JP7188729B2 - Wireless communication method and program - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to wireless communication technology, and more particularly to wireless communication technology capable of allocating a plurality of wireless LAN systems to the same channel.

In recent years, the full-scale IoT (Internet of Things) era has arrived, and IoT technology is being utilized in various fields such as manufacturing and infrastructure. For example, in a factory, an IoT device is attached to a manufacturing system such as robots and machines, and operation status grasping, control, and quality control of the devices and machines are performed via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). On the other hand, in a factory where many manufacturing systems are densely arranged, multiple wireless devices attempt to communicate at the same time, which causes frequent packet collisions, resulting in packet loss and delay.

Techniques for avoiding packet collision include allocation of channels to be used, interference detection, channel change when interference is detected, and transmission power control. For example, it is conceivable to change the channel to be used using the technology described in Patent Document 1.

Assuming control using a centralized control device (e.g., controller), a control device is prepared, and an access point (AP) of a wireless LAN system to be controlled is, for example, centralized via a network. Connect to controller. The control device can prevent the occurrence of packet collision by performing the above-described control on the AP connected to the centralized control device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-93708

However, when the above technology is used, if there are many wireless LAN systems, channels overlap on the frequency axis, causing inter-system interference. Also, in an environment where wireless LAN systems are close to each other, it is necessary to reduce the transmission power of each device in the wireless LAN system in order to suppress interference with other wireless LAN systems. If the transmission power of each device in the wireless LAN system is made very small, wireless communication between the devices cannot be performed appropriately, resulting in degradation of the communication performance of the wireless LAN system.

Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention provides a wireless communication device capable of performing high-speed and high-precision wireless communication without deteriorating wireless communication performance even in a narrow space where many wireless communication terminals are present. An object is to realize a wireless communication method and program executed in a communication system.

In order to solve the above problems, a first invention is a wireless system including one or a plurality of wireless terminals, and is a wireless communication method used in a wireless communication system including a plurality of wireless systems. The wireless communication method includes a time slot definition step, a time slot allocation information generation step, and a wireless communication step.

The time slot definition step defines time slots for common use among a plurality of wireless systems. The time slot definition step then determines the slot length and slot start time of the time slot.

The time slot allocation information generation step generates time slot allocation information, which is time slot information to be allocated to each device included in a plurality of wireless systems, based on communication related information of at least one of the wireless system and the wireless terminal.

In the wireless communication step, the device assigned by the time slot assignment information performs wireless communication using the channel used in the wireless communication system during the period defined by the time slot assigned by the time slot assignment information.

In this wireless communication method, by using time slots commonly defined based on information (information indicating communication status, information indicating communication performance, etc.) of all devices included in the wireless communication system, one channel can be radio systems can be used in time division. Also, in this wireless communication method, as described above, it is possible to define time slots in consideration of various conditions of devices included in the wireless communication system. Therefore, with this wireless communication method, for example, even in an environment where communication requiring high-speed processing such as robot control and communication not requiring high-speed processing such as processing for collecting measurement data by a sensor coexist, Efficient communication can be realized while satisfying the following conditions.

In other words, in this radio communication method, one channel can be used by many radio systems in a time-division manner using the time slots defined in common as described above, so that many radio communication terminals exist. High-speed and high-precision wireless communication can be performed without degrading wireless communication performance even in a narrow space.

A second invention is the first invention, wherein the communication-related information includes traffic volume, packet generation cycle, packet generation timing, packet size, allowable delay, information on whether handshake communication is performed, traffic volume, and , including at least one of communication error information.

Thus, in this wireless communication method, it is possible to appropriately generate time slot assignment information from communication-related information that considers at least one of the above information.

A third invention is the first or second invention, wherein the time slot assignment information generating step collects communication-related information from at least one of the wireless system and the wireless terminal at a predetermined timing, and collects the collected communication-related information. Based on the information, it is determined whether the time slot allocation information should be updated. Then, in the time slot allocation information generating step, when it is determined that the time slot allocation information should be updated, the time slot allocation information is updated based on the collected communication-related information, and the updated time slot allocation information is generated. , to the radio system and the radio terminal.

As a result, this wireless communication method can dynamically update the time slot allocation information. In other words, in this wireless communication method, by dynamically updating the time slot allocation information according to changes in the wireless environment, it is possible to ensure high-speed and highly accurate wireless communication even in a rapidly changing narrow space.

A fourth invention is any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the time slot defining step collects communication-related information at a predetermined timing from at least one of the wireless system and the wireless terminal, and collects the collected communication information. Based on the relevant information, it is determined whether or not to redefine the timeslots commonly used by the devices currently included in the wireless communication system. Then, in the time slot definition step, when it is determined that redefinition should be performed, a time slot redefinition process for determining the slot length and slot start time of the time slot is executed based on the collected communication-related information, and redefinition is performed. The time slot definition information acquired by the definition process is transmitted to the wireless system and the wireless terminal.

Thus, in this wireless communication method, the time slot definition information can be dynamically updated. In other words, in this wireless communication method, by dynamically updating the time slot definition information according to changes in the wireless environment, it is possible to ensure high-speed and highly accurate wireless communication even in a rapidly changing narrow space. .

A fifth invention is any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the time slot allocation information generation step includes an upper hierarchy allocation information generation step and a lower hierarchy allocation information generation step.
(1) The upper layer allocation information generation step obtains upper layer allocation information by determining the number of time slots to be allocated to each of the plurality of wireless systems based on the communication-related information of the wireless system.
(2) The lower layer allocation information generating step determines the time slots to be allocated to each of the devices included in each of the plurality of wireless systems in a period of the number of time slots allocated by the upper layer allocation information. Get information.

Thus, in this wireless communication method, it is possible to hierarchically generate time slot assignment information.

A sixth aspect of the invention is the fifth aspect of the invention, wherein the wireless communication system includes a coordinator device and an access point device included in each wireless system, the coordinator device executes an upper layer allocation information generation step, and the wireless The access point device of the system executes the step of generating lower layer allocation information.

As a result, in this wireless communication method, the time slot allocation information generation process can be distributed to the access point devices of a plurality of wireless systems. Therefore, in this wireless communication method, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the time slot assignment information generation processing of the coordinator device.

A seventh invention is any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the time slot allocation information generating step includes information indicating that a plurality of devices are permitted to communicate in a predetermined time slot period. Generate time slot assignment information including

Accordingly, since a plurality of devices can communicate within a predetermined time slot, for example, communication such as handshake communication can be performed within a predetermined time slot.

An eighth invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the wireless communication method according to any one of the first to seventh inventions.

Thereby, it is possible to realize a program for causing a computer to execute the wireless communication method according to any one of the first to seventh inventions.

According to the present invention, even in a narrow space where many wireless communication terminals exist, high-speed and high-precision wireless communication can be performed without deteriorating wireless communication performance. A wireless communication method and program can be realized.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless communication system 1000 according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a coordinator device 100 according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first access point AP1-1 according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless terminal STA1-1 according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining time slot definition processing and time slot allocation processing in the wireless communication system 1000. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data format (one example) of time slot allocation information and a correspondence table between connected devices and node IDs; The figure which shows the data format (an example) of time slot allocation information. FIG. 8 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform time-division communication on one channel based on the data D_slot of FIG. 7; FIG. 8 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform time-division communication on one channel based on the data D_slot of FIG. 7; 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining dynamic update processing in the wireless communication system 1000; FIG. FIG. 4 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform time-division communication on one channel; FIG. 10 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform time-division communication on one channel after time slot allocation information is updated; FIG. FIG. 10 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform time-division communication on one channel after time slot allocation information is updated; FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining dynamic update processing (in the case of device insertion/deletion) in the wireless communication system 1000; FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radio communication system 1000A of a first modified example; The schematic block diagram of 100 A of coordinator apparatuses of a 1st modification. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first access point AP1A-1 of a first modified example; FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless terminal STA1A-1 of a first modified example; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining hierarchical time slot allocation information used in the radio communication system 1000A of the first modified example; The figure which shows the data format (an example) of time slot allocation information. FIG. 21 is a timing chart of communication executed in the wireless communication system when data D_slot is set as shown in FIG. 20; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a case where communication is implemented by software (for example, firmware) using time slots assigned by time slot definition information (data D_slot); FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a CPU bus configuration;

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<1.1: Configuration of wireless communication system>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radio communication system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the coordinator device 100 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the first access point AP1-1 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the wireless terminal STA1-1 according to the first embodiment.

The radio communication system 1000, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a coordinator device 100, a first radio system SYS1, a second radio system SYS2, and a third radio system SYS3. The coordinator device 100, the first wireless system SYS1, the second wireless system SYS2, and the third wireless system SYS3 are each connected to a network NW1 (for example, a wired network) as shown in FIG. can communicate with each other.

Note that the radio communication system 1000 includes a plurality of radio systems, and for convenience of explanation, the case where the number of radio systems included in the radio communication system 1000 is "3" will be described below as an example. , but is not limited to this, and the number of wireless systems included in the wireless communication system 1000 may be a number other than "3".

(1.1.1: coordinator device)
Coordinator device 100, as shown in FIG. and

Time slot definition section 11 executes a process of defining time slots used in wireless communication system 1000 (time slot definition process). The time slot definition unit 11 receives the wireless system information Info_sys output from the wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 13, executes time slot definition processing based on the wireless system information Info_sys, and specifies (defines) time slots. The data necessary for this is obtained as data D_slot_def. Then, the time slot definition unit 11 outputs the acquired data D_slot_def to the first communication processing unit 14 . In addition, the time slot definition unit 11 acquires data D_slot_def necessary for defining a time slot as an initial value based on, for example, the initial state of the wireless communication system 1000 and the steady state of the wireless environment, and the acquired data D_slot_def is output to the first communication processing unit 14 .

The time slot allocation information generation unit 12 receives the radio system information Info_sys output from the radio system information acquisition/holding unit 13 . Time slot allocation information generation section 12 generates time slot allocation information used in wireless communication system 1000 and outputs the generated time slot allocation information to first communication processing section 14 as data D_slot.

The wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 13 receives the data D12 output from the first communication processing unit 14 . The wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 13 acquires information on each wireless system, information on access points included in each wireless system, and/or information on wireless terminals from the data D12.

The first communication processing unit 14 outputs data D11 to the first communication interface 15 when transmitting data to the network NW1. Further, the first communication processing unit 14 receives data D11 from the first communication interface 15 when receiving data from the network NW1. Further, the first communication processing unit 14 extracts data D11 input from the first communication interface 15, data including information on each wireless system, information on access points included in each wireless system, and/or information on wireless terminals. D12 is obtained, and the obtained data D21 is output to the radio system information obtaining/holding unit 13. FIG. Further, the first communication processing unit 14 extracts data D_slot_def output from the time slot definition unit 11 and data D_slot output from the time slot allocation information generation unit 12, and converts data including data D_slot_def and/or data D_slot. It generates and outputs the generated data to the first communication interface 15 as data D11 (data for transmission).

The first communication interface 15 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device via the network NW1. The first communication interface 15 converts the data D11 output from the first communication processing unit 14 into data D1_out in a format that can be communicated via the network NW1, and transmits the data D1_out via the network NW1. Also, the first communication interface 15 receives data D1_in via the network NW1. The first communication interface 15 converts the received data D1_in into data D11 that can be processed by the first communication processing unit 14 and outputs the data D11 to the first communication processing unit 14 .

(1.1.2: First radio system)
The first wireless system SYS1, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a first access point AP1-1 and two wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2. Note that the first radio system SYS1 may include three or more radio terminals.

(1.1.2.1: First access point)
As shown in FIG. 3, the first access point AP1-1 includes a second communication interface 21, a second communication processing unit 22, an RF processing unit 23, a time slot information storage unit 24, and a wireless system information acquisition/holding unit. It comprises a unit 25 and an antenna Ant1.

The second communication interface 21 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device via the network NW1. The second communication interface 21 converts the data D21 output from the second communication processing unit 22 into data D2_out in a format that can be communicated via the network NW1, and transmits the data D2_out via the network NW1. The second communication interface 21 also receives data D2_in via the network NW1. The second communication interface 21 converts the received data D2_in into data D21 that can be processed by the second communication processing unit 22 and outputs the data D21 to the second communication processing unit 22 .

The second communication processing unit 22 outputs data D21 to the second communication interface 21 when transmitting data to the network NW1. Further, the second communication processing unit 22 receives data D21 from the second communication interface 21 when receiving data from the network NW1. The second communication processing unit 22 also acquires data D_slot including time slot allocation information from the data D21 input from the second communication interface 21 and outputs the acquired data D_slot to the time slot information storage unit 24 . Further, the second communication processing unit 22 acquires data D_slot_def including information for defining a time slot (time slot definition information) from the data D21 input from the second communication interface 21, and converts the acquired data D_slot_def into a time slot. Output to the slot information storage unit 24 . Further, the second communication processing unit 22 acquires data D23 including information on the first wireless system SYS1, which is the wireless system including the access point AP1-1, from the data D22 output from the RF processing unit 23, and acquires The obtained data D23 is output to the wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 25. FIG. The second communication processing unit 22 also receives the first wireless system information Info_sys (SYS1) output from the wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 25 .

The RF processing unit 23 receives the data D22 output from the second communication processing unit 22, performs RF processing for transmission (RF modulation processing, etc.) on the input data D22, and transmits the data through the antenna Ant1. Obtain an RF signal RF2_out that can be transmitted to the outside. Then, the RF processing unit 23 transmits the RF signal RF2_out to the outside via the antenna Ant1. Further, the RF processing unit 23 receives an RF signal RF2_in from the outside via the antenna Ant1, performs reception RF processing (RF demodulation processing, etc.) on the received RF signal RF2_in, and performs second communication processing. It acquires data D22 that can be processed by the unit 22 and outputs the acquired data D22 to the second communication processing unit 22 .

The time slot information storage unit 24 receives the data D_slot and/or the data D_slot_def output from the second communication processing unit 22 and stores the input data. The time slot information storage unit 24 also outputs the stored data D_slot and/or data D_slot_def to the second communication processing unit 22 in accordance with a command from the second communication processing unit 22 .

The wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 25 receives the data D23 output from the second communication processing unit 22, acquires the information Info_sys (SYS1) of the first wireless system SYS1 from the data D23, and stores the acquired information Info_sys (SYS1 ) is memorized (held). Further, the wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 25 outputs the stored (holding) information Info_sys (SYS1) to the second communication processing unit 22 in accordance with a command from the second communication processing unit 22 .

(1.1.2.2: wireless terminal)
As shown in FIG. 4, the wireless terminal STA1-1 includes an antenna Ant2, an RF processing unit 31, a third communication processing unit 32, a time slot information storage unit 33, and a wireless terminal information acquisition/holding unit 34. .

The RF processing unit 31 receives an RF signal RF3_in from the outside via the antenna Ant2, performs RF processing for reception (RF demodulation processing, etc.) on the received RF signal RF3_in, and outputs the third communication processing unit 32 acquires data D<b>31 that can be processed, and outputs the acquired data D<b>31 to the third communication processing unit 32 . Further, the RF processing unit 31 receives data D31 output from the third communication processing unit 32, performs RF processing for transmission (RF modulation processing, etc.) on the input data D31, and operates the antenna Ant2. obtain an RF signal RF3_out that can be transmitted externally via Then, the RF processing unit 31 transmits the RF signal RF3_out to the outside via the antenna Ant2.

The third communication processing unit 32 receives data D31 from the RF processing unit 31 when receiving data from the outside via the antenna Ant2, and sends data D31 to the RF processing unit 31 when transmitting data to the outside via the antenna Ant2. Data D31 is output. The third communication processing unit 32 acquires data D_slot including time slot allocation information from the data D31 input from the RF processing unit 31 and outputs the acquired data D_slot to the time slot information storage unit 33 . Further, the third communication processing unit 32 obtains data D_slot_def including information for defining a time slot (time slot definition information) from the data D31 input from the RF processing unit 31, and converts the obtained data D_slot_def into the time slot. Output to the information storage unit 33 . Further, the third communication processing unit 32 acquires data D32 including information on the wireless terminal STA1-1 from the data D31 output from the RF processing unit 31, and sends the acquired data D32 to the wireless terminal information acquisition/holding unit 34. Output. The third communication processing unit 32 also receives information Info_sys(STA1-1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1 output from the wireless terminal information acquisition/holding unit .

The second radio system SYS2 and the third radio system SYS3 have the same configuration as the first radio system SYS1. Also, the second access point AP2-1 of the second wireless system SYS2 has the same configuration as the first access point AP1-1.

Also, the wireless terminal STA1-2 of the first wireless system SYS1, the wireless terminal STA2-1 and the wireless terminal STA2-2 of the second wireless system SYS2, and the wireless terminals STA3-1 and STA3-2 of the third wireless system SYS3 are , have the same configuration as the wireless terminal STA1-1.

<1.2: Operation of wireless communication system>
The operation of the radio communication system 1000 configured as above will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(1.2.1: Basic operation)
First, the basic operation of radio communication system 1000 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining time slot definition processing and time slot allocation processing in wireless communication system 1000 . The operation of the wireless communication system 1000 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data format (one example) of time slot allocation information and a correspondence table between connected devices and node IDs.

(Step S1):
In step S<b>1 , time slot definition section 11 of coordinator device 100 executes a process of defining time slots used in wireless communication system 1000 (time slot definition process).

The time slot definition unit 11 acquires data D_slot_def necessary for defining time slots as an initial value based on, for example, the initial state of the wireless communication system 1000 and the steady state of the wireless environment.

For example, when the wireless communication system 1000 is installed in a narrow space such as a factory, the steady state of the wireless environment of the first wireless system SYS1, the second wireless system SYS2, and the third wireless system SYS3 (for example, and the state of the radio environment when there is no movement of people), based on the steady state, the time slot definition unit 11 determines (1) time slots for use in a plurality of radio systems. Determine slot length and (2) slot start time. The time slot definition unit 11 then generates data D_slot_def including the determined (1) slot length and (2) slot start time, and outputs the generated data D_slot_def to the first communication processing unit 14 .

Note that the coordinator device 100, for example, collects information such as device information and communication status from wireless terminals included in each access point (access points AP1-1, AP2-1, and AP3-1) and each wireless system, Based on the collected information, (1) slot lengths of time slots and (2) slot start times for use in multiple wireless systems may be determined.

(Step S2):
In step S2, the coordinator device 100 executes time slot assignment information generation processing. Specifically, the process is executed as follows.

The coordinator device 100 uses the first communication processing unit 14 to generate data (request data) requesting information necessary for time slot allocation from each wireless system and wireless terminals included in each wireless system. The request data is transmitted to the first access point AP1-1, the second access point AP2-1, and the third access point AP3-1 via the first communication interface 15 and the network NW1.

The first access point AP1-1 receives the request data via the network NW1 and the second communication interface, and based on the request data, the wireless terminal STA1-1 included in the first wireless system and the wireless Data (request data) requesting information necessary for time slot allocation is generated from the terminal STA1-2, and the generated request data is sent to the wireless terminal STA1-1 and the wireless terminal STA1-1 via the RF processing unit 23 and the antenna Ant1. Send to terminal STA1-2.

The wireless terminal STA1-1 receives the RF signal including the request data transmitted from the first access point AP1-1, and performs RF processing for reception on the RF signal to obtain the request data. get. Then, based on the request data, the third communication processing unit 32 of the wireless terminal STA1-1 acquires the wireless terminal information Info_sys (STA1-1) held in the wireless terminal information acquisition holding unit, RF processing for transmission is performed on the terminal information Info_sys (STA1-1) to generate an RF signal including the wireless terminal information Info_sys (STA1-1). The wireless terminal STA1-1 then transmits the generated RF signal to the first access point AP1-1 via the antenna Ant2.

The first access point AP1-1 performs reception RF processing on the RF signal received from the wireless terminal STA1-1, and acquires data Info_sys (STA1-1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1. The second communication processing unit 22 of the first access point AP1-1 transmits the data Info_sys (STA1-1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1 to the coordinator device 100 via the second communication interface 21 and the network NW1.

The first communication processing unit 14 of the coordinator device 100 acquires data including data Info_sys (STA1-1) transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 via the network NW1 and the first communication interface 15 as data D12. do. The wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 13 acquires and holds the data Info_sys (STA1-1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1 from the data D12.

In this way, coordinator apparatus 100 acquires data (information required for time slot allocation) Info_sys (STA1-1) of wireless terminal STA1-1. Data (information required for time slot allocation) Info_sys (STA1-2) of the wireless terminal STA1-2 is also obtained by the same process as above.

Based on the request data from the coordinator device 100, the first access point AP1-1 also acquires data Info_sys (SYS1), which is information necessary for time slot allocation of the first wireless system. Specifically, the second communication processing unit 22 acquires data Info_sys (SYS1), which is information necessary for time slot allocation of the first wireless system, from the wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 25 . Data Info_sys (SYS1), which is information necessary for time slot allocation in the first radio system, includes, for example, packet generation cycle, packet generation timing, packet size, allowable delay, and ACK/NACK information used in the first radio system. and other data. Also, part or all of the data Info_sys (SYS1), which is information necessary for time slot allocation of the first wireless system, is acquired by executing data collection processing by the first access point AP1-1. There may be.

The first access point AP1-1 transmits data including data Info_sys (SYS1), which is information necessary for time slot allocation of the first wireless system acquired as described above, to the coordinator device 100 via the network NW1. Send.

The first communication processing unit 14 of the coordinator device 100 acquires data including data Info_sys (SYS1) transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 via the network NW1 and the first communication interface 15 as data D12. The wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 13 acquires and holds the data Info_sys (SYS1) of the wireless terminal STA1-1 from the data D12.

In the same manner as described above, the coordinator device 100 acquires information necessary for time slot allocation of the second radio system SYS2, the third radio system SYS3, and the radio terminals included therein.

That is, coordinator apparatus 100 acquires and holds information necessary for time slot allocation for all devices included in wireless communication system 1000 .

Information necessary for time slot allocation is, for example, the following.
(1) Packet generation cycle, packet generation timing (2) Packet size (3) Permissible delay (4) ACK/NACK information (whether handshake communication exists)
(5) Traffic volume (6) Communication error information (communication error frequency, number of retransmissions, etc.)
Next, coordinator apparatus 100 generates time slot allocation information based on the acquired information required for time slot allocation of all devices included in wireless communication system 1000 . Coordinator apparatus 100 generates time slot assignment information by determining devices to be assigned to each time slot, for example, based on the above information (1) to (6). For example, the coordinator device 100 generates time slot allocation information based on criteria such as allocating earlier time slots to equipment with less allowable delay, and allocating earlier time slots to equipment belonging to a radio system with a large amount of traffic. .

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the coordinator device 100 generates data D_slot with a data format including a first header H1 and a payload P1. That is, the first byte of data D_slot indicates the transmission interval of a series of time slots (240 ms in the case of FIG. 6), and the second byte of data D_slot indicates the number of time slots included in the transmission interval of the time slots ( In the case of FIG. 6, 12) are shown. From the 3rd byte, a node ID is indicated by 1 byte. All devices included in the wireless communication system 1000 have data of a correspondence table between connected devices and node IDs as shown in the right diagram of FIG. , devices assigned to a predetermined time slot (devices permitted to communicate in the predetermined time slot) can be specified.

Coordinator device 100 generates data D_slot in a data format as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

(Step S3):
In step S3, coordinator device 100 transmits (1) data D_slot_def including time slot definition information and (2) data D_slot including time slot allocation information generated in step S2 to first access point AP1-1. Then, the first access point AP1-1 receives the data transmitted from the coordinator device 100 (step S301).

The first access point AP1-1 stores the data D_slot_def and the data D_slot received from the coordinator device 100 in the time slot information storage unit 24, and performs RF processing on the wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2. , through antenna Ant1.

The wireless terminal STA1-1 receives the data transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 and stores it in the time slot information storage unit 33 (step S302). The wireless terminal STA1-2 also performs the same processing as the wireless terminal STA1-1, and stores the data transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 (step S303).

The second access point AP2-1 and the wireless terminals STA2-1 and STA2-2 also perform the same processing as described above (steps S304 to S306).

Also, the third access point AP1-3 and the wireless terminals STA3-1 and STA3-2 perform the same processing as described above (steps S307 to S309).

In wireless communication system 1000, data D_slot (time slot allocation information) is periodically transmitted from coordinator apparatus 100 to each access point, and is periodically transmitted from each access point to the wireless system to which the access point belongs. It is transmitted to the wireless terminals, eg, by beacons.

As a result, all devices of the wireless communication system 1000 store and hold (1) data D_slot_def including time slot definition information and (2) data D_slot including time slot assignment information.

As an example, a case where coordinator device 100 generates data D_slot shown in FIG. 7 based on collected information required for time slot allocation will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the following conditions are set.
(1) In the first wireless system SYS1, control data is transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 to the wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2 in order to control the arm of the robot. After the first access point AP1-1 transmits data to the wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2, the wireless terminals STA1-1 and STA1-2 return responses to the first access point. is allowed to delay T1=80 ms.
(2) In the second wireless system SYS2, control data is sent from the second access point AP2-1 to the wireless terminals STA2-1 and STA2-2 in order to collect measurement data (temperature data) from the temperature sensor. Send. After the second access point AP2-1 transmits data to the wireless terminals STA2-1 and STA2-2, until the wireless terminals STA2-1 and STA2-2 return responses to the first access point. is allowed to delay T2=200 ms.
(3) In the third wireless system SYS3, control data is transmitted from the third access point AP3-1 to the wireless terminals STA3-1 and STA3-2 in order to control the arm of the robot. After the third access point AP3-1 transmits data to the wireless terminals STA3-1 and STA3-2, the wireless terminals STA3-1 and STA3-2 return responses to the first access point. is allowed to delay T3=60 ms.

Considering the above conditions, coordinator device 100 generates data D_slot shown in FIG. Then, the data D_slot is transmitted to all devices included in the wireless communication system 1000, and in the wireless communication system 1000, based on the data D_slot, devices permitted to communicate are specified in a predetermined time slot. .

FIG. 8 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform time division communication on one channel based on the data D_slot of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, in response to data Req (time t0 to t1, t7 to t8) transmitted by the first access point AP1-1, the wireless terminal STA1-1 and the wireless terminal STA1-2 each respond to time t2. Responses Res1 and Res2 are returned to the first access point AP1-1 during the period up to time t3. That is, communication within the allowable delay T1=80 ms is realized.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the wireless terminal STA2-1 and the wireless terminal STA2-2 receive data Req (time t3 to t4) transmitted by the second access point AP2-1 until time t11. Responses Res1 and Res2 are returned to the second access point AP2-1 within the period up to time t12. That is, communication within the allowable delay T2=200 ms is realized.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in response to data Req (time t4 to t5) transmitted by the third access point AP3-1, the wireless terminal STA3-1 and the wireless terminal STA3-2 each receive, until time t6, Responses Res1 and Res2 are returned to the first access point AP1-1 within the period up to time t7. That is, communication within the allowable delay T3=60 ms is realized.

As described above, in the wireless communication system 1000, by using time slots that are commonly defined based on information (information indicating communication status, information indicating communication performance, etc.) of all devices included in the wireless communication system 1000, , one channel can be used by multiple wireless systems in a time division manner. Also, in the wireless communication system 1000, as described above, the time slots can be defined in consideration of various conditions. Therefore, in the wireless communication system 1000, for example, even in an environment where communication that requires high-speed processing such as robot control and communication that does not require high-speed processing such as processing for collecting measurement data by sensors are mixed, Efficient communication can be realized while satisfying the following conditions.

That is, in the radio communication system 1000, many radio systems can time-divisionally use one channel using the time slots defined in common as described above, so that many radio communication terminals exist. High-speed and high-precision wireless communication can be performed without degrading wireless communication performance even in a narrow space.

(1.2.2: Dynamic update processing (in the case of wireless environment deterioration))
Next, the dynamic update process executed by the wireless communication system 1000 when the wireless environment deteriorates will be described.

9 and 10 are sequence diagrams for explaining dynamic update processing in the wireless communication system 1000. FIG. The operation (dynamic update processing) of the wireless communication system 1000 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

(Steps S4 to S6):
Assume that the radio environment of the first radio system SYS1 deteriorates in step S4.

The first access point AP1-1 detects frequent occurrence of communication errors with the wireless terminals STA1-1 and/or STA1-2, and determines that the wireless environment of the first wireless system SYS1 is deteriorating. is detected, and data indicating the detection result is transmitted to the coordinator device 100 .

The coordinator device 100 receives the data from the first access point AP1-1 and detects that the first wireless environment is degraded (step S6).

(Step S7):
In step S7, the coordinator apparatus 100 determines whether it is necessary to redefine the timeslots commonly used in the wireless communication system 1000, based on the data from the first access point AP1-1. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that redefinition is necessary, the coordinator device 100 performs a process of redefining the time slots. Specifically, the same processing as in step S1 is executed to determine (1) the slot length of the time slot and (2) the slot start time, which are assumed to be able to cope with the degradation of the radio environment.

(Step S8):
In step S8, the coordinator apparatus 100 acquires information necessary for time slot allocation from each wireless system and each wireless terminal based on the data from the first access point AP1-1, as in step S2. If it is possible to identify the radio system in which the radio environment deterioration has occurred, the information required for time slot allocation may be acquired only from the radio system and the radio terminals included in the radio system.

Then, coordinator apparatus 100 generates time slot allocation information based on information required for time slot allocation of all devices included in wireless communication system 1000 after radio environment deterioration has occurred.

(Step S9):
In step S9, the wireless communication system 1000 performs the same process as in step S3. As a result, all the devices in the wireless communication system 1000 can use (1) data D_slot_def including time slot definition information and (2) data including time slot allocation information, which are acquired (updated) after the deterioration of the wireless environment occurs. D_slot is stored and held.

Then, in radio communication system 1000, communication is performed based on the updated time slots.

As an example, in the first wireless system, the wireless environment deteriorates, request data is transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 to the wireless terminal STA1-1 and the wireless terminal STA1-2, and within a predetermined time, the wireless terminal STA1 -1 and the wireless terminal STA1-2 cannot return a response to the first access point AP1-1.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform time-division communication on one channel in the above case.

Also, FIG. 12 is a timing chart when a plurality of wireless systems perform time division communication on one channel after the time slot allocation information is updated.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the time slot from time t1 to t2 and the time slot from time t8 to t9, the channel used by the wireless terminal STA1-1 in the wireless communication system 1000 is set to be available. However, no response has been returned from the wireless terminal STA1-1 to the first access point AP1-1.

Also, in the time slot from time t2 to t3 and the time slot from time t9 to t10, the radio terminal STA1-2 is set to be able to use the channel used in the radio communication system 1000. No response has been returned from the terminal STA1-2 to the first access point AP1-1.

Therefore, the coordinator apparatus 100 has (1) the above situation, (2) the allowable delay T1 from the first access point AP1-1 to the wireless terminal STA1-1 and the wireless terminal STA1-2 until the response is received. and (3) the allowable delay T2 from the second access point AP2-1 to the wireless terminal STA2-1 and the wireless terminal STA2-2 until the response is received after request data is transmitted = 200 ms. and updates the time slot assignment information to assign two consecutive time slots to the first access point. That is, as indicated by D_slot in the upper part of FIG. 12, the data D_slot including the time slot assignment information is updated so that the time slots are assigned to each device.

As can be seen from FIG. 12, the first access point AP1-1 can transmit the request data multiple times in two consecutively allocated time slots, resulting in a delay within the allowable delay T1=80 ms. At this time, the wireless terminal STA1-1 and the wireless terminal STA1-2 can normally send back responses to the first access point AP1-1.

Moreover, as can be seen from FIG. 12, both the communication of the second communication system SYS2 and the communication of the third communication system SYS3 can be performed normally within the allowable delay.

As described above, in the radio communication system 1000, even when the radio environment deteriorates, (1) time slot definition information D_slot_def and/or (2) time slot definition information D_slot_def and/or (2) time slot Updating the allocation information allows multiple wireless systems to properly communicate on a single channel using commonly defined timeslots.

In the above description, the case of updating (reassigning) the time slot allocation information was explained, but based on the cause of deterioration of the radio environment, the time slot definition information D_slot_def, that is, the start time of the time slot to be used in common, and/or the time slot length may be changed (updated).

In FIG. 10, both the time slot definition process in step S7 and the time slot allocation information generation process in step S8 are shown as update processes, but only one of them (update process) is performed. may

(1.2.3: Dynamic update processing (for device insertion/deletion))
Next, the dynamic update process executed by the wireless communication system 1000 when the wireless environment changes will be described. As an example, a case where a device is newly inserted and a device is deleted will be described.

13 and 14 are sequence diagrams for explaining dynamic update processing (in the case of device insertion/deletion) in the wireless communication system 1000. FIG. The operation (dynamic update processing) of the wireless communication system 1000 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG.

(Steps S10-S12):
Assume that the wireless terminal STA1-3 is newly inserted into the first wireless system SYS1 and the wireless terminal STA3-2 is deleted from the third wireless system SYS3 in step S10.

The first access point AP1-1 detects that the wireless terminal STA1-3 is newly inserted into the first wireless system SYS1 (step S11), and transmits data indicating the detection result to the coordinator device 100 (step S11). S1201). Coordinator device 100 receives the above data from first access point AP1-1 (step S12).

Also, the third access point AP3-1 detects that the wireless terminal STA3-2 has been deleted from the third wireless system SYS3 (step S11), and transmits data indicating the detection result to the coordinator device 100 (step S11). S1202). Coordinator device 100 receives the above data from first access point AP1-1 (step S12).

(Step S13):
In step S13, the coordinator device 100 needs to redefine the timeslots commonly used in the wireless communication system 1000 based on the data from the first access point AP1-1 and the data from the third access point AP3-1. It is determined whether or not there is As a result of the determination, when it is determined that redefinition is necessary, the coordinator device 100 performs a process of redefining the time slots. Specifically, the same processing as in step S1 is executed to determine (1) the slot length of the time slot and (2) the slot start time, which are assumed to be able to cope with the degradation of the radio environment.

(Step S14):
In step S14, coordinator device 100, based on the data from the first access point AP1-1 and the data from the third access point AP3-1, similarly to step S2, receives the time from each wireless system and each wireless terminal. Get the information required for slot allocation. It should be noted that only necessary information may be obtained for added devices and deleted devices.

Then, coordinator apparatus 100 generates time slot allocation information based on information required for time slot allocation of all devices included in wireless communication system 1000 after device insertion/deletion.

(Step S15):
In step S15, the wireless communication system 1000 performs the same process as in step S3. As a result, all the devices in the wireless communication system 1000 can obtain (update) (1) data D_slot_def including time slot definition information and (2) data including time slot allocation information acquired (updated) after device insertion/deletion. D_slot is stored and held.

Then, in radio communication system 1000, communication is performed based on the updated time slots.

Note that coordinator apparatus 100 may acquire the allowable delay of a newly added (inserted) device and update the time slot assignment information so that the device with the smaller allowable delay is assigned to the previous time slot. good. By doing so, it is possible to preferentially secure communications that require high-speed processing (processing with a small allowable delay).

As described above, in the wireless communication system 1000, even when a device is inserted or deleted, (1) time slot definition information D_slot_def and/or (2) time slot allocation information are updated accordingly. This allows multiple wireless systems to communicate properly over a single channel using commonly defined timeslots.

In FIG. 14, both the time slot definition process in step S13 and the time slot allocation information generation process in step S14 are shown as the update process, but only one of them (update process) is performed. may

<<First Modification>>
Next, the wireless communication system 1000A of the first modified example of the first embodiment will be described. Parts similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radio communication system 1000A of the first modified example.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a coordinator device 100A of the first modified example.

FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of the first access point AP1A-1 of the first modified example.

FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram of the wireless terminal STA1A-1 of the first modified example.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining hierarchical time slot assignment information used in the radio communication system 1000A of the first modified example.

The radio communication system 1000A of the first modification replaces the coordinator device 100 with the coordinator device 100A and replaces the first access point AP1-1 with the first access point AP1A-1 in the radio communication system 1000 of the first embodiment. However, the second access point AP2-1 is replaced with a second access point AP2A-1, and the third access point AP3-1 is replaced with a third access point AP3A-1.

Further, in the radio communication system 1000A of the first modification, the radio terminals STA1-1, STA1-2, STA2-1, STA2-2, STA3-1, and STA3-2 are added to the radio communication system 1000 of the first embodiment. , STA1A-1, STA1A-2, STA2A-1, STA2A-2, STA3A-1, and STA3A-2, respectively.

Coordinator apparatus 100A has a configuration in which time slot allocation information generating section 12 in coordinator apparatus 100 is replaced with time slot allocation information generating section 12A. Otherwise, the coordinator device 100A is the same as the coordinator device 100. FIG.

The time slot allocation information generation unit 12A defines only the number of slots to be allocated to each wireless system instead of generating information for allocating time slots for all devices included in the wireless communication system 1000 as in the first embodiment. . The time slot allocation information generator 12A determines the number of slots to be allocated to each radio system, for example, according to the traffic volume of each radio system. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 19, assuming that the second radio system SYS2, the third radio system SYS3, and the first radio system SYS1 have the largest amount of traffic in that order, a larger number of slots are allocated to the radio system with the larger traffic amount. do. In the case shown in FIG. 19, five time slots are allocated to the first radio system SYS1, three time slots are allocated to the second radio system SYS2, and four time slots are allocated to the third radio system SYS3. It is

Then, the time slot allocation information generator 12A outputs data D_slot1 (upper layer allocation information data D_slot1) including information on the determined number of slots to be allocated to each radio system to the first communication processing unit . The first communication processing unit 14 transmits the data D_slot1 to the first access point AP1A-1, the second access point AP2A-1 and the third access point AP3A-1 via the first communication interface 15 and the network NW1. .

As shown in FIG. 17, the first access point AP1A-1 has a configuration in which a hierarchical allocation information generation unit 26 is added between the wireless system information acquisition/holding unit 25 and the second communication processing unit 22. there is

The hierarchical allocation information generation unit 26 receives information Info_sys (SYS1) of devices in the first wireless system SYS1, and based on the information Info_sys (SYS1), determines devices in the first wireless system SYS1 (access points AP1A- 1, determine allocation of time slots to wireless terminal STA1-1, wireless terminal STA1-2); Then, it outputs data D_slot2 (lower layer allocation information data D_slot2) including the determined time slot allocation information to the second communication processing unit 22 .

The second communication processing unit 22 acquires the upper layer allocation information data D_slot1 from the coordinator device 100A, and acquires the lower layer allocation information data D_slot2 from the hierarchical allocation information generation unit 26 . Then, the second communication processing unit 22 stores the acquired upper layer allocation information data D_slot1 and lower layer allocation information data D_slot2 in the time slot information storage unit 24 .

The second access point AP2-1 of the second wireless system SYS2 and the third access point AP3-1 of the third wireless system SYS3 have the same configuration as the first access point AP1-1 of the first wireless system SYS1. is doing.

In the wireless terminal STA1A-1, as shown in FIG. 18, the third communication processing unit 32 uses the upper layer allocation information data D_slot1 generated by the coordinator device 100A and the lower layer allocation generated by the first access point AP1A-1. Information data D_slot2 is acquired and stored in the time slot information storage unit 33 .

Other wireless terminals STA1A-2, STA2A-1, STA2A-2, STA3A-1, and STA3A-2 also have the same configuration as the wireless terminal STA1A-1.

In the radio communication system 1000A of the first modified example, hierarchical time slot assignment processing is executed as shown in FIG. That is, in the radio communication system 1000A of the first modified example, the coordinator device 100A determines only the number of slots to be allocated to each radio system, and the access points of each radio system allocate time slots to devices within the radio system to which they belong. Perform allocation processing. In the wireless communication system 1000A of the first modified example, the time slot assignment processing can be distributed to the access points of each wireless system and executed, so the load of the time slot assignment processing on the coordinator device 100A can be reduced. .

<<Second Modification>>
Next, the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. Parts similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the wireless communication system of the second modified example, data D_slot in the format shown in FIG. 20 is used. As shown in FIG. 20, the data D_slot of the second modification has a data format obtained by adding a second header H2 to the data format shown in FIGS. The wireless communication system of the second modified example differs from the wireless communication system 1000 of the first embodiment in that it uses data D_slot having a data format to which the second header H2 is added.

Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the second header H2 contains:
(1) Nth slot (1 byte)
(2) Number of nodes (1 byte)
(3) Node ID (bytes for the number of nodes)
can include one or more pieces of data in units of

For example, in the second header H2 shown in FIG. 20,
(1) in the first slot, a device with a node ID of "1" and a device with a node ID of "2" can communicate using a channel used by a wireless communication system;
(2) in the second slot, the device with the node ID of "2" and the device with the node ID of "1" can communicate using the channel used by the wireless communication system;
(3) in the eighth slot, the device with the node ID of "1" and the device with the node ID of "2" can communicate using the channel used by the wireless communication system;
(4) In the ninth slot, it means that the device with the node ID of "2" and the device with the node ID of "1" can communicate using the channel used by the wireless communication system.

In the wireless communication system of the second modified example, by using the data D_slot having the data format defined as above, a plurality of devices can communicate using the same channel in one time slot. . In the above description, only the case where the number of devices assigned to one time slot is "2" is exemplified. Data may be set in the second header H2 so that the H2 can communicate with the H2.

FIG. 21 is a timing chart of communication executed in the wireless communication system when data D_slot is set as shown in FIG.

As can be seen from FIG. 21, the first access point AP1-1 and the wireless terminal STA1-1 can communicate using the channel used in the wireless communication system in the time slots from time t0 to t1. Therefore, in the time slot from time t0 to t1, in response to a request signal transmitted from the first access point AP1-1 to the wireless terminal STA1-1, the wireless terminal STA1-1 sends the first access point AP1-1 An ACK signal can be returned. A similar process is executed in the time slots from time t7 to t8.

Also, as can be seen from FIG. 21, in the time slots from time t1 to t2, the wireless terminal STA1-1 and the first access point AP1-1 can communicate using the channel used in the wireless communication system. Therefore, in the time slot from time t1 to t2, the first access point AP1-1 sends the wireless terminal STA1-1 a response signal transmitted from the wireless terminal STA1-1 to the first access point AP1-1. An ACK signal can be returned. A similar process is executed in the time slot from time t8 to t9.

By doing so, handshake communication such as communication using TCP can be executed within one time slot.

The wireless communication system of the second modification uses the data D_slot (time slot allocation information) that allows setting a plurality of devices that can use one time slot as described above. Communication can be performed using channels used by the communication system.

[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the case where each wireless system has one access point has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each wireless system may have a plurality of access points.

Also, the communication method used in the wireless communication system described in the above embodiments (including modifications) is included in the present invention.

Further, in the wireless communication system described in the above embodiments (including modifications), each block may be individually integrated into one chip by a semiconductor device such as an LSI, or may be integrated into one chip so as to include part or all of the block. may be changed.

Although LSI is used here, it may also be called IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of the circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

Also, part or all of the processing of each functional block in each of the above embodiments may be implemented by a program. Part or all of the processing of each functional block in each of the above embodiments is performed by a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer. A program for performing each process is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or ROM, and is read from the ROM or RAM and executed.

Further, each process of the above embodiments may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software (including cases where it is realized together with an OS (operating system), middleware, or a predetermined library). Furthermore, it may be realized by mixed processing of software and hardware.

In the wireless communication system of the above embodiments (including modifications), when communication is performed using the time slot assigned by the time slot definition information (data D_slot), the function can be easily implemented by software (eg, firmware). can do.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a case where communication is implemented by software (for example, firmware) using time slots assigned by time slot definition information (data D_slot). The left diagram of FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing a protocol stack (protocol hierarchy), and the right diagram of FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the virtual TDMA module M1.

As shown in FIG. 22, by inserting a virtual TDMA module M1 (implemented by firmware, for example) between the routing layer and the MAC layer, communication using time slots assigned by slot definition information (data D_slot) can be performed. Easy to implement.

As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 22, the virtual TDMA module M1 controls the queue memory FIFO1 for inputting packets from the transmission queue of the routing layer and the timing for outputting the packets output from the queue memory FIFO1 by the control signal ctl1. and a switch SW1.

The switch SW1 controls the output timing of the input packet based on the control signal ctl1 whose transmission timing is determined based on the time slot definition information (data D_slot or data D_slot1 and D_slot2).

In other words, by providing a virtual TDMA module M1 (for example, implemented by firmware) corresponding to the configuration in the right diagram of FIG. communication method can be implemented.

Further, for example, when the functional units of the above embodiments (including modifications) are realized by software, the hardware configuration shown in FIG. Each functional unit may be realized by software processing using a hardware configuration connected by a Bus.

Also, the execution order of the processing methods in the above embodiments is not necessarily limited to the description of the above embodiments, and the execution order can be changed without departing from the gist of the invention.

A computer program that causes a computer to execute the method described above and a computer-readable recording medium that records the program are included in the scope of the present invention. Examples of computer-readable recording media include flexible disks, hard disks, CD-ROMs, MOs, DVDs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-RAMs, large-capacity DVDs, next-generation DVDs, and semiconductor memories. .

The computer program is not limited to being recorded on the recording medium, and may be transmitted via an electric communication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, or the like.

The specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

1000 Radio communication system 100 Coordinator device SYS1 First radio system SYS2 Second radio system SYS3 Third radio system AP1-1 First access point AP2-1 Second access point AP3-1 Third access points STA1-1 and STA1-2 , STA2-1, STA2-2, STA3-1, STA3-2 Wireless terminal 11 Time slot definition unit 12 Time slot allocation information generation unit

Claims (8)

A wireless system comprising one or more wireless terminals and an access point device capable of wireless communication with said wireless terminals, said wireless system comprising a plurality of said wireless systems and a coordinator device capable of communicating with said wireless system A wireless communication method used in a communication system,
a time slot definition step of defining a time slot for the coordinator device to commonly use among the plurality of wireless systems, wherein the time slot definition step determines a slot length and a slot start time of the time slot; ,
time slot information allocated by the coordinator device to each of the wireless terminals and/or the access point devices included in the plurality of wireless systems based on communication-related information of at least one of the wireless system and the wireless terminal; a time slot allocation information generating step for generating time slot allocation information;
The transmission source, which is the wireless terminal and/or the access point device assigned by the time slot assignment information, is used in the wireless communication system during a period specified by the time slots assigned by the time slot assignment information. a wireless communication step of performing wireless communication with a device included in the same wireless system as the transmission source as a transmission destination using the channel that is transmitted;
with
The time slot allocation information is
(1) a header including a transmission interval and the number of slots within the transmission interval; and (2) transmittable information for the number of slots set in the header, the wireless terminal and the wireless communication system included in the wireless communication system. a payload containing the transmittable information capable of designating an access point device as a communication subject;
wireless communication method. The communication-related information is
At least one of traffic volume, packet generation cycle, packet generation timing, packet size, allowable delay, information on whether handshake communication, traffic volume, and communication error information,
The wireless communication method according to claim 1. The time slot allocation information generation step includes:
collecting the communication-related information from at least one of the radio system and the radio terminal at a predetermined timing; determining whether or not to update the time slot allocation information based on the collected communication-related information; When it is determined that the time slot allocation information should be updated, the time slot allocation information is updated based on the collected communication-related information, and the updated time slot allocation information is transmitted to the radio system and the radio. send to terminal
The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2. The time slot definition step includes:
collecting the communication-related information from at least one of the radio system and the radio terminal at a predetermined timing, and based on the collected communication-related information, the radio terminal and /or determining whether or not to redefine the timeslots commonly used by the access point devices, and if it is determined to redefine the timeslots based on the collected communication-related information; executing a time slot redefinition process for determining a slot length and a slot start time, and transmitting definition information of the time slot acquired by the redefinition process to the wireless system and the wireless terminal;
The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The time slot allocation information generation step includes:
(1) Upper layer allocation information obtained by the coordinator device acquiring upper layer allocation information by determining the number of time slots to be allocated to each of the plurality of wireless systems based on the communication-related information of the wireless system. a generation step;
(2) the coordinator device, during the period of the number of time slots allocated by the upper layer allocation information, to each of the wireless terminals and/or the access point devices, which are devices included in each of the plurality of wireless systems; a lower layer allocation information generation step of acquiring lower layer allocation information by determining a time slot to be allocated;
including,
The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The wireless communication system includes a coordinator device and an access point device included in each wireless system,
The coordinator device executes the upper layer allocation information generating step,
the access point device of the wireless system executes the lower layer allocation information generating step;
The wireless communication method according to claim 5. The time slot assignment information generation step includes:
generating the time slot assignment information including information indicating that a plurality of the wireless terminals and/or the access point devices are permitted to communicate in a predetermined time slot period;
The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A program for causing a computer to execute the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images