Transmit Channel Request Messaging for Half-Duplex Voice Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In half-duplex voice communication systems, there is no mechanism for users on the receiving end to communicate to the user of the transmitting device that another user wishes to talk, as the talk/transmit channel is occupied until released.
Innovation Solution
A new transmit channel request message (TCRM) is sent over a logical control channel from a receiving device to a transmitting device during an active half-duplex session, indicating a request for the transmit channel, and the network processes this message to forward it to the transmitting device, allowing the user interface to notify the talker of the request.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the transmit channel is occupied by a transmitting device until released, then the transmitting device can maintain continuous voice communication, but receiving devices cannot notify the talker that another user wishes to talk
Solution Approach 1:
The network acts as an intermediary to forward TCRM messages from receiving devices to the transmitting device. When a receiving device wants to request the transmit channel, it sends a TCRM message to the network, which then forwards it to the current transmitting device, enabling indirect communication during channel occupation
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows receiving devices to send channel request messages in advance while another device is still transmitting. The TCRM message is queued and forwarded when the network receives it, enabling users to prepare their channel requests before the current talker releases the channel
2Ease of operation
If a TCRM message is sent from a receiving device to a transmitting device during an active session, then users can communicate channel requests, but the message must be routed through the network increasing processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The TCRM message format is designed to be universal and compatible with existing half-duplex communication protocols. The message can be sent over existing logical control channels and processed by standard network elements, allowing the system to maintain existing infrastructure while adding new functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by notifying the transmitting device of channel requests through TCRM messages. The transmitting device receives feedback about other users' channel requests and can respond by releasing the channel or continuing to talk, creating a closed-loop communication system
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and device are provided for transmit channel request messaging in wireless half-duplex voice communication systems. A new transmit channel request message (TCRM) is provided and sent over a logical control channel from a receiving device capable of walkie-talkie-like functionality, during an active half-duplex session, to a transmitting device capable of walkie-talkie-like functionality, indicating that the transmit channel is requested. In some embodiments, the invention provides for the display of information on the transmitting device user interface (UI) indicating, during an active session, that another user wishes to talk. The TCRM includes an indication that another device has requested the transmit channel and preferably includes an identification of the device which sent the transmit channel request message. In some embodiments, a qualifier flag in the TCRM is used to specify what, if any, extended functionality in respect of the TCRM is to be performed.