Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

To appropriately perform communication between wireless communication devices having a battery save function.SOLUTION: A wireless communication device includes: a function switching signal generating unit that generates a function switching signal for switching to enabling or disabling an intermittent reception mode; a transmitting unit that transmits the generated function switching signal to another wireless communication device; a receiving unit that receives a response signal or a function switching signal to the transmitted function switching signal from the other wireless communication device; and a function switching unit that switches to enabling or disabling the intermittent reception mode according to the generated function switching signal or the received function switching signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] Some wireless communication devices have a battery saving function that can be switched on and off. When the battery saving function is enabled, this technology receives audio signals during intermittent reception, which alternates between a reception standby period and a sleep period at regular intervals. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that determines the transmission timing of a request signal based on a beacon signal transmitted from a specific device, and transmits the request signal to the communication device using the determined transmission timing, avoiding the sleep period. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-158031 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user experiences an emergency, a voice signal is transmitted to each wireless communication device participating in group communication. However, if a battery save function is enabled, the wireless communication device cannot receive the voice signal during its sleep period. Therefore, a technology is desired that enables appropriate communication regardless of the state of the battery save function of each wireless communication device participating in group communication.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method that can appropriately perform communication between wireless communication devices having a battery saving function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wireless communication device of the present invention is a wireless communication device equipped with an intermittent reception mode that repeats a reception waiting state and a sleep state at regular intervals, and comprises a function switching signal generation unit that generates a function switching signal that switches the intermittent reception mode between enabled and disabled, a transmission unit that transmits the generated function switching signal to another wireless communication device, a reception unit that receives from the other wireless communication device a response signal to the transmitted function switching signal or the function switching signal, and a function switching unit that switches the intermittent reception mode between enabled and disabled in accordance with the generated function switching signal or the received function switching signal.

[0007] The wireless communication method of the present invention is a wireless communication method executed by a wireless communication device having an intermittent reception mode that repeats a reception waiting state and a sleep state at regular intervals, and includes the steps of generating a function switching signal that switches the intermittent reception mode between enabled and disabled, transmitting the generated function switching signal to another wireless communication device, receiving a response signal to the transmitted function switching signal or the function switching signal from the other wireless communication device, and switching the intermittent reception mode between enabled and disabled in accordance with the generated function switching signal or the received function switching signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, communication between wireless communication devices having a battery saving function can be performed appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a response information list according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an outline of processing performed by the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting the first time period according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the first response signal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated response information list according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated response information list according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the second response signal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated response information list according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the response information list according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows an example of a response information list according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the wireless communication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the wireless communication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the wireless communication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated response information list according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated response information list according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated response information list according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the response information list according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and in the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] [First embodiment] (Configuration example of wireless communication device) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication device according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, wireless communication device 10 includes antenna 12, switch 14A, switch 14B, switch 14C, switch 14D, volume control unit 14E, power switch 14F, microphone 16, display unit 18, speaker 20, speaker connection terminal 22, and microphone connection terminal 24. Wireless communication device 10 is a wireless communication device for business use.

[0012] Antenna 12 is provided on top surface 10b of wireless communication device 10. Antenna 12 receives signals from other wireless communication devices as received signals. Antenna 12 transmits signals from wireless communication device 10 to other wireless communication devices as transmitted signals. The location where antenna 12 is provided is not limited to top surface 10b and may be any location.

[0013] The switches 14A, 14B, and 14C are provided on the surface 10a of the wireless communication device 10. The switch 14D is provided on the side surface 10c of the wireless communication device 10. The switches 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D are operated by a user to cause the wireless communication device 10 to execute a predetermined process. The user can arbitrarily assign the content of the predetermined process to be executed by the wireless communication device 10 to the switches 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D. In this embodiment, for example, at least one of the switches 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D includes a selector switch for enabling and disabling a battery saving function of the wireless communication device 10. For example, the switches 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D can be assigned as a PTT (Push to Talk) switch for starting press-to-talk communication. The positions where the switches 14A, 14B, and 14C are provided are not limited to the front surface 10a and may be any positions. The position where the switch 14D is provided is not limited to the side surface 10c and may be any positions.

[0014] The volume operation unit 14E is provided on the top surface 10b of the wireless communication device 10. The volume operation unit 14E is a switch that adjusts the volume of the sound output from the speaker 20. The volume operation unit 14E is, for example, a rotary knob switch. The location where the volume operation unit 14E is provided is not limited to the top surface 10b and may be any location.

[0015] The power switch 14F is provided on the surface 10a of the wireless communication device 10. The power switch 14F is a switch that switches on and off the power of the wireless communication device 10. The position where the power switch 14F is provided is not limited to the surface 10a and may be any position.

[0016] The switches 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, volume control unit 14E, and power switch 14F may be collectively referred to as operation unit 14. In this embodiment, for example, operation unit 14 accepts an operation to switch the intermittent reception mode on or off. The operation unit 14 is not limited to a button, switch, lever, key, or the like, and may have any structure.

[0017] The microphone 16 is provided on the surface 10a of the wireless communication device 10. Voice from the user of the wireless communication device 10 is input to the microphone 16. The microphone 16 converts the input voice of the user of the wireless communication device 10 into an audio signal. The audio signal converted by the microphone 16 is transmitted as a transmission signal from the antenna 12 to another wireless communication device. The position at which the microphone 16 is provided is not limited to the surface 10a and may be any position.

[0018] The display unit 18 is provided on the surface 10a of the wireless communication device 10. The display unit 18 displays various types of information. The display unit 18 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or the like.

[0019] The speaker 20 is provided on the surface 10a of the wireless communication device 10. The speaker 20 outputs an audio signal that the wireless communication device 10 receives from another wireless communication device. The position where the speaker 20 is provided is not limited to the surface 10a and may be any position.

[0020] The speaker connection terminal 22 is provided on the side surface 10d of the wireless communication device 10. The speaker connection terminal 22 is a connection terminal to which an external speaker can be connected. When an external speaker is connected to the speaker connection terminal 22, the external speaker functions as a speaker of the wireless communication device 10. The position at which the speaker connection terminal 22 is provided is not limited to the side surface 10d and may be any position.

[0021] The microphone connection terminal 24 is provided on the side surface 10d of the wireless communication device 10. The microphone connection terminal 24 is a connection terminal to which an external microphone can be connected. When an external microphone is connected to the microphone connection terminal 24, the external microphone functions as a microphone of the wireless communication device 10. The position at which the microphone connection terminal 24 is provided is not limited to the side surface 10d and may be any position.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the wireless communication device 10 includes an antenna 12, an operation unit 14, a microphone 16, a display unit 18, a speaker 20, a speaker connection terminal 22, a microphone connection terminal 24, a communication unit 26, a storage unit 28, a battery 30, and a control unit 32.

[0023] The communication unit 26 includes a transmitter 26a and a receiver 26b. The transmitter 26a is a circuit that converts an audio signal output from the microphone 16 into a transmission signal under the control of a communication control unit 40 (described later), for example. The receiver 26b is a circuit that demodulates a transmission signal received by the antenna 12 to generate an audio signal under the control of the communication control unit 40 (described later), for example.

[0024] The storage unit 28 stores information such as the calculation contents of the control unit 32 and programs. The storage unit 28 stores identification information for uniquely identifying each of the other wireless communication devices that perform group communication with the wireless communication device 10. In this embodiment, the storage unit 28 stores a response information list, which will be described later. The storage unit 28 includes, for example, at least one of a random access memory (RAM), a main storage device such as a read only memory (ROM), and an external storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive).

[0025] The battery 30 is provided inside the wireless communication device 10. The battery 30 stores power for operating the wireless communication device 10.

[0026] The control unit 32 controls each unit of the wireless communication device 10. The control unit 32 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 32 executes a program that controls the operation of the wireless communication device 10 according to the present invention. The control unit 32 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 32 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] The control unit 32 includes a communication control unit 40, a state switching unit 42, a function switching unit 44, a function switching signal generating unit 46, a list generating unit 48, a determination unit 50, a selection unit 52, and a response signal generating unit 54.

[0028] The communication control unit 40 controls the transmitting unit 26a to transmit a transmission signal to the other wireless communication device, and controls the receiving unit 26b to demodulate a signal received by the antenna 12 from the other wireless communication device and generate an audio signal.

[0029] The state switching unit 42 transitions the wireless communication device 10 between a normal state and an emergency state. The emergency state refers to a situation in which the user of the wireless communication device 10 needs to urgently communicate with another wireless communication device, for example, when the user is involved in an accident. The emergency state is also called an emergency mode. The state switching unit 42 may automatically transition to the emergency mode based on a signal from an acceleration sensor or a biological sensor (not shown), or may switch to the emergency mode in accordance with an operation input to the operation unit 14.

[0030] The function switching unit 44 switches between enabling and disabling the battery saving function of the battery 30. When the battery saving function is enabled, the wireless communication device 10 transitions to an intermittent reception mode in which a reception standby state and a sleep state are repeated at regular intervals. When the battery saving function is disabled, the wireless communication device 10 transitions to the reception standby mode.

[0031] For example, when the state of the wireless communication device 10 transitions to the emergency mode, the function switching unit 44 disables the battery saving function and sets the wireless communication device 10 to a standby state. The function switching unit 44 may disable the battery saving function in accordance with an operation input to the operation unit 14, for example.

[0032] When wireless communication device 10 receives a function switching signal for switching between enabling and disabling the battery saving function from another wireless communication device, function switching unit 44 switches between enabling and disabling the battery saving function in accordance with the received function switching signal. When function switching unit 44 receives a first function switching signal described below, function switching unit 44 switches the battery saving function to disabled. When function switching unit 44 receives a second function switching signal described below, function switching unit 44 switches the battery saving function to enabled.

[0033] When the state switching unit 42 transitions the state of the wireless communication device 10, the function switching signal generation unit 46 generates a function switching signal for switching between enabling and disabling the battery saving function of the other wireless communication device. When the wireless communication device 10 transitions from the normal state to the emergency state, the function switching signal that disables the battery saving function of the other wireless communication device is called a first function switching signal. When the wireless communication device 10 transitions from the emergency state to the normal state, the function switching signal that enables the battery saving function of the other wireless communication device is called a second function switching signal. The function switching signal generation unit 46 generates a function switching signal when the wireless communication device 10 transitions to the emergency mode. The function switching signal is transmitted as a transmission signal from the antenna 12 to the other wireless communication device.

[0034] The list generation unit 48 generates a response information list. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the response information list according to the first embodiment. The storage unit 28 stores the response information list 28a. The response information list 28a includes items such as "ID," "first response signal reception information," "first function switching signal transmission information," and "remaining battery amount information."

[0035] "ID" is an ID number for uniquely identifying each wireless communication device participating in group communication. "First response signal reception information" indicates whether a first response signal in response to the first function switching signal has been received from another wireless communication device. The first response signal may be an ACK (acknowledgement). When the list generation unit 48 receives a first response signal from another wireless communication device, it stores a check mark in the corresponding field. "First function switching signal transmission information" indicates whether a first function switching signal has been transmitted to another wireless communication device. "First function switching signal transmission information" is a type of instruction signal transmission information. When the list generation unit 48 transmits a first function switching signal to another wireless communication device, it stores a check mark in the corresponding field. "Remaining battery level information" indicates information about the remaining battery level of each other wireless communication device. When the list generation unit 48 receives a response to the first function switching signal from another wireless communication device, it stores information indicating the remaining battery level included in the response in the corresponding field. Details of the list generation unit 48 will be described later.

[0036] The determination unit 50 determines whether or not there is another wireless communication device to which the first response signal reception information is not linked in the response information list 28a after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first function switching signal was transmitted to the other wireless communication device. Details of the determination unit 50 will be described later.

[0037] The selection unit 52 selects, as a relay destination wireless communication device, a wireless communication device having an ID that is not linked to the first function switching signal transmission information but is linked to the first response signal reception information in the response information list 28a. The relay destination wireless communication device is a wireless communication device that transmits the first function switching signal instead of the wireless communication device 10. Details of the selection unit 52 will be described later.

[0038] The response signal generation unit 54 generates a first response signal received from another wireless communication device. The response signal generation unit 54 generates the first response signal, for example, including remaining battery capacity information relating to the remaining capacity of the battery 30. The first response signal is transmitted from the antenna 12 to the other wireless communication device.

[0039] [Processing content] (Processing Overview) FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an overview of processing of a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a wireless communication system 1 includes a wireless communication device 10-1, a wireless communication device 10-2, a wireless communication device 10-3, and a wireless communication device 10-4. The wireless communication device 10-1, the wireless communication device 10-2, the wireless communication device 10-3, and the wireless communication device 10-4 belong to the same group that performs group communication. In the following description, it is assumed that the wireless communication device 10-1 transitions to an emergency mode and the wireless communication system 1 includes four wireless communication devices, but the number of wireless communication devices is not limited to this. For example, the number of wireless communication devices that perform group communication may be several tens of devices.

[0040] 4, it is assumed that wireless communication device 10-1 has transitioned to emergency mode. In this case, wireless communication device 10-1 disables the battery saving functions of wireless communication device 10-2, wireless communication device 10-3, and wireless communication device 10-4, thereby controlling the devices to be able to communicate quickly.

[0041] (Flow diagram) The processing content of the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5, Fig. 6, and Fig. 7. Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 are flow charts showing the flow of processing of the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment. The processing of Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 is processing that is executed after wireless communication device 10-1 transitions to emergency mode until the battery saving function of each wireless communication device is disabled.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the flow of processing from when the wireless communication device 10-1 transitions to emergency mode to when the battery saving functions of the other wireless communication devices are disabled.

[0043] The state switching unit 42 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines that an emergency has occurred for the user of the wireless communication device 10-1, and transitions the state of the wireless communication device 10-1 to emergency mode (step S10). The function switching unit 44 of the wireless communication device 10-1 disables the battery saving function of the wireless communication device 10-1 (step S12).

[0044] The list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 initializes the response information list (step S14). Specifically, the list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 deletes all of the contents stored in the response information list 28a stored in the storage unit 28. As a result, even if past contents are stored in the response information list 28a, the contents stored in the response information list 28a can be deleted, allowing the response information list 28a to be used appropriately.

[0045] The communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-1 controls the transmitting unit 26a to group-transmit a first function switching signal, generated by the function switching signal generating unit 46, to the wireless communication devices 10-2, 10-3, and 10-4 via the antenna 12 to disable the battery saving function (step S16). Specifically, the communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-1 continuously transmits the first function switching signal to the wireless communication devices 10-2, 10-3, and 10-4 for a first time period. Here, the first time period is set to a time period longer than one cycle of the intermittent operation of the battery saving function. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting the first time period according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 8, a waveform W1 indicates the operating state of the wireless communication device 10-1 at each time period, and a waveform W2 indicates the operating state of the wireless communication device 10-2 at each time period. In FIG. 8, ON indicates a standby state, and OFF indicates a sleep state. The example shown in FIG. 8 illustrates an intermittent operation in which the battery save function is enabled and the standby state and the sleep state are periodically repeated. Assume that the battery save function of wireless communication device 10-1 is disabled at timing t1, ending the intermittent operation. Period T represents one period of the intermittent operation. Period T is, for example, but not limited to, several tens of milliseconds to several hundreds of milliseconds. In this case, the first time period is set to approximately one to two seconds, which is longer than period T. Communication control unit 40 continuously transmits a first function switching signal to wireless communication device 10-2, wireless communication device 10-3, and wireless communication device 10-4 for a period of approximately one to two seconds after timing t1. This enables the battery save function of wireless communication device 10-2 to be enabled, allowing the first function switching signal to be properly received even if there is a period of sleep mode. Note that communication control unit 40 may transmit the first function switching signal intermittently to wireless communication device 10-2, wireless communication device 10-3, and wireless communication device 10-4 at intervals of several hundreds of milliseconds, for example, for a period of approximately one to two seconds.

[0046] Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 receives the first function switching signal from wireless communication device 10-1 (step S18). Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 receives the first function switching signal from wireless communication device 10-1 (step S20). In the example shown in Figure 5, it is assumed that wireless communication device 10-4 was unable to receive the first function switching signal.

[0047] After the first standby time has elapsed, the communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-2 transmits to the wireless communication device 10-1 a first response signal in response to the first function switching signal generated by the response signal generation unit 54 of the wireless communication device 10-2 (step S22). FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the first response signal according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the first response signal includes items such as a "destination ID," a "source ID," "response signal type information," and "remaining battery level information." The "destination ID" stores the ID of the wireless communication device that receives the first response signal. In the example shown in FIG. 9, A1 is conceptually indicated, but a specific ID is actually stored. The "source ID" stores the ID of the wireless communication device that transmits the first response signal. In the example shown in FIG. 9, B1 is conceptually indicated, but a specific ID is actually stored. The "response signal type information" stores information indicating that the signal is the first response signal. In the example shown in FIG. 9, C1 is conceptually indicated, but a specific information is actually stored. "Battery remaining amount information" stores information indicating the remaining amount of the battery 30 of the wireless communication device that transmits the first response signal. In the example shown in Fig. 9, this is conceptually shown as D1, but in reality, specific information is stored.

[0048] Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 receives the first response signal from wireless communication device 10-2 (step S24).

[0049] After the second standby time has elapsed, communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 transmits the first response signal generated by response signal generation unit 54 of wireless communication device 10-3 to wireless communication device 10-1 (step S26). Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 receives the first response signal from wireless communication device 10-3 (step S28).

[0050] The first waiting time in step S22 and the second waiting time in step S26 are different times. By setting the first waiting time and the second waiting time to different times, wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-3 transmit first response signals at random, thereby avoiding conflicts in the timing of transmitting the first response signals. The first waiting time and the second waiting time can be set arbitrarily, but may be set to values ​​based on the respective device's own ID, for example. For example, the first waiting time and the second waiting time may be set to values ​​obtained by multiplying the respective device's own ID by 0.5 seconds.

[0051] In steps S24 and S28, after transmitting the first function switching signal, communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 accepts reception of a first response signal from each wireless communication device for a second time period. The second time period is set to a time period longer than the waiting time between receiving the first function switching signal and transmitting the first response signal for each wireless communication device. For example, if the waiting time interval for each wireless communication device is 0.5 seconds and there are 50 wireless communication devices participating in group communication, the second time period is 50 x 0.5 = 25 seconds. In this case, the second time period is set to approximately 20 to 30 seconds. Note that the method for setting the second time period is not limited to this.

[0052] The function switching unit 44 of the wireless communication device 10-2 disables the battery saving function of the wireless communication device 10-2 (step S30) and disables the battery saving function of the wireless communication device 10-2 (step S32).

[0053] The list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 updates the response information list 28a every time it receives a first response signal during the second time period (step S34). The list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 reflects the content included in the first response signal received from each wireless communication device in the response information list 28a. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the updated response information list according to the first embodiment.

[0054] Fig. 10 shows response information list 28Aa obtained by updating response information list 28a. In the example shown in Fig. 10, it is assumed that wireless communication device 10-1 has an ID of "ID1," wireless communication device 10-2 has an ID of "ID2," wireless communication device 10-3 has an ID of "ID3," and wireless communication device 10-4 has an ID of "ID4."

[0055] After receiving the first response signals from wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-3, list generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 stores information indicating that the first response signals have been received in the "first response signal reception information" column. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the information indicating that the first response signals have been received is indicated by a check mark, but is not limited to this. List generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 stores information indicating that the remaining battery capacity of wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-3 is 90% and 75%, respectively, in the "battery remaining capacity information" column. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the "battery remaining capacity information" is indicated as a percentage of the remaining capacity, but may also be a battery voltage value, and is not limited to this.

[0056] List generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 stores, for convenience, information indicating that the first response signal has been received in the "first response signal reception information" column of the wireless communication device that transmitted the first function switching signal. List generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 stores information indicating that the remaining battery charge is 80% in the "remaining battery charge" column. Then, the processing of FIG. 5 ends.

[0057] Fig. 6 shows a process that is executed following the process of Fig. 5. Fig. 6 shows the flow of the process up to transmitting the response information list 28Aa to the relay destination wireless communication device.

[0058] The determination unit 50 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines whether or not the first response signal has been received from all wireless communication devices (step S36). Specifically, the list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 refers to the response information list 28Aa, and determines that the first response signal has been received from all wireless communication devices if all of the "first response signal reception information" columns have check marks. In the example shown in FIG. 10, since there is no check mark in the "first response signal reception information" column for "ID4," the list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines that the first response signal has not been received from all wireless communication devices. If it has been determined that the first response signal has been received from all wireless communication devices (step S36; Yes), the wireless communication device 10-1 is in a state where communication can be performed appropriately, and therefore the process ends (step S38). If it has been determined that the first response signal has not been received from all wireless communication devices (step S36; No), the list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 updates the response information list 28Aa (step S40). FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated response information list according to the first embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 11 shows response information list 28Ba obtained by updating response information list 28Aa. As shown in Fig. 11, list generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 stores a check mark in the "first function switching signal transmission information" column of "ID1" to indicate that the first function switching signal has been transmitted.

[0060] The selection unit 52 of the wireless communication device 10-1 selects a relay destination wireless communication device (step S42). Specifically, the selection unit 52 of the wireless communication device 10-1 selects, as the relay destination wireless communication device, a wireless communication device for which a check mark is stored in the "first response signal reception information" column, a check mark is not stored in the "first function switching signal transmission information" column, and the remaining battery level indicated in the "remaining battery level information" column in the response information list 28Ba. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the selection unit 52 of the wireless communication device 10-1 selects the wireless communication device 10-2 with "ID2" as the relay destination wireless communication device.

[0061] For example, when there are multiple wireless communication devices that satisfy the selection conditions, the selection unit 52 of the wireless communication device 10-1 may select the wireless communication device with the smallest "ID" number as the relay destination wireless communication device. For example, the selection unit 52 of the wireless communication device 10-1 may select the wireless communication device with the largest "ID" number as the relay destination wireless communication device.

[0062] The communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-1 controls the transmitting unit 26a to transmit the response information list 28Ba to the wireless communication device 10-2 via the antenna 12 (step S44).

[0063] The communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-2 controls the receiving unit 26b to receive the response information list 28Ba via the antenna 12 (step S46). By receiving the response information list 28Ba, the wireless communication device 10-2 becomes a wireless communication device that transmits a first function switching signal to another wireless communication device.

[0064] The communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-2 transmits a second response signal in response to the response information list 28Ba generated by the response signal generation unit 54 of the wireless communication device 10-2 to the wireless communication device 10-1 (step S48). FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the second response signal according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the second response signal includes items such as a "destination ID," a "source ID," and "response signal type information." The "destination ID" stores the ID of the wireless communication device that receives the second response signal. In the example shown in FIG. 12, A11 is conceptually shown, but a specific ID is actually stored. The "source ID" stores the ID of the wireless communication device that transmits the second response signal. In the example shown in FIG. 12, B11 is conceptually shown, but a specific ID is actually stored. The "response signal type information" stores information indicating that the signal is a second response signal. In the example shown in FIG. 12, C11 is conceptually shown, but specific information is actually stored.

[0065] The communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines whether or not a second response signal has been received within a predetermined period (step S50). Specifically, the communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines whether or not a second response signal has been received within a third time period that is longer than the transmission time of the response information list 28Ba within the predetermined period. If it is determined that a second response signal has been received within the predetermined period (step S50; Yes), the process proceeds to step S52 shown in FIG. 7. If it is not determined that a second response signal has been received within the predetermined period (step S50; No), the process proceeds to step S44.

[0066] Fig. 7 shows the process that is executed following the process of Fig. 6. Fig. 7 shows the flow of the process up to disabling the battery saving functions of all wireless communication devices.

[0067] Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 controls transmitter 26a to group-transmit the first function switching signal generated by function switching signal generator 46 to wireless communication device 10-1, wireless communication device 10-3, and wireless communication device 10-4 via antenna 12 (step S52). The specific processing is the same as that in step S16, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] The communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 receives the first function switching signal from wireless communication device 10-2 (step S54). The communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 receives the first function switching signal from wireless communication device 10-2 (step S56). The communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 receives the first function switching signal from wireless communication device 10-2 (step S58).

[0069] After waiting for different periods of time, wireless communication device 10-1, wireless communication device 10-3, and wireless communication device 10-4 each transmit a first response signal to wireless communication device 10-2. Here, wireless communication devices that have already transmitted a first function switching signal and wireless communication devices that have transmitted a first response signal once may not transmit a first response signal to wireless communication device 10-2. In the example shown in FIG. 7, wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 do not transmit a first response signal to wireless communication device 10-2. After receiving the first function switching signal, communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 transmits a first response signal to wireless communication device 10-2 after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed (step S60).

[0070] The communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-2 receives the first response signal from the wireless communication device 10-4 (step S62). After transmitting the first function switching signal, the wireless communication device 10-2 accepts the first response signals from the wireless communication devices for a second time period.

[0071] The function switching unit 44 of the wireless communication device 10-4 disables the battery saving function of the wireless communication device 10-4 (step S64).

[0072] The list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-2 updates the response information list 28Ba every time it receives a first response signal during the second time period (step S66). The list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-2 reflects the content included in the first response signal received from each wireless communication device in the response information list 28Ba. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the updated response information list according to the first embodiment.

[0073] Fig. 13 shows response information list 28Ca after response information list 28Ba has been updated. As shown in Fig. 13, after list generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-2 receives the first response signal from wireless communication device 10-4, list generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-2 stores information indicating that the first response signal has been received in the "first response signal reception information" column. List generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-2 stores information indicating that the remaining battery capacity of wireless communication device 10-4 is 82% in the "remaining battery capacity information" column.

[0074] The list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-2 determines whether or not the first response signal has been received from all of the wireless communication devices (step S68). Specifically, the list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-2 refers to the response information list 28Ca, and determines that the first response signal has been received from all of the wireless communication devices if all of the "first response signal reception information" columns have check marks. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the determination unit 50 of the wireless communication device 10-2 determines that the first response signal has been received from all of the wireless communication devices. If it is determined that the first response signal has been received from all of the wireless communication devices (step S68; Yes), the wireless communication device 10-2 is in a state where communication can be performed appropriately, and therefore the process ends (step S72). If it is not determined that the first response signal has been received from all of the wireless communication devices (step S68; No), the process proceeds to step S70.

[0075] 6 and 7 are repeatedly executed (step S70). Specifically, the processes from step S40 to step S68 are repeatedly executed until first response signals are received from all wireless communication devices participating in the group communication. Furthermore, if first response signals are not received from all wireless communication devices even after all wireless communication devices participating in the group communication have transmitted first function switching signals, the process may be reset and repeated from the beginning, or the process may be terminated.

[0076] In step S72, the communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-2 may transmit a completion notification to the wireless communication device 10-1 in the emergency mode. The user of the wireless communication device 10-1 can recognize that all wireless communication devices participating in the group communication have entered a standby state. This allows the user of the wireless communication device 10-1 to more reliably convey a message to all wireless communication devices participating in the group communication by transmitting the message they wish to convey after confirming the completion notification. When transmitting the completion notification, it is preferable that the response information list 28Ca includes information for identifying the wireless communication device in the emergency mode. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the response information list according to the first embodiment.

[0077] 14 shows response information list 28Da. Response information list 28Da includes items such as "first response signal reception information," "first function switching signal transmission information," "remaining battery information," and "emergency state information." For example, in the process of step S40, list generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 may store a check mark indicating that wireless communication device 10-1 is in an emergency state in the "emergency state information" column. This allows other wireless communication devices to know that wireless communication device 10-1 is in an emergency state.

[0078] As described above, in the first embodiment, a wireless communication device that has transitioned to emergency mode can disable the battery saving functions of other wireless communication devices participating in the group communication, thereby enabling the user of the wireless communication device in emergency mode to appropriately convey a message to the other wireless communication devices participating in the group communication.

[0079] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment shows a process of disabling the battery saving functions of all wireless communication devices and then enabling the battery saving functions of all wireless communication devices. The configuration of the wireless communication device according to the second embodiment is the same as the wireless communication device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] 15 shows an example of a response information list according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the storage unit 28 stores a response information list 28b. The response information list 28b includes items such as "ID," "third response signal reception information," "second function switching signal transmission information," and "remaining battery capacity."

[0081] The "third response signal reception information" indicates whether a third response signal has been received from another wireless communication device in response to a second function switching signal for enabling the battery saving function. The "second function switching signal transmission information" indicates whether a second function switching signal has been transmitted to another wireless communication device. The "second function switching signal transmission information" is a type of instruction signal transmission information. In the second embodiment, by using the response information list 28b, the battery saving function of all wireless communication devices participating in group communication can be appropriately enabled.

[0082] (Flow diagram) The processing content of the wireless communication device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16, Fig. 17, and Fig. 18. Fig. 16 to Fig. 18 are flow charts showing the flow of processing of the wireless communication device according to the second embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 16 shows the flow of processing from when the wireless communication device 10-1 cancels the emergency mode to when the battery saving function of the other wireless communication device is enabled.

[0084] If the state switching unit 42 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines that the emergency state of the wireless communication device 10-1 has been resolved, the state switching unit 42 of the wireless communication device 10-1 cancels the emergency mode of the wireless communication device 10-1 (step S80). The function switching unit 44 of the wireless communication device 10-1 enables the battery saving function of the wireless communication device 10-1 (step S82).

[0085] The list generation unit 48 initializes the response information list (step S84). Specifically, the list generation unit 48 deletes all of the contents stored in the response information list 28b stored in the storage unit 28. Even if the contents were previously stored in the response information list 28b, deleting the contents stored in the response information list 28b allows the response information list 28b to be used appropriately.

[0086] Communication control unit 40 controls transmitter 26a to group-transmit, via antenna 12, a second function switching signal for disabling the battery saving function generated by function switching signal generator 46 to wireless communication device 10-2, wireless communication device 10-3, and wireless communication device 10-4 (step S86). Specifically, communication control unit 40 continuously transmits the second function switching signal to wireless communication device 10-2, wireless communication device 10-3, and wireless communication device 10-4 for a first time period.

[0087] Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 receives the second function switching signal from wireless communication device 10-1 (step S88). Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 receives the second function switching signal from wireless communication device 10-1 (step S90). In the example shown in Fig. 16, it is assumed that wireless communication device 10-4 was unable to receive the second function switching signal.

[0088] After the first standby time has elapsed, communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 transmits to wireless communication device 10-1 a third response signal in response to the second function switching signal generated by response signal generation unit 54 of wireless communication device 10-2 (step S92). The third response signal is the same as the first response signal shown in Fig. 9 except that information indicating that the signal is a third response signal is stored in the "response signal type information," and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 receives the third response signal from wireless communication device 10-2 (step S94).

[0090] After the second standby time has elapsed, communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 transmits the third response signal generated by response signal generation unit 54 of wireless communication device 10-3 to wireless communication device 10-1 (step S96). Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 receives the third response signal from wireless communication device 10-3 (step S98).

[0091] The first waiting time in step S92 and the second waiting time in step S96 are the same as the first waiting time in step S22 and the second waiting time in step S26 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0092] The specific processing in steps S94 and S98 is the same as the processing in steps S24 and S28 shown in Fig. 5, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] The function switching unit 44 of the wireless communication device 10-2 enables the battery saving function of the wireless communication device 10-2 (step S100) and enables the battery saving function of the wireless communication device 10-2 (step S102).

[0094] The list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 updates the response information list 28b every time it receives a third response signal during the second time period (step S104). The list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 reflects the content included in the third response signal received from each wireless communication device in the response information list 28a. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the updated response information list according to the second embodiment.

[0095] Fig. 19 shows response information list 28Ba after updating response information list 28b. In the example shown in Fig. 19, it is assumed that wireless communication device 10-1 has an ID of "ID1," wireless communication device 10-2 has an ID of "ID2," wireless communication device 10-3 has an ID of "ID3," and wireless communication device 10-4 has an ID of "ID4."

[0096] After receiving the third response signals from wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-3, list generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 stores information indicating that the third response signals have been received in the "third response signal reception information" column. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the information indicating that the third response signals have been received is indicated by a check mark, but is not limited to this. List generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 stores information indicating that the remaining battery power of wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-3 is 90% and 75%, respectively, in the "battery remaining power information" column.

[0097] List generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 stores, for convenience, information indicating that the third response signal has been received in the "third response signal reception information" field of the device that transmitted the second function switching signal. List generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 stores information indicating that the remaining battery charge is 80% in the "remaining battery charge" field. Then, the processing of FIG. 16 ends.

[0098] Fig. 17 shows the process executed after the process of Fig. 16. Fig. 17 shows the flow of the process up to transmitting the response information list 28Ab to the relay destination wireless communication device.

[0099] The determination unit 50 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines whether or not the third response signal has been received from all wireless communication devices (step S106). Specifically, the list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 refers to the response information list 28Ab, and determines that the first response signal has been received from all wireless communication devices if all of the "third response signal reception information" columns have check marks. In the example shown in FIG. 19, since there is no check mark in the "third response signal reception information" column for "ID4," the list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines that the third response signal has not been received from all wireless communication devices. If it is determined that the third response signal has been received from all wireless communication devices (step S106; Yes), the battery saving function of all wireless communication devices is enabled, and the process ends (step S108). If it is determined that the third response signal has not been received from all wireless communication devices (step S106; No), the list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 updates the response information list 28Ab (step S110). FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated response information list according to the second embodiment.

[0100] Fig. 20 shows response information list 28Bb obtained by updating response information list 28Ab. As shown in Fig. 200, list generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 stores a check mark in the "second function switching signal transmission information" column of "ID1" to indicate that the second function switching signal has been transmitted.

[0101] The selection unit 52 of the wireless communication device 10-1 selects a relay destination wireless communication device (step S112). Specifically, the selection unit 52 of the wireless communication device 10-1 selects, as the relay destination wireless communication device, a wireless communication device for which a check mark is stored in the "third response signal reception information" column, a check mark is not stored in the "second function switching signal transmission information" column, and the remaining battery level indicated in the "battery remaining level information" column in the response information list 28Bb. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the selection unit 52 of the wireless communication device 10-1 selects the wireless communication device 10-2 with "ID2" as the relay destination wireless communication device.

[0102] For example, when there are multiple wireless communication devices that satisfy the selection conditions, the selection unit 52 of the wireless communication device 10-1 may select the wireless communication device with the smallest "ID" number as the relay destination wireless communication device. In this case, the selection unit 52 of the wireless communication device 10-1 selects the wireless communication device 10-2 with the smallest "ID" number as the relay destination wireless communication device.

[0103] The communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-1 controls the transmitting unit 26a to transmit the response information list 28Bb to the wireless communication device 10-2 via the antenna 12 (step S114).

[0104] The communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-2 controls the receiving unit 26b to receive the response information list 28Bb via the antenna 12 (step S116). By receiving the response information list 28Bb, the wireless communication device 10-2 becomes a wireless communication device that transmits a second function switching signal to another wireless communication device.

[0105] The communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-2 transmits a fourth response signal in response to the response information list 28Bb generated by the response signal generation unit 54 of the wireless communication device 10-2 to the wireless communication device 10-1 (step S118). The fourth response signal is the same as the second response signal shown in Fig. 12 except that information indicating that it is a fourth response signal is stored in the "response signal type information" column, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] The communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines whether or not a fourth response signal has been received (step S120). Specifically, the communication control unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines whether or not a fourth response signal has been received within a third time period that is longer than the transmission time of the response information list 28Bb within a predetermined period. If it is determined that the fourth response signal has been received within the predetermined period (step S120; Yes), the process proceeds to step S122 shown in FIG. 18. If it is not determined that the fourth response signal has been received within the predetermined period (step S120; No), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0107] Fig. 18 shows the process executed after the process of Fig. 17. Fig. 18 shows the flow of the process up to enabling the battery saving function of all wireless communication devices.

[0108] Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 controls transmitter 26a to group-transmit the second function switching signal generated by function switching signal generator 46 to wireless communication device 10-1, wireless communication device 10-3, and wireless communication device 10-4 via antenna 12 (step S122). The specific processing is the same as that in step S16, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 receives the second function switching signal from wireless communication device 10-2 (step S124). Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 receives the second function switching signal from wireless communication device 10-2 (step S126). Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 receives the second function switching signal from wireless communication device 10-2 (step S128).

[0110] After waiting for different periods of time, wireless communication device 10-1, wireless communication device 10-3, and wireless communication device 10-4 each transmit a third response signal to wireless communication device 10-2. A wireless communication device that has already transmitted a second function switching signal and a wireless communication device that has already transmitted a third response signal may not transmit a third response signal to wireless communication device 10-2. In the example shown in FIG. 18, wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 do not transmit a third response signal to wireless communication device 10-2. After receiving the second function switching signal, communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 transmits a third response signal to wireless communication device 10-2 after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed (step S130).

[0111] Communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 receives the third response signal from wireless communication device 10-4 (step S132). After transmitting the second function switching signal, wireless communication device 10-2 accepts the third response signals from each wireless communication device for a second time period.

[0112] The function switching unit 44 of the wireless communication device 10-4 enables the battery saving function of the wireless communication device 10-4 (step S134).

[0113] The list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-2 updates the response information list 28Bb every time it receives a third response signal during the second time period (step S136). The list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-2 reflects the content included in the third response signal received from each wireless communication device in the response information list 28Bb. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the updated response information list according to the second embodiment.

[0114] Fig. 21 shows response information list 28Cb obtained by updating response information list 28Bb. As shown in Fig. 21, after receiving the third response signal from wireless communication device 10-4, list generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-2 stores information indicating that the third response signal has been received in the "third response signal reception information" column. List generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-2 stores information indicating that the remaining battery capacity of wireless communication device 10-4 is 82% in the "remaining battery capacity information" column.

[0115] The determination unit 50 of the wireless communication device 10-2 determines whether or not the third response signal has been received from all of the wireless communication devices (step S138). Specifically, the list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-2 refers to the response information list 28Ca, and determines that the third response signal has been received from all of the wireless communication devices if all of the "third response signal reception information" columns have check marks. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the list generation unit 48 of the wireless communication device 10-1 determines that the third response signal has been received from all of the wireless communication devices. If it is determined that the third response signal has been received from all of the wireless communication devices (step S138; Yes), the wireless communication device 10-1 is in a state where communication can be performed appropriately, and therefore the process ends (step S142). If it is not determined that the third response signal has been received from all of the wireless communication devices (step S138; No), the process proceeds to step S140.

[0116] 16 and 17 are repeatedly executed (step S140). Specifically, the processes from step S110 to step S138 are repeatedly executed until the third response signals are received from all wireless communication devices participating in the group communication. Furthermore, if the third response signals are not received from all wireless communication devices even though all wireless communication devices participating in the group communication have transmitted second function switching signals, the process may be reset and repeated from the beginning, or the process may be terminated.

[0117] In step S142, communication control unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 may transmit a completion notification to wireless communication device 10-1 that has canceled the emergency mode. When transmitting the completion notification, response information list 28Ca preferably includes information for identifying the wireless communication device that has canceled the emergency mode. Figure 22 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the response information list according to the second embodiment.

[0118] 22 shows response information list 28Db. Response information list 28Da includes items such as "third response signal reception information," "second function switching signal transmission information," "remaining battery information," and "emergency state cancellation information." For example, in the process of step S110, list generation unit 48 of wireless communication device 10-1 may store a check mark in the "emergency state cancellation information" field indicating that wireless communication device 10-1 is the wireless communication device in the emergency state. This allows other wireless communication devices to know that the emergency state of wireless communication device 10-1 has been canceled.

[0119] As described above, in the second embodiment, a wireless communication device that has released the emergency mode can enable the battery saving functions of the other wireless communication devices participating in the group communication, thereby reducing the consumption of battery power of the wireless communication devices participating in the group communication.

[0120] The components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads and usage conditions. This distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0121] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1. Wireless communication systems 10. Wireless communication devices 12 Antenna 14 Control section 16 microphones 18 Display 20 speakers 22 Speaker connection terminal 24 Microphone connection terminal 26 Communications Department 26a Transmitter 26b Receiver 28 Memory section 30 Battery 32 Control Unit 40 Communication control unit 42 State switching unit 44 Function switching section 46 Function switching signal generator 48 List Generation Unit 50 Judgment section 52 Selection section 54 Response signal generation unit.

Claims

1. A wireless communication device having an intermittent reception mode in which a reception standby state and a sleep state are repeated at regular intervals, a function switching signal generating unit that generates a function switching signal that switches the intermittent reception mode between enabled and disabled; a transmitter that transmits the generated function switching signal to another wireless communication device; a receiving unit that receives a response signal to the transmitted function switching signal or the function switching signal from another wireless communication device; a function switching unit that switches the intermittent reception mode between enabled and disabled in accordance with the generated or received function switching signal; a list generation unit that generates a list by linking instruction signal transmission information indicating that the function switching signal has been transmitted and response signal reception information indicating that the response signal has been received with identifiers of wireless communication devices that are targets of group communication including the wireless communication device itself; a determination unit that determines whether or not the list includes the identifier that is not linked to the response signal reception information; a selection unit that, when the determination unit determines that the list contains the identifier to which the response signal reception information is not linked after a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the function switching signal, selects another wireless communication device to which the response signal reception information is linked in the list as a relay destination wireless communication device; Equipped with the transmitting unit transmits the list to the relay destination wireless communication device. Wireless communication device.

2. the response signal reception information includes remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of a battery of the wireless communication device that transmitted the response signal reception information, the list generation unit generates the list by including the remaining amount information in the response signal reception information, and stores the list in a storage unit; the selection unit, when there are a plurality of relay destination wireless communication devices, selects the relay destination wireless communication device as a transmission destination of the list based on the remaining capacity information. The wireless communication device of claim 1 .

3. When the receiving unit receives the list, the list generation unit stores the list received by the receiving unit in a storage unit; the transmitting unit, when there is the identifier of a wireless communication device to which the response signal reception information is not associated, transmits the function switching signal to at least the wireless communication device to which the response signal reception information is not associated.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1.

4. A wireless communication method executed by a wireless communication device having an intermittent reception mode in which a reception standby state and a sleep state are repeated at regular intervals, generating a function switching signal for switching the intermittent reception mode between enabled and disabled; a transmitting step of transmitting the generated function switching signal to another wireless communication device; receiving a response signal to the transmitted function switching signal or the function switching signal from another wireless communication device; switching the intermittent reception mode between enabled and disabled in accordance with the generated or received function switching signal; generating a list by linking instruction signal transmission information indicating that the function switching signal has been transmitted and response signal reception information indicating that the response signal has been received with identifiers of wireless communication devices that are targets of group communication including the wireless communication device itself; a determination step of determining whether or not the list includes the identifier to which the response signal reception information is not linked; a step of selecting another wireless communication device associated with the response signal reception information in the list as a relay destination wireless communication device when it is determined in the determination step that the identifier to which the response signal reception information is not associated is present in the list after a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the function switching signal; Including, the transmitting step transmits the list to the relay destination wireless communication device. Wireless communication method.

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