JP2014116849A - Access point device, access point control method, and radio communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress power consumption while keeping provision of communication for a radio terminal.SOLUTION: An access point device comprises: a storage battery information monitoring unit for acquiring a power amount of a storage battery; a power source information monitoring unit for acquiring a power amount supplied by a power source; and a sleep information processing unit which determines whether or not a radio terminal connected to the access point device can be connected to another device when communication with the radio terminal is not performed, transmits a connection switching notification for requesting to switch a connection destination of the radio terminal to the other device to the other device, and makes the access point device sleep when the radio terminal can be connected to the other device. On the basis of the power amount acquired by the storage battery information monitoring unit and the power amount acquired by the power source information monitoring unit, the sleep information processing unit calculates storage battery exhaustion required time, which is time until the access point device becomes incapable of operating because of shortage of power, and determines whether or not the radio terminal connected to the access point device can be connected to the other device on the basis of storage battery exhaustion required time of the other device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an access point device, an access point control method, and a wireless communication system that can achieve power saving in a wireless communication system including a plurality of access point devices of a wireless LAN.

  In recent years, a wireless local area network (LAN) has become widespread in homes and offices, and wireless LAN terminals are installed in many information devices and widely used as a means of Internet access. A commonly used wireless LAN is standardized as the IEEE 802.11 standard.

  Generally, power saving is required for communication devices, and the IEEE 802.11 standard also defines an operation for switching between an active mode (Awake) and a sleep mode (Doze) as a power saving function. The communication device takes three states of a transmission state, a reception state, and a listening state in the active mode, and takes a sleep state in the sleep mode. In the sleep state, all of transmission, reception, and listening cannot be performed by cutting off the power supply to some circuits, but the power consumption can be reduced as compared with the three states in the active mode.

  The wireless LAN terminal uses a TIM (Traffic Indication Map) element on a beacon frame transmitted by an access point device (hereinafter referred to as an access point) to check whether or not data reception is necessary, and does not require data transmission / reception In some cases, the active mode is operated only when a beacon frame having a DTIM (Delivery Traffic Indication Message) count of 0 is received. By shifting to the sleep mode at other times, the wireless LAN terminal is operated with power saving. That is, since it is considered that the wireless LAN terminal is a battery operated device, the power saving function is defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, since the access point of the wireless LAN is designed on the assumption that power is always supplied, the power saving function is not defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard. However, NAV (Network Allocation Vector), which is a reservation signal that sets the channel reservation period of the channel used, is used as a power saving function that is realized in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard without changing the function of the wireless LAN terminal. A sleep function has been proposed (for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

  In addition to saving power with the sleep function of the access point alone, by consolidating traffic from multiple access points, the number of access points operated in the sleep mode can be increased to maximize the power saving effect of the sleep mode. An access point that can achieve the above has been proposed (for example, Non-Patent Document 3).

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication system that achieves power saving in the sleep mode. In the figure, a wireless communication system including two access points 91 and 92, two wireless terminals 93 and 94, and a host network system 95 is shown. In the wireless communication system shown in the figure, access points 91 and 92 are connected to each other via a host network system 95. The host network system 10 includes a database 951 that can be accessed from all access points. Further, in the example shown in the figure, a wireless terminal 93 is connected to the access point 91, and a wireless terminal 94 is connected to the access point 92. For example, the access point 92 determines whether to switch the connection destination of the wireless terminal 94 to the access point 91 in consideration of the traffic amount when the connection destination of the wireless terminal 94 is switched from the access point 92 to the access point 91. I do. Information on the determination of switching the connection destination is performed via the database 951. That is, the access point 91 and the access point 92 exchange information via the database 951.

IEEE Std 802.11TM-2007 Masakatsu Ogawa, Kenshi Hiraguri, Kengo Nagata, Akira Kishida, Makoto Umeuchi, “Power Saving Mode in Wireless LAN Access Points”, IEICE, IEICE Technical Report, MoMuC 2008-93, February 2009 Hiroaki Goto, Mamoru Akimoto, Toshiaki Huang, Masataka Iizuka, “Examination of sleep control method by traffic aggregation at wireless LAN access point”, IEICE, IEICE Technical Report, RCS2012-53, December 2012

  Here, a case will be described in which an access point having a sleep function is operated by power feeding by a power source using natural energy and a storage battery. Hereinafter, as an example, it is assumed that the power source is a solar power generator that generates power from sunlight, but natural energy is not limited to sunlight. For example, when wind power is used as natural energy, the solar power generator is replaced with a wind power generator, and the amount of solar radiation is replaced with the air volume.

  The access point operates using the power generated by the solar power generator. Moreover, surplus electric power among the electric power generated by the solar power generator is stored in a storage battery and used for the operation of the access point at night or in bad weather. In an access point that operates with such a solar power generator and a storage battery, it is required to suppress the size of the solar power generator and the capacitor for the purpose of cost reduction and miniaturization. However, when a large restriction is imposed on photovoltaic power generation or storage batteries, depending on the power consumption of the access point, there is a possibility that the wireless communication system may be hindered due to non-operation. Therefore, power saving of the access point is required.

  Here, in the wireless communication system shown in FIG. 8, the case where the access points 91 and 92 operate by power feeding from the solar power generator and the storage battery will be described. When the connection destination of the wireless terminal 94 is switched to the access point 91, the access point 92, which is the old connection destination of the wireless terminal 94, has an increased chance of entering the sleep mode, so that power consumption can be suppressed. On the other hand, in the access point 91 which is the new connection destination of the wireless terminal 4, the chance of going into the sleep mode decreases as the number of connected wireless terminals increases, so that power consumption increases. Although there is a possibility that power consumption can be suppressed in the entire wireless communication system, there is a difference in increase / decrease in power consumption in an access point alone.

  Furthermore, in the wireless communication system shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the storage battery remaining at the access point 91 is small and the storage battery remaining at the access point 92 is large. When the number of wireless terminals connected to the access point 91 increases due to connection switching, the storage battery of the access point 91 is depleted. On the other hand, the storage battery depletion time of the access point 92 is postponed first. In the entire wireless communication system, the area contraction time due to the depletion of the storage battery of the access point 91 is advanced, and there is a problem that communication cannot be provided to the wireless terminal. As described above, such a problem occurs when the connection destination of the wireless terminal is switched at a utilization rate based on the traffic volume.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a wireless communication system having a plurality of access point devices that operate with limited power, while maintaining the provision of communication to the wireless terminal, power consumption is reduced. An object of the present invention is to provide an access point device, an access point control method, and a wireless communication system that can be suppressed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention includes a power source and a storage battery, and a plurality of access point devices that operate with power supplied from the power source and the storage battery, and communicate with the access point device. An access point device in a wireless communication system including a wireless terminal, the storage battery information monitoring unit for acquiring the amount of power stored in the storage battery, and the power source information monitoring unit for acquiring the amount of power supplied by the power source And a wireless communication processing unit that communicates with the wireless terminal connected to its own access point device, and communication between the wireless communication processing unit and the wireless terminal is not performed, It is determined whether or not it is possible to connect to an access point device, and when it is possible, the connection destination of the wireless terminal is switched to another access point device. A sleep information processing unit that transmits a connection switch notification requesting to the other access point device and operates the access point device in a sleep mode, and the storage battery information monitoring unit acquires the sleep information processing unit. Based on the amount of power to be obtained and the amount of power acquired by the power source information monitoring unit, the time required for the storage battery depletion is calculated until the own access point device cannot operate due to lack of power, and the own access point device An access point device that determines whether or not a wireless terminal connected to the other access point device can be connected to another access point device based on a time required for storage battery depletion of the other access point device. is there.

  Further, in the present invention described above, when the power source information monitoring unit detects occurrence of a failure in the power source, the power amount supplied from the power source is set to zero, and the sleep information processing The unit is characterized by recalculating the time required for storage battery depletion.

  In the invention described above, the sleep information processing unit has average data based on a past value of the amount of power supplied by the power source, and the storage battery depletion is required based on the average data. Time is calculated.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the invention described above, the power source generates power using natural energy, and the sleep information processing unit is based on a past value of the amount of power supplied by the power source. It has average data for each weather, estimates the weather based on the amount of power acquired by the power source information monitoring unit, and calculates the required time for battery depletion based on the average data according to the estimated weather And

  In order to solve the above problem, the present invention includes a power source and a storage battery, a plurality of access point devices that operate with power supplied from the power source and the storage battery, and communication with the access point device. An access point control method in a wireless communication system including a wireless terminal that performs storage battery information monitoring for acquiring the amount of power stored in the storage battery, and a power source for acquiring the amount of power supplied by the power source Based on the amount of power acquired in the information monitoring step, the storage battery information monitoring step, and the amount of power acquired in the power source information monitoring step, this is the time until the own access point device cannot operate due to lack of power. A calculation step for calculating a battery depletion time, and the connection to the access point When communication with the line terminal is not performed, it is determined whether or not the wireless terminal can be connected to the other access point device, and when it is possible, the connection destination of the wireless terminal is set to the other access point. A sleep information processing step of transmitting a connection switching notification requesting to switch to a device to another access point device and operating the self access point device in a sleep mode. An access point that determines whether or not a wireless terminal connected to a point device can be connected to another access point device based on a time required for battery depletion of the other access point device It is a control method.

  In order to solve the above problem, the present invention includes a power source and a storage battery, a plurality of access point devices that operate with power supplied from the power source and the storage battery, and communication with the access point device. A wireless communication system including a wireless terminal, wherein the access point device includes a storage battery information monitoring unit that acquires the amount of power stored in the storage battery, and power that acquires the amount of power supplied by the power source. A source information monitoring unit, a wireless communication processing unit that communicates with the wireless terminal connected to the own access point device, and the wireless terminal when communication between the wireless communication processing unit and the wireless terminal is not performed It is determined whether it is possible to connect the wireless terminal to another access point device, and when possible, the connection destination of the wireless terminal is switched to the other access point device. A sleep information processing unit that transmits a connection switch notification requesting that the access point device to another access point device to operate the access point device in a sleep mode, and the storage battery information monitoring unit includes the sleep information processing unit. Based on the amount of power to be acquired and the amount of power acquired by the power source information monitoring unit, the time required for the storage battery depletion, which is the time until the own access point device cannot operate due to lack of power, is calculated, and the own access point A wireless communication system characterized by determining whether or not a wireless terminal connected to a device can be connected to another access point device based on a time required for battery depletion of the other access point device It is.

  According to the present invention, when communication with the connected wireless terminal is not performed, the connection destination of the wireless terminal is changed to another access point device based on the storage battery depletion required time, Perform the action. Thereby, each access point apparatus can maintain provision of communication with respect to a wireless terminal, increasing the opportunity to operate | move in sleep mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent the access point device from operating due to power shortage in the entire wireless communication system and reducing the communication area of the wireless terminal.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the radio | wireless communications system in embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the table memorize | stored in the database 5 in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the average solar radiation amount data which the sleep information processing part 12 in the embodiment memorize | stores. It is the schematic which shows the estimation method of the storage battery residual amount using Formula (4) by the sleep information processing part 12 in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram illustrating operation mode switching and state transition at the access points 1 and 2 in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of connection switching notification transmission determination processing performed by the access points 1 and 2 in the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the response process of the connection switch notification which the access point in the embodiment performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the radio | wireless communications system which aims at power saving by sleep mode.

  Hereinafter, an access point device, an access point control method, and a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication system in the present embodiment. This embodiment demonstrates the case where a solar power generator and a storage battery are utilized as an electric power source which supplies electric power to an access point. The wireless communication system shown in FIG. 1 includes two access points 1 and 2, two wireless terminals 3 and 4, and a host network system 10. A solar power generator 20 and a storage battery 21 are connected to the access point 1. Similarly, an individual solar power generator 20 and a storage battery 21 are connected to the access point 2. The access point 1 and the access point 2 are connected to each other via the host network system 10. The host network system 10 includes a database 5 that can be accessed from the access point 1 and the access point 2. Access point 1 is connected to wireless terminal 3, and access point 2 is connected to wireless terminal 4. FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the wireless communication system includes two access points 1 and 2 and two wireless terminals 3 and 4. However, the wireless communication system may include three or more access points, or may include three or more wireless terminals.

  The access points 1 and 2 achieve power saving by shifting from the active mode to the sleep mode depending on the situation. For example, when the access point 1 does not hold data to be transmitted to the connected wireless terminal 3 in the transmission buffer and does not receive data from the wireless terminal 3, the access point 1 switches from the active mode to the sleep mode. Switch operation. At other times, that is, when data to be transmitted to the wireless terminal 3 is held in the transmission buffer or when data is received from the wireless terminal 3, the operation is performed in the active mode. The same applies to the access point 2. Since the communication area of the access point 1 and the communication area of the access point 2 are adjacent to each other, there are areas where the communication areas partially overlap. It is assumed that the access point 1 has acquired the MAC address of the access point 2 where an area overlapping the communication area exists. Similarly, it is assumed that the access point 2 has acquired the MAC address of the access point 1 in which an area overlapping the communication area exists. It is assumed that wireless communication is performed between the access point 1 and the wireless terminal 3 and between the access point 2 and the wireless terminal 4 and traffic exists.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the access point 1 includes an external network communication processing unit 11, a sleep information processing unit 12, a sleep mode control unit 13, a wireless communication processing unit 14, a solar power generator information monitoring unit 15, and storage battery information. A monitoring unit 16 is provided. Further, a solar power generator 20 and a storage battery 21 are connected to the access point 1. The access point 1 operates with power supplied from the solar power generator 20 and the storage battery 21. Since the access point 2 has the same configuration as the access point 1, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The wireless communication processing unit 14 performs wireless communication with the connected wireless terminal 3. Further, the wireless communication processing unit 14 performs either the sleep mode or the active mode in accordance with the control of the sleep mode control unit 13. In the active mode, the wireless communication processing unit 14 outputs data to be transmitted to the upper network system 10 among the data received from the wireless terminal 3 to the external network communication processing unit 11. The data to be transmitted to the higher level network system 10 is, for example, data destined for another wireless communication system or other network system connected to the higher level network system 10 or the wireless terminal 4 connected to the access point 2. is there. The wireless communication processing unit 14 transmits data addressed to the wireless terminal 3 input from the external network communication processing unit 11 to the wireless terminal 3. The wireless communication processing unit 14 has a transmission buffer that stores data to be transmitted to the wireless terminal 3, and transmits the data stored in the transmission buffer to the wireless terminal 3. In the sleep mode, the wireless communication processing unit 14 stops the function of performing wireless communication with the wireless terminal 3 to reduce power consumption.

  The active mode has two states, a single active state and a cooperative active state. The sleep mode has two states, a single sleep mode and a cooperative sleep state. Under the control of the sleep mode control unit 13, the wireless communication processing unit 14 selects either the single active state or the cooperative active state in the active mode, and cooperates with the single sleep state in the sleep mode. Select one of the active sleep state.

  The external network communication processing unit 11 performs communication processing with the host network system 10. The external network communication processing unit 11 transmits data input from the wireless communication processing unit 14 and to be transferred to the upper network system 10 to the upper network system 10. The external network communication processing unit 11 outputs data received from the host network system 10 and to be transferred to the wireless terminal connected to its own access point to the wireless communication processing unit 14.

  Further, the external network communication processing unit 11 receives data transmitted from the database 5 of the higher-level network system 10 to the own access point, and outputs the received data to the sleep information processing unit 12. The external network communication processing unit 11 has a transmission buffer function for storing data to be transmitted to the external network communication processing unit 11, and transmits data existing in the transmission buffer to the upper network system 10.

  The sleep mode control unit 13 monitors the state of the transmission buffer included in the wireless communication processing unit 14 and the state of the wireless terminal 3 connected to the own access point and the wireless communication processing unit 14. The state of the transmission buffer is, for example, whether there is data that should be transmitted to the wireless terminal 3 but has not been transmitted. The sleep mode control unit 13 outputs each state acquired by monitoring to the sleep information processing unit 12. The sleep mode control unit 13 outputs a switching instruction input from the sleep information processing unit 12 to the wireless communication processing unit 14. The switching instruction indicates which of the active mode and the sleep mode is selected.

  The sleep information processing unit 12 registers data in the database 5 and reads data through the external network communication processing unit 11. The sleep information processing unit 12 transmits / receives a connection switching notification to / from another access point through the external network communication processing unit 11. In this connection switching notification, instead of the local access point, information requesting connection to the wireless terminal connected to the local access point, the MAC address of the wireless terminal, and the connection destination of the wireless terminal And the MAC address of the access point (switching destination access point).

  The sleep information processing unit 12 includes information stored in the solar power generator information monitoring unit 15 and the storage battery information monitoring unit 16, the status of the transmission buffer in the wireless communication processing unit 14, and the communication status in the wireless communication processing unit 14. From the operating state of the own access point, it is selected whether to operate in the sleep mode or the active mode. The sleep information processing unit 12 generates a switching instruction for requesting switching to the selected mode and transition to the state in the selected mode. The sleep information processing unit 12 outputs the generated switching instruction to the sleep mode control unit 13 to control the mode and state in which the wireless communication processing unit 14 operates. That is, the sleep information processing unit 12 performs control for switching the operation state of the wireless communication processing unit 14 at the access point connected to the wireless terminal and promoting power saving by the sleep mode.

  The solar power generator information monitoring unit 15 is connected to the solar power generator 20. The solar power generator information monitoring unit 15 detects the power generation amount generated by the solar power generator 20 at regular time intervals, and stores the detected power generation amount in time series. The solar power generator information monitoring unit 15 outputs the stored power generation amount to the sleep information processing unit 12 in response to a request from the sleep information processing unit 12.

  The storage battery information monitoring unit 16 is connected to the storage battery 21. The storage battery information monitoring unit 16 detects the remaining amount of storage battery at a certain time and stores the detected remaining amount of storage battery. The remaining battery capacity is the amount of power stored in the storage battery. In addition, the storage battery information monitoring unit 16 outputs the stored storage battery remaining amount to the sleep information processing unit 12 in response to a request from the sleep information processing unit 12.

  The solar power generator 20 is a power generator using sunlight as a power source. The solar power generator 20 supplies the generated power to the access point 1. The power supplied by the solar power generator 20 is supplied to the access point 1 with priority from the storage battery 21. However, when sunlight cannot be obtained, the solar power generator 20 cannot generate power or supply power. The amount of power supplied by the solar power generator 20 is determined from the amount of solar radiation, the size of the power generation panel that the solar power generator 20 has, and the power generation efficiency. Further, the solar power generator 20 outputs the amount of power generated in a certain time to the solar power generator information monitoring unit 15 in response to a request from the solar power generator information monitoring unit 15.

  Electric power is supplied to the storage battery 21 from the solar power generator 20. The storage battery 21 stores the supplied power and supplies the stored power to the access point 1. Note that the power supply to the access point 1 is prioritized over the power supply to the storage battery 21. In addition, the storage battery 21 outputs the amount of power stored in the storage battery 21 when requested to the storage battery information monitoring unit 16 in response to a request from the storage battery information monitoring unit 16.

  The database 5 provided in the host network system 10 includes a storage unit that stores three tables to be described later, and a control unit that updates and reads information for each table. The database 5 receives the information indicating the reception state, the information indicating the power state, and the information indicating the operation state received from the access points 1 and 2, and stores the received information in each table. Further, the database 5 transmits the information stored in each table as a response to the inquiry request from the access points 1 and 2.

  The structure of the table stored in the database 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table stored in the database 5 in the present embodiment. The database 5 stores three tables. The first table is a communication state table that stores information related to the communication state at the access points 1 and 2 provided in the wireless communication system. The second table is a power state table that stores information about power at the access points 1 and 2 provided in the wireless communication system. The third table is an operation state table for storing the operation states of the access points 1 and 2 (whether they are the single active state, the cooperative active state, the single sleep state, or the cooperative sleep state). is there.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of the communication state table. The communication state table includes columns of items of AP (access point) MAC address, wireless terminal MAC address, reception level, connection presence / absence, modulation method, and traffic amount. Each row of the communication state table exists for each combination of an access point and a wireless terminal that can be detected by the access point, and has a value for each item in that combination. The APMAC address is the MAC address of the access point. The wireless terminal MAC address is the MAC address of the wireless terminal. The reception level is the reception power of the signal received from the wireless terminal at the access point, and is represented by, for example, [dBm]. The presence / absence of connection is information indicating whether or not a connection for performing wireless communication is performed between the access point and the wireless terminal. The modulation method is information indicating the communication speed when the access point and the wireless terminal are connected, and “NULL” when not connected. The amount of traffic is information indicating the amount of traffic within a predetermined time when the access point and the wireless terminal are connected, and “NULL” when not connected. In the communication state table shown in FIG. 6, for example, for the combination of the APMAC address “access point B” and the wireless terminal MAC address “wireless terminal B”, the reception level “−60” and the connection presence / absence “present” , A row having a modulation scheme “36 Mbps” and a traffic volume “2 Mbps” is stored.

  FIG. 2B shows an example of the power state table. The power state table has columns of items of APMAC address, power consumption, power supply amount, remaining power storage value, maximum capacity, and storage value depletion prediction time. Each row of the power status table exists for each access point, and has a value of each item in the access point. The APMAC address is the MAC address of the access point. The power consumption is the power consumption of the access point for a certain time. The power supply amount is the amount of power that the solar power generator 20 connected to the access point supplies in a certain time. The remaining electricity storage value is the remaining battery capacity of the storage battery 21 connected to the access point. The maximum capacity is the maximum amount of power that can be stored in the storage battery 21 connected to the access point. The storage battery depletion time is an estimated time until sufficient power cannot be supplied to operate the access point. That is, the storage battery depletion time is an estimated time until the access point cannot operate due to a shortage of power. The power state table shown in FIG. 6 includes, for example, the power consumption amount “10 Wh”, the power supply amount “80 Wh”, the remaining battery level “10 kWh”, the maximum capacity “ A row having “20 kWh” and a storage battery depletion time “50 h” is stored.

  In the access point 1, registration of information in the database 5 is performed by the sleep information processing unit 12. The sleep information processing unit 12 collects information to be stored in the database 5. The storage battery depletion required time D is calculated by the sleep information processing unit 12 as described below.

  The sleep information processing unit 12 acquires the amount of photovoltaic power generation during a certain period of time (T-1) to T and the storage battery remaining amount at time T. In addition, the sleep information processing unit 12 stores in advance average solar radiation amount data for each predetermined time in each weather such as a fine weather, a cloudy weather, and a rainy weather at the installation position of the access point 1. This average solar radiation amount data includes data acquired in the past and data inferred from the acquired data, and in response to designation of a predetermined time including the month and day, the average solar radiation amount data for the predetermined time can be obtained. . An example of this data is shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of average solar radiation amount data stored in the sleep information processing unit 12 according to the present embodiment. The average solar radiation amount data shown in the figure includes, for each period (..., T-2 to T-1, T-1 to T, T to T + 1, T + 1 to T + 2,. The amount of solar radiation at each hour is associated. For example, for the duration "T-1 to T ', fine weather" 0.9 kW / ^{m 2} ", a cloudy day" 0.5 kW / ^{m 2} ", and the rain correlated" 0.1 kW / ^{m 2} " It has been.

The sleep information processing unit 12 calculates the solar radiation amount IT in the certain period (T-1) to _T from the photovoltaic power generation amount ET in the certain period (T-1) to _T as the following expression (1). . In the formula (1), α is the power generation efficiency of the solar power generator 20, and S is the panel area of the solar power generator 20, which is a value determined according to the solar power generator 20 to be used. t is the time from time (T-1) to time T.

Next, the sleep information processing unit 12, a period of time (T-1) and the average solar radiation data in through T, compared with the solar radiation amount _{I T} calculated by the equation (1), a period of time (T-1) ~ selecting a mean solar radiation data I _'T which is the most approximate to the amount of solar radiation I _T in T. The sleep information processing unit 12 estimates the amount of solar radiation I _k (k = T + 1, T + 2,...) After time T as in the following equation (2). In the formula (2), solar radiation _{I 'k; (k = T} + 1, T + 2, ...) is I are closest to solar radiation _{I T'} is the time sequence of the weather _T, d is the mean solar radiation data I 'which is the difference between the results of the _T and the amount of solar radiation I _T.

Further, the sleep information processing unit 12 estimates the photovoltaic power generation amount E _k (k = T + 1, T + 2,...) From the estimated amount of sunlight I ′ _k after the estimated time T by the following equation (3).

On the other hand, it is assumed that the traffic amount with the wireless terminal after time T does not change greatly, and the subsequent power consumption does not change. In that case, the remaining battery charge R _{k at} time k (k = T + 1, T + 2,...) Can be estimated by the following equation (4).

In Expression (4), the electric energy U _j (j = T + 1, T + 2,...) Is the electric power consumption at times (j−1) to j. Here, since it is assumed that traffic volume does not _{change, U (T + 1) =} U (T + 2) = ... = a _{U N.} The time _k at which R _k = 0 for the first time after time T is the expected storage battery depletion time, and the storage battery depletion required time D is obtained by k−T.

In other words, the calculation method of the storage battery depletion time D is the amount of solar radiation I ′ _k determined based on the photovoltaic power generation amount E _k , the power generation efficiency α of the solar power generator 20, and the panel area S of the solar power generator 20. This is a method of preparing a plurality of regression equations with variables of time and time, selecting the regression equation that is the most approximate, and estimating the future power generation amount. In this method, it is also possible to prepare and estimate a regression equation using the solar power generation amount E _T and time as variables without performing conversion to the solar radiation amount I ′ _k . There is no limit to the number of regression equations to prepare. Further, actually, solar power generation amount E _T was measured, using the calculated solar radiation amount I _'k, it is possible to increase the accuracy of the regression equation.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for estimating the remaining amount of storage battery using Equation (4) by the sleep information processing unit 12 in the present embodiment. In the figure, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates power consumption, power source power generation amount (photovoltaic power generation amount), and storage battery remaining amount. In the figure, measured values and predicted values of the power consumption U, the power source power generation amount E, and the remaining battery charge R during the period from time (T-1) to time (T + 2) are shown. The figure shows a case where the power source power generation amount increases and the storage battery remaining amount R increases accordingly.

  In addition, when the amount of photovoltaic power generation continues to be zero even though it is not at night or in bad weather, the storage battery is depleted because the photovoltaic power generator 20 has failed and the power supply to the access point 1 has stopped. The expected time and storage battery depletion time D are calculated. For example, the solar power generator information monitoring unit 15 notifies the sleep information processing unit 12 of the occurrence of a failure when the power generation amount of the solar power generator 20 continues to be 0, and the sleep information processing unit 12 notifies the storage battery 21. Based on the amount of stored electric power, the estimated time of storage battery depletion and the required time D for storage battery depletion are recalculated. That is, the solar power generator information monitoring unit 15 outputs the power generation amount of the solar power generator 20 to the sleep information processing unit 12 with 0 (zero).

  Next, operation mode switching and state transition in the access points 1 and 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The access points 1 and 2 operate in one of an active mode and a sleep mode. The access points 1 and 2 operate in either the single active state or the cooperative active state in the active mode, and operate in either the single sleep state or the cooperative active state in the sleep mode. . For example, the access point 1 operates by switching between an active mode in the single active state and a sleep mode in the single sleep state.

  FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram showing operation mode switching and state transition at the access points 1 and 2 in the present embodiment. In the figure, when operating in the active mode, the access points 1 and 2 maintain the active mode if data exists in the transmission buffer or if data is received from the connected wireless terminal 3. . Further, when operating in the active mode, the access points 1 and 2 shift to the sleep mode if there is no data in the transmission buffer and no data is received from the connected wireless terminal. That is, when communication with the wireless terminal is not performed, the access points 1 and 2 shift to the sleep mode. The access point 1 shifts to the active mode when the predetermined sleep period ends after shifting to the sleep mode.

  When operating in the active mode, the access points 1 and 2 operate using the single active state as a basic state. In the single active state, after receiving a connection switching notification addressed to the own access point, the mobile terminal shifts to the cooperative active state when a connection request is received from the wireless terminal indicated by the connection switching notification. In the cooperative active state, when the signal cannot be received from the wireless terminal whose connection destination is switched, the single active state is entered. At this time, a connection rejection release notification of the wireless terminal is transmitted to the access point to which the wireless terminal was connected before, that is, the access point that transmitted the connection switching notification.

  On the other hand, when operating in the sleep mode, the access points 1 and 2 operate using the single sleep state as a basic state. In the single sleep state, when the connection switch notification addressed to the adjacent access point is transmitted, the state shifts to the cooperative sleep state. Further, in the cooperative sleep state, when a connection rejection release notification is received from the adjacent access point, the single sleep state is entered. The sleep information processing unit 12 switches between the active mode and the sleep mode, the switching between the single active state and the cooperative active state, and the switching between the single sleep state and the cooperative sleep state. The operation mode and state are notified to the database 5 to update the table.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a connection switching notification transmission determination process for determining whether the access points 1 and 2 transmit a connection switching notification will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of connection switching notification transmission determination processing performed by the access points 1 and 2 according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, a case where the access point 2 performs connection switching notification transmission determination processing will be described. The access point 1 also performs the same operation as described below in the connection switching notification transmission determination process. The connection switching notification transmission determination process is started when the operation in the sleep mode is possible. The operation in the sleep mode is possible when there is no data in the transmission buffer and no data is received from the connected wireless terminal as shown in FIG.

  In the access point 2, the sleep information processing unit 12 starts the transmission switching notification transmission determination process at regular time intervals when the operation in the sleep mode is possible (step S 0), and the own access point is in the active mode. It is determined whether or not it is operating in a cooperative active state (step S1). That is, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the own access point (access point 2) has been switched to connect the wireless terminal connected to the other access point to the own access point.

  When the access point is operating in the cooperative active state (step S1: YES), the sleep information processing unit 12 ends the connection switching notification transmission determination process. When operating in the cooperative active state (when accepting a wireless terminal connection from another access point), an unintended malfunction occurs when the connected wireless terminal is reconnected to another access point. there is a possibility. For this reason, when operating in the cooperative active state, the connection switching notification transmission determination process is terminated without transmitting the connection switching notification.

On the other hand, when the own access point is not operating in the cooperative active state (step S1: NO), the sleep information processing unit 12 determines that the access point of the communication cell adjacent to the communication cell of the own access point (hereinafter referred to as the adjacent access point). In other words, the storage battery depletion time D ′ _i of each adjacent access point i when the wireless terminal connected to the own access point switches the connection destination is calculated (step S2). The calculation of the storage battery depletion time D ′ _i is performed by recalculating the power consumption amount U _j (j = T + 1, T + 2,...) In the equation (4). From the traffic amount and modulation scheme of the wireless terminal that switches the connection destination to the adjacent access point, the usage time rate when the wireless terminal switches the connection destination to the adjacent access point can be obtained. The sleep information processing unit 12 recalculates the power consumption amount U _j from the calculated usage time rate, and recalculates the storage battery remaining amount R _k of the adjacent access point using the power consumption amount U _j in Equation (4). . The time _k at which R _k = 0 for the first time after time T is the expected storage battery depletion time, and the storage battery depletion required time D ′ _i is obtained by k−T. Note that the sleep information processing unit 12 inquires the database 5 for information related to the adjacent access point used when calculating the storage battery depletion required time D ′ _i .

  Next, the sleep information processing unit 12 determines whether there is an adjacent access point that can accept a wireless terminal connected to the own access point (step S3). Two conditions are used to determine whether or not to accept. The first condition is that the adjacent access point can receive the signal of the wireless terminal. The second condition is that the storage battery depletion time D ′ of the adjacent access point satisfies the following formula (5).

  In Expression (5), β is a predetermined threshold value, and a value that is considered to have a margin for depletion of the storage battery 21 is set as the threshold value β. When the two conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the adjacent access point can accept the wireless terminal connected to the own access point.

If it is impossible for all adjacent access points to accept wireless terminals connected to the own access point (step S3: NO), the sleep information processing unit 12 ends the connection switching notification transmission determination process. On the other hand, when there is an adjacent access point that can accept a wireless terminal connected to its own access point (step S3: YES), the sleep information processing unit 12 is among the adjacent access points i that can be accepted. Then, the adjacent access point with the longest storage battery depletion time D ′ _i is selected as a candidate for the connection destination of the wireless terminal (step S4).

  Next, the sleep information processing unit 12 inquires of the database 5 whether or not the adjacent access point selected as the connection destination candidate of the wireless terminal is in the cooperative sleep state (step S5). In other words, this determination determines whether or not the adjacent access point selected as the connection destination candidate requests connection switching of the wireless terminal to another access point. When the answer to the inquiry to the database 5 is the cooperative sleep state (step S5: YES), the adjacent access point is determined to be inappropriate as a switching destination of the wireless terminal, and the adjacent access points other than the selected adjacent access point are examined. In order to do so, the process returns to step S3, and the process for another adjacent access point is performed.

  On the other hand, when the response to the inquiry to the database 5 is not in the cooperative sleep state (step S5: NO), the sleep information processing unit 12 sets a new connection destination of the wireless terminal connecting the adjacent access point to the own access point. (Step S6). The sleep information processing unit 12 transmits a connection switching notification to the determined adjacent access point via the external network communication processing unit 11 and the upper network system 10 (step S7).

  Next, the sleep information processing unit 12 controls the wireless communication processing unit 14 to disconnect the wireless terminal connected to its own access point (step S8). The sleep information processing unit 12 sets the operation mode of its own access point as the sleep mode, starts the sleep period, shifts to the cooperative sleep state (step S9), and ends the connection switching notification transmission determination process. At this time, the sleep information processing unit 12 transmits information indicating that the own access point is operating in the cooperative sleep state to the database 5 via the external network communication processing unit 11.

  While in the cooperative sleep state, the sleep information processing unit 12 controls the wireless communication processing unit 14 so as to reject the connection in response to a connection request from the wireless terminal. Therefore, since the wireless terminal 4 that has been disconnected cannot connect even if it makes a connection request to this access point 2 again, it makes a connection request to another access point 1 (adjacent access point) Connection switching is completed. As described above, the access point 2 connects the wireless terminal 4 connected to its own access point to the access point 1 that is an adjacent access point, thereby providing an opportunity to enter a period of operating as a sleep mode (sleep period). As a result, power consumption can be suppressed and the power saving effect can be enhanced.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a response process for a connection switching notification when an adjacent access point (in this case, access point 1) receives the connection switching notification will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing connection switching notification response processing performed by the access point in the present embodiment.

  In the access point 1, when the external network communication processing unit 11 receives the connection switching notification from the access point 2 that is an adjacent access point via the upper network system 10, the response processing for the connection switching notification is started (step 10). ). The external network communication processing unit 11 outputs the received connection switching notification to the wireless communication processing unit 14. The wireless communication processing unit 14 waits for a predetermined time for a connection request from the wireless terminal (step S11).

  The wireless communication processing unit 14 determines whether or not a connection request from the wireless terminal has been received (step S12). If the connection request from the wireless terminal has not been received (step S12: NO), the process is performed in step S11. And waits for a connection request from the wireless terminal for a fixed time. On the other hand, when the connection request from the wireless terminal is received (step S12: YES), the wireless communication processing unit 14 includes the MAC address of the wireless terminal included in the received connection request and the MAC of the wireless terminal included in the connection switching notification. It is determined whether or not the address matches (step S13).

  If the MAC address included in the connection request does not match the MAC address of the wireless terminal included in the connection switching notification (step S13: NO), the wireless communication processing unit 14 rejects the connection request from the wireless terminal. (Step S17), the operation in the single active state is continued (Step S18), and the connection switching notification response process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the MAC address included in the connection request matches the MAC address of the wireless terminal included in the connection switching notification (step S13: YES), the wireless communication processing unit 14 It is determined whether or not the MAC address of the switching destination access point included in the switching notification matches (step S14).

  When the MAC address of the own access point and the MAC address of the switching destination access point included in the connection switching notification do not match (step S14: NO), the wireless communication processing unit 14 sends a connection request from the wireless terminal. It refuses (step S17), the operation | movement in a single active state is continued (step S18), and the response process of a connection switching notification is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, when the MAC address of the own access point matches the MAC address of the switching destination access point included in the connection switching notification (step S14: YES), the wireless communication processing unit 14 connects from the wireless terminal. The request is accepted (step S15), the operation is switched to the operation in the cooperative active state (step S16), and the connection switching notification response process is terminated.

  The cooperative active state is a state in which a connection request from a wireless terminal connected to another access point is accepted and wireless communication is performed by connecting to the wireless terminal. The access point in the cooperative sleep state rejects the connection from the wireless terminal that has disconnected. Therefore, when the access point in the cooperative active state cannot maintain the connection with the wireless terminal, the access point that is the original connection destination of the wireless terminal and operates in the cooperative sleep state A connection rejection cancellation request for notifying the point that the connection rejection of the wireless terminal is cancelled is transmitted. This connection rejection release request is transmitted via the upper network system 10. In the access point that has received the connection rejection release request, the sleep information processing unit 12 sets the operation mode of the own access point to the active mode and operates in the single active state. The sleep information processing unit 12 controls the wireless communication processing unit 14 to accept a connection request from a wireless terminal.

  The cooperative sleep state is a state in which the wireless terminal that has been connected so far changes the connection destination to another access point, and the local access point disconnects from the wireless terminal. Therefore, when the access point in the cooperative sleep state receives a connection request from the wireless terminal, the access point rejects the received connection request.

  The access points 1 and 2 included in the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment operate by power feeding by the solar power generator 20 and the storage battery 21. Based on the prediction result of the depletion time of the storage battery 21, the access points 1 and 2 perform the traffic aggregation of the wireless terminal to the access point that has a grace period for the storage battery exhaustion and can accept the wireless terminal, and shifts to the sleep mode. To do. As a result, it is possible to increase the chances that an access point with a small remaining battery capacity operates in the sleep mode, to improve the power saving effect by the sleep mode, and to exhaust the power stored in the storage battery 21 as a whole wireless communication system. Reduction of the communication area of the wireless communication system can be suppressed.

  Note that a program for realizing the functions of the access points 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 1 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed. Accordingly, processing such as connection switching notification transmission determination processing illustrated in FIG. 6 and connection switching notification response processing illustrated in FIG. 7 may be performed. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding programs for a certain period of time are also included.

  The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been described with reference to drawings, it is clear that said embodiment is only an illustration of this invention and this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. is there. Therefore, additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the components may be made without departing from the technical idea and scope of the present invention.
For example, in the connection switching notification transmission determination process shown in FIG. 6, after confirming that the adjacent access point has accepted the connection request of the wireless terminal specified in the connection switching notification and the connection of the wireless terminal has been switched, The sleep information processing unit 12 may shift to the cooperative sleep state. In this case, when the wireless communication processing unit 14 of the adjacent access point accepts the connection request from the wireless terminal specified by the connection switching notification, the wireless communication processing unit 14 confirms that the access point that has transmitted the connection switching notification accepts it. Notice. Further, when the sleep information processing unit 12 cannot confirm that the connection has been switched within a predetermined time after transmitting the connection switching notification, the sleep information processing unit 12 does not shift to the cooperative sleep state and enters the active mode. May be maintained. Thereby, the stop of the wireless communication system due to the depletion of the electric power stored in the storage battery 21 can be suppressed while giving priority to the provision of communication to the wireless terminal.

In the above-described embodiment, the communication between the access points 1 and 2 and the upper network system 10 may be communication using a wired line or communication using a wireless line.
Moreover, although said embodiment demonstrated the structure by which the solar power generator 20 was connected to the access points 1 and 2, it replaced with the solar power generator 20, and it is an electric power source which generate | occur | produces using another natural energy. May be connected. For example, a power source having a power generation capability such as a wind power generator or a geothermal power generator may be connected to the access points 1 and 2.
In the above embodiment, the access points 1 and 2 determine the frequency at which the connection switching notification transmission determination process is executed when the time required for the storage battery depletion of the own access point is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. You may make it increase.
In the above embodiment, the access points 1 and 2 have been described with reference to the configuration in which the information about other access points is acquired via the database 5. However, the access points acquire information by communicating with each other. It may be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 ... Access point 3, 4 ... Wireless terminal 5 ... Database 10 ... High-order network system 11 ... External network communication processing part 12 ... Sleep information processing part 13 ... Sleep mode control part 14 ... Wireless communication processing part 15 ... Solar power generation Machine information monitoring unit 16 ... Storage battery information monitoring unit 20 ... Solar power generator 21 ... Storage battery 91, 92 ... Access point 93, 94 ... Wireless terminal 95 ... Upper network system 951 ... Database

Claims (6)

An access point device in a wireless communication system, comprising a plurality of access point devices that include a power source and a storage battery and operate by power supplied from the power source and the storage battery, and a wireless terminal that communicates with the access point device Because
A storage battery information monitoring unit for acquiring the amount of power stored in the storage battery;
A power source information monitoring unit for acquiring the amount of power supplied by the power source;
A wireless communication processing unit for communicating with the wireless terminal connected to the own access point device;
When communication between the wireless communication processing unit and the wireless terminal is not performed, it is determined whether or not the wireless terminal can be connected to another access point device. A sleep information processing unit that transmits a connection switching notification requesting to switch the connection destination to another access point device to the other access point device, and operates the own access point device in a sleep mode, and
The sleep information processing unit
Based on the amount of power acquired by the storage battery information monitoring unit and the amount of power acquired by the power source information monitoring unit, the storage battery depletion time, which is the time until the own access point device cannot operate due to power shortage, Calculate
Determining whether it is possible to connect a wireless terminal connected to its own access point device to another access point device based on the time required to deplete the storage battery of the other access point device. Access point device. The access point device according to claim 1,
When the power source information monitoring unit detects the occurrence of a failure in the power source, the power amount supplied from the power source is set to zero,
The said sleep information processing part recalculates the storage battery depletion required time. The access point apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The access point device according to claim 1 or 2,
The access point device, wherein the sleep information processing unit has average data based on a past value of the amount of power supplied by the power source, and calculates a storage battery depletion time based on the average data. The access point device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The power source uses natural energy to generate power,
The sleep information processing unit has average data for each weather based on the past value of the amount of power supplied by the power source, estimates the weather based on the amount of power acquired by the power source information monitoring unit, A storage battery depletion time is calculated based on the average data according to the estimated weather. Access point control in a wireless communication system comprising a power source and a storage battery, a plurality of access point devices that operate with power supplied from the power source and the storage battery, and a wireless terminal that communicates with the access point device A method,
A storage battery information monitoring step for acquiring the amount of power stored in the storage battery;
A power source information monitoring step of acquiring an amount of power supplied by the power source;
Based on the amount of power acquired in the storage battery information monitoring step and the amount of power acquired in the power source information monitoring step, the storage battery depletion time, which is the time until the own access point device cannot operate due to power shortage, A calculating step for calculating;
When communication with the wireless terminal connected to the own access point is not performed, it is determined whether or not it is possible to connect the wireless terminal to another access point device, and when possible, the wireless terminal A sleep information processing step of transmitting a connection switching notification requesting to switch the other connection point to the other access point device to the other access point device and operating the own access point device in a sleep mode;
Have
In the sleep information processing step, whether or not a wireless terminal connected to the own access point device can be connected to another access point device is determined based on the storage battery depletion time of the other access point device. An access point control method characterized by determining. A wireless communication system comprising a plurality of access point devices that are provided with a power source and a storage battery and operate with power supplied from the power source and the storage battery, and a wireless terminal that communicates with the access point device,
The access point device is
A storage battery information monitoring unit for acquiring the amount of power stored in the storage battery;
A power source information monitoring unit for acquiring the amount of power supplied by the power source;
A wireless communication processing unit for communicating with the wireless terminal connected to the own access point device;
When communication between the wireless communication processing unit and the wireless terminal is not performed, it is determined whether or not the wireless terminal can be connected to another access point device. A sleep information processing unit that transmits a connection switching notification requesting to switch the connection destination to another access point device to the other access point device, and operates the own access point device in a sleep mode, and
The sleep information processing unit
Based on the amount of power acquired by the storage battery information monitoring unit and the amount of power acquired by the power source information monitoring unit, the storage battery depletion time, which is the time until the own access point device cannot operate due to power shortage, Calculate
Determining whether it is possible to connect a wireless terminal connected to its own access point device to another access point device based on the time required to deplete the storage battery of the other access point device. Wireless communication system.

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