Communication device and control method

Abstract

To appropriately prevent the same communication channel from being occupied continuously for a predetermined period of time or longer. [Solution] The communication device comprises a first communication unit that performs voice communication with other communication devices, an input unit that inputs sounds from the vicinity of the communication device, an analysis unit that analyzes the characteristics of the input sound, which is the sound input to the input unit, and the received sound, which is the sound contained in the data received by the first communication unit, and a counting unit that counts the time from the start time to the end time of transmission of data from the communication device to the other communication device. If the analysis unit determines during counting that there are characteristics common to the received sound and the input sound, the counting unit will continue to count the time even after the end time of transmission.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication devices are provided with a transmission time limit function such as a time-out timer (TOT: Time out Timer) so that they cannot continuously occupy the same communication channel (communication frequency) for a predetermined time or more. In Patent Document 1, there is disclosed a technique for preventing the occurrence of a situation where, without knowing that the relay transmission by a wireless relay station is forcibly terminated by making the times at which the transmission time limit devices in each wireless communication station during communication operate coincide, transmission continues.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A time-out timer is a function that forcibly terminates communication when communication is continuously performed on the same communication channel for a predetermined time or more. However, even when a time-out timer is provided, for example, there is a possibility that the same communication channel may be continuously occupied for a predetermined time or more by a user communicating on the same communication channel using two communication devices alternately.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device and a control method that can appropriately prevent the same communication channel from being continuously occupied for a predetermined time or more.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The communication device of this disclosure comprises: a first communication unit that performs voice communication with another communication device; an input unit that inputs sounds from the vicinity of the communication device; an analysis unit that analyzes the characteristics of the input sound, which is the sound input to the input unit, and the received sound, which is the sound contained in the data received by the first communication unit; and a counting unit that counts the time from the start time to the end time of transmission of data from the communication device to the other communication device. The counting unit continues to count time even after the end time of transmission if the analysis unit determines during counting that there are characteristics common to the received sound and the input sound.

[0007] The communication device of this disclosure comprises: a first communication unit that performs voice communication with another communication device; an input unit that inputs sounds from the vicinity of the communication device; an analysis unit that analyzes the characteristics of the input sound, which is the sound input to the input unit, and the received sound, which is the sound contained in the data received by the first communication unit; and a counting unit that counts the time from the start time to the end time of transmission of data from the communication device to the other communication device. The counting unit counts the time even if it is before the start time of transmission, if the analysis unit determines that there are characteristics common to the received sound and the input sound before the start time of transmission.

[0008] The control method of the present disclosure includes the steps of: performing voice communication with another communication device using a first communication unit; inputting sounds from the vicinity of the own communication device; analyzing the characteristics of the input sound, which is the sound input to the input unit, and the received sound, which is the sound contained in the data received by the first communication unit; counting the time from the start time to the end time of transmission of data from the own communication device to the other communication device; and, if it is determined during the counting that there are characteristics common to the received sound and the input sound, continuing to count the time even after the end time of transmission.

[0009] The control method of the present disclosure includes the steps of: performing voice communication with another communication device using a communication unit; inputting sounds from the vicinity of the own communication device; analyzing the characteristics of the input sound, which is the sound input to the input unit, and the received sound, which is the sound contained in the data received by the communication unit; and counting the time from the start time to the end time of transmission of data from the own communication device to the other communication device, and if it is determined that there are characteristics common to the received sound and the input sound before the start time of transmission, the method includes the step of counting the time even if it is before the start time of transmission. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to appropriately prevent the same communication channel from being occupied continuously for a predetermined period of time or longer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the timeout timer determination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the timeout timer determination process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the timeout timer determination process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] 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.

[0013] [overview] An overview of the communication method according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the communication method according to the embodiment.

[0014] In the example shown in Figure 1, voice communication is taking place between communication devices 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3. When it is not necessary to distinguish between communication devices 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3, they are collectively referred to as communication device 10.

[0015] Communication devices 10-1 and 10-2 are assumed to be used by the same user U. Communication device 10-3 is assumed to be used by a user different from user U. In Figure 1, when user U communicates by alternately using communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2, for example, when switching to communication device 10-2 to transmit while transmitting with communication device 10-1, the timeout timer count of communication device 10-1 stops. As a result, communication is not forcibly terminated, and there is a possibility that user U may occupy the same communication channel for longer than the set time of the timeout timer. Therefore, in this disclosure, when user U is using communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 on the same communication channel, a process is executed to synchronize the timeout timers of communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 to prevent the same communication channel from being occupied.

[0016] [Embodiment] (Communication device) Using FIG. 2, a configuration example of the communication device according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the communication device according to the embodiment.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 10 includes a first communication unit 12, a second communication unit 14, an input unit 16, an output unit 18, a storage unit 20, and a control unit 22.

[0018] The communication device 10 is, for example, a wireless communication device such as a business radio, but is not limited thereto.

[0019] The first communication unit 12 is a communication interface that communicates with another communication device 10 using a first communication method. The first communication method is, for example, a long-distance communication method that transmits and receives various data to and from another communication device 10 via a base station. The first communication unit 12, for example, performs voice communication with another communication device 10.

[0020] The second communication unit 14 is a communication interface that communicates with another communication device 10 using a second communication method. The second communication method is, for example, a communication method that performs communication using short-range wireless such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The second communication unit 14, for example, communicates the count time of a timeout timer with another communication device 10.

[0021] The input unit 16 receives various input operations for the communication device 10. The input unit 16 includes, for example, a microphone that inputs the voice of the user of the communication device 10 and the ambient sound around the communication device 10 as input sound. The input unit 16 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, switches, a PTT (Push-to-Talk) button, and the like.

[0022] The output unit 18 outputs various types of information. The output unit 18 includes a speaker that outputs received sounds contained in audio data received from other communication devices 10, or predetermined sounds. The predetermined sound is, for example, a single tone of a specific frequency or a composite sound combining multiple frequencies. The predetermined sound may be, for example, a tone.

[0023] The output unit 18 outputs a predetermined sound, for example, when the first communication unit 12 receives audio data from another communication device 10. The output unit 18 adds a predetermined sound to the received sound and outputs it, for example, when there are no common features between the received sound contained in the audio data received by the first communication unit and the input sound input to the input unit 16. The output unit 18 adds a predetermined sound to the received sound and outputs it, for example, when there are no common features between the received sound and the input sound.

[0024] The memory unit 20 stores various types of information. The memory unit 20 stores the calculation contents of the control unit 22 and information such as programs. The memory unit 20 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).

[0025] The control unit 22 controls each part of the communication device 10. The control unit 22 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 22 executes a program that controls the operation of the communication device 10 according to this disclosure. The control unit 22 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 22 may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0026] The control unit 22 comprises an analysis unit 30, a counting unit 32, a identification unit 34, an output control unit 36, and a communication control unit 38.

[0027] The analysis unit 30 analyzes the input sound input to the input unit 16 and the received sound contained in the data received by the first communication unit 12 from the other communication device 10. The analysis unit 30 analyzes the sound characteristics of the input sound and the received sound and determines whether or not there are any common characteristics between the input sound and the received sound. If the analysis unit 30 determines that there are common characteristics between the input sound and the received sound, it determines that the communication device 10 and the other communication device 10 are being used by the same user.

[0028] The analysis unit 30, for example, analyzes the input sound and the received sound and determines whether the input sound and the received sound contain the same voice or ambient sound. The analysis unit 30, for example, compares the feature quantities of the audio waveform data of the input sound and the received sound and determines that the input sound and the received sound have common features if they contain the same or similar voice or ambient sound.

[0029] The analysis unit 30, for example, analyzes the input sound and the received sound and determines whether a predetermined sound output by the communication device is included in the input sound and the received sound. The analysis unit 30, for example, compares the feature quantities of the audio waveform data of the input sound and the received sound and determines that there is a common feature between the input sound and the received sound if the same or similar predetermined sound is included.

[0030] The analysis unit 30 generates, for example, audio waveforms for the input sound and the received sound. The analysis unit 30 compares the features of the audio waveform data of the input sound and the received sound, and determines that the input sound and the received sound have common features if the feature quantities of the two audio waveforms are above a threshold. The analysis unit 30 performs Fourier analysis on the audio waveform data of the input sound and the audio waveform data of the received sound by applying a time window to obtain amplitude and frequency data. The process of detecting all frequency positions that make up the peaks of the amplitude data of the Fourier analysis output is performed while moving the time window, and an analysis waveform that forms a trajectory connecting the peaks in each frame is created. Feature quantities, such as the number of peaks in the sound signal that change between positive and negative, the difference between adjacent peaks, and the peak value, are extracted from the created analysis waveforms of the input sound and the received sound and compared. If the feature quantities are above a predetermined threshold, they are determined to be identical or similar.

[0031] The analysis unit 30 may, for example, continuously determine whether the input sound and the received sound have common characteristics, or it may determine this at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval can be set arbitrarily.

[0032] The counting unit 32 counts the timeout timer. For example, the counting unit 32 counts the time from the transmission start time when the first communication unit 12 starts transmitting data to another communication device 10, to the transmission end time when the data transmission ends. Here, the time after a predetermined period has elapsed since the end of data transmission is sometimes called the transmission end time.

[0033] For example, if the analysis unit 30 determines that there is a common characteristic between the received sound and the input sound while the timeout timer is counting, the counting unit 32 will continue counting without stopping the time count even after the time when the first communication unit 12 has finished transmitting data. In other words, if the counting unit 32 determines that the communication device 10 and the other communication device 10 are being used by the same user, it will continue counting without stopping the time count even after the time when the first communication unit 12 has finished transmitting data.

[0034] The counting unit 32 starts counting the timeout timer even before the time when the first communication unit 12 starts transmitting data, if the analysis unit 30 determines that there are common characteristics between the received sound and the input sound. In other words, the counting unit 32 may start counting the timeout timer even before transmitting data if predetermined conditions are met.

[0035] The counting unit 32 may, for example, count the number of times the analysis unit 30 determines that there are common features between the received sound and the input sound while the timeout timer is counting. In this case, if the number of times the analysis unit 30 determines that there are common features between the received sound and the input sound between the start of data transmission and the end of data transmission is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the counting unit 32 may terminate the counting of the timeout timer after the time when the data transmission by the first communication unit 12 is completed. The predetermined number can be set arbitrarily.

[0036] When the analysis unit 30 determines that there are common features between the received sound and the input sound, the identification unit 34 extracts information contained in the data received by the first communication unit 12 and identifies it as a specific communication device. For example, the identification unit 34 may extract the ID of a communication device from the information contained in the data received by the first communication unit 12 and identify it as a specific communication device. For example, the identification unit 34 may identify a specific communication device based on an ID output by another communication device 10 in the form of sound such as DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) or Morse code.

[0037] The output control unit 36 ​​controls the output unit 18 to output various types of sounds. For example, the output control unit 36 ​​outputs the received sound included in the data received by the first communication unit 12. For example, the output control unit 36 ​​outputs a predetermined sound from the output unit 18. For example, if the analysis unit 30 determines that there are no common features between the received sound and the input sound, the output control unit 36 ​​adds a predetermined sound to the received sound included in the data received by the first communication unit 12 and outputs it from the output unit 18.

[0038] The communication control unit 38 controls the first communication unit 12 to perform communication with other communication devices 10 using the first communication method. For example, the communication control unit 38 controls the first communication unit 12 to perform voice communication.

[0039] The communication control unit 38, for example, forcibly stops communication using the first communication unit 12 that is being performed with other communication devices 10 when the timeout timer counted by the count unit 32 reaches a predetermined time.

[0040] The communication control unit 38 controls the second communication unit 14 to perform communication with other communication devices 10 using the second communication method. For example, the communication control unit 38 controls the second communication unit 14 to transmit the count time of the timeout timer counted by the count unit 32 to the specific communication device identified by the identification unit 34.

[0041] (Timeout timer determination process) The timeout timer determination process according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the timeout timer determination process according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 3 shows the process when voice communication is performed between communication device 10-1, communication device 10-2, and communication device 10-3.

[0043] Communication device 10-1 transmits voice data to communication devices 10-2 and 10-3 (step S10). The voice data transmitted by communication device 10-1 includes the voice of the user using communication device 10-1 and ambient sounds from the vicinity of communication device 10-1 as received sounds.

[0044] Next, the communication device 10-1 starts counting down the timeout timer (step S12). Then, the communication device 10-1 stops transmitting the voice data (step S14).

[0045] Communication device 10-2 transmits voice data to communication devices 10-1 and 10-3 (step S16). The voice data transmitted by communication device 10-2 includes the voice of the user using communication device 10-2 and ambient sounds from the vicinity of communication device 10-2 as received sounds.

[0046] Communication device 10-1 analyzes the input sound input to the input unit 16 and the received sound contained in the audio data received from communication device 10-2 (step S18). Specifically, communication device 10-1 determines whether the input sound and the received sound have common characteristics. The input sound input to the input unit 16 of communication device 10-1 includes ambient sounds from the vicinity of communication device 10-1. If the distance between communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 is short, the input sound input to the input unit 16 of communication device 10-1 includes the voice of the user using communication device 10-2. Here, it is assumed that communication device 10-1 has analyzed the input sound and the received sound and determined that the input sound and the received sound have common sound characteristics. In such a case, it is assumed that the distance between communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 is short, and that communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 are used by the same user.

[0047] Next, communication device 10-1 continues counting the timeout timer (step S20). That is, even if the transmission of voice data has finished, if it is determined that communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 are being used by the same user, communication device 10-1 continues counting the timeout timer without terminating it.

[0048] Next, communication device 10-1 transmits voice data to communication devices 10-2 and 10-3 (step S22). Next, communication device 10-1 determines that the timeout timer count has elapsed for a predetermined period of time (step S24). Then, communication device 10-1 forcibly stops communication (step S26). As a result, even if data transmission is completed, if communication device 10-1 determines that communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 are assumed to be used by the same user, it continues counting the timeout timer and forcibly terminates communication when the count has elapsed for a predetermined period of time.

[0049] (Processing of communication equipment) The processing flow of the communication device according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the first embodiment.

[0050] The communication control unit 38 controls the first communication unit 12 to start transmitting voice data to the other communication device 10 (step S100).

[0051] The counting unit 32 starts counting the timeout timer after the transmission of audio data has started (step S102).

[0052] The communication control unit 38 controls the first communication unit 12 to terminate the transmission of voice data to the other communication device 10 (step S104).

[0053] The communication control unit 38 controls the first communication unit 12 to start receiving voice data from the other communication device 10 (step S106).

[0054] The analysis unit 30 analyzes the received sound contained in the audio data received by the first communication unit 12 from another communication device 10 (step S108).

[0055] The analysis unit 30 analyzes the input sound input to the input unit 16 of the communication device (step S110). For example, the analysis unit 30 analyzes the input sound input to the input unit 16 of the communication device while the first communication unit 12 is receiving voice data from another communication device 10.

[0056] The analysis unit 30 determines whether the received sound and the input sound have common features (step S112). If it is determined that there are common features between the received sound and the input sound (step S112; Yes), the process proceeds to step S114. If it is determined that there are no common features between the received sound and the input sound (step S112; No), the process proceeds to step S124.

[0057] If the result in step S112 is determined to be Yes, the counting unit 32 does not terminate the count of the timeout timer, but continues the count of the timeout timer (step S114).

[0058] The counting unit 32 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the timeout timer count (step S116). If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the timeout timer count (step S116; Yes), the process proceeds to step S118. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the timeout timer count (step S116; No), the process proceeds to step S120.

[0059] If the result in step S116 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 38 controls the first communication unit 12 to forcibly stop communication using the first communication unit 12 (step S118). Then, the process shown in Figure 4 is terminated.

[0060] If the result in step S116 is No, the communication control unit 38 determines whether or not the reception of voice data from the other communication device 10 has finished (step S120). If it is determined that the reception of voice data from the other communication device 10 has finished (step S120; Yes), the process proceeds to step S122. If it is determined that the reception of voice data from the other communication device 10 has not finished (step S120; No), the process returns to step S116. In this case, the processing of steps S116 and S120 is repeated.

[0061] If the result in step S120 is determined to be Yes, the counting unit 32 stops counting with the timeout timer (step S122). Then the process shown in Figure 4 ends.

[0062] If the result in step S112 is determined to be No, the counting unit 32 terminates the count of the timeout timer (step S124).

[0063] The communication control unit 38 controls the first communication unit 12 to terminate the reception of voice data from the other communication device 10 (step S126). Then the process shown in Figure 4 is completed.

[0064] As described above, in the first embodiment, if it is determined that the received sound and the input sound have common characteristics, the timeout timer continues counting without ending. This allows the first embodiment to appropriately prevent a user from occupying the same communication channel for a predetermined period of time or longer by communicating using multiple communication devices.

[0065] [Second Embodiment] (Timeout timer determination process) The timeout timer determination process according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the timeout timer determination process according to the second embodiment.

[0066] The process in Figure 5 differs from the process shown in Figure 3 in that the communication device 10-1 outputs a predetermined sound.

[0067] In the second embodiment, the communication device 10-1 performs a process to output a predetermined sound in order to determine whether or not the input sound and the received sound have common characteristics.

[0068] The processes from step S30 to step S36 are the same as the processes from step S10 to step S16 shown in Figure 3, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0069] Communication device 10-1 analyzes the input sound input to its own input unit 16 and the received sound contained in the audio data received from communication device 10-2 (step S38). Here, communication device 10-1 determines, as a result of analyzing the input sound and the received sound, that there are no common sonic characteristics between the input sound and the received sound.

[0070] Communication device 10-1 outputs a predetermined sound (step S40). If the distance between communication device 10-1 and communication device 10-2 is short, the predetermined sound output by communication device 10-1 is input to the input section 16 of communication device 10-2.

[0071] Communication device 10-2 transmits voice data to communication devices 10-1 and 10-3 (step S42). The voice data transmitted by communication device 10-2 includes the voice of the user using communication device 10-2, ambient sounds around communication device 10-2, and a predetermined sound output by communication device 10-1 as the received sound.

[0072] The communication device 10-1 analyzes the input sound input to the input unit 16 and the received sound contained in the audio data received from the communication device 10-2 (step S44). That is, after outputting a predetermined sound, the communication device 10-1 analyzes the input sound and the received sound again. Here, the communication device 10-1 determines, as a result of analyzing the input sound and the received sound, that the input sound and the received sound share the characteristics of a predetermined sound. In this case, in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the distance between the communication device 10-1 and the communication device 10-2 is close, and that the communication device 10-1 and the communication device 10-2 are used by the same user.

[0073] The processes from step S46 to step S52 are the same as the processes from step S20 to step S26 shown in Figure 3, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0074] (Processing of communication equipment) The processing flow of the communication device according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the second embodiment.

[0075] The processes from step S130 to step S152 are the same as the processes from step S100 to step S122 shown in Figure 4, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0076] If the result in step S142 is determined to be No, the output control unit 36 ​​outputs a predetermined sound from the output unit 18 (step S154).

[0077] The processes in steps S156 and S158 are the same as those in steps S138 and S140, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0078] The analysis unit 30 determines whether the received sound and the input sound have common features (step S160). Specifically, the analysis unit 30 determines that the received sound and the input sound have common features if the received sound and the input sound contain the predetermined sound output in step S154. If it is determined that the received sound and the input sound have common features (step S160; Yes), the process proceeds to step S144. If it is determined that the received sound and the input sound do not have common features (step S160; No), the process proceeds to step S162.

[0079] The processes in steps S162 and S164 are the same as those in steps S124 and S126 shown in Figure 4, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0080] As described above, in the second embodiment, if it is determined that there are no common features between the input sound and the received sound, a predetermined sound is output, and it is determined again whether or not there are common features between the input sound and the received sound. In the second embodiment, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not there are common features between the input sound and the received sound based on the predetermined sound.

[0081] [Modified version of the second embodiment] In the second embodiment, the communication device 10 was described as outputting a predetermined sound while performing voice communication with another communication device 10, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0082] In a modified version of the second embodiment, for example, the communication device 10 may output a predetermined sound even when it is communicating with another communication device 10 in a manner other than voice communication. This allows the modified version of the second embodiment to appropriately determine whether two or more communication devices 10 are being used by the same user by outputting a predetermined sound and determining whether the input sound and the received sound have common characteristics, even when the communication device 10 and another communication device 10 are communicating silently.

[0083] [Third Embodiment] (Processing of communication equipment) The processing flow of the communication device according to the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the third embodiment.

[0084] In the third embodiment, the communication device 10 performs a process to transmit the count time of the timeout timer to another communication device 10 that is determined to be used by the same user.

[0085] The processes from step S170 to step S184 are the same as the processes from step S100 to step S114 shown in Figure 4, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0086] The identification unit 34 identifies a specific communication device (step S186). Specifically, the identification unit 34 communicates with the communication device 10, extracts information contained in the data received by the first communication unit 12, and identifies it as a specific communication device.

[0087] The processes from steps S188 to S194 are the same as the processes from steps S116 to S122 shown in Figure 4, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0088] After step S194, the communication control unit 38 controls the second communication unit 14 to transmit the count time of the timeout timer counted by the count unit 32 to a specific communication device (step S196). Then the process shown in Figure 7 is completed.

[0089] The processes in steps S198 and S200 are the same as those in steps S124 and S126 shown in Figure 4, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0090] As described above, the third embodiment identifies other communication devices that communicate with the communication device as specific communication devices and transmits the timeout timer count to the specific communication devices. As a result, the third embodiment can activate the timeout timer and share the count even with specific communication devices that are not currently counting the timeout timer.

[0091] [Fourth Embodiment] (Timeout timer determination process) The timeout timer determination process according to the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the timeout timer determination process according to the fourth embodiment.

[0092] In the fourth embodiment, the process differs from that shown in Figure 3 in that, even before the communication device 10-2 transmits voice data, if predetermined conditions are met, the process of starting the countdown of the timeout timer is executed.

[0093] The process in step S60 is the same as the process in step S10 shown in Figure 3, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0094] The communication device 10-2 analyzes the input sound input to the input unit 16 and the received sound contained in the audio data received from the communication device 10-1 (step S18). The input sound input to the input unit 16 includes ambient sounds from the vicinity of the communication device 10-2. If the distance between the communication device 10-1 and the communication device 10-2 is short, the input sound input to the input unit 16 includes the voice of the user using the communication device 10-1. Here, the communication device 10-1 analyzes the input sound and the received sound and determines that the input sound and the received sound have common sonic characteristics.

[0095] Next, the communication device 10-2 starts counting down the timeout timer (step S64). In this way, if the communication device 10-2 determines that the communication device 10-1 and the communication device 10-2 are being used by the same user, it starts counting down the timeout timer even before transmitting voice data.

[0096] The communication device 10-2 determines that the timeout timer has elapsed for a predetermined period of time (step S66). Then, the communication device 10-1 forcibly stops the communication (step S68). Then, the process shown in Figure 8 is terminated. Thus, in the third embodiment, the communication device 10-2 forcibly stops the communication even before transmitting voice data.

[0097] (Processing of communication equipment) The processing flow of the communication device according to the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0098] The processes from step S210 to step S214 are the same as the processes from step S106 to step S110 shown in Figure 4, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0099] The analysis unit 30 determines whether the received sound and the input sound have common features (step S216). If it is determined that there are common features between the received sound and the input sound (step S216; Yes), the process proceeds to step S218. If it is determined that there are no common features between the received sound and the input sound (step S216; No), the process shown in Figure 9 is terminated.

[0100] If the answer in step S216 is determined to be Yes, the counting unit 32 starts counting the timeout timer (step S218). In this way, even before transmitting audio data, the counting unit 32 starts counting the timeout timer if it determines that there are common characteristics between the received sound and the input sound.

[0101] The processes from step S220 to step S226 are the same as the processes from step S116 to step S122 shown in Figure 4, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0102] As described above, the fourth embodiment can start counting the timeout timer even before transmitting the voice data. This allows the fourth embodiment to more effectively prevent the same communication channel from being occupied for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0103] [Fifth Embodiment] (Processing of communication equipment) The processing flow of the communication device according to the fifth embodiment will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0104] In the fifth embodiment, when the communication device 10 receives the timeout timer count from another communication device 10, it executes a process to forcibly stop communication based on the received timeout timer count.

[0105] The process in step S230 is the same as the process in step S106 shown in Figure 4, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0106] After step S230, the communication control unit 38 determines whether the second communication unit 14 has received the timeout timer count from the other communication device 10 (step S232). If it is determined that the timeout timer count has been received (step S232; Yes), the process proceeds to step S234. If it is determined that the timeout timer count has not been received (step S232; No), the process shown in Figure 10 is terminated.

[0107] If the result in step S232 is Yes, the counting unit 32 determines whether the count time of the timeout timer is equal to or greater than a predetermined time (step S234). If it is determined that the count time of the timeout timer is equal to or greater than a predetermined time (step S234; Yes), the process proceeds to step S236. If it is determined that the count time of the timeout timer is less than a predetermined time (step S234; No), the process shown in Figure 10 is terminated.

[0108] If the result in step S234 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 38 controls the first communication unit 12 to stop communication using the first communication unit 12 (step S236). In other words, in the fifth embodiment, the communication device 10 does not count the timeout timer, but if the count time of the timeout timer received from another communication device 10 is longer than a predetermined time, it forcibly stops communication. Then the process shown in Figure 10 is terminated.

[0109] As described above, the fifth embodiment stops communication even when the timeout timer is not counting, if it receives a count time indicating that it has counted for a predetermined time or longer. This allows the fifth embodiment to more effectively prevent the same communication channel from being continuously occupied for a predetermined time or longer.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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]

[0112] 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 Communication equipment 12. First Communications Department 14. Second Communications Department 16 Input section 18 Output section 20 Memory section 22 Control Unit 30 Analysis Department 32 count section 34 Specific part 36 Output control unit 38 Communication Control Unit

Claims

1. A first communication unit that performs voice communication with other communication devices, An input section that receives sounds from the surrounding area of ​​the communication device, An analysis unit analyzes the characteristics of the input sound, which is the sound input to the input unit, and the received sound, which is the sound contained in the data received by the first communication unit. The system includes a counting unit that counts the time from the start time to the end time of data transmission from the local communication device to the other communication device, If the analysis unit determines during counting that there is a common feature between the received sound and the input sound, the counting unit will continue to count time even after the transmission end time. Communication device.

2. It is equipped with an output section that outputs sound, If the analysis unit determines that there are no common features between the received sound and the input sound, the output unit adds a predetermined sound to the received sound received by the first communication unit and outputs it. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. A second communication unit that performs short-range communication with the aforementioned other communication device, The analysis unit determines that the received sound and the input sound have common characteristics, and the first communication unit identifies the other communication device that received the received sound as a specific communication device. The second communication unit transmits the time counted by the counting unit to the specified communication device identified by the identification unit. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The counting unit counts the number of times the analysis unit determines that there are common features between the received sound and the input sound, and if the number of analyses counted is less than or equal to a predetermined number, it does not count the time after the transmission end time. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The steps include: performing voice communication with other communication devices using the first communication unit; The steps include inputting sounds from the surrounding area of ​​the communication device, The steps include analyzing the characteristics of the input sound, which is the sound input to the input unit, and the received sound, which is the sound contained in the data received by the first communication unit, The steps include counting the time from the start time to the end time of data transmission from the aforementioned communication device to the aforementioned other communication device, If it is determined during the counting process that there is a common characteristic between the received sound and the input sound, the process continues to count the time even after the transmission end time. A control method including

6. A first communication unit that performs voice communication with other communication devices, An input section that receives sounds from the surrounding area of ​​the communication device, An analysis unit analyzes the characteristics of the input sound, which is the sound input to the input unit, and the received sound, which is the sound contained in the data received by the first communication unit. The system includes a counting unit that counts the time from the start time to the end time of data transmission from the local communication device to the other communication device, The counting unit counts time even if it is before the transmission start time, if the analysis unit determines that there is a common feature between the received sound and the input sound before the transmission start time. Communication device.

7. It is equipped with a second communication unit that performs short-range communication with the aforementioned other communication device, When the second communication unit receives the time from the other communication device from the transmission start time to the transmission end time, the second communication unit determines whether the time from the transmission start time to the transmission end time from the other communication device is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. The communication device according to claim 6.

8. The steps include: performing voice communication with other communication devices using the first communication unit; The steps include inputting sounds from the surrounding area of ​​the communication device, The steps include analyzing the characteristics of the input sound, which is the sound input to the input unit, and the received sound, which is the sound contained in the data received by the first communication unit, The system includes a counting unit that counts the time from the start time to the end time of data transmission from the local communication device to the other communication device, If it is determined that the received sound and the input sound have a common characteristic before the transmission start time, the step is to count the time even if it is before the transmission start time. A control method including

Images