BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal and signal relay
method.
Related Background Art
[0002] In recent years, mobile-phone handsets and other such mobile communication terminals
have been being used to carry out video conferencing. As technologies related to such
video conference communication systems, a video conference communication system that
simultaneously broadcasts audio/video data from a transmission source terminal to
a plurality of distribution destination terminals by way of a control apparatus, and
a video conference control apparatus that reduces and synthesizes video signals received
from respective terminals, and superposes conference information thereon before distributing
same together with audio signals and data signals, are known (refer to Japanese Patent
Laid-open No.
2000-50225 and Japanese Patent Laid-open No.
7-162823).
[0003] Further, there has also been disclosed a video conference communication system that
makes it possible to allocate facsimile data and personal computer data transmission
bands to video data and voice data transmission bands so as to enable the transmitting
and receiving of facsimile data and image data while video conferencing (refer to
Japanese Patent Laid-open No.
5-244109).
US 2007/093238A1 discloses a communication system for video conferencing consisting of two mobile
devices, two computers and a proxy. The first mobile device is connected to the second
mobile device, the two computers are connected to each other, and the proxy is connected
to the second mobile device and to the two computers. A first image acquired by the
first mobile device is sent to each of the two computers, and images acquired by each
of the two computers are transmitted to the proxy, then are combined by the proxy,
and transmitted to the first mobile device.
[0004] US 2002/196746A1 discloses a method for establishing two-way video communication. Images from several
webcams can be displayed at a client in a one-way fashion, and by selection of one
of the images from the webcams, a two-way video communication with the respective
webcam can be established.
[0005] However, in the conventional video conference communication systems described above,
since the respective communication terminals are connected to a digital communication
network, there is a tendency for wasteful traffic generated on the digital communication
network to result in higher communication costs. Further, the video data and audio
data of the transmission source communication terminal can conceivably be multiplexed
and transmitted to the digital communication network, but even in this case, the amount
of data transmitted and received over the digital communication network is huge, and,
in addition, functions for extracting the video data and audio data received by the
receiving side terminal become necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention was made with these problems in view, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal and a signal
relay method that make it possible to lower communication costs using a simple configuration
by reducing the traffic on the communication network resulting from data communications
for video conference use.
[0007] To solve for the above-mentioned problems, a mobile communication terminal of the
present invention is for use in signal relay for relaying transmission signals, which
are audio signals or video signals created by a plurality of transmission source terminals,
to a transmission destination terminal that is connected via a mobile communication
network, and comprises inputting means for creating a first transmission signal, which
is an audio signal or a video signal, based on audio or video directly input from
outside; short-range communication means for receiving second transmission signals,
which are audio signals or video signals, from the plurality of transmission source
terminals via short-range communications; signal synthesizing means for synthesizing
the first transmission signal with the second transmission signals transmitted from
the plurality of transmission source terminals, and outputting a synthesized signal;
signal selecting means for selecting a signal from among the first transmission signal,
second transmission signals, and the synthesized signal; and signal transmitting means
for transmitting the signal selected by the signal selecting means to the transmission
destination terminal via the mobile communication network; wherein the signal selecting
means selects a signal based on a select-signal request transmitted from the transmission
source terminal or the transmission destination terminal.
[0008] Or, a signal relay method of the present invention for relaying transmission signals,
which are audio signals or video signals created by a plurality of transmission source
terminals, to a transmission destination terminal connected via the mobile communication
network, comprising an input step in which inputting means creates a first transmission
signal, which is an audio signal or a video signal, based on audio or video directly
input from outside; a short-range communication step in which short-range communication
means receives second transmission signals, which are audio signals or video signals,
from the plurality of transmission source terminals via short-range communications;
a signal synthesizing step in which signal synthesizing means synthesizes the first
transmission signal with the second transmission signals transmitted from the plurality
of transmission source terminals, and outputs a synthesized signal; a signal selection
step in which signal selecting means selects a signal from among the first transmission
signal, the second transmission signals, and the synthesized signal; and a signal
transmitting step in which signal transmitting means transmits the signal selected
by the signal selecting means to the transmission destination terminal via the mobile
communication network; wherein the signal selecting means selects a signal based on
a select-signal request transmitted from the transmission source terminal or the transmission
destination terminal.
[0009] According to this mobile communication terminal and signal relay method, one signal
is selected from among a first transmission signal, which is based on audio or video
that was directly input from outside, second transmission signals, which have been
received as audio or video from a plurality of transmission source terminals via short-range
communications, and a synthesized signal, which synthesizes the first and second transmission
signals, and is transmitted to a transmission destination terminal via a mobile communication
network. Consequently, when video or audio from a plurality of mobile communication
terminals is selectively transmitted to a transmission destination, since the required
signal is selected beforehand and sent to the mobile communication network, wasteful
traffic is reduced, making it possible to lower communication costs using a simple
configuration.
[0010] According to this mobile communication terminal and signal relay method, signal selecting
means select a signal based on a signal selection requirement, which is transmitted
from either the transmission source terminal or the transmission destination terminal.
In this case, since a transmission signal is selected from among the first transmission
signal, second transmission signals and synthesized signal based on either a transmission
source or transmission destination requirement, the timely provision of either video
or audio is realized in the video conference.
[0011] Further, it is also preferable that short-range communication means commence receiving
the second transmission signals from the pertinent transmission source terminals subsequent
to receiving a connection request from the transmission source terminal, and that
signal synthesizing means synthesize the first transmission signal and the second
transmission signals transmitted from transmission source terminals, which are the
connection-requesting transmission source. If this configuration is adopted, the second
transmission signals will start being received when the connection request is received
from the transmission source terminal, thereby enabling either a video signal or an
audio signal to be reliably received from the transmission source terminal, facilitating
the transmission source terminal's smooth participation in the video conference.
[0012] Furthermore, it is also preferable that short-range communication means commence
receiving the second transmission signals from the pertinent transmission source terminals
subsequent to a connection request to the transmission source terminal being established,
and that signal synthesizing means synthesize the first transmission signal and the
second transmission signals sent from the transmission source terminals, which are
the connection-requesting transmission source. By so doing, since reception of the
second transmission signals starts when a short-range communication session is established
with the transmission source terminals, it is possible to reliably receive either
video signals or audio signals from the transmission source terminals, thus facilitating
the smooth convening of the transmission source terminals into the video conference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013]
Fig. 1 is a general block diagram of a mobile communication terminal that is the first
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a diagram of the hardware configuration of the mobile communication terminal
of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations when a video conference communication
system comprising the mobile communication terminal of Fig. 1 commences communications;
Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations when a video conference communication
system comprising the mobile communication terminal of Fig. 1 commences communications;
Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations when a video conference communication
system comprising the mobile communication terminal of Fig. 1 is disconnected;
Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations when a video conference communication
system comprising the mobile communication terminal of Fig. 1 is disconnected;
Fig. 7 is a general block diagram of the mobile communication terminal that is the
first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations when a video conference communication
system comprising the mobile communication terminal of Fig. 7 commences communications;
Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations when a video conference communication
system comprising the mobile communication terminal of Fig. 7 is disconnected;
Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations when a video conference communication
system comprising the mobile communication terminal of Fig. 7 is disconnected;
Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations when a video conference communication
system comprising the mobile communication terminal of Fig. 7 distributes terminal
information;
Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations when a video conference communication
system comprising the mobile communication terminal of Fig. 7 switches transmission
signals; and
Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations when a video conference communication
system comprising the mobile communication terminal of Fig. 7 switches transmission
signals.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The preferred embodiments of a mobile communication terminal according to the present
invention will be explained in detail hereinbelow together with the figures. Furthermore,
the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same elements in the explanations
of the figures, and explanations that duplicate one another will be omitted.
[First Embodiment]
[0015] Fig. 1 is a general block diagram of a mobile communication terminal 1 that is the
first embodiment of the present invention. The mobile communication terminal 1 shown
in this figure is a communication terminal that enables the transmitting and receiving
of data via a mobile communication network NW in which IMT 2000 (International Mobile
Telecommunications 2000), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) or another such mobile communication
scheme is employed, and, in addition, that enables the transmitting and receiving
of data using bluetooth communications, infrared communications (IrDA) or other such
short-range communications. This shows a situation in which the mobile communication
terminal 1 is able to be connected to a mobile communication terminal (transmission
destination terminal) 3 via the mobile communication network NW, and is able to be
connected to mobile communication terminals (transmission source terminals) 2a, 2b,
2c using short-range communications, but the number of connected terminals can vary
in accordance with the communication capabilities of mobile communication terminal
1. In these mobile communication terminals 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3, application software
that has videophone functions for enabling the terminals to video conference with
one another are executed, and audio signals and video signals are mutually transmitted
and received by the terminals, and these audio signals and video signals are simultaneously
replayed. Hereinafter, "parent terminal" will refer to a terminal, which is connected
via short-range communications to the plurality of transmission source terminals,
and relays audio signals and video signals between one or more transmission destination
terminals and this plurality of transmission source terminals, and "child terminal"
will refer to a transmission source terminal that is connected to this parent terminal
via short-range communications. In Fig. 1, the mobile communication terminal 1 corresponds
to the "parent terminal" and the mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c correspond
to "child terminals", respectively.
[0016] Next, the configuration of mobile communication terminal 1 will be explained. As
shown in Fig. 1, mobile communication terminal 1 functionally comprises a short-range
communication portion (short-range communication means) 11; an audio/video input portion
(inputting means) 12; a signal synthesizer (signal synthesizing means) 16 that comprises
an audio/video decoder 13, an audio/video synthesizer 14, and an audio/video encoder
15; a switching portion (signal selecting means) 17; a mobile communication portion
(signal transmitting means) 18; and an audio/video output portion 19. The mobile communication
terminal 1 relay-transmits a transmission signal comprising audio signals and video
signals created by mobile communication terminals 1, 2a, 2b, 2c to mobile communication
terminal 3, and at the same time relays a reception signal comprising an audio signal
and video signal created by mobile communication terminal 3 to mobile communication
terminals 2a, 2b, 2c. That is, mobile communication terminal 1 is a data relay apparatus
that makes video conferencing among the mobile communication terminals 1, 2a, 2b,
2c, 3 possible.
[0017] Further, Fig. 2 is a diagram of the hardware configuration of mobile communication
terminal 1. As shown in Fig. 2, mobile communication terminal 1 is physically configured
as a terminal apparatus comprising a CPU 21, RAM 22 and ROM 23, which are the main
memory devices, a hard disk device or other such auxiliary storage device 27; an input
device 26, such as input keys, a microphone and the like, which are input devices;
a speaker, display or other such output device 28; a mobile communication module 24;
and a short-range communication module 25, such as a Bluetooth communication module
or infrared communication module. This mobile communication module 24 is for executing
data communications using a mobile communication scheme, and the short-range communication
module 25 is for executing data communications using a short-range communication scheme.
The respective functions shown in Fig. 1 are realized by reading in the prescribed
software program to the CPU 21, RAM 22 and other hardware shown in Fig. 2 and operating
the communication modules 24, 25, input device 26 and output device 28 under the control
of the CPU 21, and, in addition, reading out and writing the data in the RAM 22 and
auxiliary storage device 27. In particular, the short-range communication portion
11 functions by using the short-range communication module 25, the mobile communication
portion 18 functions by using the mobile communication module 24, the audio/video
input portion 12 functions by using the input device 26, and the audio/video output
portion 19 functions by using the output device 28.
[0018] The respective functional elements will be explained in detail hereinbelow by referring
to Fig. 1.
[0019] The short-range communication portion 11 receives child terminal transmission signals
comprising audio signals and video signals from the mobile communication terminals
2a, 2b, 2c using short-range communications. The audio signals and video signals comprised
in this child terminal transmission signal are signals created using the microphones,
cameras, and other such inputting means of the mobile communications terminals 2a,
2b, 2c, and the audio signals and video signals of the child terminal transmission
signal, for example, are superposingly encoded using a prescribed encoding scheme,
such as the ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization
Sector) H.324 standard. At this time, the short-range communication portion 11 can
multiplexedly receive the child terminal transmission signals from the plurality of
mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c over the same radio link, and can receive
the child terminal transmission signals from the plurality of mobile communication
terminals 2a, 2b, 2c separately by connecting the radio link either serially or parallelly
to the mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c. Then, the short-range communication
portion 11 separates the received child terminals transmission signals for each signal
from the mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and sends these child terminal
transmission signals to the audio/video decoder 13 and switching portion 17.
[0020] Further, the short-range communication portion 11 makes it possible to replay audio
and video acquired by mobile communication terminal 3 in the mobile communication
terminals 2a, 2b, 2c by relay-transmitting the reception signal comprising an audio
signal and video signal received via the mobile communication portion 18 from mobile
communication terminal 3 to the mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c using short-range
communications.
[0021] Based on audio and video directly input from outside using the input device 26, the
audio/video input portion 12 creates a parent terminal transmission signal comprising
an audio signal and a video signal of a signal format capable of being replayed by
the audio/video output portion 19. The audio/video input portion 12 sends the created
parent terminal transmission signal to the audio/video synthesizer 14. Further, the
audio/video input portion 12 sends this parent terminal transmission signal to the
switching portion 17 subsequent to encoding using a prescribed encoding scheme.
[0022] The audio/video decoder 13 outputs a child terminal transmission signal comprising
an audio signal and video signal of a signal format capable of being replayed by the
audio/video output portion 19 by decoding the child terminal transmission signal sent
from the short-range communication portion 11. The audio/video decoder 13 sends the
output child terminal transmission signal to the audio/video synthesizer 14.
[0023] The audio/video synthesizer 14 creates a synthesized signal by synthesizing a plurality
of video and audio acquired by the mobile communication terminals 1, 2a, 2b, 2c based
on the child terminal transmission signal sent from the audio/video decoder 13 and
the parent terminal transmission signal sent from the audio/video input portion 12.
The synthesizing of the video, for example, is carried out by creating superposition
data such that a plurality of videos can be parallelly displayed inside the same image
frame. Further, for the synthesizing of the audio, superposition data is created so
that a plurality of audio can be replayed simultaneously. The audio/video synthesizer
14 outputs the created synthesized signal to the audio/video encoder 15.
[0024] The audio/video encoder 15 uses a prescribed encoding scheme to encode the synthesized
signal output from the audio/video synthesizer 14, and sends the post-encoded synthesized
signal to the switching portion 17.
[0025] Furthermore, the signal synthesizer (signal synthesizing means) 16 comprising the
audio/video decoder 13, audio/video synthesizer 14, and audio/video encoder 15 is
preset so as to only start up when a synthesized signal is selected by the switching
portion 17 as the transmission target.
[0026] The switching portion 17 selects a transmission signal from among the child terminal
transmission signal of each of the mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c sent
from the short-range communication portion 11, the parent terminal transmission signal
from the audio/video input portion 12, and the synthesized signal from the audio/video
encoder 15, and sends the selected transmission signal to the mobile communication
portion 18 and the audio/video output portion 19. The selection by the switching portion
17 is executed at this time based on a selection input received from the mobile communication
terminal 1 user beforehand, a switch-signal request signal (signal selection request)
received from the mobile communication terminal 3 via the mobile communication network
NW, or a switch-proposal signal (signal selection request) received from the mobile
communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c via short-range communications.
[0027] The mobile communication portion 18 transmits the transmission signal sent from the
switching portion 17 to mobile communication terminal 3 via the mobile communication
network NW. Consequently, either the audio/video or the superposed audio/video thereof
of the mobile communication terminals 1, 2a, 2b, 2c can be selectively transmitted
to mobile communication terminal 3.
[0028] The audio/video output portion 19 decodes, replays and outputs to the output device
28 the transmission signal sent from the switching portion 17 so that the user of
mobile communication terminal 1 can monitor the signal to be sent to the transmission
destination.
[0029] Next, the operation of a video conference communication system comprising the mobile
communication terminals 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3 will be explained in detail by referring
to Figs. 3 through 6.
[0030] Mobile communication terminal 1 has the role of the parent terminal of the mobile
communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c when carrying out videophone communications with
mobile communication tenninal 3, and the mode in which the mobile communication terminals
2a, 2b, 2c participate in videophone communications is classified into a situation
in which mobile communication terminal 1 functions as a host, and a situation in which
mobile communication terminal 1 functions as a client. First, the procedure for commencing
communications when mobile communication terminal 1 functions as the host will be
explained by referring to Fig. 3. As the premise for this situation, it is supposed
that a videophone communication session between mobile communication terminal 1 and
mobile communication terminal 3 has already been established.
[0031] Firstly, the host function of the videophone application is started up either automatically
or by the user of mobile communication terminal 1, and transits to a state of waiting
for a connection from the mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c (Step S01). When
a host search request is received from the user of mobile communication terminal 2a
in response to this (Step S02), the short-range communication function of mobile communication
terminal 2a is started up (Step S03). Thereafter, a connection request is carried
out from mobile communication terminal 2a to mobile communication terminal 1, and
short-range communication connection processing commences between mobile communication
terminal 2a and mobile communication terminal 1 (Step S04). Then, when the short-range
communication connection is established, the respective videophone applications of
mobile communication terminals 1 and 2a receive a connection-complete response (Step
S05).
[0032] Next, an acknowledge-start request is transmitted from the videophone application
of mobile communication terminal 2a to the videophone application of mobile communication
terminal 1 (Step S06), and in response to this, an acknowledge-start response is returned
to the videophone application of mobile communication terminal 2a from the videophone
application of mobile communication terminal 1 (Step S07). Then, the user of mobile
communication terminal 2a is asked whether or not to connect to mobile communication
terminal 1 by using the display, and in response to this, the user inputs a connection-acknowledged
indicating that connection will be permitted (Step S08). In so doing, subsequent to
a connection request being transmitted from the videophone application of mobile communication
terminal 2a to the videophone application of mobile communication terminal 1 (Step
S09), a permit-connection signal that shows in effect that a connection will be permitted
is returned from mobile communication terminal 1 and a connection between the two
parties is established (Step S10). In the processing of Step S08 here, password information
and other such authentication processing can be added in accordance with a prior setting
in mobile communication terminal 1.
[0033] Thereafter, as the inputting of audio and video begins and a child terminal transmission
signal is created in mobile communication terminal 2a (Step S11), a parent terminal
transmission signal is created by the audio/video inputting portion 12 of mobile communication
terminal 1 based on input audio and input video as needed (Step S12). The created
child terminal transmission signal is transmitted to mobile communication terminal
1 (Step S13).
[0034] The transmitted child terminal transmission signal, subsequent to being received
by mobile communication terminal 1, is decoded by the audio/video decoder 13 in accordance
with a prescribed encoding scheme (Step S14). Next, when a child terminal transmission
signal is received from a plurality of terminals and the synthesized signal is selected
as the transmission target by the switching portion 17, a synthesized signal is created
by the audio/video synthesizer 14 (Step S15). Then, the created synthesized signal
is encoded by the audio/video encoder 15 (Step S16). Thereafter, one transmission
signal is selected by the switching portion 17 from among the encoded synthesized
signal, the respective child terminal transmission signals, and the parent terminal
transmission signal (Step S17), and this transmission signal is transmitted to mobile
communication terminal 3 by the mobile communication portion 18 (Step S18).
[0035] In the meantime, a reception signal is created based on the video and audio input
to mobile communication terminal 3 (Step S19), and this reception signal, subsequent
to being encoded using the prescribed encoding scheme, is transmitted to mobile communication
terminal 1 via the mobile communication network NW (Step S20). Then, after being received
one time by the mobile communication portion 18, the reception signal is relay-transmitted
to mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c by the short-range communication portion
11 (Step S21).
[0036] In mobile communication terminal 1, the reception signal received from mobile communication
terminal 3 is decoded and replayed by the audio/video output portion 19 (Step S23),
thereby enabling the video and audio in mobile communication terminal 3 to be output
to the output device 28. The transmission signal selected by the switching portion
17 is also decoded and replayed by the audio/video output portion 19 at the same time
as this (Step S23). Further, in mobile communication terminals 2a and 3, the reception
signal from mobile communication terminal 3, and the transmission signal selectively
transmitted from mobile communication terminal 1 are respectively decoded and replayed
(Step S22, S24).
[0037] Moving to Fig. 4, the procedure for commencing communications when mobile communication
terminal 1 functions as a client will be explained.
[0038] Firstly, the host function of the videophone application is started up by the user
of mobile communication terminal 2a, and transits to a state of waiting for a connection
from mobile communication terminal 1 (Step S31). The short-range communication function
of mobile communication terminal 2a is started up in response to this (Step S32).
Thereafter, when a host search request is received from the user of mobile communication
terminal 1 (Step S33), a connection request is issued from mobile communication terminal
1 to mobile communication terminal 2a, and short-range communication connection processing
commences between mobile communication terminal 1 and mobile communication terminal
2a (Step S34). Then, when the short-range communication connection is established,
the respective videophone applications of mobile communication terminals 1 and 2a
receive a connection-complete response (Step S35).
[0039] Next, an acknowledge-start request is transmitted from the videophone application
of mobile communication terminal 2a to the videophone application of mobile communication
terminal 1 (step S36), and in response to this, an acknowledge-start response is returned
to the videophone application of mobile communication terminal 2a from the videophone
application of mobile communication terminal 1 (Step S37). Then, the user of mobile
communication terminal 2a is asked whether or not to connect to mobile communication
terminal 1 by using the display, and in response to this, the user inputs connection-acknowledged
indicating that connection will be permitted (Step S38). In so doing, subsequent to
a connection request being transmitted from the videophone application of mobile communication
terminal 2a to the videophone application of mobile communication terminal 1 (Step
S39), a permit-connection signal that shows in effect that a connection will be permitted
is returned from mobile communication terminal 1 and a connection between the two
parties is established (Step S40). Thereafter, videophone communications are carried
out between the mobile communication terminals 1, 2a, 3 using the same processing
as in the above-described Steps S11 through S24 (Steps S41 through S54).
[0040] Moving to Fig. 5, the procedure for disconnecting the videoconference communications
of mobile communication terminal 2a when mobile communication terminal 1 functions
as the host will be explained.
[0041] First, a disconnect request is received from the user of mobile communication terminal
2a when videophone communications are being carried out among the mobile communication
terminals 1, 2a, 3 (Step S61). When this happens, a release-connection request is
sent from the videophone application of mobile communication terminal 2a to the videophone
application of mobile communication terminal 1 using short-range communication (Step
S62). When the child terminal transmission signal of mobile communication terminal
2a is selected as the transmission target by the switching portion 17 in response
to this, a re-select of transmission target is received from the user of mobile communication
terminal 1, and the transmission signal output by the switching portion 17 is switched
on the basis of this (Step S63).
[0042] Thereafter, the videophone communication connection between mobile communication
terminal 2a and mobile communication terminal 1 is released, and a connection-released
response is returned from mobile communication terminal 1 to mobile communication
terminal 2a (Step S64). Accordingly, a connection-release complete is transmitted
from mobile communication terminal 2a to mobile communication terminal 1 (Step S65).
Next, the child terminal transmission signal from mobile communication terminal 2a
is deselected from the targets for synthesis processing by the audio/video synthesizer
14 (Step S66). Then, the short-range communication session between mobile communication
terminal 2a and mobile communication terminal 1 is released (Step S67), and videophone
communication disconnection complete is displayed on the mobile communication terminals
1, 2a (Step S68).
[0043] Next, the procedure for disconnecting videophone communication of mobile communication
terminal 2a when mobile communication terminal 1 functions as the client will be explained
by referring to Fig. 6.
[0044] First, a request to disconnect videophone communication with mobile communication
terminal 2a is received from the user of mobile communication terminal 1 when videophone
communications are being carried out among the mobile communication terminals 1, 2a,
3 (Step S71). So when the child terminal transmission signal of mobile communication
terminal 2a is selected as the transmission target by the switching portion 17, a
re-select of transmission target is received from the user of mobile communication
terminal 1, and the transmission signal output by the switching portion 17 is switched
on the basis of this (Step S72). Further, the child terminal transmission signal from
mobile communication terminal 2a is deselected from the targets for synthesis processing
by the audio/video synthesizer 14 (Step S73).
[0045] Thereafter, a release-connection request is sent from the videophone application
of mobile communication terminal 1 to the videophone application of mobile communication
terminal 2a using short-range communications (Step S74). Accordingly, the videophone
communication connection between mobile communication terminal 2a and mobile communication
terminal 1 is released, and a connection-released response is returned from mobile
communication terminal 2a to mobile communication terminal 1 (Step S75). Then, the
short-range communication session between mobile communication terminal 2a and mobile
communication terminal 1 is released (Step S76), and videophone communication disconnection
complete is displayed on the mobile communication terminals 1, 2a (Step S77).
[0046] According to the mobile communication terminal 1 explained hereinabove, one signal
is selected from among a parent terminal transmission signal, which is based on audio
and video that was directly input from outside, child terminal transmission signals,
which have been received as audio or video from a plurality of mobile communication
terminals 2a, 2b, 2c via short-range communications, and a synthesized signal, which
synthesizes the parent terminal transmission signal and the child terminal transmission
signals, and is transmitted to a mobile communication terminal 3 via the mobile communication
network NW. Consequently, when video and audio from a plurality of mobile communication
terminals are selectively transmitted to a transmission destination, since the required
signal is selected beforehand and sent to the mobile communication network, wasteful
traffic is reduced, making it possible to lower communication costs using a simple
configuration. That is, automatically switching the uplink signal from data transmission
sources results in the data source that occupies the communication channel differing
each time, thereby dramatically reducing data communications quantity and communication
costs compared to simply multiplexedly transmitting video signals and audio signals
from a plurality of transmission sources.
[0047] Further, since the switching portion 17 selects a transmission signal based on signal
selection requests transmitted from the mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,
3, the timely provision of either video or audio in a video conference is realized.
[0048] Further, since the reception of child terminal transmission signals commences when
short-range communication sessions are established with mobile communication terminals
2a, 2b, 2c, it is possible to reliably receive either a video signal or audio signal
from the transmission source terminal, enabling the convening and smooth participation
in a video conference of transmission source terminals.
[Second Embodiment]
[0049] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Fig. 7 is a
general block diagram of a mobile communication terminal 101, which is the second
embodiment of the present invention. The mobile communication terminal 101 shown in
this figure differs from the first embodiment in that the child terminal transmission
signals received from the mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c via short-range
communications are relay-transmitted to a mobile communication terminal 4 via short-range
communications, and, in addition, a reception signal received from mobile communication
terminal 3 by way of mobile communication terminal 4 using short-range communication
is relay-transmitted to the mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c. That is, mobile
communication terminal 101 has a role as a hub device for relaying a video signal
and an audio signal using short-range communications, and mobile communication terminal
101 corresponds to the "parent terminal" and mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b,
2c correspond to the "child terminals". It is supposed here that mobile communication
terminal 4 is able to connect to mobile communication terminal 3 via the mobile communication
network NW, and is able to connect to mobile communication terminal 101 via short-range
communications.
[0050] As shown in Fig. 7, mobile communication terminal 101 functionally comprises a short-range
communication portion (short-range communication means) 111; audio/video input portion
(inputting means) 12; a signal synthesizer (signal synthesizing means) 16 that comprises
an audio/video decoder 13, an audio/video synthesizer 14, and an audio/video encoder
15; a switching portion (signal selecting means) 117; and an audio/video output portion
19. Only the parts having functions that differ from the first embodiment will be
explained hereinbelow.
[0051] The short-range communication portion 111 sends child terminal transmission signals
received via short-range communications from mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b,
2c to the switching portion 117 and the audio/video decoder 13, and, at the same time,
receives a reception signal from mobile communication terminal 3 via short-range communications
by way of mobile communication terminal 4, and relay-transmits this reception signal
to the mobile communication terminals 2a, 2b, 2c. Further, the short-range communication
portion 111 transmits a transmission signal selectively output by the switching portion
117 to mobile communication terminal 4 via short-range communications. This transmission
signal is relayed to mobile communication terminal 3 via the mobile communication
network NW by mobile communication terminal 4.
[0052] The switching portion 117 selects a transmission signal from among the child terminal
transmission signals output from the short-range communication portion 111, a parent
terminal transmission signal and a synthesized signal, and outputs this selected transmission
signal to the short-range communication portion 111.
[0053] The operation of a video conference communication system comprising mobile communication
terminals 101, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3, 4 will be explained in detail hereinbelow by referring
to Figs. 8 through 13.
[0054] Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the communication start-up procedure when mobile
communication terminal 101 functions as the host. Steps S102 through S109, S112 through
S120, and S122 through S125 shown in this figure are the same processing as Steps
S02 through S18 and S20 through S23 of Fig. 3.
[0055] Firstly, in mobile communication terminal 101, a host function of videophone application
is started up together with a hub function (Step S101). Thereafter, when acknowledgement
of the short-range communication connection and acknowledgement of the start of the
videophone application function by mobile communication terminal 2a have been completed,
and a videophone communication connection request is transmitted from mobile communication
terminal 2a to mobile communication terminal 101, this connection request is transferred
to mobile communication terminal 4, and authentication processing for a connection
between mobile communication terminal 2a and mobile communication terminal 4 is executed
(Step S110). Then, when authentication processing ends normally, a videophone communication
permit-connection is transmitted from mobile communication terminal 4 to mobile communication
terminal 101 (Step S111), and relayed to mobile communication terminal 2a (Step S112).
[0056] Thereafter, a transmission signal is transmitted from mobile communication terminal
101 to mobile communication terminal 4 using short-range communication (Step S120),
and this transmission signal is relayed to mobile communication terminal 3 via the
mobile communication network NW, and, at the same time, a reception signal from mobile
communication terminal 3 is relayed to mobile communication terminal 101 using short-range
communication (Step S121). Furthermore, it is also possible for mobile communication
terminal 4 to switch the signal to a video signal and audio signal acquired in its
own terminal and transmit it to mobile communication terminal 3.
[0057] Moving to Fig. 9, the procedure for disconnecting videophone communications of mobile
communication terminal 2a when mobile communication terminal 101 functions as the
host will be explained.
[0058] First, a disconnect request is received from mobile communication terminal 2a user
when videophone communications are being carried out among mobile communication terminals
101, 2a, 3, 4 (Step S131). In so doing, a release-connection request is sent from
the videophone application of mobile communication terminal 2a to the videophone application
of mobile communication terminal 101 using short-range communication, and the release-connection
request is transferred to mobile communication terminal 4 by mobile communication
terminal 101 (Steps S132, S133). In response to this, when the child terminal transmission
signal of mobile communication terminal 2a is selected as the transmission target
by the switching portion 17, a re-select of transmission target is received from the
user of mobile communication terminal 4 (Step S134). A switch-signal request based
on this re-select is transmitted to mobile communication terminal 101 from mobile
communication terminal 4, and, at the same time, a release-connection response is
transmitted from mobile communication terminal 4 to mobile communication terminal
2a by way of mobile communication terminal 101, and the videophone communication connection
between mobile communication terminal 2a and mobile communication terminal 101 is
released (Steps S135, S136).
[0059] Accordingly, a connection-release complete is transmitted from mobile communication
terminal 2a to mobile communication terminal 4 by way of mobile communication terminal
101 (Steps S137, S138). Next, the child terminal transmission signal of mobile communication
terminal 2a is deselected from the targets for synthesis processing by the audio/video
synthesizer 14 (Step S139). Thereafter, videophone communication disconnection complete
is displayed on mobile communication terminal 4 (Step S140). Then, the short-range
communication session between mobile communication terminal 2a and mobile communication
terminal 101 is released (Step S141), and videophone communication disconnection complete
is displayed on mobile communication terminal 2a (Step S142).
[0060] Next, the procedure for disconnecting videophone communications of mobile communication
terminal 2a from mobile communication terminal 4 when mobile communication terminal
101 functions as the host will be explained by referring to Fig. 10.
[0061] First, a disconnect request is received from mobile communication terminal 4 user
(Step S151). In response to this, when the child terminal transmission signal of mobile
communication terminal 2a is selected as the transmission target by the switching
portion 17 of mobile communication terminal 101, a re-select of transmission target
is received from the user of mobile communication terminal 4 (Step S152). In so doing,
a switch-signal request based on this re-select is transmitted from mobile communication
terminal 4 to mobile communication terminal 101, and, at the same time, a release-connection
request is transmitted from mobile communication terminal 4 to mobile communication
terminal 2a by way of mobile communication terminal 101, and the videophone communication
connection between mobile communication terminal 2a and mobile communication terminal
101 is released (Steps S153, S154). When release-connection is complete, a connection-released
response is sent from mobile communication terminal 2a to mobile communication terminal
101 using short-range communication (Step S155).
[0062] Accordingly, the child terminal transmission signal from mobile communication terminal
2a is deselected from the targets for synthesis processing by the audio/video synthesizer
14 (Step S156). Thereafter, the relaying of the connection-released response from
mobile communication terminal 2a to mobile communication terminal 4 (Step S157) results
in disconnection complete being displayed on mobile communication terminal 4 (Step
S158). Then, the short-range communication session between mobile communication terminal
2a and mobile communication terminal 101 is released (Step S159), and videophone communication
disconnection complete is displayed on mobile communication terminal 2a (Step S160).
[0063] Furthermore, Fig. 11 shows the procedure for notifying the respective mobile communication
terminals 101, 2a, 4 of information related to a connected child terminal. First,
information related to a subordinate terminal connected to mobile communication terminal
101 is constantly transmitted from mobile communication terminal 101 to mobile communication
terminal 4 during videophone communications (Step S161). In response to this, mobile
communication terminal 4 updates connected terminal-related information that is held
inside its own terminal (Step S162).
[0064] Then, mobile communication terminal 4 transmits information related to all the connected
terminals subordinate to mobile communication terminal 4 to mobile communication terminal
101 (Step S163), and mobile communication terminal 101 relays this information to
mobile communication terminal 2a (Step S164). Consequently, the respective mobile
communication terminals 101, 2a, 4 are able to discern the terminal group taking part
in the video conference, and mobile communication terminal 101 receives the transmission
signal selection based on this (Step S165), making it possible to switch the transmission
signal to be transmitted to mobile communication terminal 4 (Step S166).
[0065] Figs. 12 and 13 respectively show the procedures for receiving a transmission signal
selection from mobile communication terminal 4 and mobile communication terminal 2a.
[0066] Referring to Fig. 12, when a switch request for switching the transmission signal
to the parent terminal transmission signal of mobile communication terminal 101 is
received from the user of mobile communication terminal 4 (Step S171), this switch
request is transmitted to mobile communication terminal 101 1 (Step S172). In response
to this, the transmission signal is switched by the switching portion 117 of mobile
communication terminal 101 (Step S173). Then, the switched transmission signal is
transmitted from mobile communication terminal 101 to mobile communication terminal
4 (Step S174).
[0067] Conversely, when a switch request for switching the transmission signal to the synthesized
signal is received from the user of mobile communication terminal 4 (Step S175), this
switch request is transmitted to mobile communication terminal 101 (Step S176). In
response to this, the signal synthesizer 16 function of mobile communication terminal
101, which up until this time had been suspended, is started up (Step S177). Next,
the transmission signal is switched to the synthesized signal by the switching portion
117 (Step S178). Then, the synthesized signal is transmitted from mobile communication
terminal 101 to mobile communication terminal 4 (Step S179).
[0068] Referring to Fig. 13, when a switch-proposal signal for switching the transmission
signal to the parent terminal transmission signal of mobile communication terminal
101 is received from the user of mobile communication terminal 2a (Step S181), this
switch-proposal signal is transmitted to mobile communication terminal 4 by way of
mobile communication terminal 101 (Steps S182, S183). In response to this, when this
switch-proposal signal is received by mobile communication terminal 4 (Step S184),
the propriety of the switch-proposal signal is authenticated based on authentication
information held beforehand inside the terminal (Step S185). When the switch is permitted
in accordance with this authentication, a permit-switch response is transmitted from
mobile communication terminal, 4 to mobile communication terminal 101 (Step S186).
Accordingly, the transmission signal is switched by the switching portion 117 of mobile
communication terminal 101 (Step S187). Then, the switched transmission signal is
transmitted from mobile communication terminal 101 to mobile communication terminal
4 (Step S188), and, at the same time, the permit-switch response is transferred to
mobile communication terminal 2a (Step S188).
[0069] In accordance with the mobile communication terminal 101 explained hereinabove, too,
when video and audio are selectively transmitted to a transmission destination from
a plurality of mobile communication terminals, the required signal is selected beforehand
and sent to the parent terminal, which is directly connected to the mobile communication
network, and since this parent terminal relays these selected video and audio to the
transmission destination via the mobile communication network, wasteful traffic is
reduced, making it possible to lower communication costs with a simple configuration.
In particular, the mobile communication terminal 101 functioning as a hub device makes
it possible to further reduce the processing load, and, in addition, to easily increase
the number of connected terminals.
1. A mobile communication terminal (1, 101) for use in signal relay for relaying transmission
signals, which are audio signals or video signals created by a plurality of transmission
source terminals (2a, 2b, 2c) , to a transmission destination terminal (3) that is
connected via a mobile communication network (NW), comprising:
inputting means (12) for creating a first transmission signal, which is an audio signal
or a video signal, based on audio or video directly input from outside;
short-range communication means (11, 111) for receiving second transmission signals,
which are audio signals or video signals, from the plurality of transmission source
terminals (2a, 2b, 2c) via short-range communications;
signal synthesizing means (14) for synthesizing the first transmission signal with
the second transmission signals transmitted from the plurality of transmission source
terminals (2a, 2b, 2c), and outputting a synthesized signal;
signal selecting means (17, 117) for selecting a signal from among the first transmission
signal, the second transmission signals, and the synthesized signal; and
signal transmitting means (18, 111) for transmitting the signal selected by the signal
selecting means (17, 117) to the transmission destination terminal (3) via the mobile
communication network (NW);
wherein the signal selecting means (17, 117) selects a signal based on a select-signal
request transmitted from the transmission source terminal (2a, 2b, 2c) or the transmission
destination terminal (3).
2. The mobile communication terminal (1, 101) according to Claim 1, wherein the short-range
communication means (11, 111) commences receiving the second transmission signal from
the transmission source terminal (2a, 2b, 2c) subsequent to receiving a connection
request from this transmission source terminal (2a, 2b, 2c), and
the signal synthesizing means (14) synthesizes the first transmission signal with
the second transmission signal that has been transmitted from the transmission source
terminal (2a, 2b, 2c), which is the transmission source of the connection request.
3. The mobile communication terminal (1, 101) according to Claim 1, wherein the short-range
communication means (11, 111) commences receiving the second transmission signal from
the transmission source terminal (2a, 2b, 2c) subsequent to a connection to this transmission
source terminal (2a, 2b, 2c) having been established, and
the signal synthesizing means (14) synthesizes the first transmission signal with
the second transmission signal that has been transmitted from the transmission source
terminal (2a, 2b, 2c), which is the transmission source of the connection request.
4. A signal relay method for relaying transmission signals, which are audio signals or
video signals created by a plurality of transmission source terminals, to a transmission
destination terminal connected via a mobile communication network, comprising the
steps of:
creating (S12, S42, S114) a first transmission signal, which is an audio signal or
a video signal, based on audio or video directly input from outside;
receiving (S13, S43, S115) second transmission signals, which are audio signals or
video signals, from the plurality of transmission source terminals (2a, 2b, 2c) via
short-range communications;
synthesizing (S15, S45, S117) the first transmission signal with the second transmission
signals transmitted from the plurality of transmission source terminals, and outputting
a synthesized signal;
selecting (S17, S47, S119) a signal from among the first transmission signal, the
second transmission signals, and the synthesized signal; and
transmitting (S18, S48, S120) the signal selected by the signal selecting means to
the transmission destination terminal via the mobile communication network;
wherein the signal selection is based on a select-signal request transmitted from
the transmission source terminal or the transmission destination terminal.
1. Mobil-Kommunikations-Endgerät (1, 101) zur Verwendung in Signal-Weiterleitung zum
Weiterleiten von Übertragungs-Signalen, welche Audio-Signale oder Video-Signale, erzeugt
von einer Mehrzahl von Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgeräten (2a, 2b, 2c) sind, zu einem
Übertragungs-Ziel-Endgerät (3), das über ein Mobil-Kommunikations-Netzwerk (NW) verbunden
ist, aufweisend:
Eingabe-Mittel (12) zum Erzeugen eines ersten Übertragungs-Signals, welches ein Audio-Signal
oder ein Video-Signal ist, basierend auf direkt von außen eingegebenem Audio oder
Video;
Kurz-Reichweite-Kommunikations-Mittel (11, 111) zum Empfangen von zweiten Übertragungs-Signalen,
welche Audio-Signale oder Video-Signale sind, von der Mehrzahl von Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgeräten
(2a, 2b, 2c) über Kurz-Reichweite-Kommunikationen;
Signal-Synthetisierungs-Mittel (14) zum Synthetisieren des ersten Übertragungs-Signals
mit den von der Mehrzahl von Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgeräten (2a, 2b, 2c) übertragenen
zweiten Übertragungs-Signalen und Ausgeben eines synthetisierten Signals;
Signal-Auswahl-Mittel (17, 117) zum Auswählen eines Signals aus dem ersten Übertragungs-Signal,
den zweiten Übertragungs-Signalen und dem synthetisierten Signal; und
Signal-Übertragungs-Mittel (18, 111) zum Übertragen des durch das Signal-Auswahl-Mittel
(17, 117) ausgewählten Signals zu dem Übertragungs-Ziel-Endgerät (3) über das Mobil-Kommunikations-Netzwerk
(NW);
wobei das Signal-Auswahl-Mittel (17, 117) ein Signal auswählt basierend auf einer
von dem Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgerät (2a, 2b, 2c) oder dem Übertragungs-Ziel-Endgerät
(3) übertragenen Auswahl-Signal-Anforderung.
2. Mobil-Kommunikations-Endgerät (1, 101) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei das Kurz-Reichweite-Kommunikations-Mittel
(11, 111) Empfangen des zweiten Übertragungs-Signals von dem Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgerät
(2a, 2b, 2c) beginnt im Anschluss an Empfangen einer Verbindungs-Anforderung für dieses
Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgerät (2a, 2b, 2c), und
das Signal-Synthetisierungs-Mittel (14) das erste Übertragungs-Signal mit dem zweiten
Übertragungs-Signal, das von dem Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgerät (2a, 2b, 2c), welches
die Übertragungs-Quelle der Verbindungs-Anforderung ist, übertragen worden ist, synthetisiert.
3. Mobil-Kommunikations-Endgerät (1, 101) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei das Kurz-Reichweite-Kommunikations-Mittel
(11, 111) Empfangen des zweiten Übertragungs-Signals von dem Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgerät
(2a, 2b, 2c) beginnt im Anschluss daran, dass eine Verbindung zu diesem Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgerät
(2a, 2b, 2c) aufgebaut worden ist, und
das Signal-Synthetisierungs-Mittel (14) das erste Übertragungs-Signal mit dem zweiten
Übertragungs-Signal, das von dem Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgerät (2a, 2b, 2c), welches
die Übertragungs-Quelle der Verbindungs-Anforderung ist, übertragen worden ist, synthetisiert.
4. Signal-Weiterleitungs-Verfahren zum Weiterleiten von Übertragungs-Signalen, welche
Audio-Signale oder Video-Signale, erzeugt von einer Mehrzahl von Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgeräten,
sind, zu einem über ein Mobil-Kommunikations-Netzwerk (NW) verbundenen Übertragungs-Ziel-Endgerät,
aufweisend die Schritte des:
Erzeugens (S12, S42, S114) eines ersten Übertragungs-Signals, welches ein Audio-Signal
oder ein Video-Signal ist, basierend auf direkt von außen eingegebenem Audio oder
Video;
Empfangens (S13, S43, S115) von zweiten Übertragungs-Signalen, welche Audio-Signale
oder Video-Signale sind, von der Mehrzahl von Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgeräten (2a,
2b, 2c) über Kurz-Reichweite-Kommunikationen;
Synthetisierens (S15, S45, S117) des ersten Übertragungs-Signals mit den von der Mehrzahl
von Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgeräten übertragenen zweiten Übertragungs-Signalen, und
Ausgebens eines synthetisierten Signals;
Auswählens (S17, S47, S119) eines Signals aus dem ersten Übertragungs-Signal, den
zweiten Übertragungs-Signalen und dem synthetisierten Signal; und
Übertragens (S18, S48, S120) des durch das Signal-Auswahl-Mittel ausgewählten Signals
zu dem Übertragungs-Ziel-Endgerät über das Mobil-Kommunikations-Netzwerk;
wobei die Signal-Auswahl basiert auf einer von dem Übertragungs-Quelle-Endgerät oder
dem Übertragungs-Ziel-Endgerät übertragenen Auswahl-Signal-Anforderung.
1. Terminal de communication mobile (1, 101) destiné à être utilisé dans un relais de
signal servant à relayer des signaux de transmission, qui sont des signaux audio ou
des signaux vidéo créés par une pluralité de terminaux de source de transmission (2a,
2b, 2c), vers un terminal de destination de transmission (3) qui est connecté par
l'intermédiaire d'un réseau de communication mobile (NW), comprenant :
des moyens d'entrée (12) servant à créer un premier signal de transmission, qui est
un signal audio ou un signal vidéo, sur la base d'une audio ou d'une vidéo entrée
directement à partir de l'extérieur ;
des moyens de communication à courte portée (11, 111) destinés à recevoir des deuxièmes
signaux de transmission, qui sont des signaux audio ou des signaux vidéo, en provenance
de la pluralité de terminaux de source de transmission (2a, 2b, 2c) par l'intermédiaire
de communications à courte portée ;
des moyens de synthétisation de signal (14) servant à synthétiser le premier signal
de transmission avec les deuxièmes signaux de transmission transmis par la pluralité
de terminaux de source de transmission (2a, 2b, 2c), et à délivrer en sortie un signal
synthétisé ;
des moyens de sélection de signal (17, 117) servant à sélectionner un signal parmi
le premier signal de transmission, les deuxièmes signaux de transmission, et le signal
synthétisé ; et
des moyens de transmission de signaux (18, 111) servant à transmettre le signal sélectionné
par les moyens de sélection de signal (17, 117) au terminal de destination de transmission
(3) par l'intermédiaire du réseau de communication mobile (NW) ;
dans lequel les moyens de sélection de signal (17, 117) sélectionnent un signal en
fonction d'une demande de sélection de signal transmise par le terminal de source
de transmission (2a, 2b, 2c) ou le terminal de destination de transmission (3).
2. Terminal de communication mobile (1, 101) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les
moyens de communication à courte portée (11, 111) commencent la réception du deuxième
signal de transmission en provenance du terminal de source de transmission (2a, 2b,
2c) suite à la réception d'une demande de connexion provenant de ce terminal de source
de transmission (2a, 2b, 2c), et
les moyens de synthétisation de signal (14) synthétisent le premier signal de transmission
avec le deuxième signal de transmission qui a été transmis par le terminal de source
de transmission (2a, 2b, 2c), qui est la source de transmission de la demande de connexion.
3. Terminal de communication mobile (1, 101) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les
moyens de communication à courte portée (11, 111) commencent la réception du deuxième
signal de transmission provenant du terminal de source de transmission (2a, 2b, 2c)
suite à l'établissement d'une connexion à ce terminal de source de transmission (2a,
2b, 2c), et
les moyens de synthétisation de signal (14) synthétisent le premier signal de transmission
avec le deuxième signal de transmission qui a été transmis par le terminal de source
de transmission (2a, 2b, 2c), qui est la source de transmission de la demande de connexion.
4. Procédé de relais de signal destiné à relayer des signaux de transmission, qui sont
des signaux audio ou des signaux vidéo créés par une pluralité de terminaux de source
de transmission, vers un terminal de destination de transmission qui est connecté
par l'intermédiaire d'un réseau de communication mobile, comprenant les étapes consistant
à :
créer (S12, S42, S114) un premier signal de transmission, qui est un signal audio
ou un signal vidéo, en fonction d'une audio ou d'une vidéo entrée directement à partir
de l'extérieur ;
recevoir (S13, S43, S115) des deuxièmes signaux de transmission, qui sont des signaux
audio ou des signaux vidéo, en provenance de la pluralité de terminaux de source de
transmission (2a, 2b, 2c) par l'intermédiaire de communications à courte portée ;
synthétiser (S15, S45, S117) le premier signal de transmission avec les deuxièmes
signaux de transmission transmis par la pluralité de terminaux de source de transmission,
et délivrer en sortie un signal synthétisé ;
sélectionner (S17, S47, S119) un signal parmi le premier signal de transmission, les
deuxièmes signaux de transmission, et le signal synthétisé ; et
transmettre (S18, S48, S120) le signal sélectionné par les moyens de sélection de
signal au terminal de destination de transmission par l'intermédiaire du réseau de
communication mobile ;
dans lequel la sélection de signal est basée sur une demande de sélection de signal
transmise par le terminal de source de transmission ou du terminal le destination
de transmission.