JP2001036459A - Radio communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably perform relay by providing an outputting means outputting a relay request to another device when communication with a prescribed opposite party can not performed and a relaying means performing relay when battery residual quantity being equal to or more than a fixed value is left in the case the relay request is received. SOLUTION: When a 'relay request' packet to which the number of relay data (number of packets) N is attached is received in S201, in S202, a battery voltage is read to check self-battery residual quantity. In S205, voltage Vn needed for relay is calculated from voltage for transmitting the number N of relay packets. In S206, a battery voltage V acquired in S202 is compared with the needed voltage Vn calculated in S205. Relay is decided as available when the voltage V is higher than the voltage Vn, and in S208, the relay request is accepted and response is performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radio communication device for performing communication using a relay.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional system, a radio terminal device has a function of a relay station, and when a radio wave does not reach a master station from a terminal, another terminal station successively communicates with the master device as a relay station ( JP-A-05-292577).

When a communication partner is out of the communicable range, a relay communication instruction signal is output to another terminal, and the receiving terminal relays the communication (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-259955). Had become.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, especially in a battery-operated terminal, the battery state of the relay terminal is not taken into consideration, and the communication range becomes narrow due to insufficient battery power, so that the relay communication is performed. In such a case, since there is no means for suppressing the power of the relay communication, there is a danger that stable communication cannot be performed, for example, a communication failure occurs due to a decrease in the remaining battery level during the relay communication.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an output unit for outputting a relay request to another device when communication with a certain party is not possible, and receiving the relay request. Then, there is provided relay means for relaying when the remaining battery level is equal to or more than a certain level.

With such a configuration, if communication with a certain party cannot be performed, a relay request is output to another device, and when the relay request is received, relaying is performed when the remaining battery level is equal to or more than a certain level.

When communication with a certain party is not possible, the output level is switched to output a relay request, and the relay terminal is determined according to which output level the relay request responds to.

[0008] The other terminal that has received the power calculates the required power from the data amount and compares it with the remaining battery power to determine whether relay communication is possible or not.

[0009] Alternatively, the other terminal receiving the information notifies the base station that the relay request has been received by adding information indicating its own remaining battery level.
A terminal having the largest remaining amount is determined as a relay partner from among notifications that have received a plurality of relay requests.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the relay terminal from running out of battery.

Another terminal responding at the lowest output level is determined to be a relay partner.

[0012] Alternatively, the information indicating the output level is added to the relay request and transmitted, and the other terminal that has received the information sets the output level to be responded based on the information of the output level.

[0013] Alternatively, another terminal that transmits the relay request with information indicating the output level added thereto, switches the output level by output level switching means when notifying the base station that the relay request has been received. Then, both the information indicating the output level added to the received relay request and the information indicating the own output level are added and transmitted.

Thus, power consumption of both the relay request terminal and the relay terminal can be reduced.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable electronic device which is a wireless communication device embodying the present invention.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a battery which is a main power supply. A power supply 2 controls ON / OFF and the like to supply power to each unit. Further, the power supply unit 2 has a function of measuring the voltage of the battery 1 as a means for knowing the remaining amount of the battery.

The voltage limiting circuit of No. 3 is for generating a power supply to be applied to the transmitting unit of the radio unit of No. 4.

The radio unit 4 mainly performs transmission and reception modulation and demodulation including an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals. Note that the transmission output level is determined by the voltage supplied from the voltage limiting circuit 3.

The communication control unit 5 determines the modulation / demodulation frequency by setting the frequency channel to be used, and determines the modulation / demodulation frequency based on the received data.
It controls wireless communication such as determining D.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a control unit for controlling the whole of the apparatus, which transmits and receives data via the communication control unit 5 at the time of wireless communication according to a program stored in the memory of 7.
It is possible to arbitrarily read the remaining battery level from the power supply unit 2.

The memory 7 mainly includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes programs including applications,
Data is stored in the RAM.

The control section 6 is constituted by a microcomputer, reads out a program stored in the ROM of the memory 7, and executes control.

Reference numeral 8 denotes an input unit such as a key, and 9 denotes a display unit such as an LCD, all of which are controlled by the control unit 6.

FIG. 2 shows the input / output of the voltage limiting circuit 3.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a battery voltage of the battery 1 as an input voltage.

The battery voltage 10 is a voltage VM of 11 when fully charged, and the voltage decreases as the capacity decreases.
At the voltage VE of 12, the operation is stopped due to the battery voltage drop.

Reference numeral 13 denotes an output voltage of the voltage limiting circuit 3.
When the battery voltage 10 is equal to or higher than the 14 limit voltage VL, the battery voltage 10 is limited to the limit voltage VL. When the battery voltage 10 becomes equal to or lower than the limit voltage VL14, the battery voltage 10 is output as it is.

The transmission output level of the radio unit 4 operates to maintain a stable output level above the limit voltage VL14, and to lower the output level with the battery voltage 10 below the limit voltage VL14. This battery voltage 10 is
It can be read by the power supply unit 2, and when the battery voltage 10 is the voltage VM11, the remaining amount is set to 100%, and the voltage VE is set to 0%.
Can be converted to the remaining battery level by the proportional relation

The limit voltage VL14 is determined based on the maximum value of the radio output.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the control unit 6 when starting wireless communication.

The control unit 6, which is a microcomputer,
The program is read from the ROM of the memory 7 and the control shown in FIG. 3 is executed. The ROM of the memory 7 is a storage medium that stores the program shown in FIG.

In step S101, wireless communication is started.

First, in S102, a "communication request" is sent to the base station.
And waits for a response to the “communication request” from the base station in S102. This “communication request” is the “communication request”
Is transmitted from the transmission unit of the radio unit 4 on a predetermined channel Y in order to transmit the signal.

If there is a response in S103, the process proceeds to S104 and normal communication is performed.

When there is no response in S103, the process proceeds to S105. In S105, the battery voltage V is read from the power supply unit 2,
In S106, the voltage is compared with the limit voltage VL14. Here, when the battery voltage V is higher than VL14, the output level is at the maximum, so that it is determined that communication failure has occurred due to other factors, and the flow proceeds to S107 to determine whether or not to "retry". Here, when "retry" is selected, the process proceeds to S102, and a "communication request" is transmitted again.

In step S106, the battery voltage V is reduced to the limit voltage VL14.
In the following cases, it is determined that communication with the base station cannot be performed because the output level of the “communication request” is insufficient, and the process proceeds to S108. In S108, since the communication with the base station cannot be directly performed, a "relay request" for a device that can relay is transmitted from the transmission unit of the wireless unit 4.

If "no retry" is determined in S107, it is determined in S109 whether a "relay request" is transmitted. The determination of “relay request” and “retry” may be determined based on an input from the input unit 8 by the user after being displayed on the display unit 9 or may be set in advance. Alternatively, the step of S107 may be omitted, and the process may proceed from “>” of S106 to S109. Further, the step of S109 is also omitted, and S10
The process may proceed from N of 7 or “>” in S106 to S110.

Here, if "relay is not requested",
The communication itself is canceled at 110 and the communication is terminated at S111. If "relay is requested" in S109, S
At 108, a "relay request" is transmitted.

FIG. 4 shows a basic packet data format for transmitting and responding wirelessly.

Reference numeral 15 denotes an ID indicating a communication destination. For example, in the case of a communication request, BASE indicating a base station is included here. 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a communication source ID indicating the user. Reference numeral 17 denotes a predetermined "command". For example, in the case of a communication request, a code indicating a communication request command that is set in advance according to the command is entered here. Reference numeral 18 denotes a portion for adding data or supplementary information of the command 17, and the content thereof differs depending on the command 17. Therefore, the receiving side determines what the information of this part means by the type of command.

FIG. 5 shows the contents of a packet when a "relay request" of 19 is transmitted.

The communication destination ID 15 is "A"
LL "to use the broadcast function. Here, the communication source ID is “A”. In the command 17, “relay request” is set, and the number of data (the number of packets) N to be relayed is added to the data 18.

The transmission of this packet is performed using a dedicated channel T prepared in advance for relay between slave units. The channel T for transmitting this “relay request” is
This is different from channel Y for transmitting the “communication request”.

FIG. 6 shows the transmission range of the relay requesting device A20 and the positional relationship between the devices.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a device A which has transmitted a "relay request", and reference numeral 21 denotes a base station which is a communication partner. A host computer (not shown) is connected to the base station 21. 2
2 is the maximum output level of the device A20, and the output voltage 13 in FIG.
Indicates a communication range when the voltage is the limit voltage VL14. 23
Indicates the communicable range of the device A at the current battery voltage. If the battery voltage is equal to or higher than the limit voltage VL14, the device A20 is communicable with the base station.
0 indicates that the battery voltage becomes equal to or lower than the limit voltage VL14, the output level is reduced, and the communication range is narrowed.

24 to 28 are devices B around the device A,
C, D, E, and F are shown. Device B24 is device A20
Is outside the communication range 23, the "relay request" transmitted by the device A20 is not received, but other devices can receive it. If no other device exists in the communication range 23, or if the receiving device does not respond, the communication is canceled without a response to the “relay request”.

FIG. 7 shows a flow chart when the "relay request" is received.

The flowchart of FIG. 7 is similar to the flowchart of FIG.
Represents a program for executing control, and a memory 7
Is stored in the ROM. The memory 7 stores a program including the program in FIG. 3 and the program in FIG. Then, the control unit 6 operates according to the flowchart of FIG. 3 when starting communication, and operates according to the flowchart of FIG. 7 when receiving a relay request.

When the "relay request" packet 19 is received from the channel T by the receiving unit of the radio unit 4 in S201,
At 02, the battery voltage is read to check the remaining battery level of the user. In S203, the read battery voltage V and the read limit voltage VL
Compare 14. Here, when the battery voltage is equal to or lower than the limit voltage VL14, it is determined that the power to be relayed is insufficient, and the process proceeds to S204, where the relay request is rejected (specifically, ignored).

If the battery voltage is higher than the limit voltage VL14 in S203, the process proceeds to S205 and the voltage Vn required for relaying is
(All power is converted to voltage) is calculated by equation (1).

Vn = N × Vp + VL (1) This equation calculates the voltage for transmitting the number N of relay packets from the voltage Vp necessary for transmitting one packet in advance. In addition, a limit voltage VL14 is added to perform stable communication to the end.

In S206, the battery voltage V obtained in S202 is compared with the required voltage Vn calculated in S205. Here, when the battery voltage V is equal to or lower than the required voltage Vn, it is determined that there is no voltage necessary for communication, and the relay request is rejected in S204. S
When the battery voltage V is higher than the required voltage Vn in 206, it is determined that relaying is possible, and the process proceeds to S207.

It should be noted that the step of S203 is omitted, and
The process may proceed from S02 to S205.

In S207, it is checked whether the automatic response to the relay request is set. S20 for automatic response setting
At step 8, the relay request is accepted and responded.

In step S208, a "relay acceptance" command is transmitted from the transmission unit of the radio unit 4. The “relay acceptance” command is transmitted to the channel Y used for transmitting the communication request in S102 of FIG. The “relay acceptance” command is a BASE in which the communication destination ID 15 in FIG. 4 indicates the base station 21, and the command 17 is “relay acceptance” indicating the relay acceptance.

If the automatic setting has not been performed in S207,
The fact that the relay request has been received is displayed on the display unit 9 to notify the user, and an inquiry is made as to whether or not to respond in S210. If “No response” is determined in S210, the relay request is rejected in S204. If "respond" is determined in S210, the relay request is accepted and responded in S208.

The steps of S207, S209, and S210 can be omitted.
You may proceed to

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the battery status of each device that has received the “relay request” shown in FIG.
00% indicates the remaining amount of the hatched portion. Also, Vn of 29 is the necessary voltage calculated in S205 of FIG.

Since the device C25 has the voltage lower than the limit voltage VL14, the relay is rejected in S203 of FIG.

The device D26 has a voltage of Vn29 or more and is accepted for relaying.

The device E27 is VL14 or higher but Vn
For this reason, the relay is rejected in S206 of FIG.

The device F28 has a voltage of Vn29 or higher and is accepted for relaying.

Thus, the device D26 and the device F27 can be relayed. Either of the selections has priority over the one that communicated first, that is, the one that transmitted the “relay acceptance” command first. That is, the base station 21 determines the device that responded the earliest as the relay partner in accordance with the order in which the “relay acceptance” command was received.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a transition of packets of the relay requesting device A20, the relaying device D26, and the base station 21 when the relay is accepted.

First, the relay request packet 19 from the device A 20
Is transmitted on channel T. In this figure, only the communication destination ID 15, command 17 and data 18 in the packet are shown in a simplified manner. The device D26, which has received the relay request 19 from the channel T, accepts the relay request according to the flowchart of FIG. 7, and transmits a "relay acceptance" command from the device A20 to the base station at channel 30 at channel Y.

Although the actual communication partner is a host computer connected to the base station 21, it is simply referred to as the base station 21 in this description.

The base station 21 receives this command,
At step 1, a "relay OK" command for approving the relay toward D and a frequency channel N used for relay communication are transmitted. This channel N is included in the data 18 of FIG. The channel N is different from the channel Y used for “communication request” in S102 of FIG. 3 and the channel T used for “relay acceptance” in S208 of FIG.

The receiving device D26 sets the channel N and waits for reception.

At 32, the device A20 is the same as the device D26.
A "relay determination" command for notifying the device that has received the "relay request" from the device that the relay partner has been determined is broadcast. This “relay decision” command is transmitted to the destination I in FIG.
D15 is ALL indicating broadcast, and command 17 is "relay decision".

The other device (for example, device F28) receives the "relay decision" command and cancels the "relay request" from device A20.

At 33, a "relay OK" command for notifying the device A that the relay partner has been determined, the fact that the relay partner is the device D26, and the frequency channel N to be used are notified. The fact that the relay partner is the device D26 and the channel to be used is N is included in the data 18 of FIG.

In the device A20 that has received the data, the channel N is set, and the process proceeds to data transmission. At 34, one packet of data is transmitted by a "relay DT" command indicating that the data is to be relayed to the device D26. The receiving device D26 adds the received data to the base station 2 by using a “relay DT” command and adding data indicating that the source is the device A20.
Send to 1.

When the transmission is completed, the data following from the device A 20 to the device 36 is transmitted as a packet, and the device D
To the base station 21. Repeat the same flow, 38
Then, the final data packet is transmitted from the device A20 to the device D26, and transmitted from the device D26 to the base station 21 at 39, and the relay communication is completed.

In FIG. 7, each device determines whether or not a response to the "relay request" is possible. In FIG. 9, the device that responds the earliest is determined as the relay partner. Next, a communication method in which the base station 21 (actually, a control device connected to the base station) determines a relay partner will be described.

All the steps up to the part (FIGS. 1 to 6) for transmitting the "relay request" from the device A20 are the same.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart when a "relay request" is received.

The flowchart of FIG. 10 is a modification of the flowchart of FIG. 7, and similarly to the flowchart of FIG. 7, represents a program for the control unit 6 which is a microcomputer to execute control. Is stored.

In step S301, the process starts upon receiving a “relay request” command.

At S302, the battery voltage V as the remaining battery charge is
Is read, and the battery voltage V and the limit voltage VL14 are read in S303.
Compare. Here, when the battery voltage V is equal to or lower than VL14, it is determined that stable communication cannot be performed due to insufficient remaining capacity, and the relay request is rejected (ignored). If the battery voltage V is higher than VL14 in S303, the relay request is accepted in S305.

When the remaining battery level of each device shown in FIG. 8 is determined in this flowchart, the relay request is rejected when the device C25 is VL14 or less, but the device D26, device E27, and device F28
Becomes a relay acceptance.

FIG. 11 shows a packet transmitted to the base station when the relay request is accepted.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a packet transmitted from the device E27, and the destination ID 15 has a BAS indicating the base station 21.
E, the source ID 16 is the device E16, the command 17 is "relay accepted" indicating that the relay request has been accepted, and the data 18
To the request source [A] and the number N of data (packets) sent from the device A and the own battery voltage V. 41, 4
Reference numeral 2 denotes a “relay acceptance” packet transmitted from the device D26 and the device F28, respectively.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart in which the base station 21 determines a relay partner. The base station 21 includes a radio unit 4, a communication control unit 5, a control unit 6, a memory 7,
Etc. The base station 21 also has an interface for connecting a host computer (not shown).

In step S401, a "relay acceptance" packet is received and started. In step S402, information of the packet is stored. S4
In 03, a timer for measuring a certain time is started,
In S404, the reception waits for a predetermined time. When the packet is received, the process proceeds to S405, where the information of the packet received in S406 is additionally stored, and the process returns in S407 and returns to S404. After a lapse of a predetermined time in S404, the voltage Vn required for communication is calculated from the number N of data (packets) in the packet in S408.
Is calculated based on the equation (1).

In step S409, the respective battery voltages V1, V2,... Are compared from the stored information to determine the maximum value Vm of the battery voltage. In S410, the maximum value Vm obtained in S409 is compared with the required voltage Vn calculated in S408. Here, when Vm is equal to or lower than Vn, it is determined that all the devices that have transmitted the “relay acceptance” command do not have a sufficient voltage to perform the relay communication, and “relay N” meaning rejection of the relay is determined in S411.
"G" command is transmitted to the relay request source, and the process ends.

When the maximum voltage Vm is higher than the required voltage Vn in S410, "relay OK" is transmitted to the device which transmitted the packet of the maximum voltage Vm and the transmission request source in S412, and "relay communication" is performed in S413. To start. The method of relay communication is the same as that described in 31 to 39 in FIG.

The other devices that have transmitted the “relay reception”
If there is no response after a certain period of time, the “relay request” is canceled.

Next, a description will be given of a wireless communication apparatus having a function of switching the output level and performing relay communication with the nearest device.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the wireless communication apparatus.

In FIG. 13, the block diagram of FIG.
The voltage limiting circuit 3 in FIG. 1 is replaced with a voltage switching circuit 43. The voltage switching circuit 43 has a function of switching the voltage supplied to the transmission unit of the wireless unit 4 in a stepwise manner, and the voltage is controlled by the control unit 6.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the input and output of the voltage switching circuit 43.

In the voltage switching circuit 43, the battery voltage 10 which is the input voltage is changed to VL4 of 44, VL3 of 45, and VL3 of 46.
It has a function of limiting the output to VL1 of L2, 47 and VL0 of 48, and the selection is performed by the control unit 6. The output level of the radio changes with respect to this output voltage, and the output levels are L4 of 49, L3 of 50, L2, 5 of 51, respectively.
L1 of L2 and L0 of 53. However, when the battery voltage 10 is lower than the limited voltage, the battery voltage 10 is output as it is.

FIG. 15 shows the communication range for each level and the positional relationship between the devices.

The device A is a transmitter, and the communication range is L44.
It gradually narrows from 9 to L053. In order to perform communication based on the positional relationship with each device, the base station 2
It can be seen that the devices G of 1 and 54 require the output level of L4 49, the device H of 55 requires the level of L350, and the device I56 of 56 requires the output level of L2 51.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart for transmitting a relay request.

At S501, a relay request is entered. The relay request is
Occurs when it cannot communicate with the base station at the maximum output level. For example, in the case of the positional relationship in FIG. 15, the battery voltage 10 of the device A20 becomes equal to or lower than the voltage VL4,
This occurs when communication cannot be performed with the base station 21 because the output cannot be performed at the output level of.

At S502, the battery voltage V is read, and at S50
In 3, the maximum output level is determined based on the battery voltage V (specifically, the read battery voltage V is VL in FIG. 14).
444 to VL0 48) and substitute it for a variable Lm.

Next, in step S504, L0 53 is set to the variable L which is the output level, that is, the output of the voltage switching circuit 43 is limited to L048 from the control unit 6, and a "relay request" command is transmitted in step S505.

In S506, a response to the "relay request" is waited for a predetermined time. Here, if there is a response, the process moves to S507 and the relay destination is determined.

If there is no response in S506, the process moves to S508, where the currently set transmission level L and output maximum level L
Compare m. Here, if L is equal to or greater than Lm, it is determined that communication is impossible because there is no partner to respond even at the maximum output level, and communication is canceled.

If L is smaller than Lm in S508, S51
When the output level is 0, the output level is increased by 1 and a "relay request" is transmitted again in S505.

In this way, a device that responds at the lowest level is searched for, and relaying is determined for that device.

Considering this flowchart in the positional relationship of FIG. 15, there is no response at the level 053 to the relay request of the device A20. No response at level 1 52. At the level 251, the device I56 is within the reception range and can respond. If a response is made here, the relay partner is determined by the device I56.

FIG. 17 shows a packet of the "relay request" command.

Destination 15, Source 16, and Command 17
Is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 5, but adds the currently output level L to the data 18.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the transition of packets of the device A20 as a relay request source, the device I56 as a relay partner, and the base station 21.

The output level of the device A20 is increased stepwise according to the flowchart of FIG. 16, and there is no response at the level 053 and the level 152, and the output level is increased to the level 251.

The device A 20 sets the transmission level to level 2 51
In step 57, a level 2 which is a transmission level is added to the "relay request" command as data and transmitted. Device I5
In 6, when the “relay request” is received, it can be known from the data of the reception request packet 57 that the transmission has been performed at the level 251. Here, the device I56 sets its own transmission level to 2, and goes to the device A20 at 58 to execute "relay reception".
A command is transmitted by adding a level 251 which is a set transmission level to the data.

Although the transmission level of the device I56 is set to the same level as the data of the received "relay request" packet 57 in this embodiment, it may be set to an output level higher than that.

The device A20 receives the response of "relay reception", determines the relay partner, and transmits a "relay determination" command to the device I56 at 59.

The device I56 receives the "relay decision" and
In order to communicate with the base station 21, the maximum output level is set to level 449, and "relay reception" is notified.

The base station 21 transmits a "relay OK" command for acknowledging the relay to the device I56 and a frequency channel used for communication as data and the data.

The device I56 sets the transmission level to level 251 in order to communicate with the device A20, and transmits the "relay OK" command and the used frequency channel at 62.

In the device A20, the level 251 remains unchanged.
Using the used channel, “relay data” is transmitted to the device I at 63.
Send to 56. The receiving device I56 sets the transmission level to level 449, and uses the used channel to transmit the base station 2
For example, data indicating that the data transmission source is the device A20 is added to the “relay data” that is the received data, and the transmission is completed.

Next, a method of selecting a relay partner on the base station side in consideration of the positions of the relay partner and the base station in the configuration of FIG. 13 will be described.

FIG. 19 shows a flowchart for transmitting a relay request.

At S601, a relay request is started.

At S602, the battery voltage V is read, and at S60
The maximum output level that can be set is determined in step 3 and substituted into a variable Lm.

In S604, level 0 53 is set as an initial value.
Set.

In step S605, a "relay request" command packet is transmitted at the set output level. This packet is shown in Figure 1.
7, the set output level is added to the data.

In S606, the current set level L is compared with the settable maximum output level Lm. Where L is Lm
If it is smaller, the output level can still be increased, so the level is raised by one rank in S607, and the "relay request" command is transmitted again in S605.

At S606, the set output level L reaches the maximum value Lm.
In the above case, since the level cannot be raised any more, S608
To wait for a response.

As a result, the "relay request" is issued at all levels from the level 0 53 to the settable maximum output level Lm.
Command will be sent.

The device that has received the “relay request” command
The channel to be used is determined by communication with the base station 21, and the process proceeds to “relay reception” command transmission.

FIG. 20 shows the packet structure of the "relay reception" command.

Reference numeral 65 denotes a packet of the “relay request” command, and the data 18 includes the ID of the “relay request” transmitter and the output level value (hereinafter “reception level”) of the received “relay request” command packet. And the current own set output level (the radio unit 4 transmits a packet to the base station 21).
Lt indicating the transmission level set in the transmission unit of the above is added. This Lr may be the minimum output level value in the packet of the “relay request” command, as described later.

Here, the relay receiver sets the output level to level 0 5 with respect to the base station according to the flowchart of FIG.
The packet 65 of the “relay reception” command is transmitted at all levels from 3 to the settable maximum output level Lm.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for determining a relay partner in base station 21. The base station 21 includes a radio unit 4, a communication control unit 5, a control unit 6, a memory 7, and the like, similarly to the device shown in FIG. The base station 21 also has an interface for connecting a host computer (not shown). The flowchart of FIG. 21 shows a program of the control unit 6 stored in the memory 7. The control unit 6 is configured by a microcomputer that operates according to a program stored in the memory 7.

In step S701, the process starts upon receiving a “relay reception” command.

Information is stored in S702, a timer for measuring a fixed time is started in S703, and reception is waited for a fixed time in S704. Here, when the “relay reception” command is received, the process moves from S705 to S706, and it is first determined whether the communication source of the command is a new or already received device.
If the device is a new device, the process proceeds to step S707, where the information is stored.
The process returns at 708 to wait for reception. If the device has already been received in S706, the process returns in S708 without saving the information.

This is because when the “relay reception” command is transmitted, the transmission level of the first “relay reception” packet that is received first is increased from the lowest level 053 in the case of reception from the same device. This is because the transmission level is the lowest. By doing so, Lr (the output level value of the packet of the “relay request” command) in the “relay reception” packet stored in S707 is the minimum output among the “relay request” packets received by the device. It becomes the level value Lr.

If the relay receiver transmits the “relay reception” packet when the “relay request” packet is first received, S706 can be omitted.
After S705, the process may proceed to S707. The “relay request” packet received first is a “relay request” packet having the minimum transmission level Lr at which the relay requester transmitted the “relay request” packet among the received “relay request” packets. .

In this case, the packet 65 of the “relay reception” command includes the ID of the “relay request” transmitter in the data 18.
Lr, which is the minimum output level value among the received packets of the “relay request” command, and the current set output level (the transmission level set in the transmission unit of the radio unit 4 when transmitting the packet to the base station 21) ) Is added.

When a predetermined time has passed in S704, S7
Move to 09. In step S709, based on the stored information, the reception level Lr and the transmission level Lt are added to the total communication level L for each device.
Substitute the sum of

In S710, the device having the minimum value of the total communication level L calculated in S709 is determined, and this device is determined as a relay partner. In step S711, the relay partner determined in step S710 is notified by adding the “relay OK” command and the received minimum transmission output level to the data. In step S712, the relay request source is notified of the “relay OK” command and the relay partner as data and the relay partner. The reception level, which is the Lr of the received packet, and the channel to be used are added for notification.

In response to the "relay OK" command, the relay request source transmits data to the relay partner based on the notified data, and the relay partner also transmits the data to the base station 2 at the notified transmission power level.
1 is for transmitting data.

As an example of determining a relay partner, consider the arrangement shown in FIG. The target devices are the device H55 and the device I5.
6, the device G54 is out of the communication range.

FIG. 22 is a simplified layout diagram of FIG.

As viewed from the output level from the relay request source A20, the device I56 is in the range of 66 level 251 and the device H55 is in the range of 67 level 350. Also, the range from the device I56 to the base station 21 is 68 level 449, and the range from the device H55 to the base station 21 is 69 level 2
51. Therefore, the data of the “relay reception” packet from the device I56 is Lr = 2, Lt = 4, and the data of the “relay reception” packet from the device H55 is Lr = 2.
3, Lt = 2.

From this, the total reception level calculated by the base station 21 is “6” for the device I56 and “5” for the device H55, and the device H55 is smaller, so the communication partner is determined to be the device H55.

[0141]

According to the present invention, an output means for outputting a relay request to another device when communication with a certain party cannot be performed, and when the relay request is received, the remaining battery level is higher than a certain level. By providing relay means for relaying to
Relaying can be performed reliably.

Further, when communication with a certain partner is not possible, the output level is switched to output a relay request, and the relay terminal is determined according to which output level the other terminal responds to. Output level can be reduced.

A radio communication method for selecting a relay station from a plurality of radio communication devices having a relay function, wherein the relay station is selected according to the transmission level of a relay request station and the transmission level of a plurality of radio communication devices. This makes it possible to reduce the total transmission level required for relaying.

When a plurality of signals relayed by different relay stations are received, one of the relay stations is selected according to the transmission level of the transmission requesting station and the transmission level of each relay station. Thus, the transmission level required for relaying can be reduced.

Further, the device which has received the relay request can know the required power in advance, and can prevent occurrence of communication failure due to running out of battery during the relay.

Further, the terminal having the largest remaining battery level can be selected, and the battery capacity of the entire terminal as a system can be used effectively.

Further, both the relay requesting terminal and the relay terminal can communicate with the minimum necessary power.

In addition, the most efficient route can be selected, and the power efficiency of the system can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device that is a wireless communication device embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an input / output diagram of a voltage limiting circuit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart at the time of starting wireless communication.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a basic packet configuration.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a relay request packet.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a transmission range of a relay request device A and a positional relationship between the devices.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart when a relay request is received.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a battery state of the relay request receiving device.

FIG. 9 is a packet transition diagram of a relay requester, a relay device, and a base station.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart at the time of receiving a relay request.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a packet notified to a base station when a relay request is received.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart in which a base station determines a relay partner.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an electronic apparatus that is a wireless communication device embodying the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an input / output diagram of a voltage switching circuit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a communication range for each output level and a positional relationship between devices.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart at the time of sending a relay request.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a relay request packet.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a transmission range of a relay requesting device A and a positional relationship between the devices.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart at the time of transmitting a relay request.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of a relay reception packet.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a relay partner determination in the base station.

FIG. 22 is a simplified layout diagram of FIG. 15;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Battery 2 Power supply unit 3 Voltage limiting circuit 4 Wireless unit 5 Communication control unit 6 Control unit 7 Memory

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. An output unit for outputting a relay request to another device when communication with a certain party is not possible, and a relay unit for relaying when the battery has a remaining battery charge exceeding a certain level when the relay request is received. A wireless communication device comprising: 2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the information that can determine the amount of data to be relayed is notified to the another device. 3. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication is performed by broadcast without specifying the communication partner of the relay request, and the relay partner is determined in accordance with the order of responding. 4. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is connected to a wireless communication system having a base station. 5. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication apparatus is connected to a wireless communication system having a base station connected to the host computer by wire or wirelessly. 6. The wireless communication method according to claim 4, wherein when the communication request is received, the fact that the relay request has been received is transmitted to the base station, and the base station determines a relay partner. Communication device. 7. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein upon receiving the communication request, the reception of the relay request is transmitted to the base station, and the host computer determines a relay partner. . 8. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the relay request is received, information indicating the remaining battery level is notified to the base station. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the battery is a main power supply,
A wireless communication device comprising a battery remaining amount detecting means capable of knowing or predicting a remaining amount of a battery. 10. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein upon receiving the relay request, it is determined whether or not to accept the relay request based on an amount of data to be relayed and a remaining battery level. 11. When communication with a certain party cannot be performed, a relay request is output to another device, and when the relay request is received, relaying is performed when the remaining battery level is equal to or more than a certain level. Wireless communication method. 12. When the computer cannot communicate with a certain partner, it outputs a relay request to another device, and upon receiving the relay request, performs relaying when the remaining battery level is equal to or more than a certain level. A storage medium storing a program for operating. 13. When a communication cannot be made with a certain partner, the relay level is switched to output a relay request, and the relay partner is determined according to which output level the relay request responds to. Wireless communication method. 14. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein a terminal connected to a wireless communication system having a base station switches an output level and outputs a relay request when a terminal cannot communicate with a certain partner. 15. A terminal according to claim 13, wherein a terminal connected to a wireless communication system having a base station connected to the host computer by wire or wireless, when unable to communicate with a certain partner, switches the output level and issues a relay request. A wireless communication method characterized by outputting. 16. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein when a terminal using a battery as a main power source cannot communicate with a certain partner, the terminal switches an output level and outputs a relay request. 17. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein another terminal responding to the relay request having the lowest output level is set as a relay partner. 18. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein information indicating an output level is added to the relay request. 19. The wireless communication method according to claim 18, wherein another terminal that has received the relay request determines its own output level based on the output level information. 20. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein when the other terminal that has received the relay request notifies that the relay request has been received, the terminal adds the received information of the output level and transmits the information. . 21. The relay request according to claim 14, wherein when another terminal that has received the relay request notifies the base station that the communication request has been received, an output level is switched and output, and the received relay request is received. A wireless communication method characterized in that both the information indicating the output level and the information indicating the own output level are added and transmitted. 22. A wireless communication method for selecting a relay station from a plurality of wireless communication devices having a relay function, wherein the relay station is selected according to a transmission level of a relay request station and a transmission level of the plurality of wireless communication devices. A wireless communication method, comprising: 23. When a plurality of signals relayed by different relay stations are received, one of the relay stations is selected according to the transmission level of the transmission requesting station and the transmission level of each relay station. Characteristic wireless communication method. 24. Receiving means for receiving a signal, and, when a plurality of signals relayed by different relay stations are received, a relay station according to a transmission level of a transmission requesting station and a transmission level of each relay station. A wireless communication device having a selection unit for selecting one of the following.