Communication systems and communication methods

Abstract

This enables the use of the VOX function on multiple VOX communication devices. [Solution] The system includes an extraction unit 82 that extracts communication information from received data, an analysis unit 83 that analyzes the number of people in the vicinity of an external communication device from the communication information extracted by the extraction unit 82, a calculation unit 86 that calculates priority information regarding the priority of the VOX function of the communication device based on the number of people in the vicinity of the external communication device analyzed by the analysis unit 83, and a control unit 88 that determines whether to enable or disable the VOX function based on the priority information calculated by the calculation unit 86.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication system and a communication method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a wireless device (hereinafter, a VOX communication device) using VOX (Voice Operation Transmission) technology has been utilized. In the VOX function used in this VOX communication device, voice can be recognized by speaking toward the microphone, and communication can be automatically started. Also, in the VOX communication device, when a call is completed, the end of voice can be detected, and communication can be automatically stopped. Therefore, even when the user's hands are occupied by other operations, the communication device can perform operations such as communication start and communication end according to the voice input state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, firefighters and the like wear a plurality of communication devices for on-site communication and headquarters communication, and may appropriately use them while switching the communication devices. Here, if one of the communication devices in use is a VOX communication device and the other communication devices are wireless devices that do not use VOX technology (non-VOX communication devices), it is considered that there is no problem in using the VOX function in this one VOX communication device.

[0005] However, if a user possesses two radios, both of which are VOX communication devices, it is possible that when the user attempts to communicate using one VOX device, the other VOX device may also activate unintentionally. Therefore, when using multiple VOX devices, the VOX function cannot be used effectively, requiring the user to perform operations such as pressing a button on the communication device they wish to use.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling one electronic device to be remotely controlled among multiple electronic devices that receive a remote control signal. However, it does not disclose the control of the VOX function in a VOX communication device.

[0007] This disclosure provides a communication device that enables the proper use of VOX functionality even when a user utilizes multiple VOX communication devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The communication system according to this disclosure includes: an extraction unit that extracts communication information from received data; an analysis unit that analyzes the number of people in the vicinity of an external communication device from the communication information extracted by the extraction unit; a calculation unit that calculates priority information regarding the priority of the VOX function of the communication device based on the number of people in the vicinity of the external communication device analyzed by the analysis unit; and a control unit that determines whether to enable or disable the VOX function based on the priority information calculated by the calculation unit. This allows the VOX function to be used even when a user is using multiple VOX communication devices.

[0009] The communication method relating to this disclosure includes the steps of: extracting communication information from received data; analyzing the number of people in the vicinity of an external communication device from the extracted communication information; calculating priority information regarding the priority of the VOX function of the communication device based on the analyzed number of people in the vicinity of the external communication device; and deciding whether to enable or disable the VOX function of the VOX unit based on the calculated priority information. This allows the VOX function to be used even when a user is using multiple VOX communication devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure provides a communication device that allows users to properly use the VOX function even when multiple radios are attached. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the functional blocks of the first communication device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the operation flow of the second communication device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the operation flow of the first communication device. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of scoring priority information according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This sequence diagram shows an example of a case in which the VOX function of the second communication device is enabled according to the current communication status of the first communication device, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This sequence diagram shows an example of a second embodiment in which the first priority information of the first communication device and the second priority information of the second communication device are scored and compared to enable the VOX function of the second communication device. [Figure 8] This figure shows the functional block of the first communication device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. showing a configuration in which the first communication device further includes a storage unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. showing an example of scoring of priority information according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] SEQUENCE DIAGRAM showing an example when the VOX function of the second communication device is enabled by scoring and comparing the first priority information of the first communication device and the second priority information of the second communication device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. showing the functional blocks of the first communication device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. showing an example of scoring of priority information according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] SEQUENCE DIAGRAM showing an example when the VOX function of the second communication device is enabled by scoring and comparing the first priority information of the first communication device and the second priority information of the second communication device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. showing the functional blocks of the first communication device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. showing an example of scoring of priority information according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] SEQUENCE DIAGRAM showing an example when the VOX function of the second communication device is enabled by scoring and comparing the first priority information of the first communication device and the second priority information of the second communication device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. showing the functional blocks of the first communication device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. showing an example of scoring of priority information according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. showing an example of a state in which a communication device is arranged in a holder provided with an RF tag according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 21] SEQUENCE DIAGRAM showing an example when the VOX function of the second communication device is enabled by scoring and comparing the first priority information of the first communication device and the second priority information of the second communication device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 22]This figure shows an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 23] This figure shows the functional block of the first communication device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 24] This figure shows an example of scoring priority information according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 25] This sequence diagram shows an example of a case in which the first priority information of the first communication device and the second priority information of the second communication device are scored and compared to enable the VOX function of the second communication device, according to the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The communication device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the communication system 1. However, this embodiment does not limit the present disclosure.

[0013] [Embodiment] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1 comprises a first communication device 11 and a second communication device 12, both of which are VOX radio transceivers. Here, it is assumed that the user is wearing both the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12, and that both are positioned within range of one user's voice. As will be described later, there can be multiple second communication devices 12, i.e., two or more, but here we will explain assuming there is only one second communication device 12.

[0014] Here, as shown in Figure 1, the first communication device 11 can communicate with the third communication device 13 owned by another user. The second communication device 12 can also communicate with the fourth communication device 14 owned by another user. In this case, the user of the third communication device 13 and the user of the fourth communication device 14 are different people. Note that the third communication device 13 and the fourth communication device may sometimes be referred to as external communication devices. Furthermore, the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 do not simultaneously receive audio transmitted by one of the external communication devices.

[0015] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional blocks of the first communication device 11. The first communication device 11 comprises a first communication unit 21, an extraction unit 22, an analysis unit 23, a second communication unit 24, an input unit 25, a calculation unit 26, a VOX unit 27, and a control unit 28.

[0016] Since the configuration of the first communication device 11 and the configuration of the second communication device 12 can be the same, the explanation of the second communication device 12 will be omitted. For example, the second communication device 12 may include a first communication unit 31, an extraction unit 32, an analysis unit 33, a second communication unit 34, an input unit 35, a calculation unit 36, a VOX unit 37, and a control unit 38.

[0017] The first communication unit 21 is a functional unit that communicates data, including voice data, to the third communication device 13. Here, the first communication unit 21 starts transmitting to the third communication device 13 when it receives input from the VOX unit 27 (described later) indicating that it will transmit to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 21 considers communication to have ended when it has finished transmitting data to the third communication device 13 or when it has finished receiving data from the third communication device 13.

[0018] When the first communication unit 21 receives communication data from the third communication device 13, it outputs the communication data to the extraction unit 22.

[0019] The extraction unit 22 extracts audio data from the communication data generated by the first communication unit and outputs the extracted audio data to the analysis unit 23.

[0020] The analysis unit 23 generates voice analysis results by analyzing the voice data extracted by the extraction unit 22. The analysis unit 23 outputs the voice analysis results to the calculation unit 26. Here, the analysis unit 23 generates voice analysis results for the inquiry value based on whether the content of the voice data received from the third communication device 13, which is an external communication device, is a one-way message or an inquiry. Furthermore, the analysis unit 23 can generate voice analysis results based on the degree of urgency, which is the degree of urgency, from the volume or speed of the voice data received from the third communication device 13, which is an external communication device.

[0021] Here, the question value and urgency can be defined as follows:

[0022] The question value can be calculated by the analysis unit 23 of the first communication device 11 and the analysis unit 33 of the second communication device 12 converting the received audio data into text, and then analyzing the content of the converted text using existing technology to determine whether or not it contains a question. For example, the analysis units 23 and 33 can detect sentences such as "Is it...?" or "Please respond," analyze whether or not there is a question, and assign a score as the question value. For example, the analysis units 23 and 33 can increase the question value score when there is a question and decrease the question value score when there is no question.

[0023] The urgency level can be scored by the analysis unit 23 of the first communication device 11 and the analysis unit 33 of the second communication device 12, which analyze the received voice data using existing technology to determine the volume and speed of the voice. For example, the analysis units 23 and 33 can assign a high urgency level when the voice volume is high or the speed is fast, and a low urgency level when the voice volume is low or the speed is slow, and assign a score accordingly.

[0024] The second communication unit 24 is a functional unit that transmits a VOX switching request signal, which is a signal to request the switching of the VOX function, and a VOX switching response signal, which is a response signal to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12. The second communication unit 24 can use short-range communication such as Bluetooth® for communication with the second communication device 12.

[0025] For example, when the priority information for the VOX function calculated by the calculation unit 26 (described later) is calculated, the second communication unit 24 can send and receive information to share information between the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 regarding which VOX function to enable. For example, the first communication device 11 can receive a VOX switching request signal from the second communication device 12 via short-range communication through the second communication unit 24, and can return a VOX switching response signal, which is a response to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12.

[0026] Here, the priority information for the VOX function is explained using the results of voice analysis, but it is not limited to this and other information can also be used. Furthermore, the elements that make up this priority information can be scored, and the priority can be set using the total score.

[0027] The input unit 25 is a functional unit that receives voice input from the user holding the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Typically, the input unit 25 is a microphone that receives voice input to the first communication device 11. The input unit 25 outputs the input voice information to the VOX unit 27.

[0028] The calculation unit 26 calculates priority information regarding the priority of VOX functions in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 based on the input information. Here, the calculation unit 26 can calculate the first priority information, which is the priority information for the first communication device 11, using the voice analysis results extracted by the extraction unit 22 and analyzed by the analysis unit 23.

[0029] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the calculation unit 26 of the first communication device 11 has first priority information, which is priority information generated by the first communication device 11, and when it receives second priority information, which is priority information generated by the second communication device 12, it can compare the first priority information and the second priority information. As a result, the calculation unit 26 can calculate whether to enable the VOX function of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12.

[0030] More specifically, the first communication device 11 transmits to the second communication device 12, as a VOX switching response signal, information indicating whether the VOX function of the second communication device 12 is enabled or disabled, as determined by the comparison of priority information in the calculation unit 26. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 can control whether the VOX unit 27 is enabled or disabled by outputting the result of this priority information comparison to the control unit 28 within the first communication device 11. As a result, only one of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12 will have the VOX function enabled.

[0031] The VOX unit 27 transmits data including the audio data input to the input unit 25 to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 21 when the volume of the audio input to the input unit 25 is above a predetermined level.

[0032] The VOX unit 27 is controlled based on the decision result received from the control unit 28 regarding whether to enable or disable the VOX function of the VOX unit 27. Specifically, if the decision result from the control unit 28 is "enabled" and the volume of the audio input to the input unit 25 is above a predetermined level, the VOX unit 27 transmits data to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 21. If the decision result is "disabled", the VOX unit 27 is controlled not to transmit data even if the volume of the audio input to the input unit 25 is above a predetermined level.

[0033] The control unit 28 uses the comparison result of priority information input from the calculation unit 26 to determine whether to enable or disable the VOX unit 27, and controls the operation of the VOX unit 27.

[0034] Furthermore, the first communication device 11 may also include a display unit 29. The display unit 29 is controlled by the control unit 28 and displays whether the VOX function of the first communication device 11 is enabled or disabled, so that the user can recognize this.

[0035] For example, the display unit 29 displays the illumination of a lamp on the first communication device 11, and can display different information depending on whether the VOX unit 27 is enabled or disabled. However, the method by which the display unit 29 outputs the status of the VOX unit 27 to the user is not limited to this; it may also display the information on a display or output audio.

[0036] Similarly, the second communication device 12 can also be provided with a display unit 39.

[0037] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the operation flow of the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 will be described.

[0038] In this context, the first communication device 11 is treated as having a generally higher priority for using the VOX function compared to the second communication device 12. Furthermore, it is assumed that the VOX function of the first communication device 11 is enabled, while the VOX function of the second communication device 12 is disabled.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an example of the operation flow in which the VOX unit 27 is switched on or remains disabled when the second communication device 12 communicates with the first communication device 11. In other words, Figure 3 shows an example of the operation flow of the communication system 1 with the second communication device 12 at the center.

[0040] First, the second communication device 12 receives a signal from the fourth communication device 14 (step S1). This communication is conducted via the first communication unit 31 of the second communication device 12.

[0041] The second communication device 12 calculates its own priority information (step S2). Specifically, the calculation unit 36 ​​of the second communication device 12 calculates priority information based on the VOX function priority information extracted by the extraction unit 32 from the data input from the first communication unit 31, that is, according to the voice analysis results analyzed by the analysis unit 33 on the input voice data. This priority information relating to the second communication device 12 is designated as the second priority information.

[0042] The second communication device 12 transmits a VOX switching request signal including the second priority information to the first communication device 11 (step S3). At this time, the second communication device 12 outputs a VOX switching request signal including the second priority information to the first communication device 11 via the second communication unit 34.

[0043] The second communication device 12 receives a VOX switching response signal from the first communication device 11 (step S4). If the content of the received VOX switching response signal indicates that it is OK to enable the VOX function in the second communication device 12 (OK in step S4), the control unit 38 controls the VOX unit 37 to enable it (step S5).

[0044] On the other hand, if the content of the switching response signal received by the second communication device 12 indicates that the VOX function in the second communication device 12 should remain disabled (NG in step S4), the control unit 38 controls the VOX unit 37 to remain disabled (step S6).

[0045] Subsequently, the operation flow in the second communication device 12 is terminated.

[0046] Next, referring to Figure 4, we will explain an example of the operation flow of the communication system 1, centered on the first communication device 11, in a scenario similar to that in Figure 3.

[0047] The first communication device 11 receives a VOX switching request signal from the second communication device 12 via the second communication unit 24 (step S11). This is the VOX switching request signal transmitted from the second communication device 12 in step S3 in Figure 3.

[0048] The calculation unit 26 extracts second priority information from the VOX switching request signal input from the second communication device 12 (step S12).

[0049] Meanwhile, the calculation unit 26 calculates priority information for the first communication device 11 (step S13). Here, the priority information relating to the first communication device 11 is defined as the first priority information.

[0050] Figure 5 shows an example of the points used to calculate priority information.

[0051] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), a set of points to be set as priority information according to the voice analysis results is predefined. Here, the points set as priority information according to the voice analysis results are the question value, which is set based on whether the content of the voice data is a one-sided message or not, i.e., whether it is a question or not, and the urgency level, which is the degree of urgency set based on the volume or speed of the voice data. Note that either the question value or the urgency level may be used, or both may be used.

[0052] The first communication device 11 checks which part of the tables in Figures 5(a) and 5(b) corresponds to the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12, respectively, and calculates the total score for each of them. Here, Figure 5(c) shows an example of the total score calculated for the first communication device 11, and Figure 5(d) shows an example of the total score calculated for the second communication device 12.

[0053] The calculation unit 26 compares the total scores of the first priority information and the second priority information (step S14). If the total score of the first priority information is lower than the total score of the second priority information (Yes in step S14), the second communication device 12 is given priority, and the VOX unit 27 of the first communication device 11 is disabled (step S15). Furthermore, the first communication device 11 sends a VOX switching response signal to the second communication device 12 indicating that it is OK to enable the VOX unit 37 (step S16).

[0054] In step S16, the VOX switching response signal transmitted from the first communication device 11 is received by the second communication device 12 in step S4 in Figure 3.

[0055] On the other hand, if the total score of the first priority information is higher than the total score of the second priority information (No in step S14), the first communication device 11 takes priority, and the VOX unit 27 of the first communication device 11 is kept enabled (step S17). Furthermore, the first communication device 11 sends a VOX switching response signal to the second communication device 12 indicating that the VOX unit 37 will remain disabled (step S18).

[0056] In step S18, the VOX switching response signal transmitted from the first communication device 11 is received by the second communication device 12 in step S4 in Figure 3.

[0057] Subsequently, the operation flow in the first communication device 11 is terminated.

[0058] [First Embodiment] Here, Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the switching operation between enabling and disabling the VOX function of the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Note that the sequence diagram in Figure 6 will be explained in a case where the points shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(d) are not used as priority information.

[0059] As a premise, the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 are owned by one user. The first communication device 11 is for communicating with the third communication device 13 owned by another user, and the second communication device 12 is for communicating with the fourth communication device 14 owned by yet another user.

[0060] At the start, the priority of the first communication device 11 is set higher than the priority of the second communication device 12, the VOX function of the first communication device 11 is enabled, and the VOX function of the second communication device 12 is disabled.

[0061] The second communication device 12 receives a high-priority (Emergency) communication from the fourth communication device 14 (step S21). At this time, the second communication device 12 sends a VOX switching request to the first communication device 11 requesting that the VOX function of the second communication device 12 be enabled (step S22).

[0062] The first communication device 11 receives a request from the second communication device 12 to enable the VOX function, and if the first communication device 11 is not in a call with the third communication device 13, it disables the VOX function of the first communication device 11 (step S23). Furthermore, the first communication device 11 sends a VOX switching response (OK) to the second communication device 12 indicating that it will enable the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S24).

[0063] The second communication device 12 receives a VOX switching response (OK) from the first communication device 11 and enables the VOX function (step S25). After the end of a call with the fourth communication device 14, if there is no call for a certain period of time, the second communication device 12 sends a VOX switching request to the first communication device 11 requesting that the VOX function of the second communication device 12 be disabled (step S26).

[0064] When the first communication device 11 receives a VOX switching request from the second communication device 12 to disable the VOX function, it enables the VOX function of the first communication device 11 (step S27). The first communication device 11 also sends a VOX switching response to the second communication device 12 to disable the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S28).

[0065] The second communication device 12 receives a VOX switching response from the first communication device 11 indicating that the VOX function of the second communication device 12 should be disabled, and disables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S29).

[0066] In step S23, if the first communication device 11 is in a call, the first communication device 11 sends a VOX switching response (NG) to the second communication device 12 indicating that the VOX function of the second communication device 12 will be disabled (step S24). The VOX function of the first communication device 11 can remain enabled, while the VOX function of the second communication device 12 can remain disabled.

[0067] In this way, the communication system 1 basically enables the VOX function of the first communication device 11, which is set to have a high priority. If the first communication device 11 is not communicating and there is an incoming call from the fourth communication device 14 to the second communication device 12, the VOX function of the first communication device 11 can be temporarily disabled and the VOX function of the second communication device 12 can be enabled.

[0068] Furthermore, in the operation shown in Figure 6, it can be considered that the focus is on whether or not the first communication device 11 is communicating with the first priority information relating to the first communication device 11. In other words, when the first communication device 11 receives a VOX switching request from the second communication device 12, it can be considered that the VOX function of the first communication device 11 is treated as having a low priority because it is not communicating with the third communication device 13.

[0069] [Second Example] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the switching operation between enabling and disabling the VOX function in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. This sequence diagram in Figure 7 explains the case where the points shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(d) are used as priority information.

[0070] Note that the preconditions for the normal priority of the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 are the same as those explained in Figure 6, so we will omit the explanation.

[0071] The second communication device 12 receives communication from the fourth communication device 14 (step S31). At this time, the second communication device 12 analyzes the voice data input from the fourth communication device 14 according to the received information and creates second priority information, which is the priority information for the second communication device 12. Specifically, the second priority information is created as a total score of "60" from the query value "60" and the urgency level "0". The second communication device 12 also sends a VOX switching request to the first communication device 11 that enables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S32).

[0072] When the first communication device 11 receives a VOX switching request from the second communication device 12 to enable the VOX function, it simultaneously receives the second priority information, which is the priority information of the second communication device 12. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 analyzes the voice data input from the third communication device 13 in accordance with the information received during communication with the third communication device 13, and creates the first priority information, which is the priority information of the first communication device 11 (step S33). Specifically, the first priority information is created as a total score of "10" from the query value "0" and the urgency level "10".

[0073] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the first communication device 11 compares the total scores obtained from the priority scores of the first priority information and the second priority information. If the total score of the second priority information is higher, it disables the VOX function of the first communication device (step S34) and sends a VOX switching response (OK) to the second communication device 12 (step S35). Specifically, it compares the total score of the first priority information, which is "10," with the total score of the second priority information, which is "60." Since the total score of the second priority information is higher, it disables the VOX function of the first communication device (step S34) and sends a VOX switching response (OK) to the second communication device 12 (step S35).

[0074] When the second communication device 12 receives a VOX switching response (OK), it enables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S36).

[0075] As in the example shown in Figure 6, once communication with the second communication device 12 is completed, the VOX function of the first communication device 11 may be enabled and the VOX function of the second communication device 12 may be disabled as appropriate, returning to the original state before step S31.

[0076] As a result, the communication system 1 can control the system to enable the VOX function of the system with the higher overall score by scoring and comparing the second priority information sent from the second communication device 12 to the first communication device 11 with the first priority information calculated by the first communication device 11.

[0077] Based on the above, communication system 1 allows for the proper use of the VOX function even when a user utilizes multiple VOX communication devices.

[0078] [Third embodiment] Figure 8 shows an example of the functional blocks of the first communication device 11 in the communication system 1 according to the third embodiment. The first communication device 11 comprises a first communication unit 41, an extraction unit 42, an analysis unit 43, a second communication unit 44, an input unit 45, a calculation unit 46, a VOX unit 47, and a control unit 48.

[0079] The first communication unit 41 is a functional unit that communicates data, including voice data, to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 41 starts transmitting to the third communication device 13 when it receives input from the VOX unit 47 indicating that it will transmit to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 41 considers communication to be complete when it has finished transmitting data to the third communication device 13 or when it has finished receiving data from the third communication device 13.

[0080] When the first communication unit 41 receives communication data from the third communication device 13, it outputs the communication data to the extraction unit 42.

[0081] The extraction unit 42 extracts communication information from the communication data transmitted by the first communication unit and outputs the extracted communication information to the analysis unit 43. In this case, the external communication device is the third communication device 13. The information extracted by the extraction unit 42 may include location information of the external communication device and dangerous location information, which is information about dangerous locations.

[0082] The analysis unit 43 analyzes the communication information extracted by the extraction unit 42 and outputs it to the calculation unit 46. Here, the analysis unit 43 can analyze the location risk level, which is a numerical value indicating the risk level of the location where the third communication device 13, an external communication device, is located, from the communication information extracted by the extraction unit 42. In other words, the analysis unit 43 can analyze the location risk level of the external communication device based on the distance between the location information of the external communication device extracted by the extraction unit 42 and the risk location information.

[0083] As shown in Figure 9, the first communication device 11 can have a structure that includes a storage unit 43a. The storage unit 43a stores crime rates in advance as crime rate area information for each divided area on the map. The analysis unit 43 can analyze the location risk of the third communication device 13, which is an external communication device, based on the location information of the external communication device extracted by the extraction unit 42 and the crime rate area information stored in the storage unit 43a.

[0084] As a concrete example, the positional relationship from dangerous locations, the positional relationship from dangerous floors, and crime rate area information that constitute the location risk level can be defined as follows.

[0085] The first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 each assign points to the distance between the location of the external communication device they are communicating with and the dangerous location, as a positional relationship of distance from the dangerous location. Here, the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 assign higher points the closer the distance to the dangerous location and lower points the farther away it is (see Figure 10(a)).

[0086] Furthermore, the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 each assign points to the height relationship between the floor where the external communication device they are communicating with is located and the hazardous floor, as a positional relationship of height distance from the hazardous floor. The first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 assign higher points the closer the height distance from the hazardous floor is, and lower points the farther away it is. As an example, under the condition that a fire is occurring, the upper part of the hazardous floor may be more dangerous, so the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 may assign higher points to the upper part of the hazardous floor (see Figure 10(b)).

[0087] Furthermore, the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 can score crime rates using crime rate area information (see Figure 10(c)). Specifically, the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 divide the town into multiple areas on a map and pre-set the crime rate for each area by referring to past crime information, etc. Then, the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 score the area where the receiving communication device is located by referring to the set crime rate. Here, a higher crime rate means more crime and therefore a higher score, and a lower crime rate means less crime and therefore a lower score (see Figure 10(j)).

[0088] The second communication unit 44 is a functional unit that transmits a VOX switching request signal, which is a signal to request the switching of the VOX function, and a VOX switching response signal, which is a response signal to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12. The second communication unit 44 can use short-range communication such as Bluetooth for communication with the second communication device 12.

[0089] For example, when the VOX function priority information calculated by the calculation unit 46 is calculated, the second communication unit 44 can send and receive information to share information between the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 regarding which VOX function to enable. For example, the first communication device 11 can receive a VOX switching request signal from the second communication device 12 via short-range communication through the second communication unit 44, and can return a VOX switching response signal, which is a response to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12.

[0090] Here, the priority information for the VOX function is explained using location risk, but it is not limited to this and other information can also be used. Furthermore, the elements that make up this priority information can be scored, and the priority can be set using the total score.

[0091] The input unit 45 is a functional unit that receives voice input from the user holding the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Typically, the input unit 45 is a microphone that receives voice input to the first communication device 11. The input unit 45 outputs the input voice information to the VOX unit 47.

[0092] The calculation unit 46 calculates priority information regarding the priority of VOX functions in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 based on the input information. Here, the calculation unit 46 can calculate the first priority information, which is the priority information for the first communication device 11, using the position risk level extracted by the extraction unit 42 and analyzed by the analysis unit 43.

[0093] Furthermore, the calculation unit 46 of the first communication device 11 has first priority information, which is priority information generated by the first communication device 11, and when it receives second priority information, which is priority information generated by the second communication device 12, it can compare the first priority information and the second priority information. As a result, the calculation unit 46 can calculate whether to enable the VOX function of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12.

[0094] More specifically, the first communication device 11 transmits to the second communication device 12, as a VOX switching response signal, information indicating whether the VOX function of the second communication device 12 is enabled or disabled, as determined by the comparison of priority information in the calculation unit 46. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 can control whether the VOX unit 47 is enabled or disabled by outputting the result of this priority information comparison to the control unit 48 within the first communication device 11. As a result, only one of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12 will have the VOX function enabled.

[0095] The VOX unit 47 transmits data including the audio data input to the input unit 45 to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 41 when the volume of the audio input to the input unit 45 is above a predetermined level.

[0096] The VOX unit 47 is controlled based on the decision result received from the control unit 48 regarding whether to enable or disable the VOX function of the VOX unit 47. Specifically, if the decision result from the control unit 48 is "enabled" and the volume of the audio input to the input unit 45 is above a predetermined level, the VOX unit 47 transmits data to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 41. If the decision result is "disabled," the VOX unit 47 is controlled not to transmit data even if the volume of the audio input to the input unit 45 is above a predetermined level.

[0097] The control unit 48 uses the comparison result of priority information input from the calculation unit 46 to determine whether to enable or disable the VOX unit 47, and controls the operation of the VOX unit 47.

[0098] Since the configuration of the first communication device 11 and the configuration of the second communication device 12 can be the same, the explanation of the second communication device 12 will be omitted. For example, the second communication device 12 includes a first communication unit 51, an extraction unit 52, an analysis unit 53, a storage unit 33a, a second communication unit 54, an input unit 55, a calculation unit 56, a VOX unit 57, and a control unit 58.

[0099] The first communication device 11 may also be equipped with a display unit 49. The display unit 49 is controlled by the control unit 48 and displays whether the VOX function of the first communication device 11 is enabled or disabled, so that the user can recognize this.

[0100] For example, the display unit 49 displays the illumination of a lamp on the first communication device 11, and can display different information depending on whether the VOX unit 47 is enabled or disabled. However, the method by which the display unit 49 outputs the status of the VOX unit 47 to the user is not limited to this; it may also display the information on a display or output audio.

[0101] Similarly, the second communication device 12 can also be provided with a display unit 59.

[0102] As shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(c), a location risk level, which is a numerical value indicating the risk level of the location where the external communication device is located, is defined in advance. The first communication device 11 checks which part of the tables in Figures 10(a) to 10(c) corresponds to the communication by the first communication device 11 and the communication by the second communication device 12, and calculates the combined score for the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Here, Figures 10(d), (f), and (h) show examples of the combined score of the first communication device 11 calculated, and Figures 10(e), (g), and (i) show examples of the combined score of the second communication device 12 calculated. Figure 10(j) shows an example of the crime rate set for each district of the town, and the locations of the third communication device 13 communicating with the first communication device 11, and the fourth communication device 14 communicating with the second communication device 12.

[0103] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the switching operation between enabling and disabling the VOX function in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. This sequence diagram in Figure 11 will explain the case where the points shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(j) are used as priority information.

[0104] The preconditions for the normal priority of the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 are the same as those explained in Figure 6, so their explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the method for creating and comparing specific priority information is the same as that explained in Figure 7, so its explanation is omitted.

[0105] The second communication device 12 receives communication from the fourth communication device 14 (step S41). At this time, the second communication device 12 analyzes the positional risk level of the fourth communication device 14 from the received information and creates second priority information, which is priority information for the second communication device 12. The second communication device 12 also sends a VOX switching request to the first communication device 11 to enable the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S42).

[0106] When the first communication device 11 receives a VOX switching request from the second communication device 12 to enable the VOX function, it simultaneously receives second priority information. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 analyzes the location risk level of the third communication device 13 from the information received during communication with the third communication device 13 and creates first priority information, which is the priority information for the first communication device 11 (step S43).

[0107] As shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(c), the first communication device 11 compares the total scores obtained from the priority scores of the first priority information and the second priority information. If the total score of the second priority information is higher, it disables the VOX function of the first communication device (step S44) and sends a VOX switching response (OK) to the second communication device 12 (step S45). In Figure 11, the total scores are calculated and compared using the positional risk score based on distance as shown in Figure 10(a) as the first priority information and second priority information. However, the scores based on the positional relationship of height to the dangerous floor and the crime rate, as shown in Figures 10(b) and 10(c), can also be used.

[0108] When the second communication device 12 receives a VOX switching response (OK), it enables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S46).

[0109] After communication with the second communication device 12 is completed, the VOX function of the first communication device 11 may be enabled and the VOX function of the second communication device 12 may be disabled as appropriate, returning to the original state before step S41.

[0110] As a result, the communication system 1 can control the system to enable the VOX function of the system with the higher overall score by scoring and comparing the second priority information sent from the second communication device 12 to the first communication device 11 with the first priority information calculated by the first communication device 11.

[0111] Based on the above, communication system 1 allows for the proper use of the VOX function even when a user utilizes multiple VOX communication devices.

[0112] [Fourth embodiment] Figure 12 shows an example of the functional blocks of the first communication device 11 in the communication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The first communication device 11 comprises a first communication unit 61, an extraction unit 62, an analysis unit 63, a second communication unit 64, an input unit 65, a calculation unit 66, a VOX unit 67, and a control unit 68.

[0113] The first communication unit 61 is a functional unit that communicates data, including voice data, to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 61 starts transmitting to the third communication device 13 when it receives input from the VOX unit 67 indicating that it will transmit to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 61 considers communication to be complete when it has finished transmitting data to the third communication device 13 or when it has finished receiving data from the third communication device 13.

[0114] When the first communication unit 61 receives communication data from the third communication device 13, it outputs the communication data to the extraction unit 62.

[0115] The extraction unit 62 extracts communication information from the communication data transmitted by the first communication unit and outputs the extracted communication information to the analysis unit 63. In this case, the external communication device is the third communication device 13.

[0116] The analysis unit 63 analyzes the communication information extracted by the extraction unit 62 and outputs it to the calculation unit 66. Here, the communication information extracted by the extraction unit 62 is assumed to include information about the surrounding environment and ambient temperature of the user using the external communication device. In this case, the analysis unit 63 can analyze the user risk level of the external communication device based on this information about the surrounding environment and ambient temperature.

[0117] Furthermore, the communication information extracted by the extraction unit 62 is assumed to include the biometric information of the user using the external communication device. In this case, the analysis unit 63 can analyze the user risk level of the external communication device based on this biometric information of the user.

[0118] Furthermore, the communication information extracted by the extraction unit 62 may include the user's voice data. In this case, the communication information extracted by the extraction unit 62 is assumed to include all of the user's ambient environment information, ambient temperature, biological information, and voice data of the external communication device user. In this case, the analysis unit 63 analyzes the user's ambient environment information, ambient temperature, and biological information of the external communication device user to determine the user's risk level. If this user risk level is above a predetermined value, the analysis unit 63 can then analyze the degree of urgency from the voice data of the external communication device and update the user risk level.

[0119] In the following explanation, communication system 1 is described as utilizing all of the following to assess user risk: ambient environment information, ambient temperature, and biological information. However, it is also acceptable to utilize at least one of these.

[0120] More specifically, the user risk level and the surrounding environmental information, ambient temperature, biological information, and urgency level that constitute the user risk level can be defined as follows.

[0121] The user risk level is calculated by adding together the scores obtained by the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12, respectively, which indicate the degree of risk to the user of the external communication device they communicate with, based on the ambient environment information and ambient temperature of the external communication device, and based on the biometric information of the user utilizing the external communication device. Alternatively, if the total score obtained by scoring the user risk level based on this ambient environment information, ambient temperature, and biometric information exceeds a predetermined value, the user risk level value may be updated based on the urgency level.

[0122] The surrounding environment information refers to the environment around the user of the external communication device, for example, air concentration. The higher either the carbon monoxide concentration or the carbon dioxide concentration, the higher the user risk level is set, and the lower either the carbon monoxide concentration or the carbon dioxide concentration, the lower the user risk level is set.

[0123] The ambient temperature is the temperature around the user of the external communication device. A higher ambient temperature indicates a higher user risk level, while a lower ambient temperature indicates a lower user risk level. Alternatively, depending on the usage situation, a lower ambient temperature may result in a higher user risk level, and a higher ambient temperature may result in a lower user risk level.

[0124] Biometric information refers to the user's biometric data for the external communication device, and can include, for example, body temperature and heart rate. Higher body temperature and heart rate result in a higher user risk level, while lower values ​​result in a lower user risk level. Furthermore, since low body temperature and heart rate may indicate a dangerous situation, the user risk level may be set higher when these values ​​fall below a predetermined level. Note that only one of the biometric information, either body temperature or heart rate, may be used.

[0125] The urgency level is determined by analyzing the volume and speed of the voice data received by the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 using existing technology and assigning a score. For example, a high urgency level can be set if the voice is loud or fast, and a low urgency level can be set if the voice is quiet or slow. It is also possible to set the urgency level by combining the volume and speed of the voice.

[0126] The second communication unit 64 is a functional unit that transmits a VOX switching request signal, which is a signal to request the switching of the VOX function, and a VOX switching response signal, which is a response signal to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12. The second communication unit 64 can use short-range communication such as Bluetooth for communication with the second communication device 12.

[0127] For example, when the VOX function priority information calculated by the calculation unit 66 is calculated, the second communication unit 64 can send and receive information to share information between the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 regarding which VOX function to enable. For example, the first communication device 11 can receive a VOX switching request signal from the second communication device 12 via short-range communication through the second communication unit 64, and can return a VOX switching response signal, which is a response to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12.

[0128] Here, the priority information for the VOX function is explained using user risk level, but it is not limited to this and other information can also be used. Furthermore, each element constituting this priority information can be scored, and the total score can be used to set the priority order.

[0129] The input unit 65 is a functional unit that receives voice input from the user holding the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Typically, the input unit 65 is a microphone that receives voice input to the first communication device 11. The input unit 65 outputs the input voice information to the VOX unit 67.

[0130] The calculation unit 66 calculates priority information regarding the priority of VOX functions in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 based on the input information. Here, the calculation unit 66 can calculate the first priority information, which is the priority information for the first communication device 11, using the user risk level extracted by the extraction unit 62 and analyzed by the analysis unit 63.

[0131] Furthermore, the calculation unit 66 of the first communication device 11 has first priority information, which is priority information generated by the first communication device 11, and when it receives second priority information, which is priority information generated by the second communication device 12, it can compare the first priority information and the second priority information. As a result, the calculation unit 66 can calculate whether to enable the VOX function of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12.

[0132] More specifically, the first communication device 11 transmits to the second communication device 12, as a VOX switching response signal, information indicating whether the VOX function of the second communication device 12 is enabled or disabled, as determined by the comparison of priority information in the calculation unit 66. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 can control whether the VOX unit 67 is enabled or disabled by outputting the result of this priority information comparison to the control unit 68 within the first communication device 11. As a result, only one of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12 will have the VOX function enabled.

[0133] The VOX unit 67 transmits data including the audio data input to the input unit 65 to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 61 when the volume of the audio input to the input unit 65 is above a predetermined level.

[0134] The VOX unit 67 is controlled based on the decision result received from the control unit 68 regarding whether to enable or disable the VOX function of the VOX unit 67. Specifically, if the decision result from the control unit 68 is "enabled" and the volume of the audio input to the input unit 65 is above a predetermined level, the VOX unit 67 transmits data to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 61. If the decision result is "disabled," the VOX unit 67 is controlled not to transmit data even if the volume of the audio input to the input unit 65 is above a predetermined level.

[0135] The control unit 68 uses the comparison result of priority information input from the calculation unit 66 to determine whether to enable or disable the VOX unit 67, and controls the operation of the VOX unit 67.

[0136] Since the configuration of the first communication device 11 and the configuration of the second communication device 12 can be the same, the explanation of the second communication device 12 will be omitted. For example, the second communication device 12 may include a first communication unit 71, an extraction unit 72, an analysis unit 33, a second communication unit 74, an input unit 75, a calculation unit 76, a VOX unit 77, and a control unit 78.

[0137] Furthermore, the first communication device 11 may also include a display unit 69. The display unit 69 is controlled by the control unit 68 and displays whether the VOX function of the first communication device 11 is enabled or disabled, so that the user can recognize this.

[0138] For example, the display unit 69 displays the illumination of a lamp provided on the first communication device 11, and can display different information depending on whether the VOX unit 67 is enabled or disabled. However, the method by which the display unit 69 outputs the status of the VOX unit 67 to the user is not limited to this; it may also display the information on a display or output audio.

[0139] Similarly, the second communication device 12 can also be provided with a display unit 79.

[0140] As shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(e), a score is predefined as the user risk level for users using external communication devices. The first communication device 11 checks which part of each table in Figures 13(a) to 13(e) corresponds to the most recent communication by the first communication device 11 and the communication by the second communication device 12, and calculates the combined score for the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Here, Figures 13(f), (h), and (j) show examples of the calculated combined score for the first communication device 11, and Figures 13(g), (i), and (k) show examples of the calculated combined score for the second communication device 12.

[0141] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the switching operation between enabling and disabling the VOX function in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. This sequence diagram in Figure 14 will explain the case where the points shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(k) are used as priority information.

[0142] The preconditions for the normal priority of the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 are the same as those explained in Figure 6, so their explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the method for creating and comparing specific priority information is the same as that explained in Figure 7, so its explanation is omitted.

[0143] The second communication device 12 receives communication from the fourth communication device 14 (step S51). At this time, the second communication device 12 analyzes the user risk level of the user of the fourth communication device 14 at the time of reception from the communication information in the communication with the fourth communication device 14 and creates second priority information, which is priority information for the second communication device 12. The second communication device 12 also sends a VOX switching request to the first communication device 11 that enables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S52).

[0144] When the first communication device 11 receives a VOX switching request from the second communication device 12 to enable the VOX function, it simultaneously receives the second priority information, which is the priority information of the second communication device 12. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 analyzes the user risk level of the user of the third communication device 13 at the time of reception from the received information in communication with the third communication device 13, and creates the first priority information, which is the priority information of the first communication device 11 (step S53).

[0145] As shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(e), the first communication device 11 compares the total scores obtained from the priority scores of the first priority information and the second priority information. If the total score of the second priority information is higher, the first communication device 11 disables its VOX function (step S54) and sends a VOX switching response (OK) to the second communication device 12 (step S55).

[0146] When the second communication device 12 receives a VOX switching response (OK), it enables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S56).

[0147] Furthermore, once communication with the second communication device 12 is completed, the VOX function of the first communication device 11 may be enabled and the VOX function of the second communication device 12 may be disabled as appropriate, returning to the original state before step S51.

[0148] As a result, the communication system 1 can control the system to enable the VOX function of the system with the higher overall score by scoring and comparing the second priority information sent from the second communication device 12 to the first communication device 11 with the first priority information calculated by the first communication device 11.

[0149] [Fifth Example] Figure 15 shows an example of the functional block of the first communication device 11 of the communication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The first communication device 11 comprises a first communication unit 81, an extraction unit 82, an analysis unit 83, a second communication unit 84, an input unit 85, a calculation unit 86, a VOX unit 87, and a control unit 88.

[0150] The first communication unit 81 is a functional unit that communicates data, including voice data, to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 81 starts transmitting to the third communication device 13 when it receives input from the VOX unit 87 indicating that it will transmit to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 81 considers communication to be complete when it has finished transmitting data to the third communication device 13 or when it has finished receiving data from the third communication device 13.

[0151] When the first communication unit 81 receives communication data from the third communication device 13, it outputs the communication data to the extraction unit 82.

[0152] The extraction unit 82 extracts communication information from the communication data transmitted by the first communication unit and outputs the extracted communication information to the analysis unit 83. In this case, the external communication device is the third communication device 13.

[0153] The analysis unit 83 analyzes the communication information extracted by the extraction unit 82 and outputs it to the calculation unit 86. Here, the communication information extracted by the extraction unit 82 is assumed to include communication devices located around the external communication device, communication devices that performed short-range communication and their receiving sensitivity, and the number of communication devices that performed short-range communication. In this case, the analysis unit 83 can analyze the number of people around the external communication device based on the communication devices and their receiving sensitivity extracted by the extraction unit 82. Furthermore, the analysis unit 83 can analyze the number of people around the external communication device based on the number of communication devices extracted by the extraction unit 82.

[0154] In this context, the number of people in the vicinity, the communication device, and its receiving sensitivity can be defined as follows.

[0155] The number of people in the vicinity is the number of people located around the user of the external communication device with which the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 communicate. Here, the number of communication devices extracted by the extraction unit 82 is counted as the number of people in the vicinity based on the communication devices and their receiving sensitivity, and the analysis unit 83 can assign a score according to the number of people in the vicinity. For example, if there are few people around the external communication device, a high score is set, and if there are many people, a low score is set.

[0156] The communication device and its receiving sensitivity are the receiving sensitivity of the external communication device and the communication devices located around the external communication device. For example, the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 use the communication information of the communication devices and their receiving sensitivity extracted by the extraction unit 82, and the analysis unit 83 counts the number of people in the vicinity of the communication devices whose receiving sensitivity at the external communication device is above a predetermined value.

[0157] Specifically, the first communication device 11 counts the number of other communication devices (not shown) with which the third communication device 13, an external communication device, is communicating, with a predetermined receiving sensitivity of -80 dBm or higher. Similarly, the second communication device 12 counts the number of other communication devices with which the third communication device 13, an external communication device, is communicating, with a predetermined receiving sensitivity of -80 dBm.

[0158] The second communication unit 84 is a functional unit that transmits a VOX switching request signal, which is a signal to request the switching of the VOX function, and a VOX switching response signal, which is a response signal to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12. The second communication unit 84 can use short-range communication such as Bluetooth for communication with the second communication device 12.

[0159] For example, when the VOX function priority information calculated by the calculation unit 86 is calculated, the second communication unit 84 can send and receive information to share information between the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 regarding which VOX function to enable. For example, the first communication device 11 can receive a VOX switching request signal from the second communication device 12 via short-range communication through the second communication unit 84, and can return a VOX switching response signal, which is a response to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12.

[0160] Here, the priority information for the VOX function is explained using the number of people around the external communication device, but it is not limited to this and other information can also be used. Furthermore, the elements that make up this priority information can be scored, and the priority can be set using the total score.

[0161] The input unit 85 is a functional unit that receives voice input from the user holding the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Typically, the input unit 85 is a microphone that receives voice input to the first communication device 11. The input unit 85 outputs the input voice information to the VOX unit 87.

[0162] The calculation unit 86 calculates priority information regarding the priority of the VOX function in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 based on the input information. Here, the calculation unit 86 can calculate the first priority information, which is the priority information for the first communication device 11, using the number of people around the external communication device extracted by the extraction unit 82 and analyzed by the analysis unit 83.

[0163] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the calculation unit 86 of the first communication device 11 has first priority information, which is priority information generated by the first communication device 11, and when it receives second priority information, which is priority information generated by the second communication device 12, it can compare the first priority information and the second priority information. As a result, the calculation unit 86 can calculate whether to enable the VOX function of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12.

[0164] More specifically, the first communication device 11 transmits to the second communication device 12, as a VOX switching response signal, information indicating whether the VOX function of the second communication device 12 is enabled or disabled, as determined by the comparison of priority information in the calculation unit 86. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 can control whether the VOX unit 87 is enabled or disabled by outputting the result of this priority information comparison to the control unit 88 within the first communication device 11. As a result, only one of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12 will have the VOX function enabled.

[0165] The VOX unit 87 transmits data including the audio data input to the input unit 85 to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 81 when the volume of the audio input to the input unit 85 is above a predetermined level.

[0166] The VOX unit 87 is controlled based on the decision result received from the control unit 88 regarding whether to enable or disable the VOX function of the VOX unit 87. Specifically, if the decision result from the control unit 88 is "enabled" and the volume of the audio input to the input unit 85 is above a predetermined level, the VOX unit 87 transmits data to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 81. If the decision result is "disabled," the VOX unit 87 is controlled not to transmit data even if the volume of the audio input to the input unit 85 is above a predetermined level.

[0167] The control unit 88 uses the comparison result of priority information input from the calculation unit 86 to determine whether to enable or disable the VOX unit 87, and controls the operation of the VOX unit 87.

[0168] Since the configuration of the first communication device 11 and the configuration of the second communication device 12 can be the same, the explanation of the second communication device 12 will be omitted. For example, the second communication device 12 may include a first communication unit 91, an extraction unit 92, an analysis unit 93, a second communication unit 94, an input unit 95, a calculation unit 36, a VOX unit 97, and a control unit 98.

[0169] Furthermore, the first communication device 11 may also include a display unit 89. The display unit 89 is controlled by the control unit 88 and displays whether the VOX function of the first communication device 11 is enabled or disabled, so that the user can recognize this.

[0170] For example, the display unit 89 displays the illumination of a lamp on the first communication device 11, and can display different information depending on whether the VOX unit 87 is enabled or disabled. However, the method by which the display unit 89 outputs the status of the VOX unit 87 to the user is not limited to this; it may also display the information on a display or output audio.

[0171] Similarly, the second communication device 12 can also be provided with a display unit 99.

[0172] As shown in Figure 16(a), a predetermined score is set for the number of people surrounding the external communication device. The first communication device 11 checks which part of the table in Figure 16(a) corresponds to the state of the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12, and calculates the total score for the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Here, Figure 16(b) shows an example of the total score of the first communication device 11 calculated, and Figure 16(c) shows an example of the total score of the second communication device 12 calculated.

[0173] Figure 17 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the switching operation between enabling and disabling the VOX function in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. This sequence diagram in Figure 17 will explain the case where the points shown in Figures 16(a) to 16(c) are used as priority information.

[0174] The preconditions for the normal priority of the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 are the same as those explained in Figure 6, so their explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the method for creating and comparing specific priority information is the same as that explained in Figure 7, so its explanation is omitted.

[0175] The second communication device 12 receives communication from the fourth communication device 14 (step S61). At this time, the second communication device 12 analyzes the number of people in the vicinity of the fourth communication device 14 from the received information and creates second priority information, which is priority information for the second communication device 12. The second communication device 12 also sends a VOX switching request to the first communication device 11 to enable the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S62).

[0176] When the first communication device 11 receives a VOX switching request from the second communication device 12 to enable the VOX function, it simultaneously receives second priority information. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 analyzes the number of people in the vicinity of the third communication device 13 from the information received during communication with the third communication device 13 and creates first priority information, which is the priority information for the first communication device 11 (step S63).

[0177] As shown in Figure 16(a), the first communication device 11 compares the total scores obtained from the priority scores of the first priority information and the second priority information. If the total score of the second priority information is higher, it disables the VOX function of the first communication device (step S64) and sends a VOX switching response (OK) to the second communication device 12 (step S65).

[0178] When the second communication device 12 receives a VOX switching response (OK), it enables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S66).

[0179] As in the example shown in Figure 6, once communication with the second communication device 12 is completed, the VOX function of the first communication device 11 may be enabled and the VOX function of the second communication device 12 may be disabled as appropriate, returning to the original state before step S61.

[0180] As a result, the communication system 1 can control the system to enable the VOX function of the system with the higher overall score by scoring and comparing the second priority information sent from the second communication device 12 to the first communication device 11 with the first priority information calculated by the first communication device 11.

[0181] Based on the above, communication system 1 allows for the proper use of the VOX function even when a user utilizes multiple VOX communication devices.

[0182] [Sixth Embodiment] Figure 18 shows an example of the functional block of the first communication device 11 of the communication system 1 according to the sixth embodiment. The first communication device 11 comprises a first communication unit 101, a mounting position information detection unit 102, a second communication unit 104, an input unit 105, a calculation unit 106, a VOX unit 107, and a control unit 108.

[0183] The first communication unit 101 is a functional unit that communicates data, including voice data, to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 101 starts transmitting to the third communication device 13 when it receives input from the VOX unit 107 indicating that it will transmit to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 101 considers communication to have ended when it has finished transmitting data to the third communication device 13 or when it has finished receiving data from the third communication device 13.

[0184] The mounting position information detection unit 102 detects the mounting position information, which is information about the location where the user is wearing the communication device. The mounting position information detection unit 102 outputs the detected mounting position information to the calculation unit 106.

[0185] As an example, the user wears a holder capable of attaching multiple communication devices, including their own communication device, and each holder is assigned RF tag information, which is information about a predetermined attachment location. The attachment location information detection unit 102 can detect the attachment location information based on the RF tag information of the holder to which the user's communication device is attached.

[0186] Furthermore, the mounting position information detection unit 102 can correct the RF tag information based on at least one of either the button press frequency (how often the button on the communication device is pressed) or the communication frequency (how often communication is performed). The mounting position information detection unit 102 can then detect the corrected mounting position information.

[0187] Specifically, the mounting position information, holder, RF tag information, button press frequency, and communication frequency can be defined as follows.

[0188] The mounting location information refers to information about the location where the user wears either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12, with the latter being the user's own communication device.

[0189] A holder is a storage device that can accommodate a user's personal communication device, and is typically a pocket.

[0190] RF tag information refers to information about the predetermined attachment location for each holder. For example, the RF tag information might be numbered "1" and "2" in order of ease of use, such as dominant hand.

[0191] Button press frequency refers to the percentage of time a user spends operating the control buttons of their communication device. For example, in the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12, if the control buttons are operated 36 times during the startup time (1 hour = 3600 seconds), the percentage is calculated by assuming that each operation takes 1 second. Specifically, button press frequency [%] = (operation time ÷ startup time) × 100 = (36 ÷ 3600) × 100 = 1%.

[0192] Communication frequency is the percentage of time that a communication device spends communicating. For example, let's calculate the percentage when the communication time is 6 minutes (=360 seconds) during the startup time (1 hour = 3600 seconds). In this case, the communication frequency [%] = (communication time ÷ startup time) × 100 = (360 ÷ 3600) × 100 = 10%.

[0193] The second communication unit 104 is a functional unit that transmits a VOX switching request signal, which is a signal to request the switching of the VOX function, and a VOX switching response signal, which is a response signal to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12. The second communication unit 104 can use short-range communication such as Bluetooth for communication with the second communication device 12.

[0194] For example, when the VOX function priority information calculated by the calculation unit 106 is calculated, the second communication unit 104 can send and receive information to share information between the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 regarding which VOX function to enable. For example, the first communication device 11 can receive a VOX switching request signal from the second communication device 12 via short-range communication through the second communication unit 104, and can return a VOX switching response signal, which is a response to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12.

[0195] Here, the VOX function's priority information is explained using mounting position information, but it is not limited to this and other information can also be used. Furthermore, the elements constituting this priority information can be scored, and the total score can be used to set the priority order.

[0196] The input unit 105 is a functional unit that receives voice input from the user holding the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Typically, the input unit 105 is a microphone that receives voice input to the first communication device 11. The input unit 105 outputs the input voice information to the VOX unit 107.

[0197] The calculation unit 106 calculates priority information regarding the priority of VOX functions in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 based on the input information. Here, the calculation unit 106 can use the mounting position information analyzed by the analysis unit 23 to calculate the first priority information, which is the priority information for the first communication device 11.

[0198] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the calculation unit 106 of the first communication device 11 has first priority information, which is priority information generated by the first communication device 11, and when it receives second priority information, which is priority information generated by the second communication device 12, it can compare the first priority information and the second priority information. As a result, the calculation unit 106 can calculate whether to enable the VOX function of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12.

[0199] More specifically, the first communication device 11 transmits to the second communication device 12, as a VOX switching response signal, information indicating whether the VOX function of the second communication device 12 is enabled or disabled, as determined by the comparison of priority information in the calculation unit 106. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 can control whether the VOX unit 107 is enabled or disabled by outputting the result of this priority information comparison to the control unit 108 within the first communication device 11. As a result, only one of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12 will have the VOX function enabled.

[0200] The VOX unit 107 transmits data including the audio data input to the input unit 105 to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 101 when the volume of the audio input to the input unit 105 is above a predetermined level.

[0201] The VOX unit 107 is controlled based on the decision result received from the control unit 108 regarding whether to enable or disable the VOX function of the VOX unit 107. Specifically, if the decision result from the control unit 108 is "enabled" and the volume of the audio input to the input unit 105 is above a predetermined level, the VOX unit 107 transmits data to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 101. If the decision result is "disabled," the VOX unit 107 is controlled not to transmit data even if the volume of the audio input to the input unit 105 is above a predetermined level.

[0202] The control unit 108 uses the comparison result of priority information input from the calculation unit 106 to determine whether to enable or disable the VOX unit 107, and controls the operation of the VOX unit 107.

[0203] Since the configuration of the first communication device 11 and the configuration of the second communication device 12 can be the same, the explanation of the second communication device 12 will be omitted. For example, the second communication device 12 includes a first communication unit 111, a mounting position information detection unit 112, a second communication unit 114, an input unit 115, a calculation unit 116, a VOX unit 117, and a control unit 118.

[0204] Furthermore, the first communication device 11 may also include a display unit 109. The display unit 109 is controlled by the control unit 108 and displays whether the VOX function of the first communication device 11 is enabled or disabled, so that the user can recognize this.

[0205] For example, the display unit 109 displays the illumination of a lamp on the first communication device 11, and can display different information depending on whether the VOX unit 107 is enabled or disabled. However, the method by which the display unit 109 outputs the status of the VOX unit 107 to the user is not limited to this; it may also display the information on a display or output audio.

[0206] Similarly, the second communication device 12 can also be provided with a display unit 119.

[0207] As shown in Figures 19(a) to 19(c), a number of points is predefined according to the mounting position information. Figure 20 shows an example where the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 are stored in the first holder 15 and the second holder 16, respectively. In this example, the first holder 15 is assigned "1" as the mounting position information based on RF tag information, and the second holder 16 is assigned "2" as the mounting position information based on RF tag information, and priority points are assigned to each of these mounting position information points.

[0208] The first communication device 11 checks which parts of the tables in Figures 19(a) to 19(c) correspond to the mounting position information of the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12, as well as the button press frequency and communication frequency under predetermined conditions, and calculates the total score for the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Here, the predetermined condition is when the priority points as mounting position information for either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12 are equal to or greater than a predetermined number. Specifically, if the first holder 15 is assigned 50 priority points as mounting position information, and the first communication device 11 is stored in the first holder, the predetermined condition is considered to be met, and a correction process is performed on the priority points related to the button press frequency and communication frequency.

[0209] For example, if the same or similar priority points are assigned to the mounting position information "1" and the priority position information "2", the overall score of the first communication device 11 stored in the first holder 15 and the second communication device 12 stored in the second holder 16 may be reversed depending on the corrections applied to the button press frequency and communication frequency.

[0210] Here, Figure 19(d) shows an example of the calculated total score for the first communication device 11, and Figure 19(e) shows an example of the calculated total score for the second communication device 12.

[0211] Figure 21 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the switching operation between enabling and disabling the VOX function in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. This sequence diagram in Figure 21 will explain the case where the points shown in Figures 19(a) to 19(e) are used as priority information.

[0212] The preconditions for the normal priority of the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 are the same as those explained in Figure 6, so their explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the method for creating and comparing specific priority information is the same as that explained in Figure 7, so its explanation is omitted.

[0213] The second communication device 12 receives communication from the fourth communication device 14 (step S71). At this time, the second communication device 12 creates second priority information, which is priority information for the second communication device 12, based on the mounting position information of the second communication device 12 attached to the user. At this time, the second communication device 12 sends a VOX switching request to the first communication device 11 that enables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S72).

[0214] When the first communication device 11 receives a VOX switching request from the second communication device 12 to enable the VOX function, it simultaneously receives the second priority information, which is the priority information of the second communication device 12. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 creates the first priority information, which is the priority information of the first communication device 11, based on the mounting position information of the first communication device 11 attached to the user (step S73).

[0215] As shown in Figures 19(a) to 19(c), the first communication device 11 compares the total scores obtained from the priority scores of the first priority information and the second priority information. If the total score of the second priority information is higher, the first communication device disables its VOX function (step S74) and sends a VOX switching response (OK) to the second communication device 12 (step S75).

[0216] When the second communication device 12 receives a VOX switching response (OK), it enables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S76).

[0217] Furthermore, once communication with the second communication device 12 is completed, the VOX function of the first communication device 11 may be enabled and the VOX function of the second communication device 12 may be disabled as appropriate, returning to the original state before step S71.

[0218] As a result, the communication system 1 can control the system to enable the VOX function of the system with the higher overall score by scoring and comparing the second priority information sent from the second communication device 12 to the first communication device 11 with the first priority information calculated by the first communication device 11.

[0219] Based on the above, communication system 1 allows for the proper use of the VOX function even when a user utilizes multiple VOX communication devices.

[0220] [Seventh Embodiment] As shown in Figure 22, the communication system 2 according to the seventh embodiment comprises a first communication device 11 and a second communication device 12, both of which are VOX radios. Here, as with the communication system 1 described above, the user is wearing the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12, and both are positioned within range of the voice of one user. There can be multiple second communication devices 12, i.e., two or more, but here we will explain assuming there is only one second communication device 12.

[0221] The first communication device 11 can communicate with the third communication device 13 owned by another user. The second communication device 12 can also communicate with the fourth communication device 14 owned by another user. Here, the user of the third communication device 13 and the user of the fourth communication device 14 are different people. Note that the third communication device 13 and the fourth communication device may sometimes be referred to as external communication devices. Furthermore, the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 do not simultaneously receive audio transmitted by one of the external communication devices.

[0222] Furthermore, users who possess the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 also possess a transmitting device that transmits radio waves. For example, the transmitting device is a microphone device 17, which periodically communicates data to the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12.

[0223] In the following explanation, one microphone device 17 corresponds to both the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12, meaning that the distance between the microphones of microphone device 17 and the first communication device 11, and the distance between the microphones of microphone device 17 and the second communication device 12 are used. However, the explanation is not limited to this.

[0224] For example, multiple microphone devices may be used, such as a first microphone device 17a corresponding to the first communication device 11 and a second microphone device 17b corresponding to the second communication device 12.

[0225] Figure 23 shows an example of the functional blocks of the first communication device 11. The first communication device 11 comprises a first communication unit 121, a second communication unit 122, a third communication unit 123, an extraction unit 124, an analysis unit 125, a calculation unit 126, a VOX unit 127, and a control unit 128.

[0226] The first communication unit 121 is a functional unit that communicates data, including voice data, to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 121 starts transmitting to the third communication device 13 when it receives input from the VOX unit 127 indicating that it will transmit to the third communication device 13. The first communication unit 121 considers communication to have ended when it has finished transmitting data to the third communication device 13 or when it has finished receiving data from the third communication device 13. The second communication unit 122 is a functional unit that transmits a VOX switching request signal, which is a signal to request switching of the VOX function, and a VOX switching response signal, which is a response signal to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12. The second communication unit 122 can use short-range communication such as Bluetooth® for communication with the second communication device 12.

[0227] For example, when the VOX function priority information calculated by the calculation unit 126 is calculated, the second communication unit 122 can send and receive information to share information between the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 regarding which VOX function to enable. For example, the first communication device 11 can receive a VOX switching request signal from the second communication device 12 via short-range communication through the second communication unit 122, and can return a VOX switching response signal, which is a response to the VOX switching request signal, to the second communication device 12.

[0228] Here, the priority information for the VOX function is explained using, for example, the distance between microphone devices, but it is not limited to this and other information can also be used. Furthermore, the elements that make up this priority information can be scored, and the priority can be set using the total score.

[0229] The third communication unit 123 communicates data to the microphone device 17. Specifically, the third communication unit 123 receives communication data, including microphone location information, from the microphone device 17 and outputs it to the extraction unit 124.

[0230] The extraction unit 124 extracts communication information from the communication data transmitted using the third communication unit 123. For example, the extraction unit 124 extracts microphone device information (transmitter information), which is information about the microphone device 17, from the communication data received from the microphone device 17 by the third communication unit 123, and outputs it to the analysis unit 125.

[0231] Furthermore, the microphone device information extracted by the extraction unit 124 may include information on the reception sensitivity when communication is performed between the third communication unit 123 and the microphone device 17.

[0232] The analysis unit 125 analyzes the distance between microphone devices, which is the distance between the first communication device 11 (which is the communication device itself) and the microphone device 17, from the microphone device information extracted by the extraction unit 124.

[0233] Furthermore, if the microphone device information extracted by the extraction unit 124 includes information on reception sensitivity, the analysis unit 125 can analyze the distance between microphone devices based on this reception sensitivity information.

[0234] The input unit 130 is a functional unit that receives voice input from the user holding the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Typically, the input unit 130 is a microphone that receives voice input to the first communication device 11. The input unit 130 outputs the input voice information to the VOX unit 127.

[0235] The calculation unit 126 calculates priority information regarding the priority of VOX functions in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 based on the input information. Here, the calculation unit 126 can calculate the first priority information, which is the priority information for the first communication device 11, using the distance between microphone devices (distance between transmitting devices) extracted by the extraction unit 124 and analyzed by the analysis unit 125.

[0236] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the calculation unit 126 of the first communication device 11 has first priority information, which is priority information generated by the first communication device 11, and when it receives second priority information, which is priority information generated by the second communication device 12, it can compare the first priority information and the second priority information. As a result, the calculation unit 126 can calculate whether to enable the VOX function of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12.

[0237] More specifically, the first communication device 11 transmits to the second communication device 12, as a VOX switching response signal, information indicating whether the VOX function of the second communication device 12 is enabled or disabled, as determined by the comparison of priority information in the calculation unit 126. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 can control whether the VOX unit 127 is enabled or disabled by outputting the result of this priority information comparison to the control unit 128 within the first communication device 11. As a result, only one of either the first communication device 11 or the second communication device 12 will have the VOX function enabled.

[0238] The VOX unit 127 transmits data including audio data to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 121 when the input audio extracted by the extraction unit 124 is at a volume level above a predetermined level.

[0239] The VOX unit 127 is controlled based on the decision result received from the control unit 128 regarding whether to enable or disable the VOX function of the VOX unit 127. Specifically, if the decision result from the control unit 128 is "enabled" and the input audio extracted by the extraction unit 124 is at a volume level above a predetermined level, the VOX unit 127 transmits data to the third communication device 13 via the first communication unit 121. If the decision result is "disabled," the VOX unit 127 is controlled not to transmit data even if the input audio extracted by the extraction unit 124 is at a volume level above a predetermined level.

[0240] The control unit 128 uses the comparison result of priority information input from the calculation unit 126 to determine whether to enable or disable the VOX unit 127, and controls the operation of the VOX unit 127.

[0241] Since the configuration of the first communication device 11 and the configuration of the second communication device 12 can be the same, the explanation of the second communication device 12 will be omitted. For example, the second communication device 12 may include a first communication unit 131, a second communication unit 132, a third communication unit 133, an extraction unit 134, an analysis unit 135, a calculation unit 136, a VOX unit 137, and a control unit 138.

[0242] Furthermore, the first communication device 11 may also include a display unit 129. The display unit 129 is controlled by the control unit 128 and displays whether the VOX function of the first communication device 11 is enabled or disabled, so that the user can recognize this.

[0243] For example, the display unit 129 displays the illumination of a lamp provided on the first communication device 11, and can display different information depending on whether the VOX unit 127 is enabled or disabled. However, the method by which the display unit 129 outputs the status of the VOX unit 127 to the user is not limited to this; it may also display the information on a display or output audio.

[0244] Similarly, the second communication device 12 can also be provided with a display unit 139.

[0245] As shown in Figure 24(a), a set number of points is predetermined according to the distance between microphone devices. The first communication device 11 checks which part of the table in Figure 24(a) corresponds to the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12, and calculates the total score for the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. Here, Figure 24(b) shows an example of the total score calculated for the first communication device 11, and Figure 24(c) shows an example of the total score calculated for the second communication device 12. For example, the score can be set higher for shorter distances between microphone devices and lower for longer distances.

[0246] Figure 25 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the switching operation between enabling and disabling the VOX function in the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12. This sequence diagram in Figure 25 explains the case where the points shown in Figures 24(a) to 24(c) are used as priority information.

[0247] The preconditions for the normal priority of the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 are the same as those explained in Figure 6, so their explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the method for creating and comparing specific priority information is the same as that explained in Figure 7, so its explanation is omitted.

[0248] The second communication device 12 receives communication from the fourth communication device 14 (step S81). At this time, the second communication device 12 creates second priority information, which is the priority information for the second communication device 12, based on the distance between the second communication device 12 and the microphone device 17. At this time, the second communication device 12 sends a VOX switching request to the first communication device 11 that enables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S82).

[0249] When the first communication device 11 receives a VOX switching request from the second communication device 12 to enable the VOX function, it simultaneously receives the second priority information, which is the priority information of the second communication device 12. Meanwhile, the first communication device 11 creates the first priority information, which is the priority information of the first communication device 11, based on the distance between the first communication device 11 and the microphone device 17 (step S83).

[0250] As shown in Figure 24(a), the first communication device 11 compares the total scores obtained from the priority scores of the first priority information and the second priority information. If the total score of the second priority information is higher, it disables the VOX function of the first communication device (step S84) and sends a VOX switching response (OK) to the second communication device 12 (step S85).

[0251] When the second communication device 12 receives a VOX switching response (OK), it enables the VOX function of the second communication device 12 (step S86).

[0252] Furthermore, once communication with the second communication device 12 is complete, the VOX function of the first communication device 11 may be enabled and the VOX function of the second communication device 12 may be disabled as appropriate, returning to the original state before step S81.

[0253] This allows the communication system 2 to score and compare the second priority information sent from the second communication device 12 to the first communication device 11 with the first priority information in the first communication device 11, and then control the system to enable the VOX function of the one with the higher overall score.

[0254] Based on the above, communication system 2 allows for the proper use of the VOX function even when a user utilizes multiple VOX communication devices.

[0255] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, the above description has been omitted and simplified as appropriate for the sake of clarity, and those skilled in the art can easily change, add, and modify each element of the embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0256] In the above description, communication system 1 and communication system 2 are explained as communication systems in which two communication devices, each equipped with VOX functionality, are placed within range of the user's voice, and the VOX functionality of one of these communication devices is enabled; however, the explanation is not limited to this.

[0257] As another example, a user may possess three or more communication devices. In this case, it can be considered a configuration in which multiple second communication devices 12, treated as slave devices, are associated with a first communication device 11, treated as a single master device. In this case, when an external communication is received by a slave device, the slave device sends a VOX switching request to the master device to enable the VOX function, the master device makes a determination, and returns a VOX switching response to the slave device to enable or disable the VOX function, and can also control whether to enable or disable the master device's own VOX function.

[0258] Furthermore, since the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12 have similar configurations, they can be used by switching their roles as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0259] 1. Communication System 2. Communication System 11. First communication device 12. Second communication device 13. Third communication device 14. Fourth communication device 15. First holder 16. Second holder 17 Microphone equipment 21. First Communications Department 22 Extraction part 23 Analysis Unit 24 Second Communication Unit 25 Input Unit 26 Calculation Unit 27 VOX Unit 28 Control Unit 29 Display Unit 41 First Communication Unit 42 Extraction Unit 43 Analysis Unit 43a Memory Unit 44 Second Communication Unit 45 Input Unit 46 Calculation Unit 47 VOX Unit 48 Control Unit 49 Display Unit 61 First Communication Unit 62 Extraction Unit 63 Analysis Unit 64 Second Communication Unit 65 Input Unit 66 Calculation Unit 67 VOX Unit 68 Control Unit 69 Display Unit 81 First Communication Unit 82 Extraction Unit 83 Analysis Unit 84 Second Communication Unit 85 Input Unit 86 Calculation Unit 87 VOX Unit 88 Control Unit 89 Display Unit 101 First Communication Unit 102 Mounting Position Information Detection Unit 104 Second Communication Unit 105 Input Unit 106 Calculation Unit 107 VOX Unit 108 Control Unit 109 Display Unit 121 First Communication Unit 122 Second Communication Unit 123 Third Communication Unit 124 Extraction Unit 125 Analysis Unit 126 Calculation Unit 127 VOX Unit 128 Control Unit 129 Display section 130 Input section

Claims

1. An extraction unit that extracts communication information from the received data, An analysis unit analyzes the number of people located around the external communication device from the communication information extracted by the extraction unit, A calculation unit calculates priority information regarding the priority of the VOX function of the communication device based on the number of people in the vicinity of the external communication device analyzed by the analysis unit, The system includes a control unit that determines whether to enable or disable the VOX function based on priority information calculated by the calculation unit, Communication system.

2. A communication system owned by one person, comprising: a first communication device located within range of a single user's voice and having a VOX function; and one or more second communication devices for short-range communication with the first communication device; The VOX function is enabled when either the first communication device or the second communication device is enabled. The first communication device and the second communication device are, respectively, A first communication unit that communicates data including voice data to an external communication device, which is a communication device other than the first communication device and the second communication device, A second communication unit transmits and receives between the first communication device and the second communication device a VOX switching request signal, which is a signal relating to a request to switch the VOX function, and a VOX switching response signal, which is a signal relating to the response of switching the VOX function to the VOX switching request signal. The input unit into which the aforementioned audio is input, A VOX unit that transmits data to the external communication device via the first communication unit when the VOX function is enabled and the sound input to the input unit is at or above a predetermined volume level, Equipped with, The extraction unit extracts the communication information from the data received by the first communication unit from the external communication device. The control unit controls the operation of the VOX unit based on the decision to enable or disable the VOX function. The communication system according to claim 1.

3. When the second communication device, whose VOX function is disabled, receives the data from the external communication device, The calculation unit of the second communication device calculates the second priority information, which is the priority information of the second communication device, based on the number of people in the vicinity of the external communication device. The second communication unit of the second communication device transmits the VOX switching request signal, which includes the second priority information calculated by the calculation unit, to the first communication device. The control unit of the second communication device controls the operation of the VOX unit in accordance with the VOX switching response signal received by the second communication unit of the second communication device. The communication system according to claim 2.

4. The communication information extracted by the extraction unit includes the receiving sensitivity of each communication device that performed short-range communication located around the external communication device. The analysis unit analyzes the number of people in the vicinity of the external communication device based on the receiving sensitivity of each communication device. The communication system according to claim 2.

5. Steps include extracting communication information from the received data, The steps include analyzing the number of people in the vicinity of the external communication device from the extracted communication information, A step of calculating priority information regarding the priority of the VOX function of the communication device based on the number of people in the vicinity of the external communication device that has been analyzed, The step includes determining whether to enable or disable the VOX function of the VOX unit based on the calculated priority information, Communication method.

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