Multimode land mobile radio

The present invention relates to land mobile radios, and more specifically to land mobile radios that provide transmission of land mobile radio content using land mobile radio networks or cellular data networks.

Land mobile radio (LMR) can be used when communicating between different mobile units. Land mobile radio band communications, such as public safety radio communications (eg, police, fire departments, etc.), are generally available within the VHF, UHF, 700 MHz and 800 MHz frequency bands. Some of these frequency bands are allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for public security communications services and are also referred to as public security frequency bands. These communications can also be provided using the Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS).

Cellular nets also provide communication between different mobile users, such as mobile phones. These cellular networks, like LMR networks, will continue to be enhanced, allowing for improved operation and communication. For example, these cellular networks provide push-to-talk (PTT) that enables direct connectivity. Therefore, the mobile phone user can request a direct connection communication link with another mobile phone user in two-way wireless or "walkie-talkie" type communication. As another example, these cellular networks include, for example, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rate for GMS Evolution (EDGE), Evolution Data Optimization (EV-DO) and UMTS Mobile Phone Services ( Provides high-speed data services such as UMTS).

Known systems that provide enhanced services or features, such as enhanced call or voice features that can be used, for example for mission critical wireless applications, such as for public safety applications, to augment or replace conventional LMS systems. Use commercial cellular services such as PTT services. These systems are provided, for example, using specialized gateway equipment that allows some interaction capability between cellular networks with PTT capability and LMR systems. The ability to interact is provided by translating or translating data or voice communications that are communicated (transmitted) between networks, such as from an LMR network to a cellular network.

In the LMR domain, new technologies will also be provided, including the use of digital communications as an alternative to analog communications. In addition, today, LMR systems use packet switching instead of circuit switching, using, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) and voice over IP over the Internet, for highly scalable and low cost LMR networks. Can be configured.

However, these improvements also result in the need to support the transition to new technologies. Moreover, the ability to interact between systems deployed by different LMR owners / operators or between different mobile operators is increasingly important, especially when different technologies are used in different systems. It is known to use multimode terminal devices to facilitate both migration and interaction capabilities. In LMR, these devices are often referred to as multimode radios, and in the area of mobile phones, these devices are often referred to as multimode phones.

Multimode terminal devices allow inter-system roaming, especially from one network, technology to another, without user intervention. These terminal devices change modes as the user roams between different systems offered using different technologies. In addition, components for operation in multiple protocols and frequency bands can be integrated into a single terminal device. For example, in the mobile phone domain, multimode phones can move between TDMA and CDMA networks. In LMR, radios can move between analog and digital trunked systems.

<p> Multimode operation is provided by interconnecting the corresponding infrastructures. For this reason, gateway devices may be used to connect to various systems or networks to provide transparency to the user. Known devices for communicating between different types of networks or systems use different communication components (eg, hardware and software). Each communication component is specifically configured to communicate with a particular network or system. For each system or network, the functions and operations of that system or network are carried out using the capabilities and protocols specific to that system or network. However, since the features and user interfaces available to the user depend on the system to which the terminal device has been moved, these systems are limited to the set of overall features available.</p><p> Moreover, the functionality of one system is quite different from the functionality available on another system. In addition, due to nonconformities in these protocols, some end-to-end services, such as end-to-end encryption, cannot be provided. For voice communications, the use of gateways that interconnect systems results in poor voice quality as a result of voice data being converted from one format to another.</p><p> This not only allows these systems to operate at unsatisfactory quality levels, but also requires additional controls and equipment to perform interconnections, complicating the entire system and increasing costs.</p>

<p> The solution is provided by an LMR having an LMR communication unit configured to communicate with a land mobile radio (LMR) network and a cellular data network communication unit configured to communicate with a cellular data network.</p><p> The solution is also provided by a multimode terminal device with an LMR and a cellular wireless modem.</p><p> The solution is provided by a method of transmitting LMR content using an LMR device. The method comprises the steps of configuring the LMR to convey LMR content using one of the LMR network and the cellular data network. LMR content is encapsulated using packet switching protocols when transmitted using a cellular data network.</p>

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Various embodiments of the present invention include a multimode terminal device having an LMR unit that provides LMR content, such as an LMR service that uses a land mobile radio (LMR) network and a cellular data network. The LMR content has an LMR application layer, but instead of using the LMR frequency band with the LMR transport protocol, the LMR content is transmitted using the cellular frequency band over the cellular packet switched data network.

Multimode devices are configured to provide intersystem roaming, for example between LMR and cellular systems. Operations using cellular systems have cellular wireless modems to LMR devices, support LMR features through encapsulation and transfer of LMR voice, data and control information, termination between LMR devices and packet-switched boards. It is provided by utilizing an inter-packet switched protocol.

In various embodiments, the data services of the cellular system are used when communicating using the cellular system. Cellular wireless modems provide data services between application layers within LMR devices and gateways that bridge LMR systems or networks and cellular systems or networks. The interterminal protocol between multimode LMR devices and gateways utilizes encapsulation techniques to transport LMR voice and data services over cellular data networks. The methods and techniques for performing this encapsulation and packet-switched transport are also referred to as LMR over the cellular protocol.

When referring to LMR content herein, LMR content generally refers to any type or type of LMR audio / data content, which may define specific LMR services, behaviors, controls, etc. Please note. For example, LMR content includes voice data, emergency signal data, control data related to the selection of a specific talk group, LMR data for movement between wireless units and servers, reprogramming data (eg, software upgrade data). ) Etc., but not limited to these.

The wireless communication system will be described first, and the LMR unit according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described next.

As shown in FIG. 1, a wireless communication system, particularly an LMR communication system 20 configured according to various embodiments of the present invention, communicates between a plurality of multimode devices, particularly between a plurality of LMR units 22 or LMR terminals. provide. Communication between the LMR units 22 is provided via the LMR network 24 or the cellular data network 26. Each LMR unit 22 is configured to use one of the LMR network 24 and the cellular data network 26 to provide communication with, for example, the other LMR unit 22. In particular, each LMR unit 22 is configured to switch between the LMR network 24 and the cellular data network 26 based on, for example, the available network, available bandwidth, service area, communication signal strength, and the like. ing. Optionally, in another embodiment, switching between one of the LMR network 24 and the cellular data network 26 is based on the type of communication or content. Thus, in addition to providing communication over the LMR network 24, the wireless data service of the cellular data network 26 may be used to support communication and / or transport of the LMR application layer protocol.

In various embodiments of the present invention, since the inter-terminal LMR service can be located at the top of the cellular data network 26, it is possible to implement the core LMR system within the service area of these cellular data networks 26, for example. .. To provide this functionality and communication of LMR content using the cellular data network 26, each LMR unit 22 such as an LMR radio has a service between the LMR unit 22 and the packet-switched LMR infrastructure and an inter-terminal LMR. A cellular wireless modem device is provided so that the application layer protocol can be operated.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the multimode terminal device shown as the LMR unit 22 has a plurality of modules or components configured to communicate via the LMR network 24 or the cellular data network 26. Specifically, the LMR unit 22 has an LMR application module 30. Application module 30 uses LMR transmitter / receiver 34 (with one or more LMR base stations 46), which may be provided as a separate unit or as a single transceiver (eg, LMR radio). It is connected to the LMR transport module 32, which constitutes one or both of the voice and data for communication via the network 24. The LMR application module 30, the LMR transfer module 32, and the LMR transmitter / receiver 34 generally define the LMR communication unit 40 of the LMR unit 22. The LMR unit 22 further includes an LMR encapsulation module 36 that encapsulates one or both of voice and data for communication over the cellular data network 26 using the cellular wireless modem 38. The LMR application module 30, the LMR encapsulation module 36, and the cellular wireless modem 38 generally define the cellular data network communication unit 42 of the LMR unit 22.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the LMR unit 22 has an LMR communication unit 40 and a cellular data network communication unit 42, which are connected to the selector 43, respectively. The LMR communication unit 40, the cellular data network communication unit 42, and the selector 43 are connected to the processor 45, respectively. Further, a memory 47 (eg, RAM, ROM) and a display 246 are connected to the processor 45, respectively. The input / output 51 is connected to the processor 45 and the selector 43. User interface 250 is connected to processor 45.

In operation, as described in more detail herein, the processor 45 is configured to use a selector 43 to control the selection of either the LMR communication unit 40 or the cellular data network communication unit 42. The processor 45 can access the memory 47, for example, to obtain a user's choice or a given operating parameter. Processor 45 can also receive inputs (eg, commands) from the user through user interface 250, for example, to activate or select a function or operation. The input / output 51 may have different transmit and receive components that transmit to and receive from the LMR network 24 or cellular data network 26 (see FIG. 2). The display 246 displays information from the processor 45, such as communication information such as channel or network selection information.

Additional or different parts may be provided on the LMR unit 22. For example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit may be provided as part of the LMR unit 22 to determine the position of the LMR unit 22.

The LMR unit 22 may be configured with different external configurations, for example, for the LMR unit 22 based on a particular application. Various embodiments of different external configurations for the LMR unit are shown in FIGS. 4-7. Note that the internal configuration for each LMR unit is the same or similar to the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 3. For example, the dimensions of memory 47 or display 246, or the configuration of user interface 250 may be modified. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4 for illustrative purposes, the LMR unit 220 may be provided as a portable unit or mobile unit having a housing 222 configured to be carried and operated. The LMR unit 220 has a power / volume button 224 at the top 228 of the LMR unit 220 that turns the power on and off to control the volume. A system or channel button 226 at the top 228 of the LMR 220 is provided, for example, to change a channel or talk group within a particular network (eg, LMR network 24 or cellular data network 26) and provides a predetermined number of rotation positions. Can have. An emergency button 230 and a selector button 232 are also provided on the top 228. The emergency button 230 is used to send an emergency signal to another LMR unit that gives a warning signal to another unit. Selector button 232 is used to select a set of channels or talk groups. Antenna 23 extends from top 228 to facilitate bidirectional communication with LMR unit 220.

The side portion 236 of the LMR unit 220 also has a control member for controlling the operation of the LMR unit 220. In this embodiment, the option button 238, the clear / monitor button 240, and the push-to-talk (PTT) button 242 are all provided on the side 236. Option button 238 is used, for example, to select different options within a particular mode of operation (eg, high / low power settings, key locks, display screen contrast, key lighting, etc.). PTT button 244 is used to turn PTT operation on and off.

The front of the LMR unit 220 generally has a display 246, a speaker 248, a microphone 259 and a user interface 250. The user interface 250 has a plurality of user-pressed buttons used, for example, to enter numbers and select various functions of the LMR unit 220. This part of the user interface is configured, for example, as a numeric key. As additional control buttons, for example, a menu button 252, an increase button 254, and a decrease button 256 are provided. The increase button 254 and decrease button 256 can be used, for example, to provide the same functionality as other user inputs corresponding to the same operation as the system or channel button 226. Menu button 252 is used to access saved menus or launch items in the list displayed on display 246.

With respect to a plurality of user press buttons corresponding to numeric input, each can control or activate a specific function of the LMR unit 220. For example, the number buttons "1" 258 may also be, for example, the LMR network 24 or the cellular data network 26 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) that switch between the LMR communication unit 40 and the cellular data network communication unit 42 (see FIG. 2). Can be used to select a particular system or network for. The numeric button "2" 260 can also be used to select a particular user group, such as a given user group on a particular system. The number button "3" 262 can also be used to select a scan mode operation that scans a channel within a particular system or network. The number button "4" 264 can also be used to initiate encryption, for example turning private encryption modes on and off. The number button "6" 266 can also be used to add a group or channel for access to the LMR unit 220. The number button "7" 268 can also be used to access another LMR unit state of the LMR unit 220. The number button "8" 270 can also be used to access a list of predetermined messages that the LMR unit 220 can send. The number button "9" 272 can also be used to delete the selected group or channel of the currently selected system in the scan list. The button "*" 274 can also be used to initiate an interconnected call with another unit. The button "#" 276 can also be used to initiate an individual call.

The display 246 may be configured to have, for example, multiple lines displaying system specifications on one line, group specifications on another line, and icons or other information (eg, operating mode) on additional lines. Other information, such as the battery power level indicator, may be provided on the display 246.

The LMR unit 220 is also referred to as a system unit. The LMR unit 280 configured as a scan unit is shown in Figure 5. Similar numbers represent similar parts, as shown in FIG. The user interface 250 of the LMR unit 280 has an A / D button 282 to add and remove selected talk groups or channels from the currently selected system scan list, an SCN button 284 to turn scanning on and off, and 1 It has only OPT button 286 to activate more than one option.

Various other embodiments provide configurations of LMR units for use in different applications or different settings. For example, the LMR unit 300 shown in FIG. 6 may be configured for desktop or dashboard operation (eg, mounted on the dashboard). The LMR unit 310 shown in FIG. 7 is integrated into, for example, the dashboard 312 of an automobile. Similar numbers in FIGS. 6 and 7 correspond to similar numbers in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The LMR unit may have additional components such as, for example, a reception filter for filtering signals received and transmitted by the LMR unit, a filter (not shown) which is a transmission filter, and the like. The LMR unit may also have, for example, a dedicated switch (not shown) or other controller for switching between the LMR communication unit 40 and the cellular data network communication unit 42 (see FIG. 2).

Note that any embodiment, including LMR220,280,300,310, is used when referring to LMR unit 22 below.

In operation, the LMR system 20 may communicate over the LMR network 24 using a different known protocol, such as the LMR airlink protocol. For example, these LMR Airlink protocols include Project 25 (TIA102) and the ETSI TETRA standard. These LMR airlink protocols identify formats and procedures for exchanging information between LMR units such as LMR unit 22 and LMR network 24, and in particular LMR base station 46. If base station 46 is part of a larger system, base station 46 reciprocally (not shown) a switching device (not shown) that sends audio and data between different parts of the system to other LMR base stations, dispatch controllers, etc. Note that it will be connected.

As is known, the LMR base station 46 is of voice, data and control received on an airlink into another format suitable for communicating within the LMR network 24, for example to transfer to a switching device. Process, eg, manipulate information. For example, the received discontinuous voice, data and control transmission is known, with the resulting IP packet being transmitted (communicated) between the LMR base station 46 and the switching device on the IP network. It may be encapsulated in TCP / IP or UDP / IP packets.

LMR Unit 22 also includes, for example, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rate for GMS Evolution (EDGE), Evolution Data Optimization (EV-DO) and UMTS Mobile Phone Service (UMTS) and 802.16 standards. Etc. may be used to communicate over the cellular data network 26 using different known protocols such as. These cellular protocols identify formats and procedures for exchanging information between the LMR unit 22, in particular the cellular wireless modem 38, and the cellular data network 26.

For example, a cellular tower (not shown) with a base station (not shown) receives a signal from the LMR unit 22 and processes it, eg, receives voice, data and control information within the cellular data network 26. It may be provided to operate in another format suitable for communication with, for example, to transfer to routers and servers (not shown) based on the IP address for received data packets. For example, the received encapsulated signal is decapsulated and appropriately sent within the cellular data network 26.

Therefore, the data from the LMR network 24 or the cellular data network 26 is transmitted to the packet-switched LMR board 41. Note that LMR content and LMR networks may be configured based on different airlink protocols. To communicate over the LMR network 24 or the cellular data network 26 using the LMR unit 22, the communication protocol stack for communicating with each of these networks is partitioned as shown in FIG. In particular, with respect to communicating with the LMR unit 22 using the LMR network 24, the LMR protocol stack 60 is a plurality of two-layer protocol stacks having the LMR application layer 62 and the LMR transport layer 64 in one typical embodiment. It is divided into layers. The application layer 62 and the LMR transfer layer 64 can be provided, for example, by the LMR application module 30 and the LMR transfer module 32 (both of which are shown in FIG. 2), respectively. The LMR application layer 62 is configured to provide translation and processing of voice, data and control information. In addition, the LMR transport layer 64 is configured to deliver voice, data and control information on the transmission medium. As described herein, the LMR Airlink Protocol defines both the LMR application layer 62 and the LMR transport layer 64.

In this two-layer protocol stack model, the switching equipment in the LMR base station 46 (see FIG. 2) and the LMR network 24 (see FIG. 2) receives the content from the LMR communication unit 40 and the LMR application layer 62 in between. Communicate content with different transport layers. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the content of application layer 62 is encapsulated at LMR base station 46 (see FIG. 2) using LMR content encapsulation 66 as is known. In one typical embodiment, the discontinuous transmission unit is encapsulated within the transport datagram, particularly within the packet-switched transport datagram 68 that is communicated using the transport protocol. Upon receiving the encapsulated datagram, the application layer content is then recovered, especially uncapsulated.

In addition, this two-tier protocol stack model allows, for example, the cellular data network communications section 42 (see Figure 2) to deliver LMR application layer services over non-LMR wireless networks. Specifically, the cellular data network communication unit 42 is configured to provide the LMR application layer 62, and instead of using the LMR transport layer 64, the transport service of the wireless cellular data network 26 (see FIG. 2) is used. .. In particular, since the LMR encapsulation layer 70 is used with packet-switched transport datagrams 68, the wireless cellular data network 26 communicates with the switching equipment using a suitable transport protocol. As a result, the same LMR application layer service as the LMR communication unit 40 is distributed. Specifically, the packet-switched LMR infrastructure 41 (see Figure 2) uses the LMR application layer switching 72 in combination with the packet-switched transport datagram 68 to convey LMR application services.

Note that the various embodiments are not limited to the two-layer protocol stack and may include additional layers in the multi-layer protocol stack if desired. For example, different session layers such as a mass encryption layer may be provided. Further, for example, an RTP layer may be provided.

Various embodiments of the present invention use an LMR network, and in particular a non-LMR wireless network, which is a wireless cellular data network, to control the communication of LMR content within an LMR communication system. In particular, method 100 for controlling communication of LMR content is shown in FIG. 9 and includes step 102 of determining the network used to transmit LMR content. In one typical embodiment, a decision is made as to whether LMR content is transmitted using an LMR network or cellular data network. This decision may be based on manual selection, for example based on user input of the choice of which network to use. This selection may be made, for example, using the buttons or switches on the LMR unit 22 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, optionally, the decision of which network to use may be made automatically. For example, the choice of network to convey LMR content is the amount of data traffic on a particular network or available bandwidth, the level of transmission priority, the type of communication or content (eg, voice or emergency broadcast signal, emergency communication or It may be based on PTT requirements), signal strength for the LMR unit, geographic location of the LMR unit, user choice, etc. The operation and selection of the network used to communicate with the LMR unit will be described in detail below in connection with FIG.

After the network used to transmit the LMR content is determined in step 102, the communication method is selected in step 104 based on the network determined to be used. For example, the communication speed or baud rate may be selected (manually or automatically) from the range of communication data rates. In addition, you may choose the preparatory steps to establish and connect to the determined network. For example, when an LMR network is used, a preparatory routine for LMR network communication may be executed to establish a communication link between the LMR unit and the LMR network via the LMR transmitter / receiver in the LMR unit. If a cellular data network is used, a preparatory routine for cellular data network communication may be performed to establish a communication link between the LMR unit and the cellular data network via the LMR unit's cellular wireless modem. This preparatory routine may include any suitable processing, as is known for establishing wireless communication links.

Then, in step 106, the LMR content is configured to be propagated based on the selected network and the selected communication method. For example, if LMR content is propagated using an LMR network, a particular LMR standard that configures or formats the LMR content is selected. In particular, the LMR standard that constitutes the payload of one or both of the audio and data that define the LMR content is selected. This may include, for example, selecting either Project 25 (TIA102) for communication methods or the ETSI TETRA standard. Further, for example, a proprietary format such as an open sky Maycom proprietary format, network first, or an EDACS system proprietary format may be selected.

Further, for example, when LMR content is transmitted using a cellular data network, a specific wireless cellular data network standard that configures or formats the LMR content is selected. In particular, the radio cellular standard that constitutes the payload of one or both of the audio and data that define the LMR content is selected. This includes, for example, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rate for GMS Evolution (EDGE), Evolution Data Optimization (EV-DO) and UMTS Mobile Phone Service (UMTS) and 802.11 system standards. It may include selecting one of the above.

Additionally, a specific protocol stack may be used based on the network used to convey the LMR content, as described in detail with respect to FIG. In addition, when LMR content is propagated using the LMR network, LMR protocol headers are added to the LMR data payload. Packet switch protocol headers are added when LMR content is propagated using a cellular data network. As described in detail below, when using a cellular data network to convey LMR content, the LMR content is encapsulated, for example, before communication to or to the cellular data network, the Internet Protocol ( IP) IP encapsulated with a wrapper. The method of encapsulating the data will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

Returning to FIG. 9, after the LMR content is configured in step 106, the configured LMR content is transmitted in step 108. For example, if the LMR network is configured to carry LMR content, LMR transmitters and receivers may be used to carry the LMR content. If the cellular data network is configured to propagate LMR content, a cellular wireless modem may be used to propagate the LMR content. Note that the cellular wireless modem may be configured to operate in a single mode of operation or in multiple modes. In another embodiment, two or more cellular wireless modems may be provided. Each cellular wireless modem may be configured to operate in a single mode of operation or may be configured to operate in multiple modes of operation.

For example, after the LMR content is transmitted and received by a network base station, the LMR content is processed in step 110 to determine an action. For example, this process may be a decision to convey voice data, a decision to issue an emergency signal, or a decision to issue a PTT request to a talk group. For example, if LMR content is propagated using a cellular data network, the IP destination address of the encapsulated datagram is determined first, and then to that location for processing using the network's routers. It may be transmitted.

In another embodiment, packet-switched protocol interface 120 may be provided in connection with cellular data network 26 (see FIG. 2), as shown in FIG. The packet-switched protocol interface 120 may be, for example, a separate unit (eg, a stand-alone module), a card for connecting to a server within a cellular data network, software for downloading to a server within a cellular data network, or the like. You may make it as. The packet-switched protocol interface 120 includes a processor 122 for processing packet-switched encapsulated LMR content received, eg, to propagate to a packet-switched LMR infrastructure 41 (see FIG. 2). In particular, as detailed herein, the processor may receive LMR content formatted as shown in FIG. LMR content generally has an LMR data section and a packet switching protocol encapsulation section. Specifically, the LMR content 130 may include LMR data 136 such as packet switch protocol header 132, LMR protocol header 134, and LMR data payload.

The LMR content 130 is basically encapsulated, for example with an IP wrapper. Processor 122 may uncapsule the LMR content 130, for example by removing the packet switch protocol header 132, and store the encapsulated LMR content 130 in memory 124. The LMR content 130 is then further processed by the processor 122 to determine the action to be performed or the address within the packet-switched LMR infrastructure to which the LMR content 130 is transmitted. Basically, the LMR content 130 is configured to propagate within a packet-switched LMR infrastructure or LMR network once it is uncapsulated. The transmission of the LMR content 130 is controlled by the controller 126. The controller 126 may have, for example, a router 128 for sending LMR content 130 to a destination in the LMR network. Note that the LMR content may be re-encapsulated for transmission within the LMR network or within the cellular data network.

Explain that operating and selecting a network to be used by LMR, in particular, selecting a non-LMR network such as an LMR network or a cellular data network to transmit LMR content. In general, the LMR unit can automatically select the network to be used based on, for example, user settings, predetermined settings, user-defined settings, operating conditions of the LMR unit, and the like. System selection is also made by the user using selectors or inputs on the LMR unit. A method of selecting the operating mode of the LMR unit, especially using a particular network for communication 350, is shown in FIG. Specifically, it is determined in step 352 that the current network or communication system will be used. Next, the operating conditions of the LMR unit are determined in step 354. This includes, for example, the strength of the current signal, the current geographic location, and so on. Then, in step 356, a user's arbitrary input or selection for a particular network is determined. For example, the user may think of using the LMR network in an area where the user knows that the cellular data network service is weak, or may choose to use the cellular data network where the user knows that there is no LMR network service. You can enter a specific network selection based on the target area. This user's choice may also be, for example, to always use the cellular data network first when available. This input may also be based on the user's manual selection of the LMR network or cellular data network using the buttons or selectors of the LMR unit.

Then, in step 358, the LMR setting of the LMR unit is determined. This includes, for example, a data traffic threshold level, transmission priority level, communication or content type (eg, voice, or emergency broadcast signal, emergency communication or PTT request) on a particular network or the bandwidth available on that network. ), Determining a pre-programmed configuration or selection for the LMR unit based on the current network used for communication, etc. Then, in step 360, it is determined whether the LMR setting takes precedence over the user's input or selection, or vice versa. For example, the LMR unit may be configured so that emergency broadcast messages must be sent over the LMR network and override any user input or selection. If the LMR setting does not override user input or selection, in step 362, the network used for communication is selected based on user input or selection, and the corresponding communication unit of the LMR unit is the LMR communication unit of LMR unit 22. Access to the cellular data network 42 of 40 or LMR unit 22 (see Figure 2). It can also be selected using the determined operating conditions of the LMR unit.

If it is determined in step 360 that the LMR setting takes precedence over user input or selection, the network used for communication in step 364 is selected based on the LMR setting. This may also include selection using the determined operating conditions of the LMR unit. The selection of the network to be used in either step 362 or step 364 results in no change in the newly selected network or network (ie, continue using the current network for communication). Note that you get. Further, if the network is changed after selecting the network in either step 362 or step 364, in step 366, for example, an auditory instruction (eg, sound) or a visual instruction (eg, lighting the LED of the LMR unit). Alternatively, it may be instructed by the network selection displayed on the display).

For example, a method 350 for changing the operating conditions of the LMR unit, including exceeding a predetermined threshold value, may be executed periodically or when a predetermined matter such as a user input occurs.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the LMR content processing method 150 is disclosed, and in step 152, a decision is made as to whether the LMR content is transmitted using the LMR network. If it is determined in step 152 that the LMR content is propagated using the LMR network, then in step 154 the LMR content is propagated to the LMR network. This may include the step of transmitting the LMR content to the base station of the LMR network based on the LMR protocol header provided in connection with the LMR content. The LMR content is then encapsulated in step 156, eg, encapsulated in a wrapper defined by the Airlink protocol as described herein and sent in step 158. For example, encapsulated LMR content, which may be configured as a datagram, may be sent within a packet-switched LMR infrastructure.

At the destination of the LMR content, the LMR content is processed in step 60, eg, uncapsulated, and then the action is determined in step 162 based on the processed data. For example, in step 162, a decision is made that an emergency signal is transmitted, or that LMR content is further sent to another base station. Then, in step 164, the corresponding action is performed, for example, within the packet-switched LMR infrastructure.

If it is determined in step 152 not to propagate the LMR content using the LMR network, then the LMR content is encapsulated for transmission (communication) in step 166. For example, in one typical embodiment, the LMR encapsulation module 36 (see FIG. 2) performs the LMR encapsulation layer 70 (see FIG. 8) and encapsulates the LMR content in a wrapper, such as an IP wrapper. The encapsulated LMR content is then propagated in step 168 using a cellular data network. This may include in step 170 the step of sending encapsulated LMR content within the cellular data network. The LMR content is transmitted to the packet-switched substrate in step 172, for example, based on the IP address from the IP wrapper.

The LMR content is then processed at the destination. This process may include uncapsulating the LMR content and determining the action in step 162. For example, an emergency signal may be transmitted, or a decision may be made to further send LMR content to another base station. The corresponding action is then performed in step 164, for example, within the packet-switched LMR infrastructure.

As such, various embodiments of the invention are provided to convey LMR content using LMR networks, or, for example, non-LMR networks, which are cellular data networks. When LMR content is propagated using a cellular data network, the LMR content is encapsulated in a packet switching protocol prior to transmission. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the LNR communication system 200 generally has a plurality of cellular data network base stations 202 and a plurality of LMR network base stations 204. The plurality of cellular data network base stations 202 and the plurality of LMR network base stations 204 have corresponding cellular data network communication service areas 206 and LMR network communication service areas 208, respectively. The cellular data network communication service area 206 and the LMR network communication service area 208 may overlap at several positions. In various embodiments of the invention described herein, for example, a mobile unit or an LMR unit 210 that is an LMR radio in an automobile depends, for example, on the location of the LMR unit 210 and the corresponding available service area. Allows communication via a cellular data network or LMR network. In particular, a communication tower (not shown) corresponding to each of the plurality of cellular data network base stations 202 and each of the plurality of LMR network base stations 204 enables wireless communication as described herein.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the controller 212 in the packet-switched board 41 communicates from the plurality of cellular data network base stations 202 and the plurality of LMR network base stations 204 as described herein. May be configured to control. As described herein, the controller processes multiple data packets received from the LMR network 24 or cellular data network 26 to determine the appropriate action or delivery procedure for a particular data packet. May be good.

Various embodiments or components, such as the LMR communication system 20 or controller, LMR unit or controller, are one or more separate from the LMR communication system 20 or LMR unit or integrated with the LMR communication system 20 or LMR unit. It may be implemented as part of a computer system. The computer system may have a computer, an input device, a display unit, and, for example, an interface for internet access. The computer may have a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be connected to the communication bus. The computer may have memory. The memory may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The computer system may further include a hard disk drive or a storage device which is a separable storage drive such as a floppy disk drive or an optical disk drive. The storage device may also be another similar means for loading a computer program or other directive into the computer system.

As used herein, the term "computer" refers to a system using a microcontroller, RISC, ASIC, logic circuit, any other circuit, or a processor capable of performing the functions described in the present invention. It may have any processor-based or microprocessor-based system, including. The above examples are typical and are not intended to limit the definition or meaning of "computer".

The computer system executes a set of instructions stored in one or more storage elements to process the input data. The storage element may also store data or other information if desired. The storage element may be in the form of a source of information or may be a physical memory element within the processing device.

The set of instructions may have various instructions that command the computer as a processing device that performs a particular operation, such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments of the invention. The instruction set may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a separate collection of programs, a program module within a large program, or a portion of a program module. The software may also have modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of the input data by the processing device may respond to a user command, a result of the previous processing, or a request of another processing device.

As used herein, the terms "software" and "farmware" are interchangeable and include RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) in a computer. It may include any computer program stored in memory for execution. The types of memory are examples only and do not limit the types of memory that can be used to store computer programs.

It should be noted that the various embodiments of the present invention may also be provided with different functionality, additional functionality. For example, end-to-end encryption may be performed, thereby eliminating the use of intervening cryptographic equipment and the security risks encountered by having access to cryptographic keys and having such intervening equipment. .. In addition, various embodiments of the invention can provide digital audio coding between terminations, which can be encountered in the use of intervening code conversion equipment and when the digital audio format is converted to another format. Eliminate the loss of fidelity.

Further, various embodiments of the present invention may provide key functions such as PTT, scanning, priority call with preemptive rights, emergency alert, attention, content scanning and tracking, navigation, dispatch and GPS positioning. .. Core functions can be performed in different core applications, including but not limited to the public security, utility and public transport industries.

For this reason, various embodiments provide multi-mode operation capable of implementing the same features, functions, user interfaces, etc. independently of the system in which the LMR unit operates (eg, LMR network or cellular network). To do. Various embodiments also allow end-to-end encryption between LMR devices across different systems. In addition, audio quality is maintained by eliminating the coding and recording of audio content.

<figref num="1">FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a land mobile radio (LMR) communication system configured according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="2">It is a block diagram which shows the LMR unit configured according to one typical embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="3">It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the LMR unit which was configured according to one typical Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="4">It is a perspective view of the LMR unit which shows the external structure which was configured according to one typical Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an LMR unit showing an external configuration configured according to another typical embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an LMR unit showing an external configuration configured according to another typical embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an LMR unit showing an external configuration configured according to another typical embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="8">It is a block diagram which shows the protocol stack according to one typical embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="9">It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the transmission of the LMR content in the LMR communication system according to one typical embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="10">FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a packet-switched protocol interface configured according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="11">FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing formatted LMR content according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="12">It is a flowchart which shows the method of selecting the operation mode of LMR according to one typical embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="13">It is a flowchart which shows the method of processing the LMR content according to one typical embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="14">It is a block diagram which shows the LMR communication system which was configured according to one typical Embodiment of this invention which shows a communication service area.</figref><figref num="15">FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an LMR communication system configured according to a typical embodiment of the present invention showing data flow.</figref>

Code description

22 Land Mobile Radio (LMR) 24 LMR network 26 Cellular data network 36 LMR Encapsulation Module 38 cells error wireless modem 40 LMR communication unit 42 Cellular Data Network Communication Department 45 processor 130 LMR content 246 display 250 user interface 312 dashboard