JP2016111488A - Information processor, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately select a communication route.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: a communication part and a control part. The communication part is configured to exchange information between information processors constituting a network in which a plurality of information processors are connected to each other according as the plurality of information processors perform wireless communication in a one-to-one manner. The control part is configured to perform control to select a communication path for exchanging information on the basis of the processing load amount of an own device or a degree of congestion of the communication path between the own device and the other information processors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and information processing method that handle information related to wireless communication, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.

  Conventionally, there is a wireless communication technology for exchanging various data using wireless communication. For example, a communication method (for example, ad hoc communication or ad hoc network) that autonomously interconnects with information processing apparatuses existing in the vicinity has been proposed.

  In addition, a communication method (for example, multi-hop relay in a mesh network) that performs data transfer (so-called bucket relay) by a relay node and communicates with a remote information processing apparatus has been proposed.

  Thus, when performing multi-hop relay, there may be a plurality of multi-hop communication paths. Therefore, when there are a plurality of multi-hop communication paths, the total value of the metric values of the links passing through each of the plurality of communication paths can be obtained, and the link having the minimum total value can be selected as the communication path. .

  In addition, for example, a wireless terminal has been proposed in which a route weight value is set in consideration of a delay amount and an optimum route is searched in consideration of a data transfer delay of an adjacent terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, for example, a network route setting method that acquires route candidates for a session based on the number of hops has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this network route setting method, when there are a plurality of route candidates, the traffic margin of the route candidate is calculated for each route candidate, and the route of the session is selected and set using the traffic margin as an evaluation parameter.

JP 2003-152786 A JP 2007-74564 A

  In the above-described conventional technique, a technique for selecting a path that consumes less radio resources and has a small delay is disclosed.

  Here, for example, it is assumed that there is a relay apparatus that performs processing with a heavy load among relay apparatuses that relay (transfer) data. In addition, for example, in a wireless environment sharing a radio frequency resource with another information processing apparatus, a collision or interference occurs depending on the communication status of the other information processing apparatus, so it is assumed that the communication environment is not stable. In addition, since there are various requests for applications that use the wireless communication environment, there is a possibility of selecting a communication path that cannot satisfy the requests from the applications. Therefore, it is important to appropriately select a communication path in consideration of these.

  The present technology has been created in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to appropriately select a communication path.

  The present technology has been made to solve the above-described problems. The first aspect of the present technology is that a plurality of information processing apparatuses perform wireless communication on a one-to-one basis so that the plurality of information processing apparatuses can interact with each other. The communication unit that exchanges information with each information processing device that configures the network connected to the network, the processing load amount of the own device, or the degree of congestion of the communication path between the own device and other information processing devices The information processing apparatus, the information processing method thereof, and the program for causing the computer to execute the method include a control unit that performs control for selecting a communication path for exchanging the information based on the above. This brings about the effect that the communication path is selected based on the processing load amount of the own apparatus or the congestion degree of the communication path between the own apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

  In the first aspect, the control unit calculates a communication path quality value used when selecting the communication path based on the processing load amount or the congestion degree, and based on the communication path quality value. The communication path may be selected. As a result, the communication path quality value is calculated based on the processing load amount or the degree of congestion, and the communication path is selected based on the communication path quality value.

  Further, in the first aspect, the control unit is configured based on the number of communication paths that pass through the own apparatus among communication paths of information exchanged between the information processing apparatuses configuring the network. The processing load amount may be obtained. Thus, there is an effect that the processing load amount is obtained based on the number of communication paths passing through the own apparatus among the communication paths of information exchanged between the information processing apparatuses constituting the network.

  In the first aspect, the control unit may obtain the processing load amount based on a traffic amount transmitted and received by the own device. This brings about the effect | action which calculates | requires processing load amount based on the traffic amount which an own apparatus transmits / receives.

  In the first aspect, the control unit receives the information related to information exchanged via the own device among information exchanged between the information processing devices constituting the network. The processing load amount may be obtained based on a comparison result between the traffic amount and the traffic amount transmitted by the own device. Accordingly, there is an effect that the processing load amount is obtained based on the comparison result between the traffic amount received by the own device and the traffic amount transmitted by the own device regarding the information exchanged via the own device.

  In the first aspect, the control unit may obtain the congestion degree based on the number of retransmissions of the own device. This brings about the effect | action of calculating | requiring a congestion degree based on the frequency | count of resending of an own apparatus.

  In the first aspect, the control unit obtains the degree of congestion based on the number of information processing devices that can directly communicate with the own device among the information processing devices configuring the network. You may do it. This brings about the effect | action of calculating | requiring a congestion degree based on the number of the information processing apparatuses which can communicate directly with an own apparatus among each information processing apparatus which comprises a network.

  In the first aspect, the control unit may obtain the congestion degree based on a fluctuation amount of a communication delay related to the own device. This brings about the effect | action of calculating | requiring a congestion degree based on the fluctuation amount of the communication delay regarding an own apparatus.

  In addition, according to a second aspect of the present technology, a plurality of information processing apparatuses perform wireless communication on a one-to-one basis, and each information processing apparatus that configures a network in which the plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected to each other. And an information processing apparatus comprising: a communication unit that exchanges information in the network; and a control unit that performs control to select a communication path for performing the exchange of information based on an application set in the device A method and a program for causing a computer to execute the method. This brings about the effect | action of selecting a communication path based on the application set in an own apparatus.

  In the second aspect, the control unit changes the specific gravity of an element for calculating a communication path quality value used when selecting the communication path based on the set application. Also good. This brings about the effect | action that the specific gravity of the element for calculating a communication path quality value is changed based on the set application.

  Further, in the second aspect, the control unit is based on the changed specific gravity, the communication rate, the packet error rate, the delay amount, the processing load amount, and the congestion degree. The communication path quality value may be calculated and the communication path may be selected based on the communication path quality value. As a result, a communication path quality value is calculated based on the changed specific gravity, communication rate, packet error rate, delay amount, processing load amount, and degree of congestion, and based on this communication path quality value. The effect of selecting a communication path is brought about.

  According to the present technology, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that a communication path can be appropriately selected. Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in the present disclosure.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example of a communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology. It is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of information processor 100 in an embodiment of this art. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the transfer destination information management table of the relay path | pass which each information processing apparatus which comprises the communication system 10 in embodiment of this technique hold | maintains. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the adjacent apparatus information management table which each information processing apparatus which comprises the communication system 10 in embodiment of this technique hold | maintains. It is a figure which shows the example of a relationship between the mode and weighting parameter which are set by each information processing apparatus which comprises the communication system 10 in embodiment of this technique. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a communication route selection process performed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present technology. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a communication route selection process performed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present technology. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a communication route selection process performed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present technology. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a schematic structure of a smart phone. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a schematic structure of a car navigation apparatus.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present technology (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. The description will be made in the following order.
1. Embodiment (Example of selecting a communication path based on at least one of the processing load amount of the own apparatus, the degree of congestion of the communication path between the own apparatus and the application)
2. Application examples

<1. Embodiment>
[Configuration example of communication system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example of a communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

  The communication system 10 includes information processing apparatuses 100 to 104. In FIG. 1, the relationship between information processing apparatuses capable of direct communication is indicated by a dotted arrow.

  Each information processing device (device) constituting the communication system 10 is, for example, a portable information processing device or a fixed information processing device having a wireless communication (for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network)) function. Note that the portable information processing device is a wireless communication device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal, and the fixed information processing device is an information processing device such as a printer or a personal computer.

  The communication system 10 is an example of a wireless mesh network (for example, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.11s). In other words, the communication system 10 is an example of a network in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected to each other by performing a one-to-one wireless communication between the plurality of information processing apparatuses. Further, in the communication system 10, each information processing device obtains a communication path quality value (metric value) between each adjacent device (adjacent information processing device) and is based on a composite value of those values of the multi-hop route. 2 is an example of a wireless communication system that determines a communication path. Note that the adjacent information processing device means an information processing device capable of performing direct communication using wireless communication, for example. In the embodiment of the present technology, communication route selection in a wireless mesh network will be mainly described.

  Here, each of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 constituting the communication system 10 is configured to exchange information exchanged between other information processing apparatuses in a bucket relay manner, in addition to autonomously interconnecting with information processing apparatuses existing in the vicinity. It is also possible to transfer to. That is, each information processing apparatus can relay not only data (traffic) of its own apparatus but also data (traffic) transmitted and received by other information processing apparatuses.

  For example, the information processing apparatus 101 can directly communicate with the information processing apparatuses 103 and 104, but cannot communicate directly with the information processing apparatuses 100 and 102 due to reasons such as not receiving radio waves. And

  Even when direct communication is not possible in this way, the information processing apparatus 103 capable of direct communication with the information processing apparatus 102 can transfer the data of the information processing apparatus 101 to the information processing apparatus 102. Therefore, by transferring data in this way, the information processing apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102 that cannot directly communicate with the information processing apparatus 101 exchange information with each other via the information processing apparatus 103. Can be done. That is, the information processing apparatus 101 cannot directly communicate with the information processing apparatus 102, but the information processing apparatus 103 or the like can communicate with the information processing apparatus 102 by relaying data of the information processing apparatus 101. Become. Similarly, the information processing apparatus 101 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 100.

  A method of performing data transfer (so-called bucket relay) by a relay node and communicating with a remote information processing apparatus in this manner is called a multi-hop relay. A network that performs multi-hop is generally known as a mesh network.

  Thus, when performing multi-hop relay, there may be a plurality of multi-hop communication paths. Therefore, when there are a plurality of multi-hop communication paths, the total value of the metric values of the links passing through each of the plurality of communication paths can be obtained, and the link having the minimum total value can be selected as the communication path. . A communication route selection method based on this metric value will be described.

First, a method of calculating a communication path quality value (metric value) used for communication path selection will be described. The communication path quality value (metric value) Ca can be obtained by using the following equation 1 in the IEEE 802.11-2012 standard, for example.
Ca = {O + (Bt / r)} / (1-ef) Formula 1

  Note that r is a value indicating a transmission rate (data rate) (Mb / S). Further, ef is a value indicating a packet error rate. Bt is a value indicating a frame size. O is a value specific to PHY (physical layer).

  Further, each of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 configuring the communication system 10 obtains a communication path quality value (metric value) Ca for each communication link between adjacent information processing apparatuses using the above-described Expression 1. it can. In FIG. 1, the communication path quality value (metric value) Ca in the communication link is shown in the vicinity of the dotted arrow. In FIG. 1, for ease of explanation, a simplified numerical value is shown as a communication path quality value (metric value) Ca in the communication link.

  Next, a wireless mesh network capable of performing communication path selection based on a metric value will be described as an example. In this wireless mesh network, data can be delivered in multihop to a final transmission destination information processing device by relaying data packets by each information processing device. At this time, a metric value is used to select a route for transferring the data packet.

  For example, the data transmission source information processing apparatus broadcasts a control signal (PREQ) for selecting a communication path. This PREQ is a control signal for requesting route evaluation. The PREQ includes an area for storing information indicating which information processing apparatus is the final transmission destination of the data and an area for storing a metric value.

  Further, the information processing apparatus that has received the PREQ (packet) calculates the metric value of the link with the information processing apparatus (adjacent information processing apparatus) that has transmitted the PREQ. Then, the information processing apparatus that has received the PREQ adds the calculated metric value to the metric value included in the received PREQ, and broadcasts the PREQ including the metric value after the addition.

  As described above, by transmitting the PREQ, each information processing apparatus receives a plurality of PREQs through various communication paths.

  Therefore, the information processing apparatus that is the final transmission destination of the data is configured to notify the information processing apparatus (adjacent information processing apparatus) that has transmitted the PREQ having the smallest metric value among the plurality of received PREQs to notify the route selection. A signal (PREP) is transmitted by unicast.

  The information processing apparatus that has received the PREP uses the information processing apparatus (adjacent information processing apparatus) that has transmitted the PREP (packet) as a transfer destination when relaying the data to the final data transmission destination (for example, (Corresponding to the storage unit 130 shown in FIG. 2). The information processing apparatus that has received the PREP transmits the PREP by unicast to the information processing apparatus (adjacent information processing apparatus) that has transmitted the PREQ having the smallest metric value among the plurality of received PREQs.

  In this way, each information processing apparatus exchanges PREQ and PREP with an adjacent information processing apparatus. As a result of this exchange, each information processing device determines a transfer destination information processing device (adjacent information processing device) when relaying the data to the final transmission destination of the data. That is, each information processing apparatus selects a communication path that minimizes the total metric value of each link, and determines a transfer destination information processing apparatus (adjacent information processing apparatus).

  Here, for example, in the topology shown in FIG. 1, an example in which route selection is performed when data transmission from the information processing apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 101 is performed by multi-hop is shown. As described above, the metric value of each link is shown in the vicinity of a dotted arrow indicating two information processing apparatuses that perform direct communication.

  In this case, four communication paths are conceivable as communication paths when data transmission from the information processing apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 101 is performed by multi-hop. Specifically, a communication path passing through the information processing apparatus 102 → the information processing apparatus 103 is set as a first communication path. A communication path passing through the information processing apparatus 102 → the information processing apparatus 103 → the information processing apparatus 104 is set as a second communication path. A communication path that passes through the information processing apparatus 104 → the information processing apparatus 103 is defined as a third communication path. In addition, a communication path that passes through the information processing apparatus 104 is a fourth communication path.

  In this case, the total value of the metric values of the communication links between the information processing apparatuses constituting the first communication path is 450 (200 + 100 + 150). Further, the total value of the metric values of the communication links between the respective information processing devices configuring the second communication path is 950 (200 + 100 + 150 + 500). In addition, the total value of the metric values of the communication links between the information processing devices configuring the third communication path is 400 (100 + 150 + 150). In addition, the total value of the metric values of the communication links between the information processing devices configuring the fourth communication path is 600 (100 + 150).

  Each of these total values is included in PREP received by the information processing apparatus 100 via the first to fourth communication paths (PREP corresponding to PREQ transmitted by the information processing apparatus 100). Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100 evaluates each of the total values and selects a communication path having the minimum total value. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the total value (400) of the third communication path (via the information processing device 104 → the information processing device 103) is the minimum value. For this reason, the third communication path (from the information processing apparatus 104 to the information processing apparatus 103) is selected as the communication path when data transmission is performed from the information processing apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 101 by multihop.

  Here, in the relay process for relaying (transferring) data, the relay apparatus often simultaneously performs a transfer process for another relay path (communication path) and a process that consumes other computer resources. For this reason, it is also assumed that there is a relay device that performs processing with a heavy load among the relay devices in the communication path selected by the route selection based on the above-described index (communication link metric value total value). The That is, when performing route selection based on the above-described index (total value of communication link metric values), there is a risk of selecting a communication route that passes through a relay device that is processing a heavy load. In this case, communication delay may increase, communication delay jitter may increase, and throughput may decrease.

  Also, in a wireless environment that shares radio frequency resources with other information processing apparatuses, collisions and interference occur depending on the communication status of the other information processing apparatuses, and it is assumed that the communication environment is not stable. For example, even in a communication environment having the same average throughput, there may be an environment in which a constant throughput is provided and an environment in which the instantaneous throughput is fluctuated significantly. For this reason, when a route is selected based on the above-described index (total value of metric values of communication links), there is a possibility that an unstable route with a congested wireless environment may be selected. In this case, communication delay may increase, communication delay jitter may increase, and throughput may decrease. In addition, switching of communication paths frequently occurs, which may cause unstable communication and instantaneous interruption.

  In addition, there are various requests for applications that use the provided wireless communication environment. For example, a streaming playback application requires a stable communication path so that there is no instantaneous interruption. In addition, a theater music playback application requires a low-delay communication path so that there is no deviation from the video. Further, since UDP (User Datagram Protocol) does not retransmit, a communication path with less packet loss is preferable. For this reason, a communication path with less packet loss is required in an application that communicates with UDP. Further, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) applications require a high-throughput communication path. An application using a battery-driven information processing apparatus requires a low power consumption communication path.

  However, when a route is selected based on the above-described index (total value of communication link metric values), a communication path based on a certain index is selected. For this reason, there is a possibility of selecting a communication path that cannot satisfy the request from the application. That is, a communication path based on an index different from the application request is selected.

  Therefore, in the embodiment of the present technology, an example in which a communication path is appropriately selected in consideration of these points will be described.

[Configuration example of information processing device]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present technology. The internal configuration of the other information processing apparatuses (information processing apparatuses 101 to 104) is the same as that of the information processing apparatus 100, and therefore only the information processing apparatus 100 will be described here, and the description of the other information processing apparatuses will be described. Is omitted.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a power supply unit 140. In FIG. 2, only the configuration related to wireless communication is mainly shown, and illustration and description of other configurations are omitted.

  The communication unit 110 is a module (for example, a wireless LAN modem) for transmitting and receiving radio waves via an antenna (not shown). For example, the communication unit 110 can perform wireless communication using a wireless LAN communication method. In addition, for example, the communication unit 110 configures a network (for example, a mesh network) that is connected to each other by wireless communication between a plurality of information processing devices on a one-to-one basis based on the control of the control unit 120. Information is exchanged with the information processing device.

  Further, for example, the communication unit 110 can perform wireless communication by millimeter wave communication (60 GHz or the like), 900 MHz / 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or UWB (Ultra Wide Band). Further, for example, the communication unit 110 can perform wireless communication by visible light communication, NFC (Near Field Communication), zigbee, BT (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

  For example, the communication unit 110 uses wireless communication with other information processing apparatuses to exchange signals (PREQ, PREP) for generating or updating a multi-hop communication path based on the control of the control unit 120. And do it.

  The communication unit 110 may perform wireless communication using radio waves (electromagnetic waves), or perform wireless communication using a medium other than radio waves (for example, wireless communication performed using a magnetic field). Also good.

  The control unit 120 controls each unit of the information processing apparatus 100 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 130. For example, the control unit 120 performs signal processing of transmitted / received information. Moreover, the control part 120 is implement | achieved by CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example.

  Further, the control unit 120 can estimate or observe the computer processing load amount of the information processing apparatus 100. In addition, the control unit 120 can estimate or observe the degree of congestion of the communication path between each information processing apparatus adjacent to the information processing apparatus 100. In addition, the control unit 120 can measure the transmission / reception traffic volume at regular intervals (or irregularly). In addition, the control unit 120 can measure the total amount of transmission waiting data stored in the transmission buffer. In addition, the control unit 120 can measure the average number of packet retransmissions at regular intervals for each transmission destination device. In addition, the control unit 120 can receive and acquire a beacon of an information processing device adjacent to the information processing device 100 by a scanning operation.

  Further, the control unit 120 can observe a communication delay periodically (or irregularly). Here, as a delay observation method, for example, an observation method using a PING (Packet Internet Groper) response of the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) protocol can be employed. In addition, for example, an observation method using a PREP response time for a PREQ frame exchanged by mesh route selection can be employed.

  The control unit 120 also has a function of estimating or observing the transfer processing delay amount, the computer processing load amount, and the degree of congestion of the communication path between each adjacent device. Further, the control unit 120 can set an application in the information processing apparatus 100 based on a user operation (or automatically).

  Further, for example, the control unit 120 is a communication path for exchanging information based on the processing load amount of the information processing apparatus 100 or the congestion degree of the communication path between the information processing apparatus 100 and another information processing apparatus. Control to select. Further, for example, the control unit 120 performs control for selecting a communication path for exchanging information based on an application set in the information processing apparatus 100.

  The storage unit 130 is a memory that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 130 stores various information (for example, a control program) necessary for the information processing apparatus 100 to perform a desired operation. For example, the storage unit 130 includes a transmission buffer used when the information processing apparatus 100 transfers data.

  The power supply unit 140 supplies power to each unit of the information processing apparatus 100 based on the control of the control unit 120. The power supply unit 140 is, for example, a battery built into the information processing apparatus 100 or a battery that can be attached to the information processing apparatus 100. Further, the control unit 120 has a function of estimating the remaining battery level, and can acquire the estimated remaining battery level as needed.

[Example of relay path transfer destination information management table contents]
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the forwarding destination information management table of the relay path held by each information processing apparatus that configures the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 3 shows a forwarding destination information management table 200 for the relay path held by the information processing apparatus 104.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the relay path transfer destination information management table 200 is recorded in a record format in a storage unit (corresponding to the storage unit 130 shown in FIG. 2).

  The relay path transfer destination information management table 200 has an entry for each set relay path (communication path). Each entry includes transmission source device information 201, final transmission destination device information 202, and next transmission destination device information 203.

  In FIG. 3, for ease of explanation, 0 to 4 will be used as identification information indicating the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104. That is, identification information indicating the information processing apparatus 100 is set to 0, identification information indicating the information processing apparatus 101 is set to 1, identification information indicating the information processing apparatus 102 is set to 2, identification information indicating the information processing apparatus 103 is set to 3, The identification information indicating the information processing apparatus 104 will be described as 4.

  The transmission source device information 201 stores identification information of an information processing device (transmission source device) that first transmits data to be transferred.

  The final transmission destination apparatus information 202 stores identification information of an information processing apparatus (final transmission destination apparatus) that finally delivers data to be transferred.

  In the next transmission destination device information 203, when the data to be transferred is transferred to the information processing device whose identification information is stored in the final transmission destination device information 202, the information processing device to be transmitted next (adjacent information processing information) Device) identification information is stored.

  The information recorded in the relay path transfer destination information management table 200 is preferably updated to the latest information at regular intervals. In this way, by updating to the latest information at regular intervals, information on communication paths (relay paths) that are not relayed can be sequentially deleted from the forwarding destination information management table 200 of the relay paths.

[Contents of adjacent device information management table]
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an adjacent device information management table held by each information processing device configuring the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 4 shows an adjacent device information management table 210 held by the information processing device 100.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the adjacent device information management table 210 is recorded in a record format in the storage unit 130 (shown in FIG. 2).

  The adjacent device information management table 210 has an entry for each adjacent information processing device (information processing device capable of direct communication) among the information processing devices participating in the mesh network. Each entry includes adjacent device information 211, KEY 212, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) 213, SYNC OFFSET 214, and RxRate 215. In FIG. 4, similarly to FIG. 3, for ease of explanation, 0 to 4 will be used as identification information indicating the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104.

  The adjacent device information 211 stores identification information of adjacent information processing devices (information processing devices capable of direct communication) among information processing devices participating in the mesh network.

  The KEY 212 stores a KEY related to an adjacent information processing apparatus. Here, KEY is, for example, a security key (encryption key).

  The RSSI 213 stores an RSSI related to an adjacent information processing apparatus.

  The SYNC OFFSET 214 stores a SYNC OFFSET related to an adjacent information processing apparatus. Here, since it is necessary to synchronize the clock with the other information processing apparatus, SYNC OFFSET is used as a time indicating how much the synchronization with the other information processing apparatus is shifted.

  RxRate 215 stores RxRate related to an adjacent information processing apparatus.

  Note that KEY212, RSSI 213, SYNC OFFSET 214, and RxRate 215 are examples of information related to adjacent information processing devices (information processing devices capable of direct communication). For this reason, some of these may be omitted, and other information may be recorded. Further, in FIG. 4, these pieces of information are shown in a simplified manner for easy explanation.

  The information recorded in the adjacent device information management table 210 is preferably updated to the latest information at regular intervals.

[Example of relationship between mode and weighting parameter]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a relationship example between a mode and a weighting parameter set by each information processing device configuring the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present technology. These pieces of information are recorded in a record format in, for example, a storage unit (corresponding to the storage unit 130 shown in FIG. 2).

  The mode 221 is a mode set by the application. For example, Stable corresponds to an application (for example, a moving image reproduction application) that requires stability. Low Latency corresponds to, for example, an application that requires a low-delay communication path (for example, a theater audio application). Further, High Throughput corresponds to, for example, an application (for example, an FTP application) that requires a high-throughput communication path. Also, Battery corresponds to, for example, an application that uses a battery-driven information processing apparatus (for example, an application (for example, a web browser) of a mobile device).

  W0 222, W1 223, W2 224, and W3 225 are weighting parameters set in accordance with the mode set in each information processing apparatus. That is, W0 222, W1 223, W2 224, and W3 225 are weighting parameters that change in response to a request from the application. Note that W0 222, W1 223, W2 224, and W3 225 will be described in detail with reference to Equation 11. In FIG. 5, the values of W0 222, W1 223, W2 224, and W3 225 are shown in a simplified manner for easy explanation.

[Calculation example of metric value based on processing load of relay device]
First, an example in which an information processing device (relay device) that relays data calculates a metric value is shown. Here, an example in which a metric value is calculated based on the processing load of the relay device is shown. As described above, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 have a function of estimating or observing the computer processing load amount of the own apparatus. In this case, the metric value ML (Metric Link) 1 can be calculated using the following equation 2.
ML1 = fm (r, ef) × (1.0+ (PL1 / C1)) Equation 2

  Here, PL1 is a value indicating the processing load amount of the own apparatus. C1 is a constant.

  Further, fm (r, ef) is Ca shown in the above-described formula 1. That is, fm (r, ef) = Ca. R is a value indicating the transmission rate, and ef is a value indicating the packet error rate. As for fm (r, ef), the same applies to Expressions 3 to 11.

  Thus, the metric value calculated using the parameters of the transmission rate r and the packet error rate ef can be corrected using the processing load amount PL1. As a result, the metric value of the relay device can be increased as the processing load amount of the relay device increases.

  As described above, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 can calculate a metric value (communication path quality value) used when selecting a communication path based on the processing load of the information processing apparatus 100. The control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 can select a communication path based on the metric value (communication path quality value). That is, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 can select a communication path based on the processing load amount of the information processing apparatus 100.

  In this way, it is possible to make it difficult to select a communication path that passes through a relay device having a large processing load by performing correction to increase the metric value of the relay device in accordance with an increase in the processing load amount of the relay device. .

[Example of obtaining the processing load based on the number of relay paths]
Next, an example in which the processing load amount is obtained based on the number of relay paths will be described.

  As described above, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 store the relay path transfer destination information management table (for example, the relay path transfer destination information management table illustrated in FIG. 3) in the storage unit (corresponding to the storage unit 130 illustrated in FIG. 2). 200).

  Therefore, the number of entries EN1 in the transfer destination information management table of the relay path can be used as an index of the processing load of the relay device. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the number of entries EN1 in the transfer destination information management table 200 of the relay path held by the information processing apparatus 104 is four.

Further, the metric value ML3 can be calculated using the following expression 3.
ML2 = fm (r, ef) × (1.0+ (EN1 / C2)) Equation 3

  Here, C2 is a constant.

  As described above, the metric value calculated using the parameters of the transmission rate r and the packet error rate ef can be corrected using the entry number EN1 of the forwarding destination information management table of the relay path. As a result, the metric value of the relay device can be increased as the processing load amount of the relay device increases.

  As described above, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 is based on the number of communication paths that pass through the information processing apparatus 100 among the communication paths of information exchanged between the information processing apparatuses constituting the mesh network. The processing load amount of the information processing apparatus 100 can be obtained.

  In this way, it is possible to make it difficult to select a communication path that passes through a relay device having a large processing load by performing correction to increase the metric value of the relay device in accordance with an increase in the processing load amount of the relay device. .

[Example of obtaining processing load based on traffic volume]
Next, an example of obtaining the processing load amount based on the traffic amount is shown. The traffic amount means the amount of data transmitted and received. As described above, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 can measure the transmission / reception traffic volume at regular intervals (or irregularly). Further, the traffic amount QT1 per unit time can be obtained based on the traffic amount thus measured.

Therefore, the traffic amount QT1 per unit time can be used as an index of the processing load of the relay device. In this case, the metric value ML3 can be calculated using the following equation 4.
ML3 = fm (r, ef) × (1.0+ (QT1 / C3)) Equation 4

  Here, C3 is a constant.

  In this way, the metric value calculated using the parameters of the transmission rate r and the packet error rate ef can be corrected using the traffic amount QT1 per unit time. As a result, the metric value of the relay device can be increased as the processing load amount of the relay device increases.

  As described above, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 can obtain the processing load amount of the information processing apparatus 100 based on the traffic amount transmitted and received by the information processing apparatus 100.

  In this way, it is possible to make it difficult to select a communication path that passes through a relay device having a large processing load by performing correction to increase the metric value of the relay device in accordance with an increase in the processing load amount of the relay device. .

[Example of obtaining the processing load based on the traffic volume waiting for transfer]
Next, an example in which the processing load amount is obtained based on the transfer waiting traffic amount is shown. As described above, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 can measure the total amount of transmission waiting data stored in the transmission buffer.

Therefore, the total amount of transmission waiting data (transmission waiting data amount QD1) can be used as an index of the processing load of the relay apparatus. In this case, the metric value ML4 is calculated using the following equation (5).
ML4 = fm (r, ef) × (1.0+ (QD1 / BS1)) Equation 5

  Here, BS1 is a value indicating the size of the transmission buffer. In addition, the transmission waiting data amount QD1 shown in Expression 5 is obtained from the data amount of transmission data (however, the own device excludes the data of the transmission source), and the amount of received data (however, the data destined for the own device is excluded). It can be obtained by subtraction.

  Thus, the metric value calculated using the parameters of the transmission rate r and the packet error rate ef can be corrected using the transmission waiting data amount QD1 and the transmission buffer size BS1. As a result, the metric value of the relay device can be increased as the processing load amount of the relay device increases.

  As described above, the control unit 120 of the information processing device 100 is based on the traffic amount related to the information exchanged via the information processing device 100 among the information exchanged between the information processing devices constituting the mesh network. The processing load amount can be obtained. That is, the control unit 120 relates to information passing through the information processing apparatus 100, based on a comparison result between the traffic volume received by the information processing apparatus 100 and the traffic volume transmitted by the information processing apparatus 100. The amount of processing load can be obtained.

  In this way, it is possible to make it difficult to select a communication path that passes through a relay device having a large processing load by performing correction to increase the metric value of the relay device in accordance with an increase in the processing load amount of the relay device. .

[Calculation example of metric value based on communication path congestion]
Next, an example of calculating a metric value based on the degree of congestion of the communication path will be shown. As described above, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 have a function of estimating or observing the degree of congestion of the communication path between adjacent information processing apparatuses. In this case, the metric value ML5 can be calculated using the following Equation 6.
ML5 = fm (r, ef) × (1.0+ (CD1 / C5)) Equation 6

  Here, CD1 is a value indicating the congestion degree of the communication path. C5 is a constant.

  Thus, the metric value calculated using the parameters of the transmission rate r and the packet error rate ef can be corrected using the congestion degree CD1 of the communication path. Thereby, the metric value can be increased according to the degree of congestion of the communication path.

  As described above, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 uses the metric value (communication path quality value) used when selecting a communication path based on the congestion degree of the communication path between the information processing apparatus 100 and another information processing apparatus. ) Can be calculated. The control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 can select a communication path based on the metric value (communication path quality value). That is, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 can select a communication path based on the degree of congestion of the communication path between the information processing apparatus 100 and another information processing apparatus.

  In this way, by performing correction to increase the metric value according to the high degree of congestion of the communication path, it is possible to easily select a communication path with a low communication path congestion level.

[Example of obtaining the congestion degree of the communication route based on the number of retransmissions]
Next, an example in which the congestion degree of the communication path is obtained based on the number of retransmissions will be shown. For example, when the number of retransmissions is large, it can be estimated that there are many collisions, so it can be estimated that the degree of congestion of the communication path is high.

  As described above, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 can measure the average number of packet retransmissions at regular intervals for each transmission destination apparatus. Further, the average number of packet retransmissions PT1 per unit time can be obtained based on the average number of packet retransmissions thus measured.

Therefore, the average number of packet retransmissions PT1 per unit time can be used as an indicator of the congestion degree of the communication path. In this case, the metric value ML6 can be calculated using the following Expression 7.
ML6 = fm (r, ef) × (1.0+ (PT1 / C6)) Equation 7

  Here, C6 is a constant.

  Thus, the metric value calculated using the parameters of the transmission rate r and the packet error rate ef can be corrected using the average number of packet retransmissions PT1 per unit time. Thereby, the metric value can be increased according to the degree of congestion of the communication path.

  As described above, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 can obtain the congestion degree of the communication path between the information processing apparatus 100 and another information processing apparatus based on the number of retransmissions of the information processing apparatus 100.

  In this way, by performing correction to increase the metric value according to the high degree of congestion of the communication path, it is possible to easily select a communication path with a low communication path congestion level.

[Example of determining the degree of congestion of a communication path based on the number of adjacent information processing apparatuses]
Next, an example in which the degree of congestion of the communication path is obtained based on the number of adjacent information processing apparatuses will be described. For example, when the number of adjacent information processing apparatuses is large, it can be estimated that the degree of congestion of the communication path is high.

  As described above, each of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 configuring the communication system 10 stores the adjacent device information management table (for example, the adjacent device information management illustrated in FIG. 4) in the storage unit (corresponding to the storage unit 130 illustrated in FIG. 2). Table 210).

  Therefore, the number of entries EN2 in the adjacent device information management table can be used as an indicator of the congestion degree of the communication path. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the number of entries EN2 in the adjacent device information management table 210 held by the information processing device 100 is four.

Further, the metric value ML7 can be calculated using the following equation (8).
ML7 = fm (r, ef) × (1.0+ (EN2 / C7)) Equation 8

  Here, C7 is a constant.

  As described above, the metric value calculated using the parameters of the transmission rate r and the packet error rate ef can be corrected using the entry number EN2 of the neighboring device information management table 210. Thereby, the metric value can be increased according to the degree of congestion of the communication path.

  As described above, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 is based on the number of information processing apparatuses that can directly communicate with the information processing apparatus 100 among the information processing apparatuses constituting the mesh network. The degree of congestion of the communication path between them can be obtained.

  In this way, by performing correction to increase the metric value according to the high degree of congestion of the communication path, it is possible to easily select a communication path with a low communication path congestion level.

[Example of determining the degree of congestion of a communication path based on the number of adjacent information processing apparatuses]
Next, an example in which the congestion degree of the communication path is obtained based on the number of adjacent information processing apparatuses will be described. As described above, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 can receive a beacon of an adjacent information processing apparatus by a scanning operation. Therefore, each of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 can grasp the existence of a BSS (Basic Service Set) apparatus (beacon transmission adjacent apparatus) that does not participate in the mesh network.

Therefore, the number BT1 of BSS beacon transmission neighboring devices not participating in the mesh network can be used as an indicator of the congestion degree of the communication path. In this case, the metric value ML8 can be calculated using the following Expression 9.
ML8 = fm (r, ef) × (1.0+ (BT1 / C8)) Equation 9

  Here, C8 is a constant.

  Thus, the metric value calculated using the parameters of the transmission rate r and the packet error rate ef can be corrected by using the number BT1 of beacon transmission neighboring devices of the BSS not participating in the mesh network. Thereby, the metric value can be increased according to the degree of congestion of the communication path.

  In this way, by performing correction to increase the metric value according to the high degree of congestion of the communication path, it is possible to easily select a communication path with a low communication path congestion level.

[Example of determining the congestion degree of a communication path based on jitter of communication delay]
Next, an example in which the congestion degree of the communication path is obtained based on the fluctuation amount (jitter) of the communication delay (communication delay) is shown. As described above, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 can observe a communication delay periodically (or irregularly). Therefore, each of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 can obtain the standard deviation of the observed communication delay and can grasp the magnitude of the fluctuation amount from the average value.

Therefore, the standard deviation value VS1 of the communication delay can be used as an indicator of the congestion degree of the communication path. In this case, the metric value ML9 can be calculated using the following equation (10).
ML9 = fm (r, ef) × (1.0+ (VS1 / C9)) Equation 10

  Here, C9 is a constant.

  As described above, the metric value calculated using the parameters of the transmission rate r and the packet error rate ef can be corrected using the standard deviation VS1 of the communication delay. Thereby, the metric value can be increased according to the degree of congestion of the communication path.

  As described above, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 can obtain the degree of congestion of the communication path between the own apparatus and the other apparatus based on the fluctuation amount of the communication delay related to the information processing apparatus 100.

  In this way, by performing correction to increase the metric value according to the high degree of congestion of the communication path, it is possible to easily select a communication path with a low communication path congestion level.

[Example of changing the weight used to calculate the metric value according to the mode]
Next, an example in which the weighting (specific gravity) used for calculating the metric value is changed according to the mode set in the information processing apparatus. As described above, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 have a function of estimating or observing the transfer processing delay amount, the computer processing load amount, and the congestion degree of the communication path between each adjacent device.

  Further, for example, a mode is set in the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 in response to a request from an application. As described above, when the mode is set, the weight (specific gravity) used for calculating the metric value is changed according to the set mode.

For example, the metric value ML10 can be calculated using the following equation 11.
ML10 = fm (r, ef) × W0 × 1.0 + W1 × (QO1 / C10) + W2 × (1.0+ (PL1 / C11)) + W3 × (1.0+ (CD1 / C12)) Equation 11

  As described above, PL1 is a value indicating the processing load amount of the own device. CD1 is a value indicating the degree of congestion of the communication path.

  QO1 is a value indicating the delay amount. This delay amount means a delay time determined according to, for example, a processing delay, a buffer delay, a control unit (for example, CPU) delay, and the like.

  C10, C11, and C12 are constants. Further, C11 may be set to the same value as C1 shown in Expression 2 or may be set to another value. Further, C12 may be set to the same value as C5 shown in Expression 6, or may be set to another value.

  For example, in the information processing apparatus 100, a mode (communication quality mode) is set by an application. Thus, when the mode is set, the parameter is changed according to the set mode. Then, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 calculates the total value of the metric values of each communication path using the new parameter after the change, re-evaluates the calculated total value, and the value is the minimum Select the communication path.

  Thus, the metric value calculated using the parameters of the transmission rate r and the packet error rate ef can be corrected using the delay amount QO1, the processing load amount PL1, and the congestion degree CD1 of the communication path. Accordingly, the metric value can be increased as the delay amount, the processing load amount, and the congestion degree of the communication path increase.

  As described above, the control unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 changes the specific gravity of the element for calculating the communication path quality value used when selecting the communication path based on the application set in the information processing apparatus 100. be able to. For example, the control unit 120 can calculate the communication path quality value based on the changed specific gravity, the communication rate, the packet error rate, the delay amount, the processing load amount, and the congestion level. The control unit 120 can select a communication path based on the communication path quality value. That is, the control unit 120 can select a communication path for exchanging information based on an application set in the information processing apparatus 100.

  In this way, the communication path according to the request for the communication quality mode from the application is selected by performing correction to increase the metric value as the delay amount, processing load amount, and congestion degree of the communication path increase. Can be made easier. That is, it is possible to perform route selection of an appropriate relay path according to the application.

[Operation example of information processing device]
Next, an operation example of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 will be described. Since operations of the information processing apparatuses 101 to 104 are the same as those of the information processing apparatus 100, only the operations of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described here, and descriptions of the other information processing apparatuses will be omitted.

[Example of communication route selection based on processing load of relay device]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication path selection processing by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 6 illustrates an example where the information processing apparatus 100 functions as a relay apparatus. Further, FIG. 6 illustrates an example in the case where the metric value is calculated based on the processing load of the information processing apparatus 100.

  First, the control unit 120 calculates a communication path quality value (metric value) based on the transmission rate and the packet error rate (step S801). For example, the control unit 120 calculates a communication path quality value (metric value) using Equation 1 (step S801).

  Subsequently, the control unit 120 measures the processing load amount of the information processing apparatus 100 (step S802). For example, the control unit 120 can measure the processing load amount of the information processing apparatus 100 based on at least one of the number of relay paths, the traffic amount, and the transfer waiting traffic amount (step S802).

  Subsequently, the control unit 120 corrects the calculated communication path quality value (metric value) based on the processing load amount of the information processing apparatus 100 (step S803). For example, the control unit 120 can correct the calculated communication path quality value (metric value) using Equations 2 to 5 (Step S803).

  Subsequently, the control unit 120 exchanges information including the corrected communication path quality value (metric value) with an information processing apparatus existing in the vicinity (step S804). For example, the control unit 120 can transmit the corrected communication path quality value (metric value) in a beacon (step S804). Note that step S804 is an example of a communication procedure described in the claims.

  Subsequently, the control unit 120 performs a communication path selection process based on the communication path quality value (metric value) acquired by exchange with information processing apparatuses existing in the vicinity (step S805). Note that step S805 is an example of a control procedure described in the claims.

  Subsequently, the control unit 120 determines whether an instruction to end wireless communication has been given (step S806). If an instruction to end wireless communication is given (step S806), the operation of the communication route selection process is ended. On the other hand, if no instruction to end wireless communication is given (step S806), the process returns to step S801.

[Communication route selection example based on communication route congestion]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication path selection processing by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 7 shows an example in the case of calculating a metric value based on the congestion degree of the communication path. The example shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which a part of FIG. 6 is modified. That is, steps S811, S814 to S816 shown in FIG. 7 correspond to steps S801, S804 to S806 shown in FIG. For this reason, below, these description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The control unit 120 measures the congestion degree of the communication path (step S812). For example, the control unit 120 can measure the degree of congestion of the communication path based on at least one of the number of retransmissions, the number of adjacent information processing apparatuses, and communication delay jitter (step S812).

  Subsequently, the control unit 120 corrects the calculated communication path quality value (metric value) based on the degree of congestion of the communication path (step S813). For example, the control unit 120 can correct the calculated communication path quality value (metric value) using Expressions 6 to 10 (Step S813).

[Example of communication route selection when weighting is changed according to mode]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication path selection processing by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 8 shows an example of changing the weight used for calculating the metric value according to the mode. The example shown in FIG. 8 is an example in which a part of FIG. 6 is modified. That is, steps S822 and S826 to S828 shown in FIG. 8 correspond to steps S801 and S804 to S806 shown in FIG. For this reason, below, these description is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, the control unit 120 sets an application in the information processing apparatus 100 (step S821). Various modes (communication quality mode) are set by setting the application (step S821).

  In addition, the control unit 120 sets weights (constants, parameters) corresponding to the set mode (step S824). For example, the control unit 120 sets weighting based on the setting example shown in FIG. 5 (step S824).

  Subsequently, the control unit 120 corrects the calculated communication path quality value (metric value) using the set weight (step S825). For example, the control unit 120 can correct the calculated communication path quality value (metric value) using Equation 11 (step S825).

  In the embodiment of the present technology, an example in which C1 to C12 are constants is shown. However, C1 to C12 may be changed according to the usage mode of the information processing apparatus.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present technology, in selecting the communication route of the mesh network, the communication rate, the packet error rate, the delay, and the number of hops are considered, and the congestion degree of the wireless environment and the processing load of the relay device are reduced. A communication path can be selected in consideration.

  For example, since it becomes difficult to select a communication path that goes through a relay apparatus that performs heavy processing, it is possible to reduce communication delay, reduce communication delay jitter, and increase throughput.

  In addition, for example, since a link with a low degree of congestion in the wireless environment is selected, the quality of the communication path can be stabilized, and communication delay can be reduced, communication delay jitter can be reduced, and throughput can be increased. be able to. In addition, the frequency of switching communication paths is reduced, and a stable communication environment with few instantaneous interruptions and fluctuations can be realized.

  Further, for example, the use of computer resources is distributed to each device, and it is possible to avoid the formation of a multi-hop path in which a specific relay device becomes a bottleneck, and to form a multi-hop path with distributed routes. Thereby, the total communication capacity can be increased.

  Further, for example, since the use of radio resources is distributed, the use of radio resources can be made efficient. Thereby, the total communication capacity can be increased.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present technology, in response to a request from an application, in selecting a communication route of a mesh network, a communication rate, a packet error rate, a delay, the number of hops, a congestion degree, and a processing load of a relay device are considered. Quality communication paths can be selected.

  For example, it is possible to provide a communication environment that responds to different requirements for each application, such as emphasizing communication path stability, emphasizing low delay, emphasizing high throughput, emphasizing low loss, emphasizing low power consumption, etc. it can.

  Thus, according to the embodiment of the present technology, it is possible to extend the communication path selection criterion. And a communication path can be selected appropriately.

<2. Application example>
The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to various products. For example, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 are a smartphone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a mobile terminal such as a portable game terminal or a digital camera, a fixed terminal such as a television receiver, a printer, a digital scanner, or a network storage. Alternatively, it may be realized as an in-vehicle terminal such as a car navigation device. The information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 are also terminals (MTC (Machine Type Communication) terminals) that perform M2M (Machine To Machine) communication, such as smart meters, vending machines, remote monitoring apparatuses, or POS (Point Of Sale) terminals. May also be realized. Further, the information processing apparatuses 100 to 104 may be wireless communication modules (for example, integrated circuit modules configured by one die) mounted on these terminals.

[2-1. First application example]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a smartphone 900 to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The smartphone 900 includes a processor 901, a memory 902, a storage 903, an external connection interface 904, a camera 906, a sensor 907, a microphone 908, an input device 909, a display device 910, a speaker 911, a wireless communication interface 913, an antenna switch 914, an antenna 915, A bus 917, a battery 918, and an auxiliary controller 919 are provided.

  The processor 901 may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a SoC (System on Chip), and controls functions of an application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900. The memory 902 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores programs and data executed by the processor 901. The storage 903 can include a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The external connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting an external device such as a memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device to the smartphone 900.

  The camera 906 includes, for example, an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and generates a captured image. The sensor 907 may include a sensor group such as a positioning sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor. The microphone 908 converts sound input to the smartphone 900 into an audio signal. The input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 910, a keypad, a keyboard, a button, or a switch, and receives an operation or information input from a user. The display device 910 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and displays an output image of the smartphone 900. The speaker 911 converts an audio signal output from the smartphone 900 into audio.

  The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, and performs wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 913 can communicate with other devices via a wireless LAN access point in the infrastructure mode. In addition, the wireless communication interface 913 can directly communicate with other devices in an ad hoc mode or a direct communication mode such as Wi-Fi Direct. In Wi-Fi Direct, unlike the ad hoc mode, one of the two terminals operates as an access point, but communication is performed directly between the terminals. The wireless communication interface 913 can typically include a baseband processor, an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The wireless communication interface 913 may be a one-chip module in which a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and related circuits are integrated. The wireless communication interface 913 may support other types of wireless communication methods such as a short-range wireless communication method, a proximity wireless communication method, or a cellular communication method in addition to the wireless LAN method. The antenna switch 914 switches the connection destination of the antenna 915 among a plurality of circuits (for example, circuits for different wireless communication schemes) included in the wireless communication interface 913. The antenna 915 includes a single antenna element or a plurality of antenna elements (for example, a plurality of antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna), and is used for transmission and reception of radio signals by the radio communication interface 913.

  Note that the smartphone 900 is not limited to the example in FIG. 9, and may include a plurality of antennas (for example, an antenna for a wireless LAN and an antenna for a proximity wireless communication method). In that case, the antenna switch 914 may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

  The bus 917 connects the processor 901, memory 902, storage 903, external connection interface 904, camera 906, sensor 907, microphone 908, input device 909, display device 910, speaker 911, wireless communication interface 913, and auxiliary controller 919 to each other. . The battery 918 supplies power to each block of the smartphone 900 shown in FIG. 9 through a power supply line partially shown by a broken line in the drawing. For example, the auxiliary controller 919 operates the minimum necessary functions of the smartphone 900 in the sleep mode.

  In the smartphone 900 illustrated in FIG. 9, the communication unit 110 and the control unit 120 described using FIG. 2 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. In addition, at least a part of these functions may be implemented in the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919.

  Note that the smartphone 900 may operate as a wireless access point (software AP) when the processor 901 executes the access point function at the application level. Further, the wireless communication interface 913 may have a wireless access point function.

[2-2. Second application example]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a car navigation device 920 to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The car navigation device 920 includes a processor 921, a memory 922, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module 924, a sensor 925, a data interface 926, a content player 927, a storage medium interface 928, an input device 929, a display device 930, a speaker 931, and wireless communication. An interface 933, an antenna switch 934, an antenna 935, and a battery 938 are provided.

  The processor 921 may be a CPU or SoC, for example, and controls the navigation function and other functions of the car navigation device 920. The memory 922 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data executed by the processor 921.

  The GPS module 924 measures the position (for example, latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the car navigation device 920 using GPS signals received from GPS satellites. The sensor 925 may include a sensor group such as a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an atmospheric pressure sensor. The data interface 926 is connected to the in-vehicle network 941 through a terminal (not shown), for example, and acquires data generated on the vehicle side such as vehicle speed data.

  The content player 927 reproduces content stored in a storage medium (for example, CD or DVD) inserted into the storage medium interface 928. The input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor, a button, or a switch that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 930, and receives an operation or information input from the user. The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD or an OLED display, and displays a navigation function or an image of content to be reproduced. The speaker 931 outputs the navigation function or the audio of the content to be played back.

  The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, and performs wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 933 can communicate with other devices via a wireless LAN access point in the infrastructure mode. In addition, the wireless communication interface 933 can directly communicate with other devices in an ad hoc mode or a direct communication mode such as Wi-Fi Direct. The wireless communication interface 933 may typically include a baseband processor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The wireless communication interface 933 may be a one-chip module in which a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and related circuits are integrated. In addition to the wireless LAN system, the wireless communication interface 933 may support other types of wireless communication systems such as a short-range wireless communication system, a proximity wireless communication system, or a cellular communication system. The antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of the antenna 935 among a plurality of circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933. The antenna 935 includes a single antenna element or a plurality of antenna elements, and is used for transmission and reception of a radio signal by the radio communication interface 933.

  In addition, it is not limited to the example of FIG. 10, The car navigation apparatus 920 may be provided with a plurality of antennas. In that case, the antenna switch 934 may be omitted from the configuration of the car navigation device 920.

  The battery 938 supplies power to each block of the car navigation device 920 shown in FIG. 10 through a power supply line partially shown by a broken line in the drawing. Further, the battery 938 stores electric power supplied from the vehicle side.

  In the car navigation device 920 illustrated in FIG. 10, the communication unit 110 and the control unit 120 described with reference to FIG. 2 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. Further, at least a part of these functions may be implemented in the processor 921.

  In addition, the technology according to the present disclosure may be realized as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 including one or more blocks of the car navigation device 920 described above, an in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. The vehicle-side module 942 generates vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed, engine speed, or failure information, and outputs the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941.

  The above-described embodiment shows an example for embodying the present technology, and the matters in the embodiment and the invention-specific matters in the claims have a corresponding relationship. Similarly, the invention specific matter in the claims and the matter in the embodiment of the present technology having the same name as this have a corresponding relationship. However, the present technology is not limited to the embodiment, and can be embodied by making various modifications to the embodiment without departing from the gist thereof.

  Further, the processing procedure described in the above embodiment may be regarded as a method having a series of these procedures, and a program for causing a computer to execute these series of procedures or a recording medium storing the program. You may catch it. As this recording medium, for example, a CD (Compact Disc), an MD (MiniDisc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a memory card, a Blu-ray disc (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), or the like can be used.

  In addition, the effect described in this specification is an illustration to the last, Comprising: It does not limit and there may exist another effect.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1)
A communication unit for exchanging information with each information processing device constituting a network in which the plurality of information processing devices are connected to each other by performing a one-to-one wireless communication with the plurality of information processing devices;
A control unit that performs control to select a communication path for exchanging the information based on a processing load amount of the own apparatus or a degree of congestion of a communication path between the own apparatus and another information processing apparatus. Information processing apparatus.
(2)
The control unit calculates a communication path quality value used when selecting the communication path based on the processing load amount or the congestion level, and selects the communication path based on the communication path quality value. The information processing apparatus according to 1).
(3)
The control unit obtains the processing load amount based on the number of communication paths passing through the own apparatus among communication paths of information exchanged between information processing apparatuses constituting the network (1) Or the information processing apparatus according to (2).
(4)
The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit obtains the processing load amount based on a traffic amount transmitted and received by the own device.
(5)
The control unit transmits the amount of traffic received by the own device regarding information exchanged via the own device out of information exchanged between information processing devices constituting the network, and the own device transmits The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the processing load amount is obtained based on a comparison result with a traffic amount.
(6)
The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit obtains the degree of congestion based on the number of retransmissions of the own apparatus.
(7)
The control unit obtains the degree of congestion based on the number of information processing devices that can directly communicate with the own device among the information processing devices constituting the network. The information processing apparatus according to any one of the above.
(8)
The said control part is information processing apparatus in any one of said (1) to (7) which calculates | requires the said congestion degree based on the fluctuation amount of the communication delay regarding the said own apparatus.
(9)
A communication unit for exchanging information with each information processing device constituting a network in which the plurality of information processing devices are connected to each other by performing a one-to-one wireless communication with the plurality of information processing devices;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs control to select a communication path for exchanging the information based on an application set in the own apparatus.
(10)
The information processing apparatus according to (9), wherein the control unit changes a specific gravity of an element for calculating a communication path quality value used when selecting the communication path based on the set application.
(11)
The control unit calculates the communication path quality value based on the changed specific gravity, the communication rate, the packet error rate, the delay amount, the processing load amount, and the congestion degree. The information processing apparatus according to (10), wherein the communication path is selected based on the communication path quality value.
(12)
A communication procedure for exchanging information with each information processing device constituting a network in which the plurality of information processing devices are connected to each other by performing a one-to-one wireless communication with the plurality of information processing devices;
Information processing comprising: a processing load amount of the own device, or a control procedure for selecting a communication path for exchanging the information based on a degree of congestion of the communication path between the own device and another information processing device Method.
(13)
A communication procedure for exchanging information with each information processing device constituting a network in which the plurality of information processing devices are connected to each other by performing a one-to-one wireless communication with the plurality of information processing devices;
Causing a computer to execute a control procedure for selecting a communication path for exchanging the information based on a processing load amount of the own apparatus or a degree of congestion of a communication path between the own apparatus and another information processing apparatus program.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Communication system 100-104 Information processing apparatus 110 Communication part 120 Control part 130 Storage part 140 Power supply part 900 Smartphone 901 Processor 902 Memory 903 Storage 904 External connection interface 906 Camera 907 Sensor 908 Microphone 909 Input device 910 Display device 911 Speaker 913 Wireless Communication interface 914 Antenna switch 915 Antenna 917 Bus 918 Battery 919 Auxiliary controller 920 Car navigation device 921 Processor 922 Memory 924 GPS module 925 Sensor 926 Data interface 927 Content player 928 Storage media interface 929 Input device 930 Display device 931 Speaker 933 Wireless Shin interface 934 antenna switch 935 antenna 938 battery 941-vehicle network 942 vehicle-side module

Claims (13)

A communication unit for exchanging information with each information processing device constituting a network in which the plurality of information processing devices are connected to each other by performing a one-to-one wireless communication between the plurality of information processing devices;
A control unit that performs control to select a communication path for exchanging the information based on a processing load amount of the own apparatus or a degree of congestion of a communication path between the own apparatus and another information processing apparatus. Information processing apparatus.   The control unit calculates a communication path quality value used when selecting the communication path based on the processing load amount or the degree of congestion, and selects the communication path based on the communication path quality value. 1. An information processing apparatus according to 1.   The said control part calculates | requires the said processing load amount based on the number of the communication paths which pass through the said own apparatus among the communication paths of the information exchanged between each information processing apparatus which comprises the said network. Information processing device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit obtains the processing load amount based on a traffic amount transmitted and received by the own apparatus.   The control unit transmits the amount of traffic received by the own device regarding information exchanged via the own device out of information exchanged between information processing devices constituting the network, and the own device transmits The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing load amount is obtained based on a comparison result with a traffic amount.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit obtains the degree of congestion based on the number of retransmissions of the own apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit obtains the degree of congestion based on the number of information processing apparatuses that can directly communicate with the own apparatus among the information processing apparatuses configuring the network.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit obtains the degree of congestion based on a fluctuation amount of communication delay related to the own apparatus. A communication unit for exchanging information with each information processing device constituting a network in which the plurality of information processing devices are connected to each other by performing a one-to-one wireless communication between the plurality of information processing devices;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs control to select a communication path for exchanging the information based on an application set in the own apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit changes a specific gravity of an element for calculating a communication path quality value used when selecting the communication path based on the set application.   The control unit calculates the communication path quality value based on the changed specific gravity, the communication rate, the packet error rate, the delay amount, the processing load amount, and the congestion degree. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the communication path is selected based on the communication path quality value. A communication procedure for exchanging information with each information processing device constituting a network in which the plurality of information processing devices are connected to each other by performing a one-to-one wireless communication with the plurality of information processing devices;
Information processing comprising: a processing load amount of the own device, or a control procedure for selecting a communication path for exchanging the information based on a degree of congestion of the communication path between the own device and another information processing device Method. A communication procedure for exchanging information with each information processing device constituting a network in which the plurality of information processing devices are connected to each other by performing a one-to-one wireless communication with the plurality of information processing devices;
Causing a computer to execute a control procedure for selecting a communication path for exchanging the information based on a processing load amount of the own apparatus or a degree of congestion of a communication path between the own apparatus and another information processing apparatus program.

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