Project: HIOD MultiTalk Work site communication system
The Multi-Talk service gives a group of users the ability to communicate in a many-to-many duplex fashion. Multiple simultaneous duplex links can be established between a maximum of six users. The group of duplex users is called the Interactive Group (IG). The size of IG can be configured for each system (up to six). _x000D__x000D_The communication of the IG can be heard by what we call the Audience Group (AG). The AG has an unlimited number of members. The IG broadcasts the duplex communication to the AG. _x000D_There is a very simple authentication procedure that connects the user to system. The user enters a pin code and is then connected to the system. All users with the same pin code belong to the same network. If the system is configured for a IG size of 5 members, the first 5 users entering the same pin code will join the IG additional users will join the AG._x000D_Any member of the Audience Group can request to become member of the Interactive Group by a button press or any other user interaction command. The entry into the IG is instantaneous. If the IG has maximum number of members the oldest member is shifted out to become member of the AG._x000D__x000D_Workplace communication_x000D_There is variety of situations at for example a building site where good and reliable communication is needed. Today the workforce is relying heavily on two-way radio. These systems have a number of drawback such as: they don’t support hands free operation, they lack secure communication channels, the devices have big form factors, and the voice quality is poor with high noise levels. _x000D_The hands free operation of the devices is a feature that is required in many situations. To be able to communicate on the site is very much a security issue. As the MultTalk functionality can be implemented into various devices such as ear muffs and dongles it is very well suited for harsh and noisy environments. _x000D_ _x000D_We estimate the range to 500 m which gives the system excellent coverage. The system is based on mobile devices connected via wireless links running the MultiTalk (MT) protocol. The MT protocol is the novel and innovative development in this project. The MultiTalk devices will operate primarely on the 2.4 GHz ISM band that is available in almost al countries. The existing standards for wireless communication available today is ill suited for this type of communication function. VoIP based on IEEE 802.11occupies to much bandwidth due to overhead, Bluetooth is a connection oriented protocol with limitations in number connections, IEEE 802.15.4 does not provide the required bandwidth. _x000D_The MT protocol is based on new channel coding technologies fulfilling the requirements of the application. It is ,however, very important to address interoperability issues when developing proprietary communication products. In this project we address these issues by integrating gateway functionality to both Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11a,b,g. This approach gives high capacity voice inter connectivity among users locally and at the same time interoperability over IP networks and Bluetooth. _x000D__x000D_It is of utmost importance that the devices to be worn by the user is practical. There fore in addition to the unique communication mechanism state of the art ear defender functionality is integrated into the devices such as: noise canceling microphones and proximity sound._x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D_
| Acronym | HIOD-MT (Reference Number: 4701) |
| Duration | 01/06/2009 - 04/04/2011 |
| Project Topic | HIOD-MT aims at developing a new communication platform for field work forces. The system gives the user a unique ability for individual, -group and broadcast communication. The communication functionality is achieved with only low cost mobile devices without any infrastructure support. |
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Project Results (after finalisation) |
We have developed a new communication platform for noisy areas based on the latest Bluetooth technology available. The system is filling a gap between the big and heavy conventional communication systems and ordinary speach man to man. The communication in our system is full Duplex (handsfree), free of noise, trunced and easy to use. All this in one headset without additional equipment needed. GPS tracking is also available in the same unit. |
| Network | Eurostars |
| Call | Eurostars Cut-Off 2 |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | A-KABEL AS | Partner | Norway |
| 2 | Free2move AB | Coordinator | Sweden |