Communication device and method

TECHNICAL FIELD

0001The present invention relates to a communication system and a communication method for performing data communication of discrete multi-tone modem type between a plurality of data communication units through a telephone line.

BACKGROUND ART

0002In recent years, the xDSL communication system including the ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) communication system, the HDSL (High-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line) communication system and the SDSL communication system for performing a high-speed digital communication of several mega bits per second using the existing telephone copper cable have been closely watched. The xDSL communication system is called the DMT (Discrete Multi-Tone) modem system. This system is standardized in T1.413, etc. of ANSI.

0003This digital communication system, especially in the case where the xDSL transmission path and the ISDN transmission path of the half-duplex ISDN communication system are bound together as an aggregated line or otherwise placed adjacently to each other, poses the problem that the xDSL communication through the xDSL transmission path is affected by interference noises from the ISDN transmission path or other lines and decreases in speed. For solving this problem, various techniques are used.

0004Fig. 12 shows the interference noises of an ISDN transmission path 2 from a central office (CO) 1, which affect an ADSL transmission path 3 constituting a xDSL transmission path bound with the ISDN transmission path 2 midway as an aggregated line.

0005When viewed from the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R; ADSL transceiver unit, remote terminal end) 4 constituting a communication unit at a terminal of the ADSL communication system, the interference noise transmitted through the ADSL transmission path 3 by the office equipment (ISDN LT) 7 of the ISDN transmission system is called the FEXT (Far-End crossTalk) noise, while the interference noise transmitted through the ADSL transmission path 3 by the terminal equipment (ISDN NT1) 6 of the ISDN transmission system is called the NEXT (Near-End crossTalk) noise. Especially, these noises are transmitted to the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R) 4 through the ADSL transmission path 3 which is coupled with the ISDN transmission path 2 midway as an aggregated line.

0006When viewed from the ADSL office equipment (ATU-C: ADSL transceiver unit, central office end) 5 constituting the office equipment of the ADSL communication system, on the other hand, the result is opposite from the case viewed from the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R) 4. In such a case, the interference noise transmitted by the office equipment (ISDN LT) 7 of the ISDN transmission system constitutes the NEXT noise, while the interference noise transmitted by the terminal equipment (ISDN NT1) 6 of the ISDN transmission system makes up the FEXT noise.

0007In overseas ISDN communication system which is full-duplexed, the up and down transmissions are performed at the same time. When viewed from the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R) 4, therefore, the NEXT noise generated by the terminal equipment (ISDN NT1) 6 of the ISDN transmission system nearer to the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R) 4 is controlling, i.e. has a larger effect.

0008For this reason, during the training period of the ADSL modem (not shown) installed at the ADSL terminal equipment 4, the characteristic of the NEXT noise components having a large effect is measured, and the number of transmission bits and the gain of each channel meeting the noise characteristic are determined by bit mapping. Further, in order to improve the transmission characteristics, the coefficients of the time domain equalizer (TEQ) for adaptive equalization in time domain and the frequency domain equalizer (FEQ) for adaptive equalization in frequency domain are converged and determined, so that a set of coefficient tables for NEXT noises are provided for each of TEQ and FEQ.

0009Although this measure eliminates the problem in the overseas digital communication systems, the half-duplex communication system TCM-ISDN employed in Japan as an existing ISDN communication system, in which the up and down data transmission are switched by time division like Ping - Pong poses a problem. Namely, in the case where the half-duplex transmission path and other transmission path are adjacently placed to each other as an aggregated line or the like, the NEXT noises and the FEXT noises from the halt-duplex transmission path have an effect alternately on the communication terminals connected to the other transmission paths adjacent to the half-duplex transmission path.

0010In the Japanese ADSL system, therefore, a method is proposed in which the bit map is switched in accordance with the FEXT and NEXT sections of the TCM-ISDN interference noises ("G.lite: Proposal for draft of Annex of G.lite", ITU-T, SG-15, Waikiki, Hawaii 29 June-3 July 1998, Temporary Document WH-047).

0011Fig. 13 shows an outline of a digital communication system using the digital communication equipment employing the method described in the above literature. In Fig. 13, numeral 11 designates a central office (CO) for controlling the TCM-ISDN communication and the ADSL communication, numeral 12 designates a TCM-ISDN transmission path for the TCM-ISDN communication, numeral 13 designates an ADSL transmission path for the ADSL communication, numeral 14 designates an ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R; ADSL transceiver unit, remote terminal end) such as a communication modem for performing the ADSL communication with other ADSL communication terminal equipment (not shown) through the ADSL transmission path 13, numeral 15 designates an ADSL office equipment (ATU-C; ADSL transceiver unit, central office end) for controlling the ADSL communication within the central office 11, numeral 16 designates a TCM-ISDN terminal equipment (TCM-ISDN NT1) such as a communication modem for performing the TCM-ISDN communication with other TCM-ISDN terminal equipment (not shown) through the TCM-ISDN transmission path 12, numeral 17 designates a TCM-ISDN office equipment (TCM-ISDN LT) for controlling the TCM-ISDN communication in the central office 11, and numeral 18 designates a sync controller for synchronizing the communication between the TCM-ISDN office equipment (TCM-ISDN LT) 17 and the ADSL office equipment (ATU-C) 15. The sync controller 18 may alternatively be installed in the TCM-ISDN office equipment (TCM-ISDN LT) 17 or in the ADSL office equipment (ATU-C) 15.

0012As described above, the interference noise transmitted, through the TCM-ISDN transmission path 12 and the ADSL transmission path 13 adjacently placed to each other as an aggregated line, by the TCM-ISDN office equipment (TCM-ISDN LT) 17 providing a far half-duplex communication system when viewed from the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R) 14, as shown in Fig. 13, is called the "FEXT noise". On the other hand, the interference noise transmitted, through the TCM-ISDN transmission path 12 and the ADSL transmission path 13 adjacently placed to each other as an aggregated line, by the TCM-ISDN terminal equipment (TCM-ISDN NT1) 16 constituting a near half-duplex communication system is called the "NEXT noise".

0013When viewed from the ADSL office equipment (ATU-C) 15, on the other hand, the case is opposite to that viewed from the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R) 14, and the interference noise transmitted by the office equipment (ISDN LT) 17 of the ISDN transmission system constituting the near half-duplex communication system is the NEXT noise, while the interference noise transmitted by the terminal equipment (ISDN NT1) 16 of the ISDN transmission system making up a far half-duplex communication system constitutes the FEXT noise.

0014Fig. 14 shows a functional configuration of a transmission unit or a dedicated transmitter (hereinafter collectively referred to as the transmission system) such as a communication modem of the ADSL office equipment (ATU-C; ADSL transceiver unit, central office end) 15 of the digital communication system. On the other hand, Fig. 15 shows a functional configuration of a receiving unit or a dedicated receiver (hereinafter collectively referred to as the receiving system) such as a communication modem of the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R) 14 of the digital communication system.

0015In Fig. 14, numeral 41 designates a multiplex/sync controller, numerals 42 and 43 designate cyclic redundancy check (crc) units, numerals 44 and 45 designate scramble forward error correction units (Scram and FEC), numeral 46 designates an interleaver, numerals 47 and 48 designate rate converters, numeral 49 designates a tone ordering unit, numeral 50 a constellation encoder and gain scaling unit, numeral 51 designates an inverse discrete Fourier transform unit (IDFT), numeral 52 designates an input parallel/serial buffer, and numeral 53 designates an analog processing and D/A converter (DAC).

0016In Fig. 15, numeral 141 designates an analog processing and A/D converter (ADC), numeral 142 designates a time domain equalizer (TEQ), numeral 143 designates an input serial/parallel buffer, numeral 144 designates a discrete Fourier transform unit (DFT), numeral 145 designates a frequency domain equalizer (FEQ), numeral 146 designates a constellation encoder and gain scaling unit, numeral 147 designates a tone ordering unit, numerals 148 and 149 designate rate converters, numeral 150 designates a deinterleaver, numerals 151 and 152 designate descramble forward error correction units (FEC), numerals 153 and 154 designate cyclic redundancy check units (crc), and numeral 155 designate a multiplex/sync controller.

0017Now, the operation will be explained. To begin with, the operation of the transmission system of the ADSL office equipment (ATU-C) 15 will be explained. In Fig. 14, the transmission data are multiplexed by the multiplex/sync controller 41, and have an error detection code added thereto by the cyclic redundancy check units 42, 43, have the FEC code added thereto and subjected to the scramble processing by the scramble forward error correction units 44, 45, sometimes followed by the processing in the interleaver 46. After that, the rate is converted by the rate converters 47, 48, the tone ordering is executed by the tone ordering unit 49, the constellation data are produced by the constellation encoder and gain scaling unit 50 the inverse discrete Fourier transform is performed by the inverse discrete Fourier transform unit 51, the digital waveform is converted into an analog waveform through the D/A converter, and then the signal is passed through a low-pass filter.

0018The operation of the receiving system of the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R) 14 will now be explained. In Fig. 15, the analog processing A/D converter 141 applies the received signal through a low-pass filter, and converts the analog waveform into a digital waveform through the A/D converter, followed by the time domain adaptive equalization in the time domain equalizer (TEQ) 142.

0019Then, the data subjected to the time domain adaptive equalization are converted train serial to parallel data by the input serial/parallel buffer 143, subjected to discrete Fourier transform in the discrete Fourier transform unit (DFT) 144, and then subjected to frequency domain adaptive equalization by the frequency domain equalizer (FEQ) 145.

0020The constellation data are reproduced by the constellation encoder and gain scaling unit 146, converted into the serial data by the tone ordering unit 147, have the rate converted in the rate converters 148, 149, subjected to the descramble processing and FEC by the descramble and forward error correction unit 151, and in some cases, after being deinterleaved by the deinterleaver 150, subjected to FEC and descrmable processing by the descramble and forward error correction unit 152. After the processing in the cyclic redundancy check unit 153, 154, the data are reproduced by the multiplex/sync controller 155.

0021In this process, the sync controller 18 of the central office (CO)11 synchronizes the transmission timing between the TCM-ISDN office equipment (TCM-ISDN LT) 17 and the ADSL office equipment (ATU-C) 15. Thus, the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R) 14 can recognize the timing of generation of NEXT noise and FEXT noise.

0022Specifically, the ADSL terminal equipment (ATU-R) 14, by the synchronization between the TCM-ISDN communication and the ADSL communication, determines that the NEXT noise is generated in the received data or the signal received through the ADSL transmission path 13 during a predetermined time when the data are transmitted up the TCM-ISDN transmission path 12 at a known timing. On the other hand, during a predetermined time when the data are transmitted down the TCM-ISDN transmission path 12 at a known timing, the generation of the FEXT can be similarly recognized in the data received through the ADSL transmission path 13.

0023In the Japanese ADSL system, as shown in Fig. 16, the bit map A and the bit map B are assigned to the FEXT sections and the NEXT sections, respectively, and in the rate converters 47, 48 of Fig. 14, more bits are assigned to the FEXT section having a small noise, and less bits are assigned to the NEXT section having a large noise. As a result, the transmission rate can be improved as compared with the conventional case in which the bit distribution is determined only by the NEXT section.

0024Fig. 17 shows the manner in which the data received at the uniform rate (64 kbps in the calculation example below) are assigned to the bit map A and the bit map B at the time of transmission. First, the data sent in at the uniform rate are stored in the form of fixed bits in units of symbols. These data are converted into bits for the bit map A and the bit map B by the rate converter. An integer multiple is not involved, however, because the interval of the transmitted symbols is 246 µs for the ISDN period of 2.5 ms.

0025Thus, as shown in Fig. 18, with 34 periods (= 345 symbols, 85 ms) as one unit (hyperframe), only the FEXT section in the hyperframe where the symbols are filled up is defined as a bit map A, and the other portions as a bit map B (in the drawing, SS and ISS indicate sync signals). Whether each DMT symbol is associated with the bit map A or the bit map B is determined from the following equations. (In the equations below, the DMT symbol No. is assumed to be Ndmt). <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>. Transmission from ATU-C to ATU-R<maths id="math0001" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>S = 272 × Ndmt mod 2760</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0001.tif" /></maths><ul id="ul0002" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>if {(S + 271 < a) or (S > a + b)} then [bit map A symbol]</li><li>if {(S + 271 >= a) and (S <= a + b)} then [bit map B symbol] where a = 1243, and b = 1461.</li></ul></li><li>. Transmission from ATU-R to ATU-C<maths id="math0002" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>S = 272 × Ndmt mod 2760</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0002.tif" /></maths><ul id="ul0003" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>if {(S > a) and (S + 271 < a + b)} then [bit map A symbol]</li><li>if {(S <= a) or (S + 271 >= a + b)} then [bit map B symbol] where a = 1315, and b = 1293.</li></ul> An example of calculation for determining the bit assignment for the single bit map using only the bit map A is shown below.<maths id="math0003" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtable><mtr><mtd><mrow><mtable><mtr><mtd><mrow><mtext>.Number of bits of 1 DMT symbol (before rate conversion) = (transmission rate) × (transmission time)/(total number of symbols (except for ISS (inverse sync symbol) and SS (sync symbol)))</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 64 kbps × 85 ms/340</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 16 bits</mtext></mrow></mtd></mtr><mtr><mtd><mrow><mtext>.Number of bits of bit map A = (transmission rate) × (transmission time)/(total number of symbols of bit map A (except for ISS (inverse sync symbol) and SS (side A sync symbol)))</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 64 kbps × 85 ms/126</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 43.175</mtext></mrow></mtd></mtr></mtable></mrow></mtd></mtr></mtable></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0003.tif" /></maths> Thus, the bit map A is assumed to be equal to 44 bits. Also, because of a single bit map (only the bit map A is used), the bit map B is set to zero. In this bit distribution, transmission is started only after data are stored to some degree at the uniform rate. Therefore, a delay time is generated at the time of transmission of each symbol. This delay time differs depending upon the symbol number (place of each symbol). As a result of determining the delay time for all the symbols in the example of Fig. 18, the symbol No. 145 is found to have a maximum delay time. An example of calculation of the delay time using the bit assignment determined by the foregoing calculation is explained below. Fig. 19 shows a transmission delay.<maths id="math0004" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Transmission delay time (worst value is for symbol No. 145) = (time required for storing total number of transmitted bits) - (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (total number of transmitted bits)/(transmission rate) - (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (number of bit map A) × (number of bits of bit map A)/(transmission rate) - (symbol No. + 1) × (1 symbol time)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 58 × 44/64 kbps - 146 × (0.25 ms × 272/276)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 3.9040 ms</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0004.tif" /></maths> In order not to interrupt the data after rate conversion due to the delay at the transmitting end, the corresponding amount is offset using a buffer or the like. The sum 4.1504 ms of this offset (3.9040 ms) and one symbol time (0.24637 ms) constituting the processing delay of the inverse discrete Fourier transform unit (IDFT) in the transmission unit is the transmission delay. At the receiving end, on the other hand, the data sent in are converted into a uniform rate. In this process, it may happen that the data which otherwise should have arrived at uniform rate may fail to do so due to the change in bit distribution at the time of transmission at the transmitting end (see Fig. 20). This delay time at the receiving end is maximum for symbol No. 30 in the case shown in Fig. 18.<maths id="math0005" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Receiving delay time (worst value is for symbol No. 30) = (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time) - (total number of transmitted bits)/(transmission rate)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time) - (number of bit map A) × (number of bits of bit map A)/(transmission rate)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 31 × 0.25 ms × 272/276 - 11 × 44/64 kbps</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 0.07518 ms</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0005.tif" /></maths> In order not to interrupt the data after rate conversion due to this delay at the receiving end, a corresponding amount is offset using a buffer or the like. As a result, the sum 0.32155 ms of the offset (0.07518 ms) and one symbol time (0.24637 ms) constituting the processing delay in the discrete Fourier transform unit (DFT) is determined as the receiving delay. Thus, for the transmission rate of 64 kbps, the sum 4.4719 ms of the transmission delay time (4.1504 ms) and the receiving delay time (0.32155 ms) makes up the maximum delay time in the transmission and receiving units. The following is an example of calculation for determining the bit assignment for the dual bit map where both the bit map A and the bit map B are used.<maths id="math0006" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Number of bits of 1 DMT symbol (before rate conversion) = (transmission rate) × (transmission time)/(total number of symbols (except for ISS (inverse sync symbol) and SS (sync symbol)))</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 64 kbps × 85 ms/340</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 16 bits</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0006.tif" /></maths></li><li>. This calculation example assumes that the number of bits of the bit map B is 3.<maths id="math0007" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Number of bits of bit map A = ((transmission rate) × (transmission time) - (number of bits per symbol of bit map B) × (number of symbols of bit map B (except for ISS (inverse sync symbol) and SS (side A sync symbol)))/(number of symbols of bit map A (except for ISS (inverse sync symbol) and SS (side A sync symbol)))</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (64 kbps × 85 ms - 3 × 214)/126</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 38.079 bits</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0007.tif" /></maths> Thus, the bit map A has 39 bits. In this bit distribution, the data at the uniform rate are transmitted only after being stored to some degree, and therefore a delay time occurs when each symbol is transmitted. This delay time differs depending upon the symbol No. (place of each symbol). In the case of Fig. 18 (39 bits distributed to bit map A and 3 bits to bit map B), assume that the delay time is determined for all the symbols. The symbol associated with the maximum delay time is symbol No. 145. An example calculation of the delay time using the bit distribution determined in the aforementioned calculation example is shown below. Fig. 21 shows a transmission delay.<maths id="math0008" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Transmission delay time (worst value is for symbol No. 145) = (time required for storing total number of transmitted bits) - (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (total number of transmitted bits)/(transmission rate) - (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = ((number of bit map A) × (number of bits of bit map A) + (number of bit map B) × (number of bits of bit map B)) /(transmission rate) - (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (58 × 39 + 86 × 3)/64 kbps - 146 × (0.25 ms × 272/276)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 3.4040 ms</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0008.tif" /></maths> In order not to interrupt the data after rate conversion due to this delay at the transmitting end, a corresponding amount is offset using a buffer or the like. As a result, the sum 3.6504 ms of the offset (3.4040 ms) and one symbol time (0.24637 ms) making up the processing delay of the inverse discrete Fourier transform unit (IDFT) constitutes the transmission delay. At the receiving end, on the other hand, the data sent in are converted into a uniform rate. In this process, it may happen that the data which otherwise should have arrived at uniform rate fail to do so due to the change in bit distribution at the time of being transmitted at the transmitting end (see Fig. 22). This delay time at the receiving end is maximum for symbol No. 30 in the case shown in Fig. 18.<maths id="math0009" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Receiving delay time (worst value is for symbol No. 30) = (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time) - (total number of transmitted bits)/(transmission rate)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time) - ((number of bit map A) × (number of bits of bit map A) + (number of bit map B) × (number of bits of bit map B))/(transmission rate)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 31 × 0.25 ms × 272/276 - (11 × 39 + 20 × 3)/64 kbps</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = -0.0029438 ms</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0009.tif" /></maths> This delay at the receiving end is on minus side at worst, and therefore can be offset by the aforementioned amount in advance. The sum 0.24343 ms of the offset (-0.0029438 ms) and one symbol time (0.24637 ms) making up the processing delay of the discrete Fourier transform unit (DFT) in the receiving unit is determined as the receiving delay. Thus, for the transmission rate of 64 kbps, the maximum delay time in the transmission and receiving units is 3.8938 ms which is the sun of the transmission delay tine of 3.6504 ms and the receiving delay time of 0.24343 ms. </li></ul>

0026This system poses the problem of an excessively large delay.

0027Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system and a communication method capable of suppressing the delay within a predetermined period (for example one ISDN period (2.5 ms)).

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

0028According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time of one period, and wherein dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned.

0029According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period, and wherein dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the portion of the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned.

0030Further, there is provided a communication system for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that the bits for the data to be transmitted are assigned in accordance with the selected mode.

0031Further, there is provided a communication system for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which the data of a given period are assigned to the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that bits for the data to be transmitted are assigned in accordance with the selected mode.

0032According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein all the data of a given period are reproduced based on the portion of the received data assigned to the data transmission time of one period.

0033According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, and wherein all the data of one period are reproduced based on the portion of the received data assigned to the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period.

0034Further, there is provided a communication system for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period can be transmitted during the data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that data are reproduced in accordance with the selected mode.

0035Further, there is provided a communication system for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period can be transmitted during the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that data are reproduced in accordance with the selected mode.

0036According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time of one period, and wherein dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned.

0037According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division halt-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period, and wherein dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the portion of the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned.

0038Further, there is provided a communication method for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that the bits for the data to be transmitted are assigned in accordance with the selected mode.

0039Further, there is provided a communication method for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which the data of a given period are assigned to the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that bits for the data to be transmitted are assigned in accordance with the selected mode.

0040According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein all the data of a given period are reproduced based on the portion of the received data assigned to the data transmission time of one period.

0041According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, and wherein all the data of one period are reproduced based on the portion of the received data assigned to the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period.

0042Further, there is provided a communication method for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period can be transmitted during the data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that data are reproduced in accordance with the selected mode.

0043Further, there is provided a communication method for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period can be transmitted during the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that data are reproduced in accordance with the selected mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0044<ul id="ul0004" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of bit assignment of a communication system according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the transmission delay time with a single bit map according to the present invention, Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the receiving delay time with a single bit map according to the present invention, Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining an outline of bit assignment of a communication system according to the present invention, Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the transmission delay time with a dual bit map according to the present invention, Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the receiving delay time with a dual bit map according to the present invention, Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a table delivered between the transmitting and receiving ends when initializing the communication system according to the prior art, Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a table delivered between the transmitting and receiving ends when initializing the communication system according to the present invention, Fig. 9 is a diagram explaining the transmission function of the ADSL office equipment according to the present invention, Fig. 10 is a diagram explaining the receiving function of the ADSL terminal equipment according to the present invention, Fig. 11 is a slot configuration diagram showing the data delivered between the ADSL office equipment according to the present invention, Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of interference noises between the transmission lines, Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of interference noises between the transmission lines, Fig. 14 is a diagram explaining the transmission function of the ADSL office equipment, Fig. 15 is a diagram explaining the receiving function, of the ADSL terminal equipment, Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining a dual bit map according to the prior art, Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining the bit map assignment according to the prior art, Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining a hyperframe structure, Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining the transmission delay time with a single bit map according to the prior art, Fig. 20 is a diagram for explaining the receiving delay time with a single bit map according to the prior art, Fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining the transmission delay time with a dual bit map according to the prior art, and Fig. 22 is a diagram for explaining the receiving delay time with a dual bit map according to the prior art.</li></ul>

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

0045For understanding the present invention in more detail, an explanation will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

0046According to this embodiment, in order to suppress the delay, bits are assigned in such a manner that the transmission data of one period can be transmitted during the data transmission time of one period. An example of calculation will be explained for determining the bit assignment in the case of single bit map using the bit map A alone. The bit assignment is conducted by the rate converters 47, 48 shown in Fig. 14 like the conventional communication system.

0047Fig. 1 shows an outline of the bit assignment. Bits are assigned in such a manner that the uniform data of one period can all be transmitted during the data transmission time which is the time (corresponding to the FEXT section described above) suitable for data transmission in one period. Also, dummy data are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data could not be assigned. Bits are assigned, for example, in such a manner that one period (2.5 ms) of data, i.e. ten DMT symbols of data are inserted in three symbols of the bit map A (symbols that can be fully inserted in the data transmission time), and dummy bits are assigned to the bits remaining in the third symbol of the bit map A. Further, in the case where the bit map A has four successive symbols, on the other hand, dummy bits are assigned to the entire fourth symbol of the bit map A. Specifically, the number of bits of the bit map A is required to meet the following conditions.<maths id="math0010" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.(number of bits of bit map A) × 3≧ (transmission rate in kbps) × (one period 2.5 ms)</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0010.tif" /></maths>

0048The specifications for this bit assignment are as follows (an example of calculation of the bit assignment for the transmission rate of 64 kbps in the embodiment).<maths id="math0011" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtable><mtr><mtd><mrow><mtable><mtr><mtd><mrow><mtext>.Number of bits of 1 DMT symbol (before rate conversion) = (transmission rate) × (transmission time)/(total number of symbols (except for ISS (inverse sync symbol) and SS (sync symbol))</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 64 kbps × 85 ms/340</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 16 bits</mtext></mrow></mtd></mtr><mtr><mtd><mrow><mtext>.Number of bits of bit map A = (number of bis of 1 DMT symbol) × (ten DMT symbols)/(3 symbols)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 16 × 10/3</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 53.33</mtext></mrow></mtd></mtr></mtable></mrow></mtd></mtr></mtable></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0011.tif" /></maths> Thus, the bit map A is equal to 54 bits.<maths id="math0012" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Dummy bits for third bit map A in each period = (number of bits of bit map A) × (3 symbols) - (number of bis for 1 DMT symbol) × (ten DMT symbols)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 54 × 3 - 16 × 10</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 2 bits</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0012.tif" /></maths>

0049In the presence of the fourth bit map A, dummy bits are used for all the transmission bits. Also, due to the single bit map (only the bit map A is used), the bit map B is set to zero bit.

0050In this bit distribution, the delay time is given as follows (see Fig. 2).<maths id="math0013" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Transmission delay time (worst value is for symbol No. 83) = (time required for storing total number of transmitted bits) - (symbol. No. + 1) × (one symbol time)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (total number of transmitted bits) /(transmission rate) - (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 9 × 160/64 kbps - 84 × (0.25 ms × 272/276)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 1.8043 ms</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0013.tif" /></maths>

0051In order not to interrupt the data after rate conversion due to the delay at the transmitting end, a corresponding amount is offset using the buffer or the like. As a result, the sum 2.05072 ms of this offset (1.8043 ms) and one symbol time (0.24637 ms) making up the processing delay of the inverse discrete Fourier transform unit (IDFT) in the transmission unit is determined as the transmission delay.

0052At the receiving end, on the other hand, the data sent in are converted into a uniform rate. In this process, it may happen that the data which otherwise should have arrived at the uniform rate fail to do so due to the change in the bit distribution at the time of transmission at the transmitting end (see Fig. 3). This delay time at the receiving end is maximum for symbol No. 152 in the case of the frame structure shown in Fig. 18.<maths id="math0014" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Receiving delay time (worst value for symbol No. 152) = (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time) - (total number of transmitted bits)/(transmission rate)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 153 × 0.25 ms × 272/276 - 15 × 160/64 kbps</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 0.19565 ms</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0014.tif" /></maths>

0053In order not to interrupt the data after rate conversion due to this delay at the receiving end, a corresponding amount is offset using the buffer or the like. As a result, the sum 0.44203 ms of the offset (0.19565 ms) and one symbol time (0.24637 ms) constituting the processing delay of the discrete Fourier transform unit (DFT) in the receiving unit is determined as the receiving delay.

0054For the transmission rate of 64 kbps, therefore, the sum 2.49275 ms of the transmission delay time (2.05072 ms) and the receiving delay time (0.44203 ms) makes up the maximum delay time in the transmission and receiving equipment, so that the delay can be suppressed to not more than 2.5 ms constituting one period of ISDN.

0055This embodiment has been explained with reference to the transmission rate of 64 kbps. The delay time can be suppressed in similar fashion also for other transmission rates.

0056An example of calculation for determining the bit assignment for the dual bit map where both the bit map A and the bit map B are used is explained below. The bit assignment is conducted in the rate converters 47, 48 shown in Fig. 14 as in the conventional communication system.

0057Fig. 4 shows an outline of the bit assignment according to this embodiment. Bits for uniform data of one period are assigned to the data transmission time (corresponding to the FEXT section described above, for example) suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time (corresponding to the NEXT section described above, for example) other than the data transmission time within one period. Further, of the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time the one to which the transmission data is not assigned is assigned a dummy data for transmission. Bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of one period (2.5 ms), i.e. the data of ten DMT symbols (before rate conversion) are inserted in a unit of ten symbols (after rate conversion) including three symbols of the bit map A (symbols that can be fully inserted in the data transmission time) plus seven symbols of the bit map B (quasi-data transmission time) (except for ISS (inverse sync symbol) and SS (sync symbol)). Further, the portion to which the data in the bit map B is not assigned is assigned dummy bits. Further, in the case where the bit map A has four successive symbols, the fourth symbol of the bit map A is also assigned the transmission data in the same way that the bits are assigned for the bit map A described above, and the portion to which the data in the bit map A and the bit map B is not assigned is assigned dummy bits. In this process, the delay amount can be reduced by minimizing the difference between the number of bits assigned to the bit map A and the number of bits assigned to the bit map B.

0058Specifically, the number of bits of the bit map A and the bit map B is required to meet the following conditions.<maths id="math0015" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.(number of bits of bit map A) × 3 + (number of bits of bit map B) × 7 ≧ (transmission rate in kbps) × (one period, 2.5 ms)</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0015.tif" /></maths><ul id="ul0005" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>. In order to reduce the delay time, the difference between the number of bits assigned to the bit map A and the number of bits assigned to the bit map B is minimized (the delay time assumes the worst value for the minimum value of the bit map B). The specifications for this bit assignment are as follows (an example of calculation of bit assignment for the transmission rate of 64 kbps is shown in this embodiment).<maths id="math0016" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Number of bits for 1 DMT symbol (before rate conversion) = (transmission rate) × (transmission time)/(total number of symbols (except for ISS (inverse sync symbol) and SS (sync symbol)))</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 64 kbps × 85 ms/340</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 16 bits</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0016.tif" /></maths></li><li>. This example of calculation assumes that the number of bits of the bit map B is two.<maths id="math0017" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Number of bits of bit map A = ((number of bits for 1 DMT symbol) × (ten DMT symbols) - (total number of bits for seven bit maps B))/(3 symbols)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (16 × 10 - 2 × 7)/3</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 48.67</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0017.tif" /></maths> Thus, the bit map A equals 49 bits.<maths id="math0018" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Dummy bits for the tenth bit map B in unit of ten symbols (after rate conversion) = (number of bits of bit map A) × (3 symbols) + (number of bits of bit map B) × (7 symbols) - (number of bits for 1 DMT symbol) × (ten DMT symbols)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 49 × 3 + 2 × 7 - 16 × 10</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 1 bit</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0018.tif" /></maths> In this bit distribution, the delay time is given as follows (see Fig. 5).<maths id="math0019" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Transmission delay time (worst value is for symbol No. 83) = (time required for storing total number of transmitted bits) - (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (total number of transmitted bits)/(transmission rate) - (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = (160 × 8 + 49 × 3)/64 kbps - 84 × (0.25 ms × 272/276)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 1.6012 ms</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0019.tif" /></maths> In order not to interrupt the data after rate conversion due to the delay at the transmitting end, a corresponding amount is offset using the buffer or the like. The sum 1.84759 ms of this offset (1.6012 ms) and one symbol time (0.24637 ms) making up the processing delay of the inverse discrete Fourier transform unit (IDFT) in the transmission unit constitutes the transmission delay. At the receiving end, on the other hand, the data sent in are converted into a uniform rate. In this process, it may happen that the data which otherwise should have arrived at uniform rate fail to do so due to the change in bit distribution at the time of transmission at the transmitting end (see Fig. 6). This delay time at the receiving end is maximum for symbol No. 152 in the case of the frame structure shown in Fig. 18.<maths id="math0020" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>.Receiving delay time (worst value for symbol No. 152) = (symbol No. + 1) × (one symbol time) - (total number of transmitted bits)/(transmission rate)</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 153 × 0.25 ms × 272/276 - (15 × 160 + 1 × 2)/64 kbps</mtext><mspace linebreak="newline" /><mtext> = 0.16440 ms</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0020.tif" /></maths> In order not to interrupt the data after rate conversion due to this delay at the receiving end, a corresponding amount is offset using the buffer or the like. The sum 0.41077 ms of the offset (0.16440 ms) and one symbol time (0.24637 ms) constituting the processing delay of the discrete Fourier transform unit (DFT) in the receiving unit is determined as the receiving delay. For the transmission rate of 64 kbps, therefore, the sum 2.25836 ms of the transmission delay time (1.84759 ms) and the receiving delay time (0.41077 ms) makes up the maximum delay time in the transmission and receiving units, so that the delay can be suppressed to less than or equal to 2.5 ms constituting one period of ISDN. </li></ul>

0059This embodiment has been explained with reference to the transmission rate of 64 kbps. The delay time can be suppressed in similar fashion also for other transmission rates. Further, according to this embodiment, the example of calculation has been explained assuming that the number of bits of bit map B is two. Nevertheless, a similar effect can be accomplished by taking other values as the number of bits of the bit map B.

0060For example, in the example of calculation shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the bit map A has 44 bits for the conventional single bit map with the data rate of 64 kbps. In the bit assignment according to the present invention described above (hereinafter referred to as the low transmission delay mode), however, 54 bits are required for the bit map A as described with reference to the foregoing embodiment.

0061For transmitting all the bits of the bit map A as effective ones, for example, the low transmission delay mode requires the ADSL transmission path 13 (Fig. 13) having the data transmission capacity of<maths id="math0021" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>54 bits × 126 (number of bit maps A in hyperframe)/85 ms = 80 kbps.</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0021.tif" /></maths>

0062Among the data of about 80 kbps, however, the actual effective transmission data is 64 kbps, and therefore<maths id="math0022" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>80 kbps - 64 kbps = 16 kbps</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0022.tif" /></maths> is a transmission loss in the ADSL transmission path 13.

0063In the mode (hereinafter referred to as the normal mode) other than the low transmission delay mode, however, the bit map A has 44 bits, and therefore the data transmission capacity of<maths id="math0023" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>44 bits × 126 (number of bit maps A in hyperframe)/85 ms = 65 kbps</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0023.tif" /></maths> is required and therefore the transmission loss shall be<maths id="math0024" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>65 kbps - 64 kbps = 1 kbps.</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0024.tif" /></maths> Thus, the transmission loss is less than the same in the low transmission delay mode.

0064As described above, the low transmission delay mode with a small delay is accompanied by a large transmission loss. Depending on the transmission data type, however, the reduction of the transmission loss may be desired in preference to suppressing the delay time. In this embodiment, an example will be explained in which the data to be reduced in delay time coexists with the data to be reduced in transmission loss and in which an efficient transmission is achieved by combining the low transmission delay mode and the normal mode.

0065With the ADSL office equipment shown in Fig. 14, there are two routes available from the multiplex/sync controller 41 to the tone ordering unit 49. One is a interleaved data buffer route including the interleaver 46, and the other is a fast data buffer route not including the interleaver 46. Similarly, the ADSL terminal equipment shown in Fig. 15 also has two routes. This configuration makes it possible to use the interleaved route and the non-interleaved route for different purposes.

0066In transmitting data from the ADSL office equipment to the ADSL terminal equipment, how to transmit the data is determined by the initialization process. An example of the table transmitted for initialization is shown in Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, m₁₂, m₁₃ are accompanied by the description "Reserved for future use". In this embodiment, however, this portion is used as a flag indicating which one of the low transmission delay mode and the normal mode is selected, in the fast data buffer route and the interleaved data buffer route, as shown in Fig. 8. m₁₂, m₁₃ are defined as follows.

0067When m₁₂ = 0, the fast data buffer route is processed in normal mode.

0068When m₁₂ = 1, the fast data buffer route is processed in low transmission delay mode.

0069When m₁₃ = 0, the interleaved data buffer route is processed in normal mode.

0070When m₁₃ = 1, the interleaved data buffer route is processed in low transmission delay mode.

0071With reference to Figs. 9 and 10, an explanation will be given of the operation performed in the case where a request is received from a high-level layer to transmit the data of the audio system affected by the transmission delay through the fast data buffer route in low transmission delay mode and to transmit the internet data emphasizing the data transmission rate more than the delay through the interleaved data buffer route in normal mode, for example. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the transmission system of the ADSL office equipment, and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the receiving system of the ADSL terminal equipment. In Fig. 9, numeral 61 designates low transmission delay mode controller for controlling the selection of the fast data buffer route and the interleaved data buffer route and the low transmission delay mode. In Fig. 10, numeral 161 designates low transmission delay mode controller for controlling the selection of the fast data buffer route and the interleaved data buffer route and the low transmission delay mode, and numeral 162 designates a table delivered between the transmitting and receiving ends for initialization.

0072Assume that the ADSL office equipment 15 has received a request from a high-level layer to transmit the audio data through the fast data buffer route in low transmission delay mode and to transmit the internet data through the interleaved buffer route in normal mode. First, m₁₂ is initialized to 1 and m₁₃ is initialized to 0. The table as shown in Fig. 8 is then transmitted to the ADSL terminal equipment 14. The contents of the transmitted table is reflected in the table 162 of the ADSL terminal equipment 14 (Fig. 10).

0073Then, in the ADSL office equipment 15, the low transmission delay mode controller 61 (Fig. 9) controls the operation in such a manner as to transmit the audio data through the fast data buffer route and the internet data through the interleaved data buffer route. Thus, the audio data is transmitted to the rate converter 47 through the cyclic redundancy check unit 42 and the scramble and forward error correction unit 44, while the internet data is transmitted to the rate converter 48 through the cyclic redundancy check unit 43, the scramble and forward error correction unit 45 and the interleaver 46.

0074In this process, the low transmission delay mode controller 61 controls the rate converters 47, 48 in such a manner as to process the audio data in low transmission delay mode and the internet data in normal mode. In accordance with this control operation, the rate converters 47, 48 process and transmit the received data. After that, the received data are transmitted to the ADSL terminal equipment 14 through the tone ordering unit 49, the analog processing and D/A converter 53 and the ADSL transmission path 13.

0075In the ADSL terminal equipment 14 that has received the audio data and the internet data, on the other hand, the low transmission delay mode controller 161 performs the control operation, with reference to the table 162 (Fig. 10) reflecting the contents transmitted at the time of initialization, in such a manner as to transmit the audio data through the fast data buffer route and the internet data through the interleaved data buffer route. The audio data is transmitted to the rate converter 148 and the internet data is transmitted to the rate converter 149, through the discrete Fourier transform unit 144, etc.

0076Because m₁₂ is set to 1 and m₁₃ is set to 0, the low transmission delay controller 161 controls the rate converters 148, 149 in such a manner as to process the audio data in low transmission delay mode and the internet data in normal mode. In accordance with this control operation, the rate converters 148, 149 process and transmit the data.

0077After that, the audio data is transmitted through the descramble and forward error correction unit 151, the cyclic redundancy check unit 153 and the multiplex/sync controller 155, while the internet data is transmitted through the deinterleaver 150, the descramble and forward error correction unit 152, the cyclic redundancy check unit 154 and the multiplex/sync controller 155.

0078As described above, in the case where the audio data and the internet data are transmitted in coexistence for communication, the mode of transmission of the audio data and the internet data is switched between the low transmission delay mode and the normal mode. Thus, the audio data can be transmitted utilizing a communication method having a lower transmission delay, while the internet data can be transmitted utilizing a communication method having a lower transmission loss. In this way, the disadvantage of the transmission loss in low transmission delay mode can be reduced to the minimum.

0079An example is explained below in which the transmission loss is compared between the case where all the data are transmitted in low transmission delay mode and the case where the mode is switched between the low transmission delay mode the normal mode appropriately.

0080Suppose an ordinary home environment where one ISDN telephone (64 kbps) or equivalent and one internet access unit (512 kbps) are used at the same time. <ul id="ul0006" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>. When all the transmission data of 576 kbps (64 kbps for telephone plus 512 kbps for the internet) is transmitted in low transmission delay mode: The number of bits of the ten DMT symbols before rate conversion will be<maths id="math0025" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>576 kbps × 2.5 ms = 1440 bits.</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0025.tif" /></maths> The number of bits of the bit map A in low transmission delay mode will be<maths id="math0026" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>1440 bits/3 = 480 bits.</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0026.tif" /></maths> In this case, the total number of bits of the hyperframe is<maths id="math0027" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>480 bits × 126 = 60480 bits.</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0027.tif" /></maths> The required data transmission capacity will be<maths id="math0028" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>60480 bits/85 ms = 711.5 kbps.</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0028.tif" /></maths> Thus, the transmission loss will be<maths id="math0029" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>711.5 kbps - 576 kbps = 135.5 kbps.</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0029.tif" /></maths> The transmission loss in terms of the ratio to the entire transfer rate is expressed as<maths id="math0030" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>135.5 kbps/576 kbps = 23.5 %.</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0030.tif" /></maths></li><li>. When the telephone data of 64 kbps is transmitted in low transmission delay mode and the internet data of 512 kbps is transmitted in normal mode: For transmitting all the bits of the bit map A (assumed to be 54 bits, for example, as determined in the preceding embodiment) as effective bits, the data transmission capacity of<maths id="math0031" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>54 bits × 126 (number of bit maps A in hyperframe)/85 ms = 80 kbps</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0031.tif" /></maths> is required of the ADSL transmission path 13 in low transmission delay mode, of which the effective transmission data is actually 64 kbps, and therefore the transmission loss will be<maths id="math0032" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>80 kbps - 64 kbps = 16 kbps.</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0032.tif" /></maths> Thus the transmission loss in terms of the ratio to the entire transfer rate will be<maths id="math0033" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>16 kbps/(64 kbps + 512 kbps) = 3 %.</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP1018831A1_D0033.tif" /></maths> It is thus seen that the ratio (= 3 %) of the transmission loss to the transfer rate of all the transmission data in the case where the low transmission delay mode and the normal mode are switched for use as described above is overwhelmingly small as compared with the ratio (= 23.5 %) of the transmission loss in the case where all the data are transmitted in low transmission delay mode. </li></ul>

0081Also, in the case where a STM (synchronous transfer mode) interface is included as a backbone of the network, the above-mentioned operation is performed between the ADSL terminal equipment and the ADSL office equipment, while the data are transmitted from the ADSL terminal equipment to the ADSL office equipment to the STM network to the ADSL office equipment to the ADSL terminal equipment.

0082Further, during the communication between the ADSL office equipment through the STM network, as shown in Fig. 11, data are supplied in time series in units of ten slots. The low transmission delay mode controller 61 (Fig. 9), 161 (Fig. 10) have the control function of transmitting and receiving such data, the function of synchronizing the timing and detecting the position thereof to predetermine the slots storing the audio data and the internet data. Further, they also have the function of, based on the detection, selecting the data route and controlling the route for low transmission delay mode or for normal mode, thus controlling the data transmission in accordance with the table prepared by the initialization or the instruction from a high-level layer.

0083This embodiment uses m₁₂, m₁₃ in the table of initialization steps as a flag for selecting the low transmission delay mode or normal mode. However, a similar effect is obtained by using other portions. Further, a similar effect can be produced by employing other methods of selection such as attaching a flag to the data.

0084Although this embodiment refers to the case in which a request is received from a high-level layer about which one of the low transmission delay mode and the normal mode is to be selected, a similar effect can be obtained by making possible an automatic selection depending upon the type of data such as audio data or image data.

0085In this embodiment, the environment is supposed in which one ISDN telephone (64 kbps) or its equivalent and one internet access unit (512 kbps) are used at the same time. Instead, the use of other applications or other transmission rates can produce a similar effect. Further, instead of using single bit map for calculation as explained in this embodiment, a similar effect can be obtained by use of the dual bit map.

0086Further, the foregoing description refers to the case in which the audio data is transmitted through the fast data buffer route and processed in the low transmission delay mode while the internet data is transmitted through the interleaved data buffer route and processed in the normal mode. The selection of the route and the processing mode according to the data type are not limited to this.

0087Further, the functions explained above with reference to the diagram of the functional configurations can be realized either by H/W or S/W.

0088As described above, the present invention provides a communication system for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time of one period, and wherein dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, thereby making it possible to suppress the transmission delay within a predetermined period.

0089Further, the present invention provides a communication system for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period, and wherein dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the portion of the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, thereby making it possible to suppress the transmission delay within a predetermined period.

0090Further, the present invention provides a communication system for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that the bits for the data to be transmitted are assigned in accordance with the selected mode. In this way, the data affected by the delay and the data not affected by the delay are recognized, and the mode suitable for each data is selected, thereby realizing the optimization of the transmission delay and the transmission loss.

0091Further, the present invention provides a communication system for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which the data of a given period are assigned to the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that bits for the data to be transmitted are assigned in accordance with the selected mode. In this way, the data affected by the delay and the data not affected by the delay are recognized, and the mode suitable for each data is selected, thereby realizing the optimization of the transmission delay and the transmission loss.

0092Further, the present invention provides a communication system for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the tine-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein all the data of a given period are reproduced based on the portion of the received data assigned to the data transmission time of one period, thereby making it possible to suppress the transmission delay within a predetermined period.

0093Further, the present invention provides a communication system for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, and wherein all the data of one period are reproduced based on the portion of the received data assigned to the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period, thereby making it possible to suppress the transmission delay within a predetermined period.

0094Further, the present invention provides a communication system for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period can be transmitted during the data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that data are reproduced in accordance with the selected mode. In this way, the data affected by the delay and the data not affected by the delay are recognized, and the mode suitable for each data is selected, thereby realizing the optimization of the transmission delay and the transmission loss.

0095Further, the present invention provides a communication system for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period can be transmitted during the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that data are reproduced in accordance with the selected mode. In this way, the data affected by the delay and the data not affected by the delay are recognized, and the mode suitable for each data is selected, thereby realizing the optimization of the transmission delay and the transmission loss.

0096Further, the present invention provides a communication method for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modern scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time of one period, and wherein dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, thereby making it possible to suppress the transmission delay within a predetermined period.

0097Further, the present invention provides a communication method for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period, and wherein dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the portion of the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, thereby making it possible to suppress the transmission delay within a predetermined period.

0098Further, the present invention provides a communication method for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period is transmitted during the data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that the bits for the data to be transmitted are assigned in accordance with the selected mode. In this way, the data affected by the delay and the data not affected by the delay are recognized, and the mode suitable for each data is selected, thereby realizing the optimization of the transmission delay and the transmission loss.

0099Further, the present invention provides a communication method for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which the data of a given period are assigned to the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that bits for the data to be transmitted are assigned in accordance with the selected mode. In this way, the data affected by the delay and the data not affected by the delay are recognized, and the mode suitable for each data is selected, thereby realizing the optimization of the transmission delay and the transmission loss.

0100Further, the present invention provides a communication method for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division halt-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, wherein all the data of a given period are reproduced based on the portion of the received data assigned to the data transmission time of one period, thereby making it possible to suppress the transmission delay within a predetermined period.

0101Further, the present invention provides a communication method for performing data communication by a discrete multi-tone modem scheme between a plurality of data communication units using the time-division half-duplex communication function, wherein the ratio between the data transmission time suitable for data transmission and the quasi-data transmission time other than the data transmission time within one period changes dynamically, and wherein all the data of one period are reproduced based on the portion of the received data assigned to the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period, thereby making it possible to suppress the transmission delay within a predetermined period.

0102Further, the present invention provides a communication method for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period can be transmitted during the data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that data are reproduced in accordance with the selected mode. In this way, the data affected by the delay and the data not affected by the delay are recognized, and the mode suitable for each data is selected, thereby realizing the optimization of the transmission delay and the transmission loss.

0103Further, the present invention provides a communication method for appropriately selecting a low transmission delay mode in which bits are assigned in such a manner that the data of a given period can be transmitted during the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time of one period and dummy bits are assigned to the portion of the data transmission time and the quasi-data transmission time to which the data to be transmitted has not assigned, or a normal mode in which the data to be transmitted are assigned uniformly over the data transmission time, so that data are reproduced in accordance with the selected mode. In this way, the data affected by the delay and the data not affected by the delay are recognized, and the mode suitable for each data is selected, thereby realizing the optimization of the transmission delay and the transmission loss.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

0104As described above, the communication system and the communication method according to the present invention are suitable for the data communication performed by the discrete multi-tone modern scheme between a plurality of data communication units through the telephone line.