JP6408779B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus that performs data communication.

  In a manufacturing factory or the like, a plurality of management posts as communication devices having a communication function are used to manage manufacturing processes.

  The front of the management post is provided with a four-stage card accommodating portion, and each card accommodating portion is configured so that a card body can be inserted. Each card body incorporates an RFID chip and is configured to read and write data.

  As these card bodies, for example, there are a product card in which data of a product to be manufactured is stored and an ID card owned by the worker, and the worker has a product card manufactured at the start of work and an owned ID card. Is inserted into an empty portion of any one of the card accommodating portions.

  The management post has a built-in antenna that communicates with the RFID chip, and by acquiring the data of the RFID chip from the signal received by the antenna, it is possible to remove the card from all the cards inserted in the card accommodation unit. It is configured to read data. Each management post is configured to be able to connect to an access point installed in a factory by wireless communication, and each management post is configured to be able to transmit data read from each card to the access point. ing.

  The access point is connected to a server, and data sent from each management post is configured to be collected by the server. This server is configured to send a work instruction according to data from the product card to the management post for display, or to manage progress by worker according to data from the ID card. Yes.

  However, in such a system, when a management post is moved due to a layout change, an access point must be added to an area that can communicate with the management post.

  As a result, there is a problem that it takes time and cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that can cope with a layout change.

In the communication apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention in order to solve the above problems, a communication device for transmitting data by communicating with the access point, if the access point and passing Shinfu ability of the stored route Based on the information, switching means for starting communication with another accessible communication device, receiving means for receiving data sent from a communication device connected to the lower side, and data received by the receiving means A transmission means for transmitting to a higher-order device comprising a communication device or access point connected to the higher-order side, and the switching means is accessible to the access point when the communication route to the access point is confirmed. Upper route confirmation means for storing a communication route as the route information, and when the route information cannot be acquired, the upper route confirmation means To display as an error.

  That is, among the first communication device and the second communication device installed in the communication area of the access point, the second communication device is moved out of the communication area by the layout change, and the second communication A case where communication between the apparatus and the first communication apparatus is possible will be described as an example.

  In this case, since the communication with the access point becomes impossible, the second communication device starts communication with the accessible first communication device. For this reason, the data from the second communication device is transmitted to the first communication device.

  Then, the first communication device receives the data sent from the second communication device, which is the lower side, and sends the received data to the access point that is the upper side device connected to the upper side. Send to.

  Thereby, even if it is a case where communication with the said access point is impossible, the data of said 2nd communication apparatus can be transmitted to an access point via said 1st communication apparatus.

  For this reason, even if the communication device is moved from the communication area of the access point by moving the communication device in accordance with the layout change, the data is transferred to the access point by using another communication device. Sent to.

  And when the third communication device is added to a position outside the communication area and capable of communicating with the second communication device, the third communication device cannot communicate with the access point. Communication with the accessible second communication device is started. For this reason, data from the third communication device is transmitted to the second communication device.

  The second communication device receives the data sent from the third communication device, which is the lower side, and sends the received data to the first communication that is a higher-level device connected to the upper side. Send to device.

  Then, the first communication device receives the data sent from the second communication device, which is the lower side, and sends the received data to the access point that is the upper side device connected to the upper side. Send to.

  Thereby, even if it is a case where communication with the said access point is impossible, the data of said 3rd communication apparatus can be transmitted to an access point via said 1st and 2nd communication apparatus.

  For this reason, even when a communication device is added to a place outside the communication area of the access point, data is transmitted to the access point by using another communication device as a relay device.

Moreover, further comprising a superior root confirmation means for confirming the communication route to the access point.

  That is, since the communication route to the access point can be confirmed by the upper route confirmation means, the data is transmitted to the access point by transmitting the data according to this communication route.

  As described above, in the communication device according to claim 1 of the present invention, when communication with the access point is impossible, the data of the communication device is transmitted via, for example, another communication device arranged adjacently. Can be sent to the access point.

  For this reason, even if the communication device is moved away from the communication area due to the layout change or the communication device is added outside the communication area, other communication devices can be used. Data can be transmitted to the access point.

  Therefore, compared to the conventional method in which an access point must be added to an area where it can communicate with a moved communication device, the cost of the added access point and the work of connecting a communication cable to the access point are not required. It is possible to cope with a layout change without incurring cost and cost.

  Further, when a nearby access point fails, communication with the access point becomes impossible. Even in such a case, the data of the communication device can be transmitted to another access point via, for example, another communication device arranged adjacently.

  For this reason, even if the access point is in a failed state, the system function can be maintained, so that convenience is improved, such as higher productivity than when data cannot be transmitted until the access point is repaired. .

Further, it is possible to confirm the communication route to the access point by the upper level route confirmation means. For this reason, by confirming this communication route, it can be confirmed in advance that the data of the communication device can be transmitted to the access point.

  Then, by transmitting data according to this communication route, this data can be reliably transmitted to the access point.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the utilization form of one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the same embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the relay communication process of the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the high-order route confirmation process of the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the reception process of the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission process of the embodiment.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a communication apparatus according to the present embodiment, and an example in which the communication apparatus is used in a manufacturing factory is shown.

  That is, a plurality of work areas are set in the manufacturing factory, and each work area has, for example, a first communication device 1, a second communication device 2, Three communication devices 3 are installed on the production line. In this manufacturing factory, a host server 4 is provided. For example, a first access point 5 and a second access point 6 are connected to the host server 4 via a LAN 7.

  The first communication device 1 is installed in a communication area that is a communicable area in the first access point 5, and the second and third communication devices 2 and 3 are connected to the second access device. It is installed in the communication area of point 6. The first communication device 1 is configured to perform data communication with the upper server 4 by wirelessly communicating with the first access point 5 by wifi, and the second and third communication devices 2. , 3 are configured to be able to perform data communication with the upper server 4 by wirelessly communicating with the second access point 6 by wifi. Thus, each of the communication devices 1 to 3 is configured to acquire data from the set storage medium and transmit the data to the upper server 4.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the communication devices 1 to 3 includes a unitized control unit 21 and an antenna unit, and the antenna unit connected to the control unit 21 determines the number of connections. It is set to the same width so that it can be increased or decreased.

  The control unit 21 is provided in the uppermost stage of the communication apparatus 1, and a first antenna unit 31 is connected to the lower stage of the control unit 21. A second antenna unit 32 is connected to the lower stage of the first antenna unit 31, and a third antenna unit 33 is connected to the lower stage of the second antenna unit 32. A fourth antenna unit 34 is connected to the lower stage of the third antenna unit 33.

  The first antenna unit 31 in the first communication device 1 is associated so as to manage work in a first work area, for example, and the second antenna unit 32 is in a second work area. Associated with managing work in The third antenna unit 33 is associated to manage work in the third work area, and the fourth antenna unit 34 is associated to manage work in the fourth work area. It has been.

  The antenna units 31 to 34 have the same configuration, and first to fourth accommodating portions 41 to 44 are provided on the front surfaces of the antenna units 31 to 34. Each accommodating part 41-44 is comprised so that a card | curd body can be hold | maintained, and the RFID chip | tip as a storage medium which can read / write data without contact is incorporated in this card | curd body.

  As these card bodies, there are a product card 51 in which data of a product to be manufactured is stored, an ID card 52 in which data of an owned worker is stored, and each worker manufactures at the start of work. The product card 51 corresponding to the product and the owned ID card 52 are configured to be inserted into the accommodating portions 41 to 44 of the antenna units 31 to 34 corresponding to the work area where the work is performed.

  Each of the antenna units 31 to 34 is configured to perform data communication with an RFID chip built in the card body housed in the housing portions 41 to 44 of the antenna units 31 to 34, and the antenna units 31 to 34 are configured to perform data communication. The data acquired in (1) is collected by the control unit 21.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication devices 1 to 3 (only the first communication device 1 is shown because each communication device 1 to 3 has the same structure). Are connected to the satellite 61, the Ethernet 62, the RS232C63, and the AC adapter 64. The control unit 21 is mainly composed of a main CPU 65 with a built-in ROM and RAM, and a wifi module 66 is connected to the main CPU 65. The wifi module 66 is connected to a wifi antenna 67, and is configured to perform data communication with the host server 4 by wirelessly communicating with the access points 5 and 6 via the wifi antenna 67. Yes.

  The main CPU 65 is connected to a graphic LCD 71, a 7-segment LED 72, and a 7-color LED 73, and can be configured to perform various displays using the graphic LCD 71, the 7-segment LED 72, and the 7-color LED 73. Has been. Further, a power switch 74 and a call switch 75 are connected to the main CPU 65, and the power switch 74 is used to turn on / off the power of the communication apparatus 1, and the call switch 75 can call an administrator. Has been.

  A sub CPU 81 is connected to the main CPU 65, and a wiring 83 constituting a data bus 82 is connected to the sub CPU 81. The main CPU 65 is connected to a wiring 85 constituting an antenna control transmission line 84 and a wiring 87 constituting an antenna control reception line 86. The data bus 82, the antenna control transmission line 84, and the Each wiring 83, 85, 87 constituting the antenna control receiving line 86 is connected to a connector connecting portion 89 provided on the substrate 88 of the control unit 21.

  Each of the antenna units 31 to 34 includes an antenna substrate 101. The antenna substrate 101 has an upstream connector connection portion 102 for connection with an upstream unit and a connection with a downstream unit. A downstream connector connecting portion 103 is provided.

  A wiring 111 constituting the antenna control transmission line 84 is connected to the upstream connector connecting portion 102, and this wiring 111 is connected to an input of the control register 112. The output of the control register 112 is connected to a wiring 113 constituting the antenna control transmission line 84, and this wiring 113 is connected to the downstream connector connection portion 103.

  The upstream connector connecting portion 102 is connected to a wiring 121 constituting the data bus 82, and this wiring 121 is connected to the RFID controller 122 and also connected to the downstream connector connecting portion 103. Has been.

  The upstream connector connection portion 102 is connected to a wiring 131 that constitutes the antenna control reception line 89. The wiring 131 is connected to the downstream connector connection portion 103, while being connected to a connection terminal. 135 is configured to be connected to the output of the control register 112 (shown only in the fourth antenna unit 34).

  The control register 112 is configured to store a signal transmitted from an upstream unit. In an initial state when the power is turned on, “0000B” is stored (the control register 112 has 4 bits). The case where it is configured will be described as an example). The control register 112 is configured to output the currently stored data when the data is sent from the upstream unit, and to newly store the sent data. In the initial state in which “0000B” is stored, when “0001B” is sent from the upstream unit, “0000B” is sent to the downstream unit, and then “0000B” is sent from the upstream unit. “0001B” is stored.

  The RFID register 122 is connected to the control register 112, and a loop type antenna 136 is connected to the RFID controller 122. The RFID controller 122 is configured to transmit and receive radio waves via the antenna 136, and the radio waves are transmitted to the housing units 41 to 44 provided in the antenna units 31 to 34 by the magnetic field rectifying component 137. It is comprised so that it may be transmitted / received toward (refer FIG. 2).

  As a result, the RFID controller 122 operates in accordance with the data stored in the control register 112 to perform data communication with the RFID chip built in the card body accommodated in the accommodating portions 41 to 44 of the antenna units 31 to 34. It is configured to do so.

  Specifically, for example, when it is defined that the operation is not performed on the least significant bit of the storage data of the control register 112 and the data reading process is performed when the second bit is “1”, the storage When the data becomes “0010B”, the RFID controller 122 transmits and receives radio waves via the antenna 136, so that a predetermined number of RFID chips built in the card bodies accommodated in the corresponding accommodating portions 41 to 44 are transmitted. The storage data is configured to be read, and the read data is configured to be sent to the control unit 21 via the data bus 82. Thereby, the data acquired by the antenna units 31 to 34 can be collected by the control unit 21.

  In this communication device 1, the connector connecting portion 89 of the control unit 21 is connected to the upstream connector connecting portion 102 of the first antenna unit 31 via an antenna cable 141, and the first One antenna unit 31 is configured to exchange data with the control unit 21. The downstream connector connecting portion 103 of the first antenna unit 31 is connected to the upstream connector connecting portion 102 of the second antenna unit 32 via an antenna cable 141, and the second antenna The unit 32 is configured to exchange data with the first antenna unit 31 and the control unit 21.

  The downstream connector connecting portion 103 of the second antenna unit 32 is connected to the upstream connector connecting portion 102 of the third antenna unit 33 via an antenna cable 141, and the third antenna unit The unit 33 is configured to exchange data with the second antenna unit 32 and the control unit 21. The downstream connector connecting portion 103 of the third antenna unit 33 is connected to the upstream connector connecting portion 102 of the fourth antenna unit 34 via an antenna cable 141, and the fourth antenna The unit 34 is configured to exchange data with the third antenna unit 33 and the control unit 21 (the third unit 33 is not shown).

  Thereby, the first to fourth antenna units 31 to 34 are connected to the control unit 21 in series.

  In the fourth antenna unit 34 connected to the end, the output of the control register 112 is connected to the upstream connector connecting portion 102 by the connection terminal 135, and the data output from the control register 112 is The antenna units 31 to 33 provided on the upstream side are configured to be input to the control unit 21 via the antenna control reception line 86.

  4 to 8 are flowcharts showing the operation of the communication devices 1 to 3, and the operation of the control unit 21 is shown.

  Each of the communication devices 1 to 3 reads data from the cards 51 and 52 inserted by processing not shown in the figure, stores the data in the RAM, and stores the data in which number of antenna units 34 to 34. It is stored in association with each other.

  That is, when the main CPU 65 of the control unit 21 starts communication processing (communication mode switching) in accordance with a program stored in the ROM, communication with the host server 4 is established from the connection state of the Ethernet 62 as shown in FIG. (S1). If it is connected to the Ethernet 62, it is determined that wired communication is to be performed, and the data or the like is transmitted to the upper server 4 by wired communication. Communication processing is performed (S2).

  If it is determined in step S1 that the communication is not connected to the Ethernet 62 and the wired communication is not performed, whether or not any of the access points 5 and 6 and the wifi module 66 can perform wireless communication. It is determined whether to perform wifi communication (S3). When it is determined that wireless communication is possible with any of the access points 5 and 6 and the wifi communication is performed, the data and the like are transmitted to the access points 5 and 6 through the wifi communication and the access points 5 and 6 are connected. Then, the WiFi communication process for transmitting to the upper server 4 is performed (S4).

  If it is determined in step S3 that wireless communication with any of the access points 5 and 6 is not possible and wifi communication is not performed, the data is transferred to the upper server 4 via the other communication devices 1 to 3. The relay communication process to transmit is performed (S5), and communication with the other communication devices 1 to 3 capable of wireless communication with the wifi module 66 is started.

  In this relay process, as shown in FIG. 5, a higher-level route confirmation process for confirming a communication route to any one of the access points 5 and 6 is performed (SB1).

  In the upper route confirmation process, as shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether route information is stored in the route information area reserved in the RAM (SC1). If the route information exists, this subroutine is terminated. If the route information does not exist, device search route request processing is performed (SC2). In the device search route request process, the communication device 1 searches for another communication device 1 to 3 that can perform wireless communication via the wifi module 66, and the communication device 1 to 3 is any access point 5. , 6 is recognized, the transmission of the higher order route information is requested, and the received route information is stored in the route information area secured in the RAM. Thereby, the communication route to one of the access points 5 and 6 is confirmed.

  In addition, as these route information, the unique IDs of the communication devices 1 to 3 can be used.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the route information can be acquired (SC3). When the route information can be acquired, the subroutine is finished. On the other hand, when the route information cannot be acquired, the host server 4 is accessed. Since this is not possible, this is displayed as an error (SC4), and the process returns to the called relay communication process.

  In this relay communication process, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, a reception process for receiving data from lower communication apparatuses 1 to 3 on the side far from the access points 5 and 6 is performed (SB2).

  In this reception process, as shown in FIG. 7, the data received by the wifi module 66 is confirmed (SD1), and the presence / absence of received data and the content thereof are confirmed (SD2). If there is no received data, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if there is received data and the received data is addressed to the communication devices 1 to 3 (addressed to the own station), the received data is stored in the RAM or received. Receive data processing such as performing an operation according to the data or preparing to transmit data of the own station consisting of read data from the cards 51 and 52 set in the communication devices 1 to 3 (SD3) Return to the relay communication process.

  In addition, the received data in step SD2 is transmitted from the higher-level equipment connected to the higher-order side of the communication devices 1 to 3 (other communication devices 1 to 1 connected to the side closer to the access points 5 and 6). 3 or access points 5 and 6 capable of wireless communication, and lower devices connected to the lower side of the communication devices 1 to 3 (other communication connected to the side away from the access points 5 and 6) If it is addressed to another station such as the devices 2 to 3), preparation for transferring the received data is made (SD4), and the process returns to the relay communication process.

  If the received data in step SD2 is a request for transmission of route information, preparation for transmitting higher-level route information stored in the RAM is made (SD5), and the process returns to the relay communication processing.

  In this relay process, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, data received from a lower-level device is transmitted to a higher-level device including communication devices 1 to 2 or access points 5 and 6 connected to the higher-level side. Transmission processing is performed (SB3).

  As shown in FIG. 8, this transmission process determines whether there is any transmission request for the data received in the reception process (SB2), or whether a transmission request for spontaneous transmission of data has occurred (SF1). If there is no transmission request, the process branches to step SF4. On the other hand, if there is a transmission request to the higher-level device, data is transmitted to the higher-level device according to the request (SF2).

  Explaining with specific examples, when there is a request for data transmission of the communication devices 1 to 3 (own station) either spontaneously or from another device, it is acquired in advance or prepared by the received data processing (SD3) The read data from the cards 51 and 52 of the communication devices 1 to 3 together with the unique ID and route information of the communication devices 1 to 3 are transmitted from the communication devices 1 to 2 or the access points 5 and 6 connected to the upper side. To the higher-level device. If the received data received from the other communication devices 2 to 3 as the lower-level device is a request to transfer to the higher-level device, transfer from the lower-level device prepared in the transfer preparation process (SD4). The data is transmitted together with the unique IDs and route information of the communication devices 1 and 2 to the higher-order device including the communication device 1 or the access points 5 and 6 connected to the higher-order side.

  Further, in the step (SF1), when there is a transmission request to the lower device, data is transmitted to the lower device according to the request (SF3).

  When a specific example is given and explained, when there is a request to transfer received data received from another communication device 1-2, which is a higher-level device, or any one of the access points 5, 6 to the lower-level device, The transfer data from the higher-level device prepared in the transfer preparation process (SD4) is transmitted to the lower-level device composed of the communication devices 2-3 connected to the lower level together with the unique ID and route information of the communication devices 1-2. To do. If the transmission of the route information is requested, the upper route information prepared in the upper route information transmission preparation process (SD5) is connected to the lower side together with the unique ID of the communication device 1-2. Is transmitted to the lower-order equipment composed of the communication devices 2 to 3.

  In step SF4, it is determined whether or not data transmission has been performed normally (SF4). If the transmission is performed normally, no change is made to the communication route, so nothing is done and this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if the data transmission is not normally performed (SF4), the communication route needs to be changed. Therefore, after deleting the upper route information stored in the route information area of the RAM (SF5), the upper route By executing the confirmation process (SF6), the route information to the access points 5 and 6 is stored and updated in the route information area of the RAM, and the subroutine ends.

  In the present embodiment according to the above configuration, for example, the second communication device 2 installed in the communication area of the second access point 6 is moved out of the communication area due to the layout change, and the second When communication between the communication device 2 and the first communication device 1 is possible, or when the second access point 6 fails as shown in FIG. 1, the second communication device 2 Communication with the access points 5 and 6 becomes impossible. Then, the second communication device 2 starts communication with the accessible first communication device 1.

  Specifically, the second communication device 2 determines that wifi communication is not possible in step S3 of FIG. 4, and starts the relay process (S5). In this relay process, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper route confirmation process is performed (SB1). In this upper route confirmation process, as shown in FIG. 6, since there is no route information (SC1), a device search route request process is performed (SC2) to search for the first communication device 1 capable of wireless communication, Since the first communication device 1 can communicate with the first access point 5, the first communication device 1 requests transmission of higher-level route information (first access point 5 -first communication device 1).

  Upon receiving this route request, the first communication device 1 determines that there is a route request at step SD2 of the reception process SB2, as shown in FIGS. Is prepared for transmission of the higher-order route information (first access point 5) (SD5), and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, in the lower-order transmission processing (SF3) of the transmission processing (SB3), the second The upper route information is transmitted to the communication device 2.

  Thus, the second communication device 2 can confirm the communication route to the first access point 5 by acquiring the received route information and storing it in the RAM. For this reason, by confirming this communication route, it can be confirmed in advance that the data of the second communication device 2 can be transmitted to the first access point 5.

  Then, by transmitting data according to this communication route, this data can be reliably transmitted to the first access point 5 and transmitted to the upper server 4.

  Next, when the second communication device 2 transmits the data of the second communication device 2 (own station) either spontaneously or in response to a request from the higher order server 4, it is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the read data from the cards 51 and 52 of the second communication device 2 acquired in advance or prepared by the received data processing (SD3) is stored in the second communication device 2 as shown in FIG. Along with the unique ID and route information, the information is transmitted to the first communication device 1 connected to the upper side (SF2).

  At this time, as the data, read data includes data from the cards 51 and 52 accommodated in the second communication device 2, and each read data includes the number of steps of the second communication device 2. Are associated with the cards stored in the antenna units 34 to 34.

  Receiving this, the first communication device 1 receives (SD1) in the reception process (SB2) and confirms the contents (SD2) as shown in FIGS. Since the received data is addressed to the access point 5 connected to the first communication device 1 by wireless communication, preparation for transferring the received data is made (SD4).

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the first communication device 1 uses the data prepared in the transfer preparation process (SD4) in the upper transmission process (SF2) of the transmission process (SB3). The information is transmitted to the first access point 5 together with the unique ID and route information of the first communication device 1.

  Thereby, even if any of the access points 5 and 6 cannot communicate, the data of the second communication device 2 is transferred to the first access point 5 via the first communication device 1. Can be sent to.

  For this reason, when the second communication device 2 is moved from the communication area of any access point 5 or 6 by moving the second communication device 2 in accordance with the layout change, Even if the access point 6 fails, the data can be transmitted to the first access point 5 by using the first communication device 1, and the data can be transmitted to the upper server 4. .

  Then, when the third communication device 3 is added outside the communication area of any of the access points 5 and 6 and at a position where communication with the second communication device 2 is possible, or as shown in FIG. The third communication device 3 is installed in the communication area of the second access point 6, but when the second access point 6 fails, the third communication device 3 has any access point 5. , 6 cannot be communicated. Then, the third communication device 2 starts communication with the accessible second communication device 2.

  More specifically, the third communication device 3 determines that wifi communication is impossible in step S3 of FIG. 4, and starts the relay process (S5). In this relay process, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper route confirmation process is performed (SB1). In this higher-level route confirmation process, as shown in FIG. 6, since there is no route information (SC1), device search route request processing is performed (SC2) to search for the second communication device 2 capable of wireless communication, Since the second communication device 2 can communicate with the first access point 5 via the first communication device 1, its upper route information (first access point 5-first communication device 1- Request transmission of the second communication device 2).

  Upon receiving this route request, the second communication device 2 determines that there is a route request at step SD2 of the reception processing SB2, as shown in FIGS. Is prepared for transmission (SD5), and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the lower transmission process (SB3) of the transmission process (SB3) ( In SF3), the upper route information is transmitted to the third communication device 3.

  Thereby, the third communication device 3 can check the communication route to the first access point 5 by acquiring the received route information and storing it in the RAM. Therefore, by confirming this communication route, it can be confirmed in advance that the data of the third communication device 3 can be transmitted to the first access point 5.

  Then, by transmitting data according to this communication route, this data can be reliably transmitted to the first access point 5 and transmitted to the upper server 4.

  Next, when the third communication device 3 transmits the data of the third communication device 3 (own station) either spontaneously or in response to a request from the host server 4, the third communication device 3 acquires or receives the data in advance. The read data from the cards 51 and 52 of the third communication device 3 prepared in the data processing (SD3) is displayed together with the unique ID and route information of the third communication device 2 as shown in FIG. To the second communication device 2 connected to the side (SF2).

  At this time, each of the read data is associated with which stage of the antenna unit 34 to 34 of the third communication device 3 is the card accommodated.

  Receiving this, the second communication device 2 receives (SD1) in the reception process (SB2) and confirms the contents (SD2), as shown in FIGS. Since the received data is addressed to the first access point 5 connected to the second communication device 2 via the first communication device 1 by wireless communication, preparations for transferring the received data are made ( SD4).

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the second communication device 2 uses the data prepared in the transfer preparation process (SD4) in the higher order transmission process (SF2) of the transmission process (SB3). Along with the unique ID and route information of the second communication device 2, the information is transmitted to the first communication device 1.

  Receiving this, the first communication device 1 receives (SD1) in the reception process (SB2) and confirms the contents (SD2) as shown in FIGS. Since the received data is addressed to the first access point 5 connected to the first communication device 1 by wireless communication, preparations for transferring the received data are made (SD4).

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the first communication device 1 uses the data prepared in the transfer preparation process (SD4) in the upper transmission process (SF2) of the transmission process (SB3). The information is transmitted to the first access point 5 together with the unique ID and route information of the first communication device 1.

  Thereby, even if it is a case where communication with any of the access points 5 and 6 is impossible, the data of the third communication device 3 is transferred to the first and second communication devices 1 and 2 via the second and first communication devices 1 and 2. It can be transmitted to one access point 5.

  For this reason, when the third communication device 3 is added to a place outside the communication area of any of the access points 5 and 6, or in the communication area of the second access point 6, Even when the access point 6 of the mobile phone is out of order, the data can be transmitted to the first access point 5 by using the first and second communication devices 1 and 2, and the data It can be transmitted to the upper server 4.

  In this way, even if communication with any of the access points 5 and 6 is disabled, by using a plurality of communication devices 1 to 3 having the same structure, the data of the communication devices 1 to 3 can be obtained, for example. The data can be transmitted to any one of the access points 5 and 6 via other communication devices 1 to 3 arranged adjacent to each other.

  For this reason, even if the communication devices 1 to 3 are moved out of the communication area due to the layout change or the communication devices 1 to 3 are added outside the communication area, Data can be transmitted to the access points 5 and 6 by using the other communication devices 1 to 3.

  Therefore, compared to the conventional method in which an access point must be added to an area where it can communicate with a moved communication device, the cost of the added access point and the work of connecting a communication cable to the access point are not required. It is possible to cope with a layout change without incurring cost and cost.

  Further, when the adjacent access points 5 and 6 break down, communication with the access points 5 and 6 becomes impossible. Even in such a case, the data of the communication devices 1 to 3 are, for example, adjacent to each other. Thus, the data can be transmitted to the other access points 5 and 6 via the other communication devices 1 to 3 arranged.

  For this reason, even if the access point is in a failed state, the system function can be maintained, so that convenience is improved, such as higher productivity than when data cannot be transmitted until the access point is repaired. .

  At this time, the host server 4 that receives data from each of the communication devices 1 to 3 grasps the data of the cards accommodated in the antenna units 34 to 34 of which communication device 1 to 3. be able to. Therefore, the host server 4 can grasp who is doing what work in which work area.

  And in a manufacturing factory, since a production line is constructed | assembled in line shape, it is suitable for the communication of the data via the some communication apparatuses 1-3.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st communication apparatus 2 2nd communication apparatus 3 3rd communication apparatus 4 Host server 5 1st access point 6 2nd access point 65 Main CPU

Claims (1)

In a communication device that communicates with an access point and transmits data,
If the access point and passing Shinfu ability of, based on the stored route information, and switching means for initiating a communication with the other accessible communication devices,
Receiving means for receiving data sent from a communication device connected to the lower side;
Transmitting means for transmitting data received by the receiving means to a higher-order device comprising a communication device or access point connected to the higher-order side;
Equipped with a,
The switching means includes upper route confirmation means for storing a communication route accessible to the access point as the route information when the communication route to the access point is confirmed, and the upper route confirmation means includes the route information A communication apparatus that displays an error as an error when it cannot be acquired .

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