two critical wireless communication devices, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0037] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a diagram representing a critical wireless communication device, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0038] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a flowchart representing the steps of the process of managing wireless communication critical for the transmission of a message, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0039] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a flowchart representing sub-steps of the wireless communication management process critical for sending a message, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0040] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a flowchart representing sub-steps of the process of managing wireless communication critical for the transmission of a message, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0041] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a flowchart representing the steps of the process of managing wireless communication critical for the reception of messages, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0042] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a flowchart representing the steps of the process of managing wireless communication critical for the reception of messages, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0043] Identical reference numerals are used in the figures to designate identical or analogous elements. For clarity, the elements shown are not to scale. Detailed description

[0044] Fig. 1 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.

[0045] 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 in emergency situations. For example, and without limitation, users may be, depending on the use case, rescue or security forces, paramedics, etc.

[0046] A critical wireless communication device 100-n (or communication device) means 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.

[0047] Each 100-n communication device of the critical wireless communication system 10 is configured to communicate with at least one other 100-(n+l) communication device of the critical wireless communication system 10, according to at least one wireless communication mode.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The first wireless communication mode between the two communication devices 100-n and 100-(n+l) can be a "direct communication mode" implemented in operates according to a "direct communication protocol" (i.e., without network infrastructure). In particular, a direct communication protocol can be, for example, a radiocommunication transmission defined according to the DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) standard established by the ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) standardization body.

[0050] In the 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.

[0051] The second wireless communication mode between the two 100-n and 100-(n+l) communication devices can be a "relayed" communication mode implemented according to a "relayed" communication protocol (i.e., with a connection to a network infrastructure). In particular, a relayed communication protocol can be a wireless radiocommunication transmission, for example, without limitation, defined according to the LTE (Long Term Evolution) mobile telephony standard established by the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standards body, or according to a post-LTE communication standard, for example, associated with the fifth generation of mobile network technology (5G).

[0052] The critical wireless communication system 10 may include a network infrastructure configured for the implementation of 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 (shown schematically 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 a user equipment (UE), suitable for connection to the interconnection network 200 via one or more radio sites.

[0053] In the 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).

[0054] According to some embodiments, the critical wireless communication system 10 This can include a 210 communication center connected to the 200 interconnection network (and therefore to the 100-n communication devices connected to the 200 interconnection network) via a 220 wireless transmission (known as a 'central wireless transmission'). For example, and without limitation, a 210 communication center can be a command center and / or a data management center.

[0055] Each communication device 100-n of the critical wireless communication system 10 is arranged in a geographical area which may include 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 example embodiment shown in [Fig.1], the communication devices 100-1 and 100-2 are arranged in areas with coverage 20, while the communication devices 100-3, 100-4 and 100-5 are arranged in an out-of-coverage area 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 "off network" and cannot communicate with each other or with communication devices 100-1 and 100-2, depending on the relayed communication mode.

[0056] Generally, two 100-n and 100-(n+l) communication devices that are "online" can communicate with each other using relayed communication. Two 100-n and 100-(n+l) communication devices that are "online" can also communicate with each other using direct communication if they are within direct radio range. If one or both of the 100-n and 100-(n+l) communication devices are "offline," the two devices cannot communicate with each other using relayed communication, but can communicate with each other using direct communication if they are within direct radio range.

[0057] Each 100-n communication device of the critical wireless communication system 10 is configured to be capable of:

[0058] - to transmit the same message synchronously at the same time through the mode of communication relayed and through direct communication; and

[0059] - to receive messages transmitted through the relayed communication method and / or through the mode of direct communication by other communication devices 100-(n+l).

[0060] As used here, the term 'message', in transmission, can refer to 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+l) having a communication device 100-(n+l) having functions similar or equivalent to the functions of the communication device. Communication 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 U with a 100-n communication device, and originating from another user U-(n+1) with a 100-(n+1) communication device. For example, and without limitation, a message can 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.).

[0061] Fig. 3 schematically represents a communication device 100-n comprising a message acquisition and transmission module 1020, a management module 1040, a direct communication module 1060 and a relayed communication module 1080, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0062] The message acquisition and transmission module 1020 may include one or more human-machine interfaces. These human-machine interfaces may include 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, via the critical wireless communication device 100-n. These human-machine interfaces may also include one or more message transmission means for messages Mt(n+1), received by the communication device 100-n, to user Un, these messages Mt(n+1) having been previously generated by users U-(n+1) and transmitted by them to user Un. For example, and without limitation, the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 may include a microphone, a loudspeaker, a keyboard, and / or a display screen.

[0063] The 1060 direct communication module of the 100-n communication device is configured to transmit and receive one or more messages through the 110-n(n+1) direct wireless communication link. For example, and without limitation, the 1060 direct communication module may include a hardware unit such as an electronic board called, for example, a 'DMR module'.

[0064] In embodiments, the direct communication module 1060 can further be configured to secure by encryption the messages to be transmitted according to a 'direct communication encryption key', for example common to the communication devices of the critical wireless communication system 10. Consequently, the direct communication module 1060 can further be configured to decrypt the messages received according to the common encryption key for direct communications.

[0065] The 1080 relay communication module of the 100-n communication device is configured to transmit and / or receive one or more messages by means of the 120-n relay wireless transmission of the 200 interconnection network. For example, and without limitation, the 1080 relay communication module may be a telephone terminal (i.e., user equipment or UE), suitable for connection to the 200 interconnection network. via one or more radio sites. The 1080 relay communication module may include a dedicated application for mission-critical communications, or group communications, also known as an MCX (Mission-Critical Services) application. In such an embodiment, according to the relay communication protocol, the 1080 relay communication module of the system devices may include an MCX client, while the communication center may include an MCX server.

[0066] The relayed communication module 1080 of the communication device 100-n is associated with a unique identifier denoted i^, identifying the communication device 100-n.

[0067] In embodiments, the 1080 relay communication module can further be configured to secure by encryption the messages to be transmitted according to an encryption key for the relayed communications, which can, for example, be common to the communication devices of the critical wireless communication system 10. The 1080 relay communication module can then be configured to decrypt the messages received according to the common encryption key for the relayed communications.

[0068] The communication center 210 can generate, via network 200, the sharing of encryption keys for relayed communications among all the relayed communication modules 1080 of the devices in the critical wireless communication system 10, when these devices are all "online" (i.e., connected to network 200) in operational mode. Such key sharing can be implemented at the beginning of a specific mission or intervention carried out by the users of the system 10.

[0069] 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 messages to be transmitted from the module 1020 (acquired from user Un) 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 Un).

[0070] According to certain embodiments, the communication center 210 can generate, via network 200, the sharing of encryption keys for direct communications with all devices of the critical wireless communication system 10, when these devices are all "online". Advantageously, this key sharing can be implemented at the beginning of a specific mission or intervention carried out by users of the system 10. For this purpose, the communication center 210 can be configured to transmit an encryption key for direct communications to the relayed communication module 1080 of the various devices. The management module 1040 (connected to the The 1080 relayed communication module can then be configured to transmit this encryption key from direct communications to the 1060 direct communication module, allowing for rapid renewal (e.g., at each mission and / or intervention) of keys in this specific communication mode.

[0071] According to certain embodiments, the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 may be a portable transceiver or a portable two-way transceiver. For example, the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 may be a 'microphone' comprising means for acquiring and transmitting voice messages, such as, for example, a microphone, a loudspeaker, and / or switch buttons. This microphone may also have a screen for reading 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 messages, for entering and / or viewing geolocation positions, and for acquiring and / or viewing images.

[0072] According to some embodiments, modules 1020, 1080, and 1060 can be integrated into a single element. In other embodiments, modules 1020, 1080, and / or 1060 may include connectors allowing communication with each other and / or with other external modules.

[0073] In embodiments, the management module 1040 may include 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 include a software and / or firmware unit (i.e., embedded software) implemented or integrated into the direct communication module 1060, the relayed communication module 1080, and / or the message acquisition and transmission module 1020.

[0074] Fig. 3 represents a structure of the 1040 management module, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0075] In some embodiments, the management module 1040 includes a message processing unit 1042 and an identification unit 1044.

[0076] The software and / or firmware unit of the management module 1040 may include the message processing unit 1042 and the identification unit 1044.

[0077] The message processing unit 1042 is configured to convert a message M0(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 module communication relayed 1080.

[0078] In particular, a message sent by a relay communication module 1080 within the interconnection network 200 includes an identification data associated with the unique identifier ir(n) of this relay communication module 1080. The unique identifier ir(n) can then be recognized by any relay communication module 1080 and / or management module 1040 of a device 100-(n+l) of the critical wireless communication system 10 receiving and / or processing this message, then denoted Mr(n).

[0079] 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 ij.(n) of the relayed communication module 1080 of the same communication device 100-n.

[0080] In particular, the identification unit 1044 can be configured to apply a function f to a unique identifier ir to generate an associated identifier id such that:

[0081] id=f(ir)(01)

[0082] 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.

[0083] In certain embodiments, a unique identifier ç can be an MCX identifier comprising a number Nr of digits (for example, Nr=10) and defined in an MSISDN (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number) format. The function f can 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").

[0084] Advantageously, the message processing unit 1042 is configured to add to the direct communication message Md to be transmitted 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 denoted Md(n).

[0085] In embodiments, the message processing unit 1042 can be configured to ensure the synchronous transmission of the direct communication message Md(n) and the relayed communication message Mr(n) (sent by the direct communication module 1060 and the relayed communication module 1080 respectively), in particular when the communication device 100-n is connected to the interconnection network 200.

[0086] According to certain embodiments, the direct communication module 1060 and the relayed communication module 1080 may each comprise a unit of Transmission control (not shown in the figures). These transmission control units (also called "talk control" units, "communication takeover" units, "alternate takeover" units, or "floor control" units) are configured to generate and / or control "alternate information" dynamically allocated to the various communication modules, relayed or direct, of the critical communication devices included in a critical wireless communication system.10 Alternate information can include transmission refusals and / or temporary transmission authorizations. A "transmission refusal" can be a notification indicating that the transmission of a message is refused. A "temporary transmission authorization" can be a notification indicating that the transmission of a message is authorized.Thus, the transmission control units, using the alternating mechanism, manage the conditions of concurrent transmission between critical communication devices and guarantee mutually exclusive use of transmission bandwidths, in order to avoid potential message overlaps (i.e., interference). This ensures that each user of the system can be properly monitored.

[0087] Therefore, the 1040 management module can be configured to ensure the transmission and reception of messages between devices.

[0088] The 1040 management module can also be configured to perform message duplication between relayed mode and direct mode, as well as to adapt messages to the expected formats in each of the 1080 and 1060 modules, and the 1020 module.

[0089] The 1040 management module can also take into account local commands from user Un of the 100-n device. Some local commands may be, for example, call taking (or call switching), as well as signaling associated with the acquisition, reception and / or transmission of messages, to each of the 1020, 1080 and 1060 modules. The 1040 management module can further be configured to apply a set of configurable rules taking as input the local commands and signaling made by user Un to apply processing to the different messages.

[0090] For example, and without limitation, in response to the "take alternating" command issued by user Un, a call signal can be generated by module 1020 to modules 1080 and 1060. Modules 1080 and 1060 can then be configured to acknowledge this signal to the management module 1040. In response to the acknowledgment from each of the two modules 1080 and 1060, the management module 1040 can be configured to duplicate and format an (initial) voice message acquired by module 1020, and then send it to both modules 1080 and 1060.

[0091] For example, and without limitation, the emission control unit of the communication module Direct communication 1060 can be implemented according to the "polite" protocol (or politeness, according to the corresponding Anglo-Saxon term) of the DMR standard (chapter 5.2.2.4 ETSI TS 102 361-1 V2.5.1). The transmit control unit can be connected to, or integrated into, the 1040 management module to manage the alternate information of the 1060 module. The transmit control unit of the 1080 relay communication module can be implemented by the MCX application to manage the alternate information of the 1080 module to the 200 interconnection network. The transmit control unit of the 1080 relay communication module can also transfer the alternate information of the 1080 module to the 1040 management module according to a specific protocol.

[0092] In some embodiments, when the relay communication module 1080 has a 'rejected transmission', the MCX application can generate a signal on the terminal of the relay communication module 1080 via means of transmitting information to the user Un (for example, playing an audio feedback tone). Similarly, when the relay communication module 1080 has a 'rejected transmission' and / or when the direct communication module 1060 has a 'rejected transmission', the management module 1040 can generate a signal on the message acquisition and transmission module 1020.

[0093] Advantageously, the management module 1040, receiving the alternate information from the relayed communication module 1080 and / or the direct communication module 1060, can be configured to generate a 'global transmit denial' for the communication device 100-n, preventing any alternate taking by any communication mode. In particular, the management module 1040 receiving a 'transmit denial' from the relayed communication module 1080 (or the direct communication module 1060) can forward the 'transmit denial' to the direct communication module 1060 (or the relayed communication module 1080). A 'transmit denial' can be signaled to the user Un via the module 1020, for example, which can then be configured to emit a specific audio tone.

[0094] In one embodiment, for a communication device 100-n located exclusively within range of the network 200 (i.e., "online" and out of direct radio range, and capable of communicating only in relayed communication mode), the management module 1040 may consider only the alternate information from the relayed communication module 1080, in order to prohibit or authorize the transmission of relayed communication messages M].(n) to be transmitted in relayed communication mode. Similarly, for a communication device 100-n located exclusively within direct radio range (i.e., "offline"), the management module 1040 may consider only the alternate information from the direct communication module 1060, in order to prohibit or authorize the transmission of communication messages direct Md(n) to transmit.

[0095] In one embodiment, the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 may include a message acquisition means called PTT (or Push-to-talk or press-to-transmit, according to the corresponding Anglo-Saxon expression) which must be momentarily activated so as to switch from message transmission mode to message acquisition mode. Thus, if the management module 1040 receives at least one 'rejection' from the relayed communication module 1080 and / or the direct communication module 1060, the message acquisition means (not shown in the figures) cannot be activated to acquire message M0(n).

[0096] In some embodiments, the message processing unit 1042 includes a message saving subunit (such as a buffer).

[0097] In particular, the message backup subunit can be configured to temporarily store the messages Md(n) and Mr(n) to be transmitted until the 'temporary transmit permissions' are detected both in the alternate information from the relayed communication module 1080 and in the alternate information from the direct communication module 1060.

[0098] In general, the direct communication module 1060 of the communication device 100-n is configured to receive direct communication messages Md(n+1) transmitted from devices 100-(n+l) via the direct wireless communication link 110-n(n+l). The relayed communication module 1080 of the communication device 100-n is configured to receive relayed communication messages Mr(n+1) transmitted from devices 100-(n+l) via the relayed wireless transmissions 120-n and 120-(n+l) of the interconnection network 200.

[0099] The message processing unit 1042 can then be configured to process the messages Mr(n+1) and / or the messages Md(n+1) 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' (denoted M^n+i) and Mtd(n+i)) via the message acquisition and transmission module 1020.

[0100] In certain embodiments, a 100-n communication device can simultaneously receive:

[0101] - a relayed communication message Mr(k) emitted by a communication device nication 100-k, and

[0102] - a direct communication message Md(q) emitted by a communication device nization 100-q.

[0103] As used here, the term 'simultaneous reception' may refer to the reception of messages during a defined time interval 5, which may be, for example and without limitation, the processing time of the management module 1040 and / or message processing unit 1042.

[0104] In some embodiments, the identification unit 1044 can be configured to determine:

[0105] - the unique identifier ir(k) relating to the identification data of the communication message Information relayed by Mr(k), and

[0106] - the associated identifier id(q) relating to the identification data of the communication message direct nication Md(q).

[0107] The management module 1040 of the first communication device 100-n can then be configured to compare the identifiers ir(k) and id(q) to determine, based on the result of the comparison, whether the identified direct communication message Md(q) and the relayed communication message Mr(k) are transmitted by the same and unique second communication device 100-(n+l), or whether the identified direct communication message Md(q) is transmitted by a second communication device 100-q while the relayed communication message Mr(k) is transmitted by a third communication device 100-k. For example, this comparison can be implemented by the message processing unit 1042 and / or the identification unit 1044.

[0108] In the case where two distinct critical communication devices 100-k and 100-q are used (i.e., distinguished), the following conditions can be satisfied:

[0109] - the 100-k communication device is arranged exclusively within range of the network so that no direct communication message ^d(k) can be received by another critical wireless communication device of system 10, and

[0110] - if the communication device 100-q is arranged exclusively within radio range direct so that no relayed communication message ^r(k) can be sent and / or received by another critical wireless communication device of system 10.

[0111] In certain embodiments, when the identifiers and id(q) designate two distinct devices, the message processing unit 1042 can be configured to store the message to be transmitted associated with the relayed communication message Mr(k) from the communication device 100-k, for example, in a backup memory such as a backup subunit. The message processing unit 1042 can further be configured to send to the message acquisition and transmission module 1020 the message to be transmitted Mtd(q) associated with the direct communication message Md(q) from the communication device 100-q. The message processing unit 1042 can then be configured to send to module 1020 the message to be transmitted associated with the relayed communication message M^ from the communication device 100-k (and optionally delete it from the backup memory).

[0112] The message processing unit 1042 can also be configured to first save message Mtd(q), then send message Mtd(k), and then send message Mtd(q). The order in which messages received simultaneously are saved or sent can be defined according to one or more predefined or predetermined priority parameters. Examples of priority parameters include, for example and without limitation, the size of the message to be transmitted, the actual arrival time of the message (within or outside the time interval θ), the origin of the message to be transmitted (i.e., the identifier i), and / or emergency information contained in the message to be transmitted.

[0113] Alternatively, in the case where only one communication device 100-(n+1) is used (i.e., distinguished), the relayed communication message Mr(k) and the direct communication message Md(q) were transmitted synchronously and originate from the same message M0(n+1). Only one of the messages, Mtd(n+1), can then be transmitted to the user Un via the message acquisition and transmission module 1020.

[0114] In embodiments, when the identifiers ir(k) and id(q) refer to the same device 100-(n+1), the message processing unit 1042 can be configured to select a message from among the relayed communication message Mr(k) and the direct communication message Md(q). Advantageously, in this case, the message processing unit 1042 may not convert the messages Mr(k) or Md(q) into messages Mtt(k) and Mtd(q) for transmission. Furthermore, the selection of the communication message Mr(k) or Md(q) can be defined according to one or more predefined or predetermined selection parameters. Examples of selection parameters include, for example and without limitation, the quality of the received message and / or the actual time of arrival of the message (within or outside the time interval 5).

[0115] It should be noted that the time difference T between the propagation delay of an audio signal in direct communication mode and the propagation delay of the same audio signal in relayed communication mode can be on the order of 100 ms, with transmission via direct communication mode generally being faster. Consequently, and particularly if <5 > r, a predetermined selection (or priority) command could be, for example, the automatic selection of the direct communication message Md(q) to be processed and transmitted to the user Un via the message acquisition and transmission module 1020. Furthermore, given selection (or priority) parameters can take this time difference T into account in order to verify whether two messages Mr(k) and Md(q) have been transmitted synchronously and whether or not they originate from the same message M0(n+1).This helps to avoid so-called "echo phenomena" during the transmission of messages to the user (or switching) from direct communication mode to relayed communication mode.

[0116] It should be noted that natural silences in the voice (of duration denoted e) are of the same order of magnitude as the time difference T of the propagation delays (i.e., Σ, for example, between 100 and 200 ms). Thus, selection or priority parameters can take this duration Σ into account, particularly when the reception of messages Md(q) received by the 1060 direct communication modules is carried out by "voice activity detection" or VAD.

[0117] In some embodiments, a method for monitoring critical wireless communications can then be implemented by one or more pieces of equipment included in the critical wireless communication system 10. Equipment can be, for example, a critical wireless communication device and / or the communication center 210. The method for monitoring critical wireless communications can consist of generating a data structure, also called a 'connectivity matrix', such as a data table comprising information relating to the direct communication mode (i.e., direct radio range) and the status of the relayed communication mode (i.e., network range) of some or all of the critical wireless communication devices included in the critical wireless communication system 10.

[0118] An "offline" 100-q communication device can transmit a direct communication message Md(q) to an "online" 100-n communication device arranged within direct radio range of the 100-q communication device. In some embodiments, the 100-n communication device can be configured to repeat this message Md(q) via the relayed communication mode, so as to transmit it, for example, to other critical wireless communication devices of the critical wireless communication system 10.In this case, following a given repetition command, the 1040 management module of the 100-n communication device can be further configured to determine a "repeat message" of relayed communication, denoted Mr(q^n), from the received direct communication message Md(q) transmitted by the 100-q communication device, the unique identifier ir(n) of the 1080 relayed communication module of the 100-n communication device, and the determined identifier id(q) associated with the 100-q communication device. The 100-n communication device can then be configured to transmit, solely via its 1080 relayed communication module, the repeat message of relayed communication Mr(q^n).

[0119] Fig. 4 is a flowchart describing the critical wireless communication management process, implemented by a 100-n communication device, for the transmission of a message, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0120] In step 400 of the initialization of 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 identifier ir(n) of the relayed communication module 1080 of the device 100-n.

[0121] At step 420, the message M0(n) is acquired via the message acquisition module 1020.

[0122] At step 440, 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.

[0123] At step 460, the identified direct communication message Md(n) is determined from the direct communication message Md and the associated identifier id(n).

[0124] At step 480, 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.

[0125] A person skilled in the art will readily understand that steps 440 and 460 can be carried out simultaneously and / or in a different order, for example a given order defined by management module 1040.

[0126] The [Fig.5] is a flowchart describing sub-steps of the process of managing wireless communication critical for the transmission of a message, implemented by a 100-n communication device, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0127] At step 520-A, a "global transmission refusal" state is triggered and implemented by the communication device 100-n. This "global transmission refusal" state can be the default state of the device 100-n.

[0128] At step 540-A, the management module 1040 receives alternate information from the relayed communication module 1080 and the direct communication module 1060. For example and without limitation, this alternate information may include data indicating a 'refusal to transmit' (refusal to transmit data) or data indicating a 'temporary authorization to transmit' (temporary authorization data).

[0129] In steps 562-A and 564-A, the management module 1040 evaluates the data contained in the alternate information. If at least one data item from the relayed communication module 1080 and / or direct communication module 1060 contains 'refusal to transmit' data, then the 'global refusal to transmit' state of the communication device 100-n is maintained.

[0130] At step 580-A, if the relayed communication module 1080 and the direct communication module 1060 each transmit to the management module 1040 data indicating a 'temporary transmission authorization', then a state of 'global temporary transmission authorization' of the communication device 100-n is triggered.

[0131] Equivalently, [Fig. 6] is an organizational chart according to modes of implementation Description of the invention describing sub-steps of the process of managing wireless communication critical for the transmission of a message, implemented by a 100-n communication device.

[0132] At step 520-B, the "global temporary emission authorization" state is triggered and implemented by the communication device 100-n.

[0133] At step 540-B, the management module 1040 receives alternate information from the relayed communication module 1080 and the direct communication module 1060. For example and without limitation, this alternate information may include 'refusal to transmit' data or 'authorization to transmit' data.

[0134] In steps 562-B and 564-B, the management module 1040 evaluates the data contained in the alternate information. If at least one data item from the relayed communication module 1080 and / or direct communication module 1060 contains 'refusal to transmit' data, then a 'global refusal to transmit' state of the communication device 100-n is triggered in step 580-B; otherwise, the 'temporary global transmission authorization' state of the communication device 100-n is maintained.

[0135] A person skilled in the art will readily understand that steps 562-A and 564-A (or 562-B and 564-B) can be carried out simultaneously and / or in a different order, for example a given order defined by management module 1040.

[0136] Figure 7 is a flowchart according to embodiments of the invention describing steps in the process of managing critical wireless communication for the reception of a message, implemented by a 100-n communication device.

[0137] At step 720, a direct communication message Md(n+1) (or a relayed communication message Mr(n+1)) issued 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 (or the relayed communication mode by the relayed communication module 1080).

[0138] At step 740, the identifier id(n+1) (or the identifier ir(n+i)) of the communication device 100-(n+l) is determined from identification data of the received message Md(n+1) (or Mr(n+1)).

[0139] At step 760, the received message Md(n+1) (or Mr(n+1)) is converted into a message Mt to be transmitted to user Un.

[0140] At step 780, the message Mt is transmitted via the message acquisition module 1020.

[0141] A person skilled in the art will readily understand that steps 740 and 760 can be carried out simultaneously and / or in a different order, for example an order defined by management module 1040.

[0142] Figure 8 is a flowchart according to embodiments of the invention describing steps and substeps of the critical wireless communication management process for message reception, implemented by a 100-n communication device.

[0143] At step 820, the direct communication message Md(q) and the relayed communication message Mr(k) are received by the communication device 100-n, respectively through the direct communication mode by the direct communication module 1060 and the relayed communication mode by the relayed communication module 1080.

[0144] At step 840, the identifiers id(q) and i^ are determined from the message received from direct communication Md(q) and the message received from relayed communication Mr(k) respectively.

[0145] At step 850, the identifiers id(q) and are compared.

[0146] If the identifiers id(q) and i^, are associated with the same communication device 100-(n+l), then at step 852-A, the received message from direct communication Md(q) (or the received message from relayed communication M^) is chosen using one or more selection parameters.

[0147] At step 860-A, the chosen received message Md(q) (or Mr(k)) is converted into a message M t to be transmitted (or 'converted message') to user Un.

[0148] At step 880-A, the message Mj is transmitted via the message acquisition module 1020.

[0149] A person skilled in the art will readily understand that steps 852-A and 860-A can be carried out simultaneously and / or in a different order, for example an order defined by management module 1040.

[0150] If the identifiers id(q) and are associated with two distinct communication devices 100-q and 100-k, then at step 860-B, the received message Md(q) and the received message Mr(k) are converted into two distinct messages Mtd(q) and Mtt(k) to be transmitted to user Un.

[0151] In step 862-B, the message to be transmitted (or the message to be transmitted M^) is chosen from one or more priority parameters to generate a priority message Mtd(q) (or and a non-priority message Mtt(k) (or Mtd(q)). Those skilled in the art will readily understand that this selection step 862-B is equivalent to choosing a message to be transmitted from among the messages received from direct communication Md(q) and relayed communication Mr(k).

[0152] At step 864-B, the non-priority message (or Mtd(q)) is recorded, and at step 882-B, the priority message (or Mtt(k)) is transmitted via the message acquisition module 1020.

[0153] At step 884-B, the non-priority message Mtt(k) (or Mtd(q)) is transmitted via the message acquisition module 1020.

[0154] A person skilled in the art will readily understand that steps 860-B, 862-B, 864-B and / or 882-B can be carried out simultaneously and / or in a different order, for example an order defined by management module 1040.

[0155] The [Fig.9] is a flowchart according to embodiments of the invention describing substeps of the process of managing wireless communication critical for the reception and transmission of a message, implemented by a 100-n communication device.

[0156] At step 920, a direct communication message Md(q) emitted by a communication device 100-q is received by the communication device 100-n, via the direct communication mode by the direct communication module 1060.

[0157] At step 940, the identifier id(q) of the communication device 100-q is determined from identification data of the message received Md(q) by the communication device 100-n.

[0158] At step 960, the message to be repeated of relayed communication Mr(q^n) is determined, by the communication device 100-n, from the received message of direct communication Md(q) transmitted by the communication device 100-q, the unique identifier ir(n) of the relayed communication module 1080 of the communication device 100-n and the determined identifier id(q) associated with the communication device 100-q.

[0159] At step 980, the message to be repeated of relayed communication is transmitted via the relayed communication mode by the relayed communication module 1080 of the communication device 100-n.

[0160] Those skilled in the art will understand that critical communication devices, according to embodiments of the invention, can be implemented in various ways by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, including in the form of program code that can be distributed as a program product in various forms. The program code can be distributed using computer-readable media, which may include computer-readable storage media and communication media. The methods described herein can, in particular, be implemented in the form of computer program instructions executable by one or more processors in a computer system. These computer program instructions can also be stored in computer-readable media.

[0161] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of non-limiting example. It encompasses all variant embodiments that may be envisaged by a person skilled in the art. In particular, a person skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to the various management, relayed communication, and / or direct communication modules described by way of non-limiting example. 23

Claims

Claims

1. Critical wireless communication device (100-n) comprising a message acquisition and transmission module (1020), a direct communication module (1060) and a relayed communication module (1080), said message acquisition and transmission module (1020) being configured to acquire an initial message M0(n), said direct communication module (1060) operating according to a direct communication protocol, said relayed communication module (1080) operating according to a relayed communication protocol, i.e. with connection to a network infrastructure, and being associated with a unique identifier i^, characterized in that the device further comprises a management module (1040) configured to determine an identifier id(n) associated with said direct communication module (1060) from the unique identifier ir(n),and in that said management module (1040) is configured to convert said message M0(n) into a direct communication message Md according to said direct communication protocol and into a relayed communication message Mr(n) according to said relayed communication protocol of the module, said management module (1040) being further configured to determine an identified direct communication message Md(n) from said direct communication message Md and said associated identifier id(n), said direct communication module (1060) being configured to transmit said identified direct communication message Md(n) and said relayed communication module (1080) being configured to transmit said relayed communication message M r(n) synchronously with the transmission of said identified direct communication message Md(n) by said direct communication module (1060).,

2. A critical wireless communication device (100-n), according to claim 1, wherein said management module (1040) is further configured to apply a function f to said unique identifier i^ to generate said identifier id(n) associated with said direct communication module (1060), said unique identifier being defined in an MSISDN format, and wherein said function f is a truncation function.

3. A critical wireless communication device (100-n), according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said direct communication module (1060) and said relayed communication module (1080) com- each take a transmission control unit configured to control transmission refusals and / or temporary transmission authorizations of direct communication message Md(n) and relayed communication message Mr(n), and in which said management module (1040) is configured to generate a global transmission refusal of said communication device (100-n) and / or global temporary transmission authorizations of said communication device (100-n) as a function of the transmission refusals and / or temporary transmission authorizations of said communication modules (1060) and (1080).

4. Critical wireless communication device (100-n), according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said direct communication module (1060) is configured to receive an identified direct communication message Md(q) and / or said relayed communication module (1080) is configured to receive a relayed communication message Mr(n), said management module (1040) being configured to convert said received direct communication message Md(q) into a message to be transmitted Mtd(q) and / or said received relayed communication message Mr(k) into a message to be transmitted, said message acquisition and transmission module (1020) being configured to transmit said message to be transmitted Mtd(q) and / or said message to be transmitted Mtt(k),and wherein said identified direct communication message Md(q) and / or said relayed communication message Mr(k) are transmitted by at least one other critical wireless communication device distinct from the first communication device (100-n).,

5. Critical wireless communication device (100-n), according to claim 4, wherein said management module (1040) is further configured to determine an identifier id(q) relating to the communication device (100-q) having transmitted the received direct communication message Md(q) and / or an identifier ir(k) relating to the communication device (100-k) having transmitted the received relayed communication message Mr(k).

6. Critical wireless communication device (100-n), according to claim 5, wherein said management module (1040) is configured to compare the identifier id(q) and the identifier ir(k) to determine whether said identified direct communication message Md(q) and said relayed communication message Mr(k) are transmitted by the same communication device (100-(n+l)), or whether said identified communi- direct communication Md(q) is transmitted by a second communication device (100-q) while said relayed communication message M r(k) is transmitted by a third communication device (100-k), depending on said comparison, and in which said management module (1040) is configured to select a message to be transmitted from among the received direct communication messages Md(q) and relayed communication Mr(k), and depending on given parameters.

7. Critical wireless communication device (100-n), according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said management module (1040) is further configured to determine a relayed communication message to be repeated Mr(q^n) from said received direct communication message M d(q) transmitted by a second communication device (100-q), said unique identifier of the relayed communication module (1080) of the communication device (100-n) and said determined identifier id(q) associated with said second communication device (100-q), and wherein said relayed communication module (1080) is configured to transmit said relayed communication message to be repeated Mr(q^n).

8. Critical wireless communication system (10) comprising a communication center (210) and a network infrastructure configured to implement an interconnection network (200), characterized in that the system comprises a set of communication devices (100) defined according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for managing critical wireless communication, implemented in a system comprising at least a first communication device (100-n) comprising a message acquisition and transmission module (1020), a direct communication module (1060) and a relayed communication module (1080), said direct communication module (1060) operating according to a direct communication protocol, said relayed communication module (1080) operating according to a relayed communication protocol and comprising a unique identifier ir(n), characterized in that the method comprises an initialization step consisting in determining (400) an identifier id(n) associated with said direct communication module (1060) from the unique identifier ir(n), and in that the method further comprises the steps consisting in: - acquiring (420) a message M0(n) via the message acquisition and transmission module (1020),- convert (440) said message M0(n) into a communication message, direct communication Md according to said direct communication protocol and into a relayed communication message Mr(n) according to said relayed communication protocol of the module, - determine (460) an identified direct communication message Md(n) from said direct communication message Md and said identification data id(n), - transmit (480) synchronously said identified direct communication message Md(n) and said relayed communication message Mr(n), respectively via said direct communication module (1060) and via said relayed communication module (1080).

10. A method for managing critical wireless communication, according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: - receiving (720, 820, 920) via said direct communication module (1060) an identified direct communication message Md(q) and / or receiving via said relayed communication module (1080) at least one relayed communication message Mr(k), - converting (760, 860-A, 860-B) said received direct communication message Md(q) into a message to be transmitted Mtd(q) and / or said received relayed communication message Mr(k) into a message to be transmitted Mtr(k), - transmitting (780, 880-A, 882-B, 884-B) said message to be transmitted M td(q) and / or said message to be transmitted via the message acquisition and transmission module (1020),and wherein said identified direct communication message Md(q) and said relayed communication message Mr(k) are transmitted by at least one other critical wireless communication device distinct from the first communication device (100-n).,

11. A method for managing critical wireless communication, according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises the steps of determining (740, 840, 940) the identifier id(q) relating to the communication device (100-q) having transmitted said received direct communication message Md(q) and / or the identifier ir(k) relating to the critical wireless communication device having transmitted said received relayed communication message Mr(k),

12. A method of managing critical wireless communication, according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: - comparing (850) the identifier id(q) and the identifier ir(k) to determine whether said identified direct communication message Md(q) and said relayed communication message Mr(k) are transmitted by the same communication device (100-(n+l)), or if said identified direct communication message Md(q) is transmitted by a second communication device (100-q) while said relayed communication message M r(k) is transmitted by a third communication device (100-k), depending on said comparison, - select (852-A, 862-B) a message to be transmitted from among the received direct communication messages Md(q) and relayed communication messages Mr(k), and according to given parameters.

13. A method of managing critical wireless communication, according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: - determining (960) a relayed communication message to be repeated M r(t| ,riJ from said received direct communication message Md(q) transmitted by a second communication device (100-q), said unique identifier ir(n) of the relayed communication module (1080) of the communication device (100-n) and said determined identifier id(q) associated with said second communication device (100-q), - transmitting (980) said relayed communication message to be repeated M nq .ni via said relayed communication module (1080).

Images