JP6234307B2 - Wireless terminal and communication system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with another wireless terminal directly or indirectly through the other wireless terminal to the other wireless terminal,
A transmission means for designating another wireless terminal as a destination and transmitting communication data to the destination;
The present invention relates to a wireless terminal provided with broadcast communication means for performing broadcast communication for transmitting the same communication data to a wireless terminal capable of direct communication, and a communication system using a plurality of such wireless terminals.

  As a network constructed by a plurality of wireless terminals that perform wireless data communication, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, each wireless terminal is directly connected to another wireless terminal in the network or one or more other wireless terminals. There is known a wireless communication network configured to be able to communicate indirectly through a network. As a method for sharing information between wireless terminals in a so-called multi-hop network configured such that all wireless terminals can communicate with other wireless terminals directly or indirectly, for example, as shown in Patent Document 2 In addition, a technique such as broadcast communication, in which one wireless terminal broadcasts to a wireless terminal capable of direct communication and sequentially transmits communication data, is known. Currently, systems that use multi-hop networks with wireless terminals are expected to be used for network systems in buildings such as homes. By using the above-mentioned broadcast communication function, alarm systems and security sensors can be used. The necessary broadcast function can be realized.

JP 2009-10703 A JP-A-8-139660

  However, in an existing multi-hop network, for example, since the transmission path can be changed according to the radio wave condition of the transmission path, it is possible to confirm whether broadcast communication data has been distributed to all wireless terminals in the network. There is a problem that it is difficult. In addition, there is a problem that it is not clear at what timing each wireless terminal in the network is optimally performing broadcast communication when broadcasting.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless terminal capable of realizing an optimum broadcast communication method in accordance with a network form so that communication data is appropriately distributed to wireless terminals in the network in a so-called multi-hop network, and A communication system using a plurality of wireless terminals can be provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the characteristic configuration of the wireless terminal according to the present invention is configured to be able to communicate with other wireless terminals indirectly or wirelessly directly or via other wireless terminals,
A transmission means for designating another wireless terminal as a destination and transmitting communication data to the destination;
A wireless communication means for performing broadcast communication for transmitting the same communication data to a wireless terminal capable of direct communication,
The broadcast communication means is configured to perform the broadcast communication when a communication condition set in advance is satisfied when transmitting communication data to a destination designated by the transmission means,
A first condition for when communication data is transmitted from the destination to a wireless terminal before a predetermined hop, and a second condition for when communication data is transmitted to a predetermined hop ahead are stored as the preset broadcast conditions. Condition storage means;
Condition selection means for selecting either the first condition or the second condition, or a combination of the first condition and the second condition;
The broadcast communication means performs broadcast based on the broadcast condition selected by the condition selection means.

  With the above characteristic configuration, the wireless terminal includes condition storage means for storing the first condition and the second condition as broadcast conditions for determining the timing for performing broadcast communication. When transmitting communication data directly or indirectly to a destination wireless terminal, broadcast conditions can be appropriately selected according to the network form by the condition selection means. Specifically, under the first condition, broadcast communication is performed at a wireless terminal before a predetermined hop as a destination, and therefore, it is suitable for quickly transferring communication data over a wide range. Further, in the second condition, since broadcast communication is performed for each wireless terminal that is a predetermined hop away from the wireless terminal that is the transmission terminal, it is possible to suppress duplication of transfer of communication data. That is, in a so-called multi-hop network, it is possible to realize an optimum broadcast communication method in accordance with the network form so that communication data is appropriately distributed to wireless terminals in the network.

In the wireless terminal according to the present invention, in addition to the above-described characteristic configuration, the condition storage means stores a third condition for each transmission of communication data as one hop as the broadcast condition,
It is preferable that the condition selection unit is configured to select one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, or a combination of the first condition and the second condition.

  According to the above characteristic configuration, the wireless terminal can select the third condition in addition to the first condition and the second condition. In the third condition, broadcast communication is performed every time one hop is transmitted from the wireless terminal to the wireless terminal. Therefore, for example, when it is desired to reliably transmit communication data to all wireless terminals in the network, broadcast communication is preferable. It can be performed. That is, it is possible to provide a wireless terminal capable of realizing an optimum broadcast communication method that further matches the network form.

In addition, the condition storage means transmits the first condition and the second condition when the communication data is transmitted from the destination to the wireless terminal before the first constant hop, and the communication data is transmitted to the second constant hop destination. Remembered as one broadcast condition when
A configuration in which the condition selection means selects either the first condition or the second condition or a combination of the first condition and the second condition by setting values of the first constant and the second constant. This is preferable.

  According to the above-described feature configuration, in realizing broadcast communication using the first condition and the second condition in the wireless terminal, it is only necessary to store only a single broadcast condition in the condition storage means, thereby reducing the storage capacity. can do. That is, the manufacturing cost of the wireless terminal can be suppressed. In addition, since the broadcast conditions can be finely adjusted by setting the values of the first constant and the second constant, a radio terminal capable of realizing an optimal broadcast communication system that further matches the network configuration. Can be provided.

  Further, it is preferable that the condition selection means includes an input means for selecting the broadcast condition.

  According to the above characteristic configuration, the broadcast condition can be selected by the user of the wireless terminal via the input means. Therefore, for example, when installing a wireless terminal in a home, it is possible to set in advance optimal broadcast conditions in anticipation of the network configuration. In other words, it is possible to provide a wireless terminal capable of realizing an optimum broadcast communication method according to the network form.

  In addition, when transmission of communication data is started by the transmission means, start condition selection means for selecting the broadcast condition by the condition selection means according to the type of communication data transmitted by the broadcast communication is provided A configuration is preferable.

  According to the above characteristic configuration, it is possible to appropriately select a broadcast condition according to the content of communication data. For example, the first condition is used when communication data is preferentially transmitted to a remote wireless terminal, such as communication data such as a fire alarm, and the second condition is used when communication data is detected information by a security sensor. It is possible to provide a wireless terminal capable of autonomously realizing an optimum broadcast communication method according to the network form, such as selecting a condition.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a communication system including a plurality of the wireless terminals having the above-described characteristic configuration and configured using the plurality of wireless terminals. Even in such a configuration, the above-described effects can be achieved.

Schematic diagram of a network composed of wireless terminals Wireless terminal block diagram The figure explaining transmission / reception of the communication data by a wireless terminal Illustration of the bulletin board The figure which shows the message | telegram structure of the communication data transmitted / received by the wireless terminal The figure explaining transmission / reception of the communication data by a wireless terminal The figure which shows a relay stage number table and untransferred terminal information Sequence diagram for successful simultaneous transfer Sequence diagram when simultaneous transfer fails Block diagram of the characteristic part of the wireless terminal Explanatory diagram of destination-N-hop method Illustration of M-hop method Explanatory diagram of propaganda truck system The figure which shows the example of selection of the broadcast system by the condition selection means at the time of start

  Hereinafter, a wireless terminal X according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, “X” indicates the wireless terminal X according to the present invention, “S” indicates the sensor S electrically connected to the wireless terminal X, and a thin solid line connecting the wireless terminals X indicates the connected wireless terminal. X indicates that direct wireless communication is possible. As shown in FIG. 1, a wireless terminal X according to the present invention is connected to a plurality of wireless terminals X so as to be able to communicate with each other by wireless communication, and constitutes a so-called multi-hop wireless network N. That is, the wireless terminal X is configured to be able to communicate directly with another wireless terminal X that is the destination of communication data to be transmitted, or indirectly with another wireless terminal X via the other wireless terminal X. Thus, by configuring a communication system using a plurality of wireless terminals X, the wireless terminal X can directly or indirectly transmit and receive communication data to and from all the wireless terminals X in the wireless network N. it can. In the present embodiment, the wireless terminals X are distributed and arranged in the house, and the wireless network N is constructed in the house. Although illustration is omitted, a center for transmitting communication data to the wireless terminal X in the wireless network N and changing the settings of the wireless terminal X at the center may be arranged. Here, as a center arranged in the wireless network N, a server managed by an operator providing the wireless terminal X can be used.

  In the present embodiment, some wireless terminals X in the wireless network N are connected to various sensors S and configured to be able to acquire information detected by the connected sensors S. As the sensor S, for example, a fire alarm or a security sensor (a heat detection sensor or an impact detection sensor for detecting an intruder) can be used. Specifically, for example, when the sensor S is a fire alarm, the wireless terminal X connected to the sensor S is configured to be able to acquire information that a fire has been detected. In the wireless network N, when one wireless terminal X acquires information from the sensor S, the information can be transmitted to all the wireless terminals X in the wireless network N and shared.

[Overview of wireless terminal]
The configuration of the wireless terminal X will be described with reference to FIG. The wireless terminal X is roughly divided into a control unit 1 including an arithmetic device and a storage device, and a wireless unit 2 that transmits and receives communication data wirelessly. The control unit 1 and the wireless unit 2 are configured to operate with power supplied from the battery B. The battery B is connected to the control unit 1 and the wireless unit 2 via the intermittent operation control unit 3, and is configured to operate the control unit 1 and the wireless unit 2 intermittently by the intermittent operation control unit 3. That is, the intermittent operation control unit 3 reduces the power supply from the battery B to the control unit 1 and the radio unit 2 to such an extent that the power can be shifted to the sleep state at regular intervals, or until communication data is received. The configuration is reduced to such an extent that it can shift to the sleep state, and the operation of the wireless terminal X is made intermittent. With such a configuration, the power consumption of the wireless terminal X is kept low, and the battery B can be operated for a long time.

  The wireless terminal X uses the control unit 1 and the wireless unit 2 and is configured to be able to execute two types of methods of “simultaneous transfer” and “relay” as communication data transfer methods. “Simultaneous transfer” is a method of simultaneously transferring communication data to adjacent wireless terminals X, and corresponds to “broadcast communication” according to the present invention. “Relay” is a method of transmitting received communication data to another wireless terminal X. In the present embodiment, communication data exchanged by the wireless terminal X is transmitted and received in the form of packets. Hereinafter, the control unit 1 and the wireless unit 2 will be described in more detail.

  The wireless unit 2 is configured to mutually convert communication data handled by the control unit 1 and a signal transmitted by wireless communication so that wireless communication with another wireless terminal X is possible. The present embodiment is configured to perform wireless communication by short-range wireless communication. An antenna 5 is connected to the wireless unit 2 and transmits a signal to another wireless terminal X and receives a signal from the other wireless terminal X. In the present embodiment, a communication device for near field communication is used for the wireless unit 2. The wireless transmission circuit 21 is a circuit for modulating the communication data processed by the control unit 1 and transmitting it wirelessly to the wireless terminal X that is the destination. The radio reception circuit 22 is a circuit for receiving a signal received from the radio terminal X and demodulating it into communication data that can be processed by the control unit 1. The switching unit 23 performs transmission / reception switching control by a control signal (not shown) from the control unit 1.

  The control unit 1 includes a packet transmission / reception control device 10, a synchronization time control unit 100, a simultaneous transfer transmission / reception device 11, a relay packet transmission / reception device 12, and a relay stage number table 13. Each of these devices (10 to 13) is implemented as software executed using an arithmetic device and a storage device constituting the control unit 1.

  Below, the structure of the control part 1 is demonstrated using FIG.2 and FIGS.3-5. FIG. 3 shows an example of a wireless network N according to the present invention, and X1 to X15 denote wireless terminals X to which terminal numbers 1 to 15 are allocated. X1 (sender terminal) in the figure is a wireless terminal X that is a source of transmission of communication data toward a specific wireless terminal X that is a destination. FIG. 4 shows information stored in the control unit 1 when the wireless terminal X1 starts transmission of communication data in the wireless network N of FIG.

  The simultaneous transfer transmitting / receiving apparatus 11 is configured to perform simultaneous transfer of communication data using the wireless transmission circuit 21 and the wireless reception circuit 22 of the wireless unit 2. More specifically, the same communication data is transmitted to the wireless terminal X capable of direct communication (communication with one hop). The simultaneous transfer transmitting / receiving apparatus 11 corresponds to “broadcast communication means” according to the present invention. The relay packet transmitting / receiving apparatus 12 is configured to relay communication data using the wireless transmission circuit 21 and the wireless reception circuit 22 of the wireless unit 2.

  The relay stage number table 13 is a table that holds the number of logical relays (the number of hops) from the own terminal to all the wireless terminals X in the wireless network N, and is set in advance. In other words, the table indicates how many hops can be communicated to each wireless terminal X in the wireless network N. Specifically, the contents of the relay stage number table 13 are illustrated in FIG. FIG. 4A shows a case where terminal number 1 (X1 in FIG. 3) is the own terminal. The setting of the relay stage number table 13 may be performed by communication when the wireless network N is constructed, for example. Further, in the present embodiment, although not shown, “priority order” can be set for each wireless terminal X. The priority order is used to clearly indicate the wireless terminal X that wants to transmit communication data with priority in the wireless network N. Specifically, as the “priority order”, for example, in the relay stage number table 13, serial numbers may be set in ascending order from the wireless terminal X that wants to transmit communication data with priority. Note that it is not necessary to set the priority order for all the wireless terminals X. The priority order value is set only for the wireless terminal X that is desired to be prioritized, and the priority order is not specified for the other wireless terminals X. It does not matter.

  The packet transmission / reception control device 10 is configured to designate another wireless terminal X as a destination and transmit communication data to the destination. In the present embodiment, the wireless terminal X that is the farthest distance from the own terminal that is the transmission terminal (the number of logical relays is the largest) or the wireless terminal X that has the highest priority is set as the destination. The packet transmission / reception control device 10 corresponds to a “transmission unit” according to the present invention.

  More specifically, referring to the relay stage number table 13, the simultaneous transfer transmission / reception apparatus 11 or the relay packet transmission / reception apparatus 12 is used to perform simultaneous transfer or relay of communication data. When performing simultaneous transfer, the synchronous time control unit 100 is used to control the time for simultaneous transfer. More specifically, the synchronization time control unit 100 stores a preset synchronization waiting time and includes a timer, and when the time counted by the timer from the simultaneous transfer start time reaches the synchronization waiting time. The simultaneous transfer is configured to end. Here, as the synchronization waiting time, referring to the relay stage number table 13, the number of adjacent wireless terminals X (the number of logical relays is 1) is counted, and a time proportional to the number of terminals is set. Good.

  Further, when the priority is set, the communication data is transmitted to the wireless terminal X having the highest priority regardless of the number of logical relays. Specifically, the packet transmission / reception control device 10 refers to the relay stage number table 13, identifies the wireless terminal X with the highest priority, and uses the relay packet transmission / reception device 12 to communicate the wireless data with the highest priority. Relay to reach terminal X.

  FIG. 5 shows a telegram structure of communication data transmitted and received between the wireless terminals X. In the header portion of the communication data, the terminal ID (terminal number) of the wireless terminal X to be transmitted is set as the “destination terminal ID”, and “untransferred terminal information” illustrated in FIG. 4B is set. The Here, “untransferred terminal information” is information indicating whether or not the communication data has been received for each wireless terminal X in the wireless network N. “Communication information”, which is information to be transmitted within the wireless network N, is set in the communication data main body. Here, as the “transmission information”, for example, a fire alarm indicating that a fire has occurred and a setting change command indicating that the setting of the wireless terminal X is to be changed are used.

  In the present embodiment, the packet transmission / reception control device 10 of the wireless terminal X that wants to transmit information is configured to add communication information to the transmission information by adding a header portion. Specifically, the packet transmission / reception control device 10 adds a list of wireless terminals X to which communication data as shown in FIG. 4B is transmitted as untransferred terminal information to the transmission information as communication data and transmits the communication data. The wireless terminal X is set to the terminal ID (terminal number) of the wireless terminal X having the maximum number of logical relays from its own terminal.

  Further, the packet transmission / reception control device 10 intermittently transmits a beacon signal indicating that the own terminal is active to the surrounding wireless terminal X via the wireless transmission circuit 21 of the wireless unit 2. Further, the packet transmission / reception control device 10 is configured to receive a beacon signal from another terminal via the wireless reception circuit 22 of the wireless unit 2 and adjust timing for transmitting communication data from the own terminal. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the time for which the wireless reception circuit 22 of the wireless unit 2 is unnecessarily started and waits, and to reduce the power consumption of the wireless terminal X.

[Description of relay and simultaneous transfer]
Hereinafter, a communication data transmission / reception method when “relay” is executed using FIGS. 3 to 7 and a communication data transmission / reception method when “simultaneous transfer” is executed will be described using FIGS. 8 and 9. To do.

  In the wireless network N shown in FIG. 3, a method for transmitting and receiving communication data will be described by taking as an example a case where the wireless terminal X1 is a transmitting terminal. In the relay stage number table 13 of the wireless terminal X1, a list of logical relay numbers shown in FIG. In this state, when the wireless terminal X1 becomes the transmitting terminal, the packet transmission / reception control device 10 of the wireless terminal X1 has the terminal number of the wireless terminal X11 that is the wireless terminal X having the maximum number of relays in the relay stage number table 13. 11 is set as the destination terminal ID, and the wireless terminal X other than its own terminal (terminal number 1) adds the untransferred terminal information in the untransferred state and transmits it.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which communication data is transmitted from the wireless terminal X1 with the wireless terminal X11 as a destination and relayed by another wireless terminal X before being transmitted to the wireless terminal X11. In FIG. 6, the communication data transmission path is indicated by a broken-line arrow, and the wireless terminal X that has received the communication data is indicated by a colored circle. In this example, a case where simultaneous transfer is executed in the wireless terminal X12 one hop before the wireless terminal X11 is shown. In each wireless terminal X (X2, X7) from the wireless terminal X1 to the wireless terminal X12, when the communication data is received, the packet transmission / reception control device 10 updates the untransferred terminal information. Specifically, the untransferred terminal information is rewritten to be transferred for the own terminal.

  FIG. 7A shows the contents of the relay stage number table 13 in the wireless terminal X12, and FIG. 7B shows untransferred terminal information held by the wireless terminal X12. Since the wireless terminal X12 is adjacent to the destination wireless terminal X11, when receiving communication data, the wireless terminal X12 executes simultaneous transfer with reference to the untransferred terminal information. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the wireless terminal X12 transmits the wireless terminal X (X11, X13, X14, X15) that is in an untransferred state among the adjacent wireless terminals X (the number of logical relays is 1). As simultaneous transfer.

  FIG. 8 shows a sequence for simultaneous transfer. When the packet transmission / reception control device 10 requests the execution of simultaneous transfer, the wireless terminal X12 receives a signal from another wireless terminal X during a preset synchronization waiting time (indicated by “waiting for synchronization beacon” in the figure). An active state is set so that a beacon signal can be awaited. When a beacon signal is received from another wireless terminal X (X11), a “transfer request” notification is sent to notify the start of transmission of communication data, and then communication data (“transfer data” in the figure) is transmitted. . When the wireless terminal X11 has received the communication data, the wireless terminal X11 transmits a “transfer complete” notification informing that the reception of the communication data has been completed, and the wireless terminal X12 receives the “transfer complete” notification. End the session with. Similarly, the wireless terminal X12 transmits communication data to the other wireless terminals X (X13, X14, X15), and when there is no untransferred wireless terminal X, the reception of the beacon is interrupted and the simultaneous transfer ends. To do.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, when communication data cannot be transmitted to all untransferred wireless terminals X, for example, the beacon signal cannot be received within the synchronization waiting time for some reason, a timeout occurs, The wireless terminal X in the untransferred state ignores and performs the next transfer. Thereafter, the relay and simultaneous transfer are repeated until there is no untransferred wireless terminal X in the untransferred terminal information. As described above, the wireless terminal X according to the present invention can broadcast communication data to all the wireless terminals X in the wireless network N without omission.

[Features of the present invention]
The wireless terminal X according to the present invention is characterized in that the timing of simultaneous transfer can be appropriately adjusted when broadcasting is performed for the wireless terminal X in the wireless network N. Referring to FIG. 2, when transmitting the communication data to the destination specified by the packet transmission / reception control device 10, the wireless terminal X performs simultaneous transfer by the simultaneous transfer transmission / reception device 11 when the broadcast condition is satisfied. It is configured. That is, the broadcast condition is a condition for determining the timing of simultaneous transfer at the time of broadcasting. When the wireless terminal X receives the communication data, if the broadcast condition is satisfied, the simultaneous transfer transceiver 11 When the broadcast condition is not satisfied, the relay packet transmitter / receiver 12 is used for relaying.

[Broadcast method]
Here, the broadcast conditions used in the wireless terminal X will be described. In the present embodiment, three types of broadcast conditions of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition are used. Hereinafter, a broadcast method using each broadcast condition will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the first condition, the timing for simultaneous transfer is when communication data is transmitted from a destination to a wireless terminal before a predetermined hop. Hereinafter, the broadcast method using the first condition is referred to as “destination-N hop method”. Here, N is an integer of 0 or more and is variable. In the destination-N-hop method, simultaneous transfer is performed when untransferred terminal information arrives at the wireless device existing at the Nth hop from the destination (the wireless terminal X farthest from the wireless terminal X that is the transmission terminal).

  A state of broadcasting by the destination-N hop method will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, the flow of communication data by relay is indicated by arrows, the flow of communication data by simultaneous transfer is indicated by broken lines, the destination is indicated by hatched circles, and the wireless terminal X that has received communication data is indicated by colored circles (described later). The same applies to FIG. 12 and FIG. In this example, N is 1.

  In the wireless network N shown in FIG. 11A, a case where the wireless terminal X21 is a calling terminal will be described. The wireless terminal X21 sets the wireless terminal X34 farthest from the wireless terminal X21 as a destination, and transmits communication data. The transmitted communication data is relayed to the wireless terminal X31 that is one hop before the destination, and is simultaneously transferred by the wireless terminal X31. That is, the communication data is relayed by the wireless terminal X22, the wireless terminal X25, and the wireless terminal X28 and transmitted to the wireless terminal X31. The wireless terminal X31 determines that the first condition is satisfied and executes simultaneous transfer. Thus, the data is transmitted to the wireless terminal X32, the wireless terminal X33, and the wireless terminal X34 that is the destination.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the wireless terminal X34 that has newly become the calling terminal refers to the untransferred terminal information, sets the wireless terminal X23 farthest away in the untransferred state as the destination, and again Send communication data. The transmitted communication data is relayed to the wireless terminal X22 that is one hop before the destination, and the wireless terminal X22 determines that the first condition is satisfied and executes simultaneous transfer. Communication data is transmitted to the wireless terminal X24 and the destination wireless terminal X23 by simultaneous transfer. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, relaying and simultaneous transfer are repeated in the same manner, and communication data is broadcast to all the wireless terminals X in the wireless network N.

  The destination-N hop method is suitable for quickly transferring communication data over a wide range because a remote radio terminal X is selected as a destination. Compared to other systems, it is somewhat difficult to reliably transfer to all wireless terminals X in the wireless network N (certainty), but it is excellent in terms of transfer speed.

  In the second condition, the timing of simultaneous transfer is set when communication data is transmitted to a predetermined hop ahead. Hereinafter, the broadcast method using the second condition is referred to as “M hop method”. Here, M is an integer of 1 or more and is variable. In the M hop method, simultaneous transfer is performed when untransferred terminal information arrives for each wireless terminal X that is M hops away from the wireless terminal X that is a transmission terminal.

  A state of broadcasting by the M-hop method will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, M is 2. FIG. 12A shows a state at the start of broadcasting. Similarly to FIG. 11A, a case where the wireless terminal X21 is a transmitting terminal will be described. The wireless terminal X21 sets the wireless terminal X34 farthest from the wireless terminal X21 as a destination, and transmits communication data. The transmitted data is relayed by the wireless terminal X22 and transmitted to the wireless terminal X25 that is the second hop. The wireless terminal X25 determines that the second condition is satisfied and executes simultaneous transfer. More specifically, the wireless terminal X25 performs simultaneous transfer to the wireless terminal X26, the wireless terminal X27, and the wireless terminal X28 that are in the untransferred state with the adjacent wireless terminal X.

  Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the communication data is relayed from the wireless terminal X25 to the wireless terminal X28 and transmitted to the wireless terminal X31 that is the second hop, and it is determined that the second condition is satisfied. Simultaneous transfer is performed. The communication data is transmitted to the wireless terminal X32, the wireless terminal X33, and the destination wireless terminal X34 by the simultaneous transfer. When the communication data reaches the destination, as shown in FIG. 12C, the wireless terminal X34 refers to the untransferred terminal information and sets the wireless terminal X23 that is in the untransferred state and is the farthest from the own terminal as the destination. And transmit communication data. Thereafter, the simultaneous transfer is repeated every two hops until the communication data reaches the destination. Thereby, the communication data is broadcast to all the wireless terminals X in the wireless network N.

  The M hop method can suppress duplication of communication data transfer by executing simultaneous transfer at regular intervals. Compared to other methods, it is easy to obtain stable results in terms of transfer reliability and transfer speed.

  In the third condition, the timing for performing the simultaneous transfer is set every time one hop of communication data is transmitted. Hereinafter, the broadcast method using the third condition is referred to as a “propaganda track method”. In the propaganda track method, all wireless terminals X that have received untransferred terminal information spread communication data while simultaneously transferring data to adjacent wireless terminals X.

  The state of broadcasting by the propaganda track method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13A shows a state at the start of broadcasting. Similarly to FIG. 11A, a case where the wireless terminal X21 is a transmitting terminal will be described. In this method, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D, every time communication data is transmitted from the wireless terminal X21 by one hop, it is assumed that the third condition is satisfied. Executed.

  In the propaganda track method, it may take time to reach the destination, but communication data can be reliably transferred to all the wireless terminals X in the wireless network N. That is, as compared with other methods, the reliability of transfer is excellent, and the transfer speed tends to be slightly inferior. For this reason, it is most suitable for communication that requires certainty.

  Although not shown in the drawings, hereinafter, a broadcast method using a combination of the first condition and the second condition is referred to as a “hybrid method”.

[Select broadcast method]
The radio terminal X according to the present invention is configured to be able to select an optimal broadcast method according to the network form. Here, the network form means the state of the communication path depending on the arrangement relationship of the wireless terminals X. Examples of the state of the communication path include a random mesh as shown in FIG. 1 and a linear case as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 1 includes a condition storage unit 14, a condition selection unit 15, and a start condition selection unit 16. These means (14 to 16) are implemented as software executed using an arithmetic device and a storage device that constitute the control unit 1.

  In the present embodiment, the condition storage unit 14 stores three types of broadcast conditions, the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition described above. In the present embodiment, the condition storage means 14 transmits the first condition and the second condition when the communication data is transmitted from the destination to the wireless terminal X before the first constant a hop, and the communication data is transmitted by the second constant b hop. It is configured to store it as one broadcast condition when it is transmitted first. That is, the condition storage means 14 is configured to be able to dynamically generate the first condition or the second condition by specifying the first constant a and the second constant b. Specifically, for example, if the first constant a is 0 and the second constant b is an integer equal to or greater than 1, the broadcast condition is that when the communication data is transmitted to the destination wireless terminal X and the communication data is the first It is the time when it is transmitted to two constant b hops ahead, and is substantially equivalent to the second condition. For example, if the first constant a is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and the second constant b is 0, the broadcast condition is when communication data is transmitted to the wireless terminal X before the first constant a hop from the destination, This is substantially equivalent to the first condition. Note that the first constant a corresponds to N in the destination-N hop scheme, and the second constant b corresponds to M in the M hop scheme.

  The condition selection unit 15 is configured to select one broadcast condition based on the broadcast condition stored in the condition storage unit 14 and to transmit the selected condition to the packet transmission / reception control device 10. In the present embodiment, the condition selection unit 15 is configured to select one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, or a combination of the first condition and the second condition.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the condition selection means 15 is configured to be able to set and store the values of the first constant a and the second constant b, and uses the stored first constant a and second constant b. From the condition storage means 14, either the first condition or the second condition, or a combination of the first condition and the second condition can be selected. Specifically, for example, if the first constant a is 0 and the second constant b is an integer of 1 or more, the second condition can be selected. The first constant a is an integer of 1 or more and the second constant If b is 0, the first condition can be selected, and if the first constant a and the second constant b are integers of 1 or more, a combination of the first condition and the second condition can be selected. . With this configuration, the condition selection unit 15 can select any one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, or a combination of the first condition and the second condition from the condition storage unit 14. . Based on the broadcast condition selected by the condition selection means 15 in this way, the simultaneous transfer transmitting / receiving apparatus 11 is configured to perform simultaneous transfer. With the above configuration, the wireless terminal X can perform broadcasting by any one of the destination-N hop method, the M hop method, the propaganda track method, and the hybrid method.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless terminal X is provided with input means 4 for arbitrarily setting a broadcast condition selected by the user of the wireless terminal X by the condition selecting means 15. Specifically, the input unit 4 may be configured to be able to select at least one of four patterns of a destination-N hop method, an M hop method, a propaganda track method, and a hybrid method. In the case of the present embodiment, in addition to the above four patterns, it is preferable to prepare a pattern (for example, AUTO) so that the broadcast condition setting by the start condition selection means 16 described later is effective. Such an input means 4 may be any means as long as it is a known user interface, regardless of electronic means or mechanical means. In the present embodiment, the input unit 4 is implemented as a program that operates on the wireless terminal X, receives communication data transmitted from a center in the wireless network N, and receives a broadcast condition (that is, the communication data) , Broadcast conditions designated at the center) are input. With such a configuration, the broadcast conditions can be changed as appropriate according to the status of the wireless network N and the like. In addition, for example, a DIP switch can be used as the input unit 4 as a mechanical unit. By providing such a configuration, for example, when the wireless terminal X is installed, it is possible to set a broadcast method according to the network form.

  The start condition selection means 16 is configured to control the condition selection means 15 and automatically select a broadcast condition when the wireless terminal X starts transmission of communication data (starts broadcasting). Specifically, when the packet transmission / reception control device 10 starts transmission of communication data, the start condition selection unit 16 sets the broadcast condition by the condition selection unit 15 according to the type of communication data transmitted by simultaneous transfer. select. That is, the start condition selection means 16 is configured to be able to acquire communication data from the packet transmission / reception control device 10 when analyzing transmission of communication data, analyze the transmission information, and determine the type. More specifically, the start condition selection unit 16 is configured to be able to acquire communication data from the packet transmission / reception control device 10 and includes a correspondence table of broadcast conditions (broadcast method) corresponding to the type of communication data. The broadcast condition is selected by referring to the correspondence table. When the broadcast condition is selected by the start condition selection means 16, it is preferable to add the selected broadcast condition to the transmission information. With such a configuration, the wireless terminal X that has received the communication data can acquire the broadcast condition added to the transmission information and appropriately adjust the broadcast condition.

  The operation of the start condition selection unit 16 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 illustrates the correspondence between the type of communication data determined by the start condition selection means 16 and the broadcast method selected according to each type.

  Specifically, when the transmission information is a notification by a fire alarm (for example, a fire alarm), the destination-N hop method is selected. This is because, in a fire prevention type alarm device, a normal alarm device sounds, and therefore it is more suitable to give priority to contact with a remote alarm device than to the nearest alarm device.

  Further, when the transmission information is setting related information of the wireless terminal X (for example, change of the intermittent operation interval), the propaganda track system is selected. This is because the communication data is surely transmitted to all the wireless terminals X in the wireless network N although the urgency is poor.

  In addition, when the transmission information is a notification by a crime prevention intrusion sensor (for example, a heat detection sensor or a vibration detection sensor) or an alarm device with a remote monitoring function, the priority is given to the wireless terminal X to be transmitted with priority. And repeat relay of communication data with the radio terminal X having the highest priority as a target. Specifically, a central control panel is registered as a security intrusion sensor, and a notification device to a remote monitoring center is registered as a wireless terminal X in the case of an alarm device, and the highest priority is set. With such a configuration, communication can be performed quickly.

  When the transmission information is an intrusion sensor with an alarm function, the M hop method is selected. This is because an alarm sound is generated, so that the sounding range of the alarm sound can be effectively and efficiently expanded by sequentially transmitting to an intrusion sensor that is a little further away than the most recent intrusion sensor.

  Further, when the transmission information is a notification by an alarm device for a small housing complex, the propaganda truck method is selected. This is because, due to the nature of the alarm device, it is preferable to transmit the information to the nearest unit to the unit where the alarm is operated in order.

  As described above, when the start condition selection unit 16 selects a broadcast method (that is, a broadcast condition) according to each type, the radio terminal X can suitably execute the broadcast according to the application.

[Another embodiment]
(1) In the above embodiment, an example in which the wireless terminal X is configured to be able to execute broadcasting in the propaganda track method has been shown, but the wireless terminal X is configured not to execute broadcasting in the propaganda track method. It doesn't matter.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the condition storage unit 14 stores the first condition and the second condition as one broadcast condition has been described. However, the condition storage unit 14 includes the first condition and the first condition. Two conditions and a condition obtained by combining the first condition and the second condition may be stored separately.

(3) In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the wireless terminal X includes the input unit 4 has been described. However, the wireless terminal X may not include 4. In this case, it is preferable that the wireless terminal X has a configuration in which the broadcast condition is selected in advance by the condition selection unit 15 or a configuration having the start condition selection unit 16.

(4) In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the wireless terminal X includes the start time condition selecting unit 16 has been described. However, the wireless terminal X may not include the start time condition selecting unit 16. In this case, it is preferable that the wireless terminal X has a configuration in which the broadcast condition is selected in advance by the condition selection unit 15 or a configuration having the input unit 4.

It is configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with other wireless terminals directly or indirectly through other wireless terminals to the other wireless terminals,
A transmission means for designating another wireless terminal as a destination and transmitting communication data to the destination;
The present invention can be used as a wireless terminal provided with broadcast communication means for performing broadcast communication for transmitting the same communication data to a wireless terminal capable of direct communication, and a communication system using a plurality of such wireless terminals.

4: Input means 10: Packet transmission / reception control device (transmission means)
11: Simultaneous transmission / reception device (broadcast communication means)
14: Condition storage means 15: Condition selection means 16: Start condition selection means X: Wireless terminal a: First constant b: Second constant

Claims (6)

It is configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with other wireless terminals directly or indirectly through other wireless terminals to the other wireless terminals,
A transmission means for designating another wireless terminal as a destination and transmitting communication data to the destination;
A wireless communication means for performing broadcast communication for transmitting the same communication data to a wireless terminal capable of direct communication,
The broadcast communication means is configured to perform the broadcast communication when a communication condition set in advance is satisfied when transmitting communication data to a destination designated by the transmission means,
A first condition for when communication data is transmitted from the destination to a wireless terminal before a predetermined hop, and a second condition for when communication data is transmitted to a predetermined hop ahead are stored as the preset broadcast conditions. Condition storage means;
Condition selection means for selecting either the first condition or the second condition, or a combination of the first condition and the second condition;
A wireless terminal that performs broadcast by the broadcast communication means based on the broadcast condition selected by the condition selection means. The condition storage means stores, as the broadcast condition, a third condition for each time communication data is transmitted for one hop,
2. The radio terminal according to claim 1, wherein the condition selection unit selects one of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition, or a combination of the first condition and the second condition. When the condition storage means transmits the first condition and the second condition when the communication data is transmitted from the destination to the wireless terminal before the first constant hop, and when the communication data is transmitted to the second constant hop destination; Remember it as one broadcast condition,
The condition selection means selects either the first condition or the second condition or a combination of the first condition and the second condition by setting values of a first constant and a second constant. Item 3. The wireless terminal according to Item 1 or 2.   The radio | wireless terminal as described in any one of Claims 1-3 provided with the input means for selecting the said broadcast conditions by the said condition selection means.   A start condition selection unit that selects the broadcast condition by the condition selection unit according to a type of communication data transmitted by the broadcast communication when the transmission unit starts transmission of communication data. The radio | wireless terminal as described in any one of 1-4.   A communication system comprising a plurality of the wireless terminals according to claim 1 and configured using the plurality of wireless terminals.

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