Multiplexed PTT Terminal for Off-Network Floor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly trunked radio systems, face challenges in ensuring reliability and smooth operation of Push-to-Talk (PTT) services, especially during disastrous situations when communication networks may be disrupted, leading to potential malfunctions in call originator and floor arbitrator terminals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that multiplex a call originator terminal and a floor arbitrator terminal to generate and transmit group call announcements, detect malfunctions, and dynamically switch to alternative terminals based on predefined rankings, ensuring continuous PTT communication by establishing direct wireless communication and maintaining floor control in both on-network and off-network scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single terminal is used for both call originator and floor arbitrator functions, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates when network disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the call originator and floor arbitrator functions into a single multiplexed terminal, reducing device complexity while implementing redundancy mechanisms to maintain reliability during network disruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic role switching where terminals can transition between call originator and floor arbitrator functions based on network conditions, allowing adaptive response to disruptions while maintaining operational reliability
2Reliability
If alternative terminals are prepared for backup, then reliability is improved during malfunctions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures alternative terminals with defined rankings and backup roles before network disruptions occur, enabling rapid failover while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs terminals to perform multiple functions including call originator, floor arbitrator, and backup roles, allowing a single terminal type to serve multiple purposes and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
3Productivity
If direct wireless communication is established for off-network service, then productivity is improved by enabling immediate communication, but reliability worsens due to lack of network infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication into on-network and off-network modes, allowing direct wireless communication for immediate productivity when off-network, while providing mechanisms to transition to networked communication for enhanced reliability when available
Data Source
AI summary
A method of Mission Critical Push to Talk (MCPTT) service performed by a mobile terminal includes: generating, at the mobile terminal, a group call announcement for off-network Mission Critical Push to Talk (MCPTT) service, the group call announcement for off-network MCPTT service including information of a period of the group call announcement for off-network MCPTT service; controlling a transceiver to periodically transmit, to one or more mobile terminals, the group call announcement for off-network MCPTT service based on the period; in response to the transmitted group call announcement for off-network MCPTT service, receiving a response from the one or more mobile terminals; and establishing, based on the response from the one or more mobile terminals, a group call with the one or more mobile terminals by setting a direct wireless communication with the one or more mobile terminals.