JP2007189301A - Communication system and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system and a communication method capable of preventing misconnection even when a master communication apparatus exists in a domain physically isolated from a communication terminal when the communication terminal newly takes part in a network. <P>SOLUTION: A slave unit (communication terminal) 103 transmits a network participation request (physical information P1) to its surroundings, and when a slave unit 102 receives the participation request, the slave unit 102 establishes adhoc communication with the slave unit 103 and transmits connection information C1 for making communicable communication with a master unit (master communication apparatus) 101 to the slave unit 103, and the slave unit 103 receives the connection information C1, establishes a communication session with the master unit 101 on the basis of the received connection information C1, and transmits/receives data to/from the master unit 101. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system and a communication method for connecting a plurality of communication terminals and a parent communication device via a network so that they can communicate with each other.

  In a wireless network, network topologies configured by wireless communication devices include a bus type, a ring type, a star type, and a mesh type. As an example, the most widely used star type has a physical layout in which wireless nodes are centrally connected to a parent communication device (hereinafter referred to as a parent device) that is the center of the network, and is under the control of the parent device. A wireless node is connected as a slave unit. In such a topology, when a new wireless node is added to expand a network function or the like, the network is entered by connecting the new wireless node to the parent device.

  In this way, when connecting a new wireless node to the parent device, the first connection from the child device wireless node to the parent device is attempted by wireless communication. However, it is difficult to accurately control the coverage area compared to wired communication. If radio waves are used, the radio waves may fly more than expected depending on the situation of the radio waves at the time, which may cause inconveniences such as erroneous connection to other master units that are not intended. For example, a weak wireless system or a specific low power wireless system is often used as a wireless communication system in a home, but if conditions are good, a range of several tens to several hundreds of meters can be obtained, so radio waves can be transmitted to neighboring houses. May leak and cause incorrect connection. For this reason, there is a need for technology that ensures connection to the target base unit even when using radio waves, and various proposals have been made to selectively connect to the target base unit wirelessly even if a similar base unit exists in the vicinity. Has been.

  For example, in addition to wireless communication means for wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as main line communication) between the parent device and the child device, short-range wireless communication means in which the reach area is limited to a short distance is provided, and short-range wireless communication A method of specifying a target parent device and selectively connecting to the target parent device is proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, for example, physical information generating means is provided in addition to wireless communication means for main line communication, and a target parent device existing in the vicinity is identified by physical information due to a physical quantity displacement that is not a radio wave, and selectively selected A communication connection method has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a connection topology of a conventional wireless node communication method described in Patent Document 2. In FIG. In the wireless network system 900 illustrated in FIG. 18, a parent device 901 and a plurality of child devices are connected in a star shape to configure a single domain network. Here, a procedure in which a child device 902 that is a wireless node newly enters and connects to a target parent device 901 will be described.

The slave unit 902 includes physical information generation means in addition to the main line communication means, and the master unit 901 includes sensor means in addition to the main line communication means. When the slave unit 902 connects to the master unit 901, the physical information P is first generated and transmitted by the physical information generator, and the master unit 901 receives the physical information P by the sensor unit. The physical information P uses physical quantity displacement such as light and sound. At this time, the master unit 901 monitors the output level of the sensor means, and the slave unit that can obtain physical information of a certain level or more is regarded as a slave unit in the same domain in the vicinity, and is connected. By this procedure, the master unit can be prevented from being erroneously connected to a slave unit outside the domain, and when viewed from the slave unit side, erroneous connection with an untargeted master unit can be prevented.
JP 2005-150833 A JP 2004-21448 A

  However, in the conventional configuration as described above, physical information transmitted by a wireless node to be newly entered (hereinafter referred to as a newly installed wireless node) reaches only a master unit existing in a space where the physical information can propagate. Therefore, it is effective only in a single domain network. Therefore, in the case of a network composed of multiple domains that exist in another physically isolated space where the target master unit does not exist in the same space and physical information cannot be reached, There is a problem that the configuration is not available. Specifically, in the conventional configuration, it is effective only in a single space such as a bedroom in a general house, and when the target parent machine is installed in a room other than the bedroom, such as a living room, Since physical information does not arrive, the conventional configuration cannot be used.

  Also, since only the base unit receives physical information, if there is an obstacle that prevents the propagation of physical information between the newly installed wireless node and the base unit, the physical information is received at the base unit. There is a problem that the new wireless node cannot enter the network forever.

  Furthermore, due to the nature of physical information transmitted through a spatial medium such as light and sound, it is easily subject to disturbances such as noise, and it is difficult to ensure the reliability of information. In addition, since only the parent device receives physical information and determines connection, there is a problem that operation reliability and stability are lacking when physical information including an error is propagated.

  The present invention solves the conventional problems as described above, and when a newly installed wireless node enters the network, even if the target parent device to be connected exists in a physically isolated domain, the present invention is erroneous. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system and a communication method capable of preventing connection.

  A communication system according to the present invention is a communication system that connects a plurality of communication terminals and a parent communication device via a network so that they can communicate with each other. The communication terminal includes communication means, and the communication terminal includes the parent terminal. A first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the communication device, and a second communication terminal that is communicably connected to the parent communication device, and the communication means of the first communication terminal includes: Connection request transmitting means for transmitting an entry request to the network to the second communication terminal, and connection information for receiving connection information for communication with the parent communication device from the second communication terminal Receiving means; and data transmitting / receiving means for establishing a communication session with the parent communication device based on the connection information received by the connection information receiving means, and for transmitting and receiving data; The communication means of the communication terminal receives the entry request transmitted by the entry request transmitting means, and when the entry request is received by the entry request receiving means, the connection information is received as the first connection information. Connection information transmitting means for transmitting to the communication terminal.

  A communication method according to the present invention is a communication method for communicably connecting a plurality of communication terminals and a parent communication device via a network, wherein the communication terminal is connected to be communicable with the parent communication device. A first communication terminal that is not connected to the master communication device and a second communication terminal that is communicably connected to the parent communication device, wherein the first communication terminal is connected to the network with respect to the second communication terminal. An entry request transmitting step for transmitting the entry request, an entry request receiving step for the second communication terminal to receive an entry request transmitted in the entry request sending step, and the second communication terminal for the entry request. When an entry request is received in the request reception step, a connection information transmission step for transmitting connection information for communication with the parent communication device to the first communication terminal, and the first communication A connection information receiving step in which the terminal receives the connection information transmitted in the connection information transmitting step; and the parent communication based on the connection information received in the connection information receiving step by the first communication terminal. A data transmission / reception step of establishing a communication session with the device and transmitting / receiving data.

  According to these configurations, the communication terminal includes a first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device, and a second communication terminal that is communicably connected to the parent communication device. The network entry request is transmitted to the second communication terminal by the communication means of the first communication terminal. Then, when the entry request is received by the communication means of the second communication terminal and the entry request is received by the communication means of the second communication terminal, connection information for connecting to the parent communication device is communicable. It is transmitted to the first communication terminal. Next, the connection information is received by the communication means of the first communication terminal, the communication means of the first communication terminal establishes a communication session with the parent communication device based on the connection information, and data is transmitted and received. .

  Accordingly, when a first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device enters the network, first, the first communication terminal is connected to the second communication device in the same domain that is communicably connected to the parent communication device. The communication terminal is searched, connection information from the second communication terminal to the target parent communication device is acquired, and the target parent communication device is connected based on the connection information, so that the target parent communication device is physically isolated. Even if it exists in another domain, it is possible to prevent erroneous connection.

  In the communication system, the communication unit includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit having a communication range narrower than that of the first communication unit, and the first communication terminal includes the first communication unit. 1 communication means comprises the data transmission / reception means, the second communication means of the first communication terminal comprises the entry request transmission means, and the second communication means of the second communication terminal comprises The entry request receiving means is preferably provided.

  According to this configuration, the communication unit includes the first communication unit and the second communication unit having a communication range narrower than that of the first communication unit, and the second communication unit of the first communication terminal. Thus, a network entry request is transmitted to the second communication terminal, and the entry request is received by the second communication means of the second communication terminal.

  Therefore, the first communication terminal establishes communication with the second communication terminal in the same domain by transmitting and receiving the entry request using the second communication means having a communication range narrower than that of the first communication means. be able to.

  In the communication system, the first communication unit of the first communication terminal includes the connection information receiving unit, and the first communication unit of the second communication terminal transmits the connection information. Preferably means are provided. According to this configuration, the first communication terminal can acquire the connection information from the second communication terminal by transmitting and receiving the connection information using the first communication means.

  In the communication system, the second communication unit of the first communication terminal includes the connection information receiving unit, and the second communication unit of the second communication terminal transmits the connection information. Preferably means are provided. According to this configuration, the first communication terminal can acquire the connection information from the second communication terminal by driving the first communication means by transmitting and receiving the connection information using the second communication means. Without communication, communication between communication terminals can be performed with a simple configuration using only the second communication means.

  In the above communication system, it is preferable that the second communication means is communication using physical waves capable of transmitting information. According to this configuration, a physically closed domain such as a room in a house is used because a physical wave capable of transmitting information to an entry request when the first communication terminal searches for the second communication terminal is used. It is possible to perform communication that reaches only inside.

  Therefore, the second communication terminal in the same domain can be found with high accuracy. The physical wave is a light wave, a sound wave, an elastic wave, a shock wave, or the like, and may include a radio wave having a communication range narrower than that of the first communication unit. However, since radio waves are difficult to control the propagation range due to their nature and may easily exceed the domain, it is preferable to use physical waves other than radio waves.

  Further, in the communication system, the first communication terminal may gradually increase the output intensity at which the second communication unit transmits the entry request until the entry request is received by the second communication terminal. It is preferable to further include output control means for increasing the output power.

  According to this configuration, since the first communication terminal transmits the entry request while searching for the second communication terminal while gradually increasing the output intensity of the second communication means, the position closer to the first communication terminal By searching for the second communication terminal arranged in the network, the second communication terminal in the same domain can be found with higher accuracy. In addition, since the second communication means is driven with the minimum necessary transmission power, the life of the battery, which is the power source of the wireless node, can be extended due to the power saving effect.

  In the communication system, the connection information receiving unit receives a plurality of connection information transmitted by a plurality of second communication terminals, and the first communication terminal is received by the connection information receiving unit. Connection information selection means for selecting one connection information from the plurality of connection information, wherein the data transmission / reception means communicates with the parent communication device based on the connection information selected by the connection information selection means. It is preferable to establish a communication session and send and receive data.

  According to this configuration, the first communication terminal receives the plurality of connection information transmitted by the plurality of second communication terminals, and one connection information is selected from the received plurality of connection information. Therefore, reliable connection information can be obtained. Therefore, even when physical information including an error is propagated to establish ad hoc communication with a communication terminal other than the second communication terminal, it is possible to ensure operation reliability even when unauthorized connection information is transmitted. .

  In addition, when the connection information is acquired by the second communication unit, a correction process for a transmission error of the second communication unit may be performed.

  In the communication system, it is preferable that the connection information selection unit selects one connection information from a plurality of connection information by majority. According to this configuration, since one piece of connection information is selected from a plurality of pieces of connection information by majority vote, reliable connection information can be obtained.

  In the communication system, the communication terminal further includes a third communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device, and the communication means of the third communication terminal transmits the entry request transmission. Means, the connection information receiving means, and the data transmitting / receiving means, wherein the communication means of the first communication terminal receives the entry request transmitted by the entry request sending means of the third communication terminal. The connection request receiving means of the first communication terminal further includes the entry request receiving means before the entry request transmitting means of the first communication terminal transmits the entry request. When the entry request is received, it is preferable to receive the connection information transmitted from the second communication terminal to the third communication terminal.

  According to this configuration, when the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal that are not communicably connected to the parent communication device enter the network at the same time, the third communication terminal and the second communication terminal Since the first communication terminal intercepts the communication between the first communication terminal, the first communication terminal does not need to establish communication with the second communication terminal again. Therefore, a plurality of communication terminals can enter the network with a simple procedure.

  Further, even when there is a physical failure between the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal and transmission / reception of an entry request is blocked and communication cannot be established, connection information received by the third communication terminal is By intercepting, connection information to the target parent communication device can be acquired.

  A communication system according to the present invention is a communication system that connects a plurality of communication terminals and a parent communication device via a network so that they can communicate with each other, and the communication terminal includes environment information acquisition means for acquiring surrounding environment information; A communication means, and the communication terminal includes: a first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device; and a second communication terminal that is communicably connected to the parent communication device. The environment information acquisition means of the first communication terminal acquires environment information around the first communication terminal, and the communication means of the first communication terminal is connected to the second communication terminal. Environment information request transmitting means for transmitting an environment information request for requesting the environment information, environment information receiving means for receiving the environment information from the second communication terminal, and received by the environment information receiving means Said If the environment information of the second communication terminal matches the environment information of the first communication terminal acquired by the environment information acquisition means, a response to the environment information is transmitted to the second communication terminal Environment information response transmission means, connection information reception means for receiving connection information for communication with the parent communication device from the second communication terminal, and the connection information received by the connection information reception means Data communication means for establishing a communication session with the parent communication device and transmitting / receiving data based on the environment information request transmitted by the environment information request transmission means. Environmental information request receiving means for receiving the environmental information request means for receiving the environmental information request by the environmental information request receiving means. The environmental information around the second communication terminal is acquired, and the communication means of the second communication terminal transmits the environmental information acquired by the environmental information acquisition means to the first communication terminal. The environment information transmission means, the environment information response reception means for receiving the environment information response transmitted by the environment information response transmission means, and the connection when the environment information response is received by the environment information response reception means. Connection information transmitting means for transmitting information to the first communication terminal.

  A communication method according to the present invention is a communication method in which a plurality of communication terminals and a parent communication device are communicably connected via a network, and the communication terminal includes environment information acquisition means for acquiring surrounding environment information; A communication means, and the communication terminal includes: a first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device; and a second communication terminal that is communicably connected to the parent communication device. A first environment information acquisition step in which the environment information acquisition unit of the first communication terminal acquires environment information around the first communication terminal; and the communication unit of the first communication terminal includes: An environment information request transmitting step for transmitting an environment information request for requesting the environment information to the second communication terminal, and the communication means of the second communication terminal includes the environment information request transmitting step, Sent When the environment information request is received in the environment information request receiving step and the environment information acquisition means of the second communication terminal receives the environment information request in the environment information request receiving step, the surroundings of the second communication terminal A second environmental information acquisition step for acquiring the environmental information, and the communication means of the second communication terminal transmits the environmental information acquired in the second environmental information acquisition step to the first communication terminal. An environment information transmission step, the communication means of the first communication terminal receives the environment information from the second communication terminal, and the communication means of the first communication terminal comprises: The environment information of the second communication terminal received in the environment information reception step, and the front of the first communication terminal acquired in the first environment information acquisition step. When the environment information matches, the environment information response transmission step of transmitting a response to the environment information to the second communication terminal, and the communication means of the second communication terminal transmit in the environment information response transmission step An environmental information response receiving step for receiving the environmental information response, and when the communication means of the second communication terminal receives the environmental information response in the environmental information response receiving step, A connection information transmission step of transmitting connection information for communicable connection to the first communication terminal; and the communication means of the first communication terminal receives the connection information from the second communication terminal. A connection information receiving step, and the communication means of the first communication terminal is configured to perform the parent communication based on the connection information received in the connection information receiving step. Data communication means for establishing a communication session with the apparatus and transmitting and receiving data.

  According to these configurations, the communication terminal includes a first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device, and a second communication terminal that is communicably connected to the parent communication device. The environmental information around the first communication terminal is acquired by the environmental information acquisition means of the first communication terminal, and the environmental information is requested from the second communication terminal by the communication means of the first communication terminal. A request for environmental information is transmitted. Then, when the environment information request is received by the communication means of the second communication terminal and the environment information request is received by the environment information acquisition means of the second communication terminal, the environment information around the second communication terminal And the environment information is transmitted to the first communication terminal by the communication means of the second communication terminal. Subsequently, the environment information is received from the second communication terminal by the communication means of the first communication terminal, and the received environment information of the second communication terminal matches the environment information of the first communication terminal. In this case, a response to the environment information is transmitted to the second communication terminal. Thereafter, when an environment information response is received by the communication means of the second communication terminal, connection information for connecting to the parent communication device so as to be communicable is transmitted to the first communication terminal. The communication means of the first communication terminal receives the connection information from the second communication terminal, establishes a communication session with the parent communication device based on the received connection information, and transmits / receives data.

  Accordingly, since communication terminals in the same domain acquire the same environment information, the first communication terminal is replaced with the second communication terminal in the same domain by exchanging and comparing the environment information between the communication terminals. Can be easily discovered. In addition, since connection information to the target parent communication device is acquired from the second communication terminal, and the target parent communication device is connected based on the connection information, the target parent communication device is physically separated. Even in the case of existing domains, erroneous connections can be prevented. The environmental information includes illuminance, temperature, humidity, noise, vibration, and the like.

  The present invention also provides a communication terminal program for executing the above-described communication method and a computer-readable recording medium on which these are recorded. A communication terminal is configured by executing a program recorded on the recording medium on an apparatus including a CPU and a memory.

  The present invention will be described with reference to the following best mode for carrying out the invention and the drawings, but this is for the purpose of illustration and the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto.

  According to the present invention, when a first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to a parent communication device enters the network, first, the first communication terminal is first connected in the same domain that is communicably connected to the parent communication device. The second communication terminal is searched, connection information from the second communication terminal to the target parent communication device is acquired, and the target parent communication device is connected based on the connection information. Even if it exists in another physically isolated domain, it is possible to prevent erroneous connection.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a wireless network system 100 includes domains A to C, where domain A includes a parent device 101, and domains B and C include only child devices (wireless nodes). Here, an operation when the slave device 103 which is a newly installed wireless node enters the network in the domain C is shown. When the handset 103 is placed in the domain C, the handset 103 transmits physical information P1 to the surroundings. The physical information P1 is a physical wave that can transmit information using light waves, sound waves, elastic waves, shock waves, and the like. When the physical information P1 is broadcast without directivity, it is received by many slave units of existing wireless nodes. Here, the slave unit 102 which is an existing wireless node receives the physical information P1, and establishes ad hoc communication with the slave unit 103 by a protocol described later. Thereafter, connection information C1 to the parent device 101 already held by the child device 102 is transmitted to the child device 103 by ad hoc communication. The subunit | mobile_unit 103 connects to the main | base station 101 based on the connection information C1.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the radio node in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The wireless node 201 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 202, a ROM (read only memory) 203, a physical information generation unit 204, a physical information reception unit 205, and a main line communication unit 206.

  The CPU 202 controls each part of the wireless node and controls communication with the outside. The ROM 203 stores a data processing program and a communication processing program, and stores an ad hoc communication program PG1, a connection information management program PG2, and a main line communication program PG3. The ad hoc communication program PG1 is a program for establishing ad hoc communication between a newly installed wireless node and an existing wireless node and controlling communication. The connection information management program PG2 is a program for maintaining and managing connection information with the parent device. The main line communication program PG3 is a program for establishing main line communication with the parent device and controlling communication. The physical information generation unit 204 transmits physical information as a physical wave. The physical information receiving unit 205 receives physical waves from other wireless nodes and acquires physical information. The main line communication unit 206 performs communication between the master unit and the wireless node and also communication between each wireless node by a wireless communication method compliant with, for example, IEEE 802.11.

  The radio node having the above configuration can be an existing radio node or a new radio node. That is, the existing radio node and the new radio node have the same configuration.

  The CPU 202 fetches necessary programs from the ROM 203 and executes the processes. The CPU 202 performs physical information transmission / reception processing by executing the ad hoc communication program PG1. In this case, the CPU 202 instructs the physical information generation unit 204 to start transmission by a signal S1. When the signal S1 is input from the CPU 202, the physical information generation unit 204 transmits the physical information S2. Further, the physical information S3 from the outside is received by the physical information receiving unit 205. The physical information receiving unit 205 notifies the reception to the CPU 202 by a signal S4.

  The CPU 202 executes transmission / reception processing for main line communication by executing the main line communication program PG3. In this case, the transmission data S5 output by the CPU 202 is modulated and frequency-converted by the main line communication unit 206 and transmitted to the other station as the main line communication radio wave S6. Further, the main line communication radio wave S6 transmitted by another station is frequency-converted and demodulated by the main line communication unit 206, and is output to the CPU 202 as received data S5. Control information such as the frequency channel to be used is instructed to the main line communication unit 206 after being multiplexed with the signal S5.

  Next, an overview of processing between wireless nodes in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing an overview of processing between wireless nodes according to the first embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 3, the existing wireless node 311 is already connected to the parent device 300 and is performing main line communication with the parent device 300. Here, an outline of processing when the newly installed wireless node 301 enters will be described.

  When the new wireless node 301 enters the network, the physical information generation unit 304 transmits physical information (entry request) P3 to the surroundings. If the existing wireless node 311 is located within the propagation range of the physical information P3, the physical information receiving unit 315 receives the physical information P3 (entry request), and a new wireless node issues a request to join the network in the vicinity. Is detected. Since it is unclear at this point which wireless node transmitted the physical information P3 (entry request), the main line communication unit 316 broadcasts a physical information reception response. Since the new wireless node 301 waits for a physical information reception response from the existing wireless node 311, an ad hoc communication with the existing wireless node 311 is established by returning a response immediately. Each response signal includes its own station (transmitting station) address, and the receiving side can easily acquire the address of the other party. After the ad hoc communication is established, the main line communication unit 316 of the existing wireless node 311 transmits the connection information C3 to the new wireless node 301. The main line communication unit 306 of the new wireless node 301 transmits a connection request to the parent device 300 by appropriately setting and using a frequency channel, a parent device address, an encryption key, and the like based on the acquired connection information C3.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format transmitted in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format of physical information. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format in main line communication, and FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format of response information used in main line communication.

  The data format of the physical information shown in FIG. 4A is composed of a single data. The data format of main line communication shown in FIG. 4B is composed of a header code, a data payload, and an error correction code. The header code represents a parameter group necessary for communication control, and includes a transmission source address, a transmission destination address, control information, and an error detection code. The control information stores a control code on the protocol. The data payload is a user data storage area. The error correction code is a code for transmission error correction.

  The data format of the response information of main line communication shown in FIG. 4C is composed of a header code and an error correction code. The header code represents a parameter group necessary for communication control, and includes a transmission source address, a transmission destination address, response information, and an error detection code. The response information stores a response code on the protocol. The error correction code is a code for transmission error correction.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format transmitted in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A illustrates an example of connection information transmitted from an existing radio node to a new radio node. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of connection request information transmitted from the newly installed wireless node to the parent device.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the connection information C3 includes a frequency channel, a base unit address, a base unit property, and an encryption key K1. The frequency channel represents a frequency channel used for main line communication with the master unit. The parent device address represents an address that designates the parent device. The parent device property represents information such as the function and operation status of the parent device. The encryption key K1 is an encryption key for encrypting transmission data at the time of main line communication, and is a common encryption key that each terminal holds in the network. The above-described constituent elements are parameter groups necessary for selectively connecting to the parent device 300.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the connection request includes a frequency channel, a slave unit address, a slave unit property, and an encryption key K2. The frequency channel represents a frequency channel used when performing main line communication with the own station. The slave unit address represents an address that specifies the local station. The slave unit property represents information such as the function and operation status of the local station. The encryption key K2 is an encryption key for encrypting transmission data during main line communication, and is an individual encryption key that each terminal individually holds in the network. The above components are a parameter group necessary for selectively establishing a connection with the parent device 300.

  In the present embodiment, the physical information generating unit 204 (304, 314), the physical information receiving unit 205 (305, 315), and the main line communication unit 206 (306, 316) correspond to an example of a communication unit, and a new wireless The node 301 corresponds to an example of a first communication terminal, the existing wireless node 311 corresponds to an example of a second communication terminal, the physical information generation unit 204 (304) corresponds to an example of an entry request transmission unit, and the main line The communication unit 206 (306) corresponds to an example of a connection information reception unit, the main line communication unit 206 (306) corresponds to an example of a data transmission / reception unit, and the physical information reception unit 205 (315) corresponds to an example of an entry request reception unit. The main line communication unit 206 (316) corresponds to an example of a connection information transmission unit, the main line communication unit 206 (306, 316) corresponds to an example of a first communication unit, and the physical information generation unit 20 (304, 314) and the physical information receiving unit 205 (305, 315) corresponds to an example of second communication means.

  Next, a processing procedure of the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a processing procedure in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a protocol exchanged between the base unit 300, the existing wireless node 311 and the new wireless node 301 shown in FIG.

  Base unit 300 and existing wireless node 311 are already connected and main line communication is performed (steps S1 and S2). A new wireless node 301 enters the network there. First, the new wireless node 301 transmits physical information (entry request) to the surroundings to notify entry to the network (step S3).

  Subsequent protocols use main line communication. The existing wireless node 311 that has received the physical information (entry request) transmits a physical information reception response (step S4), and if the new wireless node 301 responds (step S5), ad hoc communication between the wireless nodes is established. After the ad hoc communication is established, the existing wireless node 311 transmits connection information (step S6). If there is a response to the connection information (step S7), the ad hoc communication between the wireless nodes is terminated. The new wireless node 301 transmits a connection request to the parent device 300 based on the acquired connection information (step S8).

  If there is a connection response from the parent device 300 (step S9), the new wireless node 301 transmits a connection completion response to the parent device 300 (step S10), and a connection with the parent device 300 is established. After establishing communication with base unit 300, normal main line communication is started (steps S11 and S12).

  Note that the messages in steps S6 to S8 are encrypted using the encryption key K1, and the messages after steps S9 to S12 are encrypted using the encryption key K2, thereby performing a concealment process.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts for explaining the processing of the communication system in the first embodiment of the present invention. 7 and 8 show a flowchart of a protocol exchanged between the base unit 300, the existing wireless node 311 and the new wireless node 301 shown in FIG.

  Base device 300 performs main line communication with existing wireless node 311 (step S101). Next, base unit 300 determines whether or not the connection request transmitted by newly established wireless node 301 has been received (step S102). If the connection request is not received from newly established wireless node 301 (NO in step S102), base unit 300 continues main line communication with existing wireless node 311.

  The existing wireless node 311 performs main line communication with the parent device 300 (step S201). Next, the existing wireless node 311 determines whether the physical information transmitted by the new wireless node 301 has been received (step S202). If the physical information is not received from the new wireless node 301 (NO in step S202), the existing wireless node 311 returns to the process of step S201 and continues main line communication with the parent device 300. When physical information (entry request) is received from the newly installed wireless node 301 (YES in step S202), the existing wireless node 311 returns a physical information response to the physical information (step S203).

  Thereafter, the existing wireless node 311 determines whether or not the response transmitted by the new wireless node 301 has been received (step S204). When the response from the new radio node 301 is not received (NO in step S204), the existing radio node 311 repeats the determination in step S204 until the response from the new radio node 301 is received. When the response from the new wireless node 301 is received (YES in step S204), the existing wireless node 311 transmits connection information (step S205).

  The new wireless node 301 determines whether or not physical information transmitted by another station (another wireless node) has been received (step S301). When physical information of another station (other wireless node) is received (YES in step S301), the newly established wireless node 301 cannot send the connection information, and therefore discards the physical information and determines in step S301. Repeat. If the physical information of the other station (other wireless node) is not received (NO in step S301), the new wireless node 301 transmits physical information (participation request) (step S302).

  Next, the new wireless node 301 determines whether a physical information response transmitted by the existing wireless node 311 has been received (step S303). At this time, when the physical information response from the existing wireless node 311 is not received (NO in step S303), the processing returns to step S302, and the physical information is repeatedly transmitted until the physical information response is received. When the physical information response is received (YES in step S303), the new wireless node 301 transmits a response to the physical information response (step S304).

  Thereafter, the new wireless node 301 determines whether connection information transmitted by the existing wireless node 311 has been received (step S305). When the connection information is not received (NO in step S305), the new wireless node 301 repeats the determination in step S305 until the connection information is received. When the connection information is received (YES in step S305), the new wireless node 301 transmits a response to the connection information (step S306). Furthermore, the new wireless node 301 transmits a connection request to the parent device 300 based on the acquired connection information (step S307).

  After transmitting the connection information, the existing wireless node 311 determines whether a response transmitted by the new wireless node 301 has been received (step S206). If no response is received (NO in step S206), the existing wireless node 311 repeats the determination in step S206 until a response is received. On the other hand, when a response is received (YES in step S206), the existing wireless node 311 performs main line communication with the parent device 300 (step S207).

  When the base unit 300 receives the connection request transmitted by the new wireless node 301 (YES in step S102), the base unit 300 starts a new connection process (step S103). Next, base unit 300 transmits a connection response to newly established wireless node 301 (step S104). Next, base unit 300 determines whether or not the connection completion response transmitted by newly established wireless node 301 has been received (step S105). When the connection completion response is not received from the new wireless node 301 (NO in step S105), the base unit 300 repeats the determination in step S105 until the connection completion response is received. When a connection completion response is received from the new wireless node 301 (YES in step S105), the base unit 300 starts main line communication with the existing wireless node 311 and the new wireless node 301 (step S106).

  The new wireless node 301 determines whether or not the connection response transmitted by the parent device 300 has been received (step S308). When the connection response from the parent device 300 is not received (NO in step S308), the new wireless node 301 repeats the determination in step S308 until the connection response is received. When the new wireless node 301 receives a connection response from the parent device 300 (YES in step S308), the new wireless node 301 transmits a connection completion response to the parent device 300 (step S309), and starts main line communication with the parent device 300 (step S309). Step S310). Thereafter, the new wireless node 301 shifts to an operation as an existing wireless node.

  With this configuration and processing of the first embodiment, the newly established wireless node establishes communication with the existing wireless node, acquires connection information to the target parent device by ad hoc communication, and uses the acquired connection information for the purpose. Connect to the parent machine. The physical information used for establishing communication between wireless nodes can perform communication limited to a relatively short distance rather than main line communication. Therefore, the new wireless node searches for an existing wireless node in the same domain, acquires connection information from the existing wireless node to the target base unit, and connects to the target base unit based on the connection information. Misconnections can be prevented even if the machine is in another physically isolated domain.

  In this way, the communication terminal (wireless node) is communicably connected to the first communication terminal (newly installed wireless node) that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device (parent device). The second communication terminal (existing radio node) is included, and the physical information generation unit 204 of the new radio node transmits a request to join the network to the existing radio node. Then, an entry request is received by the physical information receiving unit 205 of the existing wireless node, and connection information for connecting to the parent communication device so as to be communicable is transmitted to the newly installed wireless node by the main line communication unit 206 of the existing wireless node. . Next, the connection information is received by the main line communication unit 206 of the new wireless node, and the main line communication unit 206 of the new radio node establishes a communication session with the parent communication device based on the connection information, and data is transmitted and received. .

  Therefore, when a new wireless node that is not communicatively connected to the parent communication device enters the network, the new wireless node first searches for an existing wireless node in the same domain that is connected to be able to communicate with the parent communication device. Since connection information from the wireless node to the target parent communication device is acquired and the target parent communication device is connected based on the connection information, the target parent communication device exists in another physically isolated domain. Even in this case, erroneous connection can be prevented.

  In addition, the physical information generation unit 204 of the new wireless node transmits an entry request to the network to the existing wireless node, and the entry request is received by the physical information reception unit 205 of the existing wireless node. Therefore, the new wireless node establishes communication with the existing wireless node in the same domain by transmitting and receiving the entry request using the physical information generating unit 204 and the physical information receiving unit 205 having a communication range narrower than that of the main line communication unit 206. Can be made.

  Furthermore, by transmitting and receiving connection information using the main line communication unit 206, the new wireless node can acquire connection information from the existing wireless node.

  Furthermore, since a physical wave capable of transmitting information to the entry request when the new wireless node searches for an existing wireless node is used, communication that reaches only within a physically closed domain such as a room in a house is performed. It can be carried out. Therefore, an existing wireless node in the same domain can be found with high accuracy. The physical wave is a light wave, a sound wave, an elastic wave, a shock wave, or the like, and may include a radio wave having a narrower communication range than the main line communication unit 206. However, since radio waves are difficult to control the propagation range due to their nature and may easily exceed the domain, it is preferable to use physical waves other than radio waves.

  In addition, since transmission from the existing wireless node 311 in step S4 and subsequent steps in FIG. 6 is performed using radio waves, there is a possibility of malfunction due to crossing the domain here. However, since the protocol has already been established, The node 301 can grasp the transmission timing from the existing wireless node 311 with certainty. Therefore, further malfunction is unlikely to occur.

  It is also possible to use radio waves with weak antenna power instead of physical information. However, if a room in a general household is used as a domain, there is still a possibility of crossing the domain, so it can be transmitted only within the domain. It is possible to improve reliability by using physical information.

  Further, when ultrasonic waves are used for propagation of physical information, for example, an ultrasonic speaker or the like can be used for the physical information generation unit, and an ultrasonic microphone or the like can be used for the physical information reception unit. Further, for example, when infrared rays are used, an infrared LED or the like can be used for the physical information generation unit, and a PIN photodiode or the like can be used for the physical information reception unit.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the physical information is transmitted at a constant output strength. However, in the second embodiment, the output strength of the physical information is increased stepwise according to the reception state of the existing wireless node. To send.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radio node in the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 9, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The wireless node 401 includes a CPU 202, a ROM 403, a physical information generation unit 204, a physical information reception unit 205, a main line communication unit 206, and an output control unit 407. The output control unit 407 controls the output intensity of physical information. The ROM 403 stores an ad hoc communication program PG4, a connection information management program PG2, and a main line communication program PG3. The ad hoc communication program PG4 is a communication control program for establishing ad hoc communication between a newly installed wireless node and an existing wireless node while adjusting the output intensity of physical information.

  The radio node 401 having the above configuration can be an existing radio node or a new radio node. That is, the existing radio node and the new radio node have the same configuration.

  The output control unit 407 adjusts the transmission power of the physical information S2 generated by the physical information generation unit 204 according to the output control signal S10 from the CPU 202, and outputs it as new physical information S11. The procedure for adjusting the transmission power is incorporated in the ad hoc communication program PG4. In the present embodiment, the output control unit 407 corresponds to an example of an output control unit.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a protocol exchanged between the existing radio node and the new radio node 401.

  The existing wireless node performs main line communication with the parent device (step S211). The existing wireless node determines whether or not the physical information (entry request) transmitted by the new wireless node 401 has been received (step S212). If the physical information is not received from the new wireless node 401 (NO in step S212), the existing wireless node continues main line communication with the parent device. When physical information (participation request) is received from the new wireless node 401 (YES in step S212), the existing wireless node returns a physical information response to the physical information (step S213).

  Thereafter, the existing wireless node determines whether or not the response transmitted by the new wireless node 401 has been received (step S214). When the response from the new wireless node 401 is not received (NO in step S214), the existing wireless node repeats the determination in step S214 until the response from the new wireless node 401 is received. If a response from the new wireless node 401 is received (YES in step S214), the process proceeds to step S205 in FIG. Thereafter, the same processing as that after step S205 in FIG. 7 is performed.

  The new wireless node 401 determines whether or not physical information transmitted by another station (another wireless node) has been received (step S321). When physical information of another station (other wireless node) is received (YES in step S321), the newly installed wireless node 401 cannot send connection information, and therefore discards the physical information and determines in step S321. Repeat. If the physical information of the other station (other wireless node) is not received (NO in step S321), the new wireless node 401 initializes the output intensity for transmitting the physical information (step S322), and the physical information (entry request) Is transmitted (step S323).

  Next, the new wireless node 401 determines whether a physical information response transmitted by the existing wireless node has been received (step S324). When the physical information response from the existing wireless node is not received within the predetermined time (NO in step S324), the new wireless node 401 increases the output intensity for transmitting the physical information (step S325). Then, returning to the process of step S323, the newly established wireless node 401 transmits physical information again. Specifically, the new wireless node 401 transmits physical information with the initialized output intensity. When the physical information response is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the new wireless node 401 increases the transmission power for transmitting the physical information by a predetermined amount, and transmits the physical information with the increased transmission power. The new wireless node 401 repeatedly transmits physical information while gradually increasing the output intensity for transmitting the physical information until the physical information response from the existing wireless node is received (steps S323 to S325).

  When the physical information response is received (YES in step S324), the new wireless node 401 transmits a response to the physical information response to the existing wireless node (step S326). Thereafter, the same processing as that after step S305 in FIG. 7 is performed.

  With this configuration and processing of the second embodiment, a new wireless node searches for an existing wireless node by transmitting an entry request while gradually increasing the output intensity at which physical information is output. You can find out. Therefore, an existing wireless node in the same domain can be found with higher accuracy. In addition, since physical information is output with the minimum necessary transmission power, the life of the battery that is the power source of the wireless node can be extended due to the power saving effect.

  In addition to the output of physical information, the physical information in the existing wireless node can be changed even if the physical information output period is changed or the frequency and modulation method of the physical wave that is the medium of physical information is changed. Since the reception sensitivity can be manipulated, the same effect can be obtained by combining them.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the main line communication unit 316 transmits connection information. In the third embodiment, the physical information generation unit 314 transmits connection information.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the processing of the communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the same components as those in FIG. In FIG. 11, the existing wireless node 511 is already connected to the base unit 300 and is performing main line communication. Here, an outline of processing when the newly installed wireless node 501 enters is shown.

  When the new wireless node 501 enters the network, the physical information generation unit 304 transmits physical information (entry request) P8 to the surroundings. If the existing wireless node 511 is located within the propagation range of the physical information P8, the physical information receiving unit 315 receives the physical information P8 (entry request), and a new wireless node issues a request to join the network in the vicinity. Is detected. At this point in time, it is unknown which wireless node has transmitted the physical information P8 (participation request), so the physical information generation unit 314 broadcasts a physical information reception response.

  Since the new wireless node 501 waits for a physical information reception response from the existing wireless node 511 in the physical information reception unit 305, the new wireless node 501 immediately establishes ad hoc communication with the existing wireless node 511 by returning a response from the physical information generation unit 304. . Each response signal includes its own station (transmitting station) address, and the receiving side can easily acquire the address of the other party. After the ad hoc communication is established, the existing wireless node 511 transmits the connection information C8 from the physical information generation unit 314 to the new wireless node 501. The main line communication unit 306 of the new wireless node 501 connects to the base unit 300 by appropriately setting and using the frequency channel, base unit address, and encryption key based on the connection information C8 received and acquired by the physical information reception unit 305. Send a request.

  In the present embodiment, the physical information receiving unit 305 corresponds to an example of a connection information receiving unit, and the physical information generating unit 314 corresponds to an example of a connection information transmitting unit.

  Since data is transmitted using physical information in this embodiment, the physical information generating units 304 and 314 include a modulation function, and modulate physical information according to transmission data. Since the modulation method is a relatively short-distance communication, an AM (Amplitude Modulation) modulation method can be used, but an FM (Frequency Modulation) modulation method or the like may be used to improve reliability. Similarly, the physical information receiving units 305 and 315 include a demodulation function, and demodulate the modulated physical information to reproduce transmission data. At this time, the transmission format used is the same as in FIGS. 4B and 4C.

  With this configuration and processing according to the third embodiment, ad hoc communication between wireless nodes can be performed with a simple configuration using only physical information without performing main line communication. In addition, since connection information to the parent device is acquired using physical information, connection information is not leaked outside the domain, and a connection procedure with high security can be configured.

  Note that the modulation function of the physical information generation unit and the demodulation function of the physical information reception unit may be realized by software using a CPU. In that case, since it is not necessary to add a modulation / demodulation function by hardware, further cost reduction can be realized.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first to third embodiments, the new radio node establishes ad hoc communication with one existing radio node to acquire connection information. However, in the fourth embodiment, the new radio node includes a plurality of new radio nodes. Ad hoc communication is established with existing wireless nodes, connection information is acquired from each existing wireless node, and connection information is determined according to the number of matches of the acquired connection information. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless network system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 12, a radio network system 600 includes domains 2A to 2C. The domain 2A includes a parent device 601, and the domains 2B and 2C include only a child device (wireless node). Here, an operation when a slave unit 605, which is a new wireless node, enters the network in the domain 2C is shown. When the handset 605 is placed in the domain 2C, it transmits physical information P9 to the surroundings. Since the physical information P9 is broadcast without directivity, it is received by the slave units 602, 603, and 604 that are existing wireless nodes in the same domain 2C. Each establishes ad hoc communication with the newly established slave unit 605 individually. Thereafter, connection information C91, C92, C93 to the parent device 601 already held by the child devices 602, 603, 604 is transmitted to the child device 605 by ad hoc communication. The slave unit 605 generates one highly reliable connection information by majority processing the connection information C91, C92, and C93, and connects to the master unit 601 based on the generated connection information. In the present embodiment, the CPU of handset 605 corresponds to an example of connection information selection means.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the communication system in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a protocol exchanged between the slave units 602 to 604 (existing radio nodes 602 to 604) and the slave unit 605 (new radio node 605).

  The existing wireless nodes 602 to 604 perform main line communication with the base unit 601 (steps S221, S231, and S241). The existing wireless nodes 602 to 604 determine whether or not the physical information (entry request) P9 transmitted by the new wireless node 605 has been received (steps S222, S232, and S242). If the physical information P9 is not received from the newly installed wireless node 605 (NO in steps S222, S232, and S242), the existing wireless nodes 602 to 604 continue main line communication with the base unit 601.

  When physical information P9 (entry request) is received from the new wireless node 605 (YES in steps S222, S232, and S242), the existing wireless nodes 602 to 604 return physical information responses to the physical information, respectively (steps S223 and S233). , S243). Note that the processing of step S204 shown in FIG. 7 is performed after the processing of steps S223, S233, and S243, respectively, but is omitted in FIG. After that, when a response is received from the new wireless node 605 and each ad hoc communication is established, the existing wireless nodes 602 to 604 transmit connection information C91 to C93, respectively (steps S224, S234, and S244).

  The new wireless node 605 determines whether or not physical information transmitted by another station (another wireless node) has been received (step S331). When physical information of another station (other wireless node) is received (YES in step S331), the newly established wireless node 605 cannot send the connection information, and therefore discards the physical information and determines in step S331. Repeat. If the physical information of another station (other wireless node) is not received (NO in step S331), the new wireless node 605 transmits physical information P9 (entry request) (step S332).

  Next, the new wireless node 605 determines whether a physical information response transmitted by the existing wireless nodes 602 to 604 has been received (step S333). If the physical information response from the existing wireless node is not received (NO in step S333), the processing returns to step S332, and the physical information is repeatedly transmitted until the physical information response is received. At this time, the new wireless node 605 can detect the number n of existing wireless nodes that have received the physical information P9 based on the number of received physical information responses. Therefore, when connection information is received from the existing wireless nodes 602 to 604, n pieces (n = 3 in this case) of connection information C91 to C93 are received.

  When the physical information response is received (YES in step S333), the new wireless node 605 transmits a response to the physical information response. Note that, after step S333, step S304 shown in FIG. 7 is performed, but is omitted in FIG. Next, the new wireless node 605 determines whether or not all the connection information transmitted by the existing wireless nodes 602 to 604 has been received (step S334). If all the connection information is not received (NO in step S334), the new wireless node 605 repeats the determination in step S334 until all the connection information is received. That is, when the new wireless node 605 receives the physical information response, it recognizes how many existing wireless nodes are connected. Therefore, the new wireless node 605 performs step S334 until it receives connection information C91 to C93 for the recognized number. Repeat the above determination.

  When all the connection information has been received (YES in step S334), the new wireless node 605 performs majority processing on the acquired n pieces of connection information (step S335), and generates one highly reliable connection information. Specifically, the CPU of the new wireless node 605 counts the number of pieces of connection information having the same content from the received plurality of pieces of connection information, and adopts the largest number of pieces of connection information.

  With this configuration and processing of the fourth embodiment, the new wireless node receives a plurality of connection information transmitted by a plurality of existing wireless nodes, and one connection information is received from the received plurality of connection information. Since it is selected, reliable connection information can be obtained. Therefore, even when physical information including an error is propagated to establish ad hoc communication with a wireless node other than the existing wireless node, it is possible to ensure operation reliability even when unauthorized connection information is transmitted. In addition, since one connection information is selected from the plurality of connection information by majority, reliable connection information can be obtained.

  Note that when the newly installed wireless node waits for a physical information response, the number of existing wireless nodes that have determined a timeout time and returned the physical information response within a specified time may be set to n. Which existing wireless node has received the response can be easily grasped by referring to the transmission source address in the header code.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first to fourth embodiments described above, a case where one wireless node is newly installed is described. However, in the fifth embodiment, a plurality of wireless nodes are newly installed. Will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless network system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 14, a wireless network system 700 includes domains 3A to 3C, the domain 3A includes a parent device 701, and the domains 3B and 3C accommodate only a child device (wireless node). Here, the operation when a slave unit 703 and a slave unit 704, which are newly established wireless nodes, enter the network in the domain 3C is shown. When the handset 703 is placed in the domain 3C, the handset 703 transmits physical information P11 to the surroundings. Since the physical information P11 is broadcast without directivity, it is received by the existing handset 702 and the new handset 704 in the same domain 2C. The new slave unit 703 and the existing slave unit 702 establish ad hoc communication, and the connection information C110 to the master unit 701 already held by the slave unit 702 is transmitted to the slave unit 703 by ad hoc communication. At this time, since the child device 704 has already received the physical information P11 from the child device 703 and can emulate the same operation timing as the child device 703, the connection information C110 from the child device 702 has the same timing as the child device 703. Can be received (intercepted). The slave unit 703 and the slave unit 704 connect to the master unit 701 based on the received connection information C110.

  In this embodiment, handset 704 corresponds to an example of a first communication terminal, handset 702 corresponds to an example of a second communication terminal, and handset 703 corresponds to an example of a third communication terminal. The physical information receiving unit of the slave unit 704 corresponds to an example of an entry request receiving unit.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the communication system in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of a protocol exchanged between the slave unit 702 (existing radio node 702), the slave unit 703 (new radio node 703), and the slave unit 704 (new radio node 704).

  The existing wireless node 702 performs main line communication with the parent device 701 (step S251). The existing wireless node 702 determines whether or not the physical information (entry request) P11 transmitted by the new wireless node 703 has been received (step S252). If the physical information P11 is not received from the new wireless node 703 (NO in step S252), the existing wireless node 702 continues main line communication with the parent device 701. When physical information P11 (entry request) is received from the new wireless node 703 (YES in step S252), the existing wireless node 702 returns a physical information response to the physical information (step S253).

  Thereafter, the existing wireless node 702 determines whether or not the response transmitted by the new wireless node 703 has been received (step S254). When the response from the new radio node 703 is not received (NO in step S254), the existing radio node 702 repeats the determination in step S254 until the response from the new radio node 703 is received. When ad hoc communication is established with the new wireless node 703 and a response is received from the new wireless node 703 (YES in step S254), the existing wireless node 702 transmits connection information C110 (step S255). Then, after transmitting the connection information C110, the existing wireless node 702 proceeds to the process of step S206 in FIG. Thereafter, processing similar to that after step S206 in FIG. 8 is performed.

  The new wireless node 703 determines whether or not physical information transmitted by another station (another wireless node) has been received (step S341). When physical information of another station (another wireless node) is received (YES in step S341), the newly established wireless node 703 is newly installed to receive connection information transmitted from the existing wireless node to the other newly established wireless node. The process after step S352 of the wireless node 704 is performed. If the physical information of the other station (other wireless node) is not received (NO in step S341), the new wireless node 703 transmits physical information P11 (entry request) (step S342).

  Here, it is assumed that which of the new wireless node 703 and the new wireless node 704 transmits physical information first, but the new wireless node 703 has acquired the right to transmit physical information. That is, when a plurality of wireless nodes are newly installed, one wireless node does not transmit physical information when it receives physical information from another wireless node.

  Next, the new wireless node 703 determines whether a physical information response transmitted by the existing wireless node 702 has been received (step S343). At this time, when the physical information response from the existing wireless node 702 is not received (NO in step S343), the processing returns to step S342, and the physical information is repeatedly transmitted until the physical information response is received. When the physical information response is received (YES in step S343), the new wireless node 703 transmits a response to the physical information response (step S344).

  Thereafter, the new wireless node 703 determines whether or not the connection information C110 transmitted by the existing wireless node 702 has been received (step S345). When the connection information C110 is not received (NO in step S345), the new wireless node 703 repeatedly performs the determination in step S345 until the connection information C110 is received. When the connection information C110 from the existing wireless node 702 is received (YES in step S345), the process proceeds to step S306 in FIG. Thereafter, processing similar to that after step S306 in FIG. 8 is performed.

  The new wireless node 704 determines whether or not physical information transmitted by another station (another wireless node) has been received (step S351). When the physical information of the other station (other wireless node) is not received (NO in step S351), the new wireless node 704 performs the processing after step S342 of the new wireless node 703 to transmit the physical information. In the present embodiment, the new wireless node 704 waits until the physical information P11 from the new wireless node 703 is received because the transmission right of physical information is in the other station (new wireless node 703).

  Thereafter, when the physical information of the new wireless node 703 is received (YES in step S351), it waits for a response from the new wireless node 703 to be received. The new wireless node 704 determines whether or not the response transmitted by the new wireless node 703 has been received (step S352). When the response from the new radio node 703 is not received (NO in step S352), the new radio node 704 repeats the determination in step S352 until the response from the new radio node 703 is received.

  After receiving the response, the connection information C110 addressed to the new wireless node 703 is intercepted from the existing wireless node 702. That is, when the response from the new wireless node 703 is received (YES in step S352), the new wireless node 704 has received the connection information C110 addressed to the new wireless node 703 transmitted by the existing wireless node 702. Is determined (step S353). When the connection information C110 is not received (NO in step S353), the new wireless node 704 repeats the determination in step S353 until the connection information C110 is received. When the connection information C110 is received from the existing wireless node 702 (YES in step S353), the process proceeds to step S306 in FIG. Thereafter, processing similar to that after step S306 in FIG. 8 is performed.

  With the configuration and processing of the fifth embodiment, when a plurality of wireless nodes that are not communicatively connected to the parent communication device enter the network at the same time, between one new wireless node and an existing wireless node Since another newly installed wireless node intercepts the ad hoc communication, it is not necessary for the other newly installed wireless node to establish the ad hoc communication with the existing wireless node again. Therefore, a plurality of newly established wireless nodes can be entered into the network at once with a simple procedure.

  Connection information received by other newly installed wireless nodes even if there is a physical failure between one newly installed wireless node and the existing wireless node, and propagation of information by physical information is blocked and ad hoc communication cannot be established The connection information to the target parent device can be acquired by intercepting.

  Note that the physical information generation unit of the wireless node has the same function as CSMA / CA (carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance method), which is one of the access control methods used for wireless LAN, so that the newly installed wireless node is physically Before transmitting information, it is always checked whether physical information by another station is transmitted in the transmission space, and physical information transmission collision can be prevented. Therefore, the communication between the new wireless node that has transmitted the physical information earliest and the existing wireless node may be intercepted by another new wireless node. Further, if the CSMA / CA function is installed in the main line communication processing unit of the radio node, a communication collision between the radio nodes in the main line communication can be prevented.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first to fifth embodiments, the new wireless node transmits an entry request to establish ad hoc communication with the existing wireless node and acquire connection information. In the form, the environment information around the new wireless node is compared with the environment information around the existing radio node, and if they match, the new radio node is considered to be in the same domain as the existing radio node, and Get connection information.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radio node in the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The wireless node 801 includes a CPU 802, a ROM 803, an environment sensing unit 805, and a main line communication unit 806.

  The CPU 802 controls each part of the wireless node and controls communication with the outside. The ROM 803 stores a data processing program and a communication processing program, and stores an ad hoc communication program PG6, an environmental information processing program PG7, and a main line communication program PG8. The ad hoc communication program PG6 is a program for establishing ad hoc communication between a newly installed wireless node and an existing wireless node and controlling communication. The environmental information processing program PG7 is a program for processing the acquired environmental information. The main line communication program PG8 is a program for establishing main line communication with the parent device and controlling communication. The environment sensing unit 805 acquires environmental physical quantities around the wireless node 801. The environmental physical quantity is a physical parameter such as illuminance, temperature, humidity, noise, or vibration. The main line communication unit 806 performs communication between the parent device and the wireless node.

  The radio node having the above configuration can be an existing radio node or a new radio node. That is, the existing radio node and the new radio node have the same configuration requirements.

  The CPU 802 fetches necessary programs from the ROM 803 as appropriate and executes processing. The CPU 802 performs an environmental physical quantity acquisition process by executing the ad hoc communication program PG6. In this case, the environmental physical quantity S21 is detected and acquired by the environmental sensing unit 805, and environmental information S22 is obtained. The detection sensitivity of the environment sensing unit 805 is adjusted by the sensitivity adjustment signal S23. The CPU 802 processes the acquired environment information S22 by executing the environment information processing program PG7.

  The CPU 802 performs transmission / reception processing of main line communication by executing the main line communication program PG8. In this case, the transmission data S5 output by the CPU 802 is modulated and frequency-converted by the main line communication unit 806, and is transmitted to other stations as the main line communication radio wave S6. Further, the main line communication radio wave S6 transmitted by another station is frequency-converted and demodulated by the main line communication unit 806, and is output to the CPU 802 as received data S5. Control information such as a frequency channel to be used is multiplexed with the signal S5 and instructed to the main line communication unit 806.

  In this embodiment, the environment sensing unit 805 corresponds to an example of an environment information acquisition unit, and the main line communication unit 806 is a communication unit, an environment information request transmission unit, an environment information reception unit, an environment information response transmission unit, and connection information. This corresponds to an example of a receiving unit, a data transmitting / receiving unit, an environment information request receiving unit, an environment information transmitting unit, an environment information response receiving unit, and a connection information transmitting unit.

  Next, processing of the communication system in the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the communication system in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of a protocol exchanged between the existing radio node and the new radio node 801.

  The existing wireless node performs main line communication with the parent device (step S261). Next, the existing wireless node determines whether or not the environment information transmission request transmitted by the new wireless node 801 has been received (step S262). If the environment information transmission request is not received from the newly installed wireless node 801 (NO in step S262), the existing wireless node returns to the process in step S261 and continues main line communication with the parent device. When the environment information transmission request is received from the new wireless node 801 (YES in step S262), the existing wireless node acquires environment information by the environment sensing unit (step S263).

  Thereafter, the existing wireless node transmits the acquired environment information to the new wireless node 801 (step S264). Next, the existing radio node determines whether or not the response transmitted by the new radio node 801 has been received (step S265). When the response from the new wireless node 801 is not received (NO in step S265), the existing wireless node repeats the determination in step S265 until a predetermined period has elapsed (timed out). If waiting for a response from the newly established wireless node 801 for the transmitted environment information has timed out, the process returns to step S261. If a response from the new wireless node 801 is received (YES in step S265), the process proceeds to step S205 in FIG. Thereafter, the same processing as that after step S205 in FIG. 7 is performed.

  The new wireless node 801 acquires environmental information around the local station by the environment sensing unit 805 (step S361). Next, the new wireless node 801 transmits an environment information transmission request to the existing wireless node in order to acquire environment information around the existing wireless node (step S362). Thereafter, the new wireless node 801 determines whether or not the environment information transmitted by the existing wireless node has been received (step S363). When the environmental information is not received (NO in step S363), the new wireless node 801 repeatedly performs the determination in step S363 until the environmental information is received.

  When the environmental information is received (YES in step S363), the newly established wireless node 801 determines whether there is a correlation as compared with the environmental information of the local station (step S364). If there is a correlation between the environment information acquired from the existing wireless node and the environment information acquired by the environment sensing unit 805 (YES in step S364), the new wireless node 801 transmits a response to the environment information (step S366). Thereafter, the same processing as that after step S305 in FIG. 7 is performed.

  If there is no correlation between the environment information acquired from the existing wireless node and the environment information acquired by the environment sensing unit 805 (NO in step S364), the new wireless node 801 adjusts the sensing sensitivity of the environment sensing unit 805 (step S365). ) Retry from the beginning (step S361). By repeating this retry, the existing wireless node in the environment having the highest correlation with the environment around the own station is searched.

  With this configuration of the sixth embodiment, the wireless node includes a new wireless node that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device (parent device), and an existing wireless node that is communicably connected to the parent communication device. The environment sensing unit 805 of the new wireless node acquires environment information around the new wireless node, and the main line communication unit 806 of the new wireless node requests environmental information from the existing wireless node. An environmental information request is sent. Then, when the environment information request is received by the main line communication unit 806 of the existing wireless node and the environment information request is received by the environment sensing unit 805 of the existing wireless node, the environment information around the existing wireless node is acquired, The main line communication unit 806 of the existing radio node transmits the environment information to the new radio node. Subsequently, the environment information is received from the existing radio node by the main line communication unit 806 of the new radio node, and when the received environment information of the existing radio node and the environment information of the new radio node match, A response to environmental information is sent. Thereafter, when an environment information response is received by the main line communication unit 806 of the existing wireless node, connection information for connecting to the parent communication device so as to be communicable is transmitted to the newly installed wireless node. The main line communication unit 806 of the new line node receives connection information from the existing wireless node, establishes a communication session with the parent communication device based on the received connection information, and transmits and receives data.

  Therefore, wireless nodes in the same domain acquire the same environment information, so new wireless nodes can easily find existing wireless nodes in the same domain by exchanging environmental information between wireless nodes and comparing them. can do. Also, because it acquires connection information from the existing wireless node to the target parent communication device and connects to the target parent communication device based on the connection information, another domain in which the target parent communication device is physically isolated Even if it exists, it is possible to prevent erroneous connection. The environmental information includes illuminance, temperature, humidity, noise, vibration, and the like.

  Note that the accuracy of correlation detection can be further improved by using environmental profiles obtained by measuring and collecting environmental information for a long time. For example, if an optical sensor is used for the environment sensing unit 805 and a light / dark cycle profile of a room is collected, the environment profile of the domain (room) can be obtained.

  With the communication system and the communication method according to the present invention, it is possible to construct and add a wireless communication system using wireless nodes in a simple procedure without burden on the user. For example, it can be applied to a home security sensor network. Moreover, it is applicable not only to a radio | wireless but a wired communication system.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the radio | wireless network system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radio | wireless node in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the process between the radio | wireless nodes in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data format transmitted in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data format transmitted in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the procedure of the process in 1st Embodiment. It is a 1st flowchart for demonstrating the process of the communication system in 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd flowchart for demonstrating the process of the communication system in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radio | wireless node in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the communication system in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the process of the communication system in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the radio | wireless network system in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the communication system in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the radio | wireless network system in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the communication system in 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radio | wireless node in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the communication system in 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the connection topology of the communication method of the conventional radio | wireless node.

Explanation of symbols

100 wireless network system 101 parent device 102 child device (existing wireless node)
103 Slave unit (newly established wireless node)
201 wireless node 202 CPU
203 ROM
204 Physical information generating unit 205 Physical information receiving unit 206 Main line communication unit

Claims (12)

A communication system for connecting a plurality of communication terminals and a parent communication device via a network so that communication is possible,
The communication terminal comprises a communication means,
The communication terminal includes a first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device, and a second communication terminal that is communicably connected to the parent communication device,
The communication means of the first communication terminal is:
An entry request transmitting means for transmitting an entry request to the network to the second communication terminal;
Connection information receiving means for receiving connection information for communicably connecting with the parent communication device from the second communication terminal;
A data transmission / reception unit configured to establish a communication session with the parent communication device based on the connection information received by the connection information reception unit, and to transmit / receive data;
The communication means of the second communication terminal is:
Entry request receiving means for receiving the entry request transmitted by the entry request transmitting means;
A communication system comprising: connection information transmitting means for transmitting the connection information to the first communication terminal when an entry request is received by the entry request receiving means. The communication unit includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit having a communication range narrower than that of the first communication unit,
The first communication means of the first communication terminal comprises the data transmitting and receiving means;
The second communication means of the first communication terminal comprises the entry request transmission means,
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the second communication unit of the second communication terminal includes the entry request receiving unit. The first communication means of the first communication terminal comprises the connection information receiving means;
3. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the first communication unit of the second communication terminal includes the connection information transmission unit. The second communication means of the first communication terminal comprises the connection information receiving means;
The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the second communication means of the second communication terminal comprises the connection information transmitting means.   The communication system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second communication means is communication based on physical waves capable of transmitting information.   The first communication terminal further includes output control means for gradually increasing an output intensity at which the second communication means transmits the entry request until the entry request is received by the second communication terminal. The communication system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: The connection information receiving means receives a plurality of connection information transmitted by a plurality of second communication terminals,
The first communication terminal further includes connection information selection means for selecting one connection information from a plurality of connection information received by the connection information receiving means,
2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the data transmitting / receiving unit establishes a communication session with the parent communication device based on the connection information selected by the connection information selecting unit, and transmits / receives data.   8. The communication system according to claim 7, wherein the connection information selection means selects one connection information from a plurality of connection information by majority vote. The communication terminal further includes a third communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device,
The communication means of the third communication terminal comprises the entry request transmission means, the connection information reception means, and the data transmission / reception means,
The communication means of the first communication terminal further comprises an entry request receiving means for receiving an entry request transmitted by the entry request transmitting means of the third communication terminal,
When the entry request is received by the entry request receiving means before the entry request transmitting means of the first communication terminal transmits the entry request, the connection information receiving means of the first communication terminal is: 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the connection information transmitted to the third communication terminal is received by the second communication terminal. A communication system for connecting a plurality of communication terminals and a parent communication device via a network so that communication is possible,
The communication terminal includes environmental information acquisition means for acquiring surrounding environmental information, and communication means,
The communication terminal includes a first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device, and a second communication terminal that is communicably connected to the parent communication device,
The environment information acquisition means of the first communication terminal acquires environment information around the first communication terminal,
The communication means of the first communication terminal is:
Environmental information request transmitting means for transmitting an environmental information request for requesting the environmental information to the second communication terminal;
Environment information receiving means for receiving the environment information from the second communication terminal;
When the environment information of the second communication terminal received by the environment information receiving means matches the environment information of the first communication terminal acquired by the environment information acquisition means, the second information Environmental information response transmission means for transmitting a response to the environmental information to a communication terminal;
Connection information receiving means for receiving connection information for communicably connecting with the parent communication device from the second communication terminal;
A data transmission / reception unit configured to establish a communication session with the parent communication device based on the connection information received by the connection information reception unit, and to transmit / receive data;
The communication means of the second communication terminal is:
Environment information request receiving means for receiving the environment information request transmitted by the environment information request transmitting means,
The environment information acquisition unit of the second communication terminal acquires environment information around the second communication terminal when the environment information request is received by the environment information request reception unit.
The communication means of the second communication terminal is:
Environmental information transmission means for transmitting environmental information acquired by the environmental information acquisition means to the first communication terminal;
Environmental information response receiving means for receiving the environmental information response transmitted by the environmental information response transmitting means;
A communication information system comprising: connection information transmitting means for transmitting the connection information to the first communication terminal when the environment information response is received by the environment information response receiving means. A communication method for communicably connecting a plurality of communication terminals and a parent communication device via a network,
The communication terminal includes a first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device, and a second communication terminal that is communicably connected to the parent communication device,
An entry request transmitting step in which the first communication terminal transmits an entry request to the network to the second communication terminal;
An entry request receiving step in which the second communication terminal receives an entry request transmitted in the entry request sending step;
When the second communication terminal receives an entry request in the entry request reception step, a connection information transmission step for transmitting connection information for connecting to the parent communication device so as to be communicable to the first communication terminal. When,
A connection information receiving step in which the first communication terminal receives the connection information transmitted in the connection information transmitting step;
The first communication terminal includes a data transmission / reception step of establishing a communication session with the parent communication device based on the connection information received in the connection information reception step and transmitting / receiving data. Communication method. A communication method for connecting a plurality of communication terminals and a parent communication device via a network so that communication is possible,
The communication terminal includes environmental information acquisition means for acquiring surrounding environmental information, and communication means,
The communication terminal includes a first communication terminal that is not communicably connected to the parent communication device, and a second communication terminal that is communicably connected to the parent communication device,
A first environment information acquisition step in which the environment information acquisition means of the first communication terminal acquires environment information around the first communication terminal;
An environment information request transmitting step in which the communication means of the first communication terminal transmits an environment information request for requesting the environment information to the second communication terminal;
An environment information request receiving step in which the communication means of the second communication terminal receives the environment information request transmitted in the environment information request transmitting step;
A second environment information acquisition step in which the environment information acquisition means of the second communication terminal acquires environment information around the second communication terminal when the environment information request is received in the environment information request reception step. When,
An environment information transmission step in which the communication means of the second communication terminal transmits the environment information acquired in the second environment information acquisition step to the first communication terminal;
An environment information receiving step in which the communication means of the first communication terminal receives the environment information from the second communication terminal;
The communication means of the first communication terminal receives the environment information of the second communication terminal received in the environment information reception step and the first communication acquired in the first environment information acquisition step. If the environment information of the terminal matches, an environment information response transmission step of transmitting a response to the environment information to the second communication terminal;
An environment information response receiving step in which the communication means of the second communication terminal receives the environment information response transmitted in the environment information response transmitting step;
When the communication means of the second communication terminal receives the environment information response in the environment information response receiving step, connection information for connecting to the parent communication device so as to be communicable is transmitted to the first communication terminal. A connection information sending step to send to
A connection information receiving step in which the communication means of the first communication terminal receives the connection information from the second communication terminal;
The communication means of the first communication terminal includes data transmission / reception means for establishing a communication session with the parent communication device based on the connection information received in the connection information receiving step and transmitting / receiving data. A communication method characterized by the above.

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