JP2021087174A - Communication device, communication system, and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable wireless communication in various frequency bands.SOLUTION: A communication device 10 includes an antenna 15, a communication module 14 that outputs a signal in a first frequency band or acquires a signal in the first frequency band, a first conversion unit 11 that converts the signal output by the communication module 14 into a signal in a second frequency band and transmits the signal to the antenna 15, a second conversion unit 12 that converts the signal of the second frequency band transmitted from the antenna 15 into the signal of the first frequency band and transmits the signal to the communication module 14, a control unit 13 that determines a first period of operation in a first mode in which the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 are connected via the first conversion unit 11, and a second period of operation in a second mode in which the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 are connected via the second conversion unit 12, and a switch element S1 that switches between the first mode and the second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to communication devices, communication systems, and communication methods.

Wireless communication is performed using a plurality of frequency bands. In wireless communication, half-duplex communication is used in which communication is performed in each direction of transmission and reception by dividing time.

For example, a half-duplex communication device capable of automatically switching between a transmission operation and a reception operation for communication is disclosed (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-31252

Wireless communication, that is, half-duplex communication, can generally be performed by a single communication module that transmits and receives signals in the frequency band in which wireless communication is performed. The frequency band in which the communication module can communicate is generally fixed. Therefore, a communication device that may perform wireless communication in various frequency bands needs to be equipped with a communication module corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands that may perform wireless communication in advance, and the cost of the communication device is high. Invite the change.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device or the like capable of wireless communication in various frequency bands.

In order to solve the above problems, the communication device according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication device that wirelessly communicates in a first frequency band and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and has an antenna. , The communication module that outputs the signal of the first frequency band or acquires the signal of the first frequency band, and the signal output by the communication module is converted into the signal of the second frequency band. The first conversion unit transmitted to the antenna, the second conversion unit that converts the signal of the second frequency band transmitted from the antenna into the signal of the first frequency band and transmits it to the communication module, and the communication module. In the first period of operation in the first mode in which the antenna and the antenna are connected via the first conversion unit, and in the second mode in which the communication module and the antenna are connected via the second conversion unit. It includes a control unit that determines the second period of operation, and a switching unit that switches between the first mode and the second mode.

According to this, the communication device wirelessly transmits the signal of the second frequency band by using the communication module for communication of the first frequency band by utilizing the frequency conversion of the signal by the first conversion unit and the second conversion unit. You can send and receive. At this time, since the connection path between the communication module and the antenna is time-division-switched between transmission and reception at an appropriate timing, half-duplex communication in the first frequency band and half-duplex communication in the second frequency band Communication can be converted appropriately. Therefore, the communication device can perform wireless communication in various frequency bands.

Further, the control unit may acquire information on the first period and the second period from another communication device, and determine the first period and the second period based on the acquired information.

According to this, the communication device can appropriately convert the half-duplex communication of the first frequency band and the half-duplex communication of the second frequency band at the timing based on the information received from the other communication device. .. Therefore, the communication device can perform wireless communication in various frequency bands while adjusting the switching timing in cooperation with other communication devices.

Further, the antenna wirelessly transmits or receives signals in the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the control unit further connects the communication module and the antenna to the first conversion unit and the first conversion unit. It is determined to operate in the third mode in which none of the second conversion units is connected by wiring, and the switching unit determines the first mode, the second mode, and the second mode based on the determination by the control unit. The third mode may be switched.

According to this, the communication device wirelessly transmits the signal of the first frequency band output by the communication module by the antenna without passing through the first conversion unit and the second conversion unit, and the antenna wirelessly receives the signal. The signal of the first frequency band can be transmitted to the communication module. Therefore, the communication device can perform wireless communication in various frequency bands while maintaining the wireless communication function in the communication band in which the communication module can communicate.

Further, the first frequency band is a fixed frequency band, and the second frequency band is fixedly or dynamically selected from a plurality of predetermined frequency bands. It may be a set frequency band.

According to this, the communication device can dynamically change the frequency band for wireless transmission / reception. Therefore, the communication device can perform wireless communication while dynamically switching the frequency band for wireless communication.

Further, the first frequency band is a 2.4 GHz band as the frequency band that is fixedly set, and the second frequency band is a 5 GHz band or 1 GHz band as the frequency band that is fixedly set. It may be a sub-giga band which is the following frequency band.

According to this, the communication device can perform wireless communication in the sub-giga band, which is a frequency band of 5 GHz band or 1 GHz or less, by using a communication module for communication in the 2.4 GHz band.

Further, the switching unit includes a first switch element that switches between connecting the communication module and the first conversion unit or connecting the communication module and the second conversion unit, the antenna, and the switching unit. It has a second switch element for switching between connecting the first conversion unit or connecting the antenna and the second conversion unit, and during the first period, the communication module and the first conversion unit are provided. The first switch element is controlled so as to connect the conversion unit, and the second switch element is controlled so as to connect the antenna and the first conversion unit. The first switch element may be controlled so as to connect the communication module and the second conversion unit, and the second switch element may be controlled so as to connect the antenna and the second conversion unit. ..

According to this, the communication device can appropriately convert the half-duplex communication in the first frequency band and the half-duplex communication in the second frequency band by using the two switch elements. Therefore, the communication device can more easily realize wireless communication in various frequency bands.

Further, the switching unit includes a third switch element that switches whether the communication module is connected to the first conversion unit or the second conversion unit, or is connected to the communication module and the wiring. It has a fourth switch element that switches between connecting the antenna to the first conversion unit or the second conversion unit, or connecting the antenna to the wiring, and (c) the communication module and the wiring. When the antenna is connected via the first conversion unit or the second conversion unit, the third switch element is controlled so as to connect the communication module and the first switch element, and the antenna is connected. The fourth switch element is controlled so as to connect the second switch element and the second switch element, and (d) when the communication module and the antenna are connected by the wiring, the communication module and the wiring are connected. The third switch element may be controlled and the fourth switch element may be controlled so as to connect the antenna and the wiring.

According to this, the communication device uses two switch elements to convert half-duplex communication in the first frequency band and half-duplex communication in the second frequency band, or half of the first frequency band. It is possible to appropriately switch between dual communication. Therefore, the communication device can more easily realize wireless communication in various frequency bands.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, the communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication system that wirelessly communicates signals in a first frequency band and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. The first device, which is the communication device, and the second device, which is the communication device, are provided, and the first device further has a timer, and the second device and the second device are based on the timer. A synchronization unit for transmitting a synchronization signal for synchronizing timings between the two is provided, and the control unit of the first device performs the first period and the second period based on the timer of the first device. The second device further comprises a timer, a synchronization unit that receives the synchronization signal transmitted by the first device and synchronizes the timer with the first device. Based on the timer of the second device, the control unit of the second device determines that the first period for the first device is the second period for the second device, and for the first device. The second period of the above may be determined as the first period for the second device.

According to this, the communication system transmits the signal of the second frequency band from the first device to the second device in the first period, and in the second period, the signal of the second frequency band is transmitted from the second device to the first device. By transmitting a signal, half-duplex communication in the second frequency band can be realized.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, the communication method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication device that wirelessly communicates signals in the first frequency band and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. A communication method to be executed, wherein the communication device outputs a signal of the antenna and the first frequency band, or acquires a signal of the first frequency band, and outputs a communication module and the communication module. The first conversion unit that converts the signal into the signal of the second frequency band and transmits it to the antenna, and the signal of the second frequency band transmitted from the antenna is converted into the signal of the first frequency band. The communication method includes a second conversion unit that transmits to the communication module, and the communication method includes a first period that operates in a first mode that connects the communication module and the antenna via the first conversion unit, and the communication method. A control step for determining a second period operating in the second mode in which the communication module and the antenna are connected via the second conversion unit, and a switching step for switching between the first mode and the second mode. including.

According to this, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned communication device is obtained.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, the communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication system that wirelessly communicates signals in the first frequency band and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. A communication method to be executed, the communication system includes the first device which is the communication device and the second device which is the communication device, and the first device is based on a timer. A first synchronization step of transmitting a synchronization signal for timing synchronization with the device, and a first determination step of the first device determining the first period and the second period based on the timer. The first device is based on a synchronization step in which the second device receives the synchronization signal transmitted by the first device and a timing in which the second device synchronizes with the synchronization signal received in the synchronization step. The first period for the device is determined to be the second period for the second device, and the second period for the first device is determined to be the first period for the second device.

According to this, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned communication device is obtained.

The present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus, but also as a method in which the processing means constituting the apparatus is used as a step, as a program for causing a computer to execute those steps, or as a computer reading in which the program is recorded. It can also be realized as a possible recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as information, data or a signal indicating the program. Then, those programs, information, data and signals may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

According to the present invention, the communication device enables wireless communication in various frequency bands.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the switch element in each control mode according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication path in each control mode according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the switching unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the communication system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the switching timing of the switching unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication path in each control mode according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the communication system according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

Each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest level concept of the present invention will be described as arbitrary components constituting the more preferable form. The same components may be designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof may be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
In the present embodiment, a communication device and the like that enable wireless communication in various frequency bands will be described.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes communication devices 10, 101 and 102.

The communication device 10 is a communication device that communicates with each of the communication devices 101 and 102. The communication device 10 wirelessly communicates with each of the communication devices 101 and 102 in a predetermined frequency band.

The communication devices 101 and 102 are communication devices that are communication partners of the communication device 10, respectively.

The frequency band used for wireless communication between the communication device 10 and the communication device 101 is also referred to as a first frequency band, and the frequency band used for wireless communication between the communication device 10 and the communication device 102 is also referred to as a second frequency band. Say. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are different. The communication standard for wireless communication between the communication device 10 and the communication devices 101 and 102 may use, for example, a protocol such as ANT or Bluetooth®, but is not limited thereto.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the communication device 10 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 10 includes a first conversion unit 11, a second conversion unit 12, a control unit 13, and switch elements S1, S2, S3 and S4 (also referred to as switch elements S1 and the like). , The communication module 14 and the antenna 15 are provided.

The first conversion unit 11 is a frequency converter that converts the signal of the first frequency band output by the communication module 14 into the signal of the second frequency band and transmits it to the antenna 15.

The second conversion unit 12 is a frequency converter that converts the signal in the second frequency band transmitted from the antenna 15 into a signal in the first frequency band and transmits it to the communication module 14.

Here, the first frequency band needs to match the frequency band input / output by the communication module 14, and is fixedly set. The first frequency band is, for example, one of a plurality of predetermined frequency bands. The predetermined plurality of frequency bands are, more specifically, a plurality of frequency bands designated as ISM (Industry Science and Medical) bands. The first frequency band is, for example, a 2.4 GHz band.

Also, the second frequency band is variable and can be set dynamically. The second frequency band is, for example, one that is fixedly or dynamically selected and set from a plurality of predetermined frequency bands. The predetermined plurality of frequency bands are, more specifically, a plurality of frequency bands designated as ISM (Industry Science and Medical) bands. The predetermined plurality of frequency bands may include a first frequency band. The second frequency band is, for example, a 5 GHz band or a sub-giga band which is a frequency band of 1 GHz or less.

The first conversion unit 11 and the second conversion unit 12 may be implemented in one conversion module, in which case the second frequency bands for each of the first conversion unit 11 and the second conversion unit 12 are collectively. It may be set.

The control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls the connection between the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 by using the switch element S1 or the like. The control unit 13 has a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode as control modes for controlling the switch element S1 and the like. In the first mode, the control unit 13 connects the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 via the first conversion unit 11. In the second mode, the control unit 13 connects the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 via the second conversion unit 12. In the third mode, the control unit 13 connects the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 with a wiring 16 that does not pass through either the first conversion unit 11 or the second conversion unit 12.

Further, the control unit 13 determines a first period to be controlled in the first mode and a second period to be controlled in the second mode. For example, the control unit 13 may acquire information on the first period and the second period from another communication device (not shown), and determine the first period and the second period based on the acquired information. The control unit 13 can be realized by a microcomputer, a processor, or the like.

Further, the control unit 13 decides to operate in the third mode, and based on this determination, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode can be switched.

Specifically, the control unit 13 controls the connection between the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 as described above by controlling the switch element S1 and the like. The details of the control by the control unit 13 will be described in detail later.

The switch element S1 and the like are a group of switch elements that switch the connection between the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 under the control of the control unit 13. The switch element S1 and the like connect the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 via the first conversion unit 11 in the first period, and connect the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 via the second conversion unit 12 in the second period. Switch to connect. Further, the switch element S1 or the like may switch whether the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 are connected via the first conversion unit 11 or the second conversion unit 12 or are connected by the wiring 16. Good. The switch element S1 and the like can be realized by, for example, a field effect transistor (FET) or the like. The switch element S1 and the like correspond to a switching unit.

The switch element S1 switches between connecting the communication module 14 and the first conversion unit 11 or connecting the communication module 14 and the second conversion unit 12. The terminal a of the switch element S1 is connected to the switch element S3 and may be connected to the communication module 14 via the switch element S3. The terminal b is connected to the first conversion unit 11. The terminal c is connected to the second conversion unit 12.

The switch element S2 switches between connecting the antenna 15 and the first conversion unit 11 or connecting the antenna 15 and the second conversion unit 12. The terminal a of the switch element S1 is connected to the switch element S4 and may be connected to the antenna 15 via the switch element S4. The terminal b is connected to the first conversion unit 11. The terminal c is connected to the second conversion unit 12.

The switch element S3 switches between connecting the communication module 14 with the first conversion unit 11 or the second conversion unit 12, or connecting the communication module 14 with the wiring 16. Here, the wiring 16 is a wiring that connects the switch element S3 and the switch element S4 without passing through either the first conversion unit 11 or the second conversion unit 12. The terminal a of the switch element S3 is connected to the communication module 14. The terminal b is connected to the switch element S1 and may be connected to the first conversion unit 11 or the second conversion unit 12 via the switch element S1. The terminal c is connected to the wiring 16.

The switch element S4 switches between connecting the antenna 15 with the first conversion unit 11 or the second conversion unit 12, or connecting the antenna 15 with the wiring 16. The terminal a of the switch element S4 is connected to the antenna 15. The terminal b is connected to the switch element S2, and may be connected to the first conversion unit 11 or the second conversion unit 12 via the switch element S2. The terminal c is connected to the wiring 16.

The communication module 14 is a processing unit that outputs a signal in the first frequency band or acquires a signal in the first frequency band. The communication module 14 includes a processor, a modulation circuit, and the like. The communication module 14 is connected to the switch element S3. The signal output by the communication module 14 is transmitted to the antenna 15 via the switch element S3 via the first conversion unit 11 or the wiring 16. Further, the communication module 14 acquires a signal transmitted from the antenna 15 via the switch element S3 by a path via the second conversion unit 12 or a path via the wiring 16.

The antenna 15 is an antenna that wirelessly transmits or receives signals in the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The antenna 15 is connected to the switch element S4. The antenna 15 acquires a signal transmitted from the communication module 14 via the switch element S4 and wirelessly transmits the signal transmitted from the communication module 14 by a route passing through the first conversion unit 11 or a route passing through the wiring 16. Further, the antenna 15 outputs a signal received wirelessly, and the output signal is a path via the second conversion unit 12 or a route via the wiring 16 via the switch element S4, and is a communication module 14 Is transmitted to.

The signal transmitted or received by the antenna 15 in the first frequency band is used for wireless communication with the communication device 101. The signal transmitted or received by the antenna 15 in the second frequency band is used for wireless communication with the communication device 102.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the switch element in each control mode according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication path in each control mode according to the present embodiment. The operations of the control unit 13 and the switching unit will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

As described above, the control mode in which the control unit 13 controls the switch element includes a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. FIG. 3 shows a terminal connected to the terminal a in each of the switch elements S1 and the like in each control mode. For example, when "b" is shown in FIG. 3, it means that the terminal a and the terminal b are connected by the switch element.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the first mode, the switch elements S1, S2, S3 and S4 connect the terminal a and the terminal b, respectively. As a result, a path in which the communication module 14 is connected to the antenna 15 via the first conversion unit 11, that is, a path shown by a solid line in FIG. 4 is formed. Using this path, the signal of the first frequency band output by the communication module 14 is converted into the signal of the second frequency band and transmitted to the antenna 15. The control unit 13 controls the switch element S1 and the like in the first mode in the first period.

Further, in the second mode, the switch elements S1 and S2 connect the terminal a and the terminal c, respectively, and the switch elements S3 and S4 connect the terminal a and the terminal b, respectively. As a result, a path in which the communication module 14 is connected to the antenna 15 via the second conversion unit 12, that is, a path shown by a broken line in FIG. 4 is formed. Using this path, the signal of the second frequency band output by the antenna 15 is converted into the signal of the first frequency band and transmitted to the communication module 14. The control unit 13 controls the switch element S1 and the like in the second mode in the second period.

Further, in the third mode, the switch elements S1 and S2 connect the terminal a and either the terminal b or c, respectively, and the switch elements S3 and S4 connect the terminal a and the terminal c, respectively. As a result, a path in which the communication module 14 is connected to the antenna 15 via the wiring 16, that is, a path shown by a dotted line in FIG. 4 is formed. Using this path, the signal of the first frequency band is transmitted between the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 without being converted. The control unit 13 controls the switch element S1 and the like in the third mode during a period that does not belong to either the first period or the second period.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the switching unit according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, in step S101, the control unit 13 determines the first period and the second period. The control unit 13 determines, for example, to repeat the first period and the second period in a predetermined cycle from the reference time. For example, the control unit 13 determines that the cycle is 50 msec, the first 5 msec period of one cycle is determined as the first period, and the next 5 msec of the first period of one cycle is determined as the second period. Further, the control unit 13 determines the start timing and the end timing of the first period and the second period as the switching timing. These first period and second period may be preset in the own device or may be determined by information from another communication device.

In step S102, the control unit 13 uses a timer (not shown) included in the own device to determine whether or not the switching timing determined in step S101 has arrived. If it is determined that the switching timing has arrived (Yes in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103, and if not (No in step S102), step S102 is executed again. That is, the control unit 13 takes a standby state in step S102 until the switching timing arrives.

In step S103, the control unit 13 switches the connection between the communication module 14 and the antenna 15 by switching the switch element S1 and the like. The control unit 13 controls the switch element S1 and the like in the first mode in the first period, and controls the switch element S1 and the like in the second mode in the second period. Further, the control unit 13 may control the switch element S1 and the like in the third mode during a period that does not belong to either the first period or the second period. When step S103 is completed, step S102 is executed.

Through the series of processes shown in FIG. 5, the communication device 10 can perform wireless communication, that is, half-duplex communication in the first frequency band with the communication device 101 by using one communication module 14. Further, in parallel with the above, the communication device 10 can also perform wireless communication, that is, half-duplex communication in the second frequency band with the communication device 102.

The communication device 10 does not have to include the switch elements S3 and S4 and the wiring 16. In that case, wireless communication in the first frequency band is not possible, but wireless communication in the second frequency band is possible.

As described above, the communication device of the present embodiment utilizes the frequency conversion of the signal by the first conversion unit and the second conversion unit, and uses the communication module for communication in the first frequency band to use the second frequency band. Signals can be transmitted and received wirelessly. At this time, since the connection path between the communication module and the antenna is time-division-switched between transmission and reception at an appropriate timing, half-duplex communication in the first frequency band and half-duplex communication in the second frequency band Communication can be converted appropriately. Therefore, the communication device can perform wireless communication in various frequency bands.

Further, the communication device can appropriately convert the half-duplex communication in the first frequency band and the half-duplex communication in the second frequency band at a timing based on the information received from another communication device. Therefore, the communication device can perform wireless communication in various frequency bands while adjusting the switching timing in cooperation with other communication devices.

Further, the communication device wirelessly transmits the signal of the first frequency band output by the communication module by the antenna without passing through the first conversion unit and the second conversion unit, and the antenna receives the signal wirelessly. A frequency band signal can be transmitted to the communication module. Therefore, the communication device can perform wireless communication in various frequency bands while maintaining the wireless communication function in the communication band in which the communication module can communicate.

In addition, the communication device can dynamically change the frequency band for wireless transmission / reception. Therefore, the communication device can perform wireless communication while dynamically switching the frequency band for wireless communication.

Further, the communication device can perform wireless communication in the sub-giga band, which is a frequency band of 5 GHz band or 1 GHz or less, by using a communication module for communication in the 2.4 GHz band.

Further, the communication device can appropriately convert the half-duplex communication in the first frequency band and the half-duplex communication in the second frequency band by using the two switch elements. Therefore, the communication device can more easily realize wireless communication in various frequency bands.

Further, the communication device uses two switch elements to convert half-duplex communication in the first frequency band and half-duplex communication in the second frequency band, or half-duplex communication in the first frequency band. Can be switched appropriately. Therefore, the communication device can more easily realize wireless communication in various frequency bands.

(Embodiment 2)
In the present embodiment, a communication device, a communication system, and the like that enable wireless communication in various frequency bands will be described.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 2 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the communication system 2 includes communication devices 20 and 21. The communication device 20 corresponds to the first device, and the communication device 21 corresponds to the second device.

The communication device 20 wirelessly communicates with the communication device 21 using one frequency band. One frequency band corresponds to the second frequency band in the first embodiment, but can be switched to the first frequency band in the first embodiment.

One of the communication devices 20 and 21 operates in the operating state of the master, and the other operates in the operating state of the slave. Which becomes the master may be predetermined, or may be dynamically determined by communication between the communication devices 20 and 21.

Here, a case where the communication device 20 operates as a master and the communication device 21 operates as a slave will be described as an example.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the communication device 20 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the communication device 20 includes a first conversion unit 11, a second conversion unit 12, a control unit 13A, and switch elements S1, S2, S3 and S4 (also referred to as switch elements S1 and the like). A communication module 14, an antenna 15, and a synchronization unit 18 are provided. Of the components included in the communication device 20, those other than the control unit 13A and the synchronization unit 18 are the same as those having the same name in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The synchronization unit 18 is a processing unit that transmits or receives a synchronization signal for synchronizing the timing with the communication device 21. The synchronization unit 18 has a timer.

The synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 20 is a synchronization unit included in the communication device operating as a master. The synchronization unit 18 synchronizes with the synchronization unit 18 of the communication device (that is, the communication device 21) operating as a slave by transmitting a synchronization signal including a timer value to the communication device 21.

The control unit 13A is a processing unit that controls the connection of the switch element S1 and the like, like the control unit 13 of the first embodiment.

The control unit 13A determines the first period and the second period based on the timer. The control unit 13A determines, for example, to repeat the first period and the second period at a predetermined cycle from the reference time. Then, the control unit 13A controls the switch element S1 and the like in the first mode in the first period, and controls the switch element S1 and the like in the second mode in the second period.

The communication device 21 has the same configuration as the communication device 20, but the operations of the control unit 13A and the synchronization unit 18 are different.

The synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 21 is a synchronization unit included in the communication device operating as a slave. The synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 21 is a processing unit that transmits or receives a synchronization signal for synchronizing the timing with the communication device 20. The synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 21 synchronizes with the synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 20 by receiving a synchronization signal including a timer value from the synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 20.

The control unit 13A of the communication device 21 determines the first period and the second period based on the timing synchronized by the synchronization signal received by the synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 21. The control unit 13A of the communication device 21 determines to repeat the first period and the second period at a predetermined cycle from the reference time. At this time, the control unit 13A of the communication device 21 determines that the first period for the communication device 20 is the second period for the communication device 21, and the second period for the communication device 20 is the first period for the communication device 21. To decide. Then, the control unit 13A of the communication device 21 controls the switch element S1 and the like in the first mode in the first period, and controls the switch element S1 and the like in the second mode in the second period.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the switching timing of the switching unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication path in each control mode according to the present embodiment. The switching timing of the switching unit and the communication path will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8A shows the timing of signal transmission or reception by the communication module 14 of the communication device 20 operating as a master, and the control mode of the control unit 13A.

FIG. 8B shows the timing of signal transmission or reception by the communication module 14 of the communication device 21 operating as a slave, and the control mode of the control unit 13A.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first period for the communication device 20 overlaps with the second period for the communication device 21. At this time, the control unit 13A of the communication device 20 controls the switch element S1 and the like in the first mode. The communication device 20 wirelessly transmits the signal output by the communication module 14 in the second frequency band via the first conversion unit 11 and the antenna 15 in this order. At this time, the control unit 13A of the communication device 21 controls the switch element S1 and the like in the second mode. The communication device 21 receives the signal of the second frequency band wirelessly received by the antenna 15 via the path passing through the second conversion unit 12 and the communication module 14 (see the solid line portion in FIG. 9).

Further, the first period for the communication device 21 overlaps with the second period for the communication device 20. At this time, the control unit 13A of the communication device 21 controls the switch element S1 and the like in the first mode. The communication device 21 wirelessly transmits the signal output by the communication module 14 in the second frequency band via the first conversion unit 11 and the antenna 15 in this order. At this time, the control unit 13A of the communication device 20 controls the switch element S1 and the like in the second mode. The communication device 20 receives the signal of the second frequency band wirelessly received by the antenna 15 via the path passing through the second conversion unit 12 and the communication module 14 (see the broken line portion in FIG. 9).

By periodically repeating the first period and the second period, the communication devices 20 and 21 perform half-duplex communication while alternately taking a state in which one transmits and the other receives.

Further, both the communication devices 20 and 21 can perform wireless communication in the first frequency band using the wiring 16 by controlling the switch element S1 and the like in the third mode (see the dotted line portion in FIG. 9). .. In this way, the communication system 2 can switch between the first frequency band and the second frequency band to perform wireless communication.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the communication system 2 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, in step S201, the synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 20 transmits a synchronization signal to the communication device 21.

In step S202, the control unit 13 of the communication device 20 determines the first period and the second period based on the timer included in the synchronization unit 18. The method for determining the first period and the second period is the same as in step S101 (see FIG. 5) in the first embodiment.

After step S202, similarly to steps S102 and S103 (see FIG. 5) in the first embodiment, the communication device 20 waits until the switching timing arrives, and when the switching timing arrives, the communication device 20 first switches the switch element. Switching between the mode and the second mode (steps S203 and S204).

Further, in step S211 the synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 21 receives the synchronization signal transmitted by the synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 20 in step S201.

In step S212, the synchronization unit 18 of the communication device 21 synchronizes the timer with the communication device 20 using the synchronization signal received in step S211 and then synchronizes the timer with the communication device 20 based on the timer included in the synchronization unit 18. Determine one period and second period.

After step S212, the communication device 21 waits until the switching timing arrives, and when the switching timing arrives, switches the first mode and the second mode by switching the switch element (steps S213 and S214).

Through the series of processes shown in FIG. 10, the communication system 2, that is, the communication devices 20 and 21, can realize half-duplex communication in the second frequency band.

As described above, the communication system of the present embodiment transmits a signal of the second frequency band from the first device to the second device in the first period, and from the second device to the first device in the second period. By transmitting a signal in the second frequency band, half-duplex communication in the second frequency band can be realized.

The present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus, but also as a method in which the processing means constituting the apparatus is used as a step, as a program for causing a computer to execute those steps, or as a computer reading in which the program is recorded. It can also be realized as a possible recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as information, data or a signal indicating the program. Then, those programs, information, data and signals may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

Although the collecting device and the like of the present invention have been described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. As long as the gist of the present invention is not deviated, various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art are applied to the present embodiment, and a form constructed by combining components in different embodiments is also included in the scope of the present invention. ..

The present invention can be used for a communication device that performs wireless communication.

1, 2 Communication system 10, 101, 102, 20, 21 Communication device 11 First conversion unit 12 Second conversion unit 13, 13A Control unit 14 Communication module 15 Antenna 16 Wiring 18 Synchronization unit S1, S2, S3, S4 Switch element

Claims (10)

A communication device that wirelessly communicates in the first frequency band and the second frequency band different from the first frequency band.
With the antenna
A communication module that outputs a signal in the first frequency band or acquires a signal in the first frequency band.
A first conversion unit that converts the signal output by the communication module into a signal in the second frequency band and transmits the signal to the antenna.
A second conversion unit that converts a signal in the second frequency band transmitted from the antenna into a signal in the first frequency band and transmits the signal to the communication module.
The first period of operation in the first mode in which the communication module and the antenna are connected via the first conversion unit, and the first period in which the communication module and the antenna are connected via the second conversion unit. A control unit that determines the second period that operates in two modes,
A communication device including a switching unit for switching between the first mode and the second mode. The first aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit acquires information on the first period and the second period from another communication device, and determines the first period and the second period based on the acquired information. Communication device. The antenna is
Radio transmission or reception of signals in the first frequency band and the second frequency band
The control unit further
It is determined to operate in the third mode in which the communication module and the antenna are connected by wiring that does not pass through either the first conversion unit or the second conversion unit.
The switching unit is
The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode are switched based on the determination by the control unit. The first frequency band is a fixed frequency band, and is a fixed frequency band.
The second frequency band according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is a frequency band that is fixedly or dynamically selected and set from a plurality of predetermined frequency bands. Communication device. The first frequency band is a 2.4 GHz band as the frequency band that is fixedly set.
The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the second frequency band is a 5 GHz band as the frequency band that is fixedly set, or a sub-giga band that is a frequency band of 1 GHz or less. The switching unit is
A first switch element that switches between connecting the communication module and the first conversion unit or connecting the communication module and the second conversion unit.
It has a second switch element that switches between connecting the antenna and the first conversion unit or connecting the antenna and the second conversion unit.
During the first period, the first switch element is controlled so as to connect the communication module and the first conversion unit, and the second is connected so as to connect the antenna and the first conversion unit. Control the switch element,
During the second period, the first switch element is controlled so as to connect the communication module and the second conversion unit, and the second is connected so as to connect the antenna and the second conversion unit. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which controls a switch element. The switching unit is
A third switch element that switches between connecting the communication module to the first conversion unit or the second conversion unit, or connecting the communication module to the wiring.
It has a fourth switch element that switches between connecting the antenna to the first conversion unit or the second conversion unit, or connecting the antenna to the wiring.
(C) When the communication module and the antenna are connected via the first conversion unit or the second conversion unit, the third switch element is connected so as to connect the communication module and the first switch element. And control the fourth switch element so as to connect the antenna and the second switch element.
(D) When the communication module and the antenna are connected by the wiring, the third switch element is controlled so as to connect the communication module and the wiring, and the antenna and the wiring are connected. The communication device according to claim 6, which cites claim 3, which controls the fourth switch element as described above. A communication system that wirelessly communicates signals in the first frequency band and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.
The first device, which is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A second device, which is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, is provided.
The first device further
It has a timer, and includes a synchronization unit that transmits a synchronization signal for synchronizing timing with the second device based on the timer.
The control unit of the first device
The first period and the second period are determined based on the timer of the first device.
The second device further
It has a timer, and includes a synchronization unit that receives the synchronization signal transmitted by the first device and synchronizes the timer with the first device.
The control unit of the second device
Based on the timer of the second device, the first period for the first device is determined to be the second period for the second device, and the second period for the first device is the second period. A communication system that determines the first period for the device. A communication method executed by a communication device that wirelessly communicates signals in the first frequency band and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.
The communication device is
With the antenna
A communication module that outputs a signal in the first frequency band or acquires a signal in the first frequency band.
A first conversion unit that converts the signal output by the communication module into a signal in the second frequency band and transmits the signal to the antenna.
It is provided with a second conversion unit that converts the signal of the second frequency band transmitted from the antenna into the signal of the first frequency band and transmits the signal to the communication module.
The communication method is
The first period of operation in the first mode in which the communication module and the antenna are connected via the first conversion unit, and the first period in which the communication module and the antenna are connected via the second conversion unit. A control step that determines the second period to operate in two modes,
A communication method including a switching step for switching between the first mode and the second mode. A communication method executed by a communication system that wirelessly communicates signals in the first frequency band and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.
The communication system
The first device, which is the communication device according to claim 9,
A second device, which is the communication device according to claim 9, is provided.
A first synchronization step in which the first device transmits a synchronization signal for synchronizing timing with the second device based on a timer.
A first determination step in which the first apparatus determines the first period and the second period based on the timer.
A synchronization step in which the second device receives the synchronization signal transmitted by the first device, and
Based on the timing when the second device synchronizes with the synchronization signal received in the synchronization step, the first period for the first device is determined to be the second period for the second device, and the second device determines. A communication method for determining the second period for a device as the first period for the second device.

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