Communication devices, communication methods, and programs

Abstract

Even when voice communication with other communication devices is in progress and reception sensitivity is poor, voice communication should be performed properly and without interruption. [Solution] The communication device comprises a first communication unit that transmits and receives data with other communication devices using a first communication method, a second communication unit that transmits and receives data with other communication devices using a second communication method, a communication control unit that controls the communication between the first and second communication units, a speed information acquisition unit that acquires the speed of the communication device as speed information, a determination unit that determines which communication unit to use for communication from the first and second communication units based on the speed information, and a generation unit that generates a frame signal, which is a signal including an audio signal and a synchronization signal, based on the audio input to the audio input unit. When the determination unit determines that the speed information meets a predetermined condition, the communication control unit controls the transmission of the frame signal generated by the generation unit from both the first and second communication units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a communication device capable of communicating using a plurality of communication methods, a technique for switching to another communication method to perform communication when the communication state deteriorates is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a communication device capable of voice communication using two communication methods, when the reception sensitivity of voice communication using one communication method deteriorates and switching to voice communication using the other communication method, there is a situation where the voice signal is interrupted. Even in a situation where the reception sensitivity of voice communication deteriorates, a technique that can appropriately perform voice communication without interruption is desired.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device, a communication method, and a program that can appropriately perform voice communication without interruption even in a situation where the reception sensitivity deteriorates while performing voice communication with another communication device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The communication device of this disclosure comprises: a first communication unit that transmits and receives data with other communication devices using a first communication method; a second communication unit that transmits and receives data with other communication devices using a second communication method different from the first communication method; a communication control unit that controls the communication between the first and second communication units; a speed information acquisition unit that acquires the speed of the communication device as speed information; a determination unit that determines which communication unit to use for communication from the first and second communication units based on the speed information acquired by the speed information acquisition unit; and a generation unit that generates a frame signal, which is a signal including an audio signal and a synchronization signal, based on audio input to an audio input unit. When the determination unit determines that the speed information meets predetermined conditions, the communication control unit controls the transmission of the frame signal generated by the generation unit from both the first and second communication units.

[0007] The communication method of this disclosure includes the steps of: controlling a first communication unit to send and receive data with another communication device using a first communication method; controlling a second communication unit to send and receive data with the other communication device using a second communication method different from the first communication method; acquiring the speed of the communication device as speed information; determining a priority communication unit to be used for communication from the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the acquired speed information; and generating a frame signal, which is a signal including an audio signal and a synchronization signal, based on audio input to an audio input unit, wherein if the speed information is determined to meet predetermined conditions, the method includes the step of controlling the generated frame signal to be transmitted from both the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

[0008] The program of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: control a first communication unit to send and receive data with another communication device using a first communication method; control a second communication unit to send and receive data with the other communication device using a second communication method different from the first communication method; acquire the speed of the communication device as speed information; determine which communication unit to use for communication from the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the acquired speed information; and generate a frame signal, which is a signal including an audio signal and a synchronization signal, based on audio input to an audio input unit, wherein if the speed information is determined to meet predetermined conditions, the program controls the computer to transmit the generated frame signal from both the first communication unit and the second communication unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, voice communication can be performed properly without interruption when communicating with other communication devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a frame signal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the priority communication unit determination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication supplementation method according to the first example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a data completion method related to the first example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of a communication supplementation method according to a second example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a data complement method according to a second example of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a communication system according to a first example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of transmitting an audio signal according to a first example of the first embodiment by a first communication method. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of outputting audio related to an audio signal received by a first communication method according to a first example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a communication system according to a second example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of transmitting an audio signal according to a second example of the first embodiment by a second communication method. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a method of outputting audio related to an audio signal received by a second communication method according to a second example of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a communication system according to a third example of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a method of transmitting an audio signal according to a third example of the first embodiment by a second communication method. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method of complementing and outputting audio related to an audio signal according to a third example of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a communication system according to a fourth example of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of a communication complement method according to a first example of the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of a communication complement method according to a second example of the second embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the first example of the second embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the second example of the second embodiment. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the third example of the second embodiment. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the fourth example of the second embodiment. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the communication device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication complement method according to the first example of the third embodiment. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication complement method according to the second example of the third embodiment. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the first example of the third embodiment. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the second example of the third embodiment. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the third example of the third embodiment. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the fourth example of the third embodiment. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the communication device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication complement method according to the first example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication complement method according to the second example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 36]Figure 36 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a communication system according to the first example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a communication system according to the second example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a communication system according to the third example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a communication system according to the fourth example of the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, this embodiment does not limit this disclosure, and in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations.

[0012] [First Embodiment] (Communication system) An example of the configuration of the communication system according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, communication system 1 includes communication device 10-1, communication device 10-2, first base station device 12-1, and second base station device 12-2. When there is no need to distinguish between communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2, they may be collectively referred to as communication device 10. Also, as devices with which communication device 10 communicates, communication device 10-1, communication device 10-2, first base station device 12-1, and second base station device 12-2 may be collectively referred to as other communication devices.

[0014] Communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 are communication systems capable of communicating using a first communication system and a second communication system different from the first communication system. The first communication system is, for example, narrowband communication. The second communication system is, for example, broadband communication.

[0015] Next, an overview of the communication processing of communication system 1 will be described. First, communication device 10-1 transmits a first voice signal based on the voice of the user of communication device 10-1 and a first synchronization signal to the first base station device 12-1 using a first communication method (step S1). The first communication method is, for example, narrowband communication. Narrowband communication includes, for example, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, or LTE (Long Term Evolution). Subsequently, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the first voice signal and the first synchronization signal received from communication device 10-1 to communication device 10-2 using the first communication method (step S2). Subsequently, communication device 10-2 transmits a second voice signal based on the voice of the user of communication device 10-2 and a second synchronization signal to the first base station device 12-1 using the first communication method (step S3). Next, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the second voice signal and the second synchronization signal received from the communication device 10-2 using the first communication method (step S4). In the first communication method, the communication device 10-1 and the communication device 10-2 may communicate directly without going through the first base station device 12-1.

[0016] In communication system 1, voice communication using the first communication method is performed between communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 through the processing of steps S1 to S4. Communication system 1 also performs communication using the second communication method in parallel with steps S1 to S4.

[0017] Communication device 10-1 transmits a first voice signal and a first synchronization signal to second base station device 12-2 using a second communication method (step S5). The second communication method is, for example, broadband communication. Broadband communication includes, for example, 4G (fourth-generation mobile communication system) or 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication system) communication. Subsequently, second base station device 12-2 transmits the first voice signal and the first synchronization signal received from communication device 10-1 to communication device 10-2 using the second communication method (step S6). Subsequently, communication device 10-2 transmits a second voice signal and a second synchronization signal to second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method (step S7). Subsequently, first base station device 12-1 transmits the second voice signal and the second synchronization signal received from communication device 10-2 using the second communication method (step S8). In the second communication method, communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 may communicate directly without going through the first base station device 12-1.

[0018] In communication system 1, steps S1 to S4 and steps S5 to S8 are performed in parallel. Therefore, for example, if the second voice signal cannot be properly received in step S4 when communication is being performed using the first communication method, the communication device 10-1 can use the received second voice signal in step S8 to fill in the missing voice. As a result, communication system 1 can perform voice communication properly without interruption.

[0019] (Communication equipment) An example of the configuration of the communication device according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the communication device 10 includes a first communication unit 20, a second communication unit 22, an input unit 24, an audio input unit 26, an output unit 28, a storage unit 30, a position acquisition unit 32, and a control unit 34.

[0021] The first communication unit 20 transmits and receives data with other communication devices 10 using a first communication method. The first communication unit 20 transmits and receives data with other communication devices 10 via the base station device 12 using a first communication method. The first communication unit 20 is, for example, a communication interface that communicates between the communication device 10 and the base station device 12. The first communication unit 20 is composed of, for example, an antenna, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit.

[0022] The second communication unit 22 transmits and receives data with other communication devices 10 via the base station device 12 using a second communication method different from the first communication method. The second communication unit 22 is, for example, a communication interface that communicates between the communication device 10 and the base station device 12. The second communication unit 22 is composed of, for example, an antenna, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit.

[0023] The input unit 24 receives various input operations for the communication device 10. The input unit 24 includes, for example, buttons, switches, and touch panels. When a touch panel is used as the input unit 24, it is placed on the input unit 24 and the output unit 28.

[0024] The voice input unit 26 receives the voice of the user using the communication device 10. The voice input unit 26 converts the received voice into an audio signal and outputs it to the control unit 34. The voice input unit 26 is implemented by a microphone and an audio input circuit.

[0025] The output unit 28 includes speakers that output various types of audio and a display that displays various types of information. The output unit 28 is composed of, for example, an audio amplification circuit and an audio output circuit. The output unit 28 is implemented with a display including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display. The output unit 28 outputs, for example, the audio of a user of another communication device 10 that is a communication destination of the communication device 10.

[0026] The memory unit 30 stores various types of information. The memory unit 30 stores the calculation contents of the control unit 34 and information such as programs. The memory unit 30 includes, for example, at least one of the following: RAM (Random Access Memory), main memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), and external memory such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0027] The storage unit 30 stores, for example, communication status area information that indicates the communication status for each area in map information composed of multiple areas. The communication status area information is radio wave intensity information that has been pre-generated for each area based on information such as the positional relationship with the base station, terrain information, and building information. The communication status area information includes radio wave intensity information related to the communication status of the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22, respectively. Specifically, the communication status area information includes information on the radio wave intensity value for the first communication method used by the first communication unit 20 for communication in each of the multiple areas, and the radio wave intensity value for the second communication method used by the second communication unit 22 for communication. The storage unit 30 also stores predetermined threshold values ​​for radio wave intensity for the determination unit 42 to use for determination.

[0028] The position acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, the position information of the communication device 10, which is the communication device itself. The position acquisition unit 32 is composed of, for example, a GNSS receiver that receives GNSS signals transmitted from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite. The position acquisition unit 32 outputs the received GNSS signals to the control unit 34.

[0029] The control unit 34 controls each part of the communication device 10. The control unit 34 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 34 executes a program that controls the operation of the communication device 10 according to the present invention. The control unit 34 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 34 may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0030] The control unit 34 comprises a communication control unit 40, a determination unit 42, a generation unit 44, and a reception sensitivity determination unit 46.

[0031] The communication control unit 40 controls the first communication unit 20 to perform communication using the first communication method. The communication control unit 40 controls the first communication unit 20 to transmit data using the first communication method. The communication control unit 40 controls the first communication unit 20 to receive data using the first communication method.

[0032] The communication control unit 40 controls the second communication unit 22 to perform communication using the second communication method. The communication control unit 40 controls the second communication unit 22 to transmit data using the second communication method. The communication control unit 40 controls the second communication unit 22 to receive data using the second communication method.

[0033] The communication control unit 40, for example, controls the priority communication unit determined by the determination unit 42 to perform communication. For example, if the determination unit 42 determines that the location information meets predetermined conditions, the communication control unit 40 controls the transmission of the frame signal generated by the generation unit 44 from both the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22. If the current location of the communication device 10 meets predetermined conditions, the communication control unit 40 controls the transmission of the frame signal generated by the generation unit 44 from both the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22. For example, if the current location of the communication device 10 is worse than predetermined communication conditions, the communication control unit 40 controls the transmission of the frame signal generated by the generation unit 44 from both the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22.

[0034] The determination unit 42 determines, based on the location information acquired by the location acquisition unit 32, that one of the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22 is the priority communication unit. The priority communication unit is the communication unit of the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22 that is used preferentially. Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines whether the location information meets predetermined conditions. For example, the determination unit 42 determines whether the radio wave strength in the location information is below or above a predetermined threshold for radio wave strength. In this case, for example, the determination unit 42 determines that the predetermined conditions are met if the radio wave strength of the current location indicated by the location information in the communication status area information stored in the storage unit 30 is below a predetermined threshold for radio wave strength stored in the storage unit 30, and determines that the predetermined conditions are not met if the radio wave strength is above the threshold.

[0035] The generation unit 44 generates a synchronization signal to control the timing of outputting the audio signal as audio. The generation unit 44 generates a frame signal that includes the audio signal output from the audio input unit 26 and a synchronization signal that controls the timing of outputting the audio signal.

[0036] The frame signal according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the frame signal according to the first embodiment.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the frame signal 60 includes a synchronization signal 61, an audio signal 62, and data 63.

[0038] The synchronization signal 61 is a signal used to control the timing of outputting the audio signal 62. The audio signal 62 is a signal generated based on the user's voice input to the audio input unit 26.

[0039] Data 63 may contain various types of data. For example, data 63 may contain information such as reception sensitivity information, control data (header data), and location information. Including control data (also called voice LC header) in data 63 improves the effectiveness of maintaining communication with other communication devices 10.

[0040] Returning to Figure 2, the reception sensitivity determination unit 46 determines the reception sensitivity when the first communication unit 20 receives data using the first communication method. The reception sensitivity determination unit 46 also determines the reception sensitivity when the second communication unit 22 receives data using the second communication method. For example, the reception sensitivity determination unit 46 determines the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value of the data received by the first communication unit 20 or the second communication unit 22.

[0041] [Processing details of communication equipment] (Priority communication unit decision processing) The priority communication unit determination process according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the priority communication unit determination process according to the first embodiment.

[0042] The determination unit 42 controls the position acquisition unit 32 to acquire position information indicating the current position of the communication device (step S10).

[0043] The determination unit 42 confirms the communication status of the first communication unit 20 at the location of the communication device based on the communication status area information stored in the storage unit 30. Specifically, the determination unit confirms the radio wave strength of the first communication method used by the first communication unit 20 based on the communication status area information stored in the storage unit 30 at the current location indicated by the location information (step S12). The determination unit 42 confirms the communication status of the second communication unit 22 at the location of the communication device based on the communication status area information stored in the storage unit 30. Specifically, the determination unit confirms the radio wave strength of the second communication method used by the second communication unit 22 based on the communication status area information stored in the storage unit 30 at the current location indicated by the location information (step S14).

[0044] The determination unit 42 determines the priority communication unit (step S16). Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines the communication unit with the higher signal strength between the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22 as the priority communication unit, based on a comparison between the signal strength of the first communication unit 20 in the first communication method and the signal strength of the second communication unit 22 in the second communication method. The determination unit 42 may periodically determine the priority communication unit at the start of communication or when either the first communication unit 20 or the second communication unit 22 is communicating. The process shown in Figure 4 is then terminated.

[0045] (Method of communication supplementation) Using Figure 5, a communication supplementation method according to a first example of the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication supplementation method according to a first example of the first embodiment.

[0046] The process shown in Figure 5 illustrates a process in which, when the first communication unit 20 is designated as the priority communication unit and communication is being performed by the first communication unit 20, if the communication status of the first communication unit 20 is worse than predetermined, the communication of the first communication unit 20 is supplemented by the communication of the second communication unit 22. In this disclosure, it is also possible to determine whether the communication status of the second communication unit 22 is worse than predetermined and then perform a process to supplement the communication of the second communication unit 22 with the communication of the first communication unit 20.

[0047] The communication control unit 40 controls the first communication unit 20 and communicates using the first communication method (step S20).

[0048] The process in step S22 is the same as the process in step S10 shown in Figure 4, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0049] The determination unit 42 determines whether the location information meets a predetermined condition (step S24). The predetermined condition is that the communication status area information in the location information is below a predetermined threshold of radio wave strength. Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines that the predetermined condition is met if the radio wave strength in the first communication method used by the first communication unit 20 to communicate, based on the communication status area information stored in the storage unit 30 at the current location indicated by the location information, is below a predetermined threshold of radio wave strength stored in the storage unit 30. If the location information is determined to meet the predetermined condition (step S24; Yes), the process proceeds to step S26. If the location information is determined not to meet the predetermined condition (step S24; No), the process proceeds to step S28.

[0050] If the answer in step S24 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 40 starts supplementing the voice communication of the first communication method with voice communication of the second communication method (step S26).

[0051] A method for supplementing data according to the first example of the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for supplementing data according to the first example of the first embodiment.

[0052] The communication control unit 40 controls the first communication unit 20 to transmit frame signals 60-1 to 60-n (where n is an integer of 2 or more) to another communication device 10 using the first communication method. Frame signal 60-1 includes a synchronization signal 61-1, an audio signal 62-1, and data 63-1. Frame signal 60-n includes a synchronization signal 61-n, an audio signal 62-n, and data 63-n. Frame signals 60-1 to 60-n are sometimes referred to as a superframe.

[0053] Suppose the communication status area information in the location information is determined to be lower than a predetermined threshold for radio wave strength. In this case, the communication control unit 40 controls the first communication unit 20 to transmit frame signal 60-n to another communication device 10 using the first communication method, and controls the second communication unit 22 to transmit frame signal 70-n to another communication device 10 using the second communication method. Frame signal 70 is the frame signal in the second communication method. Frame signal 70-n includes a synchronization signal 61-n, an audio signal 62-n, a synchronization signal 71-n, and data 72-n. Synchronization signal 71-n is the synchronization signal for the second communication method. Data 72-n is various types of data transmitted using the second communication method. Data 72-n may be the same as data 63-n. Data 72-n may be data that is a combination of data 63-1 to data 63-n. As shown in Figure 6, the frame signal 70-n includes the synchronization signal 61-n and the voice signal 62-n, which are included in the frame signal 60-n. Therefore, even if the communication conditions of the first communication method are poor and the other communication device 10 is unable to properly receive the frame signal 60-n, it can still perform voice communication smoothly and without interruption by using the synchronization signal 61-n and the voice signal 62-n included in the frame signal 70-n received by the second communication method to compensate.

[0054] Return to Figure 5. Next, the control unit 34 determines whether or not to terminate the process (step S28). For example, the control unit 34 determines to terminate the process when it receives an operation from the input unit 24 to terminate communication or when communication with another communication device is terminated (step S28). If it is determined to terminate the process (step S28; Yes), the process in Figure 5 is terminated. If it is determined not to terminate the process (step S28; No), the process proceeds to step S20. Note that no changes are made to the priority communication unit during the processing from step S20 to step S28.

[0055] Using Figure 7, a communication supplementation method according to a second example of the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication supplementation method according to a second example of the first embodiment.

[0056] The process shown in Figure 7 describes a process in which, when the first communication unit 20 is designated as the priority communication unit and the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22 are communicating, if the communication status of the first communication unit 20 improves to a predetermined level, the communication of the second communication unit 22, which is not designated as the priority communication unit, is stopped, and the process of supplementing the communication of the first communication unit 20 with the communication of the second communication unit 22 is terminated. In addition, in this disclosure, the process of terminating the supplementation of the communication of the second communication unit 22 with the communication of the first communication unit 20 may be executed when the communication status area information in the location information becomes higher than a predetermined threshold of radio wave intensity.

[0057] The communication control unit 40 controls the first communication unit 20 to communicate using the first communication method, and controls the second communication unit 22 to communicate using the second communication method (step S40).

[0058] The process in step S42 is the same as the process in step S22 shown in Figure 5, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0059] The determination unit 42 determines whether the location information meets a predetermined condition (step S44). The predetermined condition is that the communication status area information in the location information is below a predetermined threshold of radio wave strength. Specifically, the predetermined condition is determined when the radio wave strength in the first communication method used by the first communication unit 20 to communicate from the communication status area information stored in the storage unit 30 at the current location indicated by the location information is below a predetermined threshold of radio wave strength stored in the storage unit 30. If it is determined that the location information does not meet the predetermined condition (step S44; No), the process proceeds to step S46. If it is determined that the location information meets the predetermined condition (step S44; Yes), the process proceeds to step S48.

[0060] If the result in step S44 is determined to be No, the communication control unit 40 controls the second communication unit 22, which has not been determined to be the priority communication unit, to stop communication, and ends the supplementation of data from the communication of the first communication unit 20 with data from the communication of the second communication unit 22 (step S48). Note that no change in the priority communication unit is made during the processing from step S40 to step S48.

[0061] Using Figure 8, a method for supplementing data related to a second example of the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for supplementing data related to a second example of the second embodiment.

[0062] The communication control unit 40, having determined the first communication unit 20 as the priority communication unit, controls the first communication unit 20 to transmit frame signals 60-1 to 60-n to the other communication device 10 using the first communication method. The communication control unit 40 also controls the second communication unit 22 to transmit frame signals 70-1 to 70-n to the other communication device 10 using the second communication method. Frame signal 60-1 includes a synchronization signal 61-1, an audio signal 62-1, and data 63-1. Frame signal 60-n includes a synchronization signal 61-n, an audio signal 62-n, and data 63-n. Frame signal 70-1 includes a synchronization signal 61-1, an audio signal 62-1, a synchronization signal 71-1, and data 72-1. Frame signal 70-n includes synchronization signal 61-n, audio signal 62-n, synchronization signal 71-n, and data signal 72-n. Frame signals 70-1 through 70-n are sometimes referred to as a superframe.

[0063] Suppose the communication status area information in the location information is determined to be higher than a predetermined threshold for radio wave strength. In this case, the communication control unit 40 controls the second communication unit 22 to stop transmitting frame signal 70-n using the second communication method. In the example shown in Figure 8, other communication devices 10 can receive frame signal 60-n using the first communication method. Therefore, the communication control unit 40 does not need to control the second communication unit 22 to transmit frame signal 70-n to other communication devices 10 using the second communication method. This reduces battery consumption in the communication device 10.

[0064] [Communication processing in communication systems] (Example 1) The processing flow of the communication system according to the first example of the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the first example of the first embodiment.

[0065] The processing of the communication system relating to the first example of the first embodiment is the processing when voice communication using the first communication method is performed between communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2.

[0066] The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-1 transmits data to the first base station device 12-1 using the first communication method (step S200). Specifically, the first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-1 transmits an audio signal relating to the voice of the user of the communication device 10-1 to the first base station device 12-1. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the method of transmitting an audio signal using the first communication method according to the first example of the first embodiment. The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-1 transmits frame signals 60-1 to the first base station device 12-1, from frame signal 60-1 to frame signal 60-n. Frame signal 60-1 includes a synchronization signal 61-1 and an audio signal 62-1, which are generated based on the input voice 80-1 input by the user of the communication device 10-1 to the voice input unit 26. The frame signal 60-n includes a synchronization signal 61-n and an audio signal 62-n, which are generated based on the input audio 80-n input by the user of the communication device 10-1 to the audio input unit 26. The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-1 transmits the frame signal 60-n from the frame signal 60-1 to the first base station device 12-1, thereby transmitting the audio signal 60-n from the audio signal 60-1 to the first base station device 12-1.

[0067] Next, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the data received from the communication device 10-1 to the communication device 10-2 using the first communication method (step S201).

[0068] The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-2 receives data from the first base station device 12-1. The control unit 34 of the communication device 10-2 decodes the audio signal included in the first base station device 12-1 and causes the output unit 28 to output audio. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a method for outputting audio related to an audio signal received in a first communication system according to a first example of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the frame signal 60-1 received by the communication device 10-2 includes a synchronization signal 61-1 and an audio signal 62-1. The frame signal 60-n includes a synchronization signal 61-n and an audio signal 62-n. The control unit 34 of the communication device 10-2 decodes the frame signal 60-n from the frame signal 60-1 and causes the output unit 28 to output output audio 81-1 to output audio 81-n. Specifically, the control unit 34 of the communication device 10-2 decodes the audio signal 62-1 to audio signal 62-n based on the synchronization signals 61-1 to 61-n included in the frame signals 60-1 to 60-n, and causes the output unit 28 to output the output audio 81-1 to output audio 81-n.

[0069] The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-2 transmits data to the first base station device 12-1 using the first communication method (step S202). Specifically, the first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-2 transmits an audio signal related to the user's voice of the communication device 10-2 to the first base station device 12-1.

[0070] Next, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the data received from the communication device 10-2 to the communication device 10-1 using the first communication method (step S203).

[0071] Through the processing from step S200 to step S203, voice communication using the first communication method is performed between communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2.

[0072] (Second example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the second example of the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the second example of the first embodiment.

[0073] The processing of the communication system relating to the second example of the first embodiment is the processing when voice communication using the second communication method is performed between communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2.

[0074] The second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-1 transmits a connection request signal to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method (step S210). Subsequently, the second base station device 12-2 transmits a connection permission signal to the communication device 10-1 using the second communication method as a response to the connection request signal (step S211). The second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-1 receives the connection permission signal transmitted by the second base station device 12-2.

[0075] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-2 transmits a connection request signal to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method (step S212). Subsequently, the second base station device 12-2 transmits a connection permission signal to the communication device 10-2 using the second communication method as a response to the connection request signal indicating permission for connection (step S213). The second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-2 receives the connection permission signal transmitted by the second base station device 12-2.

[0076] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-1 transmits data to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method (step S214). Specifically, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-1 transmits an audio signal relating to the voice of the user of the communication device 10-1 to the second base station device 12-2. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the method of transmitting an audio signal using the second communication method according to a second example of the first embodiment. The second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-1 transmits frame signals 70-1 to the second base station device 12-2. Frame signal 70-1 includes an audio signal 62-1 generated based on input voice 80-1 input by the user of the communication device 10-1 to the audio input unit 26. Frame signal 60-n includes an audio signal 62-n generated based on input voice 80-n input by the user of the communication device 10-1 to the audio input unit 26. The second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-1 transmits voice signals 60-1 to the second base station device 12-2 by transmitting frame signals 70-1 to 70-n to the second base station device 12-2. Frame signals 70-1 to 70-n each include free capacity sections 91-1 to 91-n. Free capacity sections 91-1 to 91-n may each include synchronization signals 61-1 to 61-n of the first communication method.

[0077] Next, the second base station device 12-2 transmits the data received from the communication device 10-1 to the communication device 10-2 using the second communication method (step S215).

[0078] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-2 receives data from the second base station device 12-2. The control unit 34 of the communication device 10-2 decodes the audio signal and causes the output unit 28 to output the audio. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating how to output audio related to an audio signal received in the second communication method according to the second example of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, the frame signal 70-1 received by the communication device 10-2 includes a synchronization signal 71-1 and an audio signal 62-1. The frame signal 70-n includes a synchronization signal 71-n and an audio signal 62-n. The control unit 34 decodes the frame signal 70-n from the frame signal 70-1 and causes the output unit 28 to output the output audio 81-1 to the output audio 81-n. Specifically, the control unit 34 of the communication device 10-2 decodes the audio signal 62-1 to audio signal 62-n based on the synchronization signals 71-1 to 71-n included in the frame signals 70-1 to 70-n, and causes the output unit 28 to output the output audio 81-1 to output audio 81-n.

[0079] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-2 transmits data to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method (step S216). Specifically, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-2 transmits the voice signal related to the user's voice of the communication device 10-2 to the first base station device 12-1.

[0080] Next, the second base station device 12-2 transmits the data received from the communication device 10-2 to the communication device 10-1 using the second communication method (step S217).

[0081] Through the processing from step S210 to step S217, voice communication using the second communication method is performed between communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2.

[0082] (Third example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the third example of the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 15. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the third example of the first embodiment.

[0083] The processing of the communication system relating to the third example of the first embodiment is the processing when the communication conditions deteriorate while voice communication using the first communication method is being performed between communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2, and the voice communication using the first communication method is supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method.

[0084] The processes from step S220 to step S223 are the same as the processes from step S200 to step S203 shown in Figure 9, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0085] Next, the determination unit 42 of the communication device 10-1 determines in step S223 that the communication status area information in the location information is below a predetermined threshold for radio wave strength. The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-1 transmits a second communication start request signal to the first base station device 12-1 to supplement the voice communication by the first communication method with voice communication by the second communication unit 22 (step S224). Subsequently, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the second communication start request signal received from the communication device 10-1 to the communication device 10-2 using the first communication method (step S225). The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-2 receives the second communication start request signal transmitted by the first base station device 12-1. Through the processing in steps S224 and S225, preparations are made for data communication between the communication device 10-1 and the communication device 10-2 using the second communication unit 22.

[0086] The processes from steps S226 to S229 are the same as the processes from steps S210 to S213 shown in Figure 12, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0087] Next, the first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-2 transmits a second communication start notification signal to the first base station device 12-1 using the first communication method (step S230). Subsequently, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the second communication start notification signal received from the communication device 10-2 to the communication device 10-1 using the first communication method (step S231). The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-1 receives the second communication start notification signal transmitted by the first base station device 12-1. Through the processing in steps S230 and S231, communication by the second communication unit 22 is initiated between the communication device 10-1 and the communication device 10-2.

[0088] The processes in steps S232 and S233 are the same as those in steps S220 and S221, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0089] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-1 transmits data to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method (step S234). Specifically, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-1 transmits an audio signal related to the user's voice of the communication device 10-1 and a synchronization signal to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a method for transmitting an audio signal using the second communication method according to a third example of the first embodiment. Figure 16 shows frame signals 60-1 to 60-n transmitted to the first base station device 12-1 using the first communication method in step S232, and frame signals 70-1 to 70-n transmitted to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method in step S234. Frame signals 70-1 to 70-n each contain the synchronization signals 61-1 to 61-n and the audio signals 62-1 to 62-n, respectively, which are included in frame signals 60-1 to 60-n. By including the synchronization signals 61-1 to 61-n and the audio signals 62-1 to 62-n in frame signals 70-1 to 70-n, missing audio signals can be compensated for when the communication status of the first communication unit 20 deteriorates beyond a predetermined level.

[0090] Next, the second base station device 12-2 transmits the data received from the communication device 10-1 to the communication device 10-2 using the second communication method (step S236).

[0091] The processes in steps S232 and S233, and the processes in steps S234 and S235 are executed in parallel.

[0092] Next, the first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-2 receives data from the first base station device 12-1. The reception sensitivity determination unit 46 of the communication device 10-2 determines the reception sensitivity (first reception sensitivity information) when data is received from the first base station device 12-1. The second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-2 also receives data from the second base station device 12-2. The reception sensitivity determination unit 46 of the communication device 10-2 determines the reception sensitivity (second reception sensitivity information) when data is received from the second base station device 12-2. The determination of the first reception sensitivity information and the second reception sensitivity information is performed in parallel. The control unit 34 of the communication device 10-2 decodes the audio signal and outputs the audio to the output unit 28.

[0093] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a method for supplementing and outputting audio related to an audio signal according to a third example of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, among frame signals 60-1 to 60-n, the synchronization signal 61-2 and audio signal 62-2 of frame signal 60-2 are missing. In this case, when the control unit 34 of the communication device 10-2 decodes the audio signal received by the first communication method and outputs audio from the output unit 28, the output audio 81-2 is missing. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 34 of the communication device 10-2 supplements the synchronization signal 61-2 and audio signal 62-2 that are missing in frame signal 60-2 with the synchronization signal 61-2 and audio signal 62-2 included in frame signal 70-2 received by the second communication method. Since the control unit 34 of the communication device 10-2 can receive the synchronization signal 61-1 and the voice signal 62-1, and the synchronization signal 61-3 (not shown) and the synchronization signal 62-3 (not shown) using the first communication method, it can appropriately supplement the voice signal 62-2 based on the synchronization signal 61-2 included in the frame signal 70-2. As a result, as shown in Figure 17, the control unit 34 of the communication device 10-2 can decode the voice signal 62-n from the voice signal 62-1 and output the output voice 81-n from the output voice 81-1 to the output voice 81-n to the output unit 28.

[0094] The processes in steps S236 and S237 are the same as the processes in steps S202 and S203 shown in Figure 9, respectively, so their explanation is omitted. The processes in steps S238 and S139 are the same as the processes in steps S216 and S217 shown in Figure 12, respectively, so their explanation is omitted.

[0095] As a result of the processing from step S220 to step S239, even if the communication status of the first communication unit 20 falls below a predetermined level, voice communication can be performed appropriately without interruption.

[0096] (Fourth example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the fourth example of the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 18. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the fourth example of the first embodiment.

[0097] The processing of the communication system relating to the fourth example of the first embodiment is the processing when, with the first communication unit 20 designated as the priority communication unit, voice communication using the first communication method is being supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method, and the communication status of the first communication unit 20 improves, so the supplementation of voice communication using the first communication method with voice communication using the second communication method is terminated.

[0098] The processes from step S250 to step S257 are the same as the processes from step S232 to step S239 shown in Figure 15, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0099] Next, the determination unit 42 of the communication device 10-1 determines that the communication status area information in the location information is higher than a predetermined threshold for radio wave strength. The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-1 transmits a completion request signal to the first base station device 12-1 to end the completion of the completion of voice communication by the second communication unit 22 for voice communication by the first communication method (step S258). Subsequently, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the completion request signal received from the communication device 10-1 to the communication device 10-2 using the first communication method (step S259). The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-2 receives the completion request signal transmitted by the first base station device 12-1. The processing in steps S258 and S259 completes the preparation for ending the completion.

[0100] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-2 transmits a completion signal to the second base station device 12-2 to terminate the completion of the completion of voice communication using the first communication method with voice communication using the second communication method (step S260). Subsequently, the second base station device 12-2 transmits a completion permission signal to the communication device 10-2 using the second communication method as a response to the completion signal indicating permission to terminate the completion of the completion (step S261). The second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-2 receives the completion permission signal transmitted by the second base station device 12-2.

[0101] Next, the first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10-2 transmits a completion notification signal to the first base station device 12-1 using the first communication method (step S262). Subsequently, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the completion notification signal received from the communication device 10-2 to the communication device 10-1 using the first communication method (step S263).

[0102] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-1 transmits a completion signal to the second base station device 12-2 to terminate the completion of the completion of voice communication using the first communication method with voice communication using the second communication method (step S263). Subsequently, the second base station device 12-2 transmits a completion permission signal to the communication device 10-1 using the second communication method as a response to the completion signal indicating permission to terminate the completion of the completion (step S264). The second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-1 receives the completion permission signal transmitted by the second base station device 12-2.

[0103] The process from step S258 to step S264 completes the process of supplementing the voice communication of the first communication method with voice communication of the second communication method.

[0104] The processes from step S265 to step S268 are the same as the processes from step S220 to step S223 shown in Figure 15, so the explanation is omitted.

[0105] As described above, in the first embodiment, when voice communication is being performed between communication devices using the first communication method, if the communication conditions of the first communication unit deteriorate, the voice communication of the first communication method can be supplemented by voice communication of the second communication method. As a result, the first communication method can perform voice communication appropriately without interruption, even when the reception conditions of the first communication method deteriorate.

[0106] [Second Embodiment] (Communication equipment) An example of the configuration of a communication device according to the second embodiment will be described using Figure 19. Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device according to the second embodiment.

[0107] As shown in Figure 19, the communication device 10A differs from the communication device 10 shown in Figure 2 in that the control unit 34A includes an extraction unit 48.

[0108] The extraction unit 48 extracts other device location information, which indicates the location information of the base station device 12 or other communication devices 10A, from the data received by the first communication unit 20 from other communication devices 10A.

[0109] The extraction unit 48 extracts other device location information, which indicates the location information of the base station device 12 or other communication devices 10A, from the data received by the second communication unit 22 from other communication devices 10A.

[0110] The communication control unit 40A controls the first communication unit 20 to transmit data including location information using the first communication method. The communication control unit 40A controls the second communication unit 22 to transmit data including location information using the second communication method.

[0111] The determination unit 42A determines whether the distance between the location information and the other device location information meets a predetermined condition, based on the location information acquired by the location acquisition unit 32 and the other device location information extracted by the extraction unit 48. For example, the determination unit 42A determines that the predetermined condition is met if the distance between the communication device and the other communication device is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. For example, the determination unit 42A determines that the predetermined condition is met if the distance between the communication device and the other communication device is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance at which communication using the first communication method may be interrupted.

[0112] (Method of communication supplementation) The communication supplementation method according to the first example of the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 20. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication supplementation method according to the first example of the second embodiment.

[0113] The process shown in Figure 20 illustrates the process of supplementing the communication of the first communication unit 20 with the communication of the second communication unit 22 when the first communication unit 20 is designated as the priority communication unit and is performing communication, and the distance between the communication device 10A and the base station device 12 or other communication device including the other communication device 10A is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. In this disclosure, the process of supplementing the communication of the second communication unit 22 with the communication of the first communication unit 20 may also be performed.

[0114] The processes in steps S60 and S62 are the same as those in steps S20 and S22 shown in Figure 5, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0115] The extraction unit 48 extracts other device location information, which indicates the location information of the base station device 12 or other communication devices 10A, from the data received by the first communication unit 20 from other communication devices 10A (step S64).

[0116] The determination unit 42A determines whether the distance between the communication device 10A and the base station device 12 or other communication device 10A meets a predetermined condition (step S66). The predetermined condition is that the distance between devices, determined from the location information and the location information of other devices, is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. Specifically, the determination unit 42A determines whether the distance between the communication device 10A and other communication devices, including the base station device 12 or other communication device 10A, is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. For example, if the distance between the communication device 10A and other communication devices, including the base station device 12 or other communication device 10A, is too great, the determination unit 42A determines that the distance between the communication device 10A and other communication devices, including the base station device 12 or other communication device 10A, meets the predetermined condition. If the distance between devices is determined to meet the predetermined condition (step S66; Yes), the process proceeds to step S68. If the distance between devices is determined not to meet the predetermined condition (step S66; No), the process proceeds to step S70.

[0117] The processes in steps S68 and S70 are the same as those in steps S26 and S28 shown in Figure 5, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0118] The communication supplementation method according to the second example of the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 21. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication supplementation method according to the second example of the second embodiment.

[0119] The process shown in Figure 21 is a process that controls the communication of the second communication unit 22, which is not designated as the priority communication unit, to be stopped when the distance between the communication device 10A and the base station device 12 or other communication devices including the second communication unit 22 falls below a predetermined distance, while the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22 are communicating with the first communication unit 20, with the first communication unit 20 designated as the priority communication unit. In this disclosure, the process of stopping the communication of the second communication unit 22 with the first communication unit 20 may also be executed.

[0120] The process in step S80 is the same as the process in step S40 shown in Figure 7, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0121] The processes in steps S82 and S84 are the same as those in steps S62 and S64 shown in Figure 20, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0122] The determination unit 42B determines whether the distance between the communication device 10A and the base station device 12 or other communication devices including the other communication device 10A meets a predetermined condition (step S86). The predetermined condition is that the distance between the communication devices, determined from the location information and the location information of other devices, is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. Specifically, the determination unit 42A determines whether the distance between the communication device 10A and the base station device 12 or other communication devices including the other communication device 10A meets a predetermined distance. If the distance between the communication device 10A and the base station device 12 or other communication devices including the other communication device 10A meets a predetermined distance, the determination unit 42A determines that the distance between the devices meets the predetermined condition. If it is determined that the distance between the devices does not meet the predetermined condition (step S86; No), the process proceeds to step S88. If it is determined that the distance between the devices meets the predetermined condition (step S86; Yes), the process proceeds to step S90.

[0123] The processes in steps S88 and S90 are the same as those in steps S46 and S48 shown in Figure 7, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0124] [Communication processing in communication systems] (Example 1) The processing flow of the communication system according to the first example of the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 22. Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the first example of the second embodiment.

[0125] The processing of the communication system relating to the first example of the second embodiment is the processing when voice communication using the first communication method is performed between communication device 10A-1 and communication device 10A-2.

[0126] The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10A-1 transmits data to the first base station device 12-1 using the first communication method (step S300). Specifically, the first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10A-1 transmits an audio signal related to the user's voice of the communication device 10-1 and the location information of the communication device 10A-1 to the first base station device 12-1.

[0127] Next, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the data received from the communication device 10A-1 and the location information of the first base station device 12-1 to the communication device 10A-2 using the first communication method (step S301).

[0128] The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10A-2 receives data from the first base station device 12-1. The control unit 34A of the communication device 10A-2 decodes the audio signal contained in the first base station device 12-1 and outputs the audio to the output unit 28.

[0129] The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10A-2 transmits data to the first base station device 12-1 using the first communication method (step S302). Specifically, the first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10A-2 transmits an audio signal related to the user's voice of the communication device 10A-2 and the location information of the communication device 10A-2 to the first base station device 12-1.

[0130] Next, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the data received from the communication device 10A-2 and the location information of the first base station device 12-1 to the communication device 10A-1 using the first communication method (step S303).

[0131] Through the processing from step S300 to step S303, voice communication using the first communication method is performed between communication device 10A-1 and communication device 10A-2.

[0132] (Second example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the second example of the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 23. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the second example of the second embodiment.

[0133] The processing of the communication system relating to the second example of the second embodiment is the processing when voice communication using the second communication method is performed between communication device 10A-1 and communication device 10A-2.

[0134] The processes from step S310 to step S313 are the same as the processes from step S210 to step S213 shown in Figure 12, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0135] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10A-1 transmits data to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method (step S314). Specifically, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10A-1 transmits the voice signal related to the user's voice of the communication device 10-1 and the location information of the communication device 10A-1 to the second base station device 12-2.

[0136] Next, the second base station device 12-2 transmits the data received from the communication device 10A-1 and the location information of the second base station device 12-2 to the communication device 10A-2 using the second communication method (step S315).

[0137] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10A-2 receives data from the second base station device 12-2. The position acquisition unit 32 of the communication device 10A-2 acquires the position information of the communication device 10A-2 when it receives data from the second base station device 12-2. The control unit 34A of the communication device 10-2 decodes the audio signal and outputs the audio to the output unit 28.

[0138] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10A-2 transmits data to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method (step S316). Specifically, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10-2 transmits the voice signal related to the user's voice of the communication device 10A-2 and the location information of the communication device 10A-2 to the second base station device 12-2.

[0139] Next, the second base station device 12-2 transmits the data received from the communication device 10A-2 and the location information of the second base station device 12-2 to the communication device 10A-1 using the second communication method (step S317).

[0140] Through the processing from step S310 to step S317, voice communication using the second communication method is performed between communication device 10A-1 and communication device 10A-2.

[0141] (Third example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the third example of the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 24. Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the third example of the second embodiment.

[0142] The processing of the communication system relating to the third example of the second embodiment is the processing when voice communication using the first communication method is being performed between communication device 10A-1 and communication device 10A-2, and the distance between the devices is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, and the voice communication using the first communication method is supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method.

[0143] The processes from step S320 to step S323 are the same as the processes from step S300 to step S303 shown in Figure 22, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0144] The determination unit 42A of the communication device 10A-1 determines, based on the location information of the communication device 10A-1 and the location information of the first base station device 12-1, that the distance between the communication device 10A-1 and the first base station device 12-1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10A-1 transmits a second communication start request signal to the first base station device 12-1 to supplement the voice communication using the first communication method with voice communication using the second communication unit 22 (step S324). Subsequently, the first base station device 12-1 transmits the second communication start request signal received from the communication device 10-1 to the communication device 10-2 using the first communication method (step S325). The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10A-2 receives the second communication start request signal transmitted by the first base station device 12-1. As a result of the processing in steps S324 and S325, the second communication unit 22 is ready to perform data communication between communication device 10A-1 and communication device 10A-2.

[0145] The processes from step S326 to step S331 are the same as the processes from step S226 to step S231 shown in Figure 15, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0146] The processes in steps S332 and S333 are the same as those in steps S320 and S321, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0147] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10A-1 transmits data to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method (step S334). Specifically, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10A-1 transmits the voice signal related to the user's voice of the communication device 10A-1, the synchronization signal, and the location information of the communication device 10A-1 to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method.

[0148] Next, the second base station device 12-2 transmits the data received from the communication device 10A-1 and the location information of the second base station device 12-2 to the communication device 10A-2 using the second communication method (step S335). The control unit 34A of the communication device 10A-2 decodes the audio signal and outputs the audio to the output unit 28.

[0149] The processes in steps S332 and S333, and the processes in steps S334 and S335 are executed in parallel.

[0150] The processes in steps S336 and S337 are the same as those in steps S302 and S303 shown in Figure 22, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0151] Next, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10A-2 transmits data to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method (step S338). Specifically, the second communication unit 22 of the communication device 10A-2 transmits an audio signal related to the user's voice of the communication device 10A-2, a synchronization signal, and location information of the communication device 10A-2 to the second base station device 12-2 using the second communication method.

[0152] Next, the second base station device 12-2 transmits the data received from the communication device 10A-2 and the location information of the second base station device 12-2 to the communication device 10A-1 using the second communication method (step S339). The control unit 34A of the communication device 10A-1 decodes the audio signal and outputs the audio to the output unit 28.

[0153] As a result of the processing from step S320 to step S339, even if the distance between the communication device 10A-1 and the first base station device 12-1 exceeds a predetermined value, voice communication can be performed properly without interruption.

[0154] (Fourth example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the fourth example of the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 25. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the fourth example of the second embodiment.

[0155] The processing of the communication system relating to the fourth example of the second embodiment is the processing when, with the first communication unit 20 determined as the priority communication unit, voice communication using the first communication method is being supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method, and the distance between the communication device 10A-1 and the first base station device 12-1 falls below a predetermined distance, and the supplementation of voice communication using the first communication method with voice communication using the second communication method is terminated.

[0156] The processes from step S350 to step S357 are the same as the processes from step S332 to step S339 shown in Figure 24, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0157] Next, the determination unit 42A of the communication device 10A-1 determines, based on the location information of the communication device 10A-1 and the location information of the first base station device 12-1, that the distance between the communication device 10A-1 and the first base station device 12-1 is less than a predetermined distance. The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10A-1 transmits a completion request signal to the first base station device 12-1 to end the completion of communication by the first communication method with the completion of the completion of the completion of the completion of the communication by the first communication method with the completion of the completion of the completion of the communication by the first communication method (step S358).

[0158] The processes from step S359 to step S365 are the same as the processes from step S259 to step S265 shown in Figure 18, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0159] The processes from steps S366 to S369 are the same as the processes from steps S320 to S323 shown in Figure 24, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0160] As described above, in the second embodiment, when voice communication is being performed between communication devices using the first communication method, if the distance between the devices exceeds a predetermined distance, the voice communication using the second communication method can be supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method. As a result, the second embodiment can perform voice communication smoothly and without interruption.

[0161] [Modified version of the second embodiment] In the second embodiment, voice communication using the first communication method is described as being supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method based on the location information of the communication device 10A-1 and the first base station device 12-1, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In a modified version of the second embodiment, in addition to the location information of the communication device 10A-1 and the first base station device 12-1, the receiving sensitivity of the first communication unit 20 and the receiving sensitivity of the second communication unit 22 may also be taken into consideration to determine whether or not to supplement voice communication using the first communication method with voice communication using the second communication method.

[0162] The extraction unit 48 may, for example, extract reception sensitivity information from data received by the first communication unit 20 from another communication device 10A or the first base station device 12-1, indicating the reception sensitivity when the data transmitted by the first communication unit 20 was received by the other communication device 10A or the first base station device 12-1. This reception sensitivity information is also called first reception sensitivity information.

[0163] The extraction unit 48 extracts, for example, reception sensitivity information from data received by the second communication unit 22 from another communication device 10A or the second base station device 12-2, indicating the reception sensitivity when the data transmitted by the second communication unit 22 was received by the other communication device 10A or the second base station device 12-2. This reception sensitivity information is also called second reception sensitivity information.

[0164] The determination unit 42A may determine that one of the first communication unit 20 or the second communication unit 22 is the priority communication unit based on the first and second reception sensitivity information extracted by the extraction unit 48. Specifically, the determination unit 42A compares the first and second reception sensitivity information and determines that the first communication unit 20 is the priority communication unit if the first reception sensitivity information is greater than the second reception sensitivity information. The determination unit 42A compares the first and second reception sensitivity information and determines that the second reception sensitivity information is the priority communication unit if the second reception sensitivity information is greater than the first reception sensitivity information.

[0165] Here, it is assumed that communication device 10A-1 and communication device 10A-2 are performing voice communication using the first communication method. In this case, the determination unit 42A may determine, for example, whether the distance between communication device 10A-1 and the first base station device 12-1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, and whether the first received sensitivity information is below a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the distance between communication device 10A-1 and the first base station device 12-1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, and the first received sensitivity information is below a predetermined threshold, the communication control unit 40A may supplement the voice communication using the first communication method with the second communication method.

[0166] In a modified version of the second embodiment, voice communication using the first communication method can be appropriately complemented by the second communication method based on the distance between the communication device 10A-1 and the first base station device 12-1, the first reception sensitivity information, and the second reception sensitivity information.

[0167] [Third Embodiment] (Communication equipment) An example of the configuration of a communication device according to the third embodiment will be described using Figure 26. Figure 26 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device according to the third embodiment.

[0168] As shown in Figure 26, the communication device 10B differs from the communication device 10 shown in Figure 2 in that it does not have a position acquisition unit 32, but does have a speed information acquisition unit 36.

[0169] The speed information acquisition unit 36 ​​acquires the movement speed of the communication device 10B. The speed information acquisition unit 36 ​​is composed of, for example, a speed sensor. The speed information acquisition unit 36 ​​outputs speed information indicating the detected movement speed of the communication device 10B to the control unit 34B.

[0170] Based on the speed information acquired by the speed information acquisition unit 36, the determination unit 42B determines that either the first communication unit 20 or the second communication unit 22 is the priority communication unit. Specifically, the determination unit 42B determines whether the speed information meets predetermined conditions. For example, based on the speed information, the determination unit 42B determines whether the movement speed of the communication device 10B is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed.

[0171] In other words, in the third embodiment, the communication control unit 40B controls the transmission of the frame signal generated by the generation unit 44 from both the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22 when the speed information meets predetermined conditions. For example, the communication control unit 40B controls the transmission of the frame signal generated by the generation unit 44 from both the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22 when the communication speed is above a predetermined speed.

[0172] (Method of communication supplementation) The communication supplementation method according to the first example of the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 27. Figure 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication supplementation method according to the first example of the third embodiment.

[0173] The process shown in Figure 27 illustrates the process of supplementing the communication of the first communication unit 20 with the communication of the second communication unit 22 when the communication device 10B is operating at a predetermined speed or higher, while the first communication unit 20 is designated as the priority communication unit and communication is being performed by the first communication unit 20. In this disclosure, the process of supplementing the communication of the second communication unit 22 with the communication of the first communication unit 20 may also be performed.

[0174] The process in step S100 is the same as the process in step S20 shown in Figure 5, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0175] The determination unit 42B controls the speed information acquisition unit 36 ​​to acquire speed information indicating the moving speed of the communication device 10B (step S102).

[0176] The determination unit 42B determines whether the speed information meets a predetermined condition (step S104). The predetermined condition is that the speed information is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed. Specifically, the determination unit 42B determines whether the movement speed of the communication device 10B is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed. The determination unit 42B determines that the speed information meets the predetermined condition if the movement speed of the communication device 10B is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed, and determines that the speed information does not meet the predetermined condition if the movement speed is less than the predetermined speed. For example, when voice communication is being performed by the first communication unit 20, if the voice is interrupted due to a high movement speed, the speed information is determined to meet the predetermined condition. If the speed information is determined to meet the predetermined condition (step S104; Yes), the process proceeds to step S106. If the speed information is determined to not meet the predetermined condition (step S104; No), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0177] The processes in steps S106 and S108 are the same as those in steps S26 and S28 shown in Figure 5, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0178] The communication supplementation method according to the second example of the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 28. Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication supplementation method according to the second example of the third embodiment.

[0179] The process shown in Figure 28 involves controlling the communication of the second communication unit 22, which is not designated as the priority communication unit, to stop communication when the movement speed of the communication device 10B falls below a predetermined speed while the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22 are communicating, with the first communication unit 20 designated as the priority communication unit. This process terminates the supplementation of the first communication unit 20's communication by the second communication unit 22's communication. In this disclosure, the process of terminating the supplementation of the second communication unit 22's communication by the first communication unit 20's communication may also be executed.

[0180] The process in step S120 is the same as the process in step S40 shown in Figure 7, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0181] The processes in step S122 are the same as those in step S102 shown in Figure 27, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0182] The determination unit 42B determines whether the speed information meets a predetermined condition (step S124). The predetermined condition is that the speed information is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed. Specifically, the determination unit 42B determines whether the movement speed of the communication device 10B is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed. If the movement speed of the communication device 10B is less than the predetermined speed, the determination unit 42B determines that the speed information does not meet the predetermined condition. If the speed information is determined not to meet the predetermined condition (step S124; No), the process proceeds to step S126. If the speed information is determined to meet the predetermined condition (step S124; Yes), the process proceeds to step S128.

[0183] The processes in steps S126 and S128 are the same as those in steps S46 and S48 shown in Figure 7, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0184] [Communication processing in communication systems] (Example 1) The processing flow of the communication system according to the first example of the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 29. Figure 29 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the first example of the third embodiment.

[0185] The processing of the communication system relating to the first example of the third embodiment is the processing when voice communication using the first communication method is performed between communication device 10B-1 and communication device 10B-2.

[0186] The processes from step S400 to step S403 are the same as the processes from step S200 to step S203 shown in Figure 9, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0187] Through the processing from step S400 to step S403, voice communication using the first communication method is performed between communication device 10B-1 and communication device 10B-2.

[0188] (Second example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the second example of the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 30. Figure 30 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the second example of the third embodiment.

[0189] The processing of the communication system relating to the second example of the third embodiment is the processing when voice communication using the second communication method is performed between communication device 10B-1 and communication device 10B-2.

[0190] The processes from step S410 to step S417 are the same as the processes from step S210 to step S217 shown in Figure 12, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0191] Through the processing from step S410 to step S417, voice communication using the second communication method is performed between communication device 10B-1 and communication device 10B-2.

[0192] (Third example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the third example of the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 31. Figure 31 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the third example of the third embodiment.

[0193] The processing of the communication system relating to the third example of the third embodiment is the processing when, while voice communication using the first communication method is being performed between communication device 10B-1 and communication device 10B-2, the movement speed of communication device 10B-1 exceeds a predetermined speed, and the voice communication using the first communication method is supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method.

[0194] The processes from step S420 to step S423 are the same as the processes from step S220 to step S223 shown in Figure 15, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0195] The determination unit 42B of the communication device 10B-1 determines, based on the speed information of the communication device 10B-1, that the movement speed of the communication device 10B-1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed. The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10B-1 transmits a second communication start request signal to the first base station device 12-1 to supplement the voice communication by the first communication method with voice communication by the second communication unit 22 (step S424).

[0196] The processes from step S425 to step S439 are the same as the processes from step S225 to step S239 shown in Figure 15, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0197] Steps S420 to S439 enable uninterrupted and appropriate voice communication even when the movement speed of the communication device 10B-1 exceeds a predetermined speed.

[0198] (Fourth example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the fourth example of the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 32. Figure 32 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the fourth example of the third embodiment.

[0199] The processing of the communication system relating to the fourth example of the third embodiment is the processing when, with the first communication unit 20 determined as the priority communication unit, voice communication using the first communication method is being supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method, and the movement speed of the communication device 10B-1 falls below a predetermined speed, so the supplementation of voice communication using the first communication method with voice communication using the second communication method is terminated.

[0200] The processes from step S450 to step S457 are the same as the processes from step S250 to step S257 shown in Figure 18, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0201] Next, the determination unit 42B of the communication device 10B-1 determines, based on the speed information of the communication device 10B-1, that the movement speed of the communication device 10B-1 is less than a predetermined speed. The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10B-1 transmits a completion request signal to the first base station device 12-1 to end the completion of communication device 10B-1 based on the speed information of the communication device 10B-1.

[0202] The processes from step S459 to step S469 are the same as the processes from step S259 to step S269 shown in Figure 18, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0203] As described above, in the third embodiment, when voice communication is being performed between communication devices using the first communication method, if the movement speed exceeds a predetermined speed, the voice communication using the second communication method can be supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method. As a result, the third embodiment can perform voice communication smoothly and without interruption.

[0204] [Fourth Embodiment] (Communication equipment) An example of the configuration of a communication device according to the fourth embodiment will be described using Figure 33. Figure 33 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0205] As shown in Figure 33, the communication device 10C differs from the communication device 10B shown in Figure 26 in that it includes a position acquisition unit 32.

[0206] The speed information acquisition unit 36 ​​acquires the movement speed of the communication device 10C. The speed information acquisition unit 36 ​​is composed of, for example, a speed sensor. The speed information acquisition unit 36 ​​outputs speed information indicating the detected movement speed of the communication device 10B to the control unit 34B.

[0207] The determination unit 42C determines, based on the speed information acquired by the speed information acquisition unit 36, that one of the first communication unit 20 or the second communication unit 22 is the priority communication unit. Specifically, the determination unit 42C determines whether the speed information meets predetermined conditions. For example, based on the speed information, the determination unit 42C determines whether the movement speed of the communication device 10B is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed.

[0208] In the fourth embodiment, the storage unit 30 stores, for example, speed region information indicating a predetermined speed for each region in map information composed of multiple regions. The speed region information is pre-generated information for each region based on information such as the positional relationship with the base station, terrain information, and building information.

[0209] The determination unit 42C determines, based on the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit 32, whether the movement speed of the communication device 10C in the position information meets a predetermined condition. For example, the determination unit 42C determines whether the movement speed of the communication device 10C in the position information is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed. In this case, the determination unit 42C obtains the predetermined speed from the speed area information stored in the storage unit 30 in the position information, for example, and determines whether the movement speed of the communication device 10C is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed.

[0210] (Method of communication supplementation) The communication supplementation method according to the first example of the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 34. Figure 34 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication supplementation method according to the first example of the fourth embodiment.

[0211] The process shown in Figure 34 illustrates the process of supplementing the communication of the first communication unit 20 with the communication of the second communication unit 22 when the first communication unit 20 is designated as the priority communication unit and is performing communication, and the communication device 10C is at or above a predetermined speed in terms of location information. In this disclosure, the process of supplementing the communication of the second communication unit 22 with the communication of the first communication unit 20 may also be performed.

[0212] The processes in steps S130 and S132 are the same as those in steps S20 and S22 shown in Figure 5, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0213] The process in step S134 is the same as the process in step S102 shown in Figure 27, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0214] The determination unit 42C determines whether the speed information meets a predetermined condition (step S136). The predetermined condition is that the speed information is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed indicated by the speed range information in the position information. Specifically, the determination unit 42C determines whether the movement speed of the communication device 10C in the position information is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed, based on the speed range information stored in the storage unit 30. If the movement speed of the communication device 10C is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed indicated by the speed range information in the position information, the determination unit 42C determines that the speed information meets the predetermined condition. If the speed information is determined to meet the predetermined condition (step S136; Yes), the process proceeds to step S138. If the speed information is determined not to meet the predetermined condition (step S136; No), the process proceeds to step S140.

[0215] The processes in steps S138 and S140 are the same as those in steps S26 and S28 shown in Figure 5, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0216] The communication supplementation method according to the second example of the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 35. Figure 35 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication supplementation method according to the second example of the fourth embodiment.

[0217] The process shown in Figure 35 involves controlling the communication of the second communication unit 22, which is not designated as the priority communication unit, to stop communication when the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22 are communicating, and the communication device 10C falls below a predetermined speed in terms of location information, thereby ending the process of supplementing the communication of the first communication unit 20 with the communication of the second communication unit 22. In this disclosure, the process of ending the supplementing of the communication of the second communication unit 22 with the communication of the first communication unit 20 may also be executed.

[0218] The process in step S150 is the same as the process in step S40 shown in Figure 7, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0219] The processes in steps S152 and S154 are the same as those in steps S132 and S134 shown in Figure 34, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0220] The determination unit 42C determines whether the speed information meets a predetermined condition (step S156). The predetermined condition is that the speed information is equal to or greater than the speed indicated by the speed range information in the location information. Specifically, the determination unit 42C determines whether the movement speed of the communication device 10C in the location information is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed, based on the speed range information stored in the storage unit 30. If the movement speed of the communication device 10C is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed indicated by the speed range information in the location information, the determination unit 42C determines that the speed information meets the predetermined condition. If the movement speed of the communication device 10C is less than the predetermined speed indicated by the speed range information in the location information, the determination unit 42C determines that the speed information does not meet the predetermined condition. If the speed information is determined not to meet the predetermined condition (step S156; No), the process proceeds to step S158. If the speed information is determined to meet the predetermined condition (step S156; Yes), the process proceeds to step S160.

[0221] The processes in steps S158 and S160 are the same as those in steps S46 and S48 shown in Figure 7, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0222] [Communication processing in communication systems] (Example 1) The processing flow of the communication system according to the first example of the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 36. Figure 36 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the first example of the fourth embodiment.

[0223] The processing of the communication system relating to the first example of the fourth embodiment is the processing when voice communication using the first communication method is performed between communication device 10C-1 and communication device 10C-2.

[0224] The processes from step S500 to step S503 are the same as the processes from step S300 to step S303 shown in Figure 22, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0225] Through the processing from step S500 to step S503, voice communication using the first communication method is performed between communication device 10C-1 and communication device 10C-2.

[0226] (Second example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the second example of the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 37. Figure 37 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the second example of the fourth embodiment.

[0227] The processes from step S510 to step S517 are the same as the processes from step S310 to step S317 shown in Figure 23, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0228] (Third example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the third example of the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 38. Figure 38 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the third example of the fourth embodiment.

[0229] The processing of the communication system relating to the third example of the fourth embodiment is the processing when, while voice communication using the first communication method is being performed between communication device 10C-1 and communication device 10C-2, the movement speed of communication device 10C-1 becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined speed indicated by the speed range information in the position information, and the voice communication using the first communication method is supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method.

[0230] The processes from step S520 to step S523 are the same as the processes from step S320 to step S323 shown in Figure 24, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0231] The determination unit 42C of the communication device 10C-1 determines, based on the speed information and speed range information of the communication device 10C-1, that the moving speed of the communication device 10C-1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed indicated by the speed range information in the position information. The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10C-1 transmits a second communication start request signal to the first base station device 12-1 to supplement the voice communication by the first communication method with voice communication by the second communication unit 22 (step S524).

[0232] The processes from step S525 to step S539 are the same as the processes from step S325 to step S339 shown in Figure 24, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0233] Steps S520 to S539 enable uninterrupted and appropriate voice communication even when the movement speed of the communication device 10C-1 exceeds a predetermined speed indicated by the speed domain information in the position information.

[0234] (Fourth example) The processing flow of the communication system according to the fourth example of the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 39. Figure 39 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the fourth example of the fourth embodiment.

[0235] The processing of the communication system relating to the fourth example of the fourth embodiment is the processing when, with the first communication unit 20 determined as the priority communication unit, voice communication using the first communication method is being supplemented by voice communication using the second communication method, and the movement speed of the communication device 10C-1 falls below a predetermined speed indicated by the speed range information in the position information, and the supplementation of voice communication using the first communication method with voice communication using the second communication method is terminated.

[0236] The processes from step S550 to step S557 are the same as the processes from step S350 to step S357 shown in Figure 25, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0237] Next, the determination unit 42C of the communication device 10C-1 determines, based on the speed information and speed range information of the communication device 10C-1, that the moving speed of the communication device 10C-1 is less than a predetermined speed indicated by the speed range information in the position information. The first communication unit 20 of the communication device 10C-1 transmits a completion request signal to the first base station device 12-1 to end the completion of

[0238] The processes from step S559 to step S569 are the same as the processes from step S359 to step S369 shown in Figure 25, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0239] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when voice communication is being performed between communication devices using the first communication method, if the movement speed exceeds a predetermined speed indicated by the speed range information in the location information, the voice communication of the first communication method can be supplemented by voice communication of the second communication method. As a result, the second embodiment can perform voice communication smoothly and without interruption.

[0240] Each component of the illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. Furthermore, this distribution and integration configuration may be performed dynamically.

[0241] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited by the content of these embodiments. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that are readily conceivable to those skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0242] 1. Communication System 10,10―2,10-1,10-2,10A,10A-1,10A-2,10B,10B-1,10B-2,10C,10C-1,10C-2 Communication equipment 12 Base station equipment 12-1 First base station equipment 12-2 2nd base station equipment 20. First Communications Department 22. Second Communications Department 24 Input section 26 Voice input section 28 Output section 30 Storage section 32 Position acquisition part 34, 34A, 34B Control Unit 36 Speed ​​information acquisition section 40, 40A, 40B Communication Control Unit 42,42A,42B,42C Judgment section 44 Generation part 46 Reception sensitivity determination unit 48 Extraction part

Claims

1. A first communication unit that transmits and receives data with other communication devices using a first communication method, A second communication unit that transmits and receives data with the other communication device using a second communication method different from the first communication method, A communication control unit that controls communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit, A speed information acquisition unit that acquires the speed of a communication device as speed information, A determination unit determines, based on the speed information acquired by the speed information acquisition unit, which determines the priority communication unit to be used for communication from the first communication unit and the second communication unit, A generation unit generates a frame signal, which is a signal including an audio signal and a synchronization signal, based on the audio input to the audio input unit. Equipped with, If the determination unit determines that the speed information meets the predetermined conditions, The communication control unit controls the transmission of the frame signal generated by the generation unit from both the first communication unit and the second communication unit. Communication device.

2. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that the speed information is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. A location acquisition unit that acquires location information of the aforementioned communication device, A map information system comprising multiple regions includes a storage unit that stores speed region information, including the speed for each of the regions, The predetermined condition is that the speed information is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed indicated by the speed range information in the position information. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The steps include controlling the first communication unit to send and receive data with other communication devices using the first communication method, The steps include controlling the second communication unit to send and receive data with the other communication device using a second communication method different from the first communication method, A step of acquiring the speed of the communication device as speed information, Based on the acquired speed information, the steps include determining the priority communication unit to be used for communication from the first communication unit and the second communication unit, The steps include generating a frame signal, which is a signal containing an audio signal and a synchronization signal, based on the audio input to the audio input unit, Equipped with, If the speed information is determined to meet predetermined conditions, the control is performed to transmit the generated frame signal from both the first communication unit and the second communication unit. A communication method that includes this.

5. The steps include controlling the first communication unit to send and receive data with other communication devices using the first communication method, The steps include controlling the second communication unit to send and receive data with the other communication device using a second communication method different from the first communication method, A step of acquiring the speed of the communication device as speed information, Based on the acquired speed information, the steps include determining the priority communication unit to be used for communication from the first communication unit and the second communication unit, The steps include generating a frame signal, which is a signal containing an audio signal and a synchronization signal, based on the audio input to the audio input unit, Equipped with, If the speed information is determined to meet predetermined conditions, the control is performed to transmit the generated frame signal from both the first communication unit and the second communication unit. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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