JP5722162B2 - COMMUNICATION CONTROL DEVICE, NETWORK SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication control device, a network system, a communication control method, and a program according to the present invention. The present invention particularly relates to a communication control apparatus that manages a router and an end device, a network system including the router, the end device, and the communication control apparatus, a communication control method in the communication control apparatus, and a program for controlling the communication control apparatus.

  (1) Conventionally, for example, a network using ZigBee (registered trademark) is known as a personal network. Non-Patent Document 1 describes an overview of the functions of ZigBee (registered trademark). In particular, Non-Patent Document 1 (A.5 Frequency Agility) describes an outline of frequency agility, which is a function of changing a channel.

Non-Patent Document 2 discloses the specifications of ZigBee (registered trademark). Non-Patent Document 2 discloses, for example, commands used in ZigBee (registered trademark).
Hereinafter, the terms coordinator, router, and end device represent the types of logical devices in ZigBee (registered trademark). The meaning of each will be described later. The term network manager means a ZigBee (registered trademark) node that manages a network in frequency agility. Usually, the coordinator plays that role, but not necessarily. There is only one network manager in the ZigBee (registered trademark) network.

  A coordinator in a network using ZigBee (registered trademark) scans all channels in a preset channel list (default channel list) before starting the network. The coordinator selects the most likely channel (ie, the channel with the lowest energy level) among all channels. The coordinator starts the network using the selected channel. Once the network is started, basically the channel is not changed.

  By the way, after the coordinator in ZigBee (registered trademark) starts a network, the channel situation may be deteriorated for the following reasons, for example. The frequency band of radio waves used by ZigBee (registered trademark) is the 2.4 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band is also a frequency band used by various devices such as a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), a microwave oven, and a wireless keyboard. For this reason, even if the channel condition is good at the beginning, the channel condition may deteriorate due to the start of various devices as described above. This will be described in more detail as follows.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a channel configuration in ZigBee (registered trademark) and a channel configuration in a wireless LAN (IEEE802.11b). Referring to FIG. 23, in the wireless LAN, four channels 1ch, 6ch, 11ch, and 14ch having different frequencies are mainly used. In ZigBee (registered trademark), any one of 16 channels 11ch to 26ch having different frequencies is used. For example, when the wireless LAN starts using one of the four channels, radio wave interference may occur between any of the 16 channels in ZigBee (registered trademark). For this reason, as described above, even when a ZigBee (registered trademark) coordinator starts a network, even if the channel is vacant, the use of the wireless LAN thereafter may deteriorate the state of the channel. .

  As a function for dealing with such a situation, frequency agility is known. In the frequency agility, when the radio wave interferes and communication errors increase, the network manager issues a channel change instruction to the node (wake full node) in the ZigBee (registered trademark) network, It is a function that improves the efficiency and stability of the network by moving to a channel that does not interfere. The item “A.5” (P.396-398) of “Appendix A” in Non-Patent Document 1 describes the frequency agility. Hereinafter, frequency agility will be specifically described.

  The router records the communication failure count. When the failure count exceeds the threshold (the number of messages is 20 or more and 25% of the messages fail), the router scans all preset channels and obtains the energy level of each channel. The router notifies the acquired energy level to the network manager. The router limits the notification to a maximum of 4 times per hour so as not to flood the network.

  The network manager receives an energy level notification (Mgmt_NWK_UPdate_notify) from the router. The network manager determines whether to change the channel based on the notification of the energy level. Further, the network manager can issue a request (Mgmt_NWK_UPdate_req) to notify the energy level to other ZigBee (registered trademark) nodes if necessary.

  Further, if the network manager determines that the channel should be changed, the network manager also determines which channel to change. The channel change may be determined automatically by the network manager, or may be determined by the network manager (human). The network manager broadcasts a channel change command (Mgmt_NWK_UPdate_req) for changing the channel.

  The destination address of this broadcast is 0xFFFD. This means that the node reaches RxOnWhenIdle = TRUE (a node that can be received even in an idle state, that is, a node that is waking up). Thus, the channel change command reaches the originating node (wake full node) in the ZigBee network.

  A node (router and a wake-up end device) that has received the channel change command by the broadcast re-broadcasts the channel change command. Due to the continuation of such a broadcast, a channel change command is transmitted to the wake-up node (wake full node) in the network.

  Here, an end device that enters a sleep state (hereinafter referred to as “Sleepy end device”) cannot receive a channel change command by broadcast except when it is awake. In principle, a sleepy end device cannot receive a channel change command (sent by broadcast) because the duration of the wake-up state is short compared to the sleep state. Therefore, the sleepy end device cannot communicate with the parent when the parent (router or coordinator) changes the channel. Therefore, the sleepy end device must search for another channel when it cannot communicate with the parent. First, a preset channel list is searched. If the same network as before cannot be found in this, all channels are searched. When frequency agility is enabled, such specifications must be included in the sleepy end device (described in Non-Patent Document 2).

  Further, even a wakeful node may not receive a channel change command. If the wakeful node exceeds the threshold and cannot communicate with the network manager for a period of time, the wakeful node determines that the interference condition has deteriorated too much to communicate on the current channel and searches for other channels. Must.

  The channel change command is rebroadcast one after another by a node (wake full node) in the ZigBee (registered trademark) network and is transmitted to the wake full node of the entire network. Hopefully it will travel fairly quickly to the wakeful nodes throughout the network. However, communication often fails because the channel conditions of the network have deteriorated in the first place. In addition, since the channel change command is transmitted by broadcast, broadcast communication often fails. This is because, unlike unicast, broadcast does not confirm ACK.

  Further, on page 575 (“ANNEX E”) of Non-Patent Document 2, an operation after receiving “Mgmt_NWK_Updat_req” which is a channel change command is defined. Specifically, the node that has received the channel change command sets a timer at a predetermined time (nwkNetworkBroadcastDeliveryTime), and changes the channel after the timer expires. This time is an estimate of the time required for broadcast transmission, and is a fixed value. According to one implementation, it was 3000 ms. Thus, the channel change command has no specific instruction on the timing for changing the channel. The timing for changing the channel is left to each node (wake full node).

  (2) Conventionally, also in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a function of automatically detecting a vacant channel and setting a channel used in the wireless LAN to the detected channel (hereinafter referred to as “AUTO channel function”). Is known).

  For example, in Non-Patent Document 3, as an AUTO channel function, all channels are automatically scanned when AOSS (registered trademark) (AirStation One-Touch Secure System), which is a simple setting function, is set or when the power is turned on. An access point for automatically setting a channel to a channel is disclosed.

  Similarly, in the non-patent document 4, as an AUTO channel function, when an apparatus is activated, when a channel setting is changed, and when a wireless function setting is changed, even in an environment where other wireless access points exist in the vicinity, An access point that automatically detects a vacant channel and automatically selects a channel with a good radio wave condition is disclosed.

  As described above, the AUTO channel function in the wireless LAN automatically detects a free channel only when the channel setting is changed, when the device is started, or when the wireless function setting is changed, and the channel used for the wireless ALN is selected. To do. In the AUTO channel function, the channel is not changed to another channel while the child node of the access point is accompanied.

Drew Gislason "ZIGBEE WIRELESS NETWORKING" (USA), Newnes, September 4, 2008, p.396-398 ZigBee Alliance “ZIGBEE SPECIFICATION ZigBee Document053474r17”, ZigBee Standards Organization, January 17, 2008 Buffalo, “AUTO channel setting function”, [online], [searched July 26, 2011], Internet <URL: http://buffalo.jp/products/catalog/item/w/wzr-hp-g54_p/ > NEC, “Auto Channel Select”, [online], [Search July 26, 2011], Internet <URL: http://121ware.com/product/atermstation/product/warpstar/wr8400n/feature2.html>

  When changing a channel by the frequency agility mentioned above, there are the following problems. That is, since a channel change command is transmitted by broadcast, a sleepy end device that is in a sleep state for most periods cannot receive this command in principle.

  For reference, there is also a broadcast whose destination address is 0xFFFF. This is delivered to all nodes, including end devices that enter a sleep state. However, in order to deliver to an end device that enters the sleep state, the transmission side must hold the packet for a considerable period of time, and is not generally used in a normal command of ZigBee (registered trademark).

  In addition, transmission by broadcast is not reliable. In particular, when trying to implement frequency agility, the transmission path conditions in the network should have deteriorated. For this reason, there is a low possibility that even the node (router, wakeful end device) that is waking up can receive the channel change command.

  As described above, the sleepy end device cannot receive the channel change command in principle, so when the sleepy end device cannot communicate with the parent, it is assumed that the parent has changed the channel and the other channel is searched. Must. When frequency agility is set to be valid, this specification must be included in the sleepy end device.

  In practice, it is often the case that the channel condition generally deteriorates and communication with the parent becomes impossible due to a microwave oven or the like. The search for other channels each time places an extra load on the sleepy end device. Even if the parent does not change the channel, the sleepy end device searches for another channel, which is a factor that takes time to rejoin.

  In addition, even a wakeful node (router or wakeful end device) may not receive the channel change command. Thus, when the wakeful node can no longer communicate with the network manager, it must search for another channel. If frequency agility is enabled, this specification must be included on the wakeful node side.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is communication that can instruct all nodes in the network to change the channel reliably when changing the channel in the network. A control device, a network system, a communication control method, and a program are provided.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the communication control apparatus manages a network system including a router and an end device. Based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device, the communication control device receives energy level information representing each energy level of a plurality of predetermined channels from the router. Communication means for receiving using one channel and channel determining means for determining a channel to be changed from a plurality of channels based on energy level information. The communication means transmits the channel information to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. After the transmission of the channel information, the communication means transmits timing information indicating the change timing to the determined channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the communication control device manages a network system including a router and an end device. The communication control device includes a communication unit that communicates with a router using one of a plurality of predetermined channels, and a reception unit that receives an external input that designates a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels. The communication means transmits channel information representing the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. After the transmission of the channel information, the communication means transmits timing information indicating the change timing to the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the communication control apparatus manages a network system including a router and an end device. Based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device, the communication control device receives energy level information representing each energy level of a plurality of predetermined channels from the router. A communication means for receiving using one channel in the display, a display control means for displaying energy level information on the display, and a channel to be changed from a plurality of channels based on the display of the energy level information Receiving means for receiving external input. The communication means transmits channel information representing the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. After the transmission of the channel information, the communication means transmits timing information indicating the change timing to the determined channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change.

  Preferably, the communication control device further includes a measurement unit that measures a time required for communication of the channel information, and a timing determination unit that determines each change timing for the router and the end device based on the measured time. Prepare.

  Preferably, the communication control device further includes storage means for storing in advance order information indicating the order in which the timing information is transmitted, and each change timing for the router and the end device. The communication means transmits timing information based on the stored change timing to the router and the end device in the order indicated by the order information.

  Preferably, the storage means includes first time information indicating a first time preset for unicast between the communication control apparatus and the router, and unicast between the communication control apparatus and the end device. In addition, second time information representing a second time set in advance is further stored. The communication control apparatus determines timing for determining each change timing for the router and the end device based on the number of routers and end devices, the order information, the first time information, and the second time information. Means are further provided. The timing determination means stores the determined change timings in the storage means as the respective change timings for the router and the end device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a network system includes a router, an end device having the router as a parent, and a communication control device that controls operations of the router and the end device. Based on the occurrence of a communication error with the communication control device, the router uses energy level information representing each energy level of a plurality of predetermined channels, using one channel among the plurality of channels, Sent to the communication control device. Based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device, the communication control device receives energy level information representing each energy level of a plurality of predetermined channels from the router. Communication means for receiving using one channel and channel determining means for determining a channel to be changed from a plurality of channels based on energy level information. The communication means transmits the channel information to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. After the transmission of the channel information, the communication means transmits timing information indicating the change timing to the determined channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. Based on the change command, the router and the end device change the channel with the communication control device to a channel determined from the channel before the change. After transmitting the change command, the communication control device changes the channel with the router and the end device from the channel that received the energy level information to the determined channel.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a network system includes a router, an end device having the router as a parent, and a communication control device that controls operations of the router and the end device. The communication control device includes a communication unit that communicates with a router using one of a plurality of predetermined channels, and a reception unit that receives an external input that designates a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels. The communication means transmits channel information representing the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. After the transmission of the channel information, the communication means transmits timing information indicating the change timing to the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. Routers and end devices receive channel information and timing information. The router and the end device change the channel with the communication control device from the channel before the change to the channel indicated in the channel information at the change timing indicated in the timing information. After transmitting the timing information, the communication control device changes the channel with the router and end device from the channel before the change to the designated channel.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a network system includes a router, an end device having the router as a parent, and a communication control device that controls operations of the router and the end device. Based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device, the communication control device receives energy level information representing each energy level of a plurality of predetermined channels from the router. A communication means for receiving using one channel in the display, a display control means for displaying energy level information on the display, and a channel to be changed from a plurality of channels based on the display of the energy level information Receiving means for receiving external input. The communication means transmits channel information representing the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. After the transmission of the channel information, the communication means transmits timing information indicating the change timing to the determined channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. Based on the change command, the router and the end device change the channel with the communication control device to a channel determined from the channel before the change. After transmitting the change command, the communication control device changes the channel with the router and the end device from the channel that received the energy level information to the designated channel.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a communication control method is a communication control method in a communication control apparatus that manages a network system including a router and an end device. In the communication control method, energy level information representing the energy level of each of a plurality of predetermined channels from the router based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device. Are received using one channel among the plurality of channels, the communication control device determines a channel to be changed from the plurality of channels based on the energy level information, and the communication control device includes: The step of transmitting the channel information to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change, and the communication control unit are determined by the unicast using the channel before the change after the transmission of the channel information. Timing information indicating the timing of channel changes And transmitting to the end device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a communication control method is a communication control method in a communication control apparatus that manages a network system including a router and an end device. The communication control method includes a step in which a communication control device communicates with a router using one of a plurality of predetermined channels, and an external in which the communication control device designates a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels. A step of receiving an input; a step in which the communication control device transmits channel information representing the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change; And transmitting the timing information indicating the change timing to the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a communication control method is a communication control method in a communication control apparatus that manages a network system including a router and an end device. In the communication control method, energy level information representing the energy level of each of a plurality of predetermined channels from the router based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device. On the basis of the display of the energy level information, the step of displaying the energy level information on the display, the step of displaying the energy level information on the display. The step of receiving an external input for designating a channel to be changed from among the channels of the communication, and the communication control unit, by unicast using the channel before the change, channel information representing the designated channel, the router and the end The step of transmitting to the device and the communication controller After transmission of, and transmitting the unicast channel using the pre-change, the timing information represents the timing of changing to the determined channel, the routers and end devices.

  When the further another situation of this invention is followed, a program makes a communication control apparatus perform said communication control method.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when changing the channel in a network, a channel change can be reliably instruct | indicated with respect to all the nodes in a network. That is, the sleepy end device or the like does not have to include a specification for searching for another channel when communication with the parent becomes impossible.

It is the figure which showed schematic structure of the network which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed schematic structure including the communication path | route of a network. It is a contrast diagram which put together the function of a coordinator, a router, and an end device. It is a block diagram of a gateway. It is a block diagram of an air conditioner. It is a figure showing the hardware constitutions of the power consumption measuring device. It is a figure for demonstrating the transmission process of the channel information by a gateway. It is a figure for demonstrating the transmission process of the timing information by a gateway. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the setting time of the set timer. It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a gateway. It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of another gateway. It is a figure showing the selection screen for displaying the setting tool in a gateway. It is a figure showing the setting screen about a local node. It is a figure showing the setting screen about a remote node. It is a figure showing the setting screen about the whole network in channel automatic switching mode. It is a figure showing the setting screen 332 about the whole network in channel manual switching mode. It is a functional block diagram of a gateway. It is a figure showing the log when a gateway receives the notification (Mgmt_NWK_UPdate_notify) of an energy level. It is a figure for demonstrating the mounting method in a gateway. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of the gateway 1001 of other embodiment. It is a figure showing the setting screen about the whole network. It is a functional block diagram of a gateway. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a channel configuration in ZigBee (registered trademark) and a channel configuration in a wireless LAN (IEEE802.11b).

  Hereinafter, a network according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
<A. Network Overview>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network according to an embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, a network Z indicates a low-speed wireless communication network (mainly assuming ZigBee (registered trademark)). The network E indicates a high-speed communication network (mainly assuming Ethernet (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark)). The network Z includes a gateway (communication control device) 1001, a broadband router 1002, a plurality of power consumption measuring devices 1004, a plurality of home appliances (such as an air conditioner 1005, a refrigerator 1006, and a washing dryer 1007), and a plurality of various sensors. (Temperature / humidity sensor, illuminance sensor, human sensor, etc.) 1008.

  The gateway 1001, the plurality of power consumption measuring devices 1004, the plurality of home appliances 1005, 1006, and 1007, and the plurality of various sensors 1008 each include a low-speed wireless communication module CM (hereinafter also referred to as “wireless module”). Prepare. In FIG. 1, the antenna of the low-speed wireless communication module CM is illustrated as an external antenna, but the antenna may be incorporated in each device.

  Further, the gateway Z1, the plurality of power consumption measuring devices 1004, the plurality of home appliances 1005 to 1007, and the various sensors 1008 constitute a network Z.

  The gateway 1001 is an information processing terminal provided with a low-speed wireless communication module CM. The gateway 1001 includes input means and display means. Hereinafter, as an example, the gateway 1001 will be described as a configuration including a display with a touch panel.

  The gateway 1001 is connected to the broadband router 1002 by a high-speed communication network. The gateway 1001 performs low-speed wireless communication with a plurality of power consumption measuring devices 1004. Although only one power consumption measuring device 1004 is depicted in FIG. 1, it is assumed that there are actually a plurality of power consumption measuring devices 1004. The gateway 1001 also performs low-speed wireless communication with the home appliances 1005 to 1007 and the various sensors 1008.

  Although details will be described later, the power consumption measuring device 1004 operates as a router or an end device. The home appliances 1005, 1006, 1007 and various sensors 1008 also operate as routers or end devices.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration including a communication path of the network Z. Below, the example using ZigBee (trademark) which is one of the short-range wireless communication standards for household appliances as the network Z is demonstrated. ZigBee (registered trademark) has lower speed and shorter transmission distance than Bluetooth (registered trademark), but has an advantage of power saving and low cost.

  Referring to FIG. 2, network Z includes a gateway 1001 and a plurality of communication devices 11 to 16 that communicate with gateway 1001. The gateway 1001 functions as a coordinator. Each of the communication devices 11 to 16 functions as either a router or an end device. Note that the number of communication devices is not limited to six, and there are as many communication devices as the number of routers and end devices included in the network Z. In addition, each device in the plurality of power consumption measuring devices 1004, the plurality of home appliances 1005, 1006, and 1007, and the plurality of various sensors 1008 in FIG. 1 corresponds to one of communication devices.

  The communication devices 11 and 14 function as routers. The communication devices 12, 13, 15, and 16 function as end devices. That is, the communication devices 12, 13, 15, and 16 do not relay data.

  The communication device 11 is a parent device of the communication devices 12 and 13. That is, the communication devices 12 and 13 communicate with the gateway 1001 that is a coordinator via the communication device 11. The communication device 14 is a parent device of the communication device 15. That is, the communication device 15 communicates with the gateway 1001 via the communication device 14. The communication device 16 communicates with the gateway 1001 without using a router.

  Numbers 1 to 6 surrounded by circles in FIG. 2 represent the order in which the gateway 1001 performs communication. As will be described in detail later, the gateway 1001 performs unicast with each of the communication devices 11 to 16 in the order designated by numerals (that is, in the order of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...) (FIG. 7 to 9). Note that the gateway 1001 stores in advance order information representing the order.

  In the following, before detailed description of the network Z, devices used in ZigBee (registered trademark) will be described first. Devices used in ZigBee (registered trademark) are classified from the viewpoints of physical devices and logical devices.

From the viewpoint of a physical device, a device used in ZigBee (registered trademark) is an FFD (Full-Function Device) having a full function according to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard.
) And RFD (Reduced-Function Device) in which some functions are omitted. The FFD has a routing function. For this reason, FFD can relay data. On the other hand, the RFD does not have a routing function. For this reason, the RFD cannot relay data.

  From the viewpoint of logical devices, devices used in ZigBee (registered trademark) can be classified into coordinators, routers, and end devices. There is always only one coordinator in the network. There can be a plurality of routers in the network. A router can realize a multi-hop network in which data passes one node after another.

  The coordinator and router must be FFDs with a routing function. The end device may be FFD or RFD.

  FIG. 3 is a comparison diagram summarizing the functions of the coordinator, the router, and the end device. Referring to FIG. 3, the end devices include a sleepy end device and a wakeful end device. Differences between the sleepy end device and the wakeful end device will be described later.

  The coordinator (that is, the gateway 1001) has a network startup function as described above, but the router and the end device do not have a network startup function. Further, the coordinator and the router have a relay function, but the end device does not have the relay function.

  The coordinator and router cannot sleep. Sleepy end devices can sleep. More specifically, the sleepy end device periodically wakes up from a sleep state. On the other hand, the wakeful end device is awake without sleeping.

  The reason that the sleepy end device can sleep is that it does not always need to receive. Therefore, generally speaking, the power consumption of the coordinator and the router is high. The power consumption of sleepy end devices is low. The power consumption of the wakeful end device is higher than the power consumption of the sleepy end device because it always occurs. For reference, an actual measurement value of power consumption when a certain power consumption measuring device is operated as a router is about 0.4 W, and an actual measurement value of power consumption when operated as a sleepy end device is about 0. It was 1W.

  In the following description, it is assumed in the network Z that all end devices are sleepy end devices. That is, the network Z is described as not including a wakeful end device.

<B. Gateway configuration>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the gateway 1001. Referring to FIG. 4, gateway 1001 includes control unit 1101, operation unit 1102, display unit 1103, high-speed communication interface unit 1104, power supply unit 1105, and wireless RF (Radio Freaquency) built-in communication controller unit 1106. , An antenna 1107 and a setting button 1108.

  A wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1161, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1162, a RAM Random Access Memory (1633), a GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) 1164, and a wireless RF unit 1165. UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) 1166. Note that the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106 corresponds to a ZigBee (registered trademark) coordinator unit. The ROM 1162, the RAM 1163, the UART 1166, the GPIO 1164, and the wireless RF unit 1165 are connected to the CPU 1161, respectively.

  The wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106 is connected to the antenna 1107. The wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106 controls communication with communication devices existing on the network Z.

  As the OS (Operating System) of the control unit 1101, for example, Linux (registered trademark) can be used. The control unit 1101 includes a high-performance CPU compared to the CPU 1161, and has abundant memory. With this configuration, the gateway 1001 can realize advanced information processing.

  The operation unit 1102 is an input device such as a switch and a touch panel. The display unit 1103 is a display (for example, a liquid crystal display) for displaying an image.

  The high-speed communication interface unit 1104 is an interface for performing communication with the broadband router 1002 using Ethernet (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark). The power supply unit 1105 supplies power to the control unit 1101 and the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106.

  The control unit 1101 is connected to the operation unit 1102, the display unit 1103, the high-speed communication interface unit 1104, the power supply unit 1105, and the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106. The control unit 1101 controls the overall operation of the gateway 1001. The control unit 1101 receives an input from the operation unit 1102. In addition, the control unit 1101 issues an output instruction to the display unit 1103.

<C. Configuration of home appliances>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an air conditioner 1005 (see FIG. 1). Note that other home appliances 1006 and 1007 also have similar blocks, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 5, an air conditioner 1005 includes a control unit 1501, an operation unit 1502, a display unit 1503, a sensor unit 1504, a power supply unit 1505, a low-speed wireless communication module 1506, an antenna 1507, and a control target 1508. With.

The operation unit 1502 is an input device such as a switch. The display unit 1503 is an output device such as an LED. The sensor unit 1504 is, for example, a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. The power supply unit 1505 supplies power to the control unit 1501 and the low-speed wireless communication module 1506.

  The control unit 1501 is connected to the operation unit 1502, the display unit 1503, the sensor unit 1504, the power supply unit 1505, and the low-speed wireless communication module 1506. A control unit 1501 controls the overall operation of the air conditioner 1005. The control unit 1501 is generally realized by an embedded microcomputer.

  The control unit 1501 receives an input from the operation unit 1502. In addition, the control unit 1501 issues an output instruction to the display unit 1503. In addition, the control unit 1501 receives an input from the sensor unit 1504. The control unit 1501 controls a control target 1508 such as a compressor.

  More specifically, the control unit 1501 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a UART, a GPIO, and an ADC (Analog Digital Converter). The RAM, ROM, UART, and GPIO are each connected to the CPU. The ADC is connected to the sensor unit 1504.

  The low-speed wireless communication module 1506 is connected to the antenna 1507. The low-speed wireless communication module 1506 controls communication with the gateway 1001 and communication devices existing on the network Z. The low speed wireless communication module 1506 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a UART, a GPIO, and a wireless RF unit. The RAM, ROM, UART, and GPIO are each connected to the CPU. The low-speed wireless communication module 1506 and the control unit 1501 are connected by UART.

<D. Configuration of power consumption measuring instrument>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the power consumption measuring device 1004. Referring to FIG. 6, a power consumption measuring device 1004 includes a socket 2101, a plug 2102, a shunt resistor 2103, a power supply unit 2104, an LED 2105, a setting button 2106, an antenna 2107, a power sensor unit 2110, A wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 2120, a wiring 2131, a wiring 2132, and a wiring 2133 are provided.

  The wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 2120 includes a CPU 2121, a ROM 2122, a RAM 2123, a GPIO 2124, and a wireless RF unit 2125.

  The wiring 2132 and the wiring 2133 are connected by a shunt resistor 2103. The shunt resistor 2103 is a very small (several hundred micro ohms) resistor used for measuring current.

  The socket 2101 and the plug 2102 are connected by wirings 2131 to 2133 and a shunt resistor 2103. The wiring 2131 is connected to one terminal of the plug 2102 and one terminal of the socket 2101. The wiring 2132 is connected to the other terminal of the plug 2102 and one end of the shunt resistor 2103. The wiring 2133 is connected to the other terminal of the socket 2101 and the other end of the shunt resistor 2103.

  The power supply unit 2104 is connected to the wiring 2132. The power supply unit 2104 converts alternating current into direct current. The power supply unit 2104 gives the DC power obtained by the conversion to the power sensor unit 2110 and the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 2120.

  The power sensor unit 2110 outputs a frequency signal based on the voltage (potential difference) between the wiring 2131 and the wiring 2132 and the current value of the current flowing through the shunt resistor 2103 to the GPIO 2124 of the low-speed wireless communication module 2120 (pulse output). To do.

  The CPU 2121 performs data conversion on the frequency signal acquired from the GPIO 2124. The wireless RF unit 2125 transmits a signal obtained by data conversion to the gateway 1001 using the antenna 2107.

  The ROM 2122 stores programs executed by the CPU 2121. The RAM 2123 temporarily stores data processed by the CPU 2121 and processed data.

  The LED 2105 represents the data processing state of the power consumption measuring device 1004 by a blinking color and / or a lighting color. The setting button 2106 is used for initial setting of the power consumption measuring device 1004 by the user.

<E. Processing details of gateway>
Below, the outline | summary of the process of the gateway 1001 is demonstrated. The gateway 1001 includes, as operation modes, a mode for automatically switching channels (hereinafter referred to as “channel automatic switching mode”) and a mode for manually switching channels (hereinafter referred to as “channel manual switching mode”). Yes.

  In the automatic channel switching mode, the gateway 1001 automatically selects a change destination channel based on the energy level information of each channel reported from the communication device 11 or the like, and changes the channel used in the communication system Z to the selected channel. . On the other hand, in the channel manual switching mode, after the user confirms the energy level, the gateway 1001 changes the channel used in the communication system Z to the channel designated by the user. That is, in the channel manual switching mode, the gateway 1001 does not automatically select a channel, but sets a channel based on a user instruction as a channel to be changed.

  Hereinafter, a case where the operation mode of the gateway 1001 is “channel automatic switching mode” will be described first. Next, a case where the operation mode of the gateway 1001 is “channel manual switching mode” will be described. The gateway 1001 can switch the operation mode between “channel automatic switching mode” and “channel manual switching mode” in accordance with a user instruction.

[E-1. Channel automatic switching mode]
In the following, specific processing of determining whether or not to change a channel and determining a channel to be changed when the gateway 1001 receives energy level information from a communication device as a router will be described (E -1-1). Next, a process for transmitting a change command to the determined channel will be described.

  The change command is divided into channel information representing the determined channel and timing information representing the change timing to the determined communication channel. Although details will be described later, the gateway 1001 transmits timing information after transmitting channel information. Therefore, after describing transmission of channel information (E-1-2, FIG. 7), transmission of timing information will be described (E-1-3, FIG. 8, FIG. 9). Finally, an example of setting timing in the timing information will be described (E-1-4). The “channel information” notification command and the “timing information” notification command are different from “Mgmt_NWK_Updat_req” described in Non-Patent Document 2.

(E-1-1. Overview of channel change processing based on energy level information)
The gateway 1001 determines whether it is necessary to change the channel based on the reception of the energy level from at least one router. When there is a router that does not transmit the energy level, the gateway 1001 may instruct the router to notify the energy level. A specific example of the energy level will be described later (FIG. 8).

  Various criteria for determining whether to change the channel by the gateway 1001 can be set. For example, the following criteria can be used.

The transmission failure rate of the network manager itself is obtained by the following equation (1).
Transmission failure rate = (transmission failure count) / (number of transmissions) * 100 (1)
The network manager does nothing if the transmission failure rate is less than 50%.

  Further, the network manager does nothing if the transmission failure rate is lower than the transmission failure rate when the previous channel is used. If there is no data for the previous channel use, this decision is not used.

  The network manager decides to change the channel if the transmission failure rate is 50% or higher and is higher than the transmission failure rate in the previous channel. In this case, the network manager selects one channel having a low energy level and transmits a channel change command. When a channel having a low energy level is selected, information on the energy level notified from each router can be used.

(E-1-2. Channel information transmission processing)
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining channel information transmission processing by the gateway 1001. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the transmission order of channel information. The transmission order of channel information is based on the above-described order information (FIG. 2).

  With reference to FIG. 7A, the gateway 1001 first transmits channel information to the communication device 11 by unicast (UNICAST) using the channel before the change. “Unicast” refers to transmitting data only to a specific partner by designating a single address in the network. In the case of unicast, since the ACK is confirmed in the MAC layer, it can be determined whether or not the other party has arrived.

  With reference to FIG.7 (b), the gateway 1001 next transmits channel information to the communication apparatus 14 by unicast. Hereinafter, similarly, the gateway 1001 transmits channel information to the communication devices 13, 15, 12, and 16 by unicast (see FIGS. 7C to 7F).

  As described above, the gateway 1001 transmits channel information to a communication device in the network Z by unicast. Therefore, each communication device can receive channel information with a higher probability than when channel information is broadcast. This is because ACK is confirmed in the MAC layer if unicast, and retransmitted if there is no ACK. The maximum number of retransmissions in the MAC layer is 3 in some implementations, depending on the setting. Therefore, if the first transmission is also included, it will be transmitted a maximum of four times. The application layer can also retry by confirming that there is no response from the destination node. Each communication device does not change the channel only by receiving the channel information.

  The gateway 1001 can arbitrarily determine the order in which the gateway 1001 performs unicast transmission to each communication device. Although there is no particular meaning in the order, here, the order in which the gateway 1001 recognizes (discovers) each communication device is used.

(E-1-3. Transmission processing of timing information)
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the timing information transmission processing by the gateway 1001. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the transmission order of timing information. The transmission order of the timing information is based on the above-described order information (FIG. 2), similarly to the channel information. The gateway 1001 transmits the timing information to each communication device in the network Z by unicast after the transmission of the channel information is completed.

“Timing information” is information representing the change timing to the change destination channel determined by the above-described processing. Upon receiving the “timing information”, each communication device (router and sleepy end device) changes to the channel of the change destination that has been received first after the designated timing (period) has elapsed. (See Figure 9)
In the process of unicasting channel information, if there is no response from one or more nodes, channel switching of the entire network may be stopped. This is because all nodes in the network cannot switch channels simultaneously. In this case, the gateway 1001 notifies the user through the screen that the channel switching has been canceled.

  With reference to FIG. 8A, the gateway 1001 transmits timing information to the communication device 11 by unicast using the channel before the change. Hereinafter, similarly, the gateway 1001 transmits the channel information to the communication devices 14, 13, 15, 12, 16 by unicast (see FIGS. 8B to 8F).

  As described above, the gateway 1001 transmits timing information to communication devices in the network Z by unicast. Therefore, each communication device can receive the timing information with a higher probability than when the timing information is broadcast.

  Each communication device has already received channel information at the time of receiving timing information. Therefore, each communication device can switch the channel to be used thereafter from the channel before the change to the channel determined by the gateway 1001 (the channel to be changed) at the timing indicated by the timing information.

  As described above, the reason why the gateway 1001 transmits both channel information and timing information is as follows.

  Suppose that the gateway 1001 transmits only channel information. Each node that receives the channel information changes the channel immediately after receiving the channel information or after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Since the gateway 1001 tries to transmit to all the nodes by unicast, if the nodes (communication device 11 and communication device 14 in FIG. 2) that are relay paths change the channel first, the gateway 1001 will transmit first. 2 (communication devices 12, 13, and 15 in FIG. 2) cannot be reached. Therefore, the communication devices 12, 13, and 15 cannot communicate with the parent communication device 11 and communication device 14, and channel switching of the entire network fails. In order to avoid this, it is sufficient to transmit from the nodes at the end (communication devices 12, 13, 15 in FIG. 2) in order, but it is difficult to examine this order. This is because it is an ad hoc network, and the relay path can be changed according to the channel status.

  The reason why the gateway 1001 transmits the timing information after transmitting the channel information is as follows.

  Since the gateway 1001 transmits the channel information to all the nodes, it can be confirmed whether or not there is a response from all the nodes at this time. If there is no response from one or more nodes, the channel switching of the entire network will not succeed, so that the channel switching itself can be canceled halfway.

  In addition, the time required for the gateway 1001 to transmit channel information to all nodes can be measured. This can be reflected in subsequent timing information.

(E-1-4. Timer setting example)
Next, a timer setting method in the timing information by the gateway 1001 will be described. The purpose here is to have all nodes in the network switch channels as much as possible. It is necessary to consider how to set the timing information for the first communication device to be transmitted and how to set the timing information for the second and subsequent communication devices. Here, two methods will be described.

・ Method 1: (Method based on measurement time)
Since the gateway 1001 has previously transmitted the channel information to all the nodes, the time taken at this time is measured. This time (the time required for transmission to all nodes) is Ta. First, timing information (T1) about the communication device 11 to be transmitted first is set as in the following equation (2).

T1 = Ta + Ts (2)
Ts is a time for giving a margin. Ts is, for example, 3 seconds.

  When receiving the timing information T1, the communication device 11 changes to the channel to be changed after T1 (period) has elapsed since the reception.

  Timing information (T2) for the communication device 14 to be transmitted second is set as in the following equation (3).

T2 = Ta + Ts−Tc (3)
Tc is the difference between the time transmitted to the first communication device and the current time (that is, the time elapsed since the transmission of timing information was started).

  When receiving the timing information T2, the communication device 14 changes to the channel to be changed after T2 (period) has elapsed since the reception.

  The timing information is set in the same manner for the third and subsequent communication devices. If Expression (3) is less than Ts, Ts is set. Finally, the gateway 1001 changes its channel.

  Specifically, the gateway 1001 includes a measurement unit and a timing determination unit. The measurement unit measures a time Ta required for communication of channel information. The timing determination unit determines the change timing of each of the router and the sleepy end device based on the measured time Ta. More specifically, the timing determination unit determines the change timing based on the time Ta, the time Ts, and the time Tc.

Method 2: (Method based on the number of nodes in network Z)
Since the gateway 1001 knows the number of nodes in the network Z, the gateway 1001 determines timing information to the first communication device to be transmitted from the number of nodes.
When the number of routers in the network Z is M and the number of sleepy end devices is N, timing information (T1) about the communication device 11 to be transmitted first is determined by the following equation (4). .

T1 = Tr * M + Te * N + Ts (4)
In Expression (4), Tr is a time determined in advance based on the time required for the above-described unicast communication between the gateway 1001 and one router. Tr is 0.3 seconds, for example. Te is a predetermined time based on the time required for the above-described unicast communication between the gateway 1001 and one sleepy end device. Te is, for example, 1.6 seconds.

  Since the router is always awake, communication is completed immediately. Since the sleepy end device has a sleeping period, it takes time to communicate.

  Ts is a time for giving a margin. That is, Ts is a time provided to prevent a situation where a channel is changed at any node before the gateway 1001 transmits timing information to all nodes. Ts is, for example, 3 seconds.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the set time of the set timer. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating timer setting times for the communication devices 11 to 16 when T1 = 12.0 seconds is satisfied according to the above equation (4).

  Referring to FIG. 9, gateway 1001 sets the timer setting time for communication device 11 to 12.0 seconds. That is, the gateway 1001 instructs the communication device 11 to change the channel 12.0 seconds after the communication device 11 receives the timing information.

  Further, the gateway 1001 sets the timer setting time for the communication device 14 having the second order based on the order information to 11.7 seconds. That is, the gateway 1001 instructs the communication device 14 to change the channel 11.7 seconds after the communication device 14 receives the timing information. The gateway 1001 performs communication by subtracting a predetermined time (that is, Tr = 0.3 seconds) from 12.0 seconds based on the time required for communication of timing information between the gateway 1001 and the communication device 11. A timer setting time for the device 14 (hereinafter referred to as “setting time T2”) is calculated.

  Further, the gateway 1001 sets the timer setting time for the communication device 13 whose order is 3 based on the order information to 11.4 seconds. That is, the gateway 1001 instructs the communication device 13 to change the channel 11.4 seconds after the communication device 13 receives the timing information. The gateway 1001 performs communication by subtracting a predetermined time (that is, Tr = 0.3 seconds) from 11.7 seconds based on the time required for communication of timing information between the gateway 1001 and the communication device 14. A timer set time for the device 13 (hereinafter referred to as “set time T3”) is calculated.

  Further, the gateway 1001 sets the timer setting time for the communication device 15 whose order is 4 based on the order information to 9.8 seconds. That is, the gateway 1001 instructs the communication device 15 to change the channel 9.8 seconds after the communication device 15 receives the timing information. The gateway 1001 performs communication by subtracting a predetermined time (that is, Te = 1.6 seconds) from 11.4 seconds based on the time required for communication of timing information between the gateway 1001 and the communication device 13. A timer set time for the device 15 (hereinafter referred to as “set time T4”) is calculated.

  Further, the gateway 1001 determines the timer setting time for the communication device 12 whose order is 5 based on the order information as 8.2 seconds. That is, the gateway 1001 instructs the communication device 12 to change the channel 8.2 seconds after the communication device 12 receives the timing information. The gateway 1001 performs communication by subtracting a predetermined time (that is, Te = 1.6 seconds) from the time required for communication of timing information between the gateway 1001 and the communication device 15 from 9.8 seconds. A timer set time for the device 12 (hereinafter referred to as “set time T5”) is calculated.

  In addition, the gateway 1001 determines a timer setting time of 6.6 seconds for the communication device 16 whose order is 6 based on the order information. That is, the gateway 1001 instructs the communication device 12 to change the channel 6.6 seconds after the communication device 16 receives the timing information. The gateway 1001 performs communication by subtracting a predetermined time (that is, Te = 1.6 seconds) from the time required for communication of timing information between the gateway 1001 and the communication device 12 from 8.2 seconds. A timer set time for the device 16 (hereinafter referred to as “set time T6”) is calculated.

  As described above, as the order information becomes lower, the gateway 1001 reduces the setting time of the timer, so that the channels of the communication devices are switched at the same timing.

  Note that the gateway 1001 finally changes its own channel. For example, the gateway 1001 changes the channel after transmitting timing information to the communication device having the lowest order in the order information. Alternatively, the channel may be changed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Note that Method 1 and Method 2 may be combined. That is, in Method 1, the time estimate required to transmit a channel to all nodes may be based on the number of nodes in the network Z. Or in method 2, you may determine the timing set to the 1st communication apparatus based on measurement time.

  The gateway 1001 transmits channel information and timing information to the communication devices (11 to 16) by unicast, but may retry if there is no response from the transmission destination node in the application layer.

  The gateway 1001 may transmit to the next communication device without waiting for a response from the transmission destination node in the process of transmitting to the communication device (11 to 16). In particular, when the gateway 1001 tries to transmit to the sleepy end device, the sleepy end device does not respond immediately because it has slept for most of the time. Since the gateway 1001 takes time when waiting for a response from the transmission destination node, the gateway 1001 can also transmit to the next communication device without waiting for a response from the transmission destination node. Responses from the destination node do not follow the order of transmission. For example, even if the communication devices 13, 15, 12, and 16 are transmitted in the order, the responses are not always returned in the order of transmission.

[E-2. Channel manual switching mode]
In the following, with respect to the channel manual switching mode, differences from the channel automatic switching mode will be mainly described. The description of the same processing as in the automatic channel switching mode will not be repeated.

  As described above, in the channel manual switching mode, after the user confirms the energy level, the gateway 1001 changes the channel used in the communication system Z to the channel designated by the user. Therefore, the gateway 1001 does not automatically select a channel. Instead, the gateway 1001 receives an input specifying a channel from the user.

  The gateway 1001 changes the channel to the designated channel. In the channel manual switching mode, information representing the designated channel corresponds to the above-described “channel information”.

  Also in the channel manual switching mode, the gateway 1001 executes the process described in “E-1-2” as the channel information transmission process. Similarly, the gateway 1001 executes the process described in “E-1-3” as the timing information transmission process. Also in this case, the example shown by “E-1-4” can be used as a setting example of the timer.

  Note that the gateway 1001 displays the energy level on the display unit 1103 so that the user can check the energy level in the channel manual switching mode and the channel automatic switching mode. However, in the channel automatic switching mode, since the gateway 1001 automatically switches the channel, the display of the energy level is not essential. The display of the energy level will be described later (FIG. 15 and the like).

  Since it is somewhat difficult for the user to determine one channel based on the energy level, the gateway 1001 may select and display one recommended channel. Let the user decide only whether to perform channel switching.

<F. Control structure>
First, a control structure in the gateway 1001 in the automatic channel switching mode will be described. Next, a control structure in the gateway 1001 in the channel manual switching mode will be described.

[F-1. Channel automatic switching mode]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the gateway 1001 in the automatic channel switching mode. Referring to FIG. 10, in step S2, gateway 1001 receives energy level information from the router based on the occurrence of a communication error between gateway 1001 and the router. In step S4, the gateway 1001 determines whether or not to change the channel based on the energy level information received from each router.

  When gateway 1001 determines to change the channel (YES in step S4), gateway 1001 determines the channel to be changed in step S6. If the gateway determines not to change the channel (NO in step S4), the gateway advances the process to step S2.

  In step S8, the gateway 1001 generates timing information representing the change timing for each communication device (router and sleepy end device) that configures the network Z. In step S <b> 10, the gateway 1001 sequentially transmits channel information representing the channel to be changed to each communication device configuring the network Z by unicast using the channel that has received the energy level information.

  In step S12, the gateway 1001 determines whether transmission of channel information is completed. That is, the gateway 1001 determines whether or not the transmission of channel information to all communication devices constituting the network Z has been completed. When gateway 1001 determines that the transmission of channel information has been completed (YES in step S12), in step S14, the timing information is transmitted to each component of network Z by unicast using the channel that has received the energy level information. It transmits to the communication equipment in order. If gateway 1001 determines that transmission of channel information has not been completed (NO in step S12), it proceeds to step S10.

  In step S16, the gateway 1001 determines whether or not the transmission of the timing information has been completed. That is, the gateway 1001 determines whether or not the transmission of timing information to all communication devices constituting the network Z has been completed. When gateway 1001 determines that transmission of timing information has been completed (YES in step S16), in step S18, gateway 1001 itself also changes the channel from the channel that received the energy level information to the channel that it wants to determine. If gateway 1001 determines that transmission of timing information has not been completed (NO in step S16), it proceeds to step S14.

[F-2. Channel manual switching mode]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the gateway 1001 in the channel manual switching mode. Referring to FIG. 11, in step S102, gateway 1001 receives energy level information from the router based on the occurrence of a communication error between gateway 1001 and the router. In step S104, the gateway 1001 displays the energy level information received from each router on the display unit 1103. In step S106, the gateway 1001 determines whether or not an instruction for changing a channel is received from the user.

  When gateway 1001 determines that an instruction to change the channel has been received (YES in step S106), in step S108, the timing information indicating the change timing is used as the communication device (router and sleepy end) that constitutes network Z. Generate every device). If gateway 1001 determines that it has not received an instruction to change the channel (NO in step S106), it advances the process to step S104.

  In step S <b> 110, the gateway 1001 sequentially transmits channel information representing the channel to be changed to each communication device configuring the network Z by unicast using the channel that has received the energy level information. In step S112, the gateway 1001 determines whether transmission of channel information is completed. That is, the gateway 1001 determines whether or not the transmission of channel information to all communication devices constituting the network Z has been completed. When gateway 1001 determines that the transmission of channel information has been completed (YES in step S112), in step S114, gateway 1001 obtains timing information by unicast using the channel that has received the energy level information. It transmits to the communication equipment in order. If gateway 1001 determines that transmission of channel information has not been completed (NO in step S112), it proceeds to step S110.

  In step S116, the gateway 1001 determines whether transmission of timing information is completed. That is, the gateway 1001 determines whether or not the transmission of timing information to all communication devices constituting the network Z has been completed. When gateway 1001 determines that the transmission of timing information has been completed (YES in step S116), in step S118, gateway 1001 itself also changes the channel from the channel that received the energy level information to the channel to be determined. If gateway 1001 determines that transmission of timing information has not been completed (NO in step S116), it proceeds to step S114.

<G. User interface>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a selection screen for displaying a setting tool in the gateway 1001. Note that the selection screen, a setting screen for a local node described later (FIG. 13), a setting screen for a remote node described later (FIG. 14), and a setting screen for the entire network (FIG. 15) are displayed on the control unit 1101 (FIG. 15). 4).

  With reference to FIG. 12, the gateway 1001 displays an object 301 for displaying a setting screen for a local node, an object 302 for displaying a selection screen for a remote node, and an entire network on the display unit 1103. An object 303 for displaying the setting screen is displayed. When the user selects an area displaying an object with a finger or the like, the gateway 1001 causes the display unit 1103 to display a setting screen corresponding to the selected object.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a setting screen 310 for the local node. That is, it is a transition screen after the object 301 is selected in FIG. In this embodiment, the “local node” refers to the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106 (see FIG. 4) of the gateway 1001.

  Referring to FIG. 13, setting screen 310 includes “local node information display”, “communication with local node”, “device status”, “join permission status”, “PanID (Personal Area Network IDentification)”, Each item of “logical channel” is included. The setting screen 310 includes three objects 3101, 3102, and 3103 that function as selection buttons. The item “local node information display” includes an item “IEEE address” and an item “logical type”. In the figure, a portion surrounded by a broken line is a text box.

  When displaying the setting screen 310, the control unit 1101 of the gateway 1001 inquires of the wireless RF built-in communication controller 1106, which is a local node, about the state of the wireless RF built-in communication controller 1106. Based on the inquiry, the contents of each item on the setting screen are updated. Each item will be described below.

  The item “logical type” indicates “coordinator” because the local node is the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106. Further, since the control unit 1101 of the gateway 1001 can communicate with the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106, “communication possible” is displayed in the item “communication with local node”. Furthermore, since the local node has started processing as a coordinator, the control unit 1101 displays “Started as a coordinator” in the item “device state”. Further, when the participation in the gateway 1001 is not permitted, the control unit 1101 displays “join prohibition” in the “join permission state” item. The control unit 1101 displays the ID of the network Z in the item “PanID”. The control unit 1101 displays the currently used channel in the “logical channel” item.

  When the user selects the object 3101, the control unit 1101 updates the local node information by making an inquiry to the local node. When the user selects the object 3102, the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106 starts pairing. In this case, the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106 is in a join permission state for 60 seconds, which is a predetermined time. If the user selects the object 3103, the control unit 1101 initializes the local node.

  FIG. 14 shows a setting screen 320 for the remote node. That is, it is a transition screen after the object 302 is selected in FIG. In the present embodiment, the “remote node” refers to each communication device (router and sleepy end device) included in the network Z.

  Referring to FIG. 14, setting screen 320 includes an item “list of remote nodes”. The item of “remote node list” includes information on the identifier, IEEE address, logical type, and last received time for each remote node. The remote node can be selected by a radio button. For example, in the case of the communication devices 11 and 14, the logical type is router. In the case of the communication devices 12, 13, 15, and 16, the logical type is an end device (specifically, a sleepy end device). The “last received time” refers to the time at which data was last received from the wireless RF communication controller 1106 of the gateway 1001. In the figure, a portion surrounded by a broken line is a text box.

  The setting screen 320 includes three objects 3201, 3202, and 3203 each functioning as a selection button. If the user selects the object 3201, the gateway 1001 updates all remote node information by making an inquiry to the remote node. If the user selects the object 3202, the gateway 1001 transmits a PING (Packet Internet Groper) to the remote node selected by the radio button. When the user selects the object 3203, the gateway 1001 excludes the remote node selected by the radio button from the network Z. If the user selects the object 3204, the gateway 1001 transmits a PING to all remote nodes configuring the network Z.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a setting screen 331 for the entire network in the automatic channel switching mode. That is, it is a transition screen after the object 303 is selected in FIG. Referring to FIG. 15, setting screen 331 includes an item “network management”, an item “current network status”, and three objects 3303, 3304, and 3305. An object 3305 is a button for switching the operation mode of the gateway 1001 from the automatic channel switching mode to the manual channel switching mode.

  In the figure, a portion surrounded by a broken line is a text box. The text box is writable. As described above, since the gateway 1001 is configured to automatically switch channels, the setting screen 331 does not accept a channel change instruction from the user.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a setting screen 332 for the entire network in the channel manual switching mode. That is, it is a transition screen after the object 303 is selected in FIG. Referring to FIG. 16, the setting screen 332 shows an item “network management”, an item “current network status”, four objects 3301, 3303, 3304, 3306, and an energy level. And an image 3309. An object 3306 is a button for switching the operation mode of the gateway 1001 from the automatic channel switching mode to the manual channel switching mode.

  In the figure, a portion surrounded by a broken line is a writable text box. Since the gateway 1001 is configured to manually switch channels as described above, the setting screen 332 accepts a channel change instruction from the user by input to the text box. As described above, the setting screen 332 is different from the object 3305 in that the setting screen 331 ((3306) includes the object 3306, the point that the input of the channel can be received, and the image 3309 showing the energy level. 15).

  The user can recognize the energy level of each channel sent from each node by an image 3309 showing the energy level. Therefore, the user can select a channel with good conditions by referring to the energy level.

  Note that the display mode of the image 3309 showing the energy level is not limited to that shown in FIG. 16, and various display modes can be adopted. For example, the setting screen 331 may be configured to display the energy levels of 11ch to 26ch related to all identifier nodes by providing a scroll bar and receiving a scroll instruction from the user. Further, the gateway 1001 may be configured to display the image 3309 indicating the energy level on a screen different from the setting screen 331.

<H. Functional configuration of gateway>
FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of the gateway 1001. 17, gateway 1001 includes communication unit 101, channel determination unit 102, timing determination unit 103, storage unit 104, display control unit 105, display unit 1103, input reception unit 107, And an operation mode switching unit 109.

  The operation mode switching unit 109 switches the operation mode of the gateway 1001 between the channel automatic switching mode and the channel manual switching mode based on the user instruction received via the input receiving unit 107. Specifically, the user instruction is selection of the object 3305 (FIG. 15) and selection of the object 3306 (FIG. 16).

[H-1. Channel automatic switching mode]
(1) The communication unit 101 represents the energy level of each of a plurality of predetermined communication channels from the communication device based on the occurrence of a communication error between the communication device as a router and the gateway 1001. Energy level information is received using a single channel (currently used channel) among a plurality of channels. Typically, the communication unit 101 receives energy level information from the router based on the occurrence of a predetermined number of communication errors between the communication device as a router and the gateway 1001.

  The channel determination unit 102 determines a channel to be changed from the plurality of channels based on the energy level information. The communication unit 101 sends a change command (channel change command) to the channel determined by unicast using the channel (the channel before change) that received the energy level information to each communication device (router and sleepy) in the network Z.・ Send to end device.

  By the way, the sleepy end device is in a sleep state for most periods. Further, when channel change is to be executed (that is, frequency agility is to be executed), the transmission path condition in the network is getting worse. Therefore, in the case of a configuration in which a channel change command is broadcasted as in the conventional case, it is unlikely that even a node that has occurred can receive the channel change command.

  However, by unicasting the channel change command as in this embodiment, the probability that the sleepy end device can receive the channel change command is greatly improved compared to the conventional configuration in which the channel change command is broadcast. To do. Therefore, the sleepy end device does not need to search for another channel even when the gateway 1001 and the router change the channel. Therefore, the gateway 1001 can reduce the load on the sleepy end device when the channel is changed.

  As described above, the communication system Z reliably instructs all nodes in the network to change the channel when the channel in the network is changed, and the sleepy end device. It becomes possible to reduce the load concerning.

  (2) As described above, the change command includes channel information representing the determined channel and timing information representing the change timing to the determined communication channel.

  The communication unit 101 transmits channel information to each communication device by unicast using the channel before the change. After transmitting the channel information, the communication unit 101 transmits the timing information to each communication device by unicast using the channel before the change.

  Therefore, as described above, the gateway 1001 can prevent the sleepy end device from losing its parent and the sleepy end device from receiving notification of the channel to be changed.

  (3) The storage unit 104 includes the order information indicating the order in which the timing information is transmitted and the channel change timing for each communication device (that is, the set times T1, T2, T3 after receiving the timing information). (Timing defined by T4, T5, T6...) Is stored in advance. Note that, as described above, the change timing is calculated in advance by an operation based on Expression (4) and the like, and then stored in the storage unit 104.

  More specifically, the communication unit 101 transmits timing information based on the change timing stored in the storage unit 104 to each communication device in the order indicated by the order information described above.

  (4) More specifically, the storage unit 104 includes first time information representing a first time (Tr) set in advance for unicast between the gateway 1001 and a communication device as a router, and the gateway 1001. And second time information representing a second time (Te) set in advance for unicast between the communication device that is a sleepy end device. The storage unit 104 also stores the above-described Ts.

  The timing determination unit 103 determines each change timing for each communication device based on the number of routers, the number of sleepy end devices, order information, first time information, and second time information. . The timing determination unit 103 stores the determined change timings in the storage unit 104 as the change timings for the respective communication devices.

[H-2. Channel manual switching mode]
As described above, the communication unit 101 displays the energy level of each of a plurality of predetermined communication channels from the communication device based on the occurrence of a communication error between the communication device as a router and the gateway 1001. The received energy level information is received by using one channel (currently used channel) among a plurality of channels. Typically, the communication unit 101 receives energy level information from the router based on the occurrence of a predetermined number of communication errors between the communication device as a router and the gateway 1001.

  The display control unit 105 causes the display unit 1103 to display energy level information. The display format of the energy level is not particularly limited. Typically, the display control unit 105 displays 16 values shown in “Energy Values” of a log, which will be described later, separately for each router (FIG. 16).

  The input receiving unit 107 receives an external input. For example, the input receiving unit 107 receives an external input that designates a channel to be changed from a plurality of channels based on the energy level information displayed on the display unit 1103. The external input is an input based on a user operation on the operation unit 1102.

  The communication unit 101 transmits a change instruction to the designated channel to each communication device (router and sleepy end device) in the network Z by unicast using the channel that has received the energy level information.

  The change command includes channel information and timing information as in the case of the gateway 1001. Since the method of transmitting the channel information and the timing information has been described based on the flowchart of FIG. 11, the description will not be repeated here.

  Even in the channel manual switching mode, as in the case of the channel automatic switching mode, the communication system Z ensures the channel to all nodes in the network when the channel in the network is changed by the configuration of the gateway 1001 described above. It is possible to instruct a change and to reduce the load on the sleepy end device.

<I. Energy level data>
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a log when the gateway 1001 receives an energy level notification (Mgmt_NWK_UPdate_notify). Referring to FIG. 18, “Energy Values = {0xca,... (Omitted)..., 0x56}” in the middle is energy level information transmitted from a certain router. Since the ZigBee (registered trademark) uses 16 channels 11ch to 26ch having different frequencies, the energy level information includes a value representing 16 energy levels corresponding to each channel. The value of the energy level takes a value from 0 to 255, and the larger the value, the higher the value of energy (reception power). TotalTransmissions indicates the number of transmissions, and TransmissionFailures indicates the number of transmission failures.

  The lower “Energy Values = {0x69,... (Omitted)..., 0x2c}” is energy level information sent from another router. You can find out which router it received from SrcAddr. Here, the short address of the source node is shown.

  In the channel automatic switching mode, the gateway 1001 performs the process described in “(E-1-1)” on the basis of such energy level information, and determines whether the channel should be changed and the channel. When changing, it is determined which channel should be changed.

<J. Implementation example>
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a mounting method in the gateway 1001. That is, FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a software structure in the gateway 1001.

  Referring to FIG. 19, the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106 includes a setting application 1401, a device control library 1402, a Z-STACK monitor library 1403, a UDP / IP 1404, an Ethernet (registered trademark) 1405, and an Ethernet ( (Registered trademark) 1406, UDP / IP (User Datagram Protocol / Internet Protocol) port 12130, Z-STACK / IP bridge 1408, Z-STACK monitor library 1409, and UART 1410.

  The Z-STACK / IP bridge 1408 opens a UDP / IP port 12130 and accepts a command from each application. The Z-STACK / IP bridge 1408 transmits the received command to the ZigBee (registered trademark) coordinator 1106 via the UART 1410.

<K. Modification>
[K-1. First Modification]
In the above description, a configuration in which the gateway 1001 is connected to the Internet, which is an external network, via the broadband router 1002 has been described as an example (FIG. 1). However, in the network Z, a communication control device that includes the wireless RF built-in communication controller unit 1106 and the control unit 1101 but does not have a relay function with an external network may be used instead of the gateway 1001.

[K-2. Second Modification]
In the above description, ZigBee (registered trademark) has been described as an example of the personal area network, but the personal area network is not limited to this. Z-Wave (registered trademark) can also be used as a personal area network.

[K-3. Third Modification]
In the above description, the configuration in which the operation mode of the gateway 1001 can be switched between the automatic channel switching mode and the manual channel switching mode has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The gateway may be configured to have only the channel automatic switching mode or the channel manual switching mode as the operation mode.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the router notifies the Elgi level to the gateway 1001 and the gateway 1001 automatically changes the channel based on the energy level (automatic switching) has been described. Next, a configuration has been described in which the router notifies the Elgi level to the gateway 1001, and the gateway 1001 displays the energy level and changes to a channel based on a user instruction (manual switching).

  That is, in the first embodiment, when the network manager automatically changes the channel while partially implementing the frequency agility, or the network manager notifies the user (network administrator) and changes the channel by the user operation. Explained when to do. In addition, if the frequency agility is partially implemented as in the first embodiment, there is an advantage that it is possible to know whether or not there is a communication error due to channel interference.

  In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration in which the channel is changed by a user operation (channel designation or the like) from the setting application regardless of the frequency agility. That is, a configuration in which the communication system 1 does not implement frequency agility as in the first embodiment will be described. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. For convenience of description, the gateway of this embodiment is referred to as “gateway 1001B” in order to distinguish it from the gateways 1001 and 1001A of the first embodiment.

  Since the gateway 1001B has a configuration in which a channel is designated by a user, the gateway 1001B includes a channel manual switching mode as an operation mode, but does not include a channel automatic switching mode.

  Since the gateway 1001B has a configuration in which a channel is designated by the user, the above-described “(E-1-1. Overview of channel change processing based on energy level information)” is the same as the channel manual switching mode in the first embodiment. No processing is performed. The gateway 1001 performs the above-described “(E-1-2. Channel information transmission process)” and “(E-1-3. Timing information transmission process)” in this order. Further, the gateway 1001B may use, for example, the method described in “(E-1-4. Timer setting example)” as a timer setting example.

<L. Control structure>
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of gateway 1001B in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 20, gateway 1001B executes the processes of steps S106 to S118. The processing in steps S106 to S118 is the same as the processing in steps S106 to S118 described in FIG. However, since there are no steps S102 and S104 in FIG. 20, if NO in step S106, the process returns to step S106.

<M. User interface>
FIG. 21 shows a setting screen 333 for the entire network in the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 12 shows a transition screen after the object 303 is selected. Referring to FIG. 21, setting screen 333 includes an item “network management”, an item “current network status”, and three objects 3301, 3303, and 3304. In the figure, a portion surrounded by a broken line is a text box. The text box is writable.

  When the user designates the PanID and the channel and selects the object 3301, the gateway 1001B collectively changes all the communication devices (nodes) of the network Z. Specifically, the gateway 1001 rewrites and resets NVRAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory) configuration information. Further, the gateway 1001B prompts the user for approval by displaying a dialog box in the setting screen 333 before executing the batch change. The initial value is the same as the value acquired at the local node.

<N. Functional configuration of gateway>
FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram of the gateway 1001B. Referring to FIG. 22, gateway 1001B includes a communication unit 101, a timing determination unit 103, a storage unit 104, a display control unit 105, a display unit 1103, and an input reception unit 107. That is, the gateway 1001B is different from the gateway 1001 of Embodiment 1 in that the channel determination unit 102 and the operation mode switching unit 109 are not provided (see FIG. 17).

  The communication unit 101 communicates with a communication device that is a router using one of a plurality of predetermined channels. The input receiving unit 107 receives an external input that designates a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels. The communication unit 101 transmits a change instruction to the designated channel to each router and the sleepy end device by unicast using the channel before the change.

  Specifically, the change command includes channel information representing the designated channel and timing information representing the change timing to the designated channel. The change timing is defined as the time from when the timing information is received, and is set individually for each router and the sleepy end device.

  The communication unit 101 transmits channel information to each router and the sleepy end device by unicast using the channel before the change. After transmitting the channel information, the communication unit 101 transmits timing information to each router and the sleepy end device by unicast using the channel before the change.

  With the above configuration, the communication system Z reliably instructs all nodes in the network to change the channel when the channel in the network is changed by the configuration of the gateway 1001B described above, as in the first embodiment. And the load on the sleepy end device can be reduced.

  Also in the present embodiment, the modifications described in the first embodiment ([K-1. First modification] to [K-3. Third modification]) can be applied.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above contents. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  11-16 Communication device, 101 Communication unit, 102 Channel determination unit, 103 Timing determination unit, 104, 104A Storage unit, 105 Display control unit, 107 Input reception unit, 108 Communication time measurement unit, 109 Operation mode switching unit, 310, 320, 331, 332, 333 setting screen, 1001, 1001A gateway, 1002 broadband router, 1004 power consumption measuring device, 1005 air conditioner, 1006 refrigerator, 1007 washing dryer, 1008 various sensors, 1101, 1501 control unit, 1102, 1502 operation , 1103 Display unit, 1104 High-speed communication interface unit, 1105, 1505, 2104 Power supply unit, 1106, 1506, 2120 Communication controller unit with built-in wireless RF, 1107, 1507, 2107 Antenna 1161, 2121 CPU, 1162, 2122 ROM, 1163, 2123 RAM, 1164, 2124 GPIO, 1165, 2125 Wireless RF unit, 1403, 1409 Z-STACK monitor library, 1404 UDP / IP, 1408 Z-STACK / IP bridge, 1401 UART, 1504 sensor unit, 1508 Control target, 2101 socket, 2102 plug, 2103 shunt resistance, 2106 setting button, 2110 power sensor unit, E, Z network, CM Low-speed wireless communication module.

Claims (13)

A communication control apparatus for managing a network system including a router and an end device,
Based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device, energy level information representing the energy level of each of a plurality of predetermined channels is obtained from the router as 1 in the plurality of channels. Means for receiving using one channel;
Channel determining means for determining a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels based on the energy level information;
The communication means includes
The channel information is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change,
After the transmission of the channel information, the timing information indicating the change timing to the determined channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change ,
The communication control device includes:
Measuring means for measuring the time required for communication of the channel information;
A communication control apparatus, further comprising: a timing determination unit that determines the change timing of each of the router and the end device based on the measured time . A communication control apparatus for managing a network system including a router and an end device,
Communication means for communicating with the router using one of a plurality of predetermined channels;
Receiving means for receiving an external input for designating a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels,
The communication means includes
Channel information representing the designated channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change,
After the transmission of the channel information, the timing information indicating the change timing to the designated channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change ,
The communication control device includes:
Measuring means for measuring the time required for communication of the channel information;
A communication control apparatus, further comprising: a timing determination unit that determines the change timing of each of the router and the end device based on the measured time . A communication control apparatus for managing a network system including a router and an end device,
Based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device, energy level information representing the energy level of each of a plurality of predetermined channels is obtained from the router as 1 in the plurality of channels. Means for receiving using one channel;
Display control means for displaying the energy level information on a display;
Receiving means for receiving an external input for designating a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels based on the energy level information displayed;
The communication means includes
Channel information representing the designated channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change,
After the transmission of the channel information, the timing information indicating the change timing to the determined channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change ,
The communication control device includes:
Measuring means for measuring the time required for communication of the channel information;
A communication control apparatus, further comprising: a timing determination unit that determines the change timing of each of the router and the end device based on the measured time . A communication control apparatus for managing a network system including a router and an end device,
Based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device, energy level information representing the energy level of each of a plurality of predetermined channels is obtained from the router as 1 in the plurality of channels. Means for receiving using one channel;
Channel determining means for determining a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels based on the energy level information;
The communication means includes
The channel information is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change,
After the transmission of the channel information, the timing information indicating the change timing to the determined channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change ,
The communication control device further includes storage means for storing in advance order information indicating the order in which the timing information is transmitted, the change timing of each of the router and the end device.
The communication control apparatus, wherein the communication unit transmits the timing information based on the stored change timing to the router and the end device in the order indicated by the order information . A communication control apparatus for managing a network system including a router and an end device,
Communication means for communicating with the router using one of a plurality of predetermined channels;
Receiving means for receiving an external input for designating a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels,
The communication means includes
Channel information representing the designated channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change,
After the transmission of the channel information, the timing information indicating the change timing to the designated channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change ,
The communication control device further includes storage means for storing in advance order information indicating the order in which the timing information is transmitted, the change timing of each of the router and the end device.
The communication control apparatus, wherein the communication unit transmits the timing information based on the stored change timing to the router and the end device in the order indicated by the order information . A communication control apparatus for managing a network system including a router and an end device,
Based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device, energy level information representing the energy level of each of a plurality of predetermined channels is obtained from the router as 1 in the plurality of channels. Means for receiving using one channel;
Channel determining means for determining a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels based on the energy level information;
The communication means includes
The channel information is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change,
After the transmission of the channel information, the timing information indicating the change timing to the determined channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change ,
The communication control device includes:
First time information indicating a first time required for unicast communication between the communication control device and the router, and a second time required for unicast communication between the communication control device and the end device. Storage means for storing in advance second time information representing the time of
Timing determining means for determining the respective change timings for the router and the end device based on the number of the routers and the end devices, the first time information, and the second time information; A communication control device further comprising: A communication control apparatus for managing a network system including a router and an end device,
Communication means for communicating with the router using one of a plurality of predetermined channels;
Receiving means for receiving an external input for designating a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels,
The communication means includes
Channel information representing the designated channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change,
After the transmission of the channel information, the timing information indicating the change timing to the designated channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change ,
The communication control device includes:
First time information indicating a first time required for unicast communication between the communication control device and the router, and a second time required for unicast communication between the communication control device and the end device. Storage means for storing in advance second time information representing the time of
Timing determining means for determining the respective change timings for the router and the end device based on the number of the routers and the end devices, the first time information, and the second time information; A communication control device further comprising: A communication control apparatus for managing a network system including a router and an end device,
Based on the occurrence of a communication error between the router and the communication control device, energy level information representing the energy level of each of a plurality of predetermined channels is obtained from the router as 1 in the plurality of channels. Means for receiving using one channel;
Display control means for displaying the energy level information on a display;
Receiving means for receiving an external input for designating a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels based on the energy level information displayed;
The communication means includes
Channel information representing the designated channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change,
After the transmission of the channel information, the timing information indicating the change timing to the determined channel is transmitted to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change ,
The communication control device includes:
First time information indicating a first time required for unicast communication between the communication control device and the router, and a second time required for unicast communication between the communication control device and the end device. Storage means for storing in advance second time information representing the time of
Timing determining means for determining the respective change timings for the router and the end device based on the number of the routers and the end devices, the first time information, and the second time information; A communication control device further comprising: The storage means further stores order information representing an order of transmitting the timing information,
The timing determining means includes
Based on the number, the order information, the first time information, and the second time information, determine the change timing of each of the router and the end device,
Each determined change timing is stored in the storage means as the change timing for each of the router and the end device,
9. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the communication unit transmits the timing information based on the stored change timing to the router and the end device in the order indicated by the order information. The communication control device described. A network system comprising the communication control device according to claim 1, the router, and the end device. A communication control method in a communication control apparatus for managing a network system including a router and an end device,
The communication control device communicating with the router using one of a plurality of predetermined channels;
The communication control device accepting an external input designating a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels;
The communication control unit transmitting channel information representing the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using a channel before change;
After the transmission of the channel information, the communication control device transmits timing information indicating a change timing to the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. And steps to
Measuring the time required for the communication control device to communicate the channel information;
A communication control method comprising: determining the change timing of each of the router and the end device based on the measured time . A communication control method in a communication control apparatus for managing a network system including a router and an end device,
The communication control device communicating with the router using one of a plurality of predetermined channels;
The communication control device accepting an external input designating a channel to be changed from among the plurality of channels;
The communication control unit transmitting channel information representing the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using a channel before change;
After the transmission of the channel information, the communication control device transmits timing information indicating a change timing to the designated channel to the router and the end device by unicast using the channel before the change. And a step of
The communication control device includes: first time information indicating a first time required for unicast communication between the communication control device and the router; and unicast between the communication control device and the end device. And second time information representing the second time required for the communication of is stored in the memory in advance,
The communication control method includes:
The communication control apparatus determines the change timing of each of the router and the end device based on the number of the routers and the end devices, the first time information, and the second time information. A communication control method further comprising a step of determining . The program for making the said communication control apparatus perform the communication control method of Claim 11 or 12.

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