Wireless relay device and wireless relay method

Abstract

This wireless relay device comprises: a relay communication unit capable of relaying data using a first communication method and a second communication method; and a determination unit that, upon receiving data from a source communication device that transmits the data, determines the communication method of the source communication device on the basis of device information of the source communication device, and determines whether or not to convert the communication method for a second destination communication device on the basis of an inter-device distance between a first destination communication device that uses the same communication method as the source communication device and the second destination communication device, the second destination communication device using a different communication method from the source communication device.

Description

Wireless Relay Device and Wireless Relay Method

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless relay device and a wireless relay method.

[0002] A base station that converts a communication method and relays communication is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing protocol conversion between an LTE base station function unit and a 3G terminal function unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-81030

[0004] Conventional relay stations (base stations) relay two communication paths regardless of the communication path of the transmission source or the communication path of the reception destination. However, in a conventional relay station, since it is necessary to convert the communication method when transmitting in different communication methods, suppression of power consumption is desired.

[0005] An object of the present embodiment is to provide a wireless relay device and a wireless relay method capable of suppressing power consumption when relaying data to a plurality of communication devices in different communication methods.

[0006] The wireless relay device according to the present embodiment includes a relay communication unit capable of relaying data in a first communication method and a second communication method, and when receiving the data from a communication device of a communication source that transmits the data, based on device information of the communication device of the communication source, determines the communication method of the communication device of the communication source, and based on the inter-device distances between a first communication destination communication device having the same communication method as the communication device of the communication source and a second communication destination communication device having a different communication method from the communication device of the communication source, a determination unit that determines whether to perform conversion of the communication method of the second communication destination communication device.

[0007] The wireless relay method according to this embodiment is a wireless relay method for a wireless relay device equipped with a relay communication unit capable of relaying data in a first communication method and a second communication method, and includes the step of determining the communication method of the communication source communication device based on the device information of the communication source communication device when the data is received from the communication source communication device that transmits the data, and determining whether or not to perform a conversion of the communication method of the second communication destination communication device based on the distance between the devices of the first communication destination communication device which has the same communication method as the communication source communication device and the second communication destination communication device which has a different communication method from the communication source communication device.

[0008] According to this embodiment, power consumption can be suppressed when relaying data to multiple communication devices using different communication methods.

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the first relay function of the wireless relay device shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of relaying in a wireless communication system. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a wireless relay device according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure related to the first relay function of the wireless relay device. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the second relay function of the wireless relay device. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure related to the second relay function of the wireless relay device. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the third relay function of the wireless relay device.

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant explanations.

[0011] [Embodiment] (Wireless Communication System) An example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to the embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication system 10 includes a wireless relay device 100 of a relay station 20 and a plurality of communication devices 200. The wireless relay device 100 relays group communications of the plurality of communication devices 200. The wireless relay device 100 may be implemented with one relay device or with multiple relay devices. The plurality of communication devices 200 include communication devices 200A and 200B of a first communication method and communication device 200C of a second communication method. In this embodiment, the first communication method is, for example, a wireless communication method using radio frequency (RF). The second communication method is, for example, a wireless communication method using a wireless communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution). Note that the wireless communication standard may include, for example, communication standards such as 3G, 4G, and 5G. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between communication devices 200A, 200B, and 200C, etc., they will simply be referred to as communication device 200.

[0013] (Basic Operation of the Wireless Communication System) Before describing the relay operation of the wireless communication system 10 according to this embodiment, the basic operation of the wireless communication system 10 will be explained.

[0014] In the example shown in Figure 1, communication devices 200A, 200B, and 200C are configured to perform group communication. Group communication is a type of communication that allows one-to-many communication between multiple communication devices 200 that are grouped together. When communication devices 200A, 200B, and 200C perform group communication, the wireless relay device 100 transmits the communication data from the source communication device 200 to each of the other destination communication devices 200 based on the group configuration.

[0015] When the wireless relay device 100 receives communication data from the source communication device 200A using the first communication method, it transmits the communication data in the protocol of the first communication method to the communication device 200B, and also transmits the communication data, which has been protocol-converted from the protocol of the first communication method to the second communication method, to the communication device 200C. In this way, the wireless relay device 100 can transmit the communication data in the first communication method from the communication device 200A to the communication device 200B, which uses the same communication method, and to the communication device 200C, which uses a different communication method. However, if the number of destination communication devices 200 increases or the number of communication methods increases, the wireless relay device 100 becomes a load on the wireless communication system 10 (communication network), and power consumption increases. The wireless relay device 100 according to this embodiment suppresses power consumption when relaying data to multiple communication devices 200 using different communication methods.

[0016] (First Relay Function) Next, an example of a wireless relay method using the first relay function of the wireless relay device 100 will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the first relay function of the wireless relay device 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of relaying in the wireless communication system 10. In Figure 2, the plurality of communication devices 200 include communication devices 200A and 200B of the first communication method and communication device 200C of the second communication method. Communication device 200B notifies the wireless relay device 100 that speaker output is set as the output setting.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, communication device 200A transmits location information D1 to the wireless relay device 100 that identifies the current location of communication device 200A, the available communication method, and the output setting (step S101). For example, communication device 200A indicates that the communication method is the first communication method and the output setting is earphone output. Communication device 200B transmits location information D1 to the wireless relay device 100 that identifies the current location of communication device 200B, the available communication method, and the output setting (step S102). For example, communication device 200B indicates that the communication method is the first communication method and the output setting is speaker. Communication device 200C transmits location information D1 to the wireless relay device 100 that identifies the current location of communication device 200C, the available communication method, and the output setting (step S103). For example, communication device 200C indicates that the communication method is the second communication method and the output setting is speaker. In this manner, the wireless relay device 100 periodically acquires and stores information that allows it to identify the communication method and current location of each of the communication devices 200A, 200B, and 200C that perform group communication.

[0018] When a user initiates voice communication, the communication device 200A generates communication data for the first communication method based on the acquired voice and transmits the communication data to the wireless relay device 100 using the first communication method (step S104). In this case, the communication device 200A becomes the source communication device.

[0019] The wireless relay device 100 determines the communication method based on the communication data received from the communication device 200A (step S105). For example, the wireless relay device 100 determines that the first communication method indicated by the communication data is the communication method of the communication device 200A. In this case, the communication device 200B becomes the first communication destination device (first communication method), and the communication device 200C becomes the second communication destination device (second communication method). The first communication destination device is the communication destination device 200, and uses the same communication method as the source. The second communication destination device is the communication destination device 200, and uses a different communication method than the source.

[0020] Next, the wireless relay device 100 determines the distance 510 between the communication devices 200B and 200C, which are the communication destinations for group communication (step S106). For example, the wireless relay device 100 calculates the distance 510 between the devices from the current positions of the communication devices 200B and 200C, and determines that no communication method conversion is necessary if the distance 510 is within a predetermined range. The predetermined range includes, for example, a range for determining that the device is located near a communication destination that does not require a change in communication method, and a range in which the sound output by the speaker of the communication device 200 can be recognized. In the example shown in Figure 2, the wireless relay device 100 determines that no communication method conversion is necessary because the distance 510 between the communication device 200B, which does not require a change in communication method, and the communication device 200C, which does require a change in communication method, is within a predetermined range.

[0021] In Figure 3, the wireless relay device 100 transmits communication data using the first communication method and does not perform conversion to the second communication method (step S107). Specifically, the wireless relay device 100 transmits communication data to the communication device 200B using the first communication method, but does not transmit communication data to the communication device 200C. As a result, the wireless relay device 100 performs voice transmission to the communication device 200B but does not perform voice transmission to the communication device 200C.

[0022] Communication device 200B outputs communication data from its speaker (step S108). For example, communication device 200B outputs the audio indicated by the communication data received from wireless relay device 100 to the outside of the device from its speaker. This allows communication device 200B to make the audio output from its speaker recognizable to the user of communication device 200B. On the other hand, communication device 200C can make the audio output from the speaker of a nearby communication device 200B recognizable to the user of communication device 200C, even without receiving communication data from wireless relay device 100.

[0023] Thus, in its first relay function, the wireless relay device 100 does not perform a conversion of the communication method or transmit communication data if the receiving communication devices 200 in the same group are located nearby. The wireless relay device 100 does not perform a conversion from the first communication method to the second communication method if the distance 510 between a communication device 200B transmitting using the same communication method and a communication device 200C transmitting using a different communication method is within a predetermined range, and the output setting of the receiving communication device 200B using the same communication method is set to speaker. As a result, the wireless relay device 100 does not convert the communication method when the distance 510 between the receiving communication devices 200 is close, thus suppressing power consumption when relaying data to multiple communication devices 200 using different communication methods. Consequently, when relaying data to multiple communication devices 200 using different communication methods, the wireless relay device 100 can suppress the power consumption of the communication devices 200 and reduce the load on the communication network by suppressing relaying using unnecessary communication methods.

[0024] (Wireless Relay Device) An example of the configuration of the wireless relay device 100 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless relay device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the wireless relay device 100 comprises a relay communication unit 110, a conversion unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a control unit 140. The wireless relay device 100 is a device that relays communication between multiple communication devices 200.

[0026] The relay communication unit 110 relays communications from the communication device 200. The relay communication unit 110 relays communications between the source communication device and the destination communication device. The relay communication unit 110 has the function of relaying communications from the communication device 200 using the first communication method. The relay communication unit 110 receives location information D1 from the communication device 200 using either the first or second communication method. The relay communication unit 110 outputs the location information D1 received using either the first or second communication method to the control unit 140.

[0027] The conversion unit 120 converts the data communication method. The conversion unit 120 converts data in the first communication method to data in the second communication method by converting it to the protocol of the second communication method. The conversion unit 120 converts data in the second communication method to data in the first communication method by converting it to the protocol of the first communication method.

[0028] The relay communication unit 110 relays communications from the communication device 200 using the first communication method in the first communication method, and also has the function of performing protocol conversion between the first communication method and the second communication method in the conversion unit 120, and then relaying the communications in the converted second communication method. The relay communication unit 110 relays communications from the communication device 200 using the second communication method in the second communication method, and also has the function of performing protocol conversion between the second communication method and the first communication method in the conversion unit 120, and then relaying the communications in the converted first communication method. In this embodiment, the relay communication unit 110 is described in which the conversion method is performed using the conversion unit 120, but for example, the relay communication unit 110, the control unit 140, etc. may be configured to have a conversion function.

[0029] The storage unit 130 stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 130 can store location information D1, group setting information D2, device information D3, etc., of communication devices 200 included in the wireless communication system 10. The storage unit 130 also stores information such as the calculation contents of the control unit 140 and programs. The storage unit 130 includes, for example, at least one of the following: RAM (Random Access Memory), main memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), and external storage device such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 130 stores location information D1 for each of the multiple communication devices 200. The group setting information D2 includes information that can identify multiple communication devices 200 that perform group communication in the wireless communication system 10. The device information D3 includes information that can identify the communication method, audio output settings, etc., of the communication device 200. For example, the audio output settings include information indicating the output form of the audio output of the communication device 200, such as speaker output or earphone output. Device information D3 may include, for example, information such as output level, output type, and usage status.

[0030] The control unit 140 controls each part of the wireless relay device 100. The control unit 140 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The control unit 140 executes a program that controls the operation of the wireless relay device 100 according to this embodiment. The control unit 140 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 140 may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0031] The control unit 140 has a function to control the relay communication unit 110 to relay data using the first communication method and the second communication method. For example, when the control unit 140 receives communication data from the source communication device using the first communication method, it transmits the communication data of the protocol of the first communication method to the first destination communication device, and transmits the communication data, which has been protocol-converted from the protocol of the first communication method to the second communication method, to the second destination communication device.

[0032] The control unit 140 comprises an acquisition unit 141 and a determination unit 142.

[0033] The acquisition unit 141 acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 141 acquires various types of information from the communication device 200 via the relay communication unit 110. The acquisition unit 141 acquires location information D1, device information D3, etc. from the communication device 200 via the relay communication unit 110. The acquisition unit 141 may acquire the device information D3 together with the location information D1, or it may acquire them individually at different timings. The acquisition unit 141 stores the acquired location information D1, device information D3, etc. in the storage unit 130 in association with the communication device 200.

[0034] The determination unit 142 determines whether or not to convert the communication method of the second destination communication device. When the determination unit 142 receives data from the source communication device 200 that transmits the data, it determines whether or not to convert the communication method of the second destination communication device based on the distance 510 between the first destination communication device, which has the same communication method as the source communication device 200, and the second destination communication device, which has a different communication method than the source communication device 200. In other words, when the source communication device 200 that transmits the data transmits data to the destination communication devices 200, namely the first destination communication device and the second destination communication device, if the communication method of the first destination communication device and the communication method of the second destination communication device are different, the determination unit 142 determines whether or not to convert the communication method of the second destination communication device based on the distance 510 between the first destination communication device and the second destination communication device. The determination unit 142 determines not to convert the communication method of the second destination communication device if the audio output setting is set to speaker output setting.

[0035] (Communication device) An example of the configuration of the communication device 200 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication device 200 according to the embodiment.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 200 includes a communication unit 42, an operation unit 44, an output unit 46, a display unit 48, a storage unit 50, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) 52, and a control unit 54.

[0037] The communication unit 42 performs communication using either the first or second communication method. The communication unit 42, for example, communicates with the wireless relay device 100 using either the first or second communication method. The communication unit 42 communicates with other communication devices 200 via the wireless relay device 100. The communication unit 42 is, for example, a communication interface that facilitates communication between the communication device 200 and the wireless relay device 100. The communication unit 42 is composed of, for example, an antenna, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit.

[0038] The operation unit 44 receives various input operations for the communication device 200. The operation unit 44 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 54 corresponding to the received input operation. The operation unit 44 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, switches, a microphone, etc. The operation unit 44 includes, for example, a PTT (Push to Talk) button. When a touch panel is used as the operation unit 44, the operation unit 44 is arranged on the display unit 48.

[0039] The output unit 46 outputs various types of audio under the control of the control unit 140. The output unit 46 includes, for example, a speaker, an earphone connection terminal, an external device connection terminal, etc. The output unit 46 is composed of, for example, an audio amplification circuit and an audio output circuit. When the audio output setting is set to speaker output, which means that audio is output from the speaker, the output unit 46 outputs audio from the speaker. When the audio output setting is set to earphone output, which means that audio is output from the earphone, or when an earphone is connected to the earphone connection terminal, the output unit 46 outputs audio from the earphone via the earphone connection terminal.

[0040] The display unit 48 displays various types of images. The display unit 48 is a display including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display.

[0041] The storage unit 50 stores various types of information. The storage unit 50 stores the calculation contents of the control unit 54 and information such as programs. The storage unit 50 includes, for example, RAM, a main memory such as ROM, and an external memory such as an HDD, at least one of these. The storage unit 50 stores the acquired location information D1 in chronological order. The storage unit 50 stores device information D3. The device information D3 indicates, for example, information set in the communication device 200, such as the communication method and voice output settings.

[0042] The GNSS receiving unit 52 is composed of a GNSS receiver or the like that receives GNSS signals from GNSS satellites. The GNSS receiving unit 52 outputs the received GNSS signals to the position information acquisition unit 62 of the control unit 54. Note that the GNSS receiving unit 52 may be replaced with other devices such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

[0043] The control unit 54 controls each part of the communication device 200. The control unit 54 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 54 executes a program for controlling the operation of the communication device 200. The control unit 54 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 54 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0044] The control unit 54 includes a position information acquisition unit 62, an output control unit 64, and a communication control unit 66.

[0045] The position information acquisition unit 62 detects position information D1 regarding the current position of the communication device 200. The position information acquisition unit 62 acquires, for example, position information D1 regarding the current position based on the GNSS signals received by the GNSS receiving unit 52. Note that the position information acquisition unit 62 may acquire the position information D1 from a GPS receiver.

[0046] The output control unit 64 controls the output unit 46 and the display unit 48 to perform output. The output control unit 64 controls the output unit 46 to output voice from a speaker, earphone, or the like. The output control unit 64 controls the display unit 48 to display a display screen.

[0047] The communication control unit 66 controls the communication unit 42 to execute communication with an external device. The communication control unit 66 controls the communication unit 42 to execute communication with the wireless relay device 100 or the communication device 200. The communication control unit 66 controls the communication unit 42 to transmit the position information D1 acquired by the position information acquisition unit 62 to the wireless relay device 100 or the like. When the communication control unit 66 receives group communication from the user via the operation unit 44, it controls the communication unit 42 to transmit communication data to the wireless relay device 100.

[0048] (Processing Procedure of Wireless Relay Device) An example of the processing procedure of the wireless relay device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure related to the first relay function of the wireless relay device 100. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 6 is realized, for example, when the control unit 140 executes a program during the relay of group communication.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 140 of the wireless relay device 100 periodically receives the position information D1 of the communication device 200 that performs communication (step S201). For example, the control unit 140 acquires the position information D1 from the communication device 200 indicated by the group setting information D2 via the relay communication unit 110 and stores it in the storage unit 130 in association with the device information D3 of the communication device 200. When the processing of step S201 is completed, the control unit 140 proceeds to step S202.

[0050] The control unit 140 receives communication data from the source communication device (step S202). For example, when the control unit 140 stores the communication data received from the communication device 200 in the storage unit 130 via the relay communication unit 110, it identifies the destination communication device based on the group setting information D2. When the processing of step S202 is completed, the control unit 140 proceeds to step S203.

[0051] The control unit 140 determines whether the communication methods between the source communication device and the destination communication device are different (step S203). For example, the control unit 140 identifies the communication methods of the source communication device and the destination communication device based on the device information D3, and determines that the communication methods of the source communication device and the destination communication device are different when the communication methods are different. When the control unit 140 determines that the communication methods of the source communication device and the destination communication device are the same (step S203; No), it sets all of the multiple destination communication devices 200 as the first destination communication device and proceeds to step S205 described later. Also, when the control unit 140 determines that the communication methods of the source communication device and the destination communication device are different (step S203; Yes), it divides the multiple destination communication devices 200 into a first destination communication device with the same communication method as the source and a second destination communication device with a different communication method from the source, and proceeds to step S204.

[0052] The control unit 140 determines whether the distance 510 between the first communication destination device and the second communication destination device is within a predetermined range (step S204). For example, the control unit 140 calculates the distance 510 between the devices based on the location information D1 of the first and second communication destination devices, and compares the distance 510 with a predetermined range.

[0053] If the control unit 140 determines that the distance 510 between the first communication destination device and the second communication destination device is within a predetermined range (step S204; Yes), it proceeds to step S205. If the control unit 140 is No in step S203 or Yes in step S204, it determines not to perform a conversion of the communication method (step S205). Then, the control unit 140 transmits the communication data to the first communication destination device using the first communication method, but does not transmit it to the second communication destination device (step S206). For example, the control unit 140 transmits the communication data to the first communication destination device using the first communication method via the relay communication unit 110. When the processing in step S206 is completed, the control unit 140 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 6.

[0054] Furthermore, if the control unit 140 determines in step S204 that the distance 510 between the first communication destination device and the second communication destination device is not within a predetermined range (step S204; No), it proceeds to step S207. The control unit 140 performs a communication method conversion (step S207). For example, if the source communication is using the first communication method, the control unit 140 converts the communication data of the first communication method to the protocol of the second communication method using the conversion unit 120, thereby converting it to communication data of the second communication method. When the processing in step S207 is completed, the control unit 140 proceeds to step S208.

[0055] The control unit 140 transmits communication data to the first communication destination device using the first communication method and transmits communication data to the second communication destination device using the second communication method (step S208). For example, the control unit 140 transmits communication data to the first communication destination device using the first communication method and transmits communication data to the second communication destination device using the second communication method via the relay communication unit 110. When the processing in step S208 is completed, the control unit 140 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 6.

[0056] (Second Relay Function) Next, an example of a wireless relay method using the second relay function of the wireless relay device 100 will be described. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the second relay function of the wireless relay device 100. In Figure 7, the plurality of communication devices 200 include communication devices 200A and 200B of the first communication method and communication device 200C of the second communication method. Communication device 200B notifies the wireless relay device 100 that speaker output is set as the output setting. The wireless relay device 100 can use the second relay function in combination with the first relay function described above.

[0057] The second relay function of the wireless relay device 100 is a function that determines whether or not to change the communication method based on the output setting of the communication device that does not require a change in communication method when a communication device that requires a change in communication method and a communication device that does not require a change in communication method are close together. The second relay function also has a function that determines not to convert the communication method of the second communication device if the audio output setting of the communication device 200 is set to speaker output.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 7, the device information D3 for communication devices 200A and 200B is set to indicate that they are communication destination devices for which a change in the communication method is not required. The device information D3 for communication device 200C is set to indicate that it is a communication destination device for which a change in the communication method is required. The setting of whether a change in the communication method is required or not is set based on, for example, the communication method used for group communication, the functions of communication device 200, etc.

[0059] Communication device 200A transmits location information D1 to the wireless relay device 100 that identifies the current location of communication device 200A, the available communication method, and the output setting. For example, communication device 200A indicates that the communication method is the first communication method and the output setting is earphone output. Communication device 200B transmits location information D1 to the wireless relay device 100 that identifies the current location of communication device 200B, the available communication method, and the output setting. For example, communication device 200B indicates that the communication method is the first communication method and the output setting is speaker. Communication device 200C transmits location information D1 to the wireless relay device 100 that identifies the current location of communication device 200C, the available communication method, and the output setting. For example, communication device 200C indicates that the communication method is the second communication method and the output setting is speaker. In this manner, the wireless relay device 100 periodically acquires information that allows identification of the communication method, whether or not the communication method has been changed, and the current location of each of the communication devices 200A, 200B, and 200C that perform group communication, and stores this information in the storage unit 130.

[0060] When a user initiates voice communication, the communication device 200A generates communication data in the first communication method based on the acquired voice and transmits the communication data to the wireless relay device 100 in the first communication method. In this case, the communication device 200A becomes the source communication device.

[0061] The wireless relay device 100 determines, based on the communication data received from the communication device 200A, that the communication method of the source communication device, communication device 200A, is the first communication method. In this case, communication device 200B becomes the first destination communication device (first communication method), and communication device 200C becomes the second destination communication device (second communication method). The first destination device is the destination communication device 200, and uses the same communication method as the source. The second destination device is the destination communication device 200, and uses a different communication method than the source.

[0062] Next, the wireless relay device 100 calculates the distance between the communication devices 200B and 200C, which are the communication destinations for group communication. If the distance between the devices is within a predetermined range 520, the wireless relay device 100 determines, based on the device information D3 of the first communication destination communication device, that it will not perform a conversion of the communication method of the second communication destination communication device. The predetermined range 520 includes, for example, a range for determining whether the first communication destination communication device is close based on its current position, and a range for determining whether the device is located near a communication destination communication device for which a change in the communication method is not required. In the example shown in Figure 7, the wireless relay device 100 determines that it will not perform a conversion of the communication method because the communication device 200C is located near the communication device 200B for which a change in the communication method is not required.

[0063] The wireless relay device 100 transmits communication data using the first communication method and does not perform conversion to the second communication method. Specifically, the wireless relay device 100 transmits communication data to the communication device 200B using the first communication method, but does not transmit communication data to the communication device 200C. As a result, the wireless relay device 100 performs voice transmission to the communication device 200B but does not perform voice transmission to the communication device 200C.

[0064] Communication device 200B outputs the audio indicated by the communication data from the speaker of the output unit 46 to the outside of the device. This allows communication device 200B to make the audio output from its own speaker recognizable to the user of communication device 200B. On the other hand, communication device 200C can make the audio output from the speaker of a nearby communication device 200B recognizable to the user of communication device 200B, even without receiving communication data from the wireless relay device 100.

[0065] Thus, in the second relay function, the wireless relay device 100 determines, based on the device information D3 of the first communication device, that it will not convert the communication method of the second communication device if the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is within a predetermined range 520. More specifically, the wireless relay device 100 does not convert from the first communication method to the second communication method if the distance between a communication device 200B transmitting using the same communication method and a communication device 200C transmitting using a different communication method is within a predetermined range 520, and the output setting of the communication device 200B receiving using the same communication method is set to speaker. As a result, the wireless relay device 100 does not convert the communication method when multiple communication devices 200 are located within a predetermined range 520, thus reducing power consumption when relaying data to multiple communication devices 200 using different communication methods. As a result, when the wireless relay device 100 relays data to multiple communication devices 200 using different communication methods, it can suppress relaying using unnecessary communication methods, thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication devices 200 and mitigating the load on the communication network.

[0066] (Processing Procedure of Wireless Relay Device) An example of the processing procedure related to the second relay function of the wireless relay device 100 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the processing procedure related to the second relay function of the wireless relay device 100. The processing procedure shown in Figure 8 is realized, for example, when the control unit 140 executes a program during group communication relay. In the processing procedure shown in Figure 8, the same reference numerals are used for steps that are the same as those in the processing procedure shown in Figure 6, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 140 of the wireless relay device 100 periodically receives location information D1 from the communication device 200 that performs communication (step S201). The control unit 140 acquires the location information D1 from the communication device 200 indicated by the group setting information D2 via the relay communication unit 110, stores it in the storage unit 130 in association with the device information D3 of the communication device 200, and then proceeds to step S202.

[0068] The control unit 140 receives communication data from the source communication device (step S202). The control unit 140 stores the communication data received from the communication device 200 in the storage unit 130 via the relay communication unit 110, and after identifying the destination communication device based on the group setting information D2, proceeds to step S203.

[0069] The control unit 140 determines whether the communication methods of the source communication device and the destination communication device are different (step S203). If the control unit 140 determines that the communication methods of the source communication device and the destination communication device are the same (step S203; No), it proceeds to step S205, which will be described later. If the control unit 140 determines that the communication methods of the source communication device and the destination communication device are different (step S203; Yes), it proceeds to step S204.

[0070] The control unit 140 determines whether the distance between the first communication destination device, which has the same communication method as the communication source, and the second communication destination device, which has a different communication method than the communication source, is within a predetermined range 520 (step S204). For example, the control unit 140 calculates the distance between the devices based on the location information D1 of the first and second communication destination devices, and compares the distance between the devices with the predetermined range 520.

[0071] If the control unit 140 determines that the distance between the first communication destination device and the second communication destination device is within a predetermined range 520 (step S204; Yes), it proceeds to step S210. The control unit 140 determines whether the audio output setting of the first communication destination device is speaker output (step S210). For example, the control unit 140 determines whether the audio output setting indicated by the device information D3 of the first communication destination device is speaker output. If the control unit 140 determines that the audio output setting of the first communication destination device is not speaker output (step S210; No), it proceeds to step S207. If the control unit 140 determines that the audio output setting of the first communication destination device is speaker output (step S210; Yes), it proceeds to step S205.

[0072] If the answer in step S203 is No, or in step S210 is Yes, the control unit 140 decides not to perform a conversion of the communication method (step S205). Then, the control unit 140 sends the communication data to the first communication destination device using the first communication method, but does not send it to the second communication destination device (step S206). As a result, the control unit 140 sends the communication data to the first communication destination device using the first communication method via the relay communication unit 110. Once the processing in step S206 is completed, the control unit 140 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 8.

[0073] Furthermore, if the control unit 140 determines in step S204 that the distance 510 between the first communication destination device and the second communication destination device is not within a predetermined range (step S204; No), it proceeds to step S207.

[0074] If the response in step S204 is No, or in step S210 is No, the control unit 140 performs a communication method conversion (step S207). Then, the control unit 140 transmits communication data to the first communication destination device using the first communication method and transmits communication data to the second communication destination device using the second communication method (step S208). Once the processing in step S208 is completed, the control unit 140 terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 8.

[0075] (Third Relay Function) Next, an example of a wireless relay method using the third relay function of the wireless relay device 100 will be described. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the third relay function of the wireless relay device 100. In Figure 9, the plurality of communication devices 200 include communication devices 200A and 200B of the first communication method, and communication devices 200C, 200D and 200E of the second communication method. In the example shown in Figure 9, the communication device 200B, which is the first communication destination communication device, and the communication devices 200C, 200D and 200E of the second communication method, which are the second communication destination communication devices, are located within a predetermined range 520. Communication device 200B notifies the wireless relay device 100 that speaker output is set as the output setting. The wireless relay device 100 can use the third relay function in combination with the first relay function, second relay function, etc. described above.

[0076] The third relay function of the wireless relay device 100 is a function that determines, based on the communication device information D3 of the first communication destination device, that it will not perform any conversion of the communication methods of the second communication destination devices if the distance between the first communication destination device, which has the same communication method as the communication source, and all second communication destination devices, which have different communication methods as the communication source, is located within a predetermined range 520.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 9, the device information D3 of communication devices 200A and 200B is set to indicate that they are destination communication devices for which a change in the communication method is not required. The device information D3 of communication devices 200C, 200D, and 200E is set to indicate that they are destination communication devices for which a change in the communication method is required. The setting of whether a change in the communication method is required or not is set based on, for example, the communication method used for group communication, the functions of communication device 200, etc.

[0078] Communication device 200A transmits location information D1 to the wireless relay device 100 that identifies the current location of communication device 200A, the available communication method, and the output setting. For example, communication device 200A indicates that the communication method is the first communication method and the output setting is earphone output. Communication device 200B transmits location information D1 to the wireless relay device 100 that identifies the current location of communication device 200B, the available communication method, and the output setting. For example, communication device 200B indicates that the communication method is the first communication method and the output setting is speaker. Communication devices 200C, 200D, and 200E transmit location information D1 to the wireless relay device 100 that identifies the current location of their own devices, the available communication method, and the output setting. For example, communication devices 200C, 200D, and 200E indicate that the communication method is the second communication method and the output setting is speaker. In this manner, the wireless relay device 100 periodically acquires information that allows identification of the communication method, whether or not the communication method has been changed, and the current location of each of the group communication devices 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, and 200E, and stores it in the storage unit 130.

[0079] When a user initiates voice communication, the communication device 200A generates communication data in the first communication method based on the acquired voice and transmits the communication data to the wireless relay device 100 in the first communication method. In this case, the communication device 200A becomes the source communication device.

[0080] The wireless relay device 100 determines, based on the communication data received from the communication device 200A, that the communication method of the source communication device, communication device 200A, is the first communication method. In this case, communication device 200B becomes the first destination communication device (first communication method), and communication devices 200C, 200D, and 200E become the second destination communication devices (second communication method). The first destination device is the destination communication device 200, and uses the same communication method as the source. The second destination device is the destination communication device 200, and uses a different communication method than the source.

[0081] Next, the wireless relay device 100 calculates the distance between the communication devices 200B, 200C, 200D, and 200E, which are the communication destinations for group communication. If all the distances between the devices are within a predetermined range 520, the wireless relay device 100 determines, based on the device information D3 of the first communication destination communication device, that it will not convert the communication method of the second communication destination communication device. The predetermined range 520 includes, for example, a range for determining whether the devices are close based on the current position of the first communication destination communication device, and a range for determining whether the devices are located near a communication destination communication device for which a change in the communication method is not necessary. In the example shown in Figure 9, the wireless relay device 100 determines that it will not convert the communication method because all of the communication devices 200C, 200D, and 200E are located near the communication device 200B for which a change in the communication method is not necessary.

[0082] The wireless relay device 100 transmits communication data using the first communication method and does not perform conversion to the second communication method. Specifically, the wireless relay device 100 transmits communication data to the communication device 200B using the first communication method, but does not transmit communication data to the communication devices 200C, 200D, and 200E. As a result, the wireless relay device 100 performs voice transmission to the communication device 200B, but does not perform voice transmission to the communication devices 200C, 200D, and 200E.

[0083] Communication device 200B outputs the audio indicated by the communication data from the speaker of the output unit 46 to the outside of the device. This allows communication device 200B to make the audio output from its own speaker recognizable to the user of communication device 200B. On the other hand, communication devices 200C, 200D, and 200E can make the audio output from the speaker of a nearby communication device 200B recognizable to all users of communication devices 200C, 200D, and 200E, even without receiving communication data from the wireless relay device 100.

[0084] Thus, in its third relay function, the wireless relay device 100 determines, based on the device information D3 of the first communication destination device, that it will not perform a conversion of the communication method for multiple second communication destination devices that require a change in communication method if the distance between the first communication destination device and the second communication destination device is within a predetermined range 520. Specifically, the wireless relay device 100 will not perform a conversion from the first communication method to the second communication method for any of the second communication destination devices if the distance between communication devices 200C, 200D, and 200E that transmit using different communication methods from communication device 200B that uses the same communication method is within a predetermined range 520, and the output setting of communication device 200B that receives using the same communication method is set to speaker. As a result, the wireless relay device 100 does not need to change the communication method and transmit to multiple second communication destination devices, thus reducing power consumption during data relay to multiple second communication destination devices. As a result, when the wireless relay device 100 relays data to multiple communication devices 200 using different communication methods, it can suppress relaying using unnecessary communication methods, thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication devices 200 and mitigating the load on the communication network.

[0085] The third relay function allows the system to output audio from the speakers of each of the multiple first communication destination devices, or from the speakers of some of the first communication destination devices, when there are multiple first communication destination devices among the multiple communication devices 200 performing group communication that have an output setting of speaker.

[0086] The wireless relay device 100 described above may instruct the communication device 200 to switch its output setting to speaker setting if the communication device 200's output setting is earphone output. The wireless relay device 100 may also increase the speaker volume of the first communication destination communication device if the speaker volume is low. This allows the wireless relay device 100 to reliably make the audio from the output unit 46 of the communication device 200 recognizable to users of the communication device 200 in the surrounding area.

[0087] Each component of the illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. Furthermore, this distribution and integration configuration may be performed dynamically.

[0088] Although these embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited by the content of these embodiments. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the embodiments described above.

[0089] The wireless relay device of this embodiment can be used, for example, in a communication system.

[0090] 10 Wireless communication system 20 Relay station 42 Communication unit 44 Operation unit 46 Output unit 48 Display unit 50 Storage unit 52 GNSS receiving unit 54 Control unit 62 Location information acquisition unit 64 Output control unit 66 Communication control unit 100 Wireless relay device 110 Relay communication unit 120 Conversion unit 130 Storage unit 140 Control unit 141 Acquisition unit 142 Judgment unit 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E Communication device 510 Distance between devices 520 Predetermined range D1 Location information D2 Group setting information D3 Device information

Claims

1. A wireless relay device comprising: a relay communication unit capable of relaying data using a first communication method and a second communication method; and a determination unit that, upon receiving data from a source communication device that transmits the data, determines the communication method of the source communication device based on the device information of the source communication device, and determines whether or not to convert the communication method of the second destination communication device based on the distance between the first destination communication device having the same communication method as the source communication device and the second destination communication device having a different communication method than the source communication device.

2. A wireless relay device according to claim 1, comprising a storage unit that stores device information capable of identifying the communication methods of a plurality of communication devices received by the relay communication unit, wherein the determination unit determines that, if the distance between the first communication destination communication device and the second communication destination communication device is within a predetermined range, the communication method of the second communication destination communication device will not be converted based on the device information of the first communication destination communication device.

3. The wireless relay device according to claim 2, wherein the device information includes information that can identify the audio output setting of the first communication destination device, and the determination unit determines that it will not convert the communication method of the second communication destination device if the audio output setting is a speaker output setting.

4. The wireless relay device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of communication devices that are communication destinations have a plurality of second communication destination communication devices, and the determination unit determines, based on the device information of the first communication destination communication device, that it will not convert the communication method of the second communication destination communication devices when the distance between the devices of the first communication destination communication device and all of the second communication destination communication devices is within a predetermined range.

5. A wireless relay method for a wireless relay device equipped with a relay communication unit capable of relaying data in a first communication method and a second communication method, the method comprising the step of: when receiving data from a communication device that transmits the data, determining the communication method of the communication device based on the device information of the communication device; and determining whether or not to perform a conversion of the communication method of the second communication device based on the distance between the first communication destination communication device which has the same communication method as the communication device of the communication device of the communication device and the second communication destination communication device which has a different communication method than the communication device of the communication device of the communication device.

Images