WO2013157164A1

WO2013157164A1 - Communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2013157164A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/082035
Authority: WO
Inventors: 雄大篠木
Original assignee: Ｎｅｃカシオモバイルコミュニケーションズ株式会社
Priority date: 2012-04-16
Filing date: 2012-12-11
Publication date: 2013-10-24

Abstract

A communication apparatus (100-1) currently operating in a base station mode selects, on the basis of the operating states of communication apparatuses (100-1 to 100-4), a new base station communication apparatus that is to operate in the base station mode anew, and thereafter the communication apparatus (100-1) reports the selected new base station communication apparatus. Each of the communication apparatuses other than the new base station communication apparatus makes a connection request to the new base station communication apparatus, and thereafter starts an operation in a terminal mode belonging to the new base station communication apparatus. The communication apparatus (100-1) reports to the effect that the communication apparatus (100-1) is to terminate the base station mode, and thereafter the communication apparatus (100-1) terminates the base station mode, while each of the communication apparatuses (100-2 to 100-4) terminates the terminal mode belonging to the communication apparatus (100-1).

Description

Communications system

The present invention relates to a communication system, a communication apparatus, and a communication method for performing wireless communication.

In recent years, there are communication apparatuses that have both the function of a base station (AP: Access Point) and the function of a communication terminal (STA: Station). When such a communication device functions as an AP, unless a BSS (Basic Service Set) composed of the communication device and a communication device existing in a range in which the communication device can communicate is dissolved, the AP Must continue to function as. Therefore, if the connectivity of the communication device functioning as an AP to the host communication network deteriorates for some reason, or if the remaining battery level of the communication device decreases, the function as the AP is sufficient. In addition, the communication status of the entire BSS may be reduced.

Therefore, when the battery of the communication device is low, it is possible to request another communication device functioning as an STA to function as an AP and switch the communication device to function as an STA. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-016688 A

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that a time for communication interruption may occur when switching between the AP function and the STA function.

An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system, a communication apparatus, and a communication method that solve the above-described problems.

The communication system of the present invention includes:
A communication system having a plurality of communication devices that exist in a range where they can communicate with each other,
Each of the plurality of communication devices
An AP function unit that operates the communication apparatus in an operation mode of a base station mode;
An STA function unit that operates the communication apparatus in a terminal mode operation mode;
If the communication device is a base station communication device operating in the base station mode, the AP function unit operates in the terminal mode belonging to the communication device based on the operation state of the communication device. Operation information indicating an operation state of the terminal communication device is acquired from the terminal communication device which is a communication device, and based on the operation state indicated by the acquired operation information, the base station is newly set out of the terminal communication devices. Select a new base station communication device to be a communication device, notify the terminal communication device of the change of the connection destination to the selected new base station communication device, make a connection request to the new base station communication device, After a communication device other than the new base station communication device receives a connection response to the connection request, it notifies the terminal communication device that the communication device ends the operation of the base station mode, and after the notification The group Exit the operation in the station mode,
The STA function unit, when notified of a change in the connection destination from the base station communication device to the new base station communication device, makes a connection request to the new base station communication device and sends a connection response to the connection request. After receiving from the new base station communication device, the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the new base station communication device is started, and the base station communication device is notified to end the operation in the base station mode. And terminating the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the base station communication apparatus.

The communication device of the present invention
An AP function unit that operates the communication apparatus in an operation mode of a base station mode;
An STA function unit that operates the communication apparatus in a terminal mode operation mode;
If the communication device is a base station communication device operating in the base station mode, the AP function unit operates in the terminal mode belonging to the communication device based on the operation state of the communication device. Operation information indicating an operation state of the terminal communication device is acquired from the terminal communication device which is a communication device, and based on the operation state indicated by the acquired operation information, the base station is newly set out of the terminal communication devices. Select a new base station communication device to be a communication device, notify the terminal communication device of the change of the connection destination to the selected new base station communication device, make a connection request to the new base station communication device, After a communication device other than the new base station communication device receives a connection response to the connection request, it notifies the terminal communication device that the communication device ends the operation of the base station mode, and after the notification The group Exit the operation in the station mode,
The STA function unit, when notified of a change in the connection destination from the base station communication device to the new base station communication device, makes a connection request to the new base station communication device and sends a connection response to the connection request. After receiving from the new base station communication device, the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the new base station communication device is started, and the base station communication device is notified to end the operation in the base station mode. Then, the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the base station communication device is terminated.

Further, the communication method of the present invention includes:
A communication method in a communication system having a plurality of communication devices that exist in a range where they can communicate with each other,
Among the plurality of communication devices, a base station communication device operating in a base station mode is based on an operating state of the base station communication device, and a terminal communication device that is a communication device belonging to the base station communication device. , Processing for obtaining operation information indicating the operation state of the terminal communication device;
Based on the operation state indicated by the acquired operation information, the base station communication device newly selects a new base station communication device to be the base station communication device from among the terminal communication devices;
A process in which the base station communication device notifies the terminal communication device of a change of a connection destination to the selected new base station communication device;
A communication device other than the new base station communication device performs a connection request to the new base station communication device;
A communication device other than the new base station communication device receives a connection response to the connection request from the new base station communication device, and then starts an operation in a terminal mode belonging to the new base station communication device;
The base station communication apparatus notifies the terminal communication apparatus that the base station communication apparatus ends the operation of the base station mode after a communication apparatus other than the new base station communication apparatus receives the connection response. Processing to
After the base station communication device notifies that the operation of the base station mode is ended, a process of ending the operation in the base station mode;
After the terminal communication device receives a notification from the base station communication device to end the operation of the base station mode, the terminal communication device performs a process of ending the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the base station communication device.

As described above, in the present invention, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of communication interruption when switching between the AP function and the STA function.

It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the communication system of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of an internal structure of the communication apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the communication apparatus when the communication apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is operating in an AP mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the mode of a change of AP and STA. It is a figure which shows an example of the mode of a change of AP and STA. It is a figure which shows an example of the mode of a change of AP and STA. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the specific communication method in the form shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining processing when the processing described using the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 5 is performed using Wi-Fi Direct. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode in case BSS is comprised from the notebook PC, the tablet terminal, and the mobile phone, and the notebook PC is AP. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode when AP shown to FIG. 7A changes from a notebook PC to a tablet terminal.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment includes a plurality of communication devices 100-1 to 100-4. Further, the communication devices 100-1 to 100-4 exist in a range where they can communicate with each other. Communication apparatuses 100-1 to 100-4 have a base station (AP) function and a terminal (STA) function, and can operate in the AP mode and the STA mode. One of the communication devices 100-1 to 100-4 operates as a base station (AP) mode, the other operates as a terminal (STA) mode, and a BSS (Basic Service Set) 200, which is one network. Is configured. Further, FIG. 1 shows an example in which the communication apparatus 100-1 functions as an AP and the communication apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4 function as STAs belonging to the communication apparatus 100-2 to 100-4. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which there are four communication devices, the number is not limited to this.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the communication apparatus 100-1 illustrated in FIG.

1 is provided with an AP function unit 110 and an STA function unit 120, as shown in FIG.

The AP function unit 110 operates the communication device 100-1 in the AP mode.

The STA function unit 120 operates the communication device 100-1 in the STA mode.

Furthermore, the AP function unit 110 is provided with an information acquisition unit 111 and an AP change unit 112. Further, the STA function unit 120 is provided with an information acquisition unit 121 and an belonging AP change unit 122. FIG. 2 shows only the components related to the present invention among the components included in the communication apparatus 100-1 shown in FIG. Further, the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 shown in FIG. 1 have the same components as the communication device 100-1 shown in FIG.

When the communication device 100-1 is operating in the AP mode (base station communication device), the information acquisition unit 111 uses the STA mode belonging to the communication device 100-1 based on the operation state of the communication device 100-1. Operation information indicating the operation state of the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 is acquired from the operating communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 (terminal communication devices). For example, the information acquisition unit 111 may acquire operation information indicating the operation state of the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 when the reception strength of the radio signal is lower than a predetermined threshold. Further, the information acquisition unit 111 acquires operation information indicating the operation state of the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 when the remaining battery level of the communication device 100-1 is less than a predetermined threshold. May be.

The AP changing unit 112 selects a new base station communication device to be a new base station communication device from the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 based on the operation state indicated by the operation information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111. To do. At this time, the AP changing unit 112 selects a communication device having the best operation state indicated by the operation information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111 as a new base station communication device. For example, when the information acquisition unit 111 acquires the operation information with the remaining battery level of the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 as the operating state, the AP change unit 112 selects the communication device with the highest remaining battery level as the new base station. Select as communication device.

Also, the AP changing unit 112 notifies the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 of switching (change) of the connection destination to the selected new base station communication device. Further, the AP changing unit 112 makes a connection request to the new base station communication device.

Further, the AP changing unit 112, when the communication device 100-1 is operating in the AP mode, a communication device other than the new base station communication device (for example, when the new base station communication device is the communication device 100-2, After receiving the connection response to the connection request, the communication devices 100-1, 100-3 to 100-4) notify the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 that the operation as the AP mode is finished. Further, the AP change unit 112 notifies the end of the operation as the AP mode, and then ends the operation of the AP mode.

When the communication apparatus 100-1 is operating in the STA mode, the information acquisition unit 121 is requested to acquire operation information indicating the operation state from the communication apparatus operating in the AP mode. Get its own operating status. This operating state is the same as described above.

When the communication device 100-1 operates in the STA mode, the belonging AP change unit 122 notifies the connection destination switching (change) from the communication device operating in the AP mode to the new base station communication device. Upon receipt, a connection request to the new base station communication device is made. In addition, the belonging AP changing unit 122 starts the operation in the STA mode belonging to the new base station communication apparatus after receiving the connection response to the connection request from the new base station communication apparatus. That is, when the new base station communication device is the communication device 100-2, the belonging AP change unit 122 starts operation as the STA mode belonging to the communication device 100-2 that newly operates in the AP mode.

In addition, when the communication device 100-1 is operating in the STA mode, the belonging AP changing unit 122 is notified that the operation as the AP mode is terminated from the communication device operating in the AP mode. The operation of the STA mode belonging to the communication apparatus operating in the mode is terminated.

Hereinafter, processing of the communication device 100-1 when the communication device 100-1 shown in FIG. 1 is operating in the AP mode will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the communication device 100-1 when the communication device 100-1 shown in FIG. 1 is operating in the AP mode.

First, in step 1, the information acquisition unit 111 acquires the operation state of the communication device 100-1. As described above, the acquired operating state may be the reception intensity of the radio signal or the remaining battery level as long as it can determine whether the operating state of the communication device 100-1 is good or bad.

Then, in step 2, the information acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not the acquired operation state is within an allowable range. For example, when the acquired operation state is the remaining battery level, the information acquisition unit 111 determines whether the remaining battery level is less than a preset threshold value. If the acquired operation state is within the allowable range, the process returns to step 1. At this time, the timing at which the process of step 1 is performed again may be settable from the outside, or may be set based on the increase or decrease in the number of communication devices constituting the timer or the BSS200. Does not stipulate.

On the other hand, if the acquired operation state is not within the allowable range, in step 3, the information acquisition unit 111 changes the operation states of the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 from the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4. Get the operation information shown. The operation information indicating the operation state of each of the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 acquired by the information acquisition unit 111 indicates an operation state in which the operation state of the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 can be determined. It only has to be present, and may indicate an operation state such as the reception intensity of the radio signal and the remaining battery level. In step 2, when the information acquisition unit 111 acquires the remaining battery level as the operation state of the communication device 100-1, the operation state indicated by the operation information acquired from the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 is the communication device 100-1. -2 to 100-4, preferably the same kind of battery that can be compared with each other. Also, in this acquisition method, the information acquisition unit 111 transmits a request signal (request signal) indicating an operation information acquisition request (request) to the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4, and a response (Response) is transmitted. The communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 may transmit the respective operation information to the communication device 100-1, and are not particularly defined here.

When the information acquisition unit 111 acquires the operation information from the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4, in step 4, the AP change unit 112 determines that the operation state indicated by the operation information from the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 is To determine whether it is better than its own operating state. Specifically, for example, the AP changing unit 112 determines whether there is a remaining battery level that is greater than its own battery level acquired from the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4.

If the operation state indicated by the operation information from the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 is not better than the own operation state, the process returns to step 1.

On the other hand, when there is an operation state indicated by the operation information from communication apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4 that is better than its own operation state, AP changing unit 112 receives communication apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4. Based on the operation state indicated by the acquired operation information, a communication device (new base station communication device) that newly operates in the AP mode is selected. Specifically, AP changing section 112 selects the communication device with the best operating state indicated by the operation information acquired from communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 as the new base station communication device.

Thereafter, in step 5, the communication device operating as the AP is switched from the current base station communication device (for example, communication device 100-1) to the new base station communication device (for example, communication device 100-2).

FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams showing an example of how the AP and the STA are changed.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the BSS 200-1 is currently composed of the communication device 100-1 that is an AP and the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 that are STAs. The communication device 100-1 is connected to an external communication network. The communication device 100-1 issues a request for AP replacement to the communication device 100-2 in the process of step 5 described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This issuance method is performed using a dedicated frame or an action frame to which a dedicated IE (Information Element) is added, a public action frame, or the like.

Thereafter, as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 4B, the communication device 100-2 (currently the STA) that has received the request for AP replacement activates the AP function. Further, the communication devices 100-1, 100-3 to 100-4, which are other communication devices in the BSS 200-1, activate the STA function and belong to the communication device 100-2. The BSS 200-2 is configured with the communication device 100-2 as an AP and the communication devices 100-1, 100-3 to 100-4 as STAs belonging to the communication device 100-2. At this point, there are two BSSs, BSS 200-1 and BSS 200-2. That is, the same communication apparatus has two BSSs.

After that, the BSS200-1 configured in the state before the change is dissolved, and only the BSS200-2 remains. As a result, the functions of the AP and the STA used in the BSS 200-1 are finished here.

Note that, as will be described below, procedures such as Associate and Dissociate performed for the creation of each BSS are performed using an existing method.

Hereinafter, a specific communication method in the form shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining a specific communication method in the form shown in FIG. Here, a case will be described as an example where the current AP is the communication device 100-1, the STAs belonging to it are the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4, and the communication device 100-2 becomes a new AP. . In FIG. 5, the operation in the existing BSS is surrounded by a solid line (steps 11 to 23, 31 to 32, 36 to 37, 41 to 47), and the operation in the newly created BSS is surrounded by a broken line. (Steps 24 to 30, 33 to 35, 38 to 40).

First, in step 11, the information acquisition unit 111 of the communication apparatus 100-1 that is an AP acquires terminal information (operation information) from the communication apparatus 100-2 that is an STA belonging to the communication apparatus 100-1. Send a frame for the request. This transmission is an individual transmission or a Multicast transmission.

In step 12, the communication apparatus 100-2, which is the STA that has received the request, acquires its own operation state by the information acquisition unit 121, and displays a response frame including operation information indicating the operation state as a response to the request. To the communication device 100-1. If the information acquisition unit 121 cannot acquire its own operation state, the communication device 100-2 transmits a response frame with a status code “fail” to the communication device 100-1.

Similarly, at step 13, the information acquisition unit 111 of the communication device 100-1 requests the communication device 100-3, which is the STA belonging to the communication device 100-1, to acquire terminal information (operation information). Send a frame for. In step 14, the communication apparatus 100-3 that is the STA that has received the request transmits a response frame including operation information indicating its own operation state to the communication apparatus 100-1 as a response to the request. Similarly, in step 15, the information acquisition unit 111 of the communication device 100-1 acquires terminal information (operation information) from the communication device 100-4 that is the STA belonging to the communication device 100-1. Send a frame for the request. In step 16, the communication apparatus 100-4 that is the STA that has received the request transmits a response frame including operation information indicating its own operation state to the communication apparatus 100-1 as a response to the request.

In step 17, the AP changing unit 112 of the communication device 100-1 receives the response frame of all STAs, or based on only the operation information received after a certain time has elapsed after sending the request frame. A new AP (new base station communication device) is selected when changing.

When the new AP is determined, in step 18, the AP changing unit 112 of the communication device 100-1 transmits a frame serving as an AP determination notification to the communication device 100-2 that becomes the new AP. In step 19, the communication device 100-2 transmits a response frame as a response to the communication device 100-1.

Similarly, in step 20, the AP changing unit 112 of the communication device 100-1 transmits to the communication device 100-3 a frame serving as an AP change notification indicating that the AP changes to the communication device 100-2. . In step 21, the communication device 100-3 transmits a response frame as a response to the communication device 100-1. Similarly, in step 22, the AP changing unit 112 of the communication device 100-1 sends a frame that becomes an AP change notification indicating that the AP changes to the communication device 100-2 to the communication device 100-4. Send. In step 23, the communication device 100-4 transmits a response frame as a response to the communication device 100-1.

In step 24, the communication device 100-1 starts scanning. In step 25, the communication device 100-2 activates the AP function. Thereafter, in step 26, the communication device 100-1 transmits a Probe Request to the communication device 100-2 in accordance with an existing procedure. Then, in step 27, as a response, the communication device 100-2 transmits a Probe Response to the communication device 100-1. Subsequently, in step 28, the communication device 100-1 transmits an association request in order to make a connection request to the communication device 100-2. Then, in step 29, as a response, the communication device 100-2 transmits an association response to the communication device 100-1. The communication device 100-1 that has received the Association Response from the communication device 100-2 activates the STA function belonging to the communication device 100-2 using the belonging AP change unit 122 of the STA function unit 120 in Step 30. .

Subsequently, in step 31, the AP changing unit 112 of the communication device 100-1 notifies the communication device 100-3 that the communication device 100-2 has started an operation as a new AP. In step 32, as a response, the communication device 100-3 transmits a response (Response) of the start notification to the communication device 100-1. Then, in step 33, the communication device 100-3 transmits an association request in order to make a connection request to the communication device 100-2. In step 34, as a response, the communication device 100-2 transmits an association response to the communication device 100-3. Receiving the association response from the communication device 100-2, the belonging AP changing unit 122 of the communication device 100-3 activates the STA function belonging to the communication device 100-2 in step 35.

In step 36, the AP changing unit 112 of the communication device 100-1 notifies the communication device 100-4 that the communication device 100-2 has started the operation as a new AP. In step 37, as a response, the communication device 100-4 transmits a response (Response) of the start notification to the communication device 100-1. Then, in step 38, the communication device 100-4 transmits an Association Request to make a connection request to the communication device 100-2. In step 39, as a response, the communication device 100-2 transmits an association response to the communication device 100-4. Receiving the association response from the communication device 100-2, the belonging AP changing unit 122 of the communication device 100-4 activates the STA function belonging to the communication device 100-2 in step 40.

For this signal exchange, it may be necessary for the new AP (communication device 100-2) to use an extended service set identifier (ESSID) that is the same wireless network identifier as the old AP (communication device 100-1). Even in such a case, since the BSSID (MAC Address) is different between the old AP and the new AP, the STA can identify the new AP and the old AP.

In this way, the old AP notifies each STA that the new AP has been established via the old BSS, and the STA that receives the notification sequentially belongs to the new AP after starting the new STA function.

After the new BSS is formed, in steps 41 to 43, the AP function unit 110 of the communication device 100-1 notifies the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 that the operation as the AP is to be terminated. In step 44, the operation as an AP is terminated. Further, the belonging AP changing unit 122 of the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 that has received the dissociation ends the operation as the STA belonging to the communication device 100-1 in steps 45 to 47. In this way, the old BSS is dissolved.

Since the processing described above is based on the operation of the existing Wi-Fi, operations other than the exchange of frames relating to the acquisition of operation information of the communication device used in the communication system according to the present invention are performed as usual.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing when the processing described using the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 5 is performed using Wi-Fi Direct. Since Wi-Fi Direct needs to have both a function to perform the role of AP (GO: Group Owner) and a function to perform the role of STA (Client), the system of the present invention can be used. Here, the case where the current GO is the communication device 100-1, the clients belonging to it are the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4, and the communication device 100-2 becomes a new GO will be described as an example. . In FIG. 6, the operations in the currently existing Group are surrounded by solid lines (Steps 51 to 63, 82 to 88), and the operations in the newly created Group are surrounded by broken lines (Steps 64 to 81). .

First, in step 51, the information acquisition unit 111 of the communication apparatus 100-1 that is GO acquires terminal information (operation information) from the communication apparatus 100-2 that is the STA belonging to the communication apparatus 100-1. Make a request.

In step 52, the communication device 100-2, which is the client that has received the request, transmits operation information indicating its own operation state to the communication device 100-1 as a response to the request.

Similarly, in step 53, the information acquisition unit 111 of the communication device 100-1 requests the communication device 100-3 that is the client of the communication device 100-1 to acquire terminal information (operation information). In step 54, the communication device 100-3, which is the client that has received the request, transmits operation information indicating its own operation state to the communication device 100-1 as a response to the request. Similarly, in step 55, the information acquisition unit 111 of the communication device 100-1 requests the communication device 100-4, which is the client of the communication device 100-1, to acquire terminal information (operation information). . In step 56, the communication device 100-4 that is the client that has received the request transmits operation information indicating its own operation state to the communication device 100-1 as a response to the request.

In step 57, the AP changing unit 112 of the communication apparatus 100-1 receives the response of all clients, or after making a request, based on only the operation information received after a certain time has passed, Select a new GO when changing.

When the new GO is determined, in step 58, the AP changing unit 112 of the communication device 100-1 transmits a GO determination notification to the communication device 100-2 to be the new GO. In step 59, communication device 100-2 transmits the response to communication device 100-1.

Similarly, in step 60, the AP changing unit 112 of the communication device 100-1 transmits a GO change notification indicating that the GO changes to the communication device 100-2 to the communication device 100-3. In step 61, communication device 100-3 transmits the response to communication device 100-1. Similarly, in step 62, the AP changing unit 112 of the communication device 100-1 transmits a GO change notification indicating that the GO is changed to the communication device 100-2 to the communication device 100-4. In step 63, communication device 100-4 transmits the response to communication device 100-1.

In step 64, P2P Discovery is transmitted / received between the communication device 100-1 and the communication device 100-2. Subsequently, when the communication device 100-1 transmits a GO Negotiation Request to the communication device 100-2 in Step 65, as a response, the communication device 100-2 transmits a GO Negotiation Response to the communication device 100-1 in Step 66. Send. Then, in step 67, the communication device 100-1 transmits GO Negotiation Configuration to the communication device 100-2. Subsequently, in step 68, the communication device 100-2 activates the GO function. Thereafter, in step 69, according to the existing procedure, the communication device 100-1 transmits an Association Request to make a connection request to the communication device 100-2. In step 70, as a response, the communication device 100-2 transmits an association response to the communication device 100-1. In step 71, the communication device 100-1 that has received the Association Response from the communication device 100-2 activates the function of the communication device 100-2 as a client.

Subsequently, in step 72, the communication device 100-1 transmits a P2P Invitation Request to the communication device 100-3. In step 73, as a response, the communication device 100-3 transmits a P2P Invitation Response to the communication device 100-1. Then, in step 74, the communication device 100-3 transmits an Association Request to make a connection request to the communication device 100-2. In step 75, as a response, the communication device 100-2 transmits an association response to the communication device 100-3. In step 76, the communication device 100-3 that has received the Association Response from the communication device 100-2 activates the function of the communication device 100-2 as a client.

In step 77, communication device 100-1 transmits P2P Invitation Request to communication device 100-4. In step 78, as a response, the communication device 100-4 transmits a P2P Invitation Response to the communication device 100-1. Then, in step 79, the communication device 100-4 transmits an association request in order to make a connection request to the communication device 100-2. In step 80, as a response, the communication device 100-2 transmits an association response to the communication device 100-4. In step 81, the communication device 100-4 that has received the association response from the communication device 100-2 activates the function of the communication device 100-2 as a client.

Then, after the new group is formed, in steps 82 to 84, the communication device 100-1 notifies the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 using the dissociation that the operation as GO is finished. In step 85, the operation as GO is terminated. Also, the communication devices 100-2 to 100-4 that have received the dissociation end the operation of the communication device 100-1 as a client in steps 86 to 88. In this way, the old group is dissolved.

As described above, when using Wi-Fi Direct in the system according to the present invention, the functions of detecting a terminal and inviting to BSS (P2P Discovery, P2P Invitation) can be used, so the processing is faster than existing Wi-Fi. It is possible to simplify the procedure.

The sequence diagrams shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 show the procedure including the detailed exchange of the frame between the AP (GO) and the STA (Client), but the application using the system of the present invention. Depending on the device or the apparatus, a part of the procedure may be omitted or the procedure may be replaced. For example, when an AP sends a request to change an AP to a STA in the BSS, it is not always necessary to send the request to each STA in turn. The AP does not wait for a response from each communication device, and requests another STA to change the AP. Etc. may be transmitted. In addition, it is not necessary to perform processing for each STA one by one, and processing may be performed collectively using a Multicast frame or the like.

As described above, in the present invention, when an individual carries a plurality of communication devices equipped with AP and STA functions (such as a mobile phone, a mobile router, a mobile notebook PC, and a tablet terminal), the communication operated as an AP The communication can be continued by changing the AP to another communication device that is carried around before the radio wave condition of the device or the battery holding state deteriorates and the STA cannot communicate with the AP.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a BSS is configured from a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, and a mobile phone, and the notebook PC is an AP.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a BSS 200 is configured by a notebook PC 300, a tablet terminal 301, and a mobile phone 302. Further, the remaining battery level of the notebook PC 300 operating as an AP is low. Further, the battery level of the tablet terminal 301 is the largest.

FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where the AP illustrated in FIG. 7A is changed from the notebook PC 300 to the tablet terminal 301.

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the remaining battery level of the notebook PC 300 operating as an AP is decreasing, the AP is switched to the tablet terminal 301 having the largest remaining battery level as shown in FIG. 7B. As a result, it is possible to avoid a risk in the case of continuously using the AP whose battery remaining amount is low.

In addition, when a plurality of communication devices can be connected to different infrastructure-networks in a BSS built in an office or home, the one with the better communication state is selected as the AP, and then the communication is performed with the best communication state. It becomes possible to do.

In the present invention, there are temporarily two BSSs. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the communication interruption time in the BSS by shifting the communication content performed in the old BSS to the new BSS while holding two BSSs.

Further, the communication devices 100-1 to 100-4 may be devices having a wireless communication function, such as a mobile phone, a portable terminal, a tablet or notebook PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants). ), And can be applied to devices such as game machines.

A part or all of the above embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.
(Supplementary note 1) In a communication system having a plurality of communication devices that exist in a range where they can communicate with each other,
Each of the plurality of communication devices
An AP function unit that operates the communication apparatus in an operation mode of a base station mode;
An STA function unit that operates the communication apparatus in a terminal mode operation mode;
If the communication device is a base station communication device operating in the base station mode, the AP function unit operates in the terminal mode belonging to the communication device based on the operation state of the communication device. Operation information indicating an operation state of the terminal communication device is acquired from the terminal communication device which is a communication device, and based on the operation state indicated by the acquired operation information, the base station is newly set out of the terminal communication devices. Select a new base station communication device to be a communication device, notify the terminal communication device of the change of the connection destination to the selected new base station communication device, make a connection request to the new base station communication device, After a communication device other than the new base station communication device receives a connection response to the connection request, it notifies the terminal communication device that the communication device ends the operation of the base station mode, and after the notification The group Exit the operation in the station mode,
The STA function unit, when notified of a change in the connection destination from the base station communication device to the new base station communication device, makes a connection request to the new base station communication device and sends a connection response to the connection request. After receiving from the new base station communication device, the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the new base station communication device is started, and the base station communication device is notified to end the operation in the base station mode. And terminating the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the base station communication apparatus.
(Supplementary note 2) The communication system according to supplementary note 1, wherein the communication device uses reception strength of a radio signal as the operation state.
(Supplementary Note 3) The communication system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the communication device uses a remaining battery level as the operation state.
(Additional remark 4) The said communication terminal uses the same identifier as the radio | wireless network identifier used before the change of the said operation mode after the change of the said operation mode, It is any one of the additional marks 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Communications system.
(Appendix 5) A communication device,
An AP function unit that operates the communication apparatus in an operation mode of a base station mode;
An STA function unit that operates the communication apparatus in a terminal mode operation mode;
If the communication device is a base station communication device operating in the base station mode, the AP function unit operates in the terminal mode belonging to the communication device based on the operation state of the communication device. Operation information indicating an operation state of the terminal communication device is acquired from the terminal communication device which is a communication device, and based on the operation state indicated by the acquired operation information, the base station is newly set out of the terminal communication devices. Select a new base station communication device to be a communication device, notify the terminal communication device of the change of the connection destination to the selected new base station communication device, make a connection request to the new base station communication device, After a communication device other than the new base station communication device receives a connection response to the connection request, it notifies the terminal communication device that the communication device ends the operation of the base station mode, and after the notification The group Exit the operation in the station mode,
The STA function unit, when notified of a change in the connection destination from the base station communication device to the new base station communication device, makes a connection request to the new base station communication device and sends a connection response to the connection request. After receiving from the new base station communication device, the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the new base station communication device is started, and the base station communication device is notified to end the operation in the base station mode. And a communication device that terminates the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the base station communication device.
(Supplementary note 6) A communication method in a communication system having a plurality of communication devices existing in a range in which communication is possible
Among the plurality of communication devices, a base station communication device operating in a base station mode is based on an operating state of the base station communication device, and a terminal communication device that is a communication device belonging to the base station communication device. , Processing for obtaining operation information indicating the operation state of the terminal communication device;
Based on the operation state indicated by the acquired operation information, the base station communication device newly selects a new base station communication device to be the base station communication device from among the terminal communication devices;
A process in which the base station communication device notifies the terminal communication device of a change of a connection destination to the selected new base station communication device;
A communication device other than the new base station communication device performs a connection request to the new base station communication device;
A communication device other than the new base station communication device receives a connection response to the connection request from the new base station communication device, and then starts an operation in a terminal mode belonging to the new base station communication device;
The base station communication apparatus notifies the terminal communication apparatus that the base station communication apparatus ends the operation of the base station mode after a communication apparatus other than the new base station communication apparatus receives the connection response. Processing to
After the base station communication device notifies that the operation of the base station mode is ended, a process of ending the operation in the base station mode;
Communication in which the terminal communication apparatus performs a process of terminating the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the base station communication apparatus after receiving a notification from the base station communication apparatus that the operation of the base station mode is terminated. Method.

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated with reference to embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-92936 filed on April 16, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

Claims

In a communication system having a plurality of communication devices that exist in a range where they can communicate with each other,
Each of the plurality of communication devices
An AP function unit that operates the communication apparatus in an operation mode of a base station mode;
An STA function unit that operates the communication apparatus in a terminal mode operation mode;
If the communication device is a base station communication device operating in the base station mode, the AP function unit operates in the terminal mode belonging to the communication device based on the operation state of the communication device. Operation information indicating an operation state of the terminal communication device is acquired from the terminal communication device which is a communication device, and based on the operation state indicated by the acquired operation information, the base station is newly set out of the terminal communication devices. Select a new base station communication device to be a communication device, notify the terminal communication device of the change of the connection destination to the selected new base station communication device, make a connection request to the new base station communication device, After a communication device other than the new base station communication device receives a connection response to the connection request, it notifies the terminal communication device that the communication device ends the operation of the base station mode, and after the notification The group Exit the operation in the station mode,
The STA function unit, when notified of a change in the connection destination from the base station communication device to the new base station communication device, makes a connection request to the new base station communication device and sends a connection response to the connection request. After receiving from the new base station communication device, the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the new base station communication device is started, and the base station communication device is notified to end the operation in the base station mode. And terminating the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the base station communication apparatus.
The communication system according to claim 1,
The communication apparatus uses a radio signal reception intensity as the operation state.
The communication system according to claim 1 or 2,
The communication apparatus uses a remaining battery level as the operation state.
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The communication apparatus uses the same identifier as the wireless network identifier used before the change of the operation mode after the change of the operation mode.
A communication device,
An AP function unit that operates the communication apparatus in an operation mode of a base station mode;
An STA function unit that operates the communication apparatus in a terminal mode operation mode;
If the communication device is a base station communication device operating in the base station mode, the AP function unit operates in the terminal mode belonging to the communication device based on the operation state of the communication device. Operation information indicating an operation state of the terminal communication device is acquired from the terminal communication device which is a communication device, and based on the operation state indicated by the acquired operation information, the base station is newly set out of the terminal communication devices. Select a new base station communication device to be a communication device, notify the terminal communication device of the change of the connection destination to the selected new base station communication device, make a connection request to the new base station communication device, After a communication device other than the new base station communication device receives a connection response to the connection request, it notifies the terminal communication device that the communication device ends the operation of the base station mode, and after the notification The group Exit the operation in the station mode,
The STA function unit, when notified of a change in the connection destination from the base station communication device to the new base station communication device, makes a connection request to the new base station communication device and sends a connection response to the connection request. After receiving from the new base station communication device, the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the new base station communication device is started, and the base station communication device is notified to end the operation in the base station mode. And a communication device that terminates the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the base station communication device.
A communication method in a communication system having a plurality of communication devices that exist in a range where they can communicate with each other,
Among the plurality of communication devices, a base station communication device operating in a base station mode is based on an operating state of the base station communication device, and a terminal communication device that is a communication device belonging to the base station communication device. , Processing for obtaining operation information indicating the operation state of the terminal communication device;
Based on the operation state indicated by the acquired operation information, the base station communication device newly selects a new base station communication device to be the base station communication device from among the terminal communication devices;
A process in which the base station communication device notifies the terminal communication device of a change of a connection destination to the selected new base station communication device;
A communication device other than the new base station communication device performs a connection request to the new base station communication device;
A communication device other than the new base station communication device receives a connection response to the connection request from the new base station communication device, and then starts an operation in a terminal mode belonging to the new base station communication device;
The base station communication apparatus notifies the terminal communication apparatus that the base station communication apparatus ends the operation of the base station mode after a communication apparatus other than the new base station communication apparatus receives the connection response. Processing to
After the base station communication device notifies that the operation of the base station mode is ended, a process of ending the operation in the base station mode;
Communication in which the terminal communication apparatus performs a process of terminating the operation in the terminal mode belonging to the base station communication apparatus after receiving a notification from the base station communication apparatus that the operation of the base station mode is terminated. Method.