WO2013125942A1

WO2013125942A1 - System and method of radio communication, and terminal station, base station, and computer programs for use in the system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2013125942A1
Application number: PCT/NL2012/050103
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerardus Adrianus FLINK; Robertus Andreas Schuckman
Original assignee: Awicon Systems B.V.
Priority date: 2012-02-21
Filing date: 2012-02-21
Publication date: 2013-08-29

Abstract

A method and system for radio communication comprise a base station and terminal stations communicating with each other through the base station. Each terminal station has a terminal identifier and belongs to a group of terminal stations. Each group has a group identifier. The base station and/or each terminal station stores combinations of terminal identifiers and group identifiers. A first terminal station, in a predetermined mode, transmits a first communication, its terminal identifier and a mode identifier associated with the predetermined mode to the base station. The base station and/or terminal stations other than the first terminal station determine, based on the received mode identifier and the stored combinations of terminal identifiers and group identifiers, a specific group identifier and all terminal identifiers having this group identifier. Said other terminal stations having terminal identifiers having the specific group identifier stored in said combinations, output a second communication.

Description

System and method of radio communication, and terminal station, base station, and computer programs for use in the system and method

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of radio communication systems, and more specifically to a radio communication system comprising a base station and terminal stations communicating through the base station, where the system is configured to operate in different modes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Radio communication systems traditionally are designed to perform specific communication tasks. As an example, radio communication systems to enable one terminal station to communicate with another terminal station are widely known. As another example, other radio communication systems enable one terminal station to broadcast a

communication to a plurality of other terminal stations.

An great inconvenience exists in that for different communication tasks, different radio communication systems are necessary which necessitate a plurality of different terminal stations for each user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be desirable to provide a radio communication system which can perform different communication tasks from and to one and the same terminal station for each user.

To better address these concerns, in a first aspect of the invention a system for radio communication is provided that is configured to operate in different modes. The system comprises:

a base station; and

a plurality of terminal stations configured to communicate with each other through the base station, each terminal station being associated with a unique terminal identifier and with at least one group of terminal stations among the plurality of terminal stations, each group of terminal stations being associated with a unique group identifier; wherein the base station and/or each terminal station is configured to store, for each terminal station, a combination of the corresponding terminal identifier and the at least one group identifier;

wherein a first terminal station, in a predetermined mode, is configured to transmit a first communication, the terminal identifier of the first terminal station, and a mode identifier associated with the predetermined mode to the base station;

wherein the base station and/or terminal stations other than the first terminal station is/are further configured to determine, based on the mode identifier received from the first terminal station, and based on the stored combinations of terminal identifiers and group identifiers, at least one specific group identifier and all terminal identifiers having the at least one specific group identifier stored in said combinations, and

wherein said other terminal stations having terminal identifiers having the at least one specific group identifier stored in said combinations, are configured to output a second communication.

The system comprises terminal stations that each belong to one or more predefined groups of terminal stations. In the system, a plurality of modes of communication is predefined. At each terminal station, a user may select a mode, and based on the mode the system establishes a communication from the terminal station to one or more other terminal stations. In establishing such communications, the system uses the groups of the terminal stations, depending on the selected mode. For a user, this is a system which is very easy and transparent to use, where the user only needs to input a mode selection at its terminal station. The mode selection may depend on the role of the user in a group or in a plurality of groups, and on the nature of the communication which is to be transmitted.

In an embodiment, the base station is further configured to:

determine, based on the mode identifier received from the first terminal station, and based on the combinations of terminal identifiers and group identifiers stored in the base station, at least another specific group identifier and all terminal identifiers having the at least one other specific group identifier stored in said combinations, and

provide a second communication between the base station and all other terminal stations having terminal identifications having the at least one specific group identifier stored in said combinations, but not between the base station and the terminal stations having terminal identifiers having the at least one other specific group identifier stored in said combinations.

Accordingly, the system provides the possibility, in a communication from one terminal station to a plurality of other terminal stations, to select at least one particular group of terminal stations, but to exclude from this group the terminal stations belonging to at least one other particular group of terminal stations. In an embodiment, the communication in the radio communication system of the present invention is according to a radio communication standard allowing the functionality as disclosed in a relevant area, region, country or continent, or in the world. An example of such a standard is the ETSI dPMR (digital Private Mobile Radio) standard. At least the terminal identifier and mode identifier are transmitted as data as defined in said standard.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method of radio communication in different modes is provided. The method comprises:

associating each one of a plurality of terminal stations with a unique terminal identifier and with at least one group of terminal stations among the plurality of terminal stations, each group of terminal stations being associated with a unique group identifier;

storing, at a base station and/or each terminal station, for each terminal station, a combination of the corresponding terminal identifier and the at least one group identifier; selecting a predetermined mode at a first terminal station;

transmitting by a first terminal station a first communication, the terminal identifier of the first terminal station, and a mode identifier associated with the predetermined mode to the base station;

determining by the base station and/or each terminal station, based on the mode identifier received from the first terminal station, and based on the stored combinations of terminal identifiers and group identifiers, at least one specific group identifier and all terminal identifiers having the at least one specific group identifier stored in said combinations, and at terminal stations other than the first terminal station, and having terminal identifiers having the at least one specific group identifier stored in said combinations, outputting a second communication.

In a third aspect of the invention, a terminal station for radio communication in different modes with a base station in a system according to the invention is provided.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, a base station for radio communication in different modes with a plurality of terminal stations in a system according to the invention is provided.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided, comprising computer instructions which, when run in a processor, enable a terminal station to operate in the system of the invention.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided, comprising computer instructions which, when run in a processor, enable a base station to operate in the system of the invention.

These and other aspects of the invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of components of a first embodiment of a terminal station according to the present invention configured for radio communication with a base station.

Figure 2 depicts a block diagram of components of a base station according to the present invention configured for radio communication with a plurality of terminal stations.

Figure 3 illustrates communications between a plurality of terminal stations and a base station in an embodiment of the system of the present invention.

Figure 4 depicts a data structure of combinations of terminal identifiers and group identifiers stored in a memory of the base station.

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c each depict a flow diagram of an embodiment of a mode of operation of the system according to the present invention.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c each depict a flow diagram of an embodiment of another mode of operation of the system according to the present invention.

Figures 7a, 7b and 7c each depict a flow diagram of an embodiment of still another mode of operation of the system according to the present invention.

Figures 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d each depict a flow diagram of an embodiment of further modes of operation of the system according to the present invention.

Figures 9a and 9b each depict a flow diagram of an embodiment of a still further mode of operation of the system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of a terminal station, TS, 10 configured for radio communication with a base station, BS, 20. The TS 10 comprises a terminal station controller, TC, 12, a terminal station communication device, TCOM, 13 comprising a transceiver for radio communication through antenna 14, and coupled to the TC 12 to exchange control data, identifier data and communication data, a terminal station memory, TMEM, 15 coupled to the TC 12 for storing and retrieving data, a terminal station loudspeaker, TLS, 16 coupled to the TC 12 to output an audible signal, a terminal station microphone, TMIC, 17 coupled to the TC 12 to input a speech signal, and a terminal station input device 18 comprising mode selectors 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d to receive a user-operated input to select respective modes M 1 , M2, M3 or M4. Another number of mode selectors may be provided to enable the same or other modes. Coupling connections between components are indicated by arrowed lines. In some embodiments, the TS 10 may be mobile and/or handheld and/or attached or attachable to a user's body or garment, and may be powered by a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery.

The mode selectors 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d may be embodied as switches, e.g.

separate switches or separate positions of one multiple switch, to be pushed or rotated, respectively, or to be operated in any other appropriate way depending on the design. In particular, the TS 10 may comprise a touch screen with the mode selectors shown on the touch screen to be operated by a predetermined gesture made by an object, such as a pen or a user's finger, where the gesture e.g. comprises a touch or a swipe on or near the touch screen. The mode selectors may also be provided in software, e.g. to be selectively activated by a user's voice commands received through the TMIC 17.

The TC 12 may be configured to store and execute computer instructions to perform the operations described below.

Figure 2 depicts a block diagram of a BS 20 configured for radio communication with a plurality of TSs 10. The BS 20 comprises a base station controller, BC, 22, a base station communication device, BCOM, 23 comprising a transceiver for radio communication through antenna 24, and coupled to the BC 22 to exchange control data, identifier data and communication data, and a base station memory, BMEM, 25 for storing and retrieving data. Coupling connections between components are indicated by arrowed lines.

In some embodiments of the system comprising the TS 10 and the BS 20, one or more of the depicted components may comprise sub-components having the same or similar function. Also, other components not shown in Figure 1 or 2 may be included. Further, one of the components may be integrated with one or more of the other components or subcomponents. Still further, other systems comprising another BS 20 and other TSs 10 may coexist in the same area or may be coupled to the system shown in Figure 2.

The BC 22 may be configured to store and execute computer instructions to perform the operations described below.

Figure 3 illustrates a system according to the present invention. In Figure 3, a series of three adjacent dots indicate zero, one or more of the same elements as the elements the series of dots are located between.

The system comprises a BS 20 and a plurality of terminal stations TS which for example, for communication purposes, may be organized in a number of sets. In the system shown in Figure 3, there are two sets Sa and Sb of terminal stations TS as illustrated by dashed lines. Each terminal station TS belonging to set Sa has an index a, and each terminal station TS belonging to set Sb has an index b. In set Sa, the system comprises m terminal stations TSa_! - TSa_m, and in set Sb, the system comprises n terminal stations TSb_! - TSb_n, wherein m and n are integer numbers greater than zero. In some embodiments, more sets may be available and used.

Radio communication between each TSa 10 and BS 20 takes place through two radio channels A and B. Channel A is configured for transmission from each TSa 10 to BS 20, whereas channel B is configured for transmission from BS 20 to each TSa 10. Similarly, radio communication between each TSb 10 and BS 20 takes place through two radio channels C and D. Channel C is configured for transmission from each TSb 10 to BS 20, whereas channel D is configured for transmission from BS 20 to each TSb 10. In some embodiments, more channels may be available and used.

As illustrated in Figure 3, when a TSa transmits a communication to the BS 20 across the channel A, a terminal identifier TIa and a mode identifier Mia are transmitted in association with the communication. In some embodiments, additionally a group identifier Gla is transmitted in association with the communication.

The TIa may uniquely identify the TSa from which the communication originates. In some embodiments, the TIa may identify a type of the TSa from which the communication originates, where the TIa may be the same for more than one TSa. The Mia identifies the mode in which the communication is transmitted, as selected by a user at the input device 18 through mode selectors 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d. The Gla identifies a group of which the TSa 10 forms part.

As further illustrated in Figure 3, when BS 20 transmits a communication to a TSa across the channel B, a TIa identifying the particular TSa is transmitted in association with the communication. The TIa identifies a particular one of the TSa which is to receive the communication (when the TIa is configured to uniquely identify a TSa), or identifies a type of TSa which is to receive the communication (when the TIa is configured to identify a type of the TSa), such that only the one or more TSa having the particular TIa will process the communication to output it at the one or more TSa, and other TSa not having the particular TIa will ignore the communication. Such discrimination may be made in the TCOM 13 or in the TC 12 of each TSa 10.

In some embodiments, when BS 20 transmits a communication to a TSa 10 across the channel B, a Mia identifying the mode in which the communication is transmitted may be transmitted in association with the communication, such that only the one or more TSa enabled for the mode as identified by the Mia will process the communication to output it at the one or more TSa, and other TSa being disabled for the mode as identified by the Mia will not process the communication to output it at the TSa. Such discrimination may be made in the TCOM 13 or in the TC 12 of each TSa 10.

In some embodiments, when BS 20 transmits a communication to a TSa across the channel B, a Gla identifying a group of which the TSa 10 forms part may be transmitted in association with the communication, such that only the one or more TSa forming part of the group of TSa as identified by the Gla will process the communication to output it at the one or more TSa, and other TSa not forming part of the group of TSa as identified by the Gla will ignore the communication. Such discrimination may be made in the TCOM 13 or in the TC 12 of each TSa lO.

The above explanation of the part of the system of Figure 3 including the plurality of TSa 10, Tla, Mia, Gla, channels A and B, and BS 20, is - mutatis mutandis - also applicable to the part of the system including the plurality of TSb 10, Tib, Mlb, Gib, channels C and D, and BS 20.

Figure 4 illustrates a data structure comprising terminal identifiers Tla^ Tla₂, Tla_m,

Tlb^ Tlb₂, ... , Tlb_n, with each terminal identifier Tl being unique and being associated with a unique one of the TSs 10 in a one-to-one relationship. As discussed above in relation to Figure 3, in some embodiments the TS are divided into two sets, a set Sa comprising m TSa having terminal identifiers Tla^ Tla₂, ... , Tla_m, and a set Sb comprising n terminal identifiers Tlb^ Tlb₂, Tlbn, wherein m and n are integers > 0, and m+n is the total number of TSs 10.

In the system of the invention, a TS 10 forms part of at least one group of TSs 10, wherein each group may comprise at least two TSs 10. Each group has a unique group identifier Gl. As a result, with each terminal identifier Tla_! , Tla₂, Tla_m, Tlb^ Tlb₂, Tlb_n, at least one group identifier Gl is associated. As an example, as shown in Figure 4, Tla_! is associated with Glp, Tla₂ is associated with Glp and Glq, Tla_m is associated with Glr, Tib_! is associated with Glr, Tlb₂ is associated with Glp and Glr, and Tlb_n is associated with Gls, where the indexes p, q, r and s indicate different groups of TSs 10. Thus, based on a particular Tla, Tib, associated with a TS, at least one group of TS, as represented by the Gl associated with the particular Tla, Tib can be established. From another perspective, based on a particular Gl, all TSs 10 of the group as represented by the Gl can be established.

The terminal identifiers Tl and group identifiers Gl are coded in data stored in BMEM 25. In some embodiments, the terminal identifiers Tla, Tib and associated group identifiers Gla, Gib of each TSa, TSb are coded in data stored in TMEM 15 of each TSa, TSb.

Figures 5a and following Figures illustrate sending a message from a terminal station TSi or TSk to one or more other TS, where the indexes i and k each indicate one of the number of terminal stations in the system of the invention. Indications of operations occurring in each different device involved in the communication are described in a column separated from a column of indications of operations occurring in another device by a dashed line. Subsequent or associated operations are interlinked by arrows.

Figure 5a illustrates a sequence of operations occurring in an embodiment of the system of the invention when a user communicates in a first mode M1 , in which it is intended to provide a voice communication to all other TSs 10 which are in the same predefined group as TSi, with the exception of some predetermined TS 10.

At the TSi 10, the user operates mode selector 19a associated with mode M1 (step 500). In the TSi 10, the TC 12 detects the operation of the mode selector 19a, and retrieves a mode identifier MM from TMEM 15. The user of TSi 10 provides a voice input at MIC 17 (step 510). The TSi 10 transmits the voice input, as processed by the TC 12 and/or the TCOM 13, a terminal identifier Tli of the TSi 10, and the MM via the antenna 14 through a wireless radio communication path to the BS 20 (step 520).

In the BS 20, the voice input, the Tli and the MM are received via the antenna 24 (step 530) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. As illustrated by reference to Figure 4, in BMEM 25, for each TS 10, as represented by its associated Tl, one or more Gl may be stored. BC 22, based on the MM received, determines the Glj associated with the Tli from the combinations of Tls and Gls in BMEM 25 (step 540). Next, the BC 22, based on the MM received, retrieves a terminal station group Glex to be excluded in the communications from BMEM 25 (step 550). The BC 22 selects all TS 10 associated with Glj except the TS 10 associated with Glex, from the combinations of Tls and Gls (see Figure 4) in BMEM 25 (step 560). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input received from TSi, to all selected TS based on their Tl (step 570). In this transmission, the Tl of the selected TS may be included. At each selected TS 10, the voice input from TSi is received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12 (step 580) and reproduced through TLS 16. In the selected TS 10, the Tl included in the transmission may be compared with the Tl of the TS 10 to ensure that the voice input received is to be reproduced. At other TS 10, the transmission may be received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12, but the transmission will be rejected when the Tl of the transmission does not correspond to the Tl of the TS 10.

Figure 5b illustrates an alternative sequence of operations occurring in an

embodiment of the system of the invention when a user communicates in a first mode M1 , in which it is intended to provide a voice communication to all other TSs 10 which are in the same predefined group as TSi, with the exception of some predetermined TS 10.

At the TSi 10, the user operates mode selector 19a associated with mode M 1 (step

500). In the TSi 10, the TC 12 detects the operation of the mode selector 19a, and retrieves a mode identifier MM from TMEM 15. The user of TSi 10 provides a voice input at MIC 17 (step 510). The TSi 10 transmits the voice input, as processed by the TC 12 and/or the TCOM 13, a terminal identifier Tli of the TSi 10, the MM , and a group identifier Glj of a group of TSs to which TSi belongs via the antenna 14 through a wireless radio communication path to the BS 20 (step 525). In the BS 20, the voice input, the Tli, MM and Glj are received via the antenna 24 (step 535) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. As illustrated by reference to Figure 4, in BMEM 25, for each TS 10, as represented by its associated Tl, one or more Gl may be stored. BC 22, based on the MM received, retrieves a terminal station group Glex to be excluded in the communications from BMEM 25 (step 550). The BC 22 selects all TS 10 associated with Glj except the TS 10 associated with Glex, from the combinations of Tls and Gls (see Figure 4) in BMEM 25 (step 560). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input received from TSi, to all selected TS based on their Tl (step 570). In this transmission, the Tl of the selected TS may be included. At each selected TS 10, the voice input from TSi is received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12 (step 580) and reproduced through TLS 16. In the selected TS 10, the Tl included in the transmission may be compared with the Tl of the TS 10 to ensure that the voice input received is to be reproduced. At other TS 10, the transmission may be received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12, but the transmission will be rejected when the Tl of the transmission does not correspond to the Tl of the TS 10.

Figure 5c illustrates an alternative sequence of operations occurring in an embodiment of the system of the invention when a user communicates in a first mode M1 , in which it is intended to provide a voice communication to all other TSs 10 which are in the same predefined group as TSi, with the exception of some predetermined TS 10.

At the TSi 10, the user operates mode selector 19a associated with mode M1 (step

500). In the TSi 10, the TC 12 detects the operation of the mode selector 19a, and retrieves a mode identifier MM from TMEM 15. The user of TSi 10 provides a voice input at MIC 17 (step 510). The TSi 10 transmits the voice input, as processed by the TC 12 and/or the TCOM 13, a terminal identifier Tli of the TSi 10, the MM , and a group identifier Glj of a group of TSs to which TSi belongs via the antenna 14 through a wireless radio communication path to the BS 20 (step 525).

In the BS 20, the voice input, the Tli, MM and Glj are received via the antenna 24 (step 535) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. Next, the BS 20, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input, the Tli, MM and Glj to all TS 10 (step 545). At each TS 10, the voice input, the Tli, MM and Glj are received via the antenna 14 (step 555) and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12.

As illustrated by reference to Figure 4, in TMEM 15, for each TS 10, as represented by its associated Tl, one or more Gl may be stored. TC 12, based on the MM and/or Glj received, checks whether the TS 10 is enabled to receive and process the voice input (step 565). In such a check, the Glj may be compared to the Gl of the TS 10, and it may be checked whether or not the TS 10 is associated with terminal station group Glex to be excluded in the communications. If the TS is not enabled for the communication, the communication is ignored and not output at the TS 10. If enabled, the voice input from TSi is output at the TS 10 (step 575).

If one TSk of the selected TS 10 wishes to reply to the communication received from TSi 10, then the same operations as described with respect to Figure 5a, 5b, or 5c may be performed. Since the selected TS 10 is/are in the same group (as identified by Glj) as the TSi, again all TS 10 in the same group receive the reply from TSk.

The first mode M1 enables users each having access to a specific TS, and belonging to the same group, to communicate with each other through their TSs, while excluding TSs assigned to people that have a specific task, such as an emergency support task.

Figure 6a illustrates a sequence of operations occurring in an embodiment of the system of the invention when a user communicates in a second mode M2, in which it is intended to provide a voice communication to all TSs 10 with the exception of some predetermined TSs 10, or to all TSs 10 of a particular group.

At the TSi 10, the user operates mode selector 19b associated with mode M2 (step 600). In the TSi 10, the TC 12 detects the operation of the mode selector 19b, and retrieves a mode identifier MI2 from TMEM 15. The user of TSi provides a voice input at MIC 17 (step 610). The TSi 10 transmits the voice input, as processed by the TC 12 and/or the TCOM 13, a terminal identifier Tli of the TSi 10, and the MI2 via the antenna 14 through a wireless radio communication path to the BS 20 (step 620).

In the BS 20, the voice input, the Tli and the MI2 are received via the antenna 24 (step

630) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. As illustrated by reference to Figure 4, in BMEM 25, for each TS 10, as represented by its associated Tl, one or more Gl may be stored. Next, the BC 22, based on the MI2 received, retrieves a terminal station group Glex from BMEM 25 (step 640). BC 22, based on the MI2 received, determines the Glj associated with the Tli from the combinations of TIs and GIs (see Figure 4) in BMEM 25 (step 650). Next, the BC 22 compares Glj with Glex to determine whether or not Glj is equal to Glex (step 660).

If Glj is equal to Glex (result of determination is positive, as indicated by Y), then, based on MI2, the BC 22 selects all TS 10 associated with Glex from the combinations of TIs and GIs in BMEM 25 (step 670). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input received from TSi 10 to all selected TS 10 as identified by their Tl in the group associated with Glex (step 671). At each selected TS 10 as identified by their Tl, the voice input from TSi 10 is received (step 672) and reproduced through TLS 16.

If one TSk of the selected TS 10 wishes to reply to the communication received from the TSi 10, then the same operations as described with respect to Figure 6 may be performed. Since the selected TS 10 is/are in the same group (as identified by Glex) as the TSi, again all TS 10 in the same group receive the reply from TSk. If Glj is not equal to Glex (result of determination is negative, as indicated by N), then, based on MI2, the BC22 selects all TS 10 except the TS 10 associated with Glex, from the combinations of Tls and Gls (see Figure 4) in BMEM 25 (step 680). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input received from the TSi 10 to all selected TS as identified by their Tl (step 681). In this transmission, the Tl of the selected TS may be included. At each selected TS 10 as identified by their Tl, the voice input is received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12 (step 682) and reproduced through TLS 16. In the selected TS 10, the Tl included in the transmission may be compared with the Tl of the TS 10 to ensure that the voice input received is to be reproduced. At other TS 10, the transmission may be received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12, but the transmission will be rejected when the Tl of the transmission does not correspond to the Tl of the TS 10.

Figure 6b illustrates an alternative sequence of operations occurring in an

embodiment of the system of the invention when a user communicates in a second mode M2, in which it is intended to provide a voice communication to all TSs 10 with the exception of some predetermined TSs 10, or to all TSs 10 of a particular group.

At the TSi 10, the user operates mode selector 19b associated with mode M2 (step 600). In the TSi 10, the TC 12 detects the operation of the mode selector 19b, and retrieves a mode identifier MI2 from TMEM 15. The user of TSi provides a voice input at MIC 17 (step 610). The TSi 10 transmits the voice input, as processed by the TC 12 and/or the TCOM 13, a terminal identifier Tli of the TSi 10, the MI2, and a group identifier Glj of a group of TSs to which TSi belongs via the antenna 14 through a wireless radio communication path to the BS 20 (step 625).

In the BS 20, the voice input, the Tli, MI2 and Glj are received via the antenna 24 (step 635) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. As illustrated by reference to Figure 4, in BMEM 25, for each TS 10, as represented by its associated Tl, one or more Gl may be stored. Next, the BC 22, based on the MI2 received, retrieves a terminal station group Glex from BMEM 25 (step 640). Next, the BC 22 compares Glj with Glex to determine whether or not Glj is equal to Glex (step 660).

If Glj is equal to Glex (result of determination is positive, as indicated by Y), then, based on MI2, the BC 22 selects all TS 10 associated with Glex from the combinations of Tls and Gls in BMEM 25 (step 670). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input received from TSi 10 to all selected TS 10 as identified by their Tl in the group associated with Glex (step 671). At each selected TS 10 as identified by their Tl, the voice input from TSi 10 is received (step 672) and reproduced through TLS 16.

If one TSk of the selected TS 10 wishes to reply to the communication received from the TSi 10, then the same operations as described with respect to Figure 6 may be performed. Since the selected TS 10 is/are in the same group (as identified by Glex) as the TSi, again all TS 10 in the same group receive the reply from TSk.

If Glj is not equal to Glex (result of determination is negative, as indicated by N), then, based on MI2, the BC22 selects all TS 10 except the TS 10 associated with Glex, from the combinations of Tls and Gls (see Figure 4) in BMEM 25 (step 680). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input received from the TSi 10 to all selected TS as identified by their Tl (step 681). In this transmission, the Tl of the selected TS may be included. At each selected TS 10 as identified by their Tl, the voice input is received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12 (step 682) and reproduced through TLS 16. In the selected TS 10, the Tl included in the transmission may be compared with the Tl of the TS 10 to ensure that the voice input received is to be reproduced. At other TS 10, the transmission may be received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12, but the transmission will be rejected when the Tl of the transmission does not correspond to the Tl of the TS 10.

Figure 6c illustrates an alternative sequence of operations occurring in an embodiment of the system of the invention when a user communicates in a second mode M2, in which it is intended to provide a voice communication to all TSs 10 with the exception of some predetermined TSs 10, or to all TSs 10 of a particular group.

In the BS 20, the voice input, the Tli, MI2 and Glj are received via the antenna 24 (step 635) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. Next, the BS 20, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input, the Tli, MI2 and Glj to all TS 10 (step 645). At each TS 10, the voice input, Tli, MI2 and Glj are received via the antenna 14 (step 655) and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12.

As illustrated by reference to Figure 4, in TMEM 15, for each TS 10, as represented by its associated Tl, one or more Gl may be stored. TC 12, based on the MI2 and/or Glj received, checks whether the TS 10 is enabled to receive and process the voice input (step 665). In such a check, the Glj, which may be a Glex, may be compared to the Gl of the TS 10.

Here, the TC 12 of the TS 10, based on the MI2 received, retrieves the Gl of the TS 10 from its associated TMEM 15. Next, the TC 12 compares Glj with the Gl of the TS to determine whether or not Glj is equal to Gl. If Glj is equal to Gl (result of comparison is positive), then the TS is enabled for the communication, and the voice input from TSi is output at the TS 10 (step 675). If the TS is not enabled for the communication, the communication is ignored and not output at the TS 10.

If one TSk of the selected TS 10 wishes to reply to the communication received from the TSi 10, then the same operations as described with respect to Figure 6a, 6b or 6c may be performed.

The second mode M2 enables users which belong to the same group having group identifier Glex to communicate with each other through their TSs 10. Users which do not belong to the group having group identifier Glex, may select the second mode to

communicate with all other users, while excluding people that have a specific task, such as users in the group having group identifier Glex, for example performing an emergency support task.

Figure 7a illustrates a sequence of operations occurring in an embodiment of the system of the invention when a user communicates in a third mode M3, in which it is intended to provide a voice communication from TSi 10 to all other TSs 10. At the TSi 10, the user operates mode selector 19c associated with mode M3 (step 700). In the TSi 10, the TC 12 detects the operation of the mode selector 19c, and retrieves a mode identifier MI3 from TMEM 15. The user of TSi provides a voice input at MIC 17 (step 710). The TSi 10 transmits the voice input, as processed by the TC 12 and/or the TCOM 13, a terminal identifier Tli of the TSi 10, and the MI3 via the antenna 14 through a wireless radio communication path to the BS 20 (step 720).

In the BS 20, the voice input, the Tli and the MI3 are received via the antenna 24 (step 730) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. The BC 22, based on MI3, selects all TSs 10 (step 740). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input received from TSi, to all selected TS 10 (step 750). In this transmission, the Tl of the selected TS may be included. At each selected TS 10 as identified by their Tl, the voice input from TSi is received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12 (step 760) and reproduced through TLS 16. In the selected TS 10, the Tl included in the transmission may be compared with the Tl of the TS 10 to ensure that the voice input received is to be reproduced. At other TS 10, the transmission may be received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12, but the transmission will be rejected when the Tl of the transmission does not correspond to the Tl of the TS 10.

Figure 7b illustrates an alternative sequence of operations occurring in an

embodiment of the system of the invention when a user communicates in a third mode M3, in which it is intended to provide a voice communication from TSi 10 to all other TSs 10. At the TSi 10, the user operates mode selector 19c associated with mode M3 (step 700). In the TSi 10, the TC 12 detects the operation of the mode selector 19c, and retrieves a mode identifier MI3 from TMEM 15. The user of TSi provides a voice input at MIC 17 (step 710). The TSi 10 transmits the voice input, as processed by the TC 12 and/or the TCOM 13, a terminal identifier Tli of the TSi 10, MI3 and a group identifier Glj of a group of TSs to which TSi belongs via the antenna 14 through a wireless radio communication path to the BS 20 (step 725).

In the BS 20, the voice input, the Tli, the MI3 and the Glj are received via the antenna 24 (step 735) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. The BC 22, based on MI3, selects all TSs 10 (step 740), and the BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input, the Tli, the MI3 and the Glj to all TS 10 based on their Tl (step 750). In this transmission, the Tl of the selected TS may be included. At each selected TS 10 as identified by their Tl, the voice input from TSi is received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12 (step 760) and reproduced through TLS 16. In the selected TS 10, the Tl included in the transmission may be compared with the Tl of the TS 10 to ensure that the voice input received is to be reproduced. At other TS 10, the transmission may be received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12, but the transmission will be rejected when the Tl of the transmission does not correspond to the Tl of the TS 10.

Figure 7c illustrates an alternative sequence of operations occurring in an embodiment of the system of the invention when a user communicates in a third mode M3, in which it is intended to provide a voice communication from TSi 10 to all other TSs 10. At the TSi 10, the user operates mode selector 19c associated with mode M3 (step 700). In the TSi 10, the TC 12 detects the operation of the mode selector 19c, and retrieves a mode identifier MI3 from TMEM 15. The user of TSi provides a voice input at MIC 17 (step 710). The TSi 10 transmits the voice input, as processed by the TC 12 and/or the TCOM 13, a terminal identifier Tli of the TSi 10, MI3 and a group identifier Glj of a group of TSs to which TSi belongs via the antenna 14 through a wireless radio communication path to the BS 20 (step 725).

In the BS 20, the voice input, the Tli, the MI3 and the Glj are received via the antenna 24 (step 735) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. Based on MI3, the BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits the voice input, the Tli, the MI3 and the Glj to all TS 10 (step 755). At each TS 10, the voice input, the Tli, the MI3 and the Glj are is received via the antenna 14 (step 765) and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12. Upon checking the Ml (step 775) and finding that the Ml equals MI3, the voice input received from TSi is reproduced through TLS 16 (step 785).

If one TSk of the selected TS 10 wishes to reply to the communication received from the TSi 10, then the same operations as described with respect to Figures 7a, 7b or 7c may be performed. The third mode M3 enables each user to communicate through its TS with the TS of all other users, for example in case of an emergency.

Figure 8a illustrates a sequence of operations occurring in an embodiment of the system of the invention when a user operates an input device, such as a key, to communicate in a fourth mode M4, in which it is intended to alert all other TSs 10 which are in a predefined group, with the exception of some predetermined TS 10.

At the TSi 10, the user operates an input device, such as a hardware key, or a software key depicted on a display screen and operated by a mouse or by touching the screen, of a TS 10 associated with mode M4 (step 800). In the TSi 10, the TC 12 detects the operation of the input device, and retrieves a mode identifier MI4 from TMEM 15. The TSi 10 transmits a terminal identifier Tli of the TSi 10, and the MI4 via the antenna 14 through a wireless radio communication path to the BS 20 (step 820).

In the BS 20, the Tli and the MI4 are received via the antenna 24 (step 830) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. As illustrated by reference to Figure 4, in BMEM 25, for each TS 10, as represented by its associated Tl, one or more Gl may be stored. BC 22, based on the MI4 received, determines the Glj associated with the Tli from the combinations of TIs and GIs in BMEM 25 (step 840). Next, the BC 22, based on the MI4 received, retrieves a terminal station group Glex to be excluded in the communications from BMEM 25 (step 850). The BC 22 selects all TS 10 associated with Glj except the TS 10 associated with Glex, from the combinations of TIs and GIs (see Figure 4) in BMEM 25 (step 860). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits a prerecorded message, such as a voice message, stored in BMEM 25, to all selected TS based on their Tl (step 870). In this transmission, the Tl of the selected TS may be included. At each selected TS 10, the message is received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12 (step 880) and reproduced through TLS 16. In the selected TS 10, the Tl included in the

transmission may be compared with the Tl of the TS 10 to ensure that the message received is to be reproduced. At other TS 10, the transmission may be received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12, but the transmission will be rejected when the Tl of the transmission does not correspond to the Tl of the TS 10.

Figure 8b illustrates an alternative sequence of operations occurring in an

embodiment of the system of the invention when a user operates an input device to communicate in a fourth mode M4, in which it is intended to alert all other TSs 10 which are in a predefined group, with the exception of some predetermined TS 10.

At the TSi 10, the user operates an input device associated with mode M4 (step 800). In the TSi 10, the TC 12 detects the operation of the input device, and retrieves a mode identifier MI4 from TMEM 15. The TSi 10 transmits a terminal identifier Tli of the TSi 10, the MI4, and a group identifier Glj of a group of TSs to which TSi belongs via the antenna 14 through a wireless radio communication path to the BS 20 (step 825).

In the BS 20, the Tli, MI4 and Glj are received via the antenna 24 (step 835) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. As illustrated by reference to Figure 4, in BMEM 25, for each TS 10, as represented by its associated Tl, one or more Gl may be stored. BC 22, based on the MI4 received, retrieves a terminal station group Glex to be excluded in the communications from BMEM 25 (step 850). The BC 22 selects all TS 10 associated with Glj except the TS 10 associated with Glex, from the combinations of Tls and Gls (see Figure 4) in BMEM 25 (step 860). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits a prerecorded message, stored in BMEM 25, to all selected TS based on their Tl (step 870). In this transmission, the Tl of the selected TS may be included. At each selected TS 10, the message is received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12 (step 880) and reproduced through TLS 16. In the selected TS 10, the Tl included in the

transmission may be compared with the Tl of the TS 10 to ensure that the message is to be reproduced. At other TS 10, the transmission may be received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12, but the transmission will be rejected when the Tl of the transmission does not correspond to the Tl of the TS 10.

Figure 8c illustrates an alternative sequence of operations occurring in an embodiment of the system of the invention when a user operates a key to communicate in a fourth mode M4, in which it is intended to alert all other TSs 10 which are in a predefined group, with the exception of some predetermined TS 10.

In the BS 20, the Tli, MI4 and Glj are received via the antenna 24 (step 835) and processed by BCOM 23 and/or BC 22. Next, the BS 20, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits a prerecorded message, stored in BMEM 25, the Tli, MI4 and Glj to all TS 10 (step 845). At each TS 10, the message, the Tli, MI4 and Glj are received via the antenna 14 (step 855) and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12.

As illustrated by reference to Figure 4, in TMEM 15, for each TS 10, as represented by its associated Tl, one or more Gl may be stored. TC 12, based on the MI4 and/or Glj received, checks whether the TS 10 is enabled to receive and process the message (step 865). In such a check, the Glj may be compared to the Gl of the TS 10, and it may be checked whether or not the TS 10 is associated with terminal station group Glex to be excluded in the communications. If the TS is not enabled for the communication, the communication is ignored and not output at the TS 10. If enabled, the message is output at the TS 10 (step 875).

At a power failure, it is assumed that the system of the present invention, in particular the BS thereof, is not affected and continues to be operative during at least an initial time period after a power failure starts. Reference is made to Figure 8d. If the BS 20 detects a power failure (step 885), the BS 20 will retrieve a mode identifier MI5 from BMEM 25 and, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmit the mode identifier MI5 and a prerecorded message, stored in BMEM 25, to all TS (step 886). At all TS 10, TC 12, based on the MI5 received, checks whether the TS 10 is enabled to receive and process the message (step 888). In the TS 10 is not enabled for the communication, the communication is ignored and not output at the TS 10. If enabled, the message is output at the TS 10 (step 889). Thus, the alerted group of users receive a prerecorded message, such as a predetermined (alarm) sound and/or a prerecorded voice message, indicating that a power failure has occurred. The power failure may then be attended to by one or more users of the group of alerted users.

It is noted that in each of the embodiments as illustrated and explained by reference to

Figures 8a, 8b, 8c or 8d, one or more specific messages may be stored in the TMEM 15 of each TS 10 instead of in the BMEM 25 of the BS 20. In that case, in steps 845 and 870 no message need to be transmitted from the BS 20 to the (selected) TS 10, but merely the Tl of the selected TS 10 need to be transmitted (Figures 8a, 8b) or merely the Tli, MI4 and Glj need to be transmitted (Figure 8c), or where the TS 10 enabled for the MI4 in the selected group Glj will output the prerecorded message.

The fourth mode M4 enables a specific TS 10 to operate as an information point, a door bell point, or an alarm point.

At an information point, the TS 10 may provide an input device to be operated by a person desiring to be informed (e.g. a customer), to alert a group of users each having access to a specific TS, and belonging to the same group, to receive a prerecorded message, such as a predetermined sound and/or voice message, indicating that a person desiring to be informed operated the input device at the specific information point. This person desiring to be informed may then be attended to by one or more users from the group of users alerted by the person desiring to be informed.

At a door bell point, the TS 10 will provide an input device to be operated by a calling person (e.g. a customer or a delivery person) to alert a group of users each having access to a specific TS, and belonging to the same group, to receive a prerecorded message, such as a predetermined sound and/or voice message, indicating that a calling person operated the input device at the door bell point. This calling person may then be attended to by one or more users of the group of users alerted by the calling person. At an alarm point, the TS 10 may provide an input device to be operated by a user to alert a group of users each having access to a specific TS, and belonging to the same group, to receive a prerecorded message, such as a predetermined (alarm) sound and/or a prerecorded voice message, indicating that at an alarm point an input device was operated. By way of example, at a cash alarm point, the input device may be operated by a cashier, e.g. to indicate a robbery attempt or any other irregularity. The alarm may then be attended to by one or more users of the group of users alerted by the operation of the input device.

TSs assigned to people that have a specific task, such as an emergency support task, may be excluded from being alerted by some of the messages indicated above.

In a further embodiment as illustrated and explained by reference to Figures 8a, 8b and 8c, the key may be an electronic or mechanical key to count people, e.g. customers or visitors to a site where the system of the present invention is in operation. The BS 20 may in that case have a BC 22 configured to count people up to a predetermined threshold number, and only when this threshold number is exceeded, to perform any of steps 840-880 (Figures 8a, 8b) or any of steps 845-875 (Figure 8c).

Figure 9a illustrates a sequence of operations occurring in an embodiment of the system of the invention when an incoming call for a particular TS 10 is received. Here, a communication in a sixth mode M6 associated with mode identifier MI6 is started.

An operator receiving the incoming call activates MI6 in the BS 20 (step 970). Based on MI6, the BC 22 selects all TS 10 except the TS 10 associated with Glex, from the combinations of Tls and Gls (see Figure 4) in BMEM 25 (step 980). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits a message to all selected TS as identified by their Tl (step 981). In this transmission, the Tl of the selected TS may be included. The message may be a voice message from the operator indicating the person for which the incoming call is intended. At each selected TS 10 as identified by their Tl, the message is received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12 (step 982) and reproduced through TLS 16. In the selected TS 10, the Tl included in the transmission may be compared with the Tl of the TS 10 to ensure that the message received is to be reproduced. At other TS 10, the transmission may be received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12, but the transmission will be rejected when the Tl of the transmission does not correspond to the Tl of the TS 10.

Figure 9b illustrates an alternative sequence of operations occurring in an

embodiment of the system of the invention when an incoming call for a particular TS 10 is received. Here, a communication in a sixth mode M6 associated with mode identifier MI6 is started.

An operator receiving the incoming call activates MI6 in the BS 20 (step 935). The BS 20 then, through BCOM 23 and antenna 24, transmits a message and MI6 to all TS 10 (step 945). The message may be a voice message from the operator indicating the person for which the incoming call is intended. At each TS 10, the message and MI6 are received through antenna 14 and processed by TCOM 13 and/or TC 12 (step 955). TC 12, based on the MI6 received, checks whether the TS 10 is enabled to receive and process the message (step 965). If the TS 10 is not enabled for the communication, the message is ignored and not output at the TS 10 through TLS 16. If enabled, the message is output at the TS 10 through the TLS 16 (step 975).

A user receiving the message through its TS 10, and for whom the message is intended, may indicate this by activating a predetermined input device of the TS 10, whereafter the operator connects the incoming call to the user.

In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, only incoming calls to a TS 10 may be processed, whereas outgoing calls from a TS 10 cannot be facilitated.

The system as described above is particularly suitable for communication between different groups of people each having a particular function in a business environment extending over a substantial area, such as 200 to 50,000 square meters, where the people normally are outside normal talking distance from each other. The business environment may include a garden centre, a retail business, a manufacturing plant, a warehouse, a sports centre, a discotheque, etc.. The system provides an optimum, fast communication between groups of users provided with the terminal stations of the present invention, so that users can support each other, and customers can be supported as fast as possible. Groups of people having a specific task, such as emergency support in case of emergencies, may be excluded from normal business communications, but may, by selecting a specific mode at a terminal station, be contacted immediately in case of need. In emergency situations, all people may be contacted at once. Other people may gain access to the system through operating an input device, such as by stroking or pressing a key, or in any other way, thus alerting members of a group of people through their associated terminal station.

As explained above, the present invention relates to a method and system for radio communication comprise a base station and terminal stations communicating with each other through the base station. Each terminal station has a terminal identifier and belongs to a group of terminal stations. Each group has a group identifier. The base station and/or each terminal station stores combinations of terminal identifiers and group identifiers. A first terminal station, in a predetermined mode, transmits a first communication, its terminal identifier and a mode identifier associated with the predetermined mode to the base station. The base station and/or terminal stations other than the first terminal station determine, based on the received mode identifier and the stored combinations of terminal identifiers and group identifiers, a specific group identifier and all terminal identifiers having this group identifier. Said other terminal stations having terminal identifiers having the specific group identifier stored in said combinations, output a second communication.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims.

The terms computer program, software application, and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a processor or computer system. A program, computer program, or software application may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.

A computer program may be stored and/or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

Claims

1. A system for radio communication, the system being configured to operate in different modes, the system comprising:

a base station; and

a plurality of terminal stations configured to communicate with each other through the base station, each terminal station being associated with a unique terminal identifier and with at least one group of terminal stations among the plurality of terminal stations, each group of terminal stations being associated with a unique group identifier;

wherein the base station and/or each terminal station is configured to store, for each terminal station, a combination of the corresponding terminal identifier and the at least one group identifier;

2. The radio communication system of claim 1 , wherein the base station and/or said other terminal stations is/are further configured to:

determine, based on the mode identifier received from the first terminal station, and based on the stored combinations of terminal identifiers and group identifiers, at least another specific group identifier and all terminal identifiers having the at least one other specific group identifier stored in said combinations, and

disable output of the second communication at terminal stations having terminal identifiers having the at least one other specific group identifier stored in said combinations.

3. The radio communication system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a first mode, the at least one specific group identifier is a group identifier stored in the combination associated with the terminal identifier of the first terminal station.

4. The radio communication system of claim 2, wherein, in a second mode, the at least one specific group identifier is a group identifier stored in the combination associated with the terminal identifier of the first terminal station, and the at least one other specific group identifier is a group identifier stored in a combination not associated with the terminal identifier of the first terminal station.

5. The radio communication system of claim 1 , wherein, in a third mode, the at least one specific group identifier comprises all group identifiers.

6. The radio communication system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication comprises a voice message, and the second communication comprises the same voice message.

7. The radio communication system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a fourth mode, the first communication lacks a voice communication, and the second communication comprises a prerecorded message.

8. The radio communication system of claim 7, wherein the base station is further configured to determine a number of persons based on the plurality of terminal identifiers generated by the persons and received by the base station, and wherein the system is further configured to output the second communication when the number of persons exceeds a predetermined threshold.

9. The radio communication system of any of the preceding claims, wherein

communication is according to the ETSI dPMR standard, and at least the group identifier and mode identifier are transmitted as slow data according to the ETSI dPMR standard.

10. A method of radio communication in different modes, the method comprising:

transmitting by a first terminal station a first communication, the terminal identifier of the first terminal station, and a mode identifier associated with the predetermined mode to the base station; determining by the base station and/or each terminal station, based on the mode identifier received from the first terminal station, and based on the stored combinations of terminal identifiers and group identifiers, at least one specific group identifier and all terminal identifiers having the at least one specific group identifier stored in said combinations, and at terminal stations other than the first terminal station, and having terminal identifiers having the at least one specific group identifier stored in said combinations, outputting a second communication.

1 1. A terminal station for radio communication in different modes with a base station in a system according to any of claims 1-9.

12. A base station for radio communication in different modes with a plurality of terminal stations in a system according to any of claims 1-9.

13. A computer program comprising computer instructions which, when run in a processor, enable a terminal station to operate in the system of any of claims 1-9.

14. A computer program comprising computer instructions which, when run in a processor, enable a base station to operate in the system of any of claims 1-9.