JP6482363B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, RELAY DEVICE, COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication system, a relay device, a communication device control method, and a program for performing wireless communication.

  In the conventional technology, for example, “a battery signal of a communication device is periodically checked, and when an insufficient battery level is detected, an audio signal serving as a warning sound is transmitted to the communication device worn by the user. Have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-87367 A

Today, wireless communication using radio waves, sound waves, or the like on a transmission line is frequently performed.
In wireless communication, a wireless communication device starts to propagate by sending radio waves and sound waves to space, and then a relay device (wireless communication device) receives a wave in the middle of propagation, and the wave received by this relay device is sent again to space and propagated. Then, another relay device receives the wave in the middle of propagation, and the wave received by this another relay device is sent again to the space to start propagation, and thus the relay device relays the wave, thereby enabling wireless communication. The area is expanding.

Recently, IEEE802.11, IEEE802.16-2004 and IEEE802.16e established and defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) have been implemented as wireless communication systems.
IEEE 802.11 is known as a wireless local area network (LAN), IEEE 802.16-2004 is known as WiMAX (registered trademark, hereinafter omitted) (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), and IEEE 802.16e is known as Mobile WiMAX. Is also relayed.
For example, as a specific relay, there is a relay between a wireless LAN and WiMAX, and a wireless LAN-WiMAX relay device (hereinafter abbreviated as WW (Wireless LAN-WiMAX) relay device) relays.
By installing the WW relay device at home, the user can relay the wireless LAN to WiMAX (or vice versa).

  The WW relay device operates with power supplied from the commercial power source of the user's home, for example, but can also be operated with a battery in case the power supply from the commercial power source stops, such as when a power failure occurs at home. There is something to do.

  Here, when the relay device is operating with the battery, the relay device stops and stops relaying when the battery is depleted. Thus, the user suddenly becomes unable to connect to the WiMAX service.

  Therefore, when the relay device (wireless communication device) is operated by the battery, the wireless communication device and the wireless communication system can notify the user of the relay function that the battery remaining in the relay device has decreased. A control method and program for a wireless communication device have been desired.

  By the way, in the above-mentioned patent document 1, the communication device periodically checks the remaining battery level and detects the shortage of the remaining battery level, so that Bluetooth (registered trademark, hereinafter omitted) is used for another communication device. It has been proposed that a voice signal serving as a warning sound is notified by wireless communication complying with the standard.

  However, in the proposal of Patent Document 1, only the notification of the shortage of the remaining battery capacity is notified, and it is considered to suppress the consumption of electricity based on the remaining battery capacity and extend the operation time of the battery. There was a problem of not.

  Therefore, there has been a demand for a communication device, a communication system, a relay device, a control method for the communication device, and a program capable of suppressing the battery power consumption when the battery remaining in the relay device is reduced.

Further, in the proposal of Patent Document 1, since the communication device transmits a voice signal indicating that the remaining battery level is insufficient to another communication device using Bluetooth wireless communication, the communication device and another communication device are not connected. Is assumed to be in a state in which communication is set (paired) by Bluetooth and communication is possible.
For this reason, in the proposal of Patent Document 1, even if the remaining battery level of the communication device is insufficient, it is necessary to receive information on insufficient battery level after the communication device and another communication device are set for connection. However, before the communication device and another communication device are set for connection, there is a problem in that another communication device cannot obtain information on the remaining battery level of the communication device to which the communication device is connected.

  Therefore, a communication device, a communication system, a relay device, a communication device control method, and a program capable of notifying the battery shortage information before the terminal (communication device) establishes communication with the relay device is desired. It was rare.

A communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that receives a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and an IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit. The information stored in the frame body area of the signal of the wireless communication system in conformity with the signal is identified, and from the information , the remaining battery level of the signal transmission source is the first remaining battery level, or the remaining battery level of the transmission source A controller that repeatedly acquires stored battery remaining information when the second battery remaining is less than the first remaining battery charge, and a wireless communication system that conforms to the remaining battery charge information and the IEEE 802.11 standard Operations related to wireless communication of a wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard between the signal transmission source and the communication device Comprising a display unit for displaying the operation buttons Utame, the control unit acquires the battery residual quantity information is intended to I line on the display section an indication relating to the acquired battery remaining amount information.

A communication system according to the present invention includes a communication unit that receives a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard in wireless communication based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, and an IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit. The information stored in the frame body area of the signal of the wireless communication system in conformity with the signal is identified, and from the information, the remaining battery level of the signal transmission source is the first remaining battery level, or the remaining battery level of the transmission source A controller that repeatedly acquires stored battery remaining information when the second battery remaining is less than the first remaining battery charge, and a wireless communication system that conforms to the remaining battery charge information and the IEEE 802.11 standard Operation related to the wireless communication of the wireless communication system conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard between the transmission source of the other signal and the communication device. A display unit that displays an operation button for performing an operation, and when the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information, the communication unit causes the display unit to display the acquired battery remaining amount information, and IEEE802. A relay apparatus that is a transmission source of a signal of a wireless communication system compliant with the 11 standard, operates by a battery, and relays communication between a first network and a second network that have different wireless communication systems; A relay device is connected to a first network and is connected to a first communication unit that performs wireless communication by a first wireless communication method, and is connected to a second network and conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard. the second communication unit that performs wireless communication by a wireless communication system, when the remaining amount of the battery is first battery level, or a second battery residual quantity Comprising a battery level detecting means for obtaining remaining battery level information when there, the second communication unit transmits a signal of the wireless communication system conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard, including battery status information to the communication device Is.

The communication device control method according to the present invention is a communication device control method, and is a step of receiving a signal of a wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of a wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard. And the information stored in the frame body area of the signal of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and from the information , when the remaining battery level of the signal transmission source is the first remaining battery level, or A step of repeatedly acquiring stored battery level information when the source battery level is a second battery level lower than the first battery level , the battery level information and the IEEE 802.11 standard Wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard between the transmission source of the wireless communication system signal conforming to the Comprising a step of displaying an operation button for performing an operation related to wireless communication systems, a step of acquiring acquires the battery level information, step a row Align to display according to the acquired battery remaining amount information it is those that.

The program according to the present invention includes a communication unit that receives a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and an IEEE 802. 11 identifies information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication system compliant with the 11 standard, and when the remaining battery level of the signal transmission source is the first remaining battery level based on the information , or the transmission source battery A control unit that repeatedly acquires stored battery remaining amount information when the remaining amount is a second remaining battery amount that is less than the first remaining battery amount , and wireless communication that conforms to the remaining battery amount information and the IEEE 802.11 standard Wireless communication of the wireless communication method conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard between the transmission source of the communication method signal and the communication device. Display unit for displaying an operation button for performing an operation related to, to function as the control unit acquires the battery residual quantity information is intended to I line on the display section an indication relating to the acquired battery remaining amount information .

A communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that receives a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and an IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit. A controller that identifies information stored in the frame body area of a signal of a wireless communication system that complies with the standard, and repeatedly acquires battery remaining amount information from the information, and a generator and a communication unit that generate battery remaining amount information and battery remaining amount information A display unit for displaying an operation button for performing an operation related to wireless communication of a wireless communication method in conformity with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and the battery remaining amount information is a generation source of the battery remaining amount information. When the remaining battery level is the first remaining battery level, or the battery level of the generation source is less than the first remaining battery level Line in the case of 2 of the remaining battery level, which is stored in the frame body region of the signal, the control unit obtains the remaining battery level information, the display unit displays related to acquired battery remaining amount information It is what you want .

The program according to the present invention includes a communication unit that receives a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and an IEEE 802. A control unit for identifying information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication system compliant with the 11 standard, repeatedly acquiring battery remaining amount information from the information , and a generator of battery remaining amount information and battery remaining amount information; It functions as a display unit that displays operation buttons for performing operations related to wireless communication of a wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard with the communication unit, and the battery remaining amount information is generated as battery remaining amount information. If the original battery level is the first battery level, or the source battery level is the first battery level. If the second battery remaining amount is less than Lee remaining, which is stored in the frame body region of the signal, the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information, related to the acquired battery remaining amount information it is intended to I row on the display unit display.

  The present invention notifies the user that the battery level of the relay device is decreasing, and allows the user to select whether or not to perform wireless communication, thereby suppressing battery power consumption.

1 is a configuration diagram of a radio communication system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a relay device 12 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of check condition data according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of remaining amount comparison data according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a terminal 13 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a base station 11 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the network of WiMAX based on a network reference model. It is a figure which shows the notification operation | movement of battery remaining charge reduction information which concerns on Embodiment 1, and the control operation of communication. 3 is a configuration diagram of a generated wireless LAN message according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a WiMAX message generated according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of battery remaining amount reduction information 65 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a generated wireless LAN message according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the battery remaining charge reduction information 131 which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the radio communication system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of remaining battery charge information 131 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the wireless communication system according to the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the notification operation | movement of the remaining battery charge information which concerns on Embodiment 4, and the control operation of communication. It is a block diagram of the check condition data which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the wireless communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a radio communication system according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, the radio communication system according to the first embodiment includes a base station 11, a relay device 12, and a terminal 13 (communication device).

(Overview of base station 11)
The base station 11 has an antenna 11a and is a base station that communicates by connecting to a wireless network.
In the first embodiment, the base station 11 will be described as a WiMAX base station (BS: Base Station) that propagates radio waves using the antenna 11a based on the protocol based on WiMAX defined in IEEE 802.16-2004.
The base station 11 forms a wireless area A (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1) that can be connected based on WiMAX, centering on the antenna 11a, and is a WiMAX terminal (SS: Subscriber Station) that is present in the wireless area A and is not illustrated. ).
Also, there are a plurality of WiMAX terminals in the wireless area A, and when these WiMAX terminals are connected to each other, they are connected via the WiMAX base station of the antenna 11a of the base station 11. Therefore, the base station 11 also has a relay function for a plurality of WiMAX terminals.

(Outline of relay device 12)
The relay device 12 includes antennas 12a and 12b, and is a relay device that connects to a wireless network, relays communication, and is interconnected. Further, the relay device 12 can be operated by a battery and operates by supplying electricity from the battery.
In the first embodiment, the relay apparatus 12 is described as a relay apparatus that performs WiMAX communication using the antenna 12a and performs wireless LAN communication using the antenna 12b, and has a relay function for these communication.
That is, the relay device 12 can be said to be a WW relay device.
Therefore, the relay device 12 is a WiMAX terminal that propagates radio communication based on the WiMAX protocol defined by IEEE802.16-2004 through the antenna 12a, and the protocol communication based on the wireless LAN defined by IEEE802.11. It is also a wireless LAN access point (AP: Access Point) that propagates radio waves through the antenna 12b.
In the following description, the relay device 12 converts WiMAX communication obtained by the antenna 12a into wireless LAN communication and relays wirelessly by the antenna 12b, and converts wireless LAN communication obtained by the antenna 12b into WiMAX communication. In the following description, the relay device relays radio waves through the antenna 12a.

WiMAX corresponds to the “first wireless network” in the present invention.
The wireless LAN corresponds to the “second wireless network” in the present invention.
Further, the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.16-2004 standard or the IEEE 802.16e standard corresponds to the “first wireless communication system” in the present invention.
The wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard corresponds to the “second wireless communication system” in the present invention.

When the relay device 12 exists in the wireless area A that can be connected based on WiMAX, the relay device 12 communicates with the base station 11 as a WiMAX terminal through the antenna 12a.
The relay device 12 forms a wireless area B (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) that can be connected based on the wireless LAN, centering on the antenna 12b, and is a wireless LAN terminal (STA: Station, hereinafter “terminal”) that exists in the wireless area B. 13 ”).
In addition, when there are a plurality of terminals 13 in the wireless area B and these terminals 13 are connected to each other, they are connected via a wireless LAN access point of the antenna 12b of the relay device 12. Therefore, the relay device 12 also has a relay function for the terminal 13.

(Overview of terminal 13)
The terminal 13 has an antenna 13b and is a terminal that communicates by connecting to a wireless network.
In the first embodiment, the terminal 13 will be described as a wireless LAN terminal that propagates radio waves by means of an antenna 13b based on a protocol based on a wireless LAN defined by IEEE 802.11.
When the terminal 13 exists in the wireless area B that can be connected based on the wireless LAN, the terminal 13 communicates with the relay device 12 as a wireless LAN terminal through the antenna 13b.

  As described above, the base station 11 wirelessly communicates with the relay device 12 existing in the wireless area A, the relay device 12 wirelessly communicates with the terminal 13 present in the wireless area B, and the terminal 13 and the base station 11 communicate with each other. 12 can communicate with each other.

(Detailed description of the relay device 12)
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the relay device 12 according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 2, the relay device 12 according to the first embodiment includes an antenna 12a, an antenna 12b, a first communication unit 21, a second communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, a battery 24, and a control unit 25. It consists of.

  The control unit 25 corresponds to “battery detection means” and “control unit” in the present invention.

  The antenna 12a and the antenna 12b are portions that propagate radio waves, and transmit radio waves in the air and receive radio waves from the air.

The first communication unit 21 is connected to the antenna 12a via a bus (Bus: a circuit for exchanging data between components), and is a part that controls radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna 12a.
Therefore, the first communication unit 21 and the antenna 12a perform protocol communication based on WiMAX defined by IEEE 802.16-2004.
Further, when the first communication unit 21 is given a message from the control unit 25, the first communication unit 21 controls radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna 12a, and transmits WiMAX communication radio waves related to the message.

The second communication unit 22 is connected to the antenna 12b via a bus, and is a part that controls radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna 12b.
Therefore, the second communication unit 22 and the antenna 12b perform communication using a protocol based on a wireless LAN defined by IEEE 802.11.
Further, when a message is given from the control unit 25, the second communication unit 22 controls radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna 12b, and transmits radio LAN communication radio waves related to the messages.

  The “message” in the first embodiment is an example of “communication data” in the present invention.

The battery 24 is a part that stores electricity, and is connected to the first communication unit 21, the second communication unit 22, the storage unit 23, and the control unit 25 through a feeder line not shown in FIG. 12 is operated.
Further, the battery 24 is connected to the control unit 25 by a power supply line or a bus and exchanges data regarding the remaining amount of the battery.

The control unit 25 is a part that controls the relay of the relay device 12.
The control unit 25 is connected to the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22 via a bus and controls communication relay.

The control unit 25 performs signal processing related to radio waves controlled and transmitted / received by the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22.
The control unit 25 performs signal processing of the WiMAX communication obtained from the antenna 12 a by signal transmission / reception control of the first communication unit 21, converts it to wireless LAN communication, and relays it by giving it to the second communication unit 22. .
The control unit 25 performs signal processing on the wireless LAN communication obtained from the antenna 12 b by converting the radio wave transmission / reception of the second communication unit 22, converts the signal into WiMAX communication, and relays it by giving it to the first communication unit 21.

In addition, the control unit 25 controls the radio wave of the second communication unit 22 to perform signal processing of the wireless LAN communication obtained from the antenna 12b and give it to the second communication unit 22, so that the wireless LAN existing in the wireless area B is present. Relay the wireless LAN communication to the terminal.
Thus, a plurality of wireless LAN terminals in the wireless area B can be connected to each other via the antenna 12b of the relay device 12.

Further, the control unit 25 operates as battery remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery 24. Then, the remaining amount of the battery 24 is checked, information indicating that the remaining battery amount is reduced is added to the message, and is given to at least one of the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22, and the remaining battery amount reduction information. Notify
In addition, the control unit 25 controls communication that stops at least one of the communication operations of the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22 according to the remaining amount of the battery 24.
Specific operation will be described later.

The storage unit 23 is a part that stores data, and is connected to the control unit 25 via a bus to exchange stored data. As data to be stored, there are “check condition data” and “remaining amount comparison data” which are inspection items relating to checking of the remaining amount of the battery.
The data structure of the check condition data and the remaining amount comparison data will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Check condition data)
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of check condition data according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 3, the check condition data according to the first embodiment includes data on the remaining battery charge condition 31, data on the communication unit 32 that starts communication, data on the communication unit 33 that blocks communication, and timing at which blockage occurs. 34, data of a communication unit 35 that transmits a message, and data of a message type 36.

For example, in the upper part of FIG. 3, as the first check condition data, the remaining battery charge condition 31 is set to “20%”, and the communication unit 32 that starts communication is referred to as “first communication unit 21 and second communication unit 22”. Set, set the communication unit 33 to block communication as empty without setting, set the blocking timing 34 as empty without setting, and set the communication unit 35 to transmit a message as “second communication unit 22”. The message type 36 is set to “wireless LAN”.
In the lower part of FIG. 3, as another check condition data, the battery remaining amount condition 31 is set to “10%”, and the communication unit 32 that starts communication is set to “first communication unit 21 and second communication unit 22”. The communication unit 33 that blocks communication is set to “first communication unit 21”, the timing 34 to block is set to “after 10 seconds”, and the communication unit 35 that transmits a message is set to “first communication unit 21 and first communication unit 21”. The second communication unit 22 ”is set, and the message type 36 is set to“ wireless LAN and WiMAX ”.
The check condition data can be set and changed as appropriate.
Note that the check condition data in FIG. 3 has two conditions, the upper and lower stages, but is not limited to this, and a plurality of conditions may be set.

  In the example of FIG. 3, a case where one battery remaining amount condition 31 is set for one check condition data will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the battery remaining amount condition 31 may be a predetermined range such as “11% or more and 20% or less”, or a lower limit value such as “10% or less” may be set. Thereby, for example, even when the remaining amount is suddenly decreased, it is possible to detect a decrease in the remaining amount.

(Remaining amount comparison data)
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of remaining amount comparison data according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 4, the remaining amount comparison data according to the first embodiment includes data of the voltage range 41 and data of the remaining battery level 42.

For example, in the uppermost stage of FIG. 4, the voltage range 41 is set to “7.0 to 7.4” and the battery remaining amount 42 is set to “90%” as the remaining amount comparison data.
In the second level, which is one level lower than the top level in FIG. 4, the voltage range 41 is set to “6.5 to 6.9” and the remaining battery level 42 is set to “80%” as another remaining level comparison data. doing.
The remaining amount comparison data can be set and changed as appropriate.
Note that the remaining amount comparison data in FIG. 4 is set with 19 levels from the top, but is not limited to this, and a plurality of conditions may be set.

(Detailed description of terminal 13)
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the terminal 13 according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 5, the terminal 13 according to the first embodiment includes an antenna 13b, a communication unit 81, a control unit 82, and a display unit 83.

The antenna 13b is a part that propagates radio waves, and transmits radio waves in the air and receives radio waves from the air.
The communication unit 81 is connected to the antenna 13b via a bus, and controls radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna 13b.

The control unit 82 is a part that controls communication of the terminal 13.
The control unit 82 is connected to the communication unit 81 via a bus and controls communication.
The control unit 82 performs signal processing related to radio waves controlled and transmitted / received by the communication unit 81.
The control unit 82 performs signal processing on a signal to be processed inside the terminal 13, converts the signal into wireless LAN communication, and provides the communication unit 81 with the signal. In addition, the wireless LAN communication obtained from the antenna 13 b is subjected to signal processing by the transmission / reception control of the radio wave of the communication unit 81 and converted into a signal to be processed inside the terminal 13.

Specifically, for example, when the terminal 13 is connected to a WiMAX terminal a (not shown in FIG. 1) existing in the wireless area A by P2P (Peer to Peer), the control unit 82 does not show a P2PAS (not shown in FIG. When (Peer to Peer Application Software) is executed and a connection request is generated from the P2PAS to the WiMAX terminal a, the control unit 82 performs signal processing on the connection request signal, converts the signal into a wireless LAN communication, and provides the communication unit 81 with the signal. The communication unit 81 transmits radio waves for wireless LAN communication from the antenna 13b under the control of radio wave transmission / reception.
The transmitted radio wave is relayed by the relay device 12 and reaches the WiMAX terminal a via the base station 11. When the WiMAX terminal a transmits a connection response radio wave in response to the connection request, the relay terminal 12 relays the signal via the base station 11 and reaches the terminal 13.
The communication unit 81 performs signal processing on the connection response radio wave obtained from the antenna 13b under the control of radio wave transmission and reception, and provides the signal to the P2PAS. Thus, a P2P connection is established between the terminal 13 and the WiMAX terminal a.

  Furthermore, when the communication unit 81 performs signal processing of wireless LAN communication obtained from the antenna 13b by controlling transmission / reception of radio waves, the control unit 82 acquires a message to which information indicating that the remaining battery level described later has been reduced is added. In this case, information based on the acquired message is given to the display unit 83. Specific operation will be described later.

The display unit 83 is a part that displays information given from the control unit 82.
The display unit 83 has a function such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays information given from the control unit 82.

(Detailed description of base station 11)
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the base station 11 according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 6, the base station 11 according to the first embodiment includes an antenna 11a, a first communication unit 91, a second communication unit 92, and a control unit 93.

The antenna 11a is a part that propagates radio waves, and transmits radio waves in the air and receives radio waves from the air.
The first communication unit 91 is connected to the antenna 11a via a bus, and is a part that controls radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna 11a.

  The second communication unit 92 is connected to a backbone not shown in FIG. The second communication unit 92 is a part that connects to a management device provided in the backbone and sends information based on information given from the control unit 93 to the management device.

  Here, the backbone and management apparatus to which the above-described base station 11 is connected will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a WiMAX network based on the network reference model.
The WiMAX Forum (WiMAX Forum), which stipulates system profiles related to the IEEE 802.16 standard, and authenticates devices based on specifications conformance and interoperability tests, is a network reference model (NRM: Network) that summarizes each network function. (Reference Model) has been formulated. A WiMAX network based on the network reference model is as shown in FIG.

An ASN (Access Service Network) 101 is a network that controls a wireless connection function, and provides a wireless connection to a WiMAX terminal.
A CSN (Connectivity Service Network) 102 is a network that manages an IP connection function, and provides an IP connection to a WiMAX terminal.
An ASP (Application Service Network) 103 is a network that manages an ASP (Application Service Provider) service and an Internet connection function, and provides an ASP service and an Internet connection to a WiMAX terminal.
In addition, an ASN gateway (ASN Gateway) and the like are arranged in the ASN 101 and connected to the CSN. Accounting) server etc. are deployed and provide each function.

  Therefore, the backbone to which the base station 11 described above is connected is the ASN 101, the CSN 102, the ASP 103, and the Internet. Further, when the corporate LAN or the home LAN is connected to the Internet and can be connected to the ASP 103, the base station 11, the ASN 101, the CSN 102, the ASP 103, and the Internet, the corporate LAN, and the home LAN are ISO (International Organization for Since logical connection is possible in any layer of the OSI Reference Model defined by Standardization), the corporate LAN and the home LAN are also included in the backbone.

The management device is deployed in the backbone to which the base station 11 is connected, manages the status of the barkbone, and also manages the ASN gateway, DHCP server, HA server, Policy server, AAA server, etc. deployed in the barkbone. Is. Specific examples of management performed by the management apparatus include log management, server alive management, and network (backbone) status management. The management apparatus may be provided as an internal function of the ASN gateway, DHCP server, HA server, Policy server, and AAA server.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the management apparatus is deployed in the ASP 103.

In FIG. 6 again, the control unit 93 is a part that controls the relay of the base station 11.
The control unit 93 is connected to the first communication unit 91 via a bus and controls communication relay.
The control unit 93 processes the WiMAX communication obtained from the antenna 11a by controlling the transmission / reception of the radio wave of the first communication unit 91, and gives the signal to the first communication unit 91, so that the WiMAX terminal existing in the wireless area A can be connected to the WiMAX terminal. Relay communication.
By doing so, a plurality of WiMAX terminals in the wireless area A can be connected to each other via the base station 11.

Furthermore, when the control unit 93 acquires a message to which information indicating that the battery remaining amount has decreased from the relay device 12 by WiMAX communication in the first communication unit 91, the control unit 93 displays information based on the acquired message. The second communication unit 92 is provided.
Specific operation will be described later.

When the second communication unit 92 obtains information from the control unit 93, the second communication unit 92 sends the information to a management device provided in the backbone.
When the management apparatus obtains information from the second communication unit of the base station 11, it displays and / or stores the information.
In this way, the management device can display and / or store that the battery level of the relay device 12 is decreasing.

The details of the configuration of each unit of the wireless communication system in the present embodiment have been described above.
Next, the outline of the notification operation and communication control operation of the battery remaining amount reduction information by the relay device 12 and the content of the message will be described.

(Battery remaining amount information notification operation and communication control operation)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a battery remaining amount reduction information notification operation and a communication control operation according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 8, the control operation relating to the notification of the remaining battery information according to the first embodiment includes a condition calling process S51, a remaining battery charge acquiring process S52, a remaining battery charge determining process S53, and a communication. It includes a start process S54, a message generation process S55, a message transmission process S56, a communication blocking process S57, and a next battery remaining amount condition determination process S58.

  First, in the condition calling process S51, the control unit 25 connects to the storage unit 23 via a bus, exchanges data, and calls the first check condition data. The check condition data to be called is in the upper part of FIG.

Subsequently, in the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52, the battery 24 is connected by a power supply line or a bus, and data regarding the remaining amount of the battery is exchanged to acquire the remaining amount.
Specifically, the control unit 25 measures the measurement voltage at the terminal of the battery 24, connects to the storage unit 23 via a bus, refers to the remaining amount comparison data, and determines the range where the measurement voltage matches. Get the battery level (percentage:%).

  Subsequently, in the battery remaining amount determination process S53, the setting of the battery remaining amount condition 31 in the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 is compared with the remaining amount acquired in the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52. Determine if they match.

If they do not match, in the communication start process S54, communication is appropriately started in the communication unit set by the data of the communication unit 32 that starts communication of the check condition data called in the condition call process S51. The communication operation will be described later.
Thereafter, the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if they match, in the message generation process S55, a message of the message type set in the message type 36 data of the check condition data called in the condition call process S51 is generated, and further the condition call process A message is given to the communication unit set in the data of the communication unit 35 that transmits the message in the check condition data called in S51.

  Subsequently, in the message transmission process S56, the communication unit given the message in the message generation process S55 transmits the message from the antenna.

Subsequently, in the communication blocking process S57, the check that the communication condition set in the data of the communication unit 33 that blocks the communication is checked in the condition calling process S51, and the check is called in the condition calling process S51. Blocking is performed at the timing set in the data of the blocking timing 34 in the condition data.
When blocked, the communication unit stops communication.

Subsequently, in the next battery remaining amount condition determination process S58, it is determined whether there is check condition data different from the check condition data called in the condition call process S51.
If there is no other check condition data, the operation is terminated.

On the other hand, if there is another check condition data, another check condition data is called.
The check condition data to be called is in the lower part of FIG.
Thereafter, the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52 is repeated.

(message)
The message generated in the above-described message generation process S55 will be described.

In the message generation process S55, a message of the message type set in the message type 36 of the check condition data called in the condition call process S51 is generated.
This message indicates that the battery level is low.
As the data setting of the message type 36 of the check condition data, there are “Wireless LAN” and “WiMAX” message types.
Therefore, in the message generation process S55, a wireless LAN message is generated when the message type is “wireless LAN”, and a WiMAX message is generated when the message type is “WiMAX”.

(Wireless LAN message)
First, the wireless LAN message generated in the message generation process S55 will be described.
A wireless LAN includes a beacon frame.
A beacon is periodically transmitted by a wireless LAN access point, and when the wireless LAN terminal receives the transmitted beacon frame, the wireless LAN terminal can detect the presence of the access point that transmitted the beacon frame. This is control information.
When a wireless LAN terminal detects the presence of an access point, it can communicate with the access point.
In the first embodiment, the second communication unit 22 and the antenna 12b periodically transmit a beacon frame based on a wireless LAN defined by IEEE 802.11.

A frame transmitted / received in a wireless LAN is composed of a MAC (Media Access Control) header and a frame body. A frame type is set in a frame control field of the MAC header, and information is stored in the frame body for transmission / reception.
Therefore, the beacon frame is transmitted / received by setting the frame type to beacon in the frame control field of the MAC header and storing the information of the beacon information element in the frame body.
Frames transmitted and received by the wireless LAN include areas such as error detection such as FCS (Frame Check Sequence), but description thereof is omitted.

  The message of the wireless LAN generated in the message generation process S55 is a frame that forms the above-described beacon frame and further includes battery remaining amount reduction information in the frame body.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a wireless LAN message generated according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 9, the wireless LAN message generated according to the first embodiment includes a MAC header 61, a frame control field 62, a frame body 63, a beacon information element 64, and battery remaining amount reduction information 65.
The MAC header 61, the frame control field 62, and the beacon information element 64 are the same as the beacon transmitted by the second communication unit 22 and the antenna 12b, but the frame body 63 is expanded to include the battery remaining amount reduction information 65. Yes.
The battery remaining amount reduction information 65 is information indicating that the battery remaining amount has decreased, and is, for example, information of a character string “the battery level of the relay device is decreasing”.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, a MAC header 61 including a frame control field 62 in which the frame type is set to beacon (Type value = 00, Subtype value = 1000) is set. Also, a frame body 63 including a beacon information element 64 in which necessary information is set as a beacon is set. The MAC header 61 and the frame body 63 are combined to form a beacon frame, and the frame body 63 includes a character string of “remaining battery power of the relay device is decreasing” of the remaining battery capacity information 65. Generate an extended frame.

  Note that the remaining battery capacity reduction information 65 corresponds to “information indicating that the remaining battery capacity has decreased” in the present invention.

(WiMAX message)
Next, the WiMAX message generated in the message generation process S55 will be described.
WiMAX has an RNG-REQ (Ranging Request) frame.
RNG-REQ means that a WiMAX terminal sends a WiMAX terminal to a WiMAX base station, and the WiMAX base station receives the sent RNG-REQ frame, so that the WiMAX base station sends an RNG-REQ frame. It will be possible to detect the presence of.
The RNG-REQ frame transmitted by the WiMAX terminal includes information on the operation capability that the terminal itself can adapt, and the WiMAX base station can grasp the detected operation capability of the WiMAX terminal.
When the WiMAX base station detects the WiMAX terminal and grasps the operation capability, it can communicate with the WiMAX terminal.
In the first embodiment, the first communication unit 21 and the antenna 12a periodically transmit an RNG-REQ frame based on WiMAX defined by IEEE 802.16-2004.

The frame of the MAC management message (MAC Management Message) transmitted and received by WiMAX is composed of a general MAC header (Generic MAC Header) and a payload, and the type of the frame is set by the management message type of the payload, and the management message Information is stored in the payload (Management Message Payload) and sent and received.
Therefore, the RNG-REQ frame is transmitted and received by setting the type of the frame as RNG-REQ in the management message type of the payload, storing information constituting the RNG-REQ in the management message payload.
There are areas for error detection such as CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) in a frame transmitted and received by WiMAX, but the description is omitted.

  The WiMAX message generated in the message generation process S55 is a frame in which the above-described NG-REQ frame is formed and the remaining amount information on the remaining battery level is included in the management message type free space.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a WiMAX message generated according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 10, the WiMAX message generated according to the first embodiment includes a general MAC header 71, a payload 72, a management message type 73, and a management message payload 74.
The general MAC header 71 and the management message payload 74 are the same as the RNG-REQ transmitted by the first communication unit 21 and the antenna 12a, but the payload 72 has a reduced battery remaining capacity in the free area of the management message type 73. Has been extended to set a flag for battery remaining amount reduction information. This flag is a bit or byte flag.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, a general MAC header 71 in which the header type is set to the general MAC header (Header Type = 0) is set. Also, a payload 72 including a management message type 73 in which the frame type is set to RNG-REQ (Management Message Type = 4) and a management message payload 74 in which information constituting the RNG-REQ is set is set. Then, the general MAC header 71 and the payload 72 are combined to form an RNG-REQ frame, and an information flag indicating that the remaining battery level is reduced is set in the free space of the management message type 73 (Battery Warning Message = 1) ) To generate an extended frame.

  The flag (Battery Warning Message = 1) of the management message type 73 corresponds to “information indicating that the remaining battery level has decreased” in the present invention.

  Next, a specific example of the notification operation and communication control operation of the battery remaining amount reduction information by the relay device 12, and the sequence of communication operations of the base station 11, the relay device 12, and the terminal 13 will be described.

(Communication sequence)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment.
Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the drawings.

First, referring to FIG.
The relay device 12 starts to operate when supplied with electricity from the battery 24.
At this time, it is assumed that the remaining amount of the battery 24 is 90% or more.

(S51)
When the relay device 12 starts to operate, first, in the condition calling process S51, the control unit 25 connects to the storage unit 23 via the bus, exchanges data, and calls the first check condition data. The check condition data to be called is the first check condition data in the upper part of FIG.
That is, the battery remaining amount condition 31 “20%”, the communication unit 32 “first communication unit 21 and second communication unit 22” that starts communication, the communication unit 33 that blocks communication, the timing 34 that does not block, and a message The communication unit 35 “second communication unit 22” to be transmitted and the message type 36 “wireless LAN” are called.

(S52)
Subsequently, in the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52, the control unit 25 is connected to the battery 24 via a power supply line or a bus, exchanges data regarding the remaining amount of the battery, and acquires the remaining amount “90%”.
At this time, the control unit 25 measures the measurement voltage at the terminal of the battery 24, acquires the measurement voltage “7.0 V (volt)”, connects to the storage unit 23 via the bus, refers to the remaining amount comparison data, and measures By determining that the range in which the voltage “7.0 V” matches is “7.0 to 7.4”, the corresponding remaining battery level “90%” is acquired.

(S53)
Subsequently, in the battery remaining amount determination process S53, the control unit 25 determines the remaining battery amount condition 31 “20%” in the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 and the remaining amount acquired in the remaining battery amount acquisition process S52. “90%” is collated to determine whether they match.
In this case, since they do not match, in the communication start process S54, communication is appropriately performed in the communication unit 32 “second communication unit 22 and first communication unit 21” that starts communication of the check condition data called in the condition call process S51. Begin.
Thereafter, the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52 is repeated.

  When communication is started in the relay device 12, the relay device 12 performs wireless communication with the base station 11, and the relay device 12 performs wireless communication with the terminal 13.

The relay device 12 periodically sends out an RNG-REQ frame based on WiMAX defined by IEEE 802.16-2004 between the first communication unit 21 and the antenna 12a.
The base station 11 can communicate with the relay device 12 by detecting the presence of the relay device 12 by receiving the RNG-REQ and grasping the operation capability.

At this time, in the base station 11, if the control unit 93 is an RNG-REQ frame in the WiMAX communication obtained from the antenna 11 a, the base station 11 determines whether the frame is an extended RNG-REQ frame.
In this case, since the flag of the information indicating that the remaining battery level is reduced is not set in the free area of the management message type 73 and the RNG-REQ frame is not expanded, the base station 11 immediately relays. Communicate with device 12.

The relay device 12 periodically transmits a beacon based on a wireless LAN defined by IEEE 802.11 between the second communication unit 22 and the antenna 12b.
The terminal 13 can communicate with the relay device 12 by detecting the presence of the relay device 12 by receiving the beacon.

At this time, in the terminal 13, when the control unit 82 is a beacon frame in the wireless LAN communication obtained from the antenna 13b, the terminal 13 determines whether it is an extended beacon frame.
In this case, since the remaining battery amount reduction information 65 is not included after the beacon information element 64 and the beacon frame is not expanded, the terminal 13 immediately communicates with the relay device 12.

Here, it is assumed that the terminal 13 existing in the wireless area B starts P2P connection with the WiMAX terminal a not shown in FIG.
The relay operation in this case will be described with reference to FIG.

(S1101)
When the terminal 13 executes P2PAS by the control unit 82 and generates a connection request from the P2PAS to the WiMAX terminal a, the control unit 82 performs signal processing on the connection request signal, converts it to wireless LAN communication, and provides the communication unit 81 with the signal. The communication unit 81 transmits radio waves for communication of the wireless LAN from the antenna 13b by controlling transmission / reception of radio waves.
The radio wave of the wireless LAN communication transmitted from the terminal 13 eventually reaches the relay device 12 existing in the wireless area B.

(S1102)
The relay device 12 performs signal processing on the wireless LAN communication obtained from the antenna 12b by controlling the transmission / reception of the radio wave of the second communication unit 22, converts it to WiMAX communication, and gives it to the first communication unit 21. Under the transmission / reception control, the radio wave of WiMAX communication is transmitted from the antenna 12a and relayed.
The radio wave of WiMAX communication relayed by the relay device 12 eventually reaches the base station 11 existing in the wireless area A.

The base station 11 performs signal processing on the WiMAX communication obtained from the antenna 11a by controlling the transmission / reception of the radio waves of the first communication unit 91 and gives the signal to the first communication unit 91. The WiMAX communication radio wave is transmitted from the relay station.
The radio wave of WiMAX communication relayed by the base station 11 eventually reaches the WiMAX terminal a existing in the wireless area A.

When the WiMAX terminal “a” (not shown) reads the connection request of the terminal 13 from the received WiMAX communication, the WiMAX terminal “a” transmits a connection response signal in response to the connection request using the WiMAX communication radio wave.
The WiMAX communication radio wave transmitted from the WiMAX terminal a eventually reaches the base station 11 existing in the wireless area A.

(S1103)
The base station 11 performs signal processing on the WiMAX communication obtained from the antenna 11a by controlling the transmission / reception of the radio waves of the first communication unit 91 and gives the signal to the first communication unit 91, and the antenna 11a by controlling the transmission / reception of the radio waves of the first communication unit 91. The WiMAX communication radio wave is transmitted from the relay station.
The WiMAX communication radio waves relayed by the base station 11 eventually reach the relay device 12 existing in the wireless area A.

(S1104)
The relay device 12 performs signal processing on the WiMAX communication obtained from the antenna 12 a by controlling the transmission and reception of the radio waves of the first communication unit 21, converts the signal into a wireless LAN communication, and gives it to the second communication unit 22. Under the transmission / reception control, the radio wave of the wireless LAN communication is transmitted from the antenna 12b and relayed.
The radio wave of the wireless LAN communication relayed by the relay device 12 eventually reaches the terminal 13 existing in the wireless area B.

When the terminal 13 performs signal processing on the wireless LAN communication obtained from the antenna 13b and reads the connection response by controlling transmission / reception of radio waves by the communication unit 81, the terminal 13 gives the connection response to the P2PAS.
Thus, since the terminal 13 transmits a connection request to the WiMAX terminal a by P2PAS and receives a connection response from the WiMAX terminal a, the terminal 13 reaches the P2P connection with the WiMAX terminal a.

  The operation of the relay device 12 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 again.

As the relay device 12 continues to operate, the remaining amount of the battery 24 decreases.
While the relay apparatus 12 continues to operate, the control unit 25 repeats the process from the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52.

At some point, the remaining capacity of the battery 24 becomes 20%.
At this time, the control unit 25 measures the measurement voltage at the terminal of the battery 24, acquires the measurement voltage “3.5V”, connects to the storage unit 23 via the bus, refers to the remaining amount comparison data, and measures the measurement voltage “3”. .5V ”is determined to be in the range of“ 3.5 to 3.9 ”, and the corresponding remaining battery level“ 20% ”is acquired.

(S53)
Subsequently, in the battery remaining amount determination process S53, the control unit 25 performs the battery remaining amount condition 31 “20%” of the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 and the remaining amount acquired in the battery remaining amount acquisition process S42. “20%” is collated to determine whether they match.

(S54)
In this case, since they match, in the message generation process S55, a message type 36 “wireless LAN” message of the check condition data called in the condition call process S51 is generated, and the check condition called in the condition call process S51. A message is given to the data communication unit 35 "second communication unit 22".

(S55)
At this time, the message generated in the message generation process S55 is a message type of “wireless LAN”.
As shown in FIG. 9, the message for the wireless LAN sets a MAC header 61 including a frame control field 62 in which the frame type is set to beacon (Type value = 00, Subtype value = 1000), and is necessary as a beacon. The frame body 63 including the beacon information element 64 in which the information is set is set, and the MAC header 61 and the frame body 63 are combined to form a beacon frame. This is an extended frame that includes the string "The battery level is low."

(S56)
Subsequently, in the message transmission process S56, the second communication unit 22 given the message in the message generation process S55 controls the radio wave transmitted and received by the antenna 12b, and transmits the radio wave by wireless LAN communication related to the message.

  At this time, the second communication unit 22 transmits the message by replacing the beacon frame periodically transmitted by the antenna 12b with this message.

  Refer to FIG. 11 again.

(S1105)
The radio wave of the wireless LAN communication related to the message sent from the relay device 12 eventually reaches the terminal 13 existing in the wireless area B.

(S1106)
The terminal 13 obtains wireless LAN communication with the antenna 13b by controlling transmission / reception of radio waves by the communication unit 81, and determines whether the frame is a beacon frame extended by the control unit 82.
Specifically, when the wireless LAN communication obtained from the antenna 13b is a beacon frame, the control unit 82 determines whether the remaining battery amount reduction information 65 is included after the beacon information element 64, and the remaining battery amount reduction information. If 65 is included, it is determined that the frame is an extended beacon, and information on the remaining battery charge reduction information 65 is acquired and provided to the display unit 83.

Here, the control unit 82 converts the battery remaining amount reduction information 65 into information that can be handled by the OS (Operating System) of the terminal 13 and then provides the information to the display unit 83.
For example, when the OS of the terminal 13 is Microsoft Windows (registered trademark), the acquired battery remaining amount reduction information 65 is converted into a window including the content of the battery remaining amount reduction information 65.

In this case, since the battery remaining amount reduction information 65 is included after the beacon information element 64, it is determined that the frame is an extended beacon frame, and the battery remaining amount reduction information 65 “remaining battery remaining amount of relay device decreases. Information ”is acquired and given to the display unit 83.
At this time, the control unit 82 converts the window into the window including the content of the battery remaining amount reduction information 65, and then gives it to the display unit 83.

The display unit 83 of the terminal 13 displays the information on the battery remaining amount reduction information 65 “the battery level of the relay device is decreasing” given from the control unit 82 on the LCD.
At this time, a window as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the LCD of the display unit 83 of the terminal 13.

In this way, since the information “the battery level of the relay device is decreasing” is displayed on the display unit 83 of the terminal 13, the user of the terminal 13 has reduced the battery level of the relay device 12. Can know.
Therefore, the user of the terminal 13 can select in advance whether or not to continue communication via the relay device 12 before the battery of the relay device 12 is depleted.

  Refer to FIG. 8 again.

(S57)
Subsequently, in the communication blocking process S57, the control unit 25 sets the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 to the communication unit set by the data of the communication unit 33 blocking communication, and the condition calling process S51. Blocking is performed at the timing set in the data of the blocking timing 34 of the check condition data called in (1).
In this case, since there is no communication unit 33 that blocks the upper communication in FIG. 3 and there is no timing 34 for blocking, the blocking process is not performed in the communication blocking process S57.

  At this time, since the blocking process is not performed in the communication blocking process S57 of the relay apparatus 12, the user of the terminal 13 knows that the battery of the relay apparatus 12 is decreasing, and the terminal 13 and WiMAX. The P2P connection with terminal a remains connected.

(S58)
Subsequently, in the next battery remaining amount condition determination process S58, the control unit 25 determines whether there is check condition data different from the check condition data called in the condition call process S51.

  If there is no other check condition data, the operation is terminated.

On the other hand, if there is another check condition data, another check condition data is called.
Here, since there is the next check condition data, the control unit 25 reads the check condition data next to the check condition data first called in the condition calling process S51. The check condition data to be called is the check condition in the lower part of FIG.
That is, the battery remaining amount condition 31 “10%”, the communication unit 32 “first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22” starting communication, the communication unit 33 “first communication unit 21” blocking communication, and closing. At timing 34 “after 10 seconds”, the communication unit 35 “the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22” that transmits the message and the message type 36 “WiMAX and wireless LAN” are called.

As the relay device 12 continues to operate, the remaining amount of the battery 24 decreases.
At some point, the remaining capacity of the battery 24 becomes 10%.

(S52)
At this time, in the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52, the control unit 25 is connected to the battery 24 via a power supply line or a bus, exchanges data regarding the remaining amount of the battery, and acquires the remaining amount “10%”.
At this time, the control unit 25 measures the measurement voltage at the terminal of the battery 24, acquires the measurement voltage “2.5V”, connects to the storage unit 23 via the bus, refers to the remaining amount comparison data, and measures the measurement voltage “2”. .5V ”is determined to be“ 2.5 ”, the corresponding remaining battery level“ 10% ”is acquired.

(S53)
Subsequently, in the battery remaining amount determination process S53, the control unit 25 compares the remaining battery amount “10%” of the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 to determine whether they match.

(S55)
In this case, since they match, in the message generation process S55, the message type 36 “WiMAX and wireless LAN” message type of the check condition data called in the condition call process S51 is generated, and further the condition call process S51. A message is given to the communication unit 35 “first communication unit 21 and second communication unit 22” of the check condition data called in step S2.

At this time, the message generated in the message generation process S55 is a message type of “WiMAX and wireless LAN”.
As shown in FIG. 10, the message for WiMAX sets a general MAC header 71 having a header type set to a general MAC header (Header Type = 0), and sets a frame type to RNG-REQ (Management Message Type = 4) A payload 72 including the management message type 73 and the management message payload 74 in which the information constituting the RNG-REQ is set is set, and the RNG-REQ frame is formed by combining the general MAC header 71 and the payload 72. Further, this is an extended frame in which a flag of information indicating that the remaining battery level has decreased is set in an empty area of the management message type 73 (Battery Warning Message = 1).
As shown in FIG. 9, the message for the wireless LAN sets the MAC header 61 including the frame control field 62 in which the frame type is set to beacon (Type value = 00, Subtype value = 1000), and is necessary as a beacon. The frame body 63 including the beacon information element 64 in which the information is set is set, and the MAC header 61 and the frame body 63 are combined to form a beacon frame. This is an extended frame that includes the string "The battery level is low."

(S56)
Subsequently, in the message transmission process S56, the first communication unit 21 given the message in the message generation process S55 controls the radio wave transmitted and received by the antenna 12a, and transmits the radio wave by WiMAX communication related to the message.
At this time, the first communication unit 21 replaces the RNG-REQ frame periodically transmitted by the antenna 12a with the message given in the message generation process S55 and transmits the frame.

Further, in the message transmission process S56, the second communication unit 22 given the message in the message generation process S55 controls the radio wave transmitted and received by the antenna 12b, and transmits the radio wave by the wireless LAN communication related to the message.
At this time, the second communication unit 22 replaces the beacon frame periodically transmitted by the antenna 12a with the message given in the message generation process S55 and transmits the message.

  FIG. 11 will be referred to again.

(S1107)
WiMAX communication radio waves related to messages sent from the relay apparatus 12 eventually reach the base station 11 existing in the wireless area A.
The base station 11 obtains WiMAX communication with the antenna 11 a by controlling the transmission / reception of the radio waves of the first communication unit 91. When the WiMAX communication obtained from the antenna 11a is an RNG-REQ frame, the control unit 93 determines whether an information flag indicating that the remaining battery level is reduced is set in the free space of the management message type 73.

  In this case, since an information flag indicating that the remaining battery level is reduced is set in an empty area of the management message type 73 in the payload 72, it is determined that the frame is an extended RNG-REQ frame. Then, based on an information flag (Battery Warning Message = 1) indicating that the remaining battery level has decreased, information on the characters “the battery level of the relay device is decreasing” is generated and the second communication unit 92 To give.

Here, the information generated based on the flag by the control unit 93 is generated in a format that can be displayed and saved by the management apparatus connected to the second communication unit 92.
For example, if the management device can display characters, it generates the information of the character string “Remaining battery power of relay device is decreasing”, and if the image can be displayed, “Remaining battery power of relay device is low If the image information indicating the meaning of “I am doing” is generated and the sound is generated, the information of the sound indicating the meaning of “the battery level of the relay device is decreasing” is generated.

(S1108)
The second communication unit 92 of the base station 11 sends the information “remaining battery of the relay device is decreasing” given from the control unit 93 to the management device.
In this way, the management device can display and / or store that the battery level of the relay device 12 is decreasing.

(S1109)
On the other hand, the radio wave of the wireless LAN communication related to the message transmitted from the relay device 12 eventually reaches the terminal 13 existing in the wireless area B.
The terminal 13 obtains wireless LAN communication with the antenna 13b by controlling transmission / reception of radio waves by the communication unit 81, and determines whether the frame is a beacon frame extended by the control unit 82.
In this case, since the remaining battery capacity decrease information 65 is included after the beacon information element 64, it is determined that the frame is an extended beacon frame, and the remaining battery capacity decrease information 65 “remaining battery capacity of relay device decreases. Information ”is acquired and given to the display unit 83.
At this time, the control unit 82 converts the battery remaining amount reduction information 65 into a window including the content of the battery remaining amount reduction information 65, and then provides it to the display unit 83.

(S1109)
The display unit 83 of the terminal 13 displays the information on the battery remaining amount reduction information 65 “the battery level of the relay device is decreasing” given from the control unit 82 on the LCD.
At this time, a window as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the LCD of the display unit 83 of the terminal 13.

In this way, since the information “the battery level of the relay device is decreasing” is displayed on the display unit 83 of the terminal 13, the user of the terminal 13 has reduced the battery level of the relay device 12. Can know.
Therefore, the user of the terminal 13 can select in advance whether or not to continue communication via the relay device 12 before the battery of the relay device 12 is depleted.

  Again referring to FIG.

(S57)
Subsequently, in the communication blocking process S57, the control unit 25 sets the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 to the communication unit set by the data of the communication unit 33 blocking communication, and the condition calling process S51. Blocking is performed at the timing set in the data of the blocking timing 34 of the check condition data called in (1).
In this case, since the communication unit 33 “first communication unit 21” for blocking communication and the timing 34 “after 10 seconds” for blocking, the communication blocking process S57 is given by the first communication unit 21 in the message generation process S55. After the transmission of the first message (after transmitting the first message (extended RNG-REQ) of the messages to be transmitted periodically), the first communication unit 21 is blocked.

  At this time, since the blocking process of the first communication unit 21 is performed in the communication blocking process S57 of the relay apparatus 12, the communication between the relay apparatus 12 and the base station 11 is blocked (communication operation is stopped). Is done.

(S1111)
That is, the terminal 13 cannot use the WiMAX communication by relaying the relay device 12.
On the other hand, since the second communication unit 22 of the relay device 12 is not blocked, the relay device 12 can relay communication in the wireless area B.
Therefore, the user of the terminal 13 can connect the connection between the terminal 13 and another terminal 13 in the wireless area B while knowing that the remaining amount of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 is decreasing. .

  Further, since the relay device 12 blocks the second communication unit 22, communication at the second communication unit 22 is not performed, so that the consumption of electricity of the battery 24 can be suppressed, and the battery operating time of the relay device 12 can be suppressed. Can be extended.

(S58)
Subsequently, in the next battery remaining amount condition determination process S58, the control unit 25 determines whether there is check condition data different from the check condition data called in the condition call process S51.

  If there is no other check condition data, the operation is terminated.

  Thereafter, the relay device 12 continues to operate as long as the electricity necessary for the operation continues from the battery 24, and stops when the power supply from the battery 24 is eventually lost.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of the battery 24 satisfies a predetermined condition, information indicating that the remaining battery amount is reduced is added to the message, and the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22 to the corresponding network.
For this reason, it is possible to notify the user of the relay function that the remaining amount of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 has decreased.

Further, when the remaining amount of the battery satisfies a predetermined condition, the communication operation of at least one of the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22 is stopped.
For this reason, when the remaining amount of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 decreases, the consumption of electricity of the battery 24 can be suppressed. Therefore, the battery operating time of the relay device 12 can be extended.

In addition, when the remaining amount of the battery satisfies a predetermined condition and a predetermined time has elapsed, at least one communication operation of the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22 is stopped.
For this reason, it is possible to notify the user of the relay function that the remaining amount of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 has decreased, and to stop the communication operation after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Further, when the remaining amount of the battery satisfies a predetermined condition, the communication operation of the first communication unit is stopped, and the communication data from the terminal 13 belonging to the wireless LAN is relayed to the other terminal 13 belonging to the wireless LAN. .
Therefore, the user of the terminal 13 knows that the remaining amount of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 is decreasing, and the connection between the terminal 13 and another terminal 13 in the wireless area B can be connected. .

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, when communication is established between the relay device 12 and the terminal 13 (the terminal 13 belongs to the relay device 12), the relay device 12 transmits the battery remaining amount reduction information wirelessly. The data was sent to area B and notified to terminal 13.

By the way, in a wireless LAN, in order to establish communication by connecting an access point (AP) installed in a service area and a terminal, the terminal searches (scans) for an AP and captures a communicable AP. I do.
As a search method, an active scan method or a passive scan method is used.

  In the passive scan, the terminal monitors a control signal (beacon) periodically transmitted by the AP, and the SSID (Service Set Identifier) included in the control signal (beacon) is the same as the SSID set in the terminal. If it is, connection processing to the AP is performed.

  In the active scan, the terminal sends a connection request signal (Probe Request), and the AP sends a connection response signal (Prove Response) including the SSID set in the AP to the received connection request signal (Probe Request). When the terminal receives the connection response signal (Prove Response) from the AP, the terminal performs connection processing to the AP having the same SSID as the terminal.

  In the second embodiment, the relay device 12 corresponding to the passive scan transmits the battery remaining amount reduction information including the beacon in the wireless area B and before communication is established between the relay device 12 and the terminal 13 ( A mode of notifying the terminal 13 of the remaining battery charge reduction information before the terminal 13 belongs to the relay device 12 will be described.

  The configuration of the radio communication system in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the configurations of relay apparatus 12, base station 11 and terminal 13 are also the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment will be specifically described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

(Differences in the relay device 12)
In the first embodiment described above, the relay device 12 does not particularly indicate processing that is conscious of the scan method.
On the other hand, in the second embodiment, “SSID1” is set as the SSID in advance in the second communication unit 22 so that the relay device 12 supports passive scanning.
Therefore, the second communication unit 22 periodically transmits a beacon including the SSID “SSID1” to the wireless area B through the antenna 12b.

The beacon corresponds to the “control signal” in the present invention.
A beacon is an example of “communication data” in the present invention.
The SSID corresponds to a “network identifier” in the present invention.

In the first embodiment described above, the wireless LAN message generated by the control unit 25 in the message generation process S55 has the configuration shown in FIG.
On the other hand, the second embodiment has the configuration shown in FIG.

The wireless LAN message shown in FIG. 13 includes a MAC header 61, a frame control field 62, a frame body 63, and a beacon information element 64 as in the configuration shown in FIG. In comparison with FIG. 6, the battery remaining amount reduction information 65 is changed to the battery remaining amount reduction information 131.
Therefore, the wireless LAN message shown in FIG. 13 includes a MAC header 61, a frame control field 62, a frame body 63, a beacon information element 64, and battery remaining amount reduction information 131.

The battery remaining amount reduction information 131 includes information indicating that the battery remaining amount has decreased, and a command that is executed by the terminal 13 that has received the beacon and selects whether to communicate with the relay device 12. Yes.
Specifically, the battery remaining amount decrease information 131 in the second embodiment includes a character string “remaining battery of the relay device is decreasing, connected_selection”. "Is decreasing" is an information part indicating that the remaining battery level is decreasing, and "connected_selection" is an instruction to select whether to belong to the relay device 12 and perform communication.
Further, “,” between the information part and the instruction part indicates the start of the instruction. For example, the terminal 13 that has received the message including the battery remaining amount reduction information 131 determines that the part after “,” is the instruction part. It can be done.

  Note that the WiMAX message generated by the relay device 12 of the second embodiment is not changed from that of the first embodiment.

(Difference of terminal 13)
In the first embodiment, the process in which the terminal 13 is particularly conscious of the scanning method is not shown.
On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the SSID “SSID1” is set in advance in the communication unit 81 so that the terminal 13 supports passive scanning.
Therefore, when the communication unit 81 obtains the beacon including the SSID from the antenna 13b, the communication unit 81 compares the SSID set to the self-confidence, and if the SSID is set to the same, the communication unit 81 transmits the beacon including the SSID. Connect to the point.

  In the first embodiment, when the wireless LAN communication obtained from the antenna 13b is a beacon frame, the control unit 82 determines whether the remaining battery charge reduction information 65 is included after the beacon information element 64, and the battery When the remaining amount decrease information 65 is included, it is determined that the frame is an extended beacon frame, and information on the remaining battery amount decrease information 65 is acquired. Then, the information is converted into the window shown in FIG. 12 which is information that can be handled by the OS of the terminal 13 and then given to the display unit 83.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, information indicating that the remaining battery level has decreased is displayed based on the acquired remaining battery level decrease information 131, and further, it is selected whether to belong to the relay device 12 and perform communication. Displays operation buttons.
For example, the window is converted into the window shown in FIG. That is, in the second embodiment, the message obtained by the terminal 13 from the relay device 12 includes the character string “remaining battery power of the relay device is reduced, connected_selection” in the battery remaining amount reduction information 131. Therefore, based on the command portion of “connected_selection”, the window is converted into a window shown in FIG. 14 for selecting whether to belong or not to perform communication.
Therefore, comparing FIG. 12 with FIG. 14, FIG. 14 shows the information “Do you want to continue communication?” Based on the “connected_selection” command part, and “Yes” for selecting whether or not to continue communication. Y) "button and" No (N) "button are added.

  Next, a specific example of the notification operation of the battery remaining amount reduction information by the relay device 12 and the communication operation sequence of the base station 11, the relay device 12, and the terminal 13 will be centered on differences from the first embodiment. explain.

(Communication sequence)
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of the wireless communication system according to the second embodiment.
Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the drawings. The same step numbers are assigned to the same operations as those in the first embodiment.

First, referring to FIG.
The relay device 12 starts to operate when supplied with electricity from the battery 24.
At this time, it is assumed that the remaining amount of the battery 24 is 90% or more.

When the relay device 12 starts operation, the processing of S51 to S54 described in the first embodiment is performed.
At this time, the SSID “SSID1” is set in the beacon transmitted by the relay device 12.
Specifically, the SSID “SSID1” is set in the MAC header of the MAC frame.

As the relay device 12 continues to operate, the remaining amount of the battery 24 decreases.
While the relay apparatus 12 continues to operate, the control unit 25 repeats the process from the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52.

At some point, the remaining capacity of the battery 24 becomes 20%.
At this time, the control unit 25 measures the measurement voltage at the terminal of the battery 24, acquires the measurement voltage “3.5V”, connects to the storage unit 23 via the bus, refers to the remaining amount comparison data, and measures the measurement voltage “3”. .5V ”is determined to be in the range of“ 3.5 to 3.9 ”, and the corresponding remaining battery level“ 20% ”is acquired.

Subsequently, in the battery remaining amount determination process S53, the control unit 25 performs the battery remaining amount condition 31 “20%” of the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 and the remaining amount acquired in the battery remaining amount acquisition process S42. “20%” is collated to determine whether they match.
In this case, since they match, in the message generation process S55, a message type 36 “wireless LAN” message of the check condition data called in the condition call process S51 is generated, and the check condition called in the condition call process S51. A message is given to the data communication unit 35 "second communication unit 22".

At this time, since the message generated in the message generation process S55 is a “wireless LAN” message type, as shown in FIG. 13, the frame type is set to beacon (Type value = 00, Subtype value = 1000). A MAC header 61 including a field 62 is set. Also, a frame body 63 including a beacon information element 64 in which necessary information is set as a beacon is set. Then, the MAC header 61 and the frame body 63 are combined to form a beacon frame, and the character string “remaining battery power of the relay device is reduced, connected_selection” of the battery power reduction information 131 is further added to the frame body 63. Generate an extended frame that contains.
Note that the SSID “SSID 1” is set in the MAC header 61.

  Subsequently, in the message transmission process S56, the second communication unit 22 given the message in the message generation process S55 controls the radio wave transmitted and received by the antenna 12b, and transmits the radio wave by wireless LAN communication related to the message.

  At this time, the second communication unit 22 replaces the beacon frame periodically transmitted by the antenna 12b with the above message and transmits it.

  Thereafter, the relay device 12 performs the communication blocking process S57 and the next battery remaining amount condition determination process S58 as in the first embodiment.

(S1501)
Refer to FIG.
Here, when the terminal 13 is activated or moved by the user to be present in the wireless area B, the wireless LAN communication radio wave related to the message transmitted from the relay device 12 will eventually exist in the wireless area B. The terminal 13 reaches the terminal 13 for which communication has not been established with the relay device 12 (which does not belong to the relay device 12).

The terminal 13 obtains wireless LAN communication with the antenna 13b by controlling transmission / reception of radio waves by the communication unit 81, and determines whether the frame is a beacon frame extended by the control unit 82.
In this case, since the battery remaining amount decrease information 131 is included after the beacon information element 64, it is determined that the frame is an extended beacon frame, and the battery remaining amount decrease information 131 “remaining battery remaining amount of relay device decreases. "," Is obtained from the information of "connected_selection" and the previous "remaining battery power of the relay device is decreasing" is obtained and given to the display unit 83.
At this time, the control unit 82 determines the command part of “connected_selection” based on “connected_selection” after “,” from the information of the battery remaining amount reduction information 131 “remaining battery power of relay device is reduced, connected_selection”. Based on the above, information on “Do you want to continue communication?”, “Yes (Y)” button and “No (N)” button to select whether to continue communication are added, and belonging communication The window is given to the display unit 83 after being converted into a window for selecting whether or not.

(S1502)
The display unit 83 of the terminal 13 displays the information on the battery remaining amount reduction information 131 “the battery level of the relay device is decreasing” given from the control unit 82 on the LCD.
At this time, a window as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the LCD of the display unit 83 of the terminal 13.

  In this way, since the information “remaining battery of the relay device is decreasing” is displayed on the display unit 83 of the terminal 13 not belonging to the relay device 12 (communication is established), the user of the terminal 13 relays it. It can be known that the remaining amount of the battery 24 of the device 12 is decreasing.

  Further, the user of the terminal 13 not belonging to the relay device 12 knows that the electricity of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 is decreasing, and makes the terminal 13 belong to the relay device 12 via the relay device 12. Whether or not to perform all communication can be selected in advance.

  Here, since the SSID “SSID1” is set in the message obtained by the terminal 13, which is the same as the SSID set in the terminal 13 itself, the terminal 13 performs a connection process to the relay device 12 that sends the message. Can be done.

(S1503)
When a user performs an operation for establishing communication via the relay device 12 (select “Yes (Y)”) in response to a message pop-up displayed on the LCD, the terminal 13 is connected to the relay device 12. Start processing and establish communication (belongs to).

  On the other hand, if the user performs an operation (not selected “No (N)”) to establish communication via the relay device 12 for the message pop-up displayed on the LCD, the terminal 13 and the relay device 12 are connected. The connection process is not performed.

  Further, the terminal 13 keeps the connection process with the relay device 12 on hold until the user performs an operation for establishing communication or an operation for not establishing communication.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of the battery 24 satisfies a predetermined condition, the control signal (beacon) for capturing the relay device 12 includes information indicating that the remaining battery amount has decreased. And a command executed by the terminal 13 to select whether or not to communicate with the relay device 12 is given and sent to the wireless LAN.
For this reason, before the terminal 13 establishes communication with the relay device 12, it is possible to notify the information on the shortage of the battery.
Therefore, after the user of the terminal 13 not belonging to the relay device 12 knows that the electricity of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 is decreasing, the user of the terminal 13 is attributed to the relay device 12 and the relay device 12 is used. It becomes possible to select whether or not to perform communication via the network.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the third embodiment, before the relay device 12 corresponding to the active scan establishes communication between the terminal 13 and the relay device 12 existing in the wireless area B (before belonging to the relay device 12), In response to a search request (Probe Request) received from the terminal 13, a connection response (Prove Response) including the battery remaining amount reduction information is returned as a response to notify the terminal 13 of the battery remaining amount reduction information. .

  Note that the configuration of the wireless communication system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the configurations of the relay device 12, the base station 11 and the terminal 13 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the third embodiment will be specifically described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

(Differences in the relay device 12)
In the first embodiment described above, the relay device 12 does not particularly indicate processing that is conscious of the scan method.
On the other hand, in the third embodiment, “SSID1” is set in advance as the SSID in the second communication unit 22 so that the relay device 12 corresponds to the active scan.
Therefore, when the second communication unit 22 obtains a connection request signal (Probe Request) including the SSID from the antenna 13b, the second communication unit 22 compares the SSID set for itself with the SSID set for itself. A connection response signal (Prove Response) including the transmitted SSID is transmitted.

The connection response signal corresponds to a “control signal” in the present invention.
The connection response signal is an example of “communication data” in the present invention.
The SSID corresponds to a “network identifier” in the present invention.

In the first embodiment described above, the wireless LAN message generated by the control unit 25 in the message generation process S55 has the configuration shown in FIG.
On the other hand, the third embodiment has the configuration shown in FIG.

Here, the wireless LAN message shown in FIG. 16 is composed of a MAC header 61 and a frame body 63 as in the configuration shown in FIG. 9. Compared with the configuration shown in FIG. The control field 162 is changed, the beacon information element 64 is changed to a connection response (Prove Response) information element 164, and the battery remaining amount reduction information 65 is changed to battery remaining amount reduction information 131.
Accordingly, the wireless LAN message shown in FIG. 16 includes a MAC header 61, a frame control field 162, a frame body 63, a connection response (Prove Response) information element 164, and battery remaining amount reduction information 131.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, a MAC header 61 including a frame control field 162 in which the frame type is set as a connection response (Prove Response) (Type value = 00, Subtype value = 0101) is set. Also, a frame body 63 including a connection response information element 164 in which necessary information is set as a connection response (Prove Response) is set. Then, the MAC header 61 and the frame body 63 are combined to form a connection response (Prove Response) frame, and an extended frame including the battery remaining amount reduction information 131 in the frame body 63 is generated.
Here, the battery remaining amount decrease information 131 in FIG. 16 in the third embodiment is the same as the battery remaining amount decrease information 131 in FIG. 13 in the second embodiment.

  Note that the WiMAX message generated by the relay apparatus 12 of the third embodiment is not changed from that of the first embodiment.

(Difference of terminal 13)
In the first embodiment, the process in which the terminal 13 is particularly conscious of the scanning method is not shown.
On the other hand, in the third embodiment, SSID “SSID1” is set in advance in communication unit 81 so that terminal 13 supports active scanning.
Accordingly, the communication unit 81 transmits a connection request (Probe Request) including the SSID set for itself from the antenna 13b.
In addition, when the communication unit 81 obtains a connection response (Prove Response) including the SSID from the antenna 13b, the communication unit 81 compares the connection response with the SSID set for itself, and if it is the same as the SSID set for itself, the connection response ( Connection processing is performed to the relay device 12 (access point) that transmits (Prove Response).

In the third embodiment, when the wireless LAN communication obtained from the antenna 13b is a connection response (Prove Response), the control unit 82 includes the battery remaining amount reduction information 131 after the connection response information element 164. When the battery remaining amount reduction information 131 is included, it is determined that the frame is an extended connection response (Prove Response), and information on the remaining battery amount reduction information 131 is acquired.
Then, similarly to the second embodiment, the control unit 82 converts the information of the remaining battery charge information 131 into the window shown in FIG. 14 that is information that can be handled by the OS of the terminal 13 and then gives the information to the display unit 83.
Therefore, in the third embodiment, the window is converted into the window shown in FIG. 14 as in the second embodiment.

  Next, a specific example of the notification operation of the battery remaining amount reduction information by the relay device 12 and the communication operation sequence of the base station 11, the relay device 12, and the terminal 13 will be centered on differences from the first embodiment. explain.

(Communication sequence)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of the wireless communication system according to the third embodiment.
Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the drawings. The same step numbers are assigned to the same operations as those in the first embodiment.

First, referring to FIG.
The relay device 12 starts to operate when supplied with electricity from the battery 24.
At this time, it is assumed that the remaining amount of the battery 24 is 90% or more.

When the relay device 12 starts operation, the processing of S51 to S54 described in the first embodiment is performed.
At this time, the SSID “SSID1” is set in the connection response (Prove Response) transmitted by the relay device 12.
Specifically, the SSID “SSID1” is set in the MAC header of the MAC frame.

As the relay device 12 continues to operate, the remaining amount of the battery 24 decreases.
While the relay apparatus 12 continues to operate, the control unit 25 repeats the process from the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52.

At some point, the remaining capacity of the battery 24 becomes 20%.
At this time, the control unit 25 measures the measurement voltage at the terminal of the battery 24, acquires the measurement voltage “3.5V”, connects to the storage unit 23 via the bus, refers to the remaining amount comparison data, and measures the measurement voltage “3”. .5V ”is determined to be in the range of“ 3.5 to 3.9 ”, and the corresponding remaining battery level“ 20% ”is acquired.

Subsequently, in the battery remaining amount determination process S53, the control unit 25 determines the remaining battery amount condition 31 “20%” in the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 and the remaining amount acquired in the remaining battery amount acquisition process S52. “20%” is collated to determine whether they match.
In this case, since they match, in the message generation process S55, a message type 36 “wireless LAN” message of the check condition data called in the condition call process S51 is generated, and the check condition called in the condition call process S51. A message is given to the data communication unit 35 "second communication unit 22".

At this time, since the message generated in the message generation process S55 is the “wireless LAN” message type, as shown in FIG. 16, the type of frame is set to connection response (Prove Response) and set (Type value = 00, Subtype value = [0101] The MAC header 61 including the frame control field 162 is set. Also, a frame body 63 including a connection response information element 164 in which necessary information is set as a connection response (Prove Response) is set. Then, the MAC header 61 and the frame body 63 are combined to form a connection response (Prove Response) frame, and further, the battery remaining amount information 131 of the battery remaining amount reduction information 131 is displayed in the frame body 63. This is an extended frame that includes the string “connected_selection”.
Note that the SSID “SSID 1” is set in the MAC header 61.

  At this time, the second communication unit 22 replaces the connection request signal (Probe Request) transmitted by the antenna 12b with the above message and transmits it.

  Thereafter, the relay device 12 performs the communication blocking process S57 and the next battery remaining amount condition determination process S58 as in the first embodiment.

(S1701)
Refer to FIG.
Here, when the terminal 13 is activated by the user, a connection request (Probe Request) including the SSID “SSID1” is transmitted from the antenna 13b.
Further, when the terminal 13 moves by the user and becomes present in the wireless area B, the radio wave of the connection request (Probe Request) sent from the terminal 13 will eventually exist in the wireless area B, and The communication reaches the relay device 12 in which communication is not established (the terminal 13 does not belong).

(S1702)
At this time, the second communication unit 22 of the relay device 12 replaces the connection response (Prove Response) transmitted by the antenna 12b with the message given from the control unit 25 and transmits the message.

The terminal 13 obtains wireless LAN communication with the antenna 13b by controlling transmission / reception of radio waves by the communication unit 81, and determines whether the connection response (Prove Response) extended by the control unit 82 is obtained.
In this case, since the remaining battery amount decrease information 131 is included after the connection response (Prove Response) information element 164, it is determined that the frame is an extended connection response (Prove Response), and the remaining battery amount decrease information 131 is determined. From the information of “Relay device battery level is reduced, connected_selection”, “,” the previous “Relay device battery level is decreasing” is acquired and given to display unit 83.
At this time, the control unit 82 determines the command part of “connected_selection” based on “connected_selection” after “,” from the information of the battery remaining amount reduction information 131 “remaining battery power of relay device is reduced, connected_selection”. Based on the above, information on “Do you want to continue communication?”, “Yes (Y)” button and “No (N)” button to select whether to continue communication are added, and belonging communication The window is given to the display unit 83 after being converted into a window for selecting whether or not.

(S1703)
The display unit 83 of the terminal 13 displays the information on the battery remaining amount reduction information 131 “the battery level of the relay device is decreasing” given from the control unit 82 on the LCD.
At this time, a window as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the LCD of the display unit 83 of the terminal 13.

  In this way, since the information “remaining battery of the relay device is decreasing” is displayed on the display unit 83 of the terminal 13 not belonging to the relay device 12 (communication is established), the user of the terminal 13 relays it. It can be known that the remaining amount of the battery 24 of the device 12 is decreasing.

  Further, the user of the terminal 13 that does not belong to the relay device 12 causes the terminal 13 to belong to the relay device 12 while knowing that the battery electricity of the relay device 12 is decreasing, and via the relay device 12. It becomes possible to select in advance whether or not to perform the communication.

  Here, since the SSID “SSID1” is set in the message obtained by the terminal 13, which is the same as the SSID set in the terminal 13 itself, the terminal 13 performs a connection process to the relay device 12 that sends the message. Can be done.

(S1704)
When a user performs an operation for establishing communication via the relay device 12 (select “Yes (Y)”) in response to a message pop-up displayed on the LCD, the terminal 13 is connected to the relay device 12. Start processing and establish communication (belongs to).

  On the other hand, if the user performs an operation (not selected “No (N)”) to establish communication via the relay device 12 for the message pop-up displayed on the LCD, the terminal 13 and the relay device 12 are connected. The connection process is not performed.

  Further, the terminal 13 keeps the connection process with the relay device 12 on hold until the user performs an operation for establishing communication or an operation for not establishing communication.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the remaining capacity of the battery 24 satisfies a predetermined condition, the connection response signal (Prove Response) is executed by the terminal 13 with information indicating that the remaining battery capacity has decreased. A command for selecting whether or not to communicate with the relay device 12 is given and sent to the wireless LAN.
For this reason, before the terminal 13 establishes communication with the relay device 12, it is possible to notify the information on the shortage of the battery.
Therefore, after the user of the terminal 13 not belonging to the relay device 12 knows that the electricity of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 is decreasing, the user of the terminal 13 is attributed to the relay device 12 and the relay device 12 is used. It becomes possible to select whether or not to perform communication via the network.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In a wireless LAN, distributed control function DCF (Distributed Coordination Function) is used as a medium access control (MAC) that regulates transmission / reception intervals of wireless stations (wireless LAN terminals (STAs) and wireless LAN access points (APs)). )It has been known. In DCF, a CSMA / CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Avoidance) procedure is applied.

  In CSMA / CA, a radio station trying to send a frame tries to receive the radio channel once before starting communication (Carrier Sense), and other radio stations If no communication is received from other wireless stations and it is determined that other wireless stations are not communicating, transmission starts (Multiple Access), and communication is received from other wireless stations and it is understood that other wireless stations are communicating It waits for sending (idel) and tries retransmission after avoiding collision (Collision Avoidance).

  By the way, a wireless station that performs wireless communication transmits and receives radio waves, and generally transmission processing requires more power than reception processing of radio waves. In other words, power is consumed when radio stations frequently transmit radio waves.

In CSMA / CA, radio waves are not transmitted when idle.
Therefore, in the wireless LAN communication of the relay device 12, power consumption can be suppressed by increasing idle.
For example, assuming that 100 is a unit time, when 30 (1 to 30) out of 1 to 100 becomes idle, there is a possibility of sending at 70 (31 to 100). When 1 to 70) becomes idle, there is a possibility of transmission at 30 (71 to 100).

CSMA / CA idle is defined as a time that is a combination of an IFS (Inter Frame Space) time and a backoff time.
In the IFS, a wireless station trying to transmit a frame has a minimum transmission delay time, and a back-off time is a random time (variable).
Therefore, the wireless LAN terminal (STA) or the wireless LAN access point (AP) attempts to send a frame after the IFS time has elapsed and the back-off time has elapsed.
Since the back-off time is generated for each wireless station, the probability of avoiding transmission collision is increased and the collision is reduced.

  The back-off time generated for each wireless station is derived by generating an integer random value in a CW (Contention Window) range (0 to CW), which is a random number generation range, and multiplying this random value by a certain time. This fixed time is referred to as slot time, and CW and slot time are defined as, for example, CW = 15 to 1023 and slot time = 9 μs (microseconds) in the wireless LAN. The back-off time in this case is derived by “back-off time = random number in the range of 15 to 1023 × 9 μs”.

  Also, in CSMA / CA, when transmission collides, a binary exponential backoff that increases the CW value by a factor of two is applied, increasing the probability of avoiding re-collision of transmission every time it collides, To reduce.

Therefore, it is possible to control the back-off time by adjusting (variable) the CW range, increasing the probability that the back-off time increases in a certain radio station, and increasing idle (IFS time + back-off time). be able to.
That is, by increasing the idle time at the wireless station, the time during which no radio wave is transmitted increases, and as a result, the number of radio wave transmissions can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, between the relay device 12 and the terminal 13, the relay device 12 sends the battery remaining amount reduction information to the wireless area B and notifies the terminal 13 to block the wireless LAN and / or WiMAX communication. As a result, the power consumption of the battery 24 is suppressed by preventing communication.

  In the fourth embodiment, between the relay device 12 and the terminal 13, the relay device 12 sends the remaining battery charge reduction information to the wireless area B and notifies the terminal 13 to reduce the number of wireless LAN transmissions. A mode for suppressing the power consumption of the battery 24 will be described.

  Note that the number of transmissions is the number of transmissions from when the relay device 12 is supplied with electricity from the battery 24 to start operation to when power is not supplied from the battery 24.

  The configuration of the wireless communication system in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the configurations of relay apparatus 12, base station 11 and terminal 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be specifically described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

It is assumed that the wireless LAN of relay device 12 (FIG. 2) and terminal 13 (FIG. 5) in the fourth embodiment corresponds to the medium access control of DCF and corresponds to the medium access control system of CSMA / CA.
The medium access control method of the present invention is not limited to this.

The idle (IFS time + backoff time) corresponds to the “transmission standby time” in the present invention.
The IFS time corresponds to a “predetermined fixed time” in the present invention.
A time range obtained by multiplying the CW range by the slot time corresponds to the “predetermined time range” in the present invention.

(Differences in the relay device 12)
In the first embodiment, the relay device 12 does not particularly indicate processing that is conscious of CSMA / CA.
On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the second communication unit 22 of the relay device 12 controls the radio wave connected to the antenna 12b via a bus and transmitted / received by the antenna 12b based on CSMA / CA.
For example, CW = 15 to 1023 and slot time = 9 μs are preset in the second communication unit 22 as initial values, and transmission of a frame is attempted based on these settings.
That is, the second communication unit 22 is in a state in which a frame (communication data) can be sent when the transmission standby time has elapsed after detecting the idle state of the radio channel by carrier sense.

Further, a new CW is set by the second communication unit 22 from the control unit 25 by an operation described later.
When a new CW is set, the second communication unit 22 tries to send a frame based on the new CW.
Specific operation will be described later.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a battery remaining amount reduction information notification operation and a communication control operation according to the fourth embodiment.
In the first embodiment, the relay device 12 blocks communication of wireless LAN and / or WiMAX in the communication blocking process S57 so as not to perform communication, thereby suppressing electricity consumption of the battery 24.
On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the relay device 12 is changed to perform the CW setting process S181 instead of the communication blocking process S57.
In the notification operation of the remaining battery level information shown in FIG. 18, S51 to S56 and S58 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of check condition data according to the fourth embodiment.
In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 of the relay device 12 stores check condition data (FIG. 3) including data handled in the communication blocking process S57. However, in the fourth embodiment, the relay device 12 19 stores the check condition data shown in FIG.

In FIG. 19, the check condition data according to the fourth embodiment transmits data of the battery remaining condition 31, data of the communication unit 32 that starts communication, data of CWmin 191, data of CWmax 192, and a message. It consists of data of the communication unit 35 and data of the message type 36.
CWmin 191 indicates the minimum value (CWmin) of the random number generation range CW, and CWmax 192 indicates the maximum value (CWmax) of the random number generation range CW.
CWmin 191 and CWmax 192 in FIG. 19 are random number generation ranges CW (CWmin to CWmax) that increase the probability that the back-off time increases according to the remaining battery level.
For example, in the upper part of FIG. 19, CWmin 191 is set to “255”, and CWmax 192 is set to “1023”. In the lower part of FIG. 19, CWmin 191 is set to “767” and CWmax 192 is set to “1023”.
In the operation of notifying the remaining battery charge information shown in FIG. 19, the remaining battery charge condition 31, the communication unit 32 for starting communication, the communication unit 35 for sending a message, and the message type 36 are the same as in the first embodiment. is there.

Check condition data can be set and changed as appropriate.
In the check condition data of FIG. 19, two conditions of an upper stage and a lower stage are set, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of conditions may be set.
In the wireless LAN, even when CW = 15 to 1023 is defined as an initial value, CWmin 191 and CWmax 192 do not need to match the range of CW = 15 to 1023. For example, CWmin 191 is “120”. It is also possible to set CWmax 192 to “8184”.

  A value obtained by multiplying CWmin 191 by the slot time corresponds to the “lower limit value of the predetermined time range” in the present invention.

  Here, the CW setting process S181 (FIG. 18) of the relay apparatus 12 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

First, as described in the first embodiment, the control unit 25 performs S51 to S56.
Note that the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 of the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, in the CW setting process S181, the data set in the CWmin 191 and CWmax 192 of the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 is immediately set in the second communication unit 22 as a new CW.

  In the communication blocking process S57 of the first embodiment, the communication unit set by the communication unit 33 that blocks communication is blocked at the timing set by the timing 34 for blocking, but the CW setting of the fourth embodiment is performed. In step S181, a new CW is immediately set in the second communication unit 22.

  Next, a specific example of the notification operation of the battery remaining amount reduction information by the relay device 12 and the communication operation sequence of the base station 11, the relay device 12, and the terminal 13 will be centered on differences from the first embodiment. explain.

(Communication sequence)
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the wireless communication system according to the fourth embodiment.
Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. The same step numbers are assigned to the same operations as those in the first embodiment.

  When the relay device 12 is supplied with electricity from the battery 24, the relay device 12 starts the operation, and performs the processing of S51 to S54 as described in the operation of the first embodiment.

  In the communication start process S54, when the communication of the check condition data called in the condition call process S51 starts appropriately in the communication unit 32 “second communication unit 22 and first communication unit 21” that starts communication, Based on the setting of CW = 15 to 1023 (initial value) and slot time = 9 μs, the second communication unit 22 derives a back-off time from “random number in the range of 15 to 1023 × 9 μs” and idles, Try sending.

  Thereafter, the operations of S1101 to S1104 are performed as described in the operation of the first embodiment.

At some point, the remaining capacity of the battery 24 becomes 20%.
At this time, the control unit 25 performs the processes of S52 to S56 and performs the operations of S1105 to S1106.

  Subsequently, in the CW setting process S181, the control unit 25 immediately sets the CWmin 191 “255” and CWmax 192 “1023” of the check condition data called in the condition call process S51 as new CWs in the second communication unit 22.

(S2001)
The second communication unit 22 is set with new CWs (CWmin 191 “255” and CWmax 192 “1023”), so that CW = 255 to 1023 and slot time = 9 μs are set. A back-off time is derived from “random value × 9 μs” and idles, and transmission of a frame is attempted.

  In this way, in the CW setting process S181 of the relay device 12, it is possible to set the CW that increases the probability that the back-off time increases for the second communication unit 22, and to increase the idle (IFS time + back-off time). It becomes.

That is, by increasing the lower limit value of CW from the initial value “15” to CWmin191 “255” and performing medium access control of CSMA / CA, the ratio of idle per unit time compared to the initial value Can be increased.
Therefore, the number of times of wireless LAN transmission can be reduced, and the electricity consumption of the battery 24 can be suppressed.

  Subsequently, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 25 performs the next battery remaining condition determination process S58.

At some point, the remaining capacity of the battery 24 becomes 10%.
At this time, the control unit 25 performs the processes of S52 to S56 and performs the operations of S1107 to S1108.

(S2002)
Subsequently, in the CW setting process S181, the control unit 25 immediately sets the CWmin 191 “767” and CWmax 192 “1023” of the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 to the second communication unit 22 as new CWs.

  The second communication unit 22 is set with new CWs (CWmin 191 “767” and CWmax 192 “1023”). A back-off time is derived from “random value × 9 μs” and idles, and transmission of a frame is attempted.

  In this way, in the CW setting process S181 of the relay device 12, it is possible to set the CW that increases the probability that the back-off time increases for the second communication unit 22, and to increase the idle (IFS time + back-off time). It becomes.

That is, by increasing the lower limit value of CW from CWmin191 “255” to CWmin191 “767” and performing medium access control of CSMA / CA, idle time per unit time is compared to when the remaining amount is 20%. This ratio can be further increased.
Therefore, the number of times of wireless LAN transmission can be further reduced, and the consumption of electricity of the battery 24 can be further suppressed.

  Subsequently, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 25 performs the next battery remaining condition determination process S58.

  If there is no other check condition data, the operation is terminated.

  Thereafter, the relay device 12 continues to operate as long as the electricity necessary for the operation continues from the battery 24, and stops when the power supply from the battery 24 is eventually lost.

As described above, in the present embodiment, medium access control for enabling transmission of a frame (communication data) at least when a transmission standby time has elapsed after detecting a free state of a radio channel by carrier sense. When the remaining amount of the battery 24 satisfies a predetermined condition, the ratio of idle per unit time is increased.
For this reason, when the remaining battery level of the relay device decreases, the idle time during which frames are not transmitted can be increased, and as a result, the number of frame transmissions can be reduced.
Therefore, when the remaining amount of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 decreases, the electricity consumption of the battery 24 can be suppressed.

When the remaining amount of the battery 24 satisfies a predetermined condition, the lower limit value of the predetermined time range in the medium access control is increased.
For this reason, it becomes possible to increase the ratio of idle per unit time.
Therefore, the number of times of wireless LAN transmission can be reduced, and the power consumption of the battery 24 can be further suppressed.

Further, the lower the remaining amount of the battery 24, the lower the lower limit value of the predetermined time range in the medium access control.
For this reason, the idle time can be increased as the remaining amount of the battery 24 is smaller.
Therefore, as the remaining amount of the battery 24 is smaller, the number of wireless LAN transmissions can be reduced, and the electricity consumption of the battery 24 can be further suppressed.

Embodiment 5. FIG.
In the fifth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, between the relay device 12 and the terminal 13, the relay device 12 sends the battery remaining amount reduction information to the wireless area B to notify the terminal 13 and the wireless LAN. A mode in which the power consumption of the battery 24 is suppressed by reducing the number of times of transmission will be described.

  In the fourth embodiment, specifically, the back-off time is derived using the random number generation range CW that increases the probability that the preset back-off time increases in accordance with the remaining battery level, and the frame is transmitted. Tried.

  On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, a random number generation range CW that increases the probability that the back-off time increases according to the remaining battery level is calculated, the back-off time is derived, and frame transmission is attempted.

  The configuration of the radio communication system in the fifth embodiment is the same as that in the fourth embodiment, and the configurations of relay apparatus 12, base station 11 and terminal 13 are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, differences between the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment will be specifically described.

In the fifth embodiment, unlike in the fourth embodiment, the backoff time is not derived using the random number generation range CW that increases the probability that the preset backoff time increases in accordance with the remaining battery level. .
Therefore, check condition data obtained by removing CWmin 191 and CWmax 192 from the check condition data shown in FIG. 19 is stored in the storage unit 23 of the relay device 12.
That is, the check condition data according to the fifth embodiment includes the battery remaining capacity condition 31 data, the data of the communication unit 32 that starts communication, the data of the communication unit 35 that transmits a message, and the data of the message type 36. It consists of.

In the fifth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, the relay device 12 operates in the same manner as in FIG. 18, but the processing in the CW setting process S181 is different from that in the fourth embodiment.
Hereinafter, the difference between the operation of the fifth embodiment and the fourth embodiment will be described.

First, as described in the fourth embodiment, the control unit 25 performs S51 to S56.
Note that the check condition data called in the condition calling process S51 of the fifth embodiment is obtained by removing CWmin 191 and CWmax 192 from the check condition data shown in FIG.

Subsequently, in the CW setting process S181, CWmin is calculated by “CW value− (CW value × remaining battery amount) = CWmin”, and immediately set as a new CWmin value in the second communication unit 22.
Here, the CW value is a value obtained by subtracting the value of CWmin from the value of CWmax.

The calculation of CWmin will be described more specifically.
The control unit 25 calls the current CW setting set in the second communication unit 22, and calculates the CW value by subtracting the value of CWmax and the value of CWmin (CWmax−CWmin).
Next, the battery remaining amount (%) obtained in the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52 is divided by 100, and further multiplied by the calculated CW value (CW value × battery remaining amount) to calculate a random number generation range narrowing value. To do.
Then, the CWmin is calculated by subtracting the random number generation range narrowing value from the calculated CW value (CW value− (CW value × battery remaining amount)).
In addition, when the result of calculating the random number generation range narrowing value is a real number, CWmin is calculated after rounding to the nearest whole number.

By calculating CWmin in this way, CWmin increases as the remaining amount of battery 24 decreases.
That is, the lower limit of the back-off time can be increased as the remaining amount of the battery 24 is smaller.

  In order to further increase the value of CWmin to be calculated, the control unit 25 calls the current CW setting set in the second communication unit 22, multiplies the current CW setting by a predetermined value, and then calculates CWmin. You can also.

Specifically, when CW = 15 to 1023 is set in advance in the second communication unit 22, the control unit 25 calls the current CW setting set in the second communication unit 22, for example, a predetermined multiple ( 2 times) (15 × 2 to 1023 × 2), and the CWmax value is subtracted from the CWmin value (CWmax−CWmin = (1023 × 2) − (15 × 2)) to calculate the CW value.
Next, the battery remaining amount (%) obtained in the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52 is divided by 100 and further multiplied by the calculated CW value (CW value × battery remaining amount) to calculate a random number generation range narrowing value. .
Then, the CWmin is calculated by subtracting the random number generation range narrowing value from the calculated CW value (CW value− (CW value × battery remaining amount)).
If the result of calculating the random number generation range narrowing value is a real number, CWmin is calculated after rounding off to the nearest whole number.
In this case, in the CW setting process S181, the calculated CWmin and the CWmax multiplied by a predetermined value are immediately set in the second communication unit 22 as new CWmin and CWmax values.

  Next, a specific example of the notification operation of the battery remaining amount reduction information by the relay device 12 and the communication operation sequence of the base station 11, the relay device 12, and the terminal 13 will be centered on differences from the first embodiment. explain.

(Communication sequence)
Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. The same step numbers are assigned to the same operations as those in the first embodiment.

  When the relay device 12 is supplied with electricity from the battery 24, the relay device 12 starts the operation, and performs the processing of S51 to S54 as described in the operation of the first embodiment.

  Thereafter, the operations of S1101 to S1104 are performed as described in the operation of the first embodiment.

At some point, the remaining capacity of the battery 24 becomes 20%.
At this time, the control unit 25 performs the processes of S52 to S56 and performs the operations of S1105 to S1106.

Subsequently, the control unit 25 calls the current CW setting (CW = 15 to 1023) set in the second communication unit 22 in the CW setting process S181, and sets the CWmax value and the CWmin value. The CW value (1008) is calculated by subtraction (1023-15). Further, the battery remaining amount (%) obtained in the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52 is divided by 100 and further multiplied by the calculated CW value (20 (%) ÷ 100 × 1008) to reduce the random number generation range narrowing value (202 ( Round off the decimal point of 201.6))). Then, the random number generation range narrowing value is subtracted from the CW value (1008-202) to calculate CWmin = 806.
The control unit 25 immediately sets the calculated CWmin = 806 in the second communication unit 22 as a new CWmin value.

(S2001)
Based on the setting of CW = 806 to 1023 and slot time = 9 μs, the second communication unit 22 has set a new CWmin (CWmin = 806), and from “random numbers in the range of 806 to 1023 × 9 μs” Derives the backoff time, idles, and tries to send a frame.

  In this way, in the CW setting process S181 of the relay device 12, it is possible to set the CW that increases the probability that the back-off time increases for the second communication unit 22, and to increase the idle (IFS time + back-off time). It becomes.

That is, by increasing the CWmin = 15 to CWmin = 806 and performing the CSMA / CA medium access control, it is possible to increase the ratio of idle per unit time compared to when CWmin = 15. It becomes.
Therefore, the number of times of wireless LAN transmission can be reduced, and the electricity consumption of the battery 24 can be suppressed.

  Subsequently, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 25 performs the next battery remaining condition determination process S58.

At some point, the remaining capacity of the battery 24 becomes 10%.
At this time, the control unit 25 performs the processes of S52 to S56 and performs the operations of S1107 to S1108.

(S2002)
Subsequently, the control unit 25 calls the current CW setting (CW = 806 to 1023) set in the second communication unit 22 in the CW setting process S181, and sets the CWmax value and the CWmin value. The CW value (217) is calculated by subtraction (1023-806). Further, the battery remaining amount (%) obtained in the battery remaining amount acquisition process S52 is divided by 100 and further multiplied by the calculated CW value (10 (%) ÷ 100 × 217) to obtain a random number generation range narrowing value (22 (21.7 is rounded off)) is calculated. Then, the random number generation range narrowing value is subtracted from the CW value (1008-22) to calculate CWmin = 986.
The control unit 25 immediately sets the calculated CWmin = 986 in the second communication unit 22 as a new CWmin value.

  Since the second communication unit 22 is set with a new CWmin (CWmin = 986), based on the settings of CW = 986 to 1023 and slot time = 9 μs, from “random numbers in the range of 986 to 1023 × 9 μs” Derives the backoff time, idles, and tries to send a frame.

  In this way, in the CW setting process S181 of the relay device 12, the CW that increases the probability of increasing the back-off time is set for the second communication unit 22, and the idle (IFS time + back-off time) is increased.

That is, by increasing the CW lower limit value from CWmin = 806 to CWmin = 986 and performing CSMA / CA medium access control, the ratio of idle per unit time compared to when the remaining amount is 20% Can be further increased.
Therefore, the number of times of wireless LAN transmission can be further reduced, and the consumption of electricity of the battery 24 can be further suppressed.

  Subsequently, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 25 performs the next battery remaining condition determination process S58.

  If there is no other check condition data, the operation is terminated.

  Thereafter, the relay device 12 continues to operate as long as the electricity necessary for the operation continues from the battery 24, and stops when the power supply from the battery 24 is eventually lost.

As described above, in the present embodiment, medium access control for enabling transmission of a frame (communication data) at least when a transmission standby time has elapsed after detecting a free state of a radio channel by carrier sense. When the remaining amount of the battery 24 satisfies a predetermined condition, the ratio of idle per unit time is increased.
For this reason, when the remaining battery level of the relay device decreases, the idle time during which frames are not transmitted can be increased, and as a result, the number of frame transmissions can be reduced.
Therefore, when the remaining amount of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 decreases, the electricity consumption of the battery 24 can be suppressed.

When the remaining amount of the battery 24 satisfies a predetermined condition, the lower limit value of the predetermined time range in the medium access control is increased.
For this reason, it becomes possible to increase the ratio of idle per unit time.
Therefore, the number of times of wireless LAN transmission can be reduced, and the power consumption of the battery 24 can be further suppressed.

Further, the lower the remaining amount of the battery 24, the lower the lower limit value of the predetermined time range in the medium access control.
For this reason, the idle time can be increased as the remaining amount of the battery 24 is smaller.
Therefore, as the remaining amount of the battery 24 is smaller, the number of wireless LAN transmissions can be reduced, and the electricity consumption of the battery 24 can be further suppressed.

In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the case where the lower limit value (CWmin) of the CW range is increased has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transmission standby time (idle) per unit time is increased. Any device that increases the proportion of time may be used.
For example, increasing the upper limit value (CWmax) of the CW range also increases the expected value for increasing the backoff time, so that the idle time per unit time can be increased.
Further, the slot time may be increased as the remaining amount is smaller.
Alternatively, the CW value may be raised to a power or an arbitrary value according to the remaining amount, and the CW value (upper limit value and / or lower limit value) may be increased as the remaining amount is smaller.

In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the case where the notification operation of the battery remaining amount reduction information is performed by the same configuration and operation as in the first embodiment has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, Only the operation of allowing idle time in the medium access control may be performed without performing the notification operation of the battery remaining amount reduction information.
Specifically, steps S55 and S56 may be omitted in the process shown in FIG. 18, and steps S1105 to S1110 may be omitted in the process shown in FIG.
Even with such an operation, when the remaining amount of the battery 24 of the relay device 12 decreases, it is possible to suppress the electricity consumption of the battery 24.

  11 base station, 11a antenna, 11b antenna, 12 relay device, 12a antenna, 12b antenna, 13 terminal, 13b antenna, 21 first communication unit, 22 second communication unit, 24 battery, 25 control unit, 31 battery remaining condition , 32 Communication unit for starting communication, 33 Communication unit for blocking communication, 34 Timing for blocking, 35 Communication unit for transmitting message, 36 Message type, 41 Voltage range, 42 Battery level, 61 MAC header, 62 Frame control Field, 63 frame body, 64 beacon information element, 65 battery remaining amount reduction information, 71 general MAC header, 72 payload, 73 management message type, 74 management message payload, 81 communication unit, 82 control unit, 83 display 91, first communication unit, 92 second communication unit, 93 control unit, 101 ASN, 102 CSN, 103 ASP, 131 battery remaining amount reduction information, 162 frame control field, 164 connection response information element, 191 CWmin, 192 CWmax , A wireless area, B wireless area, a WiMAX terminal.

Claims (20)

A communication device,
A communication unit that receives a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of the wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
Identifying information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit, and from the information, the remaining battery level of the transmission source of the signal is a first battery. A controller that repeatedly acquires the remaining battery level information when the remaining battery level is a second battery level that is lower than the first battery level;
For performing operations related to wireless communication of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard between the transmission device of the battery remaining amount information and the signal of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard and the communication device. A display for displaying operation buttons;
With
When the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information, the control unit causes the display unit to display the acquired battery remaining amount information.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the battery remaining amount information and the operation buttons after the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information.   The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the operation button is an operation button for disconnecting wireless communication of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard.   When the operation button is operated by a user, the communication unit performs wireless communication of a wireless communication system conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard with a transmission source of a signal of the wireless communication system conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. The communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the communication apparatus is not connected.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the operation button below the battery remaining amount information.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the battery remaining amount information with a warning.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the battery remaining amount information and the operation button on the forefront.   8. The battery remaining amount information is information indicating that a remaining battery amount of a transmission source of a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard is reduced. The communication device according to item.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit converts the acquired battery remaining amount information into information that can be handled by a program in the communication device. A communication device control method comprising:
Receiving a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of the wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
When the information stored in the frame body region of the signal of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard is identified, and the battery remaining amount of the signal transmission source is the first battery remaining amount based on the information, Or repeatedly acquiring battery remaining amount information stored when the source battery remaining amount is a second battery remaining amount less than the first battery remaining amount;
For performing operations related to wireless communication of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard between the transmission device of the battery remaining amount information and the signal of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard and the communication device. A step of displaying an operation button;
Have
The method for controlling a communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the battery remaining amount information is acquired, the step of displaying the acquired battery remaining amount information is performed. Communication device
A communication unit for receiving a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of the wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
Identifying information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit, and from the information, the remaining battery level of the transmission source of the signal is a first battery. A controller that repeatedly acquires stored battery level information when the remaining battery level is the second battery level lower than the first battery level, For performing operations related to wireless communication of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard between the transmission device of the battery remaining amount information and the signal of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard and the communication device. A display for displaying operation buttons,
Function as
When the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information, the control unit causes the display unit to display the acquired battery remaining amount information. A communication device,
A communication unit that receives a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of the wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
A control unit that identifies information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit, and repeatedly acquires battery remaining amount information from the information;
A display unit for displaying the battery remaining amount information and an operation button for performing an operation related to wireless communication of a wireless communication system compliant with IEEE802.11 standard between the generation unit of the battery remaining amount information and the communication unit; ,
With
The battery remaining amount information includes a first battery remaining amount when the battery remaining amount that is generated from the battery remaining amount information is lower than the first battery remaining amount. 2 is stored in the frame body area of the signal when the remaining battery capacity is 2,
When the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information, the control unit causes the display unit to display the acquired battery remaining amount information. A communication device control method comprising:
Receiving a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of the wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
Identifying information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and repeatedly obtaining battery remaining amount information from the information;
For performing operations related to wireless communication of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard between the transmission device of the battery remaining amount information and the signal of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard and the communication device. A step of displaying an operation button;
Have
The battery remaining amount information includes a first battery remaining amount when the battery remaining amount that is generated from the battery remaining amount information is lower than the first battery remaining amount. 2 is stored in the frame body area of the signal when the remaining battery capacity is 2,
The method for controlling a communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the battery remaining amount information is acquired, the step of displaying the acquired battery remaining amount information is performed. Communication device
A communication unit for receiving a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of the wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
A control unit for identifying information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit, and repeatedly acquiring battery remaining amount information from the information; and A display unit for displaying operation buttons for performing operations related to wireless communication of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard between the amount information and the generation unit of the battery remaining amount information and the communication unit;
Function as
The battery remaining amount information includes a first battery remaining amount when the battery remaining amount that is generated from the battery remaining amount information is lower than the first battery remaining amount. 2 is stored in the frame body area of the signal when the remaining battery capacity is 2,
When the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information, the control unit causes the display unit to display the acquired battery remaining amount information. A communication unit that receives a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of the wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
Identifying information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit, and from the information, the remaining battery level of the transmission source of the signal is a first battery. A controller that repeatedly acquires the remaining battery level information when the remaining battery level is a second battery level that is lower than the first battery level;
For performing operations related to wireless communication of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard between the transmission device of the battery remaining amount information and the signal of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard and the communication device. A display for displaying operation buttons;
With
When the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information, the communication unit causes the display unit to display the acquired battery remaining amount information;
A relay device that is a transmission source of a signal of a wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, operates by a battery, and relays communication between a first network and a second network having different wireless communication systems When,
A communication system comprising:
The relay device is
A first communication unit connected to the first network and performing wireless communication by a first wireless communication method;
A second communication unit connected to the second network and performing wireless communication by a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
Battery remaining amount detecting means for acquiring the battery remaining amount information when the remaining amount of the battery is the first remaining battery amount or the second remaining battery amount;
The communication system, wherein the second communication unit transmits a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard including the battery remaining amount information to the communication device. A communication device;
The communication device;
A communication unit for receiving a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of the wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
Identifying information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit, and from the information, the remaining battery level of the transmission source of the signal is a first battery. A controller that repeatedly acquires stored battery level information when the remaining battery level is the second battery level lower than the first battery level, For performing operations related to wireless communication of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard between the transmission device of the battery remaining amount information and the signal of the wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard and the communication device. A display for displaying operation buttons,
Function as
When the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information, a program for causing the display unit to display the acquired battery remaining amount information;
A relay device that is a transmission source of a signal of a wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, operates by a battery, and relays communication between a first network and a second network having different wireless communication systems When,
A communication system comprising:
The relay device is
A first communication unit connected to the first network and performing wireless communication by a first wireless communication method;
A second communication unit connected to the second network and performing wireless communication by a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
Battery remaining amount detecting means for acquiring the battery remaining amount information when the remaining amount of the battery is the first remaining battery amount or the second remaining battery amount;
The communication system, wherein the second communication unit transmits a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard including the battery remaining amount information to the communication device. A communication unit that receives a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of the wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
A control unit that identifies information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit, and repeatedly acquires battery remaining amount information from the information;
A display unit for displaying the battery remaining amount information and an operation button for performing an operation related to wireless communication of a wireless communication system compliant with IEEE802.11 standard between the generation unit of the battery remaining amount information and the communication unit; ,
With
When the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information, the communication unit causes the display unit to display the acquired battery remaining amount information;
A relay device that is a transmission source of a signal of a wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, operates by a battery, and relays communication between a first network and a second network having different wireless communication systems When,
A communication system comprising:
The battery remaining amount information includes a first battery remaining amount when the battery remaining amount that is generated from the battery remaining amount information is lower than the first battery remaining amount. 2 is stored in the frame body area of the signal when the remaining battery capacity is 2,
The relay device is
A first communication unit connected to the first network and performing wireless communication by a first wireless communication method;
A second communication unit connected to the second network and performing wireless communication by a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
Battery remaining amount detecting means for acquiring the battery remaining amount information when the remaining amount of the battery is the first remaining battery amount or the second remaining battery amount;
The communication system, wherein the second communication unit transmits a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard including the battery remaining amount information to the communication device. A communication device;
The communication device;
A communication unit for receiving a wireless communication method signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard by wireless communication of the wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
A control unit for identifying information stored in a frame body region of a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard received by the communication unit, and repeatedly acquiring battery remaining amount information from the information; and A display unit for displaying operation buttons for performing operations related to wireless communication of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard between the amount information and the generation unit of the battery remaining amount information and the communication unit;
Function as
When the control unit acquires the battery remaining amount information, a program for causing the display unit to display the acquired battery remaining amount information;
A relay device that is a transmission source of a signal of a wireless communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, operates by a battery, and relays communication between a first network and a second network having different wireless communication systems When,
A communication system comprising:
The battery remaining amount information includes a first battery remaining amount when the battery remaining amount that is generated from the battery remaining amount information is lower than the first battery remaining amount. 2 is stored in the frame body area of the signal when the remaining battery capacity is 2,
The relay device is
A first communication unit connected to the first network and performing wireless communication by a first wireless communication method;
A second communication unit connected to the second network and performing wireless communication by a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard;
Battery remaining amount detecting means for acquiring the battery remaining amount information when the remaining amount of the battery is the first remaining battery amount or the second remaining battery amount;
The communication system, wherein the second communication unit transmits a signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard including the battery remaining amount information to the communication device.   The relay apparatus in the communication system as described in any one of Claims 15-18.   A signal of a wireless communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard including the battery remaining amount information transmitted from the second communication unit is transmitted to the first network by the first communication unit and the second communication unit. The relay apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the relay apparatus is different from a signal relayed to and from the second network.

Images