JP3900668B2 - Wireless network system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a radio network system in which a mobile station and a fixed station are mixed, and a radio station driven by an AC power source and a radio station driven by a DC power source. More specifically, the relay work is efficiently performed when direct communication cannot be performed between the radio stations. The present invention relates to a system that performs well and increases the reliability of communication.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a wireless network system including only fixed stations, for example, there is a wireless LAN such as a computer, and each wireless terminal is fixed on a desk or the like. Further, as a wireless network system composed of a fixed station and a mobile station, for example, there is a mobile phone network, and communication is performed between a base station that is a fixed station and a mobile phone that is a mobile station.
[0003]
In a wireless LAN, a relay station is used when a communication environment changes due to movement of an obstacle or an installation position and direct communication cannot be performed between fixed stations. For example, as disclosed in JP-A-8-265321, there is a method that does not require a new relay station by temporarily using another fixed station as a relay station. In addition, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-93178, the positional relationship of each fixed station is input in advance to select which fixed station is optimally used as a relay station based on the short communication distance. .
[0004]
On the other hand, in a mobile phone network, when a direct communication between a base station that is a fixed station and a mobile phone that is a mobile station becomes impossible, another mobile phone is not used as a relay station. The idea is to add new fixed stations without using mobile stations as relay stations.
[0005]
Now, consider a home wireless network that newly realizes home automation using radio waves and infrared communication. As shown in FIG. 1, a wireless unit 3 that is a wireless station is installed in a device such as a water heater 1 or an air conditioner 2 and is centrally controlled remotely by a wireless remote controller 5 that a user 4 has. Further, when the telephone adapter 7 is connected to the telephone line 6 and the water heater 1 or the air conditioner 2 breaks down, the service center 8 is automatically notified through the telephone adapter 7. The telephone adapter 7 may be shared with a telephone device 9, a FAX device, or a personal computer with a modem.
[0006]
Other devices constituting the network include a refrigerator 10, a fan heater 11, a vacuum cleaner 12, a washing / drying machine 13, and the like as home appliances having the wireless unit 3. Although not illustrated as a radio station carried by the user 4, there are a call switch and a call pager. For example, the call switch is for a user 4 who is a portable person from the bathroom to call a family member or reports to the care center through the telephone adapter 7, and the call pager is for the family or outsider to call the user 4 who is a portable person. is there. The remote controller holder 14 is stored when the user 4 does not use the wireless remote controller 5 and is fixed to a wall or the like.
[0007]
In such a wireless network, it is desirable that the wireless remote controller 5 can directly communicate with each device, and that each device can directly communicate with the telephone adapter 7, but this is not necessarily the case. In other words, it is expected that the communication environment will change due to the presence of shields such as metal lockers around the equipment or the movement of the equipment's own installation / use positions, making direct communication impossible in the worst case. The
[0008]
Specifically, the wireless remote controller 5 is carried by the user 4 and may be used outdoors such as in a garden, and the fan heater 11 and the vacuum cleaner 12 are used by moving in a room. Further, although the refrigerator 10 and the washing / drying machine 13 are difficult to move as compared with the fan heater 11, the user 4 may move the room when changing the room. As described above, there are devices that move frequently, remote controllers (mobile stations), and devices (fixed stations) that may move frequently for the convenience of the user, but the communication environment changes.
[0009]
The telephone adapter 7 is preferably installed in the center of the house, but there are circumstances of each house. For example, when the telephone adapter 7 and the water heater 1 are on the opposite side of the house as shown in FIG. Is expected. In this case, in addition to the increase in the communication distance, the radio wave attenuation when passing through the outer wall of the house is large, resulting in severe communication conditions. Thus, the communication environment varies depending on the installation location, and it is expected that direct communication is impossible in the worst situation.
[0010]
The relay station was examined in consideration of such a situation. As in the case of the wireless LAN described above, for example, when communication from the wireless remote controller 5 to the water heater 1 is not possible directly, the air conditioner 2 in the middle of the communication path may be used as a relay station. If communication from the water heater 1 to the telephone adapter 7 is not possible directly, the wireless remote controller 5 in the middle of the communication path can be considered as a relay station.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there is a problem of how to select a relay station from a plurality of radio stations in a home and which radio station can be used as a relay station to improve communication efficiency and reliability.
[0012]
A method of selecting a relay station with location information in advance as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-93178 is effective for a fixed station, but cannot be applied to a device moved by a user such as a wireless remote controller or a vacuum cleaner. In addition, it is necessary to reset the position information every time the position is moved, such as changing rooms.
[0013]
In addition, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-265321, there is a method of transmitting a relay request signal by itself and having the wireless station that has received the relay request signal relayed. However, when a plurality of wireless stations receive the relay request signal. There is a possibility that a large number of radio stations may transmit as relay stations and cause interference. Alternatively, it may happen that the relay request signal is transmitted but does not reach one radio station and cannot be relayed. From the above, this method is effective when the number of installed radio stations and their positions can be initially designed, and it is difficult to do so in a home radio network. In other words, the number of home appliances that serve as radio stations and their positions are determined by the convenience of the user and change from moment to moment.
[0014]
Alternatively, although it is not a wireless LAN, there is a method of searching for a candidate for a relay station by receiving communications of other wireless stations on a daily basis as disclosed in JP-A-5-235838. However, this method is not always effective for a mobile station such as a wireless remote controller. In other words, it is promising as a relay station when the wireless remote control is fixed at a fixed position such as a remote control holder, but it is effective relay when moving with the user or temporarily placed on the desk I cannot expect it as a station. This is because even if a relay station candidate is given while moving, it is not known whether the wireless remote control is there when relaying is necessary.
[0015]
In addition to the above, there is a problem of power consumed in relay work. A radio station has an AC power source drive and a DC power source drive, and what is carried like a wireless remote controller is often a DC power source drive such as a dry battery or a rechargeable battery. Since the wireless remote controller is in a promising position as a relay station, frequent relay work is performed, the majority of the battery is consumed, and the original remote control communication can hardly be performed. Even if the wireless remote control is in a promising position as a relay station, if the battery has no spare capacity, for example, the transmission output is reduced and reliable relaying cannot be performed.
[0016]
Some AC power-driven radio stations are equipped with a rechargeable DC power source for backup so that communication is possible even when the AC power plug is disconnected from the outlet. Again, when using a backup DC power supply, we want to reduce the number of relay operations as much as possible to extend battery life.
[0017]
In the event of a power failure, all the radio stations become DC power sources, but the backup DC power source has only the necessary minimum capacity, so we want to relay it as much as possible to the radio station which has a large capacity and is initially DC power source.
[0018]
In recent years, the awareness of energy saving has spread to users, and the power supply plugs of home appliances are frequently unplugged when not in use. However, it is necessary to consider this in a system used as a relay station as in the present invention. is there.
[0019]
An object of the present invention is to perform relay work in a wireless network system in which mobile stations and fixed stations are mixed as in a wireless network in a home, and AC power supply-driven wireless stations and DC power supply-driven wireless stations are mixed. It is efficient to improve the reliability of communication.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a wireless network system in which a mobile station and a fixed station coexist, wherein one or a plurality of wireless stations store information on whether each wireless station is a mobile station or a fixed station. A status storage unit and a relay station selection unit that preferentially selects a fixed station over a mobile station as a transmission destination of a relay request message for requesting relay of communication based on an output of the other station status storage unit.
[0021]
According to the above invention, since the relay selection unit gives priority to the fixed station whose communication status is stable, it is possible to select a more reliable relay station from the relay station candidates.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention can be carried out in the forms described in the claims.
[0023]
That is, as in the first aspect of the invention, information on whether each radio station is a mobile station or a fixed station is stored, and the destination of the relay request message for requesting the receiver to relay communication to the designated person is used. A fixed station is preferentially selected over a mobile station. Since a fixed station with a stable communication status is given priority, a more reliable relay station can be selected from relay station candidates.
[0024]
Also, your station Information indicating whether the mobile station is a mobile station or a fixed station is included in the communication message and transmitted, and stored in the other station state storage means of the received radio station. Then, since the other station is notified to the other station whether the own station is a mobile station or a fixed station, the other station can select a reliable relay station even if the own station changes from a fixed station to a mobile station.
[0025]
Also ground A movement / fixed determination sensor such as a switch is provided to determine whether the own station is moving or fixed. Then, the mobile / fixed discrimination sensor knows whether the own station is moving or fixed, and informs the other station of the current state, so that the other station can select a highly reliable relay station.
[0026]
Claims 2 As in the described invention, the frequency of performing the communication confirmation work for confirming the communication status with the communication partner and adjusting the communication parameters such as transmission output is switched between the fixed station and the mobile station. Since the frequency of performing the communication confirmation work is switched between the mobile station and the fixed station, and the communication status is confirmed and stabilized at an optimum frequency, a highly reliable relay can be performed.
[0027]
Claims 3 As in the described invention, information that the local station is moving when it starts moving is included in the communication message, and the local station when the movement ends But The information that it is fixed is included in the communication message and transmitted to the communication partner. Then, when the movement starts or ends, the other station is notified of the current state change of the own station, and the other station can always select a highly reliable relay station.
[0028]
Claims 4 As in the described invention, the communication confirmation work is performed when the movement is completed. Then, when the movement is completed, a communication confirmation operation is performed to confirm and stabilize the communication status, so that even a mobile station can perform relay with high reliability similar to a fixed station.
[0029]
Claims 5 As in the described invention, in a wireless network system in which an AC power supply station and a DC power supply station are mixed, information on whether each wireless station is AC power supply drive or DC power supply drive is stored, and the transmission destination of the relay request message As described above, the AC power source driving station is preferentially selected over the DC power source driving station. Since an AC power source driving station with a stable power supply state is prioritized, it is possible to select a more reliable relay station from among relay station candidates, and it is possible to reduce consumption of DC power due to relay work.
[0030]
Claims 6 As in the invention described, the power station state detecting means for detecting the power state of the own station is provided, the information on the degree of consumption of the DC power is included in the communication message, and the other station state storing means for receiving the received radio station. To remember. Then, since the DC power supply status of the local station is notified to other stations, even a DC power supply driving station can select a highly reliable relay station as in the case of an AC power supply driving station and a radio station with a sufficient power supply Can be selected.
[0031]
Claims 7 As described in the invention, a power failure detection means for detecting a power failure of the AC power supply is provided, and information on the power failure is included in a communication message in the event of a power failure, and the DC power drive station is given priority over the AC power drive station. The relay station selection means to select is provided. In the event of a power failure, priority is given to a DC power supply drive station with a sufficient power supply, so that a more reliable relay station can be selected from the candidate relay stations, and a DC power supply radio station is notified that a power failure has occurred. Can do.
[0032]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0033]
Example 1
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a wireless network system that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a wireless station. The wireless station is a part that performs wireless communication, and is a wireless unit 3 provided in the water heater 1 or the air conditioner 2 in FIG. 1, and is a wireless communication unit included in the wireless remote controller 5 or the telephone adapter 7 (not shown). is there.
[0034]
A functional block of the radio station will be described with reference to FIG. Transmitting means 21 for transmitting signals to other radio stations, receiving means 22 for receiving signals from other radio stations, outputting signals to be transmitted to transmitting means 21 and receiving signals received from receiving means 22 for overall communication It is comprised from the communication control means 23 which controls.
[0035]
Here, the communication control means 23 determines the transmission partner and the transmission content, and outputs a signal to the transmission means 21 to cause the transmission partner 21 to transmit. Then, the response signal is received from the receiving means 22, and it is confirmed that the transmission partner and the reception partner match, and the transmission content and the reception content match, and one communication is normally terminated. Further, it receives a signal received from the receiving means 22, generates a response signal thereof, and transmits it to the transmitting means 21.
[0036]
When there is no response signal from the partner station for transmission from the own station, the communication control means 23 determines that a communication error has occurred and performs retransmission with the same transmission partner and the same transmission content. The relay function is used when there is no response signal even after repeated retransmissions. That is, other wireless stations are used as relay stations to transmit the transmission contents to the transmission partner.
[0037]
For example, when communication from the wireless remote controller 5 to the water heater 1 is not directly possible in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 2 in the middle of the communication path is used as a relay station. When communication from the water heater 1 to the telephone adapter 7 is not possible directly, the wireless remote controller 5 in the middle of the communication path is used as a relay station.
[0038]
FIG. 3 shows a format of a relay request message in which other wireless stations are set as relay stations and the transmission contents are transmitted to the transmission partner. Following the synchronization signal 101 for causing the receiver to synchronize, the own address 102 indicating the own station, the transmission destination address 103 indicating the partner station A to be finally transmitted, and the relay indicating the partner station B that relays this message A communication address 106, which is a transmission content to be transmitted to the partner station A of the transmission destination address 103.
[0039]
The radio station that has received this message sends the relay flag 105 of the received message and transmits it (relay operation) if the relay station address 104 has its own address. If the destination address 103 has its own address, it is received and the contents of the communication data 106 are viewed. If the relay flag 105 is set, the transmission destination of the response signal in response to this is returned to the relay address 104. If the relay flag is not set, a response signal is returned to the transmission destination address 102.
[0040]
At this time, it is the relay station selection means 24 that determines which radio station is selected as the relay station and which is most efficient and reliable. The relay station selection means 24 selects an optimum relay station with reference to the other station state storage means 25 for storing the state of another wireless station and the own station state storage means 26 for storing the state of its own wireless station. . The other station state storage means 25 stores information on whether each mobile station is a mobile station or a fixed station and a history of past communication states.
[0041]
The past communication state history includes the state of communication and the number of communication between the own station and each wireless station. The communication state is evaluated using a reception error rate, a reception electric field strength, an SN ratio, and the like. Also, a large number of communications indicates that the reliability of communications is high. By referring to the number of communications together with these communication states, the reliability of communication between itself and each wireless station can be quantified, and the promising degree as a repeater can be predicted. For example, when communication from the wireless remote controller 5 to the water heater 1 is not directly possible in FIG. 1, the communication from the wireless remote controller 5 to the air conditioner 2 and the communication from the wireless remote controller 5 to the refrigerator 10 are compared, which is more reliable. Can be determined.
[0042]
In addition, the number of communication between the wireless station and other wireless stations, which is a history of past communication states, is referred to. That is, through the receiving means 22, the communication control means 23 receives and knows not only signals addressed to itself but also communications between other stations and other stations. By referring to the number of communications, the reliability of communications between the radio station and other radio stations can be quantified, and the promising degree as a repeater can be predicted. For example, if communication from the wireless remote controller 5 to the water heater 1 is not possible directly in FIG. You can judge whether it is expensive.
[0043]
As described above, the communication reliability between the own station and each radio station (relay station candidate) and the communication reliability between each radio station (relay station candidate) and a certain radio station (transmission partner) are comprehensive. Therefore, the relay station selection means 24 selects an optimal relay station.
[0044]
Further, the other station status storage means 25 stores information on whether it is a mobile station or a fixed station. When the relay station selection unit 24 selects a relay station, the relay station selection unit 24 selects the fixed station over the mobile station. This is because the mobile station is highly likely to move, and it is considered that the current communication environment has changed significantly from the history information of the communication state stored so far in the other station state storage means 25. In FIG. 1, when communication from the wireless remote controller 5 to the water heater 1 is not possible directly, the air conditioner 2 is selected with priority over the cleaner 12 and the fan heater 11. Alternatively, mobile stations may be excluded from relay station candidates from the beginning.
[0045]
Note that information about whether a mobile station or a fixed station is initially set in the other station state storage means 25 by the setting means 27. In FIG. 1, the fixed station is a device that is not normally moved by a user, such as a water heater 1, an air conditioner 2, a refrigerator 10, and a washing / drying machine 13. On the other hand, the mobile station is a device that is often moved when used, such as the wireless remote controller 5, the fan heater 11, and the vacuum cleaner 12. Such a mobile station or fixed station information may be set by the user, or may be preset by the manufacturer and shipped from the factory depending on the characteristics of the device.
[0046]
It is obtained from each wireless station. That is, in each radio station, information on whether the own station is a mobile station or a fixed station is stored in the own station state storage means 26 and included in the transmission signal by the communication control means 23 and transmitted from the transmission means 21 to another station. To exchange information about whether it is a mobile station or a fixed station. For example, information on whether the own station is a mobile station or a fixed station is included in a part of the own address and transmitted every time.
[0047]
As described above, information on whether each radio station is a mobile station or a fixed station is stored, and by selecting a fixed station preferentially over a mobile station as a relay station, a fixed station with a stable communication status is given priority and relayed. A more reliable relay station can be selected from the station candidates.
[0048]
On the other hand, the fixed station may move for the convenience of the user. Although not as frequent as mobile stations, refrigerators and TVs may be moved to different rooms / locations when changing rooms. In this way, a fixed station may move, and in a wireless network system in which there are more mobile stations than fixed stations, the number of relay station candidates decreases when the number is limited to only fixed stations. It is necessary to maintain reliability and use the relay station.
[0049]
The communication confirmation unit 28 causes the communication control unit 23 to confirm communication with the communication partner in order to obtain the latest communication status. For example, intentionally transmitting a long signal or a signal prone to error as a test signal, checking the reception error rate of the response signal or checking the received electric field strength, and confirming the reliability of communication. This communication confirmation work is periodically performed by the clock means 29, and the frequency is changed between the fixed station and the mobile station. For example, it is set once a day for a fixed station, and once a hour because a mobile station moves frequently.
[0050]
If the communication status is bad, the communication confirmation means 28 improves the communication reliability by the communication parameter adjustment means 30. For example, when the communication distance becomes longer, the transmission output is increased and decreased when it is too close, the amplification at the time of reception is increased or decreased, and the antenna sensitivity is adjusted by changing the antenna height. In terms of software, the communication speed is reduced and an algorithm with high error detection / correction ability is switched. These are stored in the other station state storage means 25, and this communication parameter is used when communicating with the radio station.
[0051]
As described above, the reliability of the radio station moving by the communication confirmation unit 28 and the communication parameter adjustment unit 30 can be ensured. And by checking the communication status with the communication partner and adjusting the communication confirmation work frequency to adjust the communication parameters such as transmission output between the fixed station and the mobile station, the communication status can be confirmed and stabilized at each optimum frequency A highly reliable relay can be performed.
[0052]
(Example 2)
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a radio station developed from FIG. Means having the same functions as those in FIG.
[0053]
The movement / fixation determination sensor 31 determines whether the own station is moving or fixed and outputs it to the own station state storage means 26 and the communication confirmation means 28. For example, the movement / fixation determination sensor 31 determines whether it is placed or carried by a ground switch that is switched on when it is grounded on a horizontal plane. In addition, in the wireless remote controller, it is determined whether it exists at a predetermined place or other place by a structure that is switched on when stored in the remote control holder. The vacuum cleaner detects the rotation of the wheel and discriminates the movement, and the fan heater has an earthquake sensing vibrator.
[0054]
The current state of the local station is stored in the local station state storage means 26 by the movement / fixation discrimination sensor 31. The communication control unit 23 includes this in its own address and communication data and transmits it from the transmission unit 21 to notify each wireless station that has received this communication data whether it is moving or fixed (transmits in a simultaneous broadcast). For example, if the wireless remote control is fixed in the remote control holder and transmitted that the other is moving, it will always be at the same position when fixed, so the past communication history can be trusted and the repeater will be promising.
[0055]
As described above, a mobile / fixed discrimination sensor such as a ground switch is provided to know whether the local station is moving or fixed, and the current state is notified to other stations, so that other stations are also highly reliable for mobile stations. A relay station can be selected.
[0056]
Here, the movement / fixation determination sensor 31 determines whether the own station is moving or fixed and outputs it to the communication control means 23. The communication control unit 23 transmits information indicating that the mobile station is moving when the state of the local station changes from fixed to mobile, and transmits information indicating that the mobile station is fixed when the state of the local station changes from fixed to mobile. As described above, when the movement starts or ends, the other stations can know the state of the own station in real time and select a reliable relay station. For example, in a device such as a vacuum cleaner whose movement and fixation frequently change during use, it can be used as a relay station avoiding that time.
[0057]
Further, the movement / fixation determination sensor 31 determines whether the own station is moving or fixed and outputs it to the communication confirmation means 28. The communication confirmation means 26 starts the communication confirmation work when the state of the own station changes from moving to fixed. As described above, since the communication status is confirmed and stabilized immediately after moving, even a mobile station can perform relay with high reliability similar to a fixed station. A device whose position is fixed for a relatively long time, such as a fan heater, can be effectively used as a relay station.
[0058]
At this time, it is sufficient to select the partner with the highest communication frequency as the partner wireless station when performing communication confirmation. If it is a wireless remote controller, it is a water heater that is the object of remote control, and if it is a fan heater, it is a telephone adapter that is the object when reporting a failure.
[0059]
(Example 3)
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Means having the same functions as those in FIG.
[0060]
In addition to the first embodiment, the other station state storage unit 25 stores whether the driving power source of each wireless station is an AC power source or a DC power source. In addition to the first embodiment, the own station state storage means 26 stores whether the drive power supply of the own station is an AC power supply or a DC power supply. The relay station selection unit 24 refers to the other station state storage unit 25 and the local station power state storage unit 26 to select an optimum relay station. At this time, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the DC power supply due to the relay by giving priority to the AC communication radio communication station and not using the DC power supply radio communication station.
[0061]
The other station status storage means 25 stores information on whether the power source is an AC power source or a DC power source. The manufacturer sets the own station at the time of shipment from the factory, and sets the other station by the setting unit 27. Alternatively, it is obtained from each wireless station. That is, in each radio station, information on whether the local station is an AC power source or a DC power source is stored in the local station state storage unit 26 and is included in a transmission signal by the communication control unit 23 and transmitted from the transmission unit 21 to another station. To exchange information about AC power supply or DC power supply with each other.
[0062]
Here, if the local station is an AC power source driving station or a DC power source driving station, or if it is a DC power source, the power source state detecting unit 41 detects its consumption and outputs it to the local station state storage unit 26. The communication control means 23 informs other stations of the state of the DC power of its own station, and causes other wireless stations to select a relay station considering the power state. A wireless communication station with AC power is prioritized over a DC power supply, and if there are only wireless communication stations with DC power among the candidate relay stations, a wireless communication station with low DC power consumption is selected with priority. Transmission of the power supply state may be performed periodically, or may be transmitted when the remaining amount of DC power is exhausted. As described above, even a DC power source driving station can select a relay station with high reliability like an AC power source driving station.
[0063]
In the case of an AC power supply station, the power supply state detection means 41 detects the presence or absence of a power failure. When a power failure is detected, the AC power source is switched to the backup DC power source. Then, the communication control means 23 informs the other station that there is a power outage, and causes other radio stations to select a relay station considering the power outage. First, a wireless communication station with a DC power supply is selected with priority over a DC power supply for backup. Also, if relaying does not succeed during a power failure, it is expected that there is a wireless station that has stopped operating, and resending is suspended until the power failure is recovered. This prevents retransmission due to repeated retransmissions in the event of a power failure. When the power supply state detection means 41 detects a power failure recovery, the backup DC power supply is switched to the AC power supply. Then, the communication control means 23 notifies the other station of the power failure recovery and returns the other radio station to the relay station at the time of the non-power failure. The radio station that did not relay well at the time of a power failure starts retransmission. As a result, priority is given to the DC power supply drive station that has sufficient power supply in the event of a power failure, so it is possible to select a more reliable relay station from among the candidate relay stations and inform the DC power source radio station that a power failure has occurred. Interference due to retransmission can be prevented.
[0064]
In addition, a mechanism for detecting whether the power plug is inserted into an outlet is provided in order to distinguish between a power failure and that the user has removed the power plug of the home appliance (not shown). If there is no voltage even though it is plugged in, it is determined that there is a power failure, and if it is not plugged in, it is determined that the power plug has been removed. When a power failure occurs, other AC-powered radio stations are switched to the backup DC power supply, and therefore, the DC power supply is selected with priority over the AC power supply during relay. When the power plug is removed, other AC-powered radio stations are not affected, so the AC power is selected prior to the DC power during relaying.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, the wireless network system of the present invention provides the following effects. In a wireless network system in which mobile stations and fixed stations are mixed, as in a wireless network in the home, and AC power supply-driven wireless stations and DC power supply-driven wireless stations are mixed, relay work is performed efficiently and communication reliability is improved. Can increase the sex. The specific effects corresponding to each claim are as follows.
[0066]
(1) Information on whether each radio station is a mobile station or a fixed station is stored, and the fixed station is given priority over the mobile station as the transmission destination of the relay request message for requesting the receiver to relay the communication to the designated person. Therefore, since a fixed station with a stable communication status is given priority, a more reliable relay station can be selected from relay station candidates.
[0067]
(2) Whether the local station is a mobile station or a fixed station by transmitting information including whether it is a mobile station or a fixed station in a communication message and storing it in another station status storage means Therefore, even if the local station changes from a fixed station to a mobile station, the other station can select a highly reliable relay station.
[0068]
(3) A mobile / fixed discrimination sensor such as a ground switch is provided to know whether the local station is moving or fixed, and informs the other station of the current state, so that the other station selects a reliable relay station. be able to.
[0069]
(4) By checking the communication status with the communication partner and adjusting the communication confirmation work to adjust the communication parameters such as transmission output, the communication status can be confirmed and stabilized at the optimum frequency by switching between the fixed station and the mobile station. Therefore, highly reliable relaying can be performed.
[0070]
(5) Include information in the communication message that the local station is moving when the movement starts, and include information in the communication message that the local station is fixed when the movement ends. By transmitting, when the movement starts or when the movement ends, the other station is notified of the current state change of the own station, and the other station can select a relay station with high reliability.
[0071]
(6) By performing the communication confirmation work when the movement is completed, the communication status can be confirmed and stabilized immediately after movement, so that even a mobile station can perform relaying with high reliability similar to a fixed station.
[0072]
(7) In a wireless network system in which an AC power supply driving station and a DC power supply driving station coexist, information on whether each wireless station is AC power supply driving or DC power supply driving is stored, and a DC power supply driving station is used as a transmission destination of a relay request message By preferentially selecting the AC power supply station over the AC power supply station having a stable power supply state, priority can be given to the relay station candidate, and a more reliable relay station can be selected from the relay station candidates, and the DC power supply by relay Can reduce the consumption.
[0073]
(8) Information on whether the own station is an AC power source driving station or a DC power source driving station and information on the degree of DC consumption are transmitted in a communication message, and stored in other station state storage means of the received radio station. Thus, it is possible to notify the other stations of the DC status of the own station and select a relay station with high reliability as in the case of an AC power supply driving station even if it is a DC driving station.
[0074]
(9) By providing a power failure detection means for detecting a power failure of the AC power supply and transmitting the information of the power failure included in the communication message at the time of the power failure, by selecting the DC power drive station preferentially over the AC power drive station In the event of a power failure, priority is given to a DC power supply drive station that has a sufficient power supply, so that a more reliable relay station can be selected from the candidate relay stations, and a DC power supply radio station can be notified that a power failure has occurred. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the concept of a wireless network system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a radio station of the system
FIG. 3 is a transmission format diagram in the same system.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a wireless station in a wireless network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a wireless station of a wireless network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 Electrical equipment in the home
3 Wireless unit
4 users
6 Telephone lines
7 Telephone adapter
8 Equipment repair service center
21 Transmission means
22 Receiving means
23 Communication control means
24 Relay station selection means
25 Other station state storage means
26 Own station state storage means
27 Setting means
28 Communication confirmation means
29 Clock means
30 Communication parameter adjustment means
31 Movement / fixation sensor
41 Power supply state detection means

Claims (7)

In a wireless network system in which mobile stations and fixed stations coexist, one or more wireless stations request other station status storage means for storing information on whether each wireless station is a mobile station or a fixed station, and relay communication. the destination of the relay request message including the relay station selection means for selecting preferentially a fixed station than the mobile station by the output of the other station state storage means for,
The radio station is equipped with a movement / fixation determination sensor such as a ground switch to determine whether the station is moving or fixed,
A wireless network system in which information indicating whether the own station is a mobile station or a fixed station is included in a communication message, and is stored in the other station state storage means of the received wireless station . Claim wherein the radio station, the communication confirmation operation to adjust the communication parameters of the transmission output, etc. to confirm the communication status by performing communication with another radio station, to switch the frequency of performing the communication check with the fixed station and the mobile station The wireless network system according to 1 . The wireless station includes information in the communication message that it is moving when it starts moving, and information that the station is fixed when the movement is completed. The wireless network system according to claim 1 , wherein the wireless network system is transmitted to a partner. The wireless network system according to claim 2 , wherein the wireless station performs communication confirmation work when the movement is completed. In a wireless network system in which a DC power source driving station and an AC power source driving station coexist, one or a plurality of radio stations specify other station state storage means and a destination of a relay request message for requesting relay of communication as the other station state. Comprising relay station selection means for selecting according to the output of the storage means;
The other station state storage means stores information on whether each radio station is driven by an AC power supply or a DC power supply, and the relay station selection means stores the transmission destination of a relay request message for requesting relay of communication in the other station state storage. A wireless network system that preferentially selects an AC power supply driving station over a DC power supply driving station according to the output of the means. The radio station, a power supply state detecting means for detecting the power state of own station transmits included in the communication message information exhaustion degree of DC power source, to the other station state storage means of the received radio station 6. The wireless network system according to claim 5, which is stored. The radio station includes a power failure detection means for detecting a power failure of the AC power supply, and transmits information on the power failure included in a communication message in the event of a power failure. The relay station selection means is driven by a DC power supply rather than an AC power supply drive station. The wireless network system according to claim 5 , wherein a station is preferentially selected.

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