Separable and understandable single-channel voice communication

Abstract

Separable and understandable single-channel voice communication The method provides separable subchannels that share a communication channel. The processor receives user input to configure a transmitter device on a first subchannel of at least two subchannels of a communication channel, the first subchannel of which includes a first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel. The processor receives an audio signal as input to the transmitter device. The processor converts the time-series waveform of the audio signal into a frequency-series waveform. The processor determines that the transmitter device is configured on the first subchannel. In response to determining that the transmitter device is configured on the first subchannel [h4], the processor filters the frequency-series waveform through a set of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters configured to transmit through the first portion of the bandwidth, and the processor transmits the audio signal as the filtered frequency-series waveform.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to voice communication via radio frequency, and more particularly to separable analog voice paths for communication to two or more separable receiver groups sharing a communication channel.

[0002] Voice radio transmission includes entertainment users, commercial voice and music radio broadcasts, first responder groups, and other users. Many tactical radio systems, such as those used by first responders, use compression schemes in the "voice grade" bandwidth range between 300 Hertz (Hz) and 3000 Hz.

[0003] Amplitude modulation transmits an information signal by changing the amplitude of a carrier wave, while frequency modulation involves changing the frequency of the carrier wave in accordance with the amplitude of the information signal. Wireless transmission generates an analog signal corresponding to a voice or acoustic input, converts the analog signal to a digital signal by digital signal processing, and reconverts the analog signal in a receiver device that emits voice or sound through a speaker.

[0004] In emergencies, often multiple first responder sources need to be included in order to evaluate, make appropriate action decisions, and make decisions regarding roles, priorities, and leadership when corresponding. Responders may include local, county, state, and even federal law enforcement agencies and / or firefighters from multiple districts. In addition, in certain emergencies, warnings may be issued to recipients of emergency medical responders and hospital staff from multiple sources and may be included. Repeated experience has shown that in such situations there is a lack of coordination and effective communication with multiple first responder groups, resulting in confusion, delays in taking action, and in some cases, contradictory activities being pursued.

[0005] A significant aspect contributing to communication problems is the sharing of audible communication bandwidth on emergency service frequencies among all responders. Often, the audible bandwidth becomes saturated with widely transmitted messages, requiring each responder unit to determine its relevance to their own unit, or more commonly, multiple messages are transmitted simultaneously, resulting in communication becoming incomprehensible. Efforts to avoid communication problems by using separate channels isolate communications to responder groups intended to coordinate and coordinate in response to an emergency. In situations where response time may be critical and clearly directed communications are essential, dispatching and coordinating communications becomes complex and time-consuming. [Overview of the project]

[0006] According to one embodiment, an audio communication method is provided, comprising the steps of: a processor setting a transmitter device to a first subchannel of a communication channel, wherein the first subchannel includes a first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; the processor receiving an audio signal as input to the transmitter device; the processor converting the time-series waveform of the audio signal into a frequency-series waveform; the processor determining that the transmitter device is set to the first subchannel; in response to determining that the transmitter device is set to the first subchannel, the processor filtering the frequency-series waveform through a set of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters configured to transmit through the first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; and the processor transmitting the audio signal as the filtered frequency-series waveform.

[0007] In another embodiment, a computer system for audio communication is provided, comprising one or more computer processors; one or more computer-readable storage media; and program instructions stored on the one or more computer-readable storage media, the program instructions comprising: program instructions for setting a transmitter device to a first subchannel of a communication channel, wherein the first subchannel comprises a first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; program instructions for receiving an audio signal as input to the transmitter device; program instructions for converting the time-series waveform of the audio signal into a frequency-series waveform; program instructions for determining that the transmitter device is set to the first subchannel of the communication channel; program instructions for filtering the frequency-series waveform through a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters configured to transmit through the first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel in response to determining that the transmitter device is set to the first subchannel; and program instructions for transmitting the audio signal as the filtered frequency-series waveform.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for audio communication implemented by a computer is provided, the computer implementation method comprising: a step of a processor setting a receiving device to a first subchannel of a communication channel, wherein the first subchannel comprises a first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; a step of the processor receiving a frequency-sequence waveform on the receiving device, filtered through a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters set to a plurality of audible frequency segments corresponding to the first subchannel; a step of the processor converting the frequency-sequence waveform into a time-sequence waveform; a step of the processor converting the time-sequence waveform into an audible signal that matches the plurality of audible frequency segments of the bandwidth corresponding to the first subchannel of the communication channel, wherein each audible frequency segment comprises a bandwidth of at least 50 Hz, the at least 50 Hz bandwidth being interleaved with other 50 Hz bandwidths of other subchannels within the 300 Hz to 3000 Hz audible bandwidth of the communication channel; and a step of the processor receiving the audible signal on the receiving device.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, communication is provided across multiple first responder units that allows for directing communication to a specific first responder type, avoiding the overlay of simultaneous communications, while still enabling communication to all first responder types when appropriate and necessary.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computer system for audio communication performed by a processor are provided, which is performed by configuring a transmitter device in a subchannel of a communication channel, the subchannel of which includes a first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel. The processor receives an audio signal in the transmitter device and converts the time-series waveform of the audio signal into a frequency-series waveform. The processor determines that the transmitter device is configured in the first subchannel. In response to the determination step, the processor filters the frequency-series waveform through a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters configured to transmit through the first portion of the bandwidth, and the processor transmits the audio signal as the filtered frequency-series waveform.

[0011] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention involves sharing a portion of the audible bandwidth of a communication channel with two or more subchannels defined by segments of bandwidth interleaved across the communication channel bandwidth. Sharing the communication channel bandwidth by defining subchannels enables directed communication to subchannels associated with a particular first responder group, in particular, without broadcasting the message to unintended groups.

[0012] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention involves defining segments of communication bandwidth associated with subchannels of a communication channel, separated by small guard bandwidths that protect communication with one subchannel from interference or other influences from the other subchannel. In some embodiments, a guard bandwidth of 10 Hz is applied below and above each segment of bandwidth allocated to the subchannel.

[0013] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention includes converting a time-series waveform of an audio signal into a frequency-based sequence waveform and filtering the frequency sequence waveform through a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters. Steep-shoulder digital bandpass filtering allows a portion of the audible signal to be directed to a designated subchannel, providing an audible signal sufficient to be reproducibly reproducible by a receiver device.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention involves transmitting a specified portion of the audible bandwidth as a filtered frequency sequence waveform of the audible signal. By designating a portion of the communication channel bandwidth for each of two or more subchannels, it is possible to share the communication channel, maintain targeted transmission to the subchannels, and eliminate confusion regarding simultaneous transmission and intended recipients.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention involves selecting a subchannel of a single communication audible channel to instruct a transmitted message to be received by a specific first responder type that has selected the same subchannel on a receiving device, while other first responder types that have selected different subchannels will not receive the transmitted message on their respective receiving devices.

[0016] Another advantageous embodiment of the present invention involves transmitting a message to all segmented portions of the bandwidth so as to include all first responder types when receiving the transmitted message, regardless of the selection of subchannels. In some situations, all first responders are the intended recipients of a message such as an evacuation order or awareness of an unknown danger or risk. In embodiments of the present invention, transmission across the entire bandwidth of the audible communication channel is still possible, thereby enabling all subchannels to receive the transmission. Current communications have experienced confusion and reduced effectiveness regarding the clear definition of intended recipients, resulting from the fact that an audible message intended for a particular group of first responders is often transmitted to and received by all first responders.

[0017] The present invention recognizes that the advantageous embodiments enumerated above, in particular, solve and / or improve upon the current problems experienced by first responders to emergencies. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein by reference only to the following drawings.

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram illustrating a distributed data processing environment based on one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] [Figure 2-1] Figure 2A is a functional block diagram showing an analog frequency sequence waveform signal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 2-2] Figure 2B is a functional block diagram showing the frequency segment range of a subchannel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 2-3]FIG. 2C is a functional block diagram showing the frequency segment range of a subchannel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] [Figure 2-4] FIG. 2D is a functional block diagram showing the frequency segment range of a selected subchannel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing the operation steps of a separable subchannel program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 4] FIG. shows a block diagram of components of a computing system including a computing device configured to operatively execute the separable subchannel program of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that emergencies involving multiple types of first responders are in part due to the use of heterogeneous communication networks and the difficulty of establishing end-to-end communication across all first responder groups, which can lead to a lack of communication confirmation responses for situation reports and operation instructions, and may be complicated and in some cases worsened. Embodiments of the present invention also recognize that in some critical situations, communication commands are required for a specific first responder group (i.e., police / law enforcement agencies), while in other situations, communication commands need to reach all first responder groups immediately. In the past, a large amount of investment has been made to integrate various first responder systems, but the success cases are limited.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that most first-responder groups typically share the common function of receiving an analog audio frequency band in the 300Hz–3000Hz speech / acoustic (i.e., voice) range, transmitting by converting the received analog audio input into a radio transmission signal, which is then received by a device that converts the radio transmission back into audible sound emitted from a speaker component. First-responder groups may experience a lack of intercommunication due to separate transmissions and dispatches for different responder groups combined on the same receiving communication channel, or confusion due to overlay transmissions combining different responder groups without means of determining the intended audience. Embodiments of the present invention recognize that in complex emergencies (e.g., damage from severe weather, earthquakes, train derailments, etc.), accurate and complete communication between first-responder groups such as fire and police responders is essential for rapid effectiveness, and that interoperability between groups is important when necessary, but can be a hindrance and cause confusion when not needed.

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention provide computer implementations, computer program products, and computer systems that enable the transmission of two or more distinct audio contents between wireless devices over a single shared analog channel, while allowing the option of receiving cross-channel messages where necessary. A common aspect of the disclosed invention is the ability to direct the transmission of a message to an intended first respondent group, connected to a first subchannel, while omitting the reception of a message to the first respondent group over a second subchannel of the communication channel. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a 2700Hz bandwidth in a compressed “voice-grade” range (i.e., 300Hz to 3000Hz), each creating distinct subchannels defined by a portion of the analog bandwidth. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to utilizing a 2700Hz bandwidth in the compressed “voice-grade” range, and other bandwidths lower or higher than 2700Hz may also be considered.

[0029] One embodiment of the disclosed invention includes segmenting the communication channel bandwidth into smaller bandwidth ranges, e.g., 50 Hz bandwidth segments, and interleaving two or more subchannel segments to enable sharing of the communication channel, while defining the target of the transmitted audible message to a first responder receiving device set on the target subchannel. Segmenting the entire bandwidth of the communication channel in an interleaved manner makes it possible to reproduce the audible signal of the message while allowing the communication channels to be shared individually. Sharing of a single audible communication channel is lacking in current techniques and methods.

[0030] One embodiment of the disclosed invention includes a bracketed channel bandwidth guard portion that surrounds a segmented interleaved range containing two or more subchannels, each subchannel directed towards a specific first-responder group such as firefighters or law enforcement police, and a guard portion that protects against transmission overlap and audible signal overlay.

[0031] One embodiment of the disclosed invention includes a manufacturer-independent method for a first responder to select to receive communications only from a specific first responder group, or to receive communications from two or more first responder groups as needed or requested, and for a central dispatch service to maintain the ability to communicate with each or all first responder groups as needed.

[0032] Other embodiments of the disclosed invention include successful implementations regardless of the wireless equipment or carrier technology used (e.g., AM, FM, digital, PSK, etc.). For the purpose of clarity and understanding of the features of embodiments of the present invention, references and examples are made herein to two primary response groups: firefighters (fire services) and law enforcement agencies (police). However, it should be noted that embodiments are not limited to either of these two primary response groups or a selected primary response group.

[0033] One embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a 10Hz audio frequency guard element that brackets the segment range of a first responder group (e.g., police). For example, a 10Hz guard element may be followed by a 50Hz frequency range within a bandwidth of 300Hz to 3000Hz, and another 10Hz guard element may be followed by a 50Hz segment range. The segment ranges and bracket guard elements may be interleaved and alternate with the first responder group. For example, a captured analog audio range may begin with a 10Hz guard element (300Hz to 310Hz), followed by a 50Hz police segment range (311Hz to 350Hz), followed by a 10Hz guard element (351Hz to 360Hz), followed by a 50Hz fire segment range (361Hz to 410Hz), and then this may be followed by a 10Hz guard element (411Hz to 420Hz). This sequence may be repeated multiple times within a bandwidth of 2700Hz. It should be noted that the segmented ranges for fire and police are interlaced within the analog audio channel bandwidth. The 2700Hz bandwidth is viable across many transmission hops in various equipment types and includes a suitable analog audio core channel for all audio communications.

[0034] One embodiment of the present invention includes a high degree of viability of a 2700 Hz audio spectral bandwidth, regardless of differences in various sources, handoffs, relays, and equipment involved in wireless transmission, which are ultimately retransmitted, received, and converted to analog signals. Embodiments of the present invention recognize that the entire 2700 Hz is not necessary for comprehensibility when considering a range segmented at intervals for each first responder group having each subchannel of a shared communication channel. By addressing the shared aspect at the audible communication channel level, embodiments of the present invention utilize a robust audible signal that is less affected by different relay handoffs or sources of transmitted signals compared to the wireless transmission frequency.

[0035] Another embodiment of the present invention involves filtering a frequency sequence waveform through a set of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters configured to transmit and / or receive through a specified segment range of a communication channel ("channel") bandwidth. A clear boundary between one subchannel segment range (e.g., fire termination) and another subchannel segment range (e.g., police termination) creates a steep-shoulder configuration of the subchannel. The use of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters due to subchannel segment range boundaries is not currently practiced within the audible communication channel bandwidth, and this solves the problem of selective communication to a specific group of first responders while enabling the sharing of the communication channel bandwidth and maintaining the ability to broadcast to all first responder receiving devices across all subchannels.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention include a 10Hz guard element that brackets each segment range (i.e., 50Hz) as protection against incomplete bandwidth. Filtering of the frequency sequence waveform through a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters is replicated through a 2700Hz bandwidth (e.g., 10Hz guard, 50Hz fire, 10Hz guard, 50Hz police, replicated through the bandwidth).

[0037] Another embodiment of the present invention involves enabling the selection of a specific subchannel or combination of subchannels in a signal-transmitting device and / or a signal-receiving device. It should be noted that wireless devices are often configured to both transmit and receive wireless signals for voice communication. Hereinafter, the term “transceiver” may be used to refer to a device that has both the function of transmitting and receiving wireless signals to be converted to analog signals and audio output from the speaker component of the respective device. The embodiment enables the selection of one or more subchannels at the device level for either or both transmission and reception by applying digital audio filtering.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if a central dispatcher wishes to contact all first responders on a shared communication channel, the dispatcher will broadcast (transmit) using the full 2700 Hz bandwidth, which will be received by all first responder group devices configured on a portion of that bandwidth. If fire first responders wish to receive only audible messages relevant to them, they will choose to receive only audible messages designated for fire first responders on their respective transceiver devices (i.e., on the fire subchannel). This choice allows for smoothed digital signal processing (DSP) of fire first responder-designated messages. Similarly, a different choice would result in police-only designated audible messages being received on the police subchannel, while both fire and police first responders use the same radio communication channel. Embodiments of the present invention enable important first responder group-specific communications to be received without irrelevant communication interference.

[0039] In some embodiments, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) component of a transceiver device configured to perform the method of the present invention performs analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion of an audible analog signal. In other embodiments, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) component of a transceiver device configured to perform the method described in the present invention performs the conversion. In other embodiments, computer software programmed to perform the method of the present invention through a transceiver hardware component and accessed by or stored on the transceiver device performs analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion of an audible analog signal. Embodiments of the present invention segment the bandwidth of a communication channel into two or more subchannels with frequency guard elements bracketed, and define frequency segment ranges associated with each subchannel to enable separable use of the communication channel bandwidth.

[0040] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing a distributed data processing environment, generally designated as 100, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 provides only an example of one implementation and does not imply any limitation with respect to environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the illustrated environment can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as enumerated by the claims.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a distributed data processing environment 100, including a block diagram representing transceiver devices and an interconnection network for the execution of at least a portion of the computer code involved in carrying out the method of the present invention, such as a separable subchannel program 300. The distributed data processing environment 100 includes a dispatch radio device 110, a fire radio device 120, a police radio device 130, and an ambulance radio device 140, all connected via a network 150. The network 150 may be any combination of, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a virtual local area network (VLAN), a radio signaling network operating as amplitude modulation (AM) carrier, frequency modulation (FM) carrier, digital waveform, phase shift keying modulation (PSK), or wired, wireless, or optical connections. In general, the network 150 may be any combination of connections and protocols that support wireless communication and data transmission between the dispatch radio device 110, the fire radio device 120, the police radio device 130[h3], and the ambulance radio device 140.

[0042] The dispatch radio device 110 is a transceiver device capable of transmitting and receiving analog audible signals from an audible input bandwidth ranging from 300 Hz to 3000 Hz. The dispatch radio device 110 includes a microphone as a component for receiving audible input (not shown) which is converted to a digital signal and transmitted. The dispatch radio device 110 includes a speaker (not shown) as a component for outputting audible sound (i.e., speech) after the received digital signal has been converted to an analog audible signal. In some embodiments, the microphone component and speaker component are peripheral components to the dispatch system. In other embodiments, the dispatch radio device 110 includes a microphone and speaker as integrated components. The dispatch radio device 110 includes hardware and / or software components for converting the input analog audible signal to a digital signal for transmission to other radio devices and for converting the digital signal received from other radio devices to an analog audible signal for output by the speaker. The dispatch radio device 110 includes a separable subchannel program 300.

[0043] The fire radio device 120 is a transceiver device capable of transmitting and receiving analog audible signals from an audible input bandwidth ranging from 300 Hz to 3000 Hz. The fire radio device 120 includes a microphone as a component for receiving audible input (not shown) which is converted to a digital signal and transmitted. The fire radio device 120 includes a speaker (not shown) as a component for outputting audible sound (i.e., voice) after converting the received digital signal to an analog audible signal. In some embodiments, the microphone component and speaker component are peripheral components to the dispatch system. In other embodiments, the fire radio device 120 includes the microphone and speaker as integrated components. The fire radio device 120 includes hardware and / or software components for converting the input analog audible signal to a digital signal for transmission to other radio devices and for converting the digital signal received from other radio devices to an analog audible signal for output by the speaker. The fire radio device 120 includes a separable subchannel program 300.

[0044] The police radio device 130 is a transceiver device capable of transmitting and receiving analog audible signals from an audible input bandwidth ranging from 300 Hz to 3000 Hz. The police radio device 130 includes a microphone as a component for receiving audible input (not shown) which is converted to a digital signal and transmitted. The police radio device 130 includes a speaker (not shown) as a component for outputting audible sound (i.e., voice) after the received digital signal has been converted to an analog audible signal. In some embodiments, the microphone component and speaker component are peripheral components to the dispatch system. In other embodiments, the police radio device 130 includes the microphone and speaker as integrated components. The police radio device 130 includes hardware and / or software components for converting the input analog audible signal to a digital signal for transmission to other radio devices and for converting the digital signal received from other radio devices to an analog audible signal for output by the speaker. The police radio device 130 includes a separable subchannel program 300.

[0045] The ambulance radio device 140 is a transceiver device capable of transmitting and receiving analog audible signals from an audible input bandwidth ranging from 300 Hz to 3000 Hz. The ambulance radio device 140 includes a microphone as a component for receiving audible input (not shown) which is converted to a digital signal and transmitted. The ambulance radio device 140 includes a speaker (not shown) as a component for outputting audible sound (i.e., voice) after the received digital signal has been converted to an analog audible signal. In some embodiments, the microphone component and speaker component are peripheral components to the dispatch system. In other embodiments, the ambulance radio device 140 includes the microphone and speaker as integrated components. The ambulance radio device 140 includes hardware and / or software components for converting the input analog audible signal to a digital signal for transmission to other radio devices and for converting the digital signal received from other radio devices to an analog audible signal for output by the speaker. The ambulance radio device 140 includes a separable subchannel program 300. It should be noted that the ambulance radio device 140 is depicted in a manner that indicates that embodiments of the present invention may include more than two first responder groups. For the convenience and clarification of the features of the disclosed invention, two first responder groups will be referred to in the discussion and examples without implying limitation.

[0046] The separable subchannel program 300 segments the "voice-grade" bandwidth of a 300Hz to 3000Hz communication channel into two or more separate voice content subchannels on a single shared analog communication channel, while allowing the selective use of one subchannel or a combination of subchannels. Each subchannel corresponds to a different first responder group, e.g., firefighter first responder and police first responder. The separable subchannel program 300 creates interlaced segment ranges and repeats the segmented ranges across the entire communication channel bandwidth by alternating the segments of the first responder groups. For example, in the case of two first responder groups corresponding to firefighters and police responders, the separable subchannel program 300 alternates between a 50Hz segment range for the firefighter subchannel and a 50Hz segment range for the police responder subchannel. The separable subchannel program 300 applies the 50Hz segment ranges for firefighters and police across the communication channel bandwidth, alternating between firefighters, police, firefighters, police, and so on. The separable subchannel program 300 includes separating subchannel segments by bracketing the segment ranges using protective frequency guard element portions of the communication channel bandwidth, for example, creating 10Hz guard frequency ranges before and after each of the 50Hz segment ranges of the fire and police subchannels. In some embodiments, the separable subchannel program 300 includes a sequence of 10Hz guard, 50Hz fire segment range, 10Hz guard, 50Hz police segment range, 10Hz guard, 50Hz fire segment range, etc., over a 2700Hz bandwidth of the communication channel.

[0047] Figure 2A shows an analog frequency-sequence waveform signal according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A includes an analog input 210 that shows an analog signal 215 which is converted from a time-sequence waveform to a frequency-sequence waveform over a 300Hz to 3000Hz bandwidth of a communication channel. In some embodiments, the analog signal 215 is an audible analog signal initiated by voice and is captured and input by the microphone component of a transceiver device such as a dispatch radio device 110, a fire radio device 120, a police radio device 130, or an ambulance radio device 140. The analog input 210 captures the audible input (i.e., voice) in the 300Hz to 3000Hz frequency range as an analog signal.

[0048] Figure 2B is a block diagram showing the frequency segment range of subchannel 220 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Subchannel 220 is shown using segmented and interlaced subchannels in the frequency range between 300 Hz and 3000 Hz. In embodiments of the present invention, the bandwidth of the communication channel, ranging from 300 Hz to 3000 Hz, is alternately divided into segment ranges, for example, 50 Hz ranges. Each segment range corresponds to a subchannel associated with a first responder group, such as firefighters, law enforcement police, or ambulance responders. For the purpose of providing clarity of the features of embodiments of the present invention, the description and examples are directed towards subchannels corresponding to fire first responders and police first responders, but it should be noted that additional first responders, such as ambulance responders, may be included in embodiments of the present invention and may benefit from the features and functions described herein.

[0049] Subchannel 220 includes guard elements 225 that provide frequency range protection by bracketing the subchannel segment range, fire segment range 223, and police segment range 227, which are represented as alternating interlaced segment ranges. In some embodiments, the guard elements 225 consist of 10Hz ranges, e.g., 300Hz–310Hz and 361Hz–370Hz, respectively, and bracket the subchannel segment range of 311Hz–360Hz.

[0050] Figure 2C is a block diagram showing the frequency segment range of subchannel 230 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Subchannel 230 is shown using a segmented and interlaced subchannel range spanning frequencies between 300 Hz and 3000 Hz, and a portion of the analog audible signal of analog input 210 converted from a time-series waveform to an analog frequency-series waveform by a Fast Fourier Transform (FTT). Subchannel 230 includes a selection of a fire subchannel segment range frequency band (i.e., a first subchannel), shown as including an analog frequency-series waveform portion 235. Subchannel 230 also shows a segment range for a police subchannel 237 (i.e., a second subchannel), which is not selected for transmission and does not have a frequency band signal. In some embodiments, the analog frequency-series waveform portion 235 included in the fire subchannel segment range band is transmitted via a radio carrier, for example, by a dispatch radio device 110.

[0051] Figure 2D is a block diagram showing the frequency segment range of a selected subchannel 240 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2D includes a selected fire subchannel segment range, represented by subchannel segment range 245. By selecting subchannel 240 by a transmitting device running the separable subchannel program 300, the transmission of frequency sequence waveform content is limited to the fire subchannel, and the transmission of content to the police subchannel is omitted, as indicated by the absence of a police subchannel segment range.

[0052] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation steps of a separable subchannel program 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the separable subchannel program 300 operates as a component of a transmitter device, such as a dispatch radio device 110. In some embodiments, the separable subchannel program 300 performs a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters configured to transmit through a designated subchannel portion of the communication channel bandwidth. In other embodiments, the separable subchannel program 300 applies a series of digital bandpass filters for receiving and retransforming signals transmitted from a designated subchannel portion of the communication channel bandwidth.

[0053] In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the separable subchannel program 300 performs a set of steps which may be performed in the presented order, in a different order than presented, which may include one or more additional steps, which may exclude one or more steps, or which may repeat one or more steps.

[0054] The separable subchannel program 300 receives a selection of settings on the transceiver device by the user of the transceiver device for one of at least two subchannels of a communication channel, each subchannel of which is part of a shared communication channel bandwidth (step 310). The separable subchannel program 300 receives settings on the transceiver device by the user specifying transmission and / or reception on one of two or more subchannels that share a communication channel bandwidth of 300 Hz to 3000 Hz. The selected subchannel corresponds to a specific first responder group, such as firefighter first responders. A received setting that selects one of at least two subchannels excludes transmission or reception of the specified signal on the other part of the communication channel corresponding to other first responder groups. In some embodiments, the selection of settings may include transmission and / or reception of a combination of subchannels that includes all subchannels.

[0055] For example, the separable subchannel program 300 detects a setting on the dispatcher radio device 110 that selects a first subchannel corresponding to a firefighter first responder. The first subchannel is segmented into 50 Hz segment bands and includes a portion of the communication channel bandwidth interlaced with other 50 Hz segments corresponding to other first responders. For example, the first subchannel segment band may begin at 311 Hz to 360 Hz and be bracketed by a 10 Hz frequency guard element. The first subchannel is repeated with additional segment bands after at least a second subchannel segment band range. The selection of a setting that specifies the first subchannel filters transmitted and received signals only to those corresponding to the first channel segment band of the communication channel bandwidth.

[0056] The separable subchannel program 300 receives an analog audio signal as input to the transmitting device (step 320). In some embodiments, the analog audio signal is voice content from the user, received as input by the microphone component of the transmitting device. The transmitting device receives the analog audio input as a time-series waveform. The analog audio signal corresponds to frequencies within the communication channel bandwidth.

[0057] For example, a dispatcher operating the dispatcher wireless device 110 speaks into the microphone component of the dispatcher wireless device 110. The voice content is received by the microphone as an audio signal and processed as a time-series waveform corresponding to a frequency within the communication channel bandwidth.

[0058] The separable subchannel program 300 converts the time-series waveform of the received analog audio signal into a frequency-series waveform (step 330). The separable subchannel program 300 converts the time-series waveform into an analog frequency-series waveform, for example, by a Fast Fourier Transform. In some embodiments, the separable subchannel program 300 initiates the conversion by an FPGA or ASIC component of the transmitting device. In some embodiments, the conversion may be performed in the initial audio frequency stage, while in other embodiments, the conversion may be performed in the radio frequency stage of the transmission. The frequency-series waveform is included in the transmission of the radio carrier.

[0059] The separable subchannel program 300 determines that the transceiver device is configured to transmit an audio signal on a first subchannel (step 340). After converting the received analog audio input into a frequency sequence waveform, the separable subchannel program 300 determines the subchannel selection previously made by the user for transmission by the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the subchannel selection is made from the user interface operation of the transceiver device and provides feedback of the selection made. In some embodiments, the determined subchannel selection is applied by the separable subchannel program 300 to transmission and reception for the transceiver device. In other embodiments, the subchannel selection for transmission and reception is a separate selection. In yet another embodiment, the subchannel selection may be a specific subchannel or a combination of subchannels including all subchannels. Transmissions directed to a certain subchannel are digitally filtered by a steep-shoulder bandpass filter, resulting in a segment range of the communication channel bandwidth being selectively filtered for the selected subchannel, while other subchannels have no transmitted content.

[0060] For example, the separable subchannel program 300 determines that dispatcher radio device 110 is configured on a first subchannel and provides filtering for the input analog signal to be transmitted to a segment range band of the communication channel bandwidth corresponding to the first subchannel. In another exemplary scenario, the separable subchannel program 300 determines that fire radio device 120 is configured to receive transmissions on a first subchannel and filters the transmission signal to receive signals from the first subchannel segment range band of the communication channel bandwidth and process them for audio output.

[0061] In response to determining that the transmitter device is set to a first subchannel, the separable subchannel program 300 filters the frequency sequence waveform through a set of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters configured to transmit through a first portion of the bandwidth (step 350). The separable subchannel program 300 filters the frequency sequence waveform so that the signal is transmitted through a first portion of the communication channel bandwidth corresponding to the segment range band of the first subchannel. Transmissions directed to a first subchannel segment range band are not transmitted through other subchannel segment range bands. In some embodiments, the selected first subchannel may correspond to transmissions across all subchannels, in which case the transmitted signal is received across all subchannel segment range bands of the communication channel bandwidth.

[0062] For example, when a transceiver device determines that it is set to a first subchannel, a separable subchannel program 300 operating on the dispatch radio device 110 filters the frequency sequence waveform from the audio input through a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters, resulting in the transmission of a filtered signal through the segment range band corresponding to the first subchannel. Similarly, the separable subchannel program 300 filters the transmitted signal, resulting in each transceiver receiving and processing a signal corresponding to the subchannel setting of the receiving device.

[0063] The separable subchannel program 300 transmits the audio signal as a filtered frequency sequence waveform to the first subchannel (step 360). The filtered frequency sequence waveform is transmitted through the segment range band corresponding to the first subchannel and received by a transceiver device configured to receive the first subchannel content. Other subchannels sharing the bandwidth of the communication channel have no signal because the filtering of the frequency sequence waveform limits their transmission to the first subchannel segment range band.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of exemplary network resources associated with practicing the disclosed invention. The invention can be practiced by the disclosed processor that executes instruction streams. As shown in Figure 4, the computing environment 100 includes an example of an environment for executing at least a portion of the computer code involved in performing the method of the invention, such as the method of a separable subchannel program 300 in block 150, which is held in persistent storage 113. In addition to block 150, the computing environment 100 includes, for example, a computer 101, a wide area network (WAN) 102, an end-user device (EUD) 103, a remote server 104, a public cloud 105, a private cloud 106, and a transmit connection to a transceiver device 107 configured to both transmit and receive audible communication signals by carrier wave. In this embodiment, the computer 101 includes a processor set 110 (including processing circuits 120 and cache 121), a communication fabric 111, volatile memory 112, persistent storage 113 (including an operating system 122 and a separable subchannel program 300 of block 150, as specified above), a peripheral device set 114 (including a user interface (UI)), a device set 123, storage 124, a microphone 125, a speaker 126, a chipset 127, and a network module 115.

[0065] Microphone 125 receives an audible input (i.e., speech acoustics) which is further processed into a time-series waveform and then converted into a frequency-series waveform. Speaker 126 outputs audible acoustics from the converted time-series waveform received by the transceiver 107 or the receiving device. Chipset 127 includes one or both of an FPGA or ASIC integrated circuit that enables the conversion of the time-series waveform to a frequency-series waveform. Remote server 104 includes a remote database 130. Public cloud 105 includes a gateway 140, a cloud orchestration module 141, a host physical machine set 142, a virtual machine set 143, and a container set 144.

[0066] Computer 101 may take the form of a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, smartwatch, or other wearable computer, mainframe computer, quantum computer, or any other form of computer or mobile device, currently known or to be developed in the future, that can run programs, access networks, or query databases such as remote database 130. In some embodiments, computer 101 may take the form of a handheld device that can receive an audible input and transmit a converted radio signal of said audible input to another similarly configured device configured to receive signals transmitted on the same subchannel of a communication channel. As is well understood in the field of computer technology, and depending on the technology, the execution of a computer implementation method may be distributed among multiple computers and / or multiple locations. On the other hand, in this presentation concerning the computing environment 100, in order to keep the presentation as concise as possible, the detailed discussion focuses on a single computing device, specifically computer 101. Although computer 101 is not shown in the cloud in Figure 1, it may be located in the cloud. On the other hand, computer 101 is not required to reside in the cloud, except to any extent that can be definitively indicated.

[0067] The processor set 110 includes one or more computer processors of any type currently known or to be developed in the future. The processing circuitry 120 may be distributed across multiple packages, for example, multiple coordinated integrated circuit chips. The processing circuitry 120 may implement multiple processor threads and / or multiple processor cores. The cache 121 is memory located within the processor chip package and is typically used for data or code that should be available for high-speed access by threads or cores running on the processor set 110. The cache memory is typically organized into multiple levels depending on its relative proximity to the processing circuitry. Alternatively, some or all of the cache for the processor set may be located "off-chip". In some computing environments, the processor set 110 may operate using qubits and be designed to perform quantum computing.

[0068] Computer-readable program instructions are typically loaded onto computer 101, causing the processor set 110 of computer 101 to execute a series of operational steps, thereby influencing a computer implementation method, the instructions thus executed instantiating the methods specified in the flowcharts and / or descriptions of the computer implementation methods contained herein (collectively referred to as the "Methods of the Invention"). These computer-readable program instructions are stored in various types of computer-readable storage media, such as cache 121 and other storage media discussed below. The program instructions and associated data are accessed by the processor set 110 to control and direct the execution of the Methods of the Invention. In computing environment 100, at least some of the instructions for executing the Methods of the Invention may be stored in separable subchannel programs 300 in persistent storage 113.

[0069] The communication fabric 111 is a signal conduction path that enables various components of the computer 101 to communicate with one another. Typically, this fabric is made up of switches and conductive paths, such as buses, bridges, physical input / output ports, and similar components. Other types of signal communication paths, such as optical fiber communication paths and / or wireless communication paths, may be used.

[0070] Volatile memory 112 is any type of volatile memory currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples include dynamic random access memory (RAM) or static RAM. Typically, volatile memory 112 is characterized by random access, but this is not required unless explicitly stated. In computer 101, volatile memory 112 is located in a single package and resides inside computer 101, but alternatively or additionally, volatile memory may be distributed across multiple packages and / or located externally to computer 101.

[0071] The persistent storage 113 is any form of non-volatile storage for a computer that is currently known or may be developed in the future. The non-volatility of this storage means that the stored data is maintained regardless of whether power is supplied directly to the computer 101 and / or to the persistent storage 113. The persistent storage 113 may be read-only memory (ROM), but typically at least a portion of the persistent storage allows for writing, deleting, and rewriting of data. Some well-known forms of persistent storage include magnetic disks and solid-state storage devices. The operating system 122 can take multiple forms, such as various known proprietary operating systems or open-source portable operating system interface (CSI) type operating systems that employ a kernel. The code contained in a representative block of the separable subchannel program 300 typically includes at least some computer code involved in executing the method of the present invention.

[0072] The peripheral device set 114 includes a set of peripheral devices for the computer 101. Data communication connections between the computer 101's peripheral devices and other components can be implemented in various ways, including Bluetooth connections, Near-Field Communication (NFC) connections, connections made by cables (such as universal serial bus (USB) type cables), insert-type connections (e.g., secure digital (SD) cards), connections made through local area communication networks, and even connections made through wide area networks such as the internet. In various embodiments, the UI device set 123 may include components such as a display screen, speaker, microphone, wearable devices (such as goggles and smartwatches), keyboard, mouse, printer, touchpad, game controller, and haptic devices. Storage 124 is external storage such as an external hard drive, or insertable storage such as an SD card. Storage 124 may be persistent and / or volatile. In some embodiments, storage 124 may take the form of a quantum computing memory device for storing data in the form of qubits. In embodiments where computer 101 is required to have a large amount of storage (for example, computer 101 locally stores and manages a large database), this storage may be provided by peripheral storage devices designed to store very large amounts of data, such as a storage area network (SAN) shared by multiple geographically distributed computers. Microphone 125 may be integrated into computer 101 or may function as a peripheral component that receives an audible signal. Speaker 126 may be integrated into computer 101 or may function as a peripheral component. Speaker 126 receives a time-series waveform signal and outputs an audible sound. Chipset 127 performs the conversion of the audible signal to a time-series waveform signal and the conversion from the time-series waveform signal to a frequency-series waveform signal.Chipset 127 may function to re-convert the signal from a frequency-series waveform to a time-series waveform for audible output.

[0073] The network module 115 is a collection of computer software, hardware, and firmware that enables computer 101 to communicate with other computers via the WAN 102. The network module 115 may include hardware such as a modem or Wi-Fi signal transceiver, software for packetizing and / or depacketizing data for transmission over the communication network, and / or web browser software for communicating data over the internet. In some embodiments, the network control and network forwarding functions of the network module 115 are performed on the same physical hardware device. In other embodiments (e.g., embodiments utilizing Software-Defined Networking (SDN)), the control and forwarding functions of the network module 115 are performed on physically separate devices, such that the control function manages multiple different network hardware devices. Computer-readable program instructions for performing the method of the present invention can typically be downloaded to computer 101 from an external computer or external storage device via a network adapter card or network interface included in the network module 115.

[0074] WAN102 is any wide area network (e.g., the Internet) that can transmit computer data over non-local distances using any currently known or future-developed technology for transmitting computer data. In some embodiments, WAN102 may be replaced and / or complemented by a local area network (LAN), such as a Wi-Fi network, designed to transmit data between devices located in a local area. WANs and / or LANs typically include computer hardware such as copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and edge servers.

[0075] An end-user device (EUD) 103 is any computer system used and controlled by an end-user (e.g., a customer of the company operating computer 101) and can take any of the forms described above in relation to computer 101. EUD 103 typically receives useful and valuable data from the operation of computer 101. For example, in a hypothetical case where computer 101 is designed to provide recommendations to an end-user, these recommendations would typically be communicated from computer 101's network module 115 to EUD 103 via WAN 102. In this way, EUD 103 can display or otherwise present the recommendations to the end-user. In some embodiments, EUD 103 may be a client device such as a thin client, heavy client, mainframe computer, desktop computer, and similar.

[0076] The remote server 104 is any computer system that provides at least some data and / or functions to computer 101. The remote server 104 may be controlled and used by the same entity that operates computer 101. The remote server 104 represents a machine that collects and stores useful and valuable data for use by other computers, such as computer 101. For example, in a hypothetical case where computer 101 is designed and programmed to provide recommendations based on historical data, this historical data may be provided to computer 101 from the remote database 130 of the remote server 104.

[0077] The public cloud 105 is any computer system available for use by multiple entities, providing on-demand availability of computer system resources and / or other computing capabilities, particularly data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without direct active management by the user. Cloud computing typically leverages resource sharing to achieve coherence and economies of scale. Direct active management of the computing resources of the public cloud 105 is performed by the computer hardware and / or software of the cloud orchestration module 141. The computing resources provided by the public cloud 105 are typically implemented by virtual computing environments running on various computers that make up the host physical machine set 142, which is the universe of physical computers within and / or available in the public cloud 105. The virtual computing environment (VCE) typically takes the form of virtual machines from the virtual machine set 143 and / or containers from the container set 144. These VCEs may be stored as images and may be transferred either as images or after instantiation of the VCE, among and between hosts of various physical machines. The cloud orchestration module 141 manages the transfer and storage of images, deploys new VCE instances, and manages active instances of the VCE deployment. The gateway 140 is a collection of computer software, hardware, and firmware that enables the public cloud 105 to communicate over the WAN 102.

[0078] Here, some further explanation of virtualized computing environments (VCEs) is provided. A VCE can be stored as an "image." A new active instance of a VCE can be instantiated from an image. Two well-known types of VCEs are virtual machines and containers. A container is a VCE that uses operating system-level virtualization. This refers to an operating system feature where the kernel allows for the existence of multiple isolated user-space instances called containers. These isolated user-space instances typically behave like actual computers in terms of the programs running within them. Computer programs running on a normal operating system can utilize all of that computer's resources, including connected devices, files and folders, network shares, CPU power, and quantifiable hardware capabilities. However, programs running inside a container can only use the contents of the container and the devices allocated to the container; this feature is known as containerization.

[0079] The private cloud 106 is similar to the public cloud 105, except that the computing resources are available for use by a single enterprise only. Although the private cloud 106 is shown as being in communication with the WAN 102, in other embodiments the private cloud may be completely isolated from the internet and accessible only through a local / private network. A hybrid cloud is a combination of multiple clouds of different types (e.g., private cloud, community cloud, or public cloud type), often implemented by different vendors.

[0080] Each of the multiple clouds remains a separate, discrete entity, but the larger hybrid cloud architecture is bound together by standardized or proprietary technologies that enable orchestration, management, and / or data / application portability between the multiple configuration clouds. In this embodiment, both the public cloud 105 and the private cloud 106 are part of the larger hybrid cloud.

[0081] The programs described herein are identified based on the applications in which they are implemented in particular embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood that any specific program names used herein are for convenience only, and therefore the present invention should not be limited to use in any particular application identified and / or suggested by such names.

[0082] The present invention may be a system, method, and / or computer program product in any possible level of technical detail integration. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or multiple mediums) having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to execute aspects of the present invention.

[0083] A computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device capable of holding and storing instructions used by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium may be, but is not limited to, electronic storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. A non-exclusive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes: portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multipurpose disks (DVDs), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanically encoded devices such as punch cards or grooved raised structures on which instructions are recorded, and any suitable combination thereof. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed as a transient signal itself, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmitting media (e.g., light pulses passing through optical fiber cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0084] The computer-readable program instructions described herein may be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to each computing / processing device, or to an external computer or external storage device via a network such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network may include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmitters, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface within each computing / processing device receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers them for storage in a computer-readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0085] The computer-readable program instructions that perform the operation of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, configuration data for integrated circuits, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, or similar, and procedural programming languages ​​such as the C programming language or similar. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or this connection may be to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, for example, an electronic circuit including a programmable logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) may be personalized by executing computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of computer-readable program instructions in order to perform an aspect of the present invention.

[0086] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that each block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0087] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a computer processor or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine, which in turn creates means for instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device to implement functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on which the instructions are stored, which can instruct a computer, a programmable data processing device, and / or other device to function in a particular manner, such that the storage medium has a product containing instructions that implements the modes of functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0088] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to execute a series of operational steps on the computer, other programmable device, or other device, thereby generating a computer implementation process in which the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable device, or other device implement the functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0089] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions containing one or more executable instructions that implement a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may occur in an order different from the order shown in the drawings. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be implemented as a single step, executed simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, partially or entirely, with overlapping timelines, or blocks may, in some cases, be executed in reverse order depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart diagram, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart diagram, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or operation, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0090] The descriptions of various embodiments of the present invention are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be comprehensive or limitless to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments described. The terminology used herein has been selected to best describe the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications, or technical improvements to the art found in the market, or to enable other persons skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. The processor sets the transmitter device to a first subchannel of the communication channel, wherein the first subchannel includes a first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; The processor receives an audio signal as input to the transmitter device; The processor converts the time-series waveform of the audio signal into a frequency-series waveform; The processor determines that the transmitter device is set to the first subchannel; In response to determining that the transmitter device is set to the first subchannel, the processor filters the frequency sequence waveform through a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters configured to transmit through the first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; and The processor transmits the audio signal as the filtered frequency sequence waveform. An audio communication method comprising the following features.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the filtered frequency sequence waveform of the transmitted audio signal is received by a receiver device, the receiver device being configured to receive transmissions to the first subchannel of the communication channel, and the transmitted audio signal is not present in a second receiver device being configured to receive transmissions to the second subchannel of the communication channel.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the receiver device includes settings that enable reception of audio signals transmitted on the first subchannel and the second subchannel.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the subchannel of the communication channel includes guard bands of frequency bandwidths below and above the segment range bandwidth of the subchannel bandwidth.

5. The processor sets the transmitter device to the full bandwidth of the communication channel; The processor receives the following audio signal in the transmitter device; The step of the processor determining that the transmitter device is set to the full bandwidth of the communication channel; and In response to determining that the transmitting device is set to the full bandwidth of the communication channel, the processor transmits the next audio signal over the full bandwidth of the communication channel. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the following audio signal is received by a receiver device set to the first subchannel of the first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel, and by a receiver device set to the second subchannel of the second portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel.

7. The processor sets the transmitter device to a second subchannel of the communication channel, wherein the second subchannel includes a second portion of the bandwidth of the previous communication channel that is separated from the first subchannel by a guard portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; and The processor transmits the audio signal to the second subchannel as the filtered frequency sequence waveform to the receiver device. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel and the second portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel include a plurality of segmented ranges within the bandwidth of the communication channel, and each segmented range is separated by a guard portion of the communication channel.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of segmented ranges includes a guard portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel of at least 10 Hz between the segmented ranges, and the segmented ranges of the first subchannel and the second subchannel of the communication channel each include a bandwidth of the communication channel of at least 50 Hz.

10. The step in which the processor of the first transceiver device receives the filtered frequency sequence waveform transmitted from the second transceiver device to the first subchannel; The steps include: the processor converting the frequency-series waveform into a time-series waveform through a series of digital bandpass filters configured to receive signals from a first subchannel corresponding to a first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; and In response to determining that the first transceiver device is set to the first subchannel, the processor and the speaker component of the first transceiver device convert the time-series waveform into audible sound corresponding to the audio signal input to the second transceiver device. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

11. The processor sets the receiving device to a first subchannel of the communication channel, wherein the first subchannel includes a first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; The processor receives a frequency sequence waveform on the receiving device that has been filtered through a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters set to a plurality of audible frequency segments corresponding to the first subchannel; The processor converts the frequency series waveform into a time series waveform; The processor converts the time-series waveform into an audible signal that matches the plurality of audible frequency segments of the bandwidth corresponding to the first subchannel of the communication channel, where each audible frequency segment includes a bandwidth of at least 50 Hz, and the at least 50 Hz bandwidth is interleaved with other 50 Hz bandwidths of other subchannels within the 300 Hz to 3000 Hz audible bandwidth of the communication channel; and The processor receives the audible signal at the receiving device. The method according to claim 1, comprising:

12. One or more computer processors; One or more computer-readable storage media, and program instructions stored on the one or more computer-readable storage media. The program instructions are: A program instruction for setting a transmitter device to a first subchannel of a communication channel, wherein the first subchannel includes a first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; Program instructions for receiving an audio signal as input to the aforementioned transmitter device; Program instructions for converting the time-series waveform of the aforementioned audio signal into a frequency-series waveform; A program instruction for determining that the transmitter device is set to the first subchannel of the communication channel; Program instructions for filtering the frequency sequence waveform through a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters configured to transmit through the first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel, in response to determining that the transmitter device is set to the first subchannel; and Program instructions for transmitting the audio signal as the filtered frequency sequence waveform. A computer system for audio communication that has the following features.

13. The computer system according to claim 12, wherein the filtered frequency sequence waveform of the transmitted audio signal is received by a first receiver device configured to receive transmissions to the first subchannel of the communication channel, and the transmitted audio signal is not present in a second receiver device configured to receive transmissions to the second subchannel of the communication channel.

14. The computer system according to claim 13, wherein the program instruction includes a setting that enables the receiver device to receive audio signals transmitted on both the first subchannel and the second subchannel.

15. The computer system according to claim 12, wherein the subchannel of the communication channel includes guard bands of frequency bandwidths below and above the segment range bandwidth of the subchannel bandwidth.

16. Program instructions for setting the transmitter device to the full bandwidth of the communication channel; Program instructions for receiving the following audio signal with the aforementioned transmitter device; A program instruction for determining that the transmitter device is set to the full bandwidth of the communication channel; and In response to determining that the transmitting device is set to the full bandwidth of the communication channel, a program instruction is given to transmit the next audio signal over the full bandwidth of the communication channel. The computer system according to claim 12, further comprising:

17. The computer system according to claim 16, wherein the following audio signal is received by a receiver device set to a first subchannel of the first portion of the total bandwidth of the communication channel, and by a receiver device set to a second subchannel of the second portion of the total bandwidth of the communication channel.

18. The computer system according to claim 12, wherein the first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel and the second portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel include a plurality of segmented ranges within the bandwidth of the communication channel, and each segmented range is demarcated by a guard portion of the communication channel.

19. The computer system according to claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of segmented ranges includes a guard portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel of at least 10 Hz between the segmented ranges, and the segmented ranges of the first subchannel and the second subchannel of the communication channel each include a bandwidth of the communication channel of at least 50 Hz.

20. A program instruction for receiving the filtered frequency sequence waveform transmitted from the second transceiver device to the first subchannel with the first transceiver device; Program instructions for converting the frequency-series waveform into a time-series waveform through a series of digital bandpass filters configured to receive signals from the first subchannel corresponding to the first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; and In response to the procedure of determining that the first transceiver device is set to the first subchannel of the communication channel, the speaker component of the first transceiver device receives a program instruction to convert the time-series waveform into audible sound corresponding to the audio signal input to the second transceiver device. The computer system according to claim 12, further comprising:

21. The processor sets the receiving device to a first subchannel of the communication channel, wherein the first subchannel includes a first portion of the bandwidth of the communication channel; The processor receives a frequency sequence waveform on the receiving device that has been filtered through a series of steep-shoulder digital bandpass filters set to a plurality of audible frequency segments corresponding to the first subchannel; The processor converts the frequency series waveform into a time series waveform; The processor converts the time-series waveform into an audible signal that matches the plurality of audible frequency segments of the bandwidth corresponding to the first subchannel of the communication channel, where each audible frequency segment includes a bandwidth of at least 50 Hz, and the at least 50 Hz bandwidth is interleaved with other 50 Hz bandwidths of other subchannels within the 300 Hz to 3000 Hz audible bandwidth of the communication channel; and The processor receives the audible signal at the receiving device. A computer-based audio communication method comprising the following features.

22. A computer program comprising program code means adapted to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 11 or claim 21 when the program is executed on a computer.

Images