JP2023149402A - wireless mesh network system - Google Patents

Abstract

To disclose a mechanism, or the like, for allowing a wireless coordinator to receive data simultaneously with ACK from a wireless device.SOLUTION: In a wireless mesh network system, a wireless root node device includes: a first transmission unit which transmits a data request packet by unicast to one wireless node device in a cluster as a receiver, on the basis of link quality information and path information stored in a first link quality information/path information storage unit and/or a second link quality information/path information storage unit; and a first receiving unit which receives a data packet with ACK from the one wireless node device in the cluster as a receiver, in response to the data request packet transmitted by the first transmission unit, on the basis of the link quality information and the path information stored in the first link quality information/path information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/path information storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a wireless mesh network system composed of a plurality of wireless node devices.

In recent years, wireless sensor networks have attracted attention as a communication technology for smart meters, HEMS (Home Energy Management System), and BEMS (Building Energy Management System). One of them is the Zigbee network. Compared to conventional wireless networks, Zigbee networks are characterized by the ability to configure mesh networks. This Zigbee network includes router nodes that have a routing function and end device nodes that do not have a routing function. A router node not only communicates for itself, but also voluntarily transmits messages for other nodes, thereby increasing communication coverage and making communication paths redundant.
In addition, when using a mesh network, an ACK request packet is sent and a response is sent to check whether there are any abnormalities in the route from the source node to the destination node, or whether there is a failure in the destination node. It is necessary to check whether an ACK packet is returned.
Here, ACK is an abbreviation for "acknowledgement" and is a technical term commonly used in the communication field. In communication between two parties, it refers to signals, data, packets, etc. sent when returning some kind of positive response to the other party. It is used to convey information such as ``the connection request was accepted'' and ``the data was received correctly.'' On the other hand, in communication between two parties, NAK (Negative ACK), etc., which indicates a negative response such as failure or rejection, is often used on the receiving side.

As an example for solving such problems, a communication system described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. The present invention discloses a technique in which one wireless coordinator sequentially transmits control data frames to a plurality of wireless devices, and then the wireless devices that have received the control data frames sequentially transmit ACK packets to the wireless coordinator. There is.

JP2016-92737

However, in the invention described above, when this technology is applied to a wireless mesh network such as Zigbee, when a wireless coordinator transmits a control data frame to a destination wireless device, the wireless device that received the control data frame After the ACK packet is sent to the wireless coordinator and confirmed, the wireless coordinator again sends a data request packet to the destination wireless device, and the wireless coordinator receives the data packet from the wireless device. That is, Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it does not disclose a mechanism for a wireless coordinator to receive data from a wireless device at the same time as an ACK.

In view of the problems described above, the present invention provides a wireless route node device that stores link quality information stored in a first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or a second link quality information/route information storage unit. and a first transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet in unicast to one wireless node device in the cluster as a transmission destination based on the route information; and a first link quality information/route information storage unit; / and based on the link quality information and route information stored in the second link quality information and route information storage unit, in response to the data request packet transmitted by the first transmitter, An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless mesh network system that can have a first receiving unit that receives an ACK-attached data packet from one wireless node device.

Specifically, the present invention provides a wireless mesh network system comprising at least one network including at least one wireless node device capable of transmitting and receiving packets and consisting of at least one cluster, wherein One of the wireless node devices functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device, and each wireless node device functions as a wireless gateway node device. It has a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the node device belongs, and each wireless gateway node device The wireless route node device has a second link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which it belongs and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network, and the wireless route node device Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit, one wireless node in the cluster that is the transmission destination A first transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet to the device by unicast, and a link stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit. a first reception unit that receives a data packet with an ACK from one wireless node device in the cluster as a transmission destination in response to a data request packet transmitted by the first transmission unit based on the quality information and the route information; Provided is a wireless mesh network system comprising:

The present invention also provides a wireless mesh network system comprising at least one network including at least one wireless node device capable of transmitting and receiving packets and consisting of at least one cluster, wherein the wireless node device in the cluster includes at least one wireless node device capable of sending and receiving packets. One of the wireless node devices functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device, and each wireless node device functions as a wireless node device. Each wireless gateway node device has a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs. It has a second link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network, and the wireless root node device Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit, a plurality of predetermined radios within the cluster as the transmission destination a second transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet by multicast to the node device; and a link stored in the first link quality information/routing information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/routing information storage unit. A second transmitter that receives data packets with ACKs from a plurality of predetermined wireless node devices within the cluster as transmission destinations in response to the data request packets transmitted by the second transmitter based on the quality information and the route information. A wireless mesh network system is provided, comprising: a receiving section;

Furthermore, in order to realize the wireless mesh network system described above, a method for operating the wireless mesh network system, which is a computer, and an operating program for the wireless mesh network system, which is written so as to be readable and executable by the wireless mesh network system, which is a computer, are provided. I will provide a.

Specifically, the present invention provides a method for operating a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer that includes at least one wireless node device capable of transmitting and receiving packets and is configured with at least one network consisting of at least one cluster. One of the wireless node devices in the cluster functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device. The wireless node device has a first link quality information/route information storage step that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless node device belongs, and each wireless gateway node device has a second link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network. Then, the wireless route node device performs a process at the destination based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step. A first transmission step of transmitting a data request packet by unicast to one wireless node device in a certain cluster, and a first link quality information/route information storage step or/and a second link quality information/route. Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the information storage step, in response to the data request packet transmitted in the first transmission step, data with ACK is sent from one wireless node device in the cluster that is the transmission destination. A first receiving step of receiving a packet.

The present invention also provides a method for operating a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer including at least one wireless node device capable of transmitting and receiving packets and configured with at least one network consisting of at least one cluster. One of the wireless node devices in the cluster functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device, and each wireless node device has a first link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless node device belongs, and each wireless gateway node device stores the link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless node device belongs. a second link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network; Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step, the root node device a second transmission step of transmitting a data request packet by multicast to a plurality of predetermined wireless node devices; and a first link quality information/route information storage step or/and a second link quality information/route information storage step. Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the step, in response to the data request packet transmitted in the second transmission step, data with ACK is sent from a predetermined plurality of wireless node devices in the cluster that is the transmission destination. a second receiving step of receiving a packet.

Specifically, the present invention includes at least one or more wireless node devices capable of transmitting and receiving packets, and is readable and executable by a wireless mesh network system that is a computer configured of at least one network consisting of at least one or more clusters. An operating program for the wireless mesh network system described in , wherein one of the wireless node devices in the cluster functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless gateway node device. functions as a wireless root node device, and each wireless node device stores first link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless node device belongs. a storage step, each wireless gateway node device stores link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs and between wireless gateway node devices in the network; The wireless route node device stores the link quality information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step. a first transmission step of transmitting a data request packet by unicast to one wireless node device in the cluster as a transmission destination based on the information and the route information; and a first link quality information/route information storage step. or/and based on the link quality information and route information stored in the second link quality information/route information storage step, in response to the data request packet transmitted in the first transmission step, the destination cluster a first receiving step of receiving an ACK-attached data packet from one wireless node device in the wireless mesh network system. I will provide a.

Further, the present invention is described so as to be readable and executable by a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer including at least one or more wireless node devices capable of transmitting and receiving packets, and constituted by at least one network consisting of at least one or more clusters. An operating program for a wireless mesh network system, wherein one of the wireless node devices in a cluster functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless Functioning as a root node device, each wireless node device performs a first link quality information/route information storage step of storing link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless node device belongs. Each wireless gateway node device has a second link quality that stores link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs and between wireless gateway node devices in the network. The wireless route node device has an information/route information storage step, and the wireless route node device stores the link quality information and route stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step. a second transmission step of transmitting a data request packet by multicast to a plurality of predetermined wireless node devices in the cluster as a transmission destination based on the information; and a first link quality information/route information storage step; Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the second link quality information and route information storage step, in response to the data request packet transmitted in the second transmission step, a second receiving step of receiving data packets with ACK from a plurality of predetermined wireless node devices; an operating program for a wireless mesh network system written to be readable and executable by a wireless mesh network system that is a computer; I will provide a.

As described above, in the present invention, the wireless route node device is configured based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit. a first transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet by unicast to one wireless node device in the cluster as a transmission destination; and a first link quality information/route information storage unit or/and a second Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the link quality information/route information storage unit, in response to the data request packet transmitted by the first transmitter, one wireless node in the cluster that is the transmission destination It is possible to provide a wireless mesh network system that can include a first receiving unit that receives an ACKed data packet from a device.

Diagram showing the hardware configuration applied to the present invention A diagram showing the overall configuration of the wireless mesh network system according to the present invention and an example of address assignment used in the system A diagram showing an example of link quality information and route information of the wireless mesh network system in the present invention A diagram showing an example of link quality information of a wireless mesh network system in the present invention A diagram showing an example of ranking based on link quality information of the wireless mesh network system in the present invention A diagram showing an example of route selection conditions of the wireless mesh network system in the present invention Diagram showing the functional configuration of the wireless mesh network system in Embodiment 1 A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a packet in Embodiment 1. Diagram showing an example of operation in the wireless mesh network system of Embodiment 1 Diagram showing the hardware configuration of the wireless mesh network system in Embodiment 1 Diagram showing the flow of processing when using the wireless mesh network system in Embodiment 1 Diagram showing the functional configuration of the wireless mesh network system in Embodiment 2 A diagram showing an example of a packet configuration in Embodiment 2 Diagram showing an example of operation in the wireless mesh network system of Embodiment 2 Diagram showing the hardware configuration of the wireless mesh network system in Embodiment 2 Diagram showing the flow of processing when using the wireless mesh network system in Embodiment 2 <About hardware that can constitute the present invention>

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration applied to the present invention.
The wireless node device in the present invention includes a microcomputer, a storage device, a device for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, a power source, etc., and includes devices for acquiring various information such as sensors, output devices such as speakers and LEDs, The present invention relates to a wireless mesh network system in which a plurality of devices that control one or more of control devices such as relays and switches are connected, an operating method thereof, and an operating program. The above-mentioned devices are controlled by a microcomputer, and the wireless mesh network is also connected to external management devices such as PCs, so each device has a hardware configuration similar to that of a computer, and the present invention can be implemented in collaboration with software. is realized.

As shown in this figure, the circuit board includes a CPU, ROM (flash memory), which is nonvolatile memory, volatile memory RAM (SRAM), which is main memory, serial buses, various general-purpose interfaces, wireless circuits, - Consists of D/DA converter, power ON reset circuit, clock oscillator, etc. These operate in cooperation with the operating system and various application programs. Various programs and various data constituting the present invention are configured to efficiently utilize these hardware resources to execute various processes.
For example, the nonvolatile memory stores operational programs to be executed by the wireless node device, link quality information and route information with other wireless node devices, and the like. Here, link quality information and route information may be configured to be stored in volatile memory, but they are also stored in non-volatile memory so that they can be handled even if the volatile memory is erased due to a momentary power outage. It is desirable that the

Flash memory is a nonvolatile memory that uses a semiconductor element called a floating gate MOSFET and records data by storing electrons in the floating gate. Also called flash EEPROM or flash ROM. The basic structure of the storage cell for each bit is a type of EEPROM, but it has a mechanism that "pushes" within a block consisting of multiple bits, and a read/write unit (block size ranges from several kilobytes to several tens of kilobytes). ) and speed are easy to handle. There are mainly two types of flash memory: NAND flash memory and NOR flash memory.

SRAM (static RAM) is a type of semiconductor memory. DRAM (dynamic RAM) is so named because it "stores information using a static circuit system."

The power ON reset circuit is as follows.
When the power is turned on, all microcontrollers start from an undefined internal logic state. Therefore, the internal logic of the microcomputer must initialize its internal state immediately after power is turned on. Even if the power is turned on, the microcontroller cannot start unless the guaranteed operating voltage is reached. Therefore, during that time, the values of the internal logic circuit are forcibly fixed to prevent the microcomputer from malfunctioning. After that, when the power supply voltage reaches a level at which the logic circuit can operate, internal circuitry sets circuits such as registers to initial values. A circuit that performs this series of operations is called a "power ON reset circuit."

The wireless mesh network system of the present invention electrically connects each wireless node device to various sensors installed on machine tools in factories, etc., and detects temperature, motor rotation speed, vibration frequency, voltage, current, air temperature, humidity, etc. It is used to collect information such as illuminance and measure the operating status of machine tools and the surrounding environment in real time. In addition, we have installed a system that locally opens and closes windows and performs local air conditioning according to temperature variations, and installed wireless node devices equipped with illuminance meters on classroom desks, as well as wireless nodes equipped with brightness adjustment functions for ceiling lights. A system that uses equipment to adjust the brightness of ceiling lights to reduce variations in illuminance on desks, and observation of thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, illumination meters, and wind speed and direction meters installed throughout the city. Possible systems include a system that collects results.

<Satisfaction of the usability of natural laws of the present invention>

The present invention functions in cooperation with a computer, communication equipment, and software. Specifically, it relates to a wireless mesh network system composed of multiple wireless node devices, in which each wireless node device performs wireless packet communication, and various information and data are exchanged between each other using hardware resources. It is used to communicate. Therefore, from this point of view, if the claimed invention is judged based on the matters stated in the claims and specification, as well as the common general knowledge related to these matters, the claimed invention as a whole utilizes the laws of nature. This invention also falls under computer software-related inventions.

<Significance of the use of natural laws required by patent law>

The use of natural laws required by the Patent Act refers to the use of natural laws that are industrially useful, from the viewpoint that inventions must have industrial applicability and contribute to the development of industry based on the legal purpose. This is required to ensure that the invention is capable of In other words, it requires that the invention be industrially useful, that is, that the effects of the invention declared at the time of filing the application can be reproduced with a certain degree of certainty by implementing the invention. From this perspective, the usability of natural laws means that the functions of each of the invention specifying matters (invention constituent elements), which are the composition of the invention to achieve the effects of the invention, are achieved by utilizing natural laws. It is interpreted as bayoi. Furthermore, the effectiveness of an invention is defined as the possibility of providing a certain level of usefulness to the users who use the invention, and it is not sufficient to define the effectiveness of an invention as long as it has the potential to provide a certain level of usefulness to the users who use the invention. It should not be viewed from that perspective. Therefore, even if the effect that the user obtains from this system is a psychological effect, that effect itself is a phenomenon that is not subject to the required usability of natural laws.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the mutual relationship between the embodiments and the claims is as follows. Primarily, the description of the first embodiment relates to claims 1, 3 and 5, and the description of the second embodiment relates to claims 2, 4 and 6. The present invention should not be limited to these embodiments in any way, and may be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof.

<Overall configuration of the wireless mesh network system of the present invention>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the wireless mesh network system according to the present invention and address assignment used in the system.
The wireless mesh network system of the present invention is designed so that a cluster is formed from at least one wireless node device. For example, one cluster is composed of a maximum of 32 wireless node devices. Furthermore, one network is configured to include at least one cluster, and is designed to include a maximum of 32 clusters. In short, it is desirable to be designed to be expressed as a multiple of 8.

In FIG. 2, one of the clusters consisting of 32 wireless node devices of the same type functions as a wireless gateway node device, and is responsible for managing communications within the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs. . Furthermore, the wireless gateway node device also plays the role of managing communications with other clusters as a so-called entrance/exit of the cluster to which it belongs. Wireless node devices within one cluster are assigned node IDs (addresses) from 0 to 31 in advance. One network is configured by connecting up to 32 clusters. Cluster IDs (addresses) from 0 to 31 are assigned in advance to clusters within one network. Communication between clusters is performed by wireless gateway node devices belonging to each cluster, and communication is performed with wireless node devices within each cluster via this wireless gateway node device. Furthermore, one wireless root node device is set for one network to manage communication with outside the network, and is in charge of communication between networks. One of the plurality of wireless gateway node devices plays the role of the wireless root node device. One network system is configured by connecting up to 255 networks. One of the plurality of wireless root node devices plays the role of communication between this network system and external management devices (including electronic devices such as PCs, tablet terminals, and smartphones). Here, networks within this network system are assigned network IDs (addresses) from 0 to 255 in advance. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to construct a large-scale wireless mesh network consisting of a maximum of 261,120 wireless node devices as a whole.
Further, the address is displayed as (network ID (0-255). cluster ID (0-31). node ID (0-31)). For example, in the case of node 4 of cluster 21 of network 1, it is expressed as "(1.21.4)". Each wireless node device is identified by this address and is set as the source or destination of packet communication.
Note that the allocation of wireless root node devices and wireless gateway node devices may be set in advance when constructing the wireless mesh network system, or may be set after startup from an external device such as a PC. may be configured.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of link quality information and route information of the wireless mesh network system according to the present invention.
This figure shows the state of link quality information and route information for wireless node devices 1 to 10 in cluster 1 of network 5. The numerical value written in each node device represents the address assigned to each node device. Here, communicable wireless node devices are connected by straight lines. Depending on the rank of the link quality, which will be described later, the links are displayed in three types: a thick solid line, a thin solid line, and a thin dotted line, in descending order of quality. Here, in the case of the worst link quality information, no line is drawn between the wireless node devices because communication is impossible.
For example, when viewed from a wireless node device (5.1.4), adjacent wireless node devices (5.1.1) (5.1.2) (5.1.3) (5.1.5) Regarding the six items (5.1.6) and (5.1.7), direct communication is possible, so link quality information and route information can be immediately known and stored. In this case, link quality information is ranked and differentiated in four stages. For example, if the link quality is arranged in descending order of quality, there will be four stages: No Link (unable to communicate), Poor, Good, and Excellent.
For example, when viewed from the wireless node device (5.1.9), the link quality information indicates that the wireless node device (5.1.8) is in an “Excellent” state. Further, for the wireless node devices (5.1.2) (5.1.10), the link quality information indicates that the state is "Good". Further, for the wireless node devices (5.1.1) (5.1.7), the link quality information indicates that the state is "Poor".
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of ranking based on link quality information of the wireless mesh network system according to the present invention. As shown in this figure, link quality information is ranked, and Excellent indicates very good communication quality and is used preferentially. Next, Good quality indicates that there is no particular problem in communication quality, the value of received radio wave intensity (RSSI) is within a range where data loss does not occur, and there are almost no communication failures. Poor means that if this route is used, data loss will occur and the received radio wave intensity (RSSI) will be low. No Link indicates that communication is completely disabled and cannot be used as a communication path.
Also, when viewed from the wireless node device (5.1.4), the wireless node devices (5.1.8), (5.1.9), and (5.1.10) are respectively the wireless node devices (5.1.8), (5.1.9), and (5.1.10). 1.1) (5.1.2). By doing so, link quality information and route information in each wireless node device within the cluster are stored and understood.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of link quality information of the wireless mesh network system according to the present invention.
This correspondence table summarizes link quality information between each wireless node device of cluster 1 in FIG. 3 described above.
It is preferable that each wireless node device stores such a correspondence table so that it can appropriately store and understand which links have good or bad communication quality.
In the wireless mesh network system of the present invention, such link quality information and route information are periodically transmitted from each wireless node device (for example, once every 5 seconds at startup, once every 30 seconds during stable operation). The information may be stored and understood by a beacon signal transmitted at a certain frequency. Further, it may be configured to refer to and store/update link quality information and route information when actually communicating with other wireless node devices.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of route selection conditions for the wireless mesh network system according to the present invention.
As can be seen from this figure, route selection is given a certain weight, and the priorities are Excellent, Good, and Poor in descending order of priority. Also, considering the number of hops between wireless node devices, Good, which hops once, is selected over Excellent, which hops twice. Poor is set so that it can be used only when there is no Excellent or Good route. Under such conditions, route information between wireless node devices will be selected.

<Embodiment 1 (mainly corresponding to claims 1, 3, and 5)>
<Embodiment 1 Overview>
The present embodiment is a wireless mesh network system that includes at least one wireless node device capable of transmitting and receiving packets and is configured of at least one network consisting of at least one cluster, in which wireless node devices in the cluster One of the wireless node devices functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device, and each wireless node device functions as a wireless node device to which the wireless node device belongs. It has a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster, and each wireless gateway node device stores the link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster, and each wireless gateway node device The wireless route node device has a second link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices and between wireless gateway node devices in the network, and the wireless route node device Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit, to one wireless node device in the cluster that is the transmission destination. A first transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet by unicast, and link quality information and routes stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit. a first receiving unit that receives an ACK-attached data packet from one wireless node device in the cluster as a transmission destination in response to the data request packet transmitted by the first transmitting unit based on the information; A wireless mesh network system is provided.
In order to achieve this, the present invention provides a method for operating a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer, and an operating program for the wireless mesh network system, which is written to be readable and executable by the wireless mesh network system, which is a computer.

<Embodiment 1 Functional configuration>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the wireless mesh network system in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the wireless node device includes a first receiving section, a packet analysis section, a first link quality information/route information storage section, a second link quality information/route information storage section, and a packet creation section. and a first transmitter.

<Embodiment 1 Description of configuration: first receiving section of wireless node device>
The “first receiving unit” 701 is configured to have a function of receiving packets sent from other wireless node devices. Here, although the present invention is basically configured to use a radio frequency in the 2.4 GHz band, it can be configured to operate in another radio band by changing an antenna (not shown) or the like. It is also possible.

<Embodiment 1 Configuration description: Packet analysis unit of wireless node device>
The “packet analysis unit” 702 is configured to have a function of analyzing packets sent from other wireless node devices. Generally, a packet is composed of a header section and a payload section, and various information and data are stored in these sections. The "packet analysis unit" 702 has the role of analyzing and examining what kind of information and data are included in them. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a packet in the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the header information includes packet type information, source address information, destination address information, request code information, and ACK information.
The packet type information is information indicating what kind of packet the packet is. For example, "000" indicates a data request packet with ACK, and "001" indicates a data packet with ACK. It may also be expressed as
Further, the request code information is configured to take values from 0 to 7, and to obtain the type of data that each value means. For example, each wireless node device is electrically connected to various sensors installed on machine tools in factories, etc., and data such as temperature, motor rotation speed, vibration frequency, voltage, current, air temperature, humidity, and illuminance are collected and used to machine tools. Consider the case of measuring the operating status of a machine and the surrounding environment in real time. In this case, for example, if the request code information is "0", it represents "temperature", if the request code information is "1", it represents "motor rotation speed", and if the request code information is "2", it represents " It is desirable that it be structured so that it represents "the frequency of vibration".
Furthermore, 32 bits are allocated to the ACK information in correspondence with a maximum of 32 wireless node devices forming a cluster. That is, when a wireless node device with a node ID of 1 returns an ACK, "ACK(1)" (affirmative response) is entered in the portion of the ACK information corresponding to the node ID of 1. If the wireless node device with node ID 1 has a problem and is not operating normally, "NAK (0)" (negative response) will be entered in the corresponding part of this ACK information.
The "packet analysis unit" 702 is also configured to have a function of extracting the destination address from the header information of the sent packet and determining whether the packet is addressed to its own wireless node device. . If it is determined that the packet is addressed to its own wireless node device, it refers to the packet type information and proceeds to the next operation. Note that if it is determined that the message has not been sent to itself, the link quality information/route information storage section is referred to and the message is forwarded to the next wireless node device.
For example, if the network ID is 1, the cluster ID is 1, and the node ID is 1, the destination address is set as (1.1.1). Furthermore, when there are multiple destinations, the destination addresses are set as (1.1.1) (1.1.2) (1.1.3). Furthermore, if all wireless node devices in the cluster are to be the destination, the destination address may be set as (1.1.X).
Note that when receiving a data packet with an ACK, it is preferable that the payload section is configured to store data of the type specified by the request code information in a position corresponding to each wireless node device.
Note that the amount of data stored in one wireless node device is preferably about 10 bytes at most.
Here, ACK is an abbreviation for "acknowledgement" and is a technical term commonly used in the communication field. In communication between two parties, it refers to signals, data, packets, etc. sent when returning some kind of positive response to the other party. It is used to convey information such as ``the connection request was accepted'' and ``the data was received correctly.'' On the other hand, in communication between two parties, NAK (Negative ACK), etc., which indicates a negative response such as failure or rejection, is often used on the receiving side.

<Embodiment 1 Configuration description: first link quality information/route information storage unit of wireless node device>
The “first link quality information/route information storage unit” 703 is configured to have a function of storing link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices within a cluster. For example, information such as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 described above may be stored. Also, for example, link quality information and route information may be issued periodically (for example, once every 5 seconds at startup, once every 30 seconds during stable operation) from each wireless node device. The information may be stored and updated by a beacon signal sent to the wireless node, or the information may be stored and updated by referring to the link quality information and route information when actually communicating with other wireless node devices. - It may be configured to be updated.

<Embodiment 1 Configuration description: Second link quality information/route information storage unit of wireless node device>
The “second link quality information/route information storage unit” 704 has a function of storing link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in a cluster as well as link quality information and route information between wireless gateway devices. It is configured as follows. For example, information such as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 described above may be stored. Also, for example, link quality information and route information may be issued periodically (for example, once every 5 seconds at startup, once every 30 seconds during stable operation) from each wireless node device. The information may be stored and updated by a beacon signal sent to the wireless node, or the information may be stored and updated by referring to the link quality information and route information when actually communicating with other wireless node devices. - It may be configured to be updated.

<Embodiment 1 Configuration description: Packet creation unit of wireless node device>
The "packet creation unit" 705 is configured to have a function of creating a packet when it becomes a transmission source and sends a packet to another wireless node device. In this case, the source address is set to its own address, for example (1.1.1). Further, by setting the packet type information, for example, "000" may represent a data request packet with ACK, and "001" may represent a data packet with ACK.
Here, if there are multiple destinations, the destination addresses may be set as (1.1.1) (1.1.2) (1.1.3), for example. Furthermore, when all the wireless node devices in the cluster are the destinations, the destination address may be set to (1.1.X).
Further, the request code information is configured to take values from 0 to 7, and to obtain the type of data that each value means. For example, each wireless node device is electrically connected to various sensors installed on machine tools in factories, etc., and data such as temperature, motor rotation speed, vibration frequency, voltage, current, air temperature, humidity, and illuminance are collected and used to machine tools. Consider the case of measuring the operating status of a machine and the surrounding environment in real time. In this case, for example, if the request code information is "0", it represents "temperature", if the request code information is "1", it represents "motor rotation speed", and if the request code information is "2", it represents " It is desirable that it be structured so that it represents "the frequency of vibration".
Further, the request code information may be set in advance when constructing the wireless mesh network system, or the request code information may be set from an external device (such as a PC) connected to the wireless mesh network system. Good too.

<Embodiment 1 Configuration description: first transmitter of wireless node device>
The “first transmitting unit” 706 transmits its own information based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information and route information storage unit 703 and the second link quality information and route information storage unit 704. It is configured to have a function of forwarding packets that are not addressed to another wireless node device, and transmitting packets it has created to a wireless node device specified by a predetermined destination address.
Here, although the present invention is basically configured to use a radio frequency in the 2.4 GHz band, it can be configured to operate in another radio band by changing an antenna (not shown) or the like. It is also possible.

Here, the operation of the wireless mesh network system of this embodiment will be explained using the drawings.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation in the wireless mesh network system of the first embodiment.
The premise is that a wireless root node device (3.3.0) belonging to cluster 3 transmits a data request packet with ACK by unicast to a wireless node device (3.4.0) in cluster 4. think.
In this case, first, based on the link quality information and route information stored in the second link quality information and route information storage unit, the wireless route node device (3.3.0) belonging to cluster 3 is transferred to cluster 0. ACK to the wireless gateway node device (3.4.10) in cluster 4 via the wireless gateway node device (3.0.5) to which it belongs and the wireless gateway node device (3.2.2) that belongs to cluster 2. Sends an attached data request packet.
Next, the wireless gateway node device (3.4.10) belonging to cluster 4 uses the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit to A data request packet with ACK is sent to the node device (3.4.0). In response to this data request packet with ACK, the wireless node device (3.4.0) transmits a data packet with ACK to the wireless gateway node device (3.4.10).
Thereafter, the wireless gateway node device (3.4.10) sends the ACKed data packet to the wireless gateway node device (3.2.2) belonging to cluster 2 and the wireless gateway node device (3.0. 5) to the wireless root node device (3.3.0) belonging to cluster 3, and receives it.
In this case, the wireless root node device (3.3.0) is configured to specify the request code information in the data request packet with ACK and acquire the necessary data. In addition, the wireless node device (3.4.0) that is the transmission destination refers to the request code information of the data request packet with ACK, stores the specified type of data in the data packet with ACK, and transmits it. It is composed of

<Embodiment 1 Wireless mesh network system: Hardware configuration>
The hardware configuration of the wireless mesh network system in this embodiment will be explained using diagrams.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the wireless mesh network system in this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the wireless node device in this embodiment includes a "CPU (central processing unit)" that performs various calculation processes, a "volatile RAM (SRAM)" that stores and holds predetermined information and data, It is equipped with a "non-volatile ROM (flash memory)". In addition, there are "wireless circuits" that perform wireless transmission and reception with external wireless node devices, "serial I/O" and "general-purpose I/O" that are connected to external sensors and exchange information and data, It is equipped with a "counter/timer", "A-D/DA converter", etc. These devices are interconnected through data communication paths such as "internal buses" to transmit, receive, and process information.

Here, the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" reads out programs that perform various processes for the "CPU" to execute, and at the same time provides a work area that is a work area for the programs. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to each of these "volatile RAM (SRAM)" and "nonvolatile ROM (flash memory)," and programs executed by the "CPU" can identify and access those addresses. It is now possible to exchange and process data with each other. In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" are a first link quality/route information storage program, a second link quality information/route information storage program, a first transmission program, and a first link quality/route information storage program. 1 reception program, packet analysis program, and packet creation program. In addition, "volatile RAM (SRAM)" and "non-volatile ROM (flash memory)" contain link quality information, route information, packet type information, source address, destination address, request code information, ACK information, data, etc. Stored.

The "CPU" executes the first link quality information/route information storage program stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" and stores the link quality information and route information between the wireless node devices in the cluster in the "volatile" manner. The data is stored in RAM (SRAM) or non-volatile ROM (flash memory).
In addition, a second link quality information/route information storage program stored in "volatile RAM (SRAM)" is executed to store link quality information/route information between wireless node devices in the cluster and between wireless gateway node devices. link quality information and route information are stored in "volatile RAM (SRAM)" or "nonvolatile ROM (flash memory)".
It also executes the first reception program stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" to receive packets sent from other wireless node devices.
In addition, the packet analysis program stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" is executed to analyze the received packet and collect information such as packet type information, source address, destination address, request code information, ACK information, data, etc. is stored in "volatile RAM (SRAM)" or "nonvolatile ROM (flash memory)".
Furthermore, a packet creation program stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" is executed to create a packet based on packet type information, source address, destination address, request code information, ACK information, and the like.
It also executes the first transmission program stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" to transmit packets not addressed to itself to other wireless node devices, or to transmit packets it has created to other wireless nodes. or send it to the device.

<Embodiment 1 Wireless mesh network system: Processing flow>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of processing when using the wireless mesh network system in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, a first reception step S1101, a packet analysis step S1102, a first link quality information/route information storage step S1103, a second link quality information/route information storage step S1104, and a packet analysis step S1102. This processing method consists of a creation step S1105 and a first transmission step S1106. These processing methods apply to a wireless mesh network system that includes at least one or more wireless node devices capable of transmitting and receiving packets, and is configured of at least one network consisting of at least one or more clusters, in which the wireless node devices in the cluster One of the wireless node devices functions as a wireless gateway node device, one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device, and each wireless node device functions as a wireless node device. Each wireless gateway node device has a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in the cluster to which it belongs, and each wireless gateway node device The wireless route node device has a second link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in the network and between wireless gateway node devices in the network, and the wireless route node device Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit, to one wireless node device in the cluster that is the transmission destination. a first transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet by unicast; and link quality information and link quality information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or second link quality information/route information storage unit. a first receiving unit that receives an ACK-attached data packet from one wireless node device in the cluster as a transmission destination in response to the data request packet transmitted by the first transmitting unit based on the route information; The wireless mesh network system is implemented by a wireless mesh network system having the following features.

"First reception step" S1101 is a stage of receiving packets sent from other wireless node devices.

"Packet analysis step" S1102 is a step of analyzing a packet received from another wireless node device.

"First link quality information/route information storage step" S1103 is a step of storing link quality information and route information between wireless node devices within a cluster.

"Second link quality information/route information storage step" S1104 is a step of storing link quality information/route information between wireless node devices in a cluster and link quality information/route information between wireless gateway node devices. .

"Packet creation step" S1105 is a step of creating a packet based on packet type information, source address, destination address, request code information, ACK information, etc.

"First transmission step" S1106 is a stage in which a packet not addressed to itself is transmitted to another wireless node device, or a packet created by itself is transmitted to another wireless node device.

<Summary>
As described above, there is provided a wireless mesh network system including at least one or more wireless node devices capable of transmitting and receiving packets, and configured of at least one network consisting of at least one or more clusters, in which one or more of the wireless node devices in the cluster One wireless node device functions as a wireless gateway node device, one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device, and each wireless node device functions as a wireless node device within the cluster to which the wireless node device belongs. Each wireless gateway node device has a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in the cluster, and each wireless gateway node device It has a second link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between wireless node devices and between wireless gateway node devices in the network, and the wireless route node device stores the first link quality information.・Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit, unicast to one wireless node device in the cluster that is the transmission destination. a first transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet, and link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit. a first receiving unit that receives an ACK-attached data packet from one wireless node device in the cluster that is a destination in response to a data request packet transmitted by the first transmitting unit based on the first transmitting unit; It is possible to provide a wireless mesh network system featuring:

<Embodiment 2 (mainly corresponding to claims 2, 4, and 6)>
<Embodiment 2 Overview>
The present embodiment is a wireless mesh network system that includes at least one wireless node device capable of transmitting and receiving packets and is configured of at least one network consisting of at least one cluster, in which wireless node devices in the cluster One of the wireless node devices functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device, and each wireless node device functions as a wireless node device. It has a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which each wireless gateway node device belongs, and each wireless gateway node device is connected to the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs. The wireless route node device has a second link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in the network and between wireless gateway node devices in the network, and the wireless route node device Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit, a plurality of predetermined wireless nodes in the cluster that are transmission destinations a second transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet to the device by multicast; and a link quality stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit. a second transmitter that receives an ACK-attached data packet from a predetermined plurality of wireless node devices in the cluster as a transmission destination in response to the data request packet transmitted by the second transmitter based on the information and the route information; A wireless mesh network system is provided, comprising a receiving section. In order to achieve this, the present invention provides a method for operating a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer, and an operating program for the wireless mesh network system, which is written to be readable and executable by the wireless mesh network system, which is a computer.

<Embodiment 2 Functional configuration>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a wireless mesh network system in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the wireless node device includes a second receiving section, a packet analysis section, a first link quality information/route information storage section, a second link quality information/route information storage section, and a packet creation section. and a second transmitter.

<Embodiment 2 Configuration description: second receiving unit of wireless node device>
The "second receiving unit" 1201 is configured to have a function of receiving packets sent from other wireless node devices. Here, although the present invention is basically configured to use a radio frequency in the 2.4 GHz band, it can be configured to operate in another radio band by changing an antenna (not shown) or the like. It is also possible.

<Embodiment 2 Configuration description: Packet analysis unit of wireless node device>
The "packet analysis unit" 1202 is configured to have a function of analyzing packets sent from other wireless node devices. Generally, a packet is composed of a header section and a payload section, and various information and data are stored in these sections. The "packet analysis unit" 1202 has the role of analyzing and investigating what kind of information and data are included in them.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a packet in the second embodiment. As shown in this figure, the header information includes packet type information, source address, destination address, request code information, ACK information, and the like.
The packet type information is information indicating what kind of packet the packet is. For example, "000" indicates a data request packet with ACK, and "001" indicates a data packet with ACK. It may also be expressed as
Further, the request code information is configured to take values from 0 to 7, and to obtain the type of data that each value means. For example, each wireless node device is electrically connected to various sensors installed on machine tools in factories, etc., and data such as temperature, motor rotation speed, vibration frequency, voltage, current, air temperature, humidity, and illuminance are collected and used to machine tools. Consider the case of measuring the operating status of a machine and the surrounding environment in real time. In this case, for example, if the request code information is "0", it represents "temperature", if the request code information is "1", it represents "motor rotation speed", and if the request code information is "2", it represents " It is desirable that it be structured so that it represents "the frequency of vibration".
Furthermore, 32 bits are allocated to the ACK information in correspondence with a maximum of 32 wireless node devices forming a cluster. That is, when a wireless node device with a node ID of 1 returns an ACK, "ACK(1)" (affirmative response) is entered in the portion of the ACK information corresponding to the node ID of 1. If the wireless node device with node ID 1 has a problem and is not operating normally, "NAK (0)" (negative response) will be entered in the corresponding part of this ACK information.
The "packet analysis unit" 1202 is also configured to have a function of extracting the destination address from the header information of the sent packet and determining whether the packet is addressed to its own wireless node device. . If it is determined that the packet is addressed to its own wireless node device, it refers to the packet type information and proceeds to the next operation. Note that if it is determined that the message has not been sent to itself, the link quality information/route information storage section is referred to and the message is forwarded to the next wireless node device.
For example, if the network ID is 1, the cluster ID is 1, and the node ID is 1, the destination address is set as (1.1.1). Furthermore, when there are multiple destinations, the destination addresses are set as (1.1.1) (1.1.2) (1.1.3). Furthermore, if all wireless node devices in the cluster are to be the destination, the destination address may be set as (1.1.X).
Note that when receiving a data packet with ACK, it is preferable that the payload section is configured to store data of the type specified by the request code information in a position corresponding to each wireless node device. .
Note that the amount of data stored in one wireless node device is preferably about 10 bytes at most.
Here, ACK is an abbreviation for "acknowledgement" and is a technical term commonly used in the communication field. Refers to signals, data, packets, etc. sent when returning some kind of positive response to the other party in communication between two parties. It is used to convey information such as ``the connection request was accepted'' and ``the data was received correctly.'' On the other hand, in communication between two parties, NAK (Negative ACK), which indicates a negative response such as failure or rejection, is often used on the receiving side.

<Embodiment 2 Configuration description: first link quality information/route information storage unit of wireless node device>
The “first link quality information/route information storage unit” 1203 is configured to have a function of storing link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices within a cluster. For example, information such as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 described above may be stored. Also, for example, link quality information and route information may be issued periodically (for example, once every 5 seconds at startup, once every 30 seconds during stable operation) from each wireless node device. The information may be stored and updated by a beacon signal sent to the wireless node, or the information may be stored and updated by referring to the link quality information and route information when actually communicating with other wireless node devices. - It may be configured to be updated.

<Embodiment 2 Configuration description: Second link quality information/route information storage unit of wireless node device>
The “second link quality information/route information storage unit” 1204 has a function of storing link quality information/route information between all wireless node devices in a cluster and link quality information/route information between wireless gateway devices. It is configured as follows. For example, information such as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 described above may be stored. Also, for example, link quality information and route information may be issued periodically (for example, once every 5 seconds at startup, once every 30 seconds during stable operation) from each wireless node device. The information may be stored and updated by a beacon signal sent to the wireless node, or the information may be stored and updated by referring to the link quality information and route information when actually communicating with other wireless node devices. - It may be configured to be updated.

<Embodiment 2 Configuration description: Packet creation unit of wireless node device>
The "packet creation unit" 1205 is configured to have a function of creating a packet when itself becomes a transmission source and sends a packet to another wireless node device. In this case, the source address is set to its own address, for example (1.1.1). Further, by setting the packet type information, for example, "000" may represent a data request packet with ACK, and "001" may represent a data packet with ACK.
Here, if there are multiple destinations, the destination addresses may be set as (1.1.1) (1.1.2) (1.1.3), for example. Furthermore, when all the wireless node devices in the cluster are the destinations, the destination address may be set to (1.1.X).
Further, the request code information is configured to take values from 0 to 7, and to obtain the type of data that each value means. For example, each wireless node device is electrically connected to various sensors installed on machine tools in factories, etc., and data such as temperature, motor rotation speed, vibration frequency, voltage, current, air temperature, humidity, and illuminance are collected and used to machine tools. Consider the case of measuring the operating status of a machine and the surrounding environment in real time. In this case, for example, if the request code information is "0", it represents "temperature", if the request code information is "1", it represents "motor rotation speed", and if the request code information is "2", it represents " It is desirable that it be structured so that it represents "the frequency of vibration".
Further, the request code information may be set in advance when constructing the wireless mesh network system, or the request code information may be set from an external device (such as a PC) connected to the wireless mesh network system. Good too.

<Embodiment 2 Configuration description: second transmitter of wireless node device>
The “second transmitting unit” 1206 transmits its own information based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information and route information storage unit 1203 and the second link quality information and route information storage unit 1204. It is configured to have a function of forwarding packets that are not addressed to another wireless node device, and transmitting packets it has created to a wireless node device specified by a predetermined destination address.
Here, although the present invention is basically configured to use a radio frequency in the 2.4 GHz band, it can be configured to operate in another radio band by changing an antenna (not shown) or the like. It is also possible.

Here, the operation of the wireless mesh network system of this embodiment will be explained using the drawings.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation in the wireless mesh network system according to the second embodiment.
The premise is that a wireless gateway node device (3.3.0) belonging to cluster 3 connects to three wireless node devices (3.4.0) (3.4.1) (3.4.6) in cluster 4. Consider a case where a data request packet with ACK is transmitted by multicast.
In this case, first, the wireless gateway node device (3.3.0) belonging to cluster 3 is transferred to cluster 0 based on the link quality information/route information stored in the second link quality information/route information storage unit. ACK to the wireless gateway node device (3.4.10) in cluster 4 via the wireless gateway node device (3.0.5) to which it belongs and the wireless gateway node device (3.2.2) that belongs to cluster 2. Sends an attached data request packet.
Next, the wireless gateway node device (3.4.10) belonging to cluster 4 sends the wireless node device (3.4.0) (3.4.1) (3.4.6) Then, a data request packet with ACK is transmitted. In response to this, the wireless node devices (3.4.0), (3.4.1), and (3.4.6) respectively send data packets with ACK to the wireless gateway node device (3.4.10). Send to. In this case, since the three wireless node devices transmit data packets with ACK to the same destination, it is preferable to use carrier sense technology or the like to adjust the timing of transmission before transmitting.
Thereafter, the wireless gateway node device (3.4.10) sends the ACKed data packet to the wireless gateway node device (3.2.2) belonging to cluster 2 and the wireless gateway node device (3.0. 5) to the wireless root node device (3.3.0) belonging to cluster 3, and receives it.
In this case, the wireless root node device (3.3.0) is configured to specify the request code information in the data request packet with ACK and acquire the necessary data. In addition, the destination wireless node devices (3.4.0), (3.4.1), and (3.4.6) each receive the specified request code information in the data request packet with ACK. It is configured to store type data in an ACK-attached data packet and transmit it.

<Embodiment 2 Wireless mesh network system: Hardware configuration>
The hardware configuration of the wireless mesh network system in this embodiment will be explained using diagrams.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the wireless mesh network system in this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the wireless node device in this embodiment includes a "CPU (central processing unit)" that performs various calculation processes, a "volatile RAM (SRAM)" that stores and holds predetermined information and data, It is equipped with a "non-volatile ROM (flash memory)". In addition, there are "wireless circuits" that perform wireless transmission and reception with external wireless node devices, "serial I/O" and "general-purpose I/O" that are connected to external sensors and exchange information and data, It is equipped with a "counter/timer", "A-D/DA converter", etc. These devices are interconnected through data communication paths such as "internal buses" to transmit, receive, and process information.

Here, the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" reads out programs that perform various processes for the "CPU" to execute, and at the same time provides a work area that is a work area for the programs. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to each of these "volatile RAM (SRAM)" and "nonvolatile ROM (flash memory)," and programs executed by the "CPU" can identify and access those addresses. It is now possible to exchange and process data with each other. In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" include a first link quality/route information storage program, a second link quality information/route information storage program, a second transmission program, and a second link quality/route information storage program. 2, a receiving program, a packet analysis program, and a packet creation program. In addition, "volatile RAM (SRAM)" and "non-volatile ROM (flash memory)" contain link quality information, route information, packet type information, source address, destination address, request code information, ACK information, data, etc. Stored.

The "CPU" executes the first link quality information/route information storage program stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" and stores the link quality information and route information between the wireless node devices in the cluster in the "volatile" manner. The data is stored in RAM (SRAM) or non-volatile ROM (flash memory).
In addition, a second link quality information/route information storage program stored in "volatile RAM (SRAM)" is executed to store link quality information/route information between wireless node devices in the cluster and between wireless gateway node devices. link quality information and route information are stored in "volatile RAM (SRAM)" or "nonvolatile ROM (flash memory)".
It also executes a second reception program stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" to receive packets sent from other wireless node devices.
In addition, the packet analysis program stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" is executed to analyze the received packet and collect information such as packet type information, source address, destination address, request code information, ACK information, data, etc. is stored in "volatile RAM (SRAM)" or "nonvolatile ROM (flash memory)".
Furthermore, a packet creation program stored in the "volatile RAM (SRAM)" is executed to create a packet based on packet type information, source address, destination address, request code information, ACK information, and the like.
It also executes a second transmission program stored in "volatile RAM (SRAM)" to transmit packets not addressed to itself to other wireless node devices, or to transmit packets it has created to other wireless nodes. or send it to the device.

<Embodiment 2 Wireless mesh network system: Processing flow>
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of processing when using the wireless mesh network system in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, a second reception step S1601, a packet analysis step S1602, a first link quality information/route information storage step S1603, a second link quality information/route information storage step S1604, and a packet analysis step S1602. This processing method consists of a creation step S1605 and a second transmission step S1606. These processing methods apply to a wireless mesh network system that includes at least one or more wireless node devices capable of transmitting and receiving packets, and is configured of at least one network consisting of at least one or more clusters, in which the wireless node devices in the cluster One of the wireless node devices functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device, and each wireless node device functions as a wireless node device. Each wireless gateway node device has a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs. It has a second link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network, and the wireless root node device Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit, a plurality of predetermined radios within the cluster as the transmission destination a second transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet by multicast to the node device; and a link stored in the first link quality information/routing information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/routing information storage unit. A second transmitter that receives data packets with ACKs from a plurality of predetermined wireless node devices within the cluster as transmission destinations in response to the data request packets transmitted by the second transmitter based on the quality information and the route information. The wireless mesh network system is implemented by a wireless mesh network system characterized by having a receiving unit.

"Second reception step" S1601 is a stage of receiving packets sent from other wireless node devices.

"Packet analysis step" S1602 is a step of analyzing a packet received from another wireless node device.

"First link quality information/route information storage step" S1603 is a step of storing link quality information and route information between wireless node devices within a cluster.

"Second link quality information/route information storage step" S1604 is a step of storing link quality information/route information between wireless node devices in a cluster and link quality information/route information between wireless gateway node devices. .

"Packet creation step" S1605 is a step in which a packet is created based on packet type information, source address, destination address, request code information, ACK information, and the like.

"Second transmission step" S1606 is a stage in which a packet not addressed to itself is transmitted to another wireless node device, or a packet created by itself is transmitted to another wireless node device.

<Summary>
As described above, there is provided a wireless mesh network system including at least one or more wireless node devices capable of transmitting and receiving packets, and configured of at least one network consisting of at least one or more clusters, in which one or more of the wireless node devices in the cluster One wireless node device functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device, and each wireless node device is configured to be connected to a cluster to which the wireless node device belongs. Each wireless gateway node device has a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices within the cluster, and each wireless gateway node device has a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all wireless The wireless route node device has a second link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices and between wireless gateway node devices in the network, and the wireless route node device Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit, the information is sent to a plurality of predetermined wireless node devices in the cluster that is the transmission destination. a second transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet by multicast to the link quality information and link quality information stored in the first link quality information/routing information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/routing information storage unit; a second receiving unit that receives data packets with ACK from a plurality of predetermined wireless node devices in the cluster that are destinations in response to the data request packet transmitted by the second transmitting unit based on the route information; It is possible to provide a wireless mesh network system characterized by having the following.

Wireless node device: 700, 1200
First receiving section: 701
Second receiving section: 1201
Packet analysis section: 702, 1202
First link quality information/route information storage unit: 703, 1203
Second link quality information/route information storage unit: 704, 1204
Packet creation section: 705, 1205
First transmitter: 706
Second transmitter: 1206

Claims (6)

A wireless mesh network system comprising at least one network including at least one wireless node device capable of transmitting and receiving packets and consisting of at least one cluster,
One of the wireless node devices in the cluster functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device,
Each of the wireless node devices includes:
a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless node device belongs;
Each of the wireless gateway node devices includes:
a second link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network;
The wireless root node device includes:
Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit, one of the destination clusters a first transmitter that transmits a data request packet by unicast to the wireless node device;
Transmitted by the first transmitter based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit. a first receiving unit that receives a data packet with an ACK from one wireless node device in the cluster as a transmission destination in response to the data request packet;
A wireless mesh network system comprising: A wireless mesh network system comprising at least one network including at least one wireless node device capable of transmitting and receiving packets and consisting of at least one cluster,
One of the wireless node devices in the cluster functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device,
Each of the wireless node devices includes:
a first link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless node device belongs;
Each of the wireless gateway node devices includes:
a second link quality information/route information storage unit that stores link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network;
The wireless root node device includes:
Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit, a second transmitting unit that transmits a data request packet by multicast to a plurality of wireless node devices;
Transmitted by the second transmitter based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage unit and/or the second link quality information/route information storage unit. a second receiving unit that receives an ACK-attached data packet from a plurality of predetermined wireless node devices in the cluster as a transmission destination in response to the data request packet;
A wireless mesh network system comprising: A method of operating a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer including at least one wireless node device capable of transmitting and receiving packets and configured with at least one network consisting of at least one cluster, comprising:
One of the wireless node devices in the cluster functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device,
Each of the wireless node devices includes:
a first link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in a cluster to which the wireless node device belongs;
Each of the wireless gateway node devices includes:
a second link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network;
The wireless root node device includes:
Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step, one of the destination clusters is a first transmission step of transmitting a data request packet by unicast to the wireless node device;
Transmitted in the first transmitting step based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step. a first receiving step of receiving a data packet with an ACK from one wireless node device in the cluster as a transmission destination in response to the data request packet;
1. A method of operating a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer, characterized in that the system comprises: A method of operating a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer including at least one wireless node device capable of transmitting and receiving packets and configured with at least one network consisting of at least one cluster, comprising:
One of the wireless node devices in the cluster functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device,
Each of the wireless node devices includes:
a first link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in a cluster to which the wireless node device belongs;
Each of the wireless gateway node devices includes:
a second link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network;
The wireless root node device includes:
Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step, a second transmission step of transmitting a data request packet by multicast to a plurality of wireless node devices;
Transmitted in the second transmitting step based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step. a second receiving step of receiving an ACK-attached data packet from a plurality of predetermined wireless node devices in the cluster as a transmission destination in response to the data request packet;
1. A method of operating a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer, characterized in that the system comprises: Operation of a wireless mesh network system that is readable and executable and written in a wireless mesh network system that is a computer that includes at least one wireless node device that can transmit and receive packets and is composed of at least one network consisting of at least one cluster. A program,
One of the wireless node devices in the cluster functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device,
Each of the wireless node devices includes:
a first link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in a cluster to which the wireless node device belongs;
Each of the wireless gateway node devices includes:
a second link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network;
The wireless root node device includes:
Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step, one of the destination clusters is a first transmission step of transmitting a data request packet by unicast to the wireless node device;
Transmitted in the first transmitting step based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step. a first receiving step of receiving a data packet with an ACK from one wireless node device in the cluster as a transmission destination in response to the data request packet;
An operating program for a wireless mesh network system written in a manner readable and executable by a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer characterized by having the following. Operation of a wireless mesh network system that is readable and executable and written in a wireless mesh network system that is a computer that includes at least one wireless node device that can transmit and receive packets and is composed of at least one network consisting of at least one cluster. A program,
One of the wireless node devices in the cluster functions as a wireless gateway node device, and one of the wireless gateway node devices in the network functions as a wireless root node device,
Each of the wireless node devices includes:
a first link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all wireless node devices in a cluster to which the wireless node device belongs;
Each of the wireless gateway node devices includes:
a second link quality information/route information storage step for storing link quality information and route information between all the wireless node devices in the cluster to which the wireless gateway node device belongs and between the wireless gateway node devices in the network;
The wireless root node device includes:
Based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step, a second transmission step of transmitting a data request packet by multicast to a plurality of wireless node devices;
Transmitted in the second transmitting step based on the link quality information and route information stored in the first link quality information/route information storage step and/or the second link quality information/route information storage step. a second receiving step of receiving an ACK-attached data packet from a plurality of predetermined wireless node devices in the cluster as a transmission destination in response to the data request packet;
An operating program for a wireless mesh network system written in a manner readable and executable by a wireless mesh network system, which is a computer characterized by having the following.

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