JP2019153914A - Wireless communication method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a wireless communication system capable of performing high-speed and high-precision wireless communication without causing deterioration of wireless communication performance even in a narrow space where a large number of wireless communication terminals exist.SOLUTION: In a wireless communication system 1000, by using a time slot defined in common on the basis of information on all devices included in the wireless communication system 1000 (information indicating communication status, information indicating communication performance, etc.), a single channel can be used by many wireless systems in time division. In the wireless communication system 1000, time slots can be defined in consideration of various conditions. Therefore, in the wireless communication system 1000, for example, even in an environment where communication that requires high-speed processing and communication that does not require high-speed processing are mixed, efficient communication can be realized while satisfying the conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication technology, and more particularly to a wireless communication technology capable of assigning a plurality of wireless LAN systems to the same channel.

  In recent years, a full-scale IoT (Internet of Things) era has arrived, and IoT technology is utilized in various fields such as manufacturing and infrastructure. For example, in a factory, an IoT device is attached to a manufacturing system such as a robot or a machine, and the operation status of the device / machine is grasped, controlled, and quality management is performed via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). On the other hand, in a factory where many manufacturing systems are densely arranged, a plurality of wireless devices try to communicate at the same time, so there is a problem that packet collisions occur frequently and packet loss and delay occur.

  As a technique for avoiding packet collision, there are allocation of a channel to be used, interference detection, channel change at the time of interference detection, and transmission power control. For example, it is conceivable to change the channel to be used using the technique described in Patent Document 1.

  Assuming control using a centralized control device (for example, a controller), a control device is prepared, and an access point (AP: Access Point) of a wireless LAN system to be controlled is connected to the centralized system via, for example, a network. Connect to the control unit. The control device can prevent the occurrence of packet collision by performing the above-described control on the AP connected to the central control apparatus.

JP 2013-93708 A

  However, when the above technique is used, if there are many wireless LAN systems, channels overlap on the frequency axis and inter-system interference occurs. Also, in an environment where wireless LAN systems are close to each other, in order to suppress interference with other wireless LAN systems, it is necessary to make transmission power of each device in the wireless LAN system very small. When the transmission power of each device in the wireless LAN system is very small, wireless communication between the devices cannot be performed properly, and as a result, the communication performance of the wireless LAN system is deteriorated.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention is a wireless that can perform high-speed and high-accuracy wireless communication without causing deterioration in wireless communication performance even in a narrow space where a large number of wireless communication terminals exist. An object is to realize a wireless communication method and program executed in a communication system.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first invention is a wireless communication method used in a wireless communication system including one or a plurality of wireless terminals and including a plurality of wireless systems. The wireless communication method includes a time slot definition step, a time slot allocation information generation step, and a wireless communication step.

  The time slot definition step defines a time slot for use in common among a plurality of wireless systems. In the time slot definition step, the slot length of the time slot and the slot start time are determined.

  The time slot allocation information generation step generates time slot allocation information, which is information on time slots allocated to each of the devices included in the plurality of radio systems, based on at least one communication related information of the radio system and the radio terminal.

  The wireless communication step performs wireless communication using a channel used in the wireless communication system by a device assigned by the time slot assignment information during a period defined by the assigned time slot by the time slot assignment information.

  In this wireless communication method, a large number of one channel is created by using time slots defined in common based on information (information indicating communication status, information indicating communication performance, etc.) of all devices included in the wireless communication system. Wireless systems can be used in a time-sharing manner. In this wireless communication method, as described above, the time slot can be defined in consideration of various conditions of the devices included in the wireless communication system. Therefore, in this wireless communication method, for example, even in an environment where communication that requires high-speed processing such as robot control and communication that does not require high-speed processing such as processing for collecting measurement data by sensors are mixed, Efficient communication can be realized while satisfying the above conditions.

  In other words, in this wireless communication method, a large number of wireless communication terminals exist because a large number of wireless systems can use one channel in a time division manner using the time slots defined in common as described above. Even in a narrow space, wireless communication with high speed and high accuracy can be performed without causing deterioration in wireless communication performance.

  2nd invention is 1st invention, Comprising: Communication related information is the amount of traffic, packet generation period, packet generation timing, packet size, permissible delay, information on whether it is handshake communication, traffic amount, and , Including at least one of communication error information.

  Thereby, in this wireless communication method, time slot allocation information can be appropriately generated based on communication-related information in consideration of at least one of the above information.

  The third invention is the first or second invention, wherein the time slot allocation information generation step collects communication-related information at a predetermined timing from at least one of the radio system and the radio terminal, and collects the communication-related information collected. Based on the information, it is determined whether or not the time slot allocation information should be updated. When it is determined that the time slot allocation information should be updated, the time slot allocation information generation step updates the time slot allocation information based on the collected communication related information, and the updated time slot allocation information is updated. , Transmit to wireless system and wireless terminal.

  Thereby, in this radio communication method, the time slot allocation information can be updated dynamically. That is, in this wireless communication method, high-speed and high-accuracy wireless communication can be ensured even in a narrowly changing space by dynamically updating the time slot allocation information according to changes in the wireless environment.

  A fourth invention is any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the time slot definition step collects communication-related information at a predetermined timing from at least one of the radio system and the radio terminal, and collects the collected communication. Based on the related information, it is determined whether or not to redefine a time slot that is currently commonly used by devices included in the wireless communication system. When it is determined that the time slot is to be redefined, the time slot definition step executes a time slot redefinition process for determining the slot length of the time slot and the slot start time based on the collected communication-related information. The time slot definition information acquired by the definition process is transmitted to the wireless system and the wireless terminal.

  Thereby, in this wireless communication method, the definition information of the time slot can be updated dynamically. In other words, in this wireless communication method, the time slot definition information is dynamically updated in accordance with changes in the wireless environment, so that high-speed and high-accuracy wireless communication can be ensured even in a rapidly changing narrow space. .

The fifth invention is any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the time slot allocation information generation step includes an upper layer allocation information generation step and a lower layer allocation information generation step.
(1) The upper layer allocation information generation step acquires the upper layer allocation information by determining the number of time slots to be allocated to each of the plurality of radio systems based on communication related information of the radio system.
(2) The lower layer allocation information generation step determines a time slot to be allocated to each of the devices included in each of the plurality of radio systems in the period of the number of time slots allocated by the upper layer allocation information. Get information.

  Thereby, in this wireless communication method, time slot allocation information can be generated hierarchically.

  6th invention is 5th invention, Comprising: A radio | wireless communications system contains a coordinator apparatus and the access point apparatus contained in each radio | wireless system, a coordinator apparatus performs a high-order hierarchy allocation information generation step, The access point device of the system executes a lower layer allocation information generation step.

  Thereby, in this wireless communication method, the time slot allocation information generation processing can be distributed to the access point devices of a plurality of wireless systems. Therefore, with this wireless communication method, the processing load of the time slot allocation information generation processing of the coordinator device can be reduced.

  The seventh invention is any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the time slot allocation information generating step is information indicating that a plurality of devices are allowed to communicate in a predetermined time slot period. Is generated.

  As a result, a plurality of devices can communicate within a predetermined time slot. For example, communication such as handshake communication can be executed within a predetermined time slot.

  An eighth invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the wireless communication method according to any one of the first to seventh inventions.

  Accordingly, it is possible to realize a program for causing a computer to execute the wireless communication method according to any one of the first to seventh inventions.

  According to the present invention, even in a narrow space where a large number of wireless communication terminals exist, the wireless communication system can perform high-speed and high-accuracy wireless communication without causing deterioration in wireless communication performance. Wireless communication method and program can be realized.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless communication system 1000 according to a first embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a coordinator device 100 according to a first embodiment. The schematic block diagram of 1st access point AP1-1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radio terminal STA1-1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining time slot definition processing and time slot allocation processing in the wireless communication system 1000. The figure which shows the data format (an example) of time slot allocation information, and the corresponding table of a connection apparatus and node ID. The figure which shows the data format (an example) of time slot allocation information. FIG. 8 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform communication in a time division manner using one channel based on the data D_slot of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform communication in a time division manner using one channel based on the data D_slot of FIG. 7. The sequence diagram for demonstrating the dynamic update process in the radio | wireless communications system 1000. FIG. The timing chart in case a some radio | wireless system communicates by a time division by one channel. 6 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform communication in a time division manner using one channel after updating the time slot allocation information. 6 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform communication in a time division manner using one channel after updating the time slot allocation information. The sequence diagram for demonstrating the dynamic update process (in the case of apparatus insertion / deletion) in the radio | wireless communications system 1000. FIG. The schematic block diagram of the radio | wireless communications system 1000A of a 1st modification. The schematic block diagram of the coordinator apparatus 100A of a 1st modification. The schematic block diagram of 1st access point AP1A-1 of a 1st modification. The schematic block diagram of radio | wireless terminal STA1A-1 of a 1st modification. The figure for demonstrating the hierarchical time slot allocation information used with 1000 A of radio | wireless communications systems of a 1st modification. The figure which shows the data format (an example) of time slot allocation information. The timing chart of the communication performed in the radio | wireless communications system when data D_slot is set as shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the case where communication is mounted by software (for example, firmware) using the time slot allocated by the time slot definition information (data D_slot). The figure which shows CPU bus structure.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<1.1: Configuration of wireless communication system>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless communication system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the coordinator device 100 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the first access point AP1-1 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the radio terminal STA1-1 according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system 1000 includes a coordinator device 100, a first wireless system SYS1, a second wireless system SYS2, and a third wireless system SYS3. The coordinator device 100, the first wireless system SYS1, the second wireless system SYS2, and the third wireless system SYS3 are each connected to a network NW1 (for example, a wired network) as shown in FIG. They can communicate with each other.

  Note that the wireless communication system 1000 includes a plurality of wireless systems. For convenience of explanation, the case where the number of wireless systems included in the wireless communication system 1000 is “3” will be described below as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of wireless systems included in the wireless communication system 1000 may be a number other than “3”.

(1.1.1: Coordinator device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the coordinator apparatus 100 includes a time slot definition unit 11, a time slot allocation information generation unit 12, a radio system information acquisition / holding unit 13, a first communication processing unit 14, and a first communication interface 15. With.

  The time slot definition unit 11 executes processing for defining time slots used in the wireless communication system 1000 (time slot definition processing). The time slot definition unit 11 receives the radio system information Info_sys output from the radio system information acquisition and holding unit 13, executes time slot definition processing based on the radio system information Info_sys, and defines (defines) the time slot. Data necessary for this is acquired as data D_slot_def. Then, the time slot definition unit 11 outputs the acquired data D_slot_def to the first communication processing unit 14. In addition, the time slot definition unit 11 acquires data D_slot_def necessary for defining a time slot as an initial value based on, for example, the initial state of the wireless communication system 1000 or the steady state of the wireless environment, and the acquired data D_slot_def is output to the first communication processing unit 14.

  The time slot allocation information generation unit 12 receives the radio system information Info_sys output from the radio system information acquisition holding unit 13. The time slot allocation information generation unit 12 generates time slot allocation information used in the radio communication system 1000, and outputs the generated time slot allocation information as data D_slot to the first communication processing unit 14.

  The wireless system information acquisition / holding unit 13 receives the data D12 output from the first communication processing unit 14. The wireless system information acquisition holding unit 13 acquires information on each wireless system, information on access points included in each wireless system, and / or information on wireless terminals from the data D12.

  The first communication processing unit 14 outputs data D11 to the first communication interface 15 when transmitting data to the network NW1. Further, when receiving data from the network NW1, the first communication processing unit 14 inputs data D11 from the first communication interface 15. Also, the first communication processing unit 14 uses the data D11 input from the first communication interface 15 to include data on each wireless system, information on access points included in each wireless system, and / or data on information on wireless terminals. D12 is acquired, and the acquired data D21 is output to the wireless system information acquisition holding unit 13. Further, the first communication processing unit 14 performs data D_slot_def output from the time slot definition unit 11 and data D_slot output from the time slot allocation information generation unit 12, and includes data including the data D_slot_def and / or data D_slot. The generated data is output to the first communication interface 15 as data D11 (data for transmission).

  The first communication interface 15 is a communication interface for performing data transmission / reception with an external device via the network NW1. The first communication interface 15 converts the data D11 output from the first communication processing unit 14 into data D1_out in a format that can be communicated via the network NW1, and transmits the data D1_out via the network NW1. The first communication interface 15 receives the data D1_in via the network NW1. The first communication interface 15 converts the received data D1_in into data D11 that can be processed by the first communication processing unit 14, and outputs the data D11 to the first communication processing unit 14.

(1.1.2: First wireless system)
As shown in FIG. 1, the first radio system SYS1 includes a first access point AP1-1, two radio terminals STA1-1, and radio terminals STA1-2. Note that the first wireless system SYS1 may include three or more wireless terminals.

(1.1.2.1: First access point)
As shown in FIG. 3, the first access point AP1-1 includes a second communication interface 21, a second communication processing unit 22, an RF processing unit 23, a time slot information storage unit 24, and radio system information acquisition and holding. A section 25 and an antenna Ant1 are provided.

  The second communication interface 21 is a communication interface for performing data transmission / reception with an external device via the network NW1. The second communication interface 21 converts the data D21 output from the second communication processing unit 22 into data D2_out in a format that can be communicated via the network NW1, and transmits the data D2_out via the network NW1. The second communication interface 21 receives data D2_in via the network NW1. The second communication interface 21 converts the received data D2_in into data D21 that can be processed by the second communication processing unit 22, and outputs the data D21 to the second communication processing unit 22.

  The second communication processing unit 22 outputs data D21 to the second communication interface 21 when transmitting data to the network NW1. The second communication processing unit 22 inputs data D21 from the second communication interface 21 when receiving data from the network NW1. Further, the second communication processing unit 22 acquires data D_slot including time slot allocation information from the data D 21 input from the second communication interface 21, and outputs the acquired data D_slot to the time slot information storage unit 24. Further, the second communication processing unit 22 acquires data D_slot_def including information (time slot definition information) for defining a time slot from the data D21 input from the second communication interface 21, and uses the acquired data D_slot_def as a time. The data is output to the slot information storage unit 24. In addition, the second communication processing unit 22 acquires, from the data D22 output from the RF processing unit 23, data D23 including information on the first wireless system SYS1 that is a wireless system including the access point AP1-1. The data D23 is output to the wireless system information acquisition / holding unit 25. Further, the second communication processing unit 22 receives the information Info_sys (SYS1) of the first wireless system output from the wireless system information acquisition holding unit 25.

  The RF processing unit 23 receives the data D22 output from the second communication processing unit 22, performs RF processing for transmission (RF modulation processing or the like) on the input data D22, and passes through the antenna Ant1. An RF signal RF2_out that can be transmitted to the outside is acquired. Then, the RF processing unit 23 transmits the RF signal RF2_out to the outside via the antenna Ant1. In addition, the RF processing unit 23 receives the RF signal RF2_in from the outside via the antenna Ant1, performs a reception RF process (RF demodulation process or the like) on the received RF signal RF2_in, and performs a second communication process Data D22 that can be processed by the unit 22 is acquired, and the acquired data D22 is output to the second communication processing unit 22.

  The time slot information storage unit 24 receives data D_slot and / or data D_slot_def output from the second communication processing unit 22 and stores the input data. Further, the time slot information storage unit 24 outputs the stored data D_slot and / or data D_slot_def to the second communication processing unit 22 in accordance with a command from the second communication processing unit 22.

  The wireless system information acquisition holding unit 25 receives the data D23 output from the second communication processing unit 22, acquires the information Info_sys (SYS1) of the first wireless system SYS1 from the data D23, and acquires the acquired information Info_sys (SYS1). ) Is stored (held). In addition, the wireless system information acquisition holding unit 25 outputs the stored information Info_sys (SYS 1) to the second communication processing unit 22 in accordance with a command from the second communication processing unit 22.

(1.1.2.2: Wireless terminal)
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the wireless terminal STA1-1 includes an antenna Ant2, an RF processing unit 31, a third communication processing unit 32, a time slot information storage unit 33, and a wireless terminal information acquisition holding unit 34. .

  The RF processing unit 31 receives the RF signal RF3_in from the outside via the antenna Ant2, performs RF processing for reception (RF demodulation processing or the like) on the received RF signal RF3_in, and the third communication processing unit 32 Is acquired, and the acquired data D31 is output to the third communication processing unit 32. In addition, the RF processing unit 31 receives the data D31 output from the third communication processing unit 32, performs RF processing for transmission (RF modulation processing or the like) on the input data D31, and sets the antenna Ant2. An RF signal RF3_out that can be transmitted to the outside is acquired. Then, the RF processing unit 31 transmits the RF signal RF3_out to the outside via the antenna Ant2.

  The third communication processing unit 32 receives data D31 from the RF processing unit 31 when receiving data from the outside via the antenna Ant2, and transmits data to the outside via the antenna Ant2 to the RF processing unit 31. Data D31 is output. The third communication processing unit 32 acquires data D_slot including time slot allocation information from the data D31 input from the RF processing unit 31, and outputs the acquired data D_slot to the time slot information storage unit 33. Further, the third communication processing unit 32 acquires data D_slot_def including information (time slot definition information) for defining a time slot from the data D31 input from the RF processing unit 31, and uses the acquired data D_slot_def as the time slot. Output to the information storage unit 33. Further, the third communication processing unit 32 acquires data D32 including information of the wireless terminal STA1-1 from the data D31 output from the RF processing unit 31, and the acquired data D32 is stored in the wireless terminal information acquisition holding unit 34. Output. Also, the third communication processing unit 32 inputs the information Info_sys (STA1-1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1 output from the wireless terminal information acquisition and holding unit 34.

  The second radio system SYS2 and the third radio system SYS3 have the same configuration as the first radio system SYS1. Further, the second access point AP2-1 of the second wireless system SYS2 has the same configuration as the first access point AP1-1.

  In addition, the wireless terminal STA1-2 of the first wireless system SYS1, the wireless terminal STA2-1 and the wireless terminal STA2-2 of the second wireless system SYS2, and the wireless terminal STA3-1 and the wireless terminal STA3-2 of the third wireless system SYS3 are Both have the same configuration as that of the wireless terminal STA1-1.

<1.2: Operation of wireless communication system>
The operation of the wireless communication system 1000 configured as described above will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(1.2.1: Basic operation)
First, the basic operation of the wireless communication system 1000 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining time slot definition processing and time slot allocation processing in the wireless communication system 1000. Hereinafter, the operation of the wireless communication system 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data format (one example) of time slot allocation information and a correspondence table between connected devices and node IDs.

(Step S1):
In step S <b> 1, the time slot definition unit 11 of the coordinator device 100 executes a process for defining a time slot used in the wireless communication system 1000 (time slot definition process).

  The time slot definition unit 11 acquires data D_slot_def necessary for defining a time slot as an initial value based on, for example, the initial state of the wireless communication system 1000 or the steady state of the wireless environment.

  For example, when the wireless communication system 1000 is installed in a narrow space such as a factory, the steady state of the wireless environment of the first wireless system SYS1, the second wireless system SYS2, and the third wireless system SYS3 (for example, a carrier vehicle) And the state of the wireless environment when there is no movement of a person), based on the steady state, the time slot definition unit 11 can use (1) Time slot for use in a plurality of wireless systems. Determine the slot length and (2) the slot start time. Then, the time slot definition unit 11 generates data D_slot_def including the determined (1) slot length and (2) slot start time, and outputs the generated data D_slot_def to the first communication processing unit 14.

  The coordinator apparatus 100 collects information such as device information and communication status from each access point (access points AP1-1, AP2-1, AP3-1) and wireless terminals included in each wireless system, for example, Based on the collected information, (1) the slot length of the time slot and (2) the slot start time for use in a plurality of wireless systems may be determined.

(Step S2):
In step S2, the coordinator apparatus 100 executes time slot allocation information generation processing. Specifically, the process is executed as follows.

  The coordinator apparatus 100 uses the first communication processing unit 14 to generate data (request data) for requesting information necessary for time slot allocation from each wireless system and wireless terminals included in each wireless system. The request data is transmitted to the first access point AP1-1, the second access point AP2-1, and the third access point AP3-1 via the first communication interface 15 and the network NW1.

  The first access point AP1-1 receives the request data via the network NW1 and the second communication interface, and based on the request data, the wireless terminal STA1-1 included in the first wireless system, and the wireless Data requesting information necessary for time slot allocation (request data) is generated from the terminal STA1-2, and the generated request data is transmitted to the radio terminal STA1-1 and the radio via the RF processing unit 23 and the antenna Ant1. It transmits to terminal STA1-2.

  The wireless terminal STA1-1 receives the RF signal including the request data transmitted from the first access point AP1-1, and executes the reception RF processing on the RF signal, thereby obtaining the request data. get. Then, based on the request data, the third communication processing unit 32 of the wireless terminal STA1-1 acquires the wireless terminal information Info_sys (STA1-1) held in the wireless terminal information acquisition holding unit, and acquires the acquired wireless The terminal information Info_sys (STA1-1) is subjected to RF processing for transmission to generate an RF signal including the wireless terminal information Info_sys (STA1-1). Then, the radio terminal STA1-1 transmits the generated RF signal to the first access point AP1-1 via the antenna Ant2.

  The first access point AP1-1 performs reception RF processing on the RF signal received from the wireless terminal STA1-1, and acquires the data Info_sys (STA1-1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1. The second communication processing unit 22 of the first access point AP1-1 transmits the data Info_sys (STA1-1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1 to the coordinator apparatus 100 via the second communication interface 21 and the network NW1.

  The first communication processing unit 14 of the coordinator apparatus 100 acquires data including data Info_sys (STA1-1) transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 via the network NW1 and the first communication interface 15 as data D12. To do. The wireless system information acquisition and holding unit 13 acquires and holds data Info_sys (STA1-1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1 from the data D12.

  In this way, the coordinator apparatus 100 acquires data (information necessary for time slot allocation) Info_sys (STA1-1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1. Further, data (information necessary for time slot allocation) Info_sys (STA1-2) of the wireless terminals STA1-2 is also acquired by the same processing as described above.

  Further, the first access point AP1-1 acquires data Info_sys (SYS1), which is information necessary for time slot allocation of the first radio system, based on the request data from the coordinator device 100. Specifically, the second communication processing unit 22 acquires data Info_sys (SYS1), which is information necessary for time slot allocation of the first wireless system, from the wireless system information acquisition holding unit 25. Note that data Info_sys (SYS1), which is information necessary for time slot allocation in the first radio system, is, for example, a packet generation period, a packet generation timing, a packet size, an allowable delay, and ACK / NACK information used in the first radio system. Etc. are included. Further, part or all of the data Info_sys (SYS1), which is information necessary for time slot allocation of the first wireless system, is acquired by executing data collection processing by the first access point AP1-1. There may be.

  The first access point AP1-1 sends data including data Info_sys (SYS1), which is information necessary for time slot allocation of the first wireless system, acquired as described above to the coordinator apparatus 100 via the network NW1. Send.

  The first communication processing unit 14 of the coordinator apparatus 100 acquires data including data Info_sys (SYS1) transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 via the network NW1 and the first communication interface 15, as data D12. The wireless system information acquisition holding unit 13 acquires and holds the data Info_sys (SYS1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1 from the data D12.

  In the same manner as described above, the coordinator apparatus 100 acquires information necessary for time slot allocation of the second radio system SYS2, the third radio system SYS3, and radio terminals included in them.

  That is, the coordinator apparatus 100 acquires and holds information necessary for time slot allocation for all devices included in the wireless communication system 1000.

Information necessary for time slot allocation is, for example, as follows.
(1) Packet generation cycle, packet generation timing (2) Packet size (3) Allowable delay (4) ACK / NACK information (presence of handshake communication)
(5) Traffic volume (6) Communication error information (communication error frequency, number of retransmissions, etc.)
Next, the coordinator apparatus 100 generates time slot allocation information based on the acquired information necessary for time slot allocation of all devices included in the wireless communication system 1000. The coordinator apparatus 100 generates time slot allocation information by determining a device to be allocated to each time slot based on the information (1) to (6) above, for example. For example, the coordinator apparatus 100 generates time slot allocation information based on criteria such as allocating a previous time slot to a device with a small allowable delay and allocating a previous time slot to a device belonging to a wireless system with a large amount of traffic. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the coordinator device 100 generates data D_slot in a data format including a first header H1 and a payload P1. That is, the first byte of the data D_slot indicates a transmission interval of a series of time slot groups (in the case of FIG. 6, 240 ms), and the second byte of the data D_slot includes the number of time slots included in the transmission interval of the time slot group ( 12 in the case of FIG. 6). From the third byte, the node ID is indicated by 1 byte. Then, all the devices included in the wireless communication system 1000 have the data of the correspondence table between the connected device and the node ID as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 6, and by referring to the data of the correspondence table A device assigned to a predetermined time slot (device permitted to communicate in a predetermined time slot) can be specified.

  The coordinator apparatus 100 generates data D_slot in a data format as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

(Step S3):
In step S3, the coordinator apparatus 100 transmits (1) data D_slot_def including time slot definition information and (2) data D_slot including time slot allocation information generated in step S2 to the first access point AP1-1. Then, the first access point AP1-1 receives the data transmitted from the coordinator apparatus 100 (step S301).

  The first access point AP1-1 stores the data D_slot_def and the data D_slot received from the coordinator apparatus 100 in the time slot information storage unit 24 and performs RF processing on the wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2. And transmit via the antenna Ant1.

  The wireless terminal STA1-1 receives the data transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 and stores it in the time slot information storage unit 33 (step S302). Also, the wireless terminal STA1-2 performs the same process as the wireless terminal STA1-1, and stores the data transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 (step S303).

  The second access point AP2-1, wireless terminals STA2-1, and STA2-2 also perform the same processing as above (steps S304 to S306).

  The third access point AP1-3, the wireless terminals STA3-1, and STA3-2 also execute the same processing as above (steps S307 to S309).

  In radio communication system 1000, data D_slot (time slot allocation information) is periodically transmitted from coordinator apparatus 100 to each access point, and periodically from each access point to the radio system to which the access point belongs. For example, a beacon is transmitted to the wireless terminal.

  As described above, all devices in the wireless communication system 1000 are in a state of storing (1) data D_slot_def including time slot definition information and (2) data D_slot including time slot allocation information.

As an example, a case where the coordinator apparatus 100 generates the data D_slot illustrated in FIG. 7 based on the collected information necessary for time slot allocation will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the following conditions are set.
(1) In the first radio system SYS1, control data is transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 to the radio terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2 in order to perform robot arm control. After the first access point AP1-1 transmits data to the wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2, the wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2 return a response to the first access point. Let T1 = 80 ms.
(2) In the second wireless system SYS2, control data is transmitted to the wireless terminal STA2-1 and the wireless terminal STA2-2 in order to collect measurement data (temperature data) from the temperature sensor from the second access point AP2-1. Send. After the second access point AP2-1 transmits data to the wireless terminal STA2-1 and the wireless terminal STA2-2, the wireless terminal STA2-1 and the wireless terminal STA2-2 return a response to the first access point. Let T2 = 200 ms.
(3) In the third wireless system SYS3, control data is transmitted from the third access point AP3-1 to the wireless terminal STA3-1 and the wireless terminal STA3-2 in order to perform arm control of the robot. After the third access point AP3-1 transmits data to the wireless terminal STA3-1 and the wireless terminal STA3-2, the wireless terminal STA3-1 and the wireless terminal STA3-2 return a response to the first access point. Let T3 = 60 ms.

  In consideration of the above conditions, the coordinator apparatus 100 generates data D_slot shown in FIG. Then, the data D_slot is transmitted to all devices included in the wireless communication system 1000. In the wireless communication system 1000, devices that are allowed to communicate in a predetermined time slot are specified based on the data D_slot. .

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform communication in a time division manner using one channel based on the data D_slot of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, for the data Req (time t0 to t1, t7 to t8) transmitted by the first access point AP1-1, the radio terminal STA1-1 and the radio terminal STA1-2 respectively Until then, responses Res1 and Res2 are returned to the first access point AP1-1 within the period up to time t3. That is, communication within the allowable delay T1 = 80 ms is realized.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 8, for the data Req (time t3 to t4) transmitted by the second access point AP2-1, the radio terminal STA2-1 and the radio terminal STA2-2, respectively, until time t11, Responses Res1 and Res2 are returned to the second access point AP2-1 within the period up to time t12. That is, communication within the allowable delay T2 = 200 ms is realized.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 8, for the data Req (time t4 to t5) transmitted by the third access point AP3-1, the radio terminal STA3-1 and the radio terminal STA3-2 each until time t6, Responses Res1 and Res2 are returned to the first access point AP1-1 within the period up to time t7. That is, communication within the allowable delay T3 = 60 ms is realized.

  As described above, the wireless communication system 1000 uses a time slot defined in common based on information (information indicating communication status, information indicating communication performance, etc.) of all devices included in the wireless communication system 1000. A single channel can be used in a time division manner by many wireless systems. Further, in the wireless communication system 1000, as described above, time slots can be defined in consideration of various conditions. Therefore, in the wireless communication system 1000, for example, even in an environment in which communication that requires high-speed processing such as robot control and communication that does not require high-speed processing such as processing for collecting measurement data by sensors are mixed. Efficient communication can be realized while satisfying the above conditions.

  In other words, in the wireless communication system 1000, a large number of wireless communication terminals exist because a large number of wireless systems can use one channel in a time division manner using the time slots defined in common as described above. Even in a narrow space, wireless communication with high speed and high accuracy can be performed without causing deterioration in wireless communication performance.

(1.2.2: Dynamic update processing (in the case of wireless environment degradation))
Next, dynamic update processing executed in the wireless communication system 1000 when the wireless environment is deteriorated will be described.

  9 and 10 are sequence diagrams for explaining dynamic update processing in the wireless communication system 1000. FIG. Hereinafter, the operation (dynamic update process) of the wireless communication system 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

(Steps S4 to S6):
In step S4, it is assumed that the wireless environment of the first wireless system SYS1 has deteriorated.

  The first access point AP1-1 detects that communication errors with the radio terminals STA1-1 and / or STA1-2 occur frequently, and the radio environment of the first radio system SYS1 is deteriorated. , And data indicating the detection result is transmitted to the coordinator apparatus 100.

  The coordinator apparatus 100 receives the data from the first access point AP1-1 and detects that the first wireless environment has deteriorated (step S6).

(Step S7):
In step S7, the coordinator apparatus 100 determines whether it is necessary to redefine a time slot that is commonly used in the wireless communication system 1000, based on data from the first access point AP1-1. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that redefinition is necessary, the coordinator device 100 performs processing for redefining the time slot. Specifically, the same processing as in step S1 is executed to determine (1) the slot length of the time slot and (2) the slot start time, which are presumed to be able to cope with radio environment degradation.

(Step S8):
In step S8, the coordinator apparatus 100 acquires information necessary for time slot allocation from each wireless system and each wireless terminal, similarly to step S2, based on the data from the first access point AP1-1. In addition, when a wireless system in which wireless environment degradation has occurred can be identified, information necessary for time slot allocation may be acquired only from the wireless system and wireless terminals included in the wireless system.

  Then, the coordinator device 100 generates time slot allocation information based on information necessary for time slot allocation of all devices included in the wireless communication system 1000 after the deterioration of the radio environment.

(Step S9):
In step S9, the wireless communication system 1000 executes the same process as in step S3. As a result, all the devices in the wireless communication system 1000 are (1) data D_slot_def including time slot definition information and (2) data including time slot allocation information acquired (updated) after the occurrence of wireless environment degradation. D_slot is stored and held.

  In the wireless communication system 1000, communication is performed based on the updated time slot.

  As an example, in the first wireless system, the wireless environment deteriorates, request data is transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 to the wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2, and within a predetermined time, the wireless terminal STA1 -1 and the wireless terminal STA1-2 will be described in the case where a response cannot be returned to the first access point AP1-1.

  FIG. 11 is a timing chart in the case where a plurality of wireless systems perform communication in a time division manner using one channel.

  FIG. 12 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform communication in a time division manner using one channel after updating the time slot allocation information.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the time slot from time t1 to t2 and the time slot from time t8 to t9 are set so that the channel used by the radio terminal STA1-1 in the radio communication system 1000 can be used. However, no response is returned from the wireless terminal STA1-1 to the first access point AP1-1.

  In addition, the time slot from time t2 to t3 and the time slot from time t9 to t10 are set so that the channel used by the radio terminal STA1-2 in the radio communication system 1000 can be used. No response is returned from the terminal STA1-2 to the first access point AP1-1.

  Therefore, the coordinator apparatus 100 (1) the above situation, (2) the allowable delay T1 until the request data is transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 to the wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2 and the response is received. And (3) an allowable delay T2 from the second access point AP2-1 to the wireless terminal STA2-1 and the wireless terminal STA2-2 and the response delay is received T2 = 200ms. And the time slot allocation information is updated so that two consecutive time slots are allocated to the first access point. That is, as indicated by D_slot in the upper part of FIG. 12, the data D_slot including the time slot allocation information is updated so that the time slot is allocated to each device.

  As can be seen from FIG. 12, the first access point AP1-1 can transmit the request data a plurality of times in two consecutively assigned time slots, and as a result, within the allowable delay T1 = 80 ms. In addition, the wireless terminal STA1-1 and the wireless terminal STA1-2 can normally return a response to the first access point AP1-1.

  Further, as can be seen from FIG. 12, both the communication of the second communication system SYS2 and the communication of the third communication system SYS3 can be normally communicated within the allowable delay.

  As described above, in the wireless communication system 1000, (1) the time slot definition information D_slot_def and / or (2) the time slot based on the cause of the deterioration of the wireless environment even when the wireless environment is deteriorated. By updating the allocation information, a large number of wireless systems can appropriately communicate with each other using a commonly defined time slot.

  In the above description, the case of updating (reallocating) the time slot allocation information has been described. However, based on the cause of deterioration of the radio environment, the time slot definition information D_slot_def, that is, the start time of the time slot used in common, And / or the time slot length may be changed (updated).

  In FIG. 10, both the time slot definition process in step S7 and the time slot allocation information generation process in step S8 are shown as the update process, but only one of the processes (update process) is performed. May be.

(1.2.3: Dynamic update processing (in the case of device insertion / deletion))
Next, dynamic update processing executed in the wireless communication system 1000 when the wireless environment changes will be described. As an example, a case where a device is newly inserted and a device is deleted will be described as an example.

  FIGS. 13 and 14 are sequence diagrams for explaining dynamic update processing (in the case of device insertion / deletion) in the wireless communication system 1000. FIG. Hereinafter, the operation (dynamic update processing) of the wireless communication system 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

(Steps S10 to S12):
In step S10, it is assumed that the wireless terminal STA1-3 is newly inserted into the first wireless system SYS1, and the wireless terminal STA3-2 is deleted in the third wireless system SYS3.

  The first access point AP1-1 detects that the wireless terminals STA1-3 are newly inserted into the first wireless system SYS1 (step S11), and transmits data indicating the detection result to the coordinator apparatus 100 (step S11). S1201). The coordinator apparatus 100 receives the data from the first access point AP1-1 (step S12).

  The third access point AP3-1 detects that the wireless terminal STA3-2 has been deleted from the third wireless system SYS3 (step S11), and transmits data indicating the detection result to the coordinator apparatus 100 (step S11). S1202). The coordinator apparatus 100 receives the data from the first access point AP1-1 (step S12).

(Step S13):
In step S13, the coordinator apparatus 100 needs to redefine a time slot commonly used in the wireless communication system 1000 based on the data from the first access point AP1-1 and the data from the third access point AP3-1. It is determined whether or not there is. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that redefinition is necessary, the coordinator device 100 performs processing for redefining the time slot. Specifically, the same processing as in step S1 is executed to determine (1) the slot length of the time slot and (2) the slot start time, which are presumed to be able to cope with radio environment degradation.

(Step S14):
In step S14, the coordinator apparatus 100, based on the data from the first access point AP1-1 and the data from the third access point AP3-1, from each wireless system and each wireless terminal, as in step S2. Acquire information necessary for slot allocation. Note that only necessary information about the added device and the deleted device may be acquired.

  Then, the coordinator device 100 generates time slot allocation information based on information necessary for time slot allocation of all devices included in the wireless communication system 1000 after device insertion / deletion.

(Step S15):
In step S15, the wireless communication system 1000 performs the same process as in step S3. As a result, all the devices in the wireless communication system 1000 are acquired (updated) after device insertion / deletion (1) data D_slot_def including time slot definition information and (2) data including time slot allocation information. D_slot is stored and held.

  In the wireless communication system 1000, communication is performed based on the updated time slot.

  The coordinator apparatus 100 acquires the allowable delay of the newly added (inserted) device, and updates the time slot allocation information so that a device with a small allowable delay is allocated to the previous time slot. Good. By doing so, it is possible to preferentially secure communications that require high-speed processing (processing with a small allowable delay).

  As described above, in the wireless communication system 1000, (1) time slot definition information D_slot_def and / or (2) time slot allocation information is updated even when a device is inserted or deleted. By doing so, a large number of wireless systems can appropriately communicate with each other using a commonly defined time slot.

  In FIG. 14, both the time slot definition process in step S13 and the time slot allocation information generation process in step S14 are shown as the update process, but only one of the processes (update process) is performed. May be.

≪First modification≫
Next, the radio | wireless communications system 1000A of the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. In addition, about the part similar to the said description, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless communication system 1000A of the first modified example.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a coordinator device 100A according to a first modification.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of the first access point AP1A-1 according to the first modification.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radio terminal STA1A-1 according to the first modification.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining hierarchical time slot allocation information used in the wireless communication system 1000A according to the first modification.

  The wireless communication system 1000A of the first modified example replaces the coordinator device 100 with the coordinator device 100A and replaces the first access point AP1-1 with the first access point AP1A-1 in the wireless communication system 1000 of the first embodiment. The second access point AP2-1 is replaced with the second access point AP2A-1, and the third access point AP3-1 is replaced with the third access point AP3A-1.

  Further, the wireless communication system 1000A of the first modification includes wireless terminals STA1-1, STA1-2, STA2-1, STA2-2, STA3-1, and STA3-2 in the wireless communication system 1000 of the first embodiment. , STA1A-1, STA1A-2, STA2A-1, STA2A-2, STA3A-1, and STA3A-2, respectively.

  The coordinator apparatus 100A has a configuration in which the time slot allocation information generation unit 12 in the coordinator apparatus 100 is replaced with a time slot allocation information generation unit 12A. Other than that, the coordinator apparatus 100 </ b> A is the same as the coordinator apparatus 100.

  The time slot allocation information generation unit 12A defines only the number of slots allocated to each radio system instead of generating information for allocating time slots for all devices included in the radio communication system 1000 as in the first embodiment. . For example, the time slot allocation information generation unit 12A determines the number of slots allocated to each radio system according to the traffic volume of each radio system. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 19, if the traffic volume increases in the order of the second radio system SYS2, the third radio system SYS3, and the first radio system SYS1, a large number of slots are allocated to a radio system having a large traffic volume. To do. In the case shown in FIG. 19, five time slots are allocated to the first radio system SYS1, three time slots are allocated to the second radio system SYS2, and four time slots are allocated to the third radio system SYS3. It has been.

  Then, the time slot allocation information generation unit 12A outputs data D_slot1 (upper layer allocation information data D_slot1) including information on the determined number of slots allocated to each radio system to the first communication processing unit 14. The first communication processing unit 14 transmits the data D_slot1 to the first access point AP1A-1, the second access point AP2A-1, and the third access point AP3A-1 via the first communication interface 15 and the network NW1. .

  As shown in FIG. 17, the first access point AP1A-1 has a configuration in which a hierarchical allocation information generation unit 26 is added between the wireless system information acquisition holding unit 25 and the second communication processing unit 22. Yes.

  The hierarchical allocation information generation unit 26 inputs information Info_sys (SYS1) of the device in the first wireless system SYS1, and based on the information Info_sys (SYS1), the device (access point AP1A−) in the first wireless system SYS1. 1. Assignment of time slots to the wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2) is determined. Then, the data D_slot 2 (lower layer allocation information data D_slot 2) including the determined time slot allocation information is output to the second communication processing unit 22.

  The second communication processing unit 22 acquires the upper layer allocation information data D_slot1 from the coordinator device 100A, and acquires the lower layer allocation information data D_slot2 from the hierarchical allocation information generation unit 26. Then, the second communication processing unit 22 stores the acquired upper layer allocation information data D_slot1 and lower layer allocation information data D_slot2 in the time slot information storage unit 24.

  Note that the second access point AP2-1 of the second wireless system SYS2 and the third access point AP3-1 of the third wireless system SYS3 have the same configuration as the first access point AP1-1 of the first wireless system SYS1. is doing.

  In radio terminal STA1A-1, third communication processing unit 32, as shown in FIG. 18, upper layer allocation information data D_slot1 generated by coordinator apparatus 100A and lower layer allocation generated by first access point AP1A-1 Information data D_slot 2 is acquired and stored in the time slot information storage unit 33.

  The other radio terminals STA1A-2, STA2A-1, STA2A-2, STA3A-1, and STA3A-2 have the same configuration as the radio terminal STA1A-1.

  In the wireless communication system 1000A of the first modified example, as shown in FIG. 19, hierarchical time slot allocation processing is executed. That is, in the wireless communication system 1000A of the first modified example, the coordinator apparatus 100A determines only the number of slots to be assigned to each wireless system, and the access point of each wireless system assigns a time slot to the device in the wireless system to which it belongs. Perform the allocation process. In the wireless communication system 1000A of the first modified example, the time slot assignment process can be distributed to the access points of each wireless system and executed, so the load of the time slot assignment process of the coordinator device 100A can be reduced. .

≪Second modification≫
Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part similar to the said description, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the wireless communication system of the second modification, data D_slot in the format shown in FIG. 20 is used. As shown in FIG. 20, the data D_slot of the second modified example has a data format in which a second header H2 is added to the data formats shown in FIGS. The wireless communication system according to the second modification is different from the wireless communication system 1000 according to the first embodiment in that data D_slot having a data format to which the second header H2 is added is used.

In the second header H2, as shown in FIG.
(1) Nth slot (1 byte)
(2) Number of nodes (1 byte)
(3) Node ID (bytes for the number of nodes)
One or a plurality of pieces of data having the unit can be included.

For example, in the second header H2 shown in FIG.
(1) In the first slot, a device having a node ID “1” and a device having a node ID “2” can communicate using a channel used by the wireless communication system,
(2) In the second slot, the device having the node ID “2” and the device having the node ID “1” can communicate using the channel used by the wireless communication system,
(3) In the eighth slot, the device having the node ID “1” and the device having the node ID “2” can communicate using the channel used by the wireless communication system,
(4) In the ninth slot, it means that a device having a node ID “2” and a device having a node ID “1” can communicate using a channel used by the wireless communication system.

  In the wireless communication system of the second modified example, by using the data D_slot having the data format specified as described above, a plurality of devices can communicate using the same channel in one time slot. . In the above, only the case where the number of devices assigned to one time slot is “2” is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more devices are included in one time slot. May be set to data in the second header H2.

  FIG. 21 is a timing chart of communication executed in the wireless communication system when data D_slot is set as shown in FIG.

  As can be seen from FIG. 21, in the time slot from time t0 to t1, the first access point AP1-1 and the wireless terminal STA1-1 can communicate using a channel used in the wireless communication system. For this reason, in the time slot from time t0 to t1, the wireless terminal STA1-1 sends the request signal transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 to the wireless terminal STA1-1 to the first access point AP1-1. An ACK signal can be returned. The same processing is executed in the time slots at times t7 to t8.

  Further, as can be seen from FIG. 21, in the time slot from time t1 to t2, the wireless terminal STA1-1 and the first access point AP1-1 can communicate using a channel used in the wireless communication system. For this reason, in the time slot from time t1 to t2, the first access point AP1-1 responds to the wireless terminal STA1-1 in response to the response signal transmitted from the wireless terminal STA1-1 to the first access point AP1-1. An ACK signal can be returned. The same processing is executed in the time slots from time t8 to t9.

  As described above, handshake communication such as communication using TCP can be executed within one time slot.

  In the wireless communication system of the second modified example, as described above, data D_slot (time slot allocation information) that can set a plurality of devices that can use one time slot is used. Therefore, a plurality of devices are wireless in one time slot. Communication can be performed using a channel used by the communication system.

[Other Embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the case where there is one access point in each wireless system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of access points may exist in each wireless system.

  The communication method used in the wireless communication system described in the above embodiment (including the modification) is included in the present invention.

  Further, in the wireless communication system described in the above embodiment (including modifications), each block may be individually made into one chip by a semiconductor device such as an LSI, or one chip so as to include a part or all of them. It may be made.

  Here, although LSI is used, it may be called IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

  Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, and implementation with a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor is also possible. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after manufacturing the LSI or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

  In addition, part or all of the processing of each functional block in each of the above embodiments may be realized by a program. A part or all of the processing of each functional block in each of the above embodiments is performed by a central processing unit (CPU) in the computer. In addition, a program for performing each processing is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or a ROM, and is read out and executed in the ROM or the RAM.

  Each processing of the above embodiment may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software (including a case where the processing is realized together with an OS (Operating System), middleware, or a predetermined library). Further, it may be realized by mixed processing of software and hardware.

  In the wireless communication system of the above-described embodiment (including the modification), when communication is performed using a time slot assigned by time slot definition information (data D_slot), the function is easily implemented by software (for example, firmware). can do.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a case where communication is implemented by software (for example, firmware) using a time slot assigned by time slot definition information (data D_slot). The left diagram of FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing a protocol stack (protocol layer), and the right diagram of FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the virtual TDMA module M1.

  As shown in FIG. 22, by using a virtual TDMA module M1 (for example, implemented by firmware) between the routing layer and the MAC layer, communication using the time slot assigned by the slot definition information (data D_slot) is performed. Easy to implement.

  As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 22, the virtual TDMA module M1 controls the queue memory FIFO1 that receives a packet from the transmission queue of the routing layer and the timing at which the packet that is output from the queue memory FIFO1 is output by the control signal ctl1. The switch SW1 is provided.

  The switch SW1 controls the output timing of the input packet based on the control signal ctl1 whose transmission timing is determined based on the time slot definition information (data D_slot or data D_slot1 and D_slot2).

  That is, by providing a virtual TDMA module M1 (for example, implemented by firmware) corresponding to the configuration in the right diagram of FIG. 22 between the routing layer and the MAC layer, the present invention can be easily performed without changing other parts. The communication method can be implemented.

  Further, for example, when each functional unit of the above-described embodiment (including the modified example) is realized by software, the hardware configuration (for example, CPU, ROM, RAM, input unit, output unit, etc.) illustrated in FIG. Each functional unit may be realized by software processing using a hardware configuration connected by Bus).

  Moreover, the execution order of the processing method in the said embodiment is not necessarily restricted to description of the said embodiment, The execution order can be changed in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

  A computer program that causes a computer to execute the above-described method and a computer-readable recording medium that records the program are included in the scope of the present invention. Here, examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a flexible disk, hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, large-capacity DVD, next-generation DVD, and semiconductor memory. .

  The computer program is not limited to the one recorded on the recording medium, and may be transmitted via a telecommunication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, or the like.

  The specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

1000 wireless communication system 100 coordinator device SYS1 first wireless system SYS2 second wireless system SYS3 third wireless system AP1-1 first access point AP2-1 second access point AP3-1 third access points STA1-1, STA1-2 , STA 2-1, STA 2-2, STA 3-1, STA 3-2 Wireless terminal 11 Time slot definition unit 12 Time slot allocation information generation unit

Claims (8)

A wireless system each including one or a plurality of wireless terminals, wherein the wireless communication method is used in a wireless communication system including a plurality of the wireless systems,
A time slot defining step for defining a time slot for use in common between the plurality of radio systems, the time slot defining step for determining a slot length and a slot start time of the time slot;
Time slot allocation information generation step for generating time slot allocation information, which is information of time slots allocated to each of devices included in the plurality of radio systems, based on at least one communication related information of the radio system and the radio terminal When,
A wireless communication step in which a device assigned by the time slot assignment information performs wireless communication using a channel used in the wireless communication system in a period defined by the assigned time slot by the time slot assignment information; ,
A wireless communication method comprising: The communication related information is:
Including at least one of a traffic volume, a packet generation cycle, a packet generation timing, a packet size, an allowable delay, information on whether or not it is handshake communication, a traffic volume, and communication error information,
The wireless communication method according to claim 1. The time slot allocation information generation step
Collecting the communication related information at a predetermined timing from at least one of the wireless system and the wireless terminal, and determining whether to update the time slot allocation information based on the collected communication related information, When it is determined that the time slot allocation information should be updated, the time slot allocation information is updated based on the collected communication related information, and the updated time slot allocation information is transmitted to the radio system and the radio Send to device,
The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2. The time slot definition step includes:
The communication related information is collected at a predetermined timing from at least one of the wireless system and the wireless terminal, and is currently commonly used by devices included in the wireless communication system based on the collected communication related information. A time slot for determining a slot length and a slot start time of the time slot based on the collected communication-related information when it is determined whether the time slot should be redefined. The re-definition process is performed, and the time slot definition information acquired by the re-definition process is transmitted to the radio system and the radio terminal.
The wireless communication method according to claim 1. The time slot allocation information generation step
(1) An upper layer allocation information generating step for acquiring upper layer allocation information by determining the number of time slots to be allocated to each of the plurality of radio systems based on the communication related information of the radio system;
(2) A lower hierarchy that acquires lower hierarchy assignment information by determining a time slot to be assigned to each of devices included in each of the plurality of wireless systems in a period of the number of time slots assigned by the upper hierarchy assignment information An allocation information generation step;
including,
The wireless communication method according to claim 1. The wireless communication system includes a coordinator device and an access point device included in each wireless system,
The coordinator device executes the upper layer allocation information generation step,
The access point device of the wireless system executes the lower layer allocation information generation step,
The wireless communication method according to claim 5. The time slot allocation information generation step
Generating the time slot allocation information including information indicating that a plurality of devices are allowed to communicate in a predetermined time slot period;
The wireless communication method according to claim 1.   A program for causing a computer to execute the wireless communication method according to claim 1.

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