Communication device, communication method, and program

Abstract

To provide a communication device, etc., that can suitably determine whether the communication partner is within the communication range while continuing transmission, in a simplex radio, while keeping power consumption low. [Solution] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a communication unit that communicates with another communication device in a simplex manner; an acquisition unit that acquires device information indicating the status of the device itself; a control unit that sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state to the other communication device is continuing, causes the communication unit to send a reception confirmation request to the other communication device to request reception confirmation information during the communication confirmation period, and keeps the communication unit in a waiting state in a receiving state until reception confirmation information is received from the other communication device or the end of the communication confirmation period; and a determination unit that determines a predetermined interval based on the device information.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For wireless communication to be established, the devices communicating with each other need to be in positions where they can communicate with each other. If the user of a wireless communication device can grasp that they are in a position where they can communicate with the communication partner (within the communication range), the user can communicate with confidence. Here, in the case of a wireless system for two-way communication, the user can be notified that the communication partner has left the communication range by a method such as using a sidetone. On the other hand, in the case of a simplex wireless system, since communication is performed by switching the transmission and reception states, it is difficult to check the communication status of the communication partner while the transmission state or the reception state is being continued. Patent Document 1 describes a mobile communication system that improves the determination accuracy of whether a wireless device in a standby state is within the communication range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the mobile communication system described in Patent Document 1, when a mobile station is waiting for an incoming call signal from a base station, the mobile station transmits a signal indicating a communication range confirmation request to the base station at a predetermined interval, and the mobile station determines that it is within the communication range only when it normally receives a signal indicating a communication range response from the base station. According to this, the mobile communication system can determine whether it is within the communication range even when the electric field strength seen from the base station is insufficient. However, the mobile communication system described in Patent Document 1 does not determine that the communication partner has left the communication range during transmission. Therefore, the user of the mobile communication system cannot know the reception status of the communication partner during transmission.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, this disclosure provides a communication device, etc., for a simplex radio that can suitably determine whether the communication partner is within the communication range while the transmission state is being maintained, while keeping power consumption down. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a communication unit that communicates with another communication device in a simplex manner; an acquisition unit that acquires device information indicating the status of the device itself; a control unit that sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state to the other communication device is continuing, causes the communication unit to send a reception confirmation request to the other communication device to request reception confirmation information during the communication confirmation period, and keeps the communication unit in a waiting state in a receiving state until reception confirmation information is received from the other communication device or the end of the communication confirmation period; and a determination unit that determines a predetermined interval based on the device information.

[0007] A communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: communicating with another communication device in a simplex manner and acquiring device information indicating the status of the own device; setting a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while continuing to transmit to the other communication device; sending a reception confirmation request to the other communication device during the communication confirmation period to request reception confirmation information; waiting in a reception state until receiving reception confirmation information from the other communication device or until the end of the communication confirmation period; and determining a predetermined interval based on the device information. A program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to communicate with another communication device in a simplex manner, acquire device information indicating the status of its own device, set a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while continuing to transmit to the other communication device, send a reception confirmation request to the other communication device to request reception confirmation information during the communication confirmation period, wait in a reception state until reception confirmation information is received from the other communication device or the end of the communication confirmation period, and determine a predetermined interval based on the device information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this, it is possible to provide a communication device and communication method that, in a simplex radio, can suitably determine whether the communication partner is within the communication range while the transmission state is being maintained, while keeping power consumption low. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a communication device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the communication device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a communication device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the communication device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the communication content of the communication device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the communication device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of the communication device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram of a communication device according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the communication device according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of the communication device according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of the communication device according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a computer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the invention claimed is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means of solving the problem. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations have been omitted where necessary.

[0011] <Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a communication device 10 according to Embodiment 1. The communication device 10 is a simplex wireless communication device. Here, simplex is a method of communication that switches between transmitting and receiving states, and it is not possible to transmit and receive simultaneously. Therefore, generally speaking, when the device is in the transmitting state, it is not possible to receive any information transmitted by the communication partner.

[0012] Even if the communication device 10 continues to transmit, it sets a communication confirmation period to check the communication status of the other communication device that is the communication partner. The communication device 10 mainly includes a communication unit 101, a control unit 102, and a determination unit 103.

[0013] The communication unit 101 communicates data with other communication devices using a simplex method. Based on the control of the control unit 102, the communication unit 101 performs processing related to the communication confirmation period. The communication unit 101 is, for example, a communication interface that enables communication between the communication device 10 and other communication devices. The communication unit 101 is composed of, for example, an antenna, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit.

[0014] The control unit 102 detects whether the communication unit 101 is in the transmission state continuation. The control unit 102 detects that it is in the transmission state continuation when the communication unit 101 is in the state of continuing transmission. The control unit 102 provides a communication confirmation period, which is a period for confirming whether another communication device is within the communication range while the communication unit 101 is in the transmission state continuation to another communication device. The control unit 102 interrupts the normal transmission process that the communication unit 101 executes while in the transmission state continuation to another communication device during the communication confirmation period. Also, the control unit 102 controls the communication unit 101 during the communication confirmation period and causes it to execute the process related to the communication confirmation period.

[0015] During the communication confirmation period, the control unit 102 causes the communication unit 101 to transmit a reception confirmation request, which is information requesting reception confirmation information indicating whether the data transmitted by the own device to another communication device can be received by the other communication device. After that, the control unit 102 waits for the communication unit 101 in the reception state until the reception of the reception confirmation information, which is a response signal to the reception confirmation request from another communication device in the communication unit 101, or until the end of the communication confirmation period.

[0016] When the communication unit 101 receives the reception confirmation information, the control unit 102 ends the communication confirmation period. Alternatively, when the communication unit 101 does not receive the reception confirmation information from another communication device even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 102 ends the communication confirmation period. After the communication confirmation period ends, the control unit 102 resumes the normal transmission process for the communication unit 101. According to this, even when the communication unit 101 continues the transmission state, the control unit 102 can confirm the communication status of another communication device.

[0017] The determination unit 103 determines the communication status with another communication device based on the reception status of the reception confirmation information. For example, the determination unit 103 determines the availability of communication based on whether the reception confirmation information is received during the communication confirmation period. The determination unit 103 may determine that it is out of the communication range when the reception confirmation information is not continuously received in a plurality of provided communication confirmation periods. Not limited to this, the determination unit 103 may determine the communication strength with another communication device as a continuous numerical value, or may determine it with a discrete index in multiple stages.

[0018] The control unit 102 may also set a communication confirmation period according to predetermined conditions. For example, the control unit 102 may set a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals. Alternatively, the control unit 102 may detect a period of no input exceeding a predetermined time included in the user's input and set a communication confirmation period. The period of no input is, for example, a period of silence. The conditions for setting a communication confirmation period are not limited to these.

[0019] Next, the processing flow of the communication device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the communication method according to Embodiment 1. The communication method in the communication device 10 includes the steps S11 to S15.

[0020] In step S11, the communication unit 101 communicates with the other communication device using a simplex method. In step S12, the control unit 102 sets a communication confirmation period while the communication unit 101 continues to transmit to the other communication device. When the communication unit 101 ends the transmission state and enters the reception state, the communication device 10 interrupts subsequent processing.

[0021] In step S13, the communication unit 101 sends a reception confirmation request to another communication device requesting reception confirmation information. In step S14, the communication unit 101 waits in a reception state until it receives reception confirmation information from the other communication device or the communication confirmation period ends. Steps S13 and S14 are performed during the communication confirmation period. If the communication unit 101 receives reception confirmation information from the other communication device, the control unit 102 ends the communication confirmation period and starts step S15. Alternatively, if the communication unit 101 does not receive reception confirmation information from the other communication device after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 102 ends the communication confirmation period and starts step S15.

[0022] In step S15, the determination unit 103 determines the communication status with other communication devices based on the reception status of the reception confirmation information. Upon completion of step S15, the series of processes related to communication confirmation are finished. After that, the communication unit 101 resumes normal transmission processing.

[0023] As explained above, while the transmission state continues, the communication device 10 sends a reception confirmation request to another communication device and waits in a reception state for a response of reception confirmation information during the communication confirmation period. Therefore, even if the communication device 10 is a simplex radio, it can determine whether the communication partner is within the communication range while the transmission continues. As a result, the communication device 10 can determine that the communication has gone out of range while the transmission continues and improve the stability of the communication by notifying the user or adjusting the communication settings.

[0024] Furthermore, the communication device 10 may have a processor and a storage device, although these are not shown in the diagram. The storage device of the communication device 10 may include, for example, a non-volatile memory such as flash memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive). In this case, the storage device stores a computer program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a program) for executing the above-described method. The processor loads the computer program from the storage device into a buffer memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and executes the program.

[0025] Each component of the communication device 10 may be implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of each component may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or combinations thereof. These may be implemented by a single chip or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of each component of each device may be implemented by a combination of the aforementioned circuits, etc., and programs. Processors include CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), etc. Also, at least a portion of the processing performed by the communication device 10 may be provided as SaaS (Software as a Service). The descriptions of the configurations described herein may also apply to other devices described below in this disclosure.

[0026] <Embodiment 2> Figure 3 is a block diagram of the communication device 11 according to Embodiment 2. The communication device 11 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals and determines the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period based on the communication quality information included in the reception confirmation information. Here, the communication device 11 is a simplex wireless communication device that transmits and receives voice. The communication device 11 employs a method called push-to-talk (PTT), in which it can transmit voice only while a button or the like is being pressed.

[0027] The communication device 11 mainly comprises a communication unit 101, a control unit 112, a determination unit 113, and a storage unit 114. The communication device 11 has some of the same configuration as the communication device 10 in Figure 1. Therefore, a description of the configuration of the communication device 11, which performs the same processing as the communication device 10, will be omitted.

[0028] The control unit 112 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state is in progress. During the communication confirmation period, the control unit 112 causes the communication unit 101 to send a reception confirmation request to another communication device requesting reception confirmation information. Subsequently, the control unit 112 keeps the communication unit 101 in a waiting state in reception mode until it receives reception confirmation information from the other communication device or until the end of the communication confirmation period. Here, the reception confirmation information includes communication quality information related to communication with the communication device 11 at the other communication device.

[0029] Communication quality information refers to information about the communication quality of other communication devices included in the acknowledgment information received from those devices. Communication quality information includes, for example, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Packet Error Rate (PER), Signal Noise Rate (SNR), and delay time. However, communication quality information is not limited to these and may also include information from other communication devices.

[0030] The determination unit 113 determines a predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period based on the communication quality information. More specifically, the determination unit 113 extracts communication quality information from the reception confirmation information. Next, the determination unit 113 determines a predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period based on the extracted communication quality information and outputs it to the control unit 112. The control unit 112 sets a communication confirmation period in the transmission state based on the predetermined interval determined by the determination unit 113. As a result, the communication device 11 can perform reception confirmation at a frequency appropriate to the communication status. Therefore, the communication device 11 can suitably improve the stability of communication.

[0031] Specifically, if the communication quality information indicates that the communication status is poor, the determination unit 113 shortens the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period. This allows the communication device 11 to increase the frequency of the communication confirmation period so that it can immediately detect if another communication device goes out of range. On the other hand, if the communication quality information indicates that the communication status is good, the determination unit 113 lengthens the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period. This allows the communication device 11 to reduce the frequency of the communication confirmation period and thus reduce the frequency of interruptions in the transmission state.

[0032] The communication confirmation period is set within a range of several tens of milliseconds to several hundred milliseconds. The predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period is set within a range of several seconds to several tens of seconds. Preferably, the predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period is set within a range of 5 seconds to 60 seconds.

[0033] The determination unit 113 may inform the user 20 of the communication status based on the communication quality information. For example, the determination unit 113 may provide notification if other communication devices are outside the communication range. The determination unit 113 may also provide notification of the communication status as a discrete index with multiple levels, or it may provide notification of the communication strength indicated by the communication status as a continuous numerical value or stimulus intensity. The determination unit 113 is not limited to these, and may also provide notification as a warning when the communication status is moving in a direction that is deteriorating. This allows the user 20 to take appropriate action according to the communication quality information.

[0034] The notification method may include, for example, visual stimuli, auditory stimuli, or vibrational stimuli. Specifically, the determination unit 113 may use methods such as displaying characters or symbols using an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) (not shown), lighting up an LED (Light-Emitting Diode), or presenting notification sounds or voices as notification methods. The determination unit 113 may also notify the communication status by vibration using a vibrator (not shown).

[0035] The storage unit 114 stores the user 20's input during the communication confirmation period. Specifically, it stores the user 20's voice and other information during the communication confirmation period. The input stored in the storage unit 114 is transmitted by the communication unit 101 when normal transmission processing resumes after the end of the communication confirmation period. This allows the communication device 11 to transmit the input during the communication confirmation period to other communication devices. Here, the storage unit 114 may continue to store the user 20's input after the initial communication confirmation period while the transmission state is in progress, until the transmission state ends.

[0036] The other communication device of the communication partner may be, for example, a mobile station. In this case, communication device 11 may also be a base station. With this configuration, communication device 11 can appropriately check for changes in the communication status of the other communication device, which is a mobile station. The other communication device of the communication partner may also be a base station. In this case, if communication device 11 is a mobile station, communication device 11 can grasp changes in the communication status due to the movement of its own device, etc. If communication device 11 is a base station, communication device 11 can respond to changes in the communication status due to weather, etc.

[0037] Next, the processing flow of the communication device 11 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the communication method according to Embodiment 2. The communication method in the communication device 11 includes the steps from step S21 to step S28.

[0038] In step S21, the communication unit 101 communicates with the other communication device using a simplex method. In step S22, the control unit 112 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the communication unit 101 continues to transmit to the other communication device. When the communication unit 101 ends the transmission state and enters the reception state, the communication device 11 interrupts subsequent processing.

[0039] In step S23, the storage unit 114 stores the input content of user 20 during the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 continues the input content storage process that started in step S23 during steps S24 and S25, which are the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 may terminate the input storage process at the end of the communication confirmation period. Alternatively, the storage unit 114 may continue to store the input content after the initial communication confirmation period until user 20 has finished inputting.

[0040] In step S24, the communication unit 101 sends a reception confirmation request to another communication device requesting reception confirmation information. Here, the reception confirmation information includes communication quality information. In step S25, the communication unit 101 waits in a reception state until it receives reception confirmation information including communication quality information from another communication device or until the end of the communication confirmation period. Steps S24 and S25 are performed during the communication confirmation period.

[0041] The control unit 112 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S26 if the communication unit 101 receives reception confirmation information from another communication device. Alternatively, the control unit 112 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S26 if the communication unit 101 does not receive reception confirmation information from another communication device after a predetermined time has elapsed. The determination unit 113 may interrupt subsequent processing and terminate communication if the communication unit 101 fails to receive reception confirmation information a predetermined number of times consecutively during the communication confirmation period. In this case, the determination unit 113 may notify the user 20 that communication has gone out of range. Furthermore, the method for determining whether communication is out of range is not limited to this, and the determination may also be made based on the received communication quality information.

[0042] In step S26, the determination unit 113 determines a predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period based on the communication quality information. This allows the communication device 11 to set a communication confirmation period at a frequency corresponding to the communication quality, thereby improving communication stability. Upon completion of step S26, the communication device 11 completes one process related to communication confirmation.

[0043] In step S27, the control unit 112 detects whether the communication unit 101 is continuing to transmit. If transmission is continuing, the communication device 11 starts step S28. If transmission is not continuing, the communication device 11 completes all steps related to communication confirmation. The control unit 112 may also determine that transmission is continuing if not all of the input contents stored in the storage unit 114 in step S23 have been transmitted.

[0044] In step S28, the communication unit 101 transmits the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S23 to other communication devices in chronological order. If the user 20 continues to input while the communication unit 101 is transmitting the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S28, the storage unit 114 stores the user 20's input content as background processing. After the completion of step S28, the communication device 11 resumes processing from step S22.

[0045] As explained above, the communication device 11 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state is in progress, and determines the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period based on communication quality information received from other communication devices. In this way, the communication device 11 can adjust the frequency of the communication confirmation period based on the communication quality information and suitably determine whether the communication partner is within the communication range while the transmission state is in progress. In addition, the communication device 11 stores the input content of the user 20 during the communication confirmation period and transmits it after the communication period. In this way, the communication device 11 can transmit the input content during the communication confirmation period without any loss.

[0046] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the contents of the memory unit 114 and the communication contents of the communication device 11 in situations A, B, and C will be explained. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the communication contents of the communication device 11 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 5 shows a specific example of the operation of the communication device 11. In Figure 5, user 20 maintains the transmission state in PTT using the communication device 11. In situations A, B, and C in Figure 5, TX indicates that the communication unit 101 is in the transmission state, and RX indicates that the communication unit 101 is in the reception state.

[0047] In Figure 5, user 20 turns on the PTT and inputs the content of the first utterance T1 to the tenth utterance T10 by voice between the first period P1 and the tenth period P10. The memory unit 114 turns on its memory function (corresponding to Rec in the figure) from the third period P3, when the first communication confirmation period is established, to the tenth period P10, when voice input ends. The memory unit 114 stores the content of the third utterance T3 to the tenth utterance T10, which was input from the third period P3 to the tenth period P10, when user 20's input ends, as the first memory R1 to the eighth memory R8, respectively. The memory unit 114 does not store the first utterance T1 and the second utterance T2, which were input during the first period P1 and the second period P2, before the first communication confirmation period is established.

[0048] Situation A describes the transmission and reception of communication device 11 when communication conditions are good. In Situation A, communication device 11 sets communication confirmation periods in the third period P3, the seventh period P7, and the eleventh period P11. During the communication confirmation period, communication device 11 sends a reception confirmation request to other communication devices (corresponding to Req in the diagram) and receives reception confirmation information from other communication devices (corresponding to Ack in the diagram).

[0049] More specifically, the communication unit 101 transmits the user 20's input content (first utterance T1 and second utterance T2) as is until the control unit 112 initially sets a communication confirmation period. However, since the communication unit 101 enters a receiving state during the subsequent communication confirmation period set by the control unit 112, it cannot transmit the user 20's input content as is. Therefore, from the third period P3 onward, the communication unit 101 retrieves the corresponding memories (first memory R1 to eighth memory R8) from the storage unit 114 and transmits the input content (third utterance T3 to tenth utterance T10).

[0050] Specifically, the control unit 112 sets a communication confirmation period in the third period P3. Then, from the fourth period P4 to the sixth period P6, the communication unit 101 retrieves the first memory R1 to the third memory R3 stored in the memory unit 114 and transmits the input contents of the third statement T3 to the fifth statement T5, respectively. Next, in the seventh period P7, the control unit 112 sets another communication confirmation period, and the communication unit 101 receives the reception confirmation information. In the same manner as from the fourth period P4 to the sixth period P6, from the eighth period P8 to the tenth period P10, the communication unit 101 retrieves the fourth memory R4 to the sixth memory R6 stored in the memory unit 114 and transmits the input contents of the sixth statement T6 to the eighth statement T8, respectively.

[0051] Subsequently, the control unit 112 sets a communication confirmation period in the 11th period P11, and the communication unit 101 receives the reception confirmation information. In the 12th period P12 and the 13th period P13, the communication unit 101 retrieves the remaining 7th memory R7 and 8th memory R8 stored in the storage unit 114 and transmits the input contents of the 9th statement T9 and 10th statement T10, respectively. Through these steps, the communication device 11 completes the transmission process (corresponding to "end" in the figure). With this, the communication device 11 can transmit all the voice information input by the user 20 while checking the communication status with other communication devices.

[0052] Next, Situation B describes the transmission and reception behavior of the communication device 11 when the communication conditions are poor. In Situation B, the communication device 11 sets communication confirmation periods in the third period P3, the sixth period P6, and the ninth period P9. The communication device 11 has not been able to obtain reception confirmation information consecutively during the three communication confirmation periods (corresponding to "No Ack" in the diagram). Therefore, the communication device 11 informs the user 20 that other communication devices are out of range and interrupts transmission (corresponding to "Stop" in the diagram).

[0053] Specifically, after the communication unit 101 transmits the first message T1 and the second message T2 in the first period P1 and the second period P2, the control unit 112 sets a communication confirmation period in the third period P3. However, the determination unit 113 determines that the communication unit 101 has not received the reception confirmation information in the third period P3. Next, in the fourth period P4 and the fifth period P5, the communication unit 101 retrieves the first memory R1 and the second memory R2 stored in the storage unit 114 and transmits the input contents of the third message T3 and the fourth message T4, respectively. In the sixth period P6, the control unit 112 sets another communication confirmation period, but the determination unit 113 determines that the communication unit 101 has not received the reception confirmation information. Subsequently, in the seventh period P7 and the eighth period P8, the communication unit 101 retrieves the third memory R3 and the fourth memory R4 stored in the storage unit 114 and transmits the input contents of the fifth message T5 and the sixth message T6.

[0054] During the ninth period P9, the control unit 112 sets another communication confirmation period, but the determination unit 113 determines that the communication unit 101 has not received the reception confirmation information. The determination unit 113 determines that the other communication device has gone out of range because the communication unit 101 has failed to receive the reception confirmation information a predetermined number of times consecutively during the communication confirmation period, and the control unit 112 interrupts the transmission of voice information. Note that the predetermined number of times is 3, but it is not limited to this. The determination unit 113 also notifies the user 20 that the other communication device has gone out of range. As a result, even if the communication device 11 continues to transmit, it can detect that the communication status with the other communication device has gone out of range and notify the user 20.

[0055] Situation C describes the transmission and reception behavior of communication device 11 when the communication conditions improve midway through. In Situation C, communication device 11 sets communication confirmation periods in the third period P3, the sixth period P6, the ninth period P9, and the twelfth period P12. Communication device 11 fails to obtain reception confirmation information consecutively during the first two communication confirmation periods. However, upon receiving reception confirmation information during the third communication confirmation period, communication device 11 determines that the other communication device has returned to the communication range and continues transmitting voice information.

[0056] Specifically, the communication unit 101 transmits the first message T1 and the second message T2 during the first period P1 and the second period P2. Then, the control unit 112 sets a communication confirmation period during the third period P3, and the communication unit 101 receives the reception confirmation information. During the fourth period P4 and the fifth period P5, the communication unit 101 retrieves the first memory R1 and the second memory R2 stored in the storage unit 114, and transmits the input contents of the third message T3 and the fourth message T4, respectively. Next, during the seventh period P7, the control unit 112 sets another communication confirmation period, and the determination unit 113 determines that the communication unit 101 has not received the reception confirmation information. During the eighth period P8 to the tenth period P10, the communication unit 101 retrieves the fourth memory R4 to the sixth memory R6 stored in the storage unit 114, and transmits the input contents of the sixth message T6 to the eighth message T8, respectively.

[0057] Subsequently, the control unit 112 sets a communication confirmation period in the 11th period P11, and the communication unit 101 receives the reception confirmation information. As a result, the determination unit 113 determines that the other communication device has returned to the communication range and instructs the communication unit 101 to continue transmitting the input content. Then, in the 12th period P12 and the 13th period P13, the communication unit 101 retrieves the remaining 7th memory R7 and 8th memory R8 stored in the storage unit 114 and transmits the input content of the 9th utterance T9 and the 10th utterance T10. With these steps, the communication device 11 completes the transmission process (corresponding to "end" in the figure). As a result, the communication device 11 can confirm the improvement of the communication status with the other communication device and transmit all the voice information input by the user 20.

[0058] Furthermore, the total transmission time of the communication device 11 increases by the number of communication confirmation periods. Therefore, in situations A and C, the time that the communication device 11 is actually in the transmission state is longer than the user 20's operation time. In order to shorten the difference between the user 20's operation time and the time that the communication device 11 is in the transmission state, the storage unit 114 may, for example, detect the time with no input, i.e., the silent time, contained in the first storage R1 to the eighth storage R8, and have the communication unit 101 transmit the storage with the input content during the silent time omitted. Alternatively, the storage unit 114 may compress the input content, store it, and have the communication unit 101 transmit it. In this case, the storage unit 114 may determine the amount of compression or the playback speed of the input content based on a predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period.

[0059] Furthermore, in situations B and C, the control unit 112 may instruct the communication unit 101 to retransmit the input content that was transmitted before the communication confirmation period in which the communication unit 101 was unable to receive the reception confirmation information. This ensures that the communication device 11 can reliably transmit the input content of user 20 during the period in which communication stability could not be ensured to other communication devices.

[0060] As explained above, the communication device 11 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state is in progress, and adjusts the frequency of the communication confirmation period based on the communication quality information contained in the reception confirmation information received from other communication devices. This allows the communication device 11 to suitably determine whether the communication partner is within the communication range when transmission is in progress. Therefore, the communication device 11 can achieve stable communication.

[0061] Furthermore, the communication device 11 stores the user's input during the communication confirmation period and transmits it after the confirmation period. In addition, if the user 20 is still inputting when the stored input is being transmitted, the communication device 11 stores the input and transmits it sequentially. As a result, the communication device 11 can acquire the user's input even in the middle of the communication confirmation process and transmit all of the input.

[0062] <Embodiment 3> Figure 6 is a flowchart of the communication method according to Embodiment 3. The communication device that executes the communication method according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration as the communication device 11 in Figure 3. Therefore, a description of the configuration of the communication device according to Embodiment 3 is omitted. The communication method according to Embodiment 3 receives information on the reception sensitivity of another communication device as communication quality information and determines a predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period based on the reception sensitivity of the other communication device. The communication method according to Embodiment 3 includes the steps from step S301 to step S310.

[0063] In step S301, the communication unit 101 communicates with the other communication device using a simplex method. In step S302, the control unit 112 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the communication unit 101 continues to transmit to the other communication device. When the communication unit 101 ends the transmission state and enters the reception state, the communication device 11 interrupts the subsequent processing and terminates.

[0064] In step S303, the storage unit 114 stores the user's input during the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 continues the input storage process that started in step S303 through steps S304 and S305, which are the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 may terminate the storage of the input at the end of the communication confirmation period. Alternatively, the storage unit 114 may continue to store the input after the initial communication confirmation period until the user has finished inputting.

[0065] In step S304, the communication unit 101 sends a reception confirmation request to another communication device requesting reception confirmation information. Here, the reception confirmation information includes communication quality information, and the communication quality information includes information on the reception sensitivity of the other communication device. In step S305, the communication unit 101 waits in a reception state until it receives reception confirmation information from the other communication device or the end of the communication confirmation period. Steps S304 and S305 are performed during the communication confirmation period.

[0066] The control unit 112 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S306 if the communication unit 101 receives reception confirmation information from another communication device. Alternatively, the control unit 112 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S306 if the communication unit 101 does not receive reception confirmation information from another communication device after a predetermined time has elapsed. The determination unit 113 may interrupt subsequent processing and terminate communication if the situation in which the communication unit 101 does not receive reception confirmation information occurs a predetermined number of times consecutively during the communication confirmation period. In this case, the determination unit 113 may notify the user that communication has gone out of range. Furthermore, the method for determining that communication is out of range is not limited to this, and the determination may also be made based on the reception sensitivity of the other communication device that received the signal.

[0067] In step S306, the determination unit 113 detects and determines the reception sensitivity of the other communication device. If the reception sensitivity is above a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 113 executes step S307. If the reception sensitivity is below a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 113 executes step S308.

[0068] In step S307, the determination unit 113 determines that the predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period is longer. In this case, the communication device 11 can reduce the frequency of communication confirmation when the communication status with other communication devices is good, thereby suppressing the time spent on the communication confirmation period and the transmission power. In step S308, the determination unit 113 determines that the predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period is shorter. In this case, the communication device 11 can increase the frequency of communication confirmation when the communication status with other communication devices is poor, thereby more effectively monitoring the communication status with other communication devices. Upon completion of step S307 or step S308, the single process related to communication confirmation is completed.

[0069] In step S309, the control unit 112 detects whether the communication unit 101 is continuing to transmit. If transmission is continuing, the communication device 11 starts step S310. If transmission is not continuing, the communication device 11 completes all steps related to communication confirmation. In addition, the control unit 112 may determine that transmission is continuing if not all of the input contents stored in the storage unit 114 have been transmitted in step S303.

[0070] In step S310, the communication unit 101 transmits the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S303 to another communication device. In step S310, if the user continues to input while the communication unit 101 is transmitting the input content stored in the storage unit 114, the storage unit 114 stores the user's input content as background processing. After the completion of step S310, the communication device 11 resumes processing from step S302.

[0071] As described above, the communication device 11 according to Embodiment 3 provides a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state is in progress, and shortens the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period when the receiving sensitivity of the other communication device is lower than a predetermined threshold. This allows the communication device 11 to check the communication status at a suitable frequency according to the receiving status of the other communication device with which it is communicating.

[0072] In this case, the determination unit 113 determined the reception sensitivity of the other communication device based on a predetermined threshold, but the reception sensitivity may also be evaluated as a plurality of discrete indicators or a continuous numerical value. In this case, the communication device 11 can adjust the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period in more detail based on the reception sensitivity of the other communication device.

[0073] <Embodiment 4> Figure 7 is a flowchart of the communication method according to Embodiment 4. The communication device that executes the communication method according to Embodiment 4 has the same configuration as the communication device 11 in Figure 3. Therefore, a description of the configuration of the communication device according to Embodiment 4 is omitted. The communication method according to Embodiment 4 receives information on the battery level of another communication device as communication quality information and determines a predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period based on the battery level of the other communication device. The communication method according to Embodiment 4 includes the steps from step S401 to step S410.

[0074] In step S401, the communication unit 101 communicates with the other communication device using a simplex method. In step S402, the control unit 112 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the communication unit 101 continues to transmit to the other communication device. When the communication unit 101 ends the transmission state and enters the reception state, the communication device 11 interrupts subsequent processing.

[0075] In step S403, the storage unit 114 stores the user's input during the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 continues the input storage process that started in step S403 through steps S404 and S405, which are the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 may terminate the storage of the input at the end of the communication confirmation period. Alternatively, the storage unit 114 may continue to store the input after the initial communication confirmation period until the user has finished inputting.

[0076] In step S404, the communication unit 101 sends a reception confirmation request to the other communication device requesting reception confirmation information. Here, the reception confirmation information includes communication quality information, and the communication quality information includes information on the battery level of the other communication device. In step S405, the communication unit 101 waits in a reception state until it receives reception confirmation information including battery level information from the other communication device or until the end of the communication confirmation period. Steps S404 and S405 are executed during the communication confirmation period.

[0077] The control unit 112 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S406 if the communication unit 101 receives reception confirmation information from another communication device. Alternatively, the control unit 112 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S406 if the communication unit 101 does not receive reception confirmation information from another communication device after a predetermined time has elapsed. The determination unit 113 may interrupt subsequent processing and terminate communication if the communication unit 101 fails to receive reception confirmation information a predetermined number of times consecutively during the communication confirmation period. In this case, the determination unit 113 may notify the user that communication has gone out of range.

[0078] In step S406, the determination unit 113 determines the remaining battery level of the other communication device. If the remaining battery level is above a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 113 executes step S407. If the remaining battery level is below a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 113 executes step S408.

[0079] In step S407, the determination unit 113 determines that the predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period is longer. In this case, the communication device 11 can reduce the frequency of communication confirmation when the battery level of other communication devices is above a predetermined threshold, thereby reducing the frequency of transmission interruptions in stable communication conditions. In step S408, the determination unit 113 determines that the predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period is shorter. In this case, the communication device 11 can increase the frequency of communication confirmation when the battery level of other communication devices is below a predetermined threshold, thereby enabling it to respond quickly to changes in the communication state by performing communication confirmations more frequently. Upon completion of step S407 or step S408, the single process related to communication confirmation is completed.

[0080] In step S409, the control unit 112 detects whether the communication unit 101 is continuing to transmit. If transmission is continuing, the communication device 11 starts step S410. If transmission is not continuing, the communication device 11 completes all steps related to communication confirmation. In addition, the control unit 112 may determine in step S403 that transmission is continuing if not all of the input contents stored in the storage unit 114 have been transmitted.

[0081] In step S410, the communication unit 101 transmits the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S403 to another communication device. In step S410, if the user continues to input while the communication unit 101 is transmitting the input content stored in the storage unit 114, the storage unit 114 stores the user's input content as background processing. After the completion of step S410, the communication device 11 resumes processing from step S402.

[0082] As described above, the communication device 11 according to Embodiment 4 provides a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state is in progress, and shortens the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period when the battery level of the other communication device falls below a predetermined threshold. This allows the communication device 11 to check the communication status at a suitable frequency according to the battery level of the other communication device with which it is communicating.

[0083] In this case, the determination unit 113 determined the battery level of the other communication device based on a predetermined threshold, but the battery level may also be evaluated as a plurality of discrete indicators or a continuous numerical value. According to this, the communication device can adjust the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period in more detail based on the battery level of the other communication device.

[0084] <Embodiment 5> Figure 8 is a block diagram of the communication device 12 according to Embodiment 5. The communication device 12 acquires device information indicating the status of its own device and determines a predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period based on the device information. The communication device 12 mainly comprises a communication unit 101, an acquisition unit 125, a control unit 122, and a determination unit 123. The communication device 12 has some of the same configuration as the communication device 11 in Figure 3. Therefore, the explanation of the configuration of the communication device 12, which performs the same processing as the communication device 11, is omitted.

[0085] The acquisition unit 125 acquires device information indicating the status of the device. This device information includes, for example, the battery level, transmission power, and movement speed of the device.

[0086] The control unit 122 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state to other communication devices is continuing. During the communication confirmation period, the control unit 122 causes the communication unit 101 to send a reception confirmation request to the other communication device requesting reception confirmation information. Subsequently, the control unit 122 keeps the communication unit 101 in a waiting state for reception confirmation information to be received from the other communication device or until the end of the communication confirmation period.

[0087] The determination unit 123 determines a predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period based on the device information. The control unit 122 sets a communication confirmation period in the transmission state based on the predetermined interval determined by the determination unit 123. This allows the communication device 12 to perform reception confirmation at a frequency appropriate to the state of its own device. Therefore, the communication device 12 can reduce power consumption while suitably adjusting the burden on its own device and the stability of communication.

[0088] Specifically, if the device information includes elements that necessitate reducing the power consumption of the device itself, the determination unit 123 determines a longer predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period. Elements that necessitate reducing the power consumption of the device itself include, for example, when the battery level is low. If the battery level is below a predetermined threshold, power consumption can be reduced by decreasing the frequency of communication confirmations, so the determination unit 123 determines a longer predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period. Elements that necessitate reducing the power consumption of the device itself include, for example, when the transmission power is high. If the transmission power is above a predetermined threshold, power consumption can be reduced by decreasing the frequency of communication confirmations, so the determination unit 123 determines a longer predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period. Elements that necessitate reducing the power consumption of the device itself include, for example, when the movement speed is high and the power consumption required for a single communication confirmation is high. If the movement speed is above a predetermined threshold, power consumption used for communication can be reduced by decreasing the frequency of communication confirmations, so the determination unit 123 determines a longer predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period. According to this, the communication device 12 can reduce the frequency of the communication confirmation period and reduce the power consumption of the device itself.

[0089] The communication device 12 may further include a storage unit 114, as described with reference to Figure 5. The storage unit 114 stores the input content of the user 20 during the communication confirmation period. Specifically, it stores the voice and other information of the user 20 during the communication confirmation period. The input content stored in the storage unit 114 is transmitted by the communication unit 101 when normal transmission processing resumes after the end of the communication confirmation period. Here, the storage unit 114 may continue to store the input content of the user 20 after the initial communication confirmation period while the transmission state is in progress, until the transmission state ends. This allows the communication device 12 to transmit the input content for the period of communication confirmation without any loss.

[0090] Furthermore, the communication device 12 is, for example, a mobile station. In this case, the other communication device of the communication partner may be a base station. With this configuration, the communication device 12 can determine the frequency of communication confirmation based on the state of its own device, which is likely to affect the communication status. The communication device 12 may also be a base station. In this case, if the other communication device of the communication partner is a mobile station, the communication device 12 can grasp changes in the communication status due to the movement of the other communication device, etc. If the other communication device of the communication partner is a base station, the communication device 12 can respond to the increase in transmission power due to changes in the communication status.

[0091] Next, the processing flow of the communication device 12 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the communication method according to Embodiment 5. The communication method in the communication device 12 includes the steps from step S51 to step S59. Here, it is assumed that the communication device 12 includes a storage unit 114.

[0092] In step S51, the communication unit 101 communicates with the other communication device using a simplex method. In step S52, the control unit 122 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the communication unit 101 continues to transmit to the other communication device. When the communication unit 101 ends the transmission state and enters the reception state, the communication device 12 interrupts subsequent processing.

[0093] In step S53, the acquisition unit 125 acquires device information indicating the status of its own device. The device information includes, for example, the battery level of the device, the transmission power, and the moving speed.

[0094] In step S54, the storage unit 114 stores the user's input during the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 continues the input storage process that started in step S54 through steps S55 and S56, which are the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 may terminate the input storage process at the end of the communication confirmation period. Alternatively, the storage unit 114 may continue to store the input after the initial communication confirmation period until the user has finished inputting.

[0095] In step S55, the communication unit 101 sends a reception confirmation request to another communication device requesting reception confirmation information. In step S56, the communication unit 101 waits in a reception state until it receives reception confirmation information from the other communication device or until the end of the communication confirmation period. Steps S55 and S56 are performed during the communication confirmation period.

[0096] The control unit 122 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S57 if the communication unit 101 receives reception confirmation information from another communication device. Alternatively, the control unit 122 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S57 if the communication unit 101 does not receive reception confirmation information from another communication device after a predetermined time has elapsed. The determination unit 123 may interrupt subsequent processing and terminate communication if the situation of not receiving reception confirmation information occurs a predetermined number of times consecutively during the communication confirmation period. In this case, the determination unit 123 may notify the user that communication has gone out of range.

[0097] In step S57, the control unit 122 determines a predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period based on the device information. This allows the communication device 12 to have a communication confirmation period at a frequency corresponding to the state of its own device, thereby balancing the burden on its own device with communication stability. Upon completion of step S57, the one-time process related to communication confirmation is finished.

[0098] In step S58, the control unit 122 detects whether the communication unit 101 is continuing to transmit. If transmission is continuing, the communication device 12 starts step S59. If transmission is not continuing, the communication device 12 completes all steps related to communication confirmation. The control unit 122 may also determine that transmission is continuing if not all of the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S54 has been transmitted.

[0099] In step S59, the communication unit 101 transmits the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S54 to other communication devices in chronological order. If the user continues to input while the communication unit 101 is transmitting the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S59, the storage unit 114 stores the user's input content as background processing. After the completion of step S59, the communication device 12 resumes processing from step S52.

[0100] As explained above, the communication device 12 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state is in progress, and determines the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period based on the device information relating to the device itself. This allows the communication device 12 to determine whether the communication partner is within the communication range when transmission is in progress, while suppressing power consumption, and to suitably determine the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period based on the status of the device itself.

[0101] <Embodiment 6> Figure 10 is a flowchart of the communication method according to Embodiment 6. The communication device that executes the communication method according to Embodiment 6 has the same configuration as the communication device 12 in Figure 8. Therefore, a description of the configuration of the communication device according to Embodiment 6 is omitted. The communication method according to Embodiment 6 acquires the battery level of the device as device information and determines a predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period based on the battery level of the device. The communication method according to Embodiment 6 includes the steps from step S601 to step S611. Here, it is assumed that the communication device 12 is equipped with a storage unit 114.

[0102] In step S601, the communication unit 101 communicates with another communication device using a simplex method. In step S602, the control unit 122 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the communication unit 101 continues to transmit to the other communication device. When the communication unit 101 ends the transmission state and enters the reception state, the communication device 12 interrupts and terminates subsequent processing. In step S603, the acquisition unit 125 acquires device information. Here, the device information includes information on the remaining battery level of the device itself.

[0103] In step S604, the storage unit 114 stores the user's input during the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 continues the input storage process that started in step S604 during steps S605 and S606, which are the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 may terminate the storage of the input at the end of the communication confirmation period. Alternatively, the storage unit 114 may continue to store the input after the initial communication confirmation period until the user has finished inputting.

[0104] In step S605, the communication unit 101 sends a reception confirmation request to another communication device requesting reception confirmation information. In step S606, the communication unit 101 waits in a reception state until it receives reception confirmation information from the other communication device or until the end of the communication confirmation period. Steps S605 and S606 are performed during the communication confirmation period.

[0105] The control unit 122 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S607 if the communication unit 101 receives reception confirmation information from another communication device. Alternatively, the control unit 122 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S607 if the communication unit 101 does not receive reception confirmation information from another communication device after a predetermined time has elapsed. The determination unit 123 may interrupt subsequent processing and terminate communication if the situation of not receiving reception confirmation information occurs a predetermined number of times consecutively during the communication confirmation period. In this case, the determination unit 123 may notify the user that communication has gone out of range.

[0106] In step S607, the determination unit 123 determines the remaining battery level of its own device. The communication device 12 executes step S608 if the remaining battery level of its own device is higher than a predetermined threshold. The communication device 12 executes step S609 if the remaining battery level of its own device is lower than a predetermined threshold.

[0107] In step S608, the determination unit 123 determines that the predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period is shorter. This allows the communication device 12 to increase the frequency of communication confirmations when it has sufficient battery power remaining, and to more effectively monitor the communication status with other communication devices. In step S609, the determination unit 123 determines that the predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period is longer. This allows the communication device 12 to reduce the frequency of communication confirmations when it has low battery power, and to efficiently conserve battery power. The completion of step S608 or step S609 marks the end of one communication confirmation process.

[0108] In step S610, the control unit 122 detects whether the communication unit 101 is continuing to transmit. If transmission is continuing, the communication device 12 starts step S611. If transmission is not continuing, the communication device 12 completes all steps related to communication confirmation. The control unit 122 may also determine that transmission is continuing if not all of the input contents stored in the storage unit 114 in step S604 have been transmitted.

[0109] In step S611, the communication unit 101 transmits the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S604 to another communication device. If the user continues to input while the communication unit 101 is transmitting the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S611, the storage unit 114 stores the user's input content as background processing. After the completion of step S611, the communication device 12 resumes processing from step S602.

[0110] As described above, the communication device 12 according to Embodiment 6 provides a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state is in progress, and the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period is lengthened as the remaining battery level of the device decreases. This allows the communication device 12 to check the communication status at a suitable frequency according to the remaining battery level of the device.

[0111] In this case, the determination unit 123 determined the remaining battery level of its own device based on a predetermined threshold, but the remaining battery level may also be evaluated as a plurality of discrete indicators or a continuous quantity. According to this, the communication device 12 can reduce power consumption while adjusting the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period in more detail based on the remaining battery level of its own device.

[0112] <Embodiment 7> Figure 11 is a flowchart of the communication method according to Embodiment 7. The communication device that executes the communication method according to Embodiment 7 has the same configuration as the communication device 12 in Figure 8. Therefore, a description of the configuration of the communication device according to Embodiment 7 is omitted. The communication method according to Embodiment 7 acquires the transmission power of the device used for transmission as communication quality information and determines a predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period based on the transmission power of the device. The communication method according to Embodiment 7 includes the steps S701 to S711. Here, it is assumed that the communication device 12 is equipped with a storage unit 114.

[0113] In step S701, the communication unit 101 communicates with another communication device using a simplex method. In step S702, the control unit 122 sets a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the communication unit 101 continues to transmit to the other communication device. When the communication unit 101 ends the transmission state and enters the reception state, the communication device 12 interrupts and terminates subsequent processing. In step S703, the acquisition unit 125 acquires the transmission power of its own device used for transmission.

[0114] In step S704, the storage unit 114 stores the user's input during the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 continues the input storage process that started in step S704 during steps S705 and S706, which are the communication confirmation period. The storage unit 114 may terminate the storage of the input at the end of the communication confirmation period. Alternatively, the storage unit 114 may continue to store the input after the initial communication confirmation period until the user has finished inputting.

[0115] In step S705, the communication unit 101 sends a reception confirmation request to another communication device requesting reception confirmation information. In step S706, the communication unit 101 waits in a reception state until it receives reception confirmation information from the other communication device or until the end of the communication confirmation period. Steps S705 and S706 are performed during the communication confirmation period.

[0116] If the control unit 122 receives confirmation information from another communication device, it terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S707. Alternatively, if the communication unit 101 does not receive confirmation information from another communication device after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 122 terminates the communication confirmation period and starts step S707. If the communication unit 101 fails to receive confirmation information for a predetermined number of consecutive times during the communication confirmation period, the determination unit 123 may interrupt subsequent processing and terminate communication. In this case, the determination unit 123 may notify the user that communication has gone out of range.

[0117] In step S707, the determination unit 123 determines the transmission power of its own device. If the transmission power of its own device is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 123 executes step S708. If the transmission power of its own device is less than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 123 executes step S709.

[0118] In step S708, the determination unit 123 determines that the predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period is longer. This allows the communication device 12 to reduce the frequency of communication confirmation when its own transmission power is high, and to check the communication status while efficiently suppressing its own power consumption. In step S709, the determination unit 123 determines that the predetermined interval for the communication confirmation period is shorter. This allows the communication device 12 to increase the frequency of communication confirmation when its own transmission power is low, and to more effectively monitor the communication status with other communication devices. Upon completion of step S708 or step S709, one process related to communication confirmation is completed.

[0119] In step S710, the control unit 122 detects whether the communication unit 101 is continuing to transmit. If transmission is continuing, the communication device 12 starts step S711. If transmission is not continuing, the communication device 12 completes all steps related to communication confirmation. Alternatively, the control unit 122 may determine that transmission is continuing if all the input contents stored in the storage unit 114 in step S704 have not been transmitted.

[0120] In step S711, the communication unit 101 transmits the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S704 to another communication device. If the user continues to input while the communication unit 101 is transmitting the input content stored in the storage unit 114 in step S711, the storage unit 114 stores the user's input content as background processing. After the completion of step S711, the communication device 12 resumes processing from step S702.

[0121] As described above, the communication device 12 according to Embodiment 7 provides a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state is in progress, and the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period is made longer the more power the device itself uses to transmit. This allows the communication device 12 to reduce power consumption while checking the communication status at a suitable frequency according to the power of the device itself.

[0122] In this case, the determination unit 123 determined the transmission power of its own device based on a predetermined threshold, but the transmission power may also be evaluated as a plurality of discrete indicators or a continuous quantity. In this case, the communication device 12 can adjust the predetermined interval of the communication confirmation period in more detail based on the transmission power of its own device.

[0123] <Example hardware configuration> The following describes examples of how each functional configuration of the communication device described in this disclosure is realized through a combination of hardware and software.

[0124] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a computer. The communication device in this disclosure can realize the above-described functions using a computer 500 including the hardware configuration shown in the figure. The computer 500 may be a portable computer such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, or a stationary computer such as a PC. The computer 500 may be a dedicated computer designed to realize each device, or it may be a general-purpose computer. The computer 500 can realize the desired functions by installing a predetermined application.

[0125] Computer 500 includes a bus 502, a processor 504, memory 506, a storage device 508, an input / output interface (I / F) 510, and a network interface (I / F) 512. Bus 502 is a data transmission path for the processor 504, memory 506, storage device 508, input / output interface 510, and network interface 512 to send and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 504 and other components to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0126] Processor 504 is a variety of processors such as a CPU, GPU, or FPGA. Memory 506 is main memory implemented using RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0127] The storage device 508 is an auxiliary storage device implemented using a hard disk, SSD, memory card, or ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage device 508 stores a program for realizing a desired function. The processor 504 reads this program into memory 506 and executes it to realize each functional component of each device.

[0128] The input / output interface 510 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to input / output devices. For example, input devices such as keyboards and output devices such as display devices are connected to the input / output interface 510. The network interface 512 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to a network.

[0129] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the configuration and details of the present disclosure can be made that will be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate. For example, the communication device according to Embodiments 2 to 7 does not need to have a storage unit. In this case, the communication device can suitably transmit user input content by setting a short communication confirmation period.

[0130] Each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with one or more other embodiments rather than with only one specific embodiment. As those skilled in the art will understand, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps shown in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 10, 11, 12 Communication equipment 20 users 101 Communications Department 102, 112, 122 Control Unit 103, 113, 123 Judgment section 114 Storage section 125 Acquisition Department 500 Computers Bus 502 504 Processors 506 memory 508 Storage Devices 510 Input / Output Interfaces 512 Network Interfaces

Claims

1. A communication unit that communicates with other communication devices using a simplex method, An acquisition unit that acquires device information indicating the status of the device, A control unit provides a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state to the other communication device continues, and during the communication confirmation period, causes the communication unit to send a reception confirmation request to the other communication device requesting reception confirmation information, and keeps the communication unit in a waiting state in a receiving state until it receives the reception confirmation information from the other communication device or the end of the communication confirmation period. A determination unit that determines the predetermined interval based on the device information, A communication device equipped with this device.

2. The device information includes the remaining battery level of the device itself. The determination unit determines that the predetermined interval is longer when the remaining battery level is less than a predetermined threshold. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The device information includes the transmission power of the device itself for transmission, The determination unit determines that the predetermined interval is longer if the transmission power is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It communicates with other communication devices using a simplex method. A step of obtaining device information that indicates the status of the device, The steps include: providing a communication confirmation period at predetermined intervals while the transmission state to the aforementioned other communication device continues; During the aforementioned communication confirmation period, the step of sending a reception confirmation request to the other communication device to request reception confirmation information, The steps include: waiting in a receiving state until receiving the reception confirmation information from the other communication device or until the end of the communication confirmation period; The step of determining the predetermined interval based on the device information includes Communication method.

5. On the computer, It communicates with other communication devices using a simplex method. Obtain device information that indicates the status of the device, While the transmission state to the aforementioned other communication device continues, a communication confirmation period is provided at a predetermined interval. During the aforementioned communication confirmation period, a reception confirmation request is sent to the other communication device requesting reception confirmation information. The device remains in a receiving state until it receives the reception confirmation information from the other communication device or until the end of the communication confirmation period. Based on the device information, the predetermined interval is determined. A program that performs an action.

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