JPH10200544A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent reduction in communication efficiency due to increase of traffic or the like. SOLUTION: Communication equipment S1 ,... are connected to a power line W for supplying power to each playing board in a pachinko shop or the like, plural communication networks N1 ,... are composed in which data or the like produced from each playing board are communicated by using the power line W through these communication equipment S1 ,... and repeaters (master modems) M1 ,... and a router R are provided to the communication networks, for conducting the communication among these plural communication networks. In the case that more than two retrials have been conducted in each of the communication equipment S1 ,..., channels used for the communication are changed from usual channels f1 ,... into standby channels f3 ,.... That is, since the standby channels f3 ,... are not usually used, and therefore the communication efficiency is high, even when the communication efficiency is reduced in the usual channels f1 ,..., due to data collision, noise or the like through the repetitive retrials, so that the communication channels are changed into the standby channels f3 ,... for attaining high-speed communication.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system having a plurality of communication devices, wherein an arbitrary communication device communicates with another communication device using a predetermined channel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various communication systems have been proposed in which a plurality of communication devices are provided and an arbitrary communication device communicates with another communication device using a predetermined channel.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional system, retry (retransmission) frequently occurs in the communication device due to a decrease in the S / N ratio and an increase in traffic on the channel used by each communication device. There is a problem in that required communication specifications cannot be satisfied because communication efficiency is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to prevent a decrease in communication efficiency due to a decrease in the S / N ratio and an increase in traffic, thereby satisfying required communication specifications. It is intended to provide a system.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a spare channel used only when a predetermined condition is satisfied, apart from one or a plurality of normal channels normally used, is provided. S / N
Even if there is a decrease in the ratio or an increase in traffic, by changing the channel used for communication to a spare channel that is used less frequently, the S / N ratio is not affected, traffic is not affected, and retries are less likely to occur. Thus, it is possible to satisfy the required communication specifications by preventing a decrease in communication efficiency.

A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the present invention, the same spare channel is commonly associated with at least two of the normal channels, and the spare channel which is used less frequently than the normal channel. By making a channel correspond to a plurality of normal channels in common, the configuration of the communication system can be minimized even when a spare channel is provided.

[0007] The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the same number of spare channels is provided for the plurality of normal channels, and the communication efficiency when using the spare channels is further improved. be able to.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of normal channels is associated with a specific spare channel, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, each communication device corresponds to the spare channel. In the case where the above-described predetermined condition is changed for each of a plurality of normal channels, a communication is performed when a spare channel is used by providing a spare channel corresponding to each normal channel. Efficiency can be improved.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect of the present invention, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, each communication device randomly selects and uses a spare channel. Even if there is, communication is immediately performed by selecting a vacant spare channel, and communication efficiency can be improved. The invention of claim 6 is claim 1
In the invention, the number of retries in the communication using the normal channel is used as the predetermined condition, and the channel is changed to a spare channel according to the number of retries caused by a decrease in S / N ratio or an influence of traffic. By doing so, it is possible to improve communication efficiency without being affected by a decrease in the S / N ratio or traffic.

[0009] The invention of claim 7 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the type of data transmitted and received between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition. By using the spare channel for high-ranked communication, communication can be performed without being affected by a drop in S / N ratio or traffic depending on the type of data.

[0010] The invention of claim 8 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the occurrence frequency of a plurality of types of data transmitted and received between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition. By communicating high data using the spare channel, communication efficiency can be improved without being affected by traffic. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, as the predetermined condition, a data length of data transmitted and received between the communication devices is used. If the communication is performed by using the data, the traffic does not increase due to the data having a long data length that takes a long communication processing time, and the influence on other data having a short data length and a high frequency of occurrence is reduced. Communication efficiency can be improved.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the present invention, the number of packets transmitted and received between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition.
By using a spare channel to communicate when data is transmitted by being divided into multiple packets,
It is possible to reduce the possibility that another communication will interrupt between packets.

An eleventh invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, a communication mode between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition. By distinguishing between the channels used in the random communication mode and the random communication mode, it is possible to improve the communication efficiency by eliminating the influence of the mutual communication mode.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the number of retries measured by the retry number measuring unit for measuring the number of retries in the communication using the normal channel is specified. Each communication device is provided with a control unit for changing a channel used for communication from a normal channel to a spare channel when the value exceeds the value.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, the specified value is variable. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, a data identification unit for identifying the type of the data and a channel used for communication according to the type of the data identified by the data identification unit are changed from a normal channel to a spare channel. And a control unit for changing to a communication device.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect of the present invention, the data occurrence frequency measuring section for measuring the occurrence frequency of the various data, and the occurrence frequency measured by the data occurrence frequency measurement section is a predetermined value. A control unit for changing a channel used for communication from a normal channel to a spare channel is provided in each communication device. The invention of claim 16 is the invention of claim 15, wherein the predetermined value of the occurrence frequency is variable.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, a data length identifying section for identifying the data length, and a channel used for communication if the data length identified by the data length identifying section is a specified value. And a control unit for changing the channel from the normal channel to the spare channel. An eighteenth invention is characterized in that, in the seventeenth invention, the specified value of the data length is variable.

In a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, a packet number recognizing unit for recognizing the number of packets, and a channel used for communication if the number of packets recognized by the packet number recognizing unit is a prescribed value. And a control unit for changing the channel from the normal channel to the spare channel. According to a twentieth aspect, in the invention of the nineteenth aspect, the prescribed value of the number of packets is variable.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, a communication mode recognizing section for recognizing the communication mode, and a communication mode if the communication mode recognized by the communication mode recognizing section matches a prescribed communication mode. Each communication device is provided with a control unit for changing a channel to be used from a normal channel to a spare channel. According to a twenty-second aspect, in the twenty-first aspect, the communication mode defined above can be changed.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention. In an amusement hall typified by a pachinko parlor, electric power is supplied to each gaming machine (for example, pachinko machine). connect the communication device S ₁ ... the power line W for, these communication devices S ₁ ..., data and the like generated in each gaming table (data indicating the payout information and failure information, etc.) with the power line W A plurality of communication networks N ₁ for communication are configured, and a relay device (master modem) M ₁ and a router R for performing communication between the plurality of communication networks N ₁ .
Note that B in the figure is a blocking filter for preventing a carrier for communication transmitted on the power line W from wrapping around the power supply.

The communication system used in the present embodiment detects, for example, a bit error rate and a carrier energy in each bit period of each data bit in a spread spectrum communication system, and changes a transmission speed, a frequency channel, and a gain. This is a so-called adaptive frequency hopping method which is well known in the art, and a detailed description of its principle and the like is omitted. However, it is needless to say that the technical idea of the present invention can be applied to other communication methods without limiting the invention.

In the above-mentioned spread spectrum system (adaptive frequency hopping system), the modulation format of a carrier is specified in the Radio Law, and the spread range of the carrier frequency is 10 kHz.
It is limited to z to 450 kHz. And
The diffusion range is set to several ranges (for example, 10 to 20 kHz).
(z, 60 to 70 kHz, etc.) to form a plurality of communication channels. Here, in the present embodiment, six diffusion ranges are set within the above-mentioned diffusion ranges, and each of the diffusion ranges is set as a communication channel f _{1 to} f ₆ . Incidentally, f ₁ as will be described later, f _2, f ₄ and f ₅
Typically channel, f ₃ and f ₆ are spare channel.

FIG. 2 shows a communication device S₁In the block diagram showing ...
Yes, transmission of data to power line W, transmission over power line W
For the purpose of capturing incoming data and avoiding collisions.
Communication control unit 1 for monitoring data on power line W
And create communication data such as payout information and failure information
When there is no reception response from the data creation unit 2 and the transmission destination
Retry (retransmission) performed by the communication control unit 1
Retry number measurement unit 3 for counting the number of times
When the number of retries measured by the measuring unit 3 exceeds the specified value
The channel used for communication is the normal channel f₁From ...
Spare channel f _ThreeAnd a control unit 4 for changing to
I have.

FIG. 3 shows a data format (packet length: 42 bytes) used in the present embodiment. The receiving side communication device S ₁ ... Code, data byte number display (binary value), bit rate tune code, ACK / NACK,
It consists of a destination address, a source address, data, and a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) code. And Thus, based on the ACK / NACK of the data sent back from the destination of the communication device S ₁ ..., the transmission source of the communication device S ₁
.. Have determined that a retry is necessary.

By the way, since in the present embodiment are typically channel f ₁ ... it is assigned to the communication network N ₁ ... each, different communication networks N ₁ ... belonging communication device S
₁ ... And a router R ₁ for communication between the relay devices M ₁ .
With the door, the relay device M ₁ ... as shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the communication device S ₁ ... same power line W. The router R performs data communication with each of the relay devices M ₁ via a wired or wireless communication-dedicated medium (for example, infrared rays).

On the other hand, the router R has a memory section 5 in which an address table including a router address, a master address and a slave address as shown in FIG. 4 is stored. However, the address table shown in the figure is an example, and does not match the system configuration of the present embodiment. For example, when a plurality of routers are connected, a router address is assigned to each router, and a plurality of communication networks can be identified by an address (master address) of a relay device (master modem) connected to each router. A slave address (address of the communication device) is assigned to each of the plurality of communication devices connected to each relay device, and each communication device is identified.

Communication of the present embodiment configured as described above
In the system, each communication device S ₁… Between
The communication is performed. That is, the source communication device S₁
… Is the address of the sender (slave address)
Communication device S₁Send the address of…
Dress on the power line W in the format of Fig. 3
Transmit the data according to. At this time, the source communication device
S₁Are transmitted over the power line W.
Monitor the presence or absence of data being transmitted, and
In that case, do not send data for a predetermined time.
Avoids data collisions.

On the other hand, other communication devices S ₁ ... Other than the transmission source constantly monitor data transmitted on the power line W. If the transmission destination address of the data does not match its own address, the communication device S ₁ . Ignore it, and take in and process the data only if it matches its own address. Then, the communication device S ₁ ... data has been received addressed to, and set the ACK to ACK / NACK of the data format, and the transmission source of the communication device S ₁ ... power line W data set to the destination address the address of the By transmitting the data to the above, the transmission source communication device S ₁ is notified of the completion of data reception. When the communication device S ₁ of the transmission source receives the data of the reception completion within a predetermined time from the transmission of the data, the communication device S ₁ ends the communication, but does not receive the data of the reception completion within the time. Alternatively, if the returned data is not received (NACK is set in ACK / NACK), the same data is retransmitted (retry).

For example, the communication from the communication device S ₁ to another communication device S ₂ belonging to the same communication network N ₁ will be described as an example. The address of the communication device S ₂ on the receiving side is set as the destination address. The data is the communication network N ₁
Usually sent using the channel f _1, the data using the normal channel f ₁ is returned from the communication device S ₂ on the reception side.

However, for example, different communication networks
Arc N₁, N_TwoCommunication device S belonging to ₁, S_ThreeCommunication between
If so, use the normal channel f₁, F_TwoBut
Cannot communicate directly as above due to differences
No. Therefore, in such a case, the communication device S of the transmission source₁
Relay device M to which is connected₁Captures the data and
If the address set as the data destination address is
Communication network N_TwoBelong to other relay devices
Place M_TwoCommunication device S connected to_ThreeIs the address of
If it is determined that the captured data to the router R
send. Router R is the destination address of the received data
Against the address table stored in the memory unit 5
And the address set as the destination address belongs to
Relay device M_TwoCheck that the data is_TwoSent to
I believe. The relay device M that has received the data from the router R
_TwoHas the address set as the destination address
Communication device S_ThreeFor the communication network N_TwoNormal
Channel f_TwoThe above data is transmitted using. This
Thus different communication networks N₁… Between
Relay device M₁... and communication via the router R
I have.

However, retries may be repeated due to an increase in traffic or a decrease in the S / N ratio, and the communication efficiency may be reduced. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the retry is repeated a certain number of times, as described below, the spare channels f ₃ and f ₃ which are not normally used are described below.
_The communication efficiency is improved by performing communication using ₆ .

[0031] For example, the communication device S ₁ belonging to the same communication network N _1, the case of S _2, the transmission source of the communication device S ₁
Retries provisions value measured of at retry counting unit 3 (e.g., 2 times) Once beyond the channel to be used for communication by the control unit 4 is changed from the normal channels f ₁ to the preliminary channel f _3, preliminary data using the channel f ₃ is delivered onto the power line W. Spare channel f
_The data transmitted using ₃ is the spare channel f ₃
With incorporated in the relay device M ₃ of use it is transmitted to the router R, the destination of the communication device S from further router R
₂ is transferred to the relay device M ₁ of the communication network N ₁ belongs. The relay device M ₁ sends out the data transferred from the router R onto the power line W using the normal channel f ₁ ,
Relaying data to the communication device S ₂ sent. Similarly, in the case of communication between the communication devices S ₁ and S ₃ belonging to different communication networks N ₁ and N ₂ , data is transmitted from the transmission source communication device S ₁ to the relay device M ₃ using the spare channel f _3. are, are data from the relay device M ₃ through the router R and the relay device M ₂ is transferred, the data is transmitted to the communication device S ₃ destination using normal channels f ₂ from the relay device M _2.

As described above, the normal channel f₁…use
If retries are repeated in communication using
Communication device S₁The channel used for communication is
F₁... from spare channel f_Three, F₆Change to
As a result, traffic increases and S / N ratio decreases.
Avoiding influence, destination communication device S₁Send data to…
Communication efficiency can be improved. One
Mari, spare channel f_Three, F₆Is usually not used
Because the communication efficiency is high from ₁... in
Retry is repeated due to data collision or noise.
Even if communication efficiency drops due to
f_Three, F₆And communication can be performed promptly.
You.

Here, the specified value of the number of retries for changing from the normal channels f ₁ to the spare channels f ₃ and f ₆ is 2
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication device S ₁ may be provided with a means for arbitrarily setting the specified value and may be appropriately changed. A dip switch may be used as such a setting means so that the setting can be made by hardware, or an external device such as a personal computer may be connected to the communication device S ₁ via a cable, and the setting may be performed using the external device. The value can be set by software.

In the present embodiment, the normal channels f ₁ and f ₂ and the normal channels f ₄ and f ₅ are
_The spare channels f ₃ , which are used less frequently than ₁ .
Since the f ₆ are respectively made to correspond to a common one at, there is an advantage that can be minimized the structure of a communication system. In the present embodiment, the correspondence between the normal channels f ₁ ... And the spare channels f ₃ and f ₆ is fixed. However, the use of the spare channels f ₃ and f ₆ may rarely overlap. the communication device S ₁ ... are two spare channels f _3, f ₆ may be may be selected randomly. Then, since each communication device S ₁ ... Randomly selects and uses the spare channels f ₃ and f ₆ ,
Even if there are used spare channels f ₃ and f ₆ , it is possible to immediately select a vacant spare channel f ₃ and f ₆ to perform communication and improve communication efficiency.

Note that, as shown in FIG.
Flannel f₁, F_TwoThe same number of spare channels f₁’,
f_Two'. That is, one relay device
M₁, M _TwoSpare channel f corresponding one-to-one to
₁’, F_Two’Relay device M₁’, M_Two’
The spare channel f as in the present embodiment_Three, F₆In common
System configuration is more complicated than when used
That the communication efficiency can be further improved
There are advantages.

By the way, in the communication system (adaptive frequency hopping system) in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform communication using carrier waves of different frequencies for one type of data in one channel f ₁ . For example, if the carrier frequency is properly used for emergency data, normal collation data, and normal polling data, communication can be performed for each data type without being interfered by other types of data. When constructing the communication network N ₁ in an amusement hall such as a pachinko parlor, when it is necessary to consider the rated current of communication and the number of connectable communication devices S ₁ in each island unit, satisfies the specifications required for the communication by varying the channel (frequency range of the carrier wave) to be used for each of the communication network N ₁ ... each, and a plurality of communication networks N ₁
.. Can be managed collectively, and there is also an advantage that such a communication system can be realized at low cost.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of communication apparatuses S ₁ ... In a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the basic configuration of the communication devices S ₁ ... And the configuration of the other relay devices M ₁ ... Are the same as those of the first embodiment. The description will be omitted, and only the characteristic portions of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, a data type identification unit 6 for identifying the type of data created by the data creation unit 2 is provided in the communication devices S ₁ ... To communicate highly urgent data such as error messages. The control unit 4 is characterized in that the communication is performed by changing the channel from the normal channel f ₁ to the spare channel f ₃ . That is, when it is necessary to communicate data having a high degree of urgency as described above, inconvenience may occur if communication cannot be performed because the normal channel f ₁ is in use. By using the spare channels f ₃ ... Which are not normally used, communication can be performed quickly without being affected by traffic. Note that the type of data to be communicated using the spare channels f ₃ is not limited to an error message having a high degree of urgency as described above, but may be, for example, the communication device S ₁ . May be arbitrarily changed by providing means for arbitrarily setting. A dip switch may be used as such setting means to enable hardware setting, or an external device such as a personal computer may be connected to the communication device S ₁ via a cable, and the external device may be used as a software. It is also possible to set it manually.

According to the present embodiment, the channels used for communication are changed from the normal channel f ₁ to the spare channel f _3.
By using the type of data transmitted and received between the communication devices S ₁ ... As a condition for changing to the standby channel f _{3 for} communication with a high priority such as emergency communication, for example.
Is advantageous in that high-priority communication can be reliably performed without being affected by traffic.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of communication apparatuses S ₁ ... In a third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the basic configuration of the communication devices S ₁ , and the configuration of the other relay devices M _1, etc. are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. Illustration and description are omitted, and only the features that are the features of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the data type identification unit 6 for identifying the type of data created by the data creation unit 2 and the frequency of occurrence per unit time for each type of data identified by the data type identification unit 6 The communication device S ₁ is provided with a data generation frequency measuring unit 7 to be measured, and when communicating data of a type whose occurrence frequency measured by the data generation frequency measuring unit 7 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 4 controls the normal channel. It is characterized in that the communication is performed by changing the channel from f ₁ ... to the spare channel f ₃ .

That is, frequently occurring data is normally checked.
Channel f₁If you are communicating using…
Traffic is increasing due to other types of data traffic
Data that may occur frequently.
Spare channel f which is not normally used for_Three...
The communication is performed using the normal channel f. ₁
Suppress traffic increase of ... and improve communication efficiency
be able to. Specifically, the data occurrence frequency measurement unit 7
Unit for each data type identified by the data type identification unit 6
Measure the frequency of occurrence per hour (for example, one hour), and
Until the unit time elapses, the frequency of occurrence will be the specified value
Need to communicate more than 60% of data types
Occurs, the control unit 4 controls the normal channel f₁
... from spare channel f_ThreeChange to…
It is. Note that the spare channel f_ThreeCommunicate using…
When the type of data to be changed changes every unit time (1 hour)
There is a case. However, the spare channel f_ThreeCommunicate using…
The predetermined value for determining the type of data for performing
However, the communication device S is not limited to 0%. ₁…
Is provided with means for arbitrarily setting the above predetermined value, and can be changed as appropriate.
It may be noh. Dip as such setting means
Using a switch, it may be possible to make hardware setting
Communication with an external device such as a personal computer.
Communication device S₁… And the external device
It is also possible to set the predetermined value by software using
You.

According to this embodiment, the channels used for communication are changed from the normal channel f ₁ to the spare channel f _3.
By using the frequency of occurrence of a plurality of types of data transmitted and received between the communication devices S ₁ , for example, by using the spare channel f ₃ , for example, There is an advantage that communication efficiency can be improved without being affected by traffic.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of communication devices S ₁ ... In a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the basic configuration of the communication devices S ₁ ... And the configuration of the other relay devices M ₁ ... Are the same as those of the first embodiment. The description will be omitted, and only the characteristic portions of the present embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, a communication device S ₁ is provided with a data length identification section 8 for identifying the data length (or data amount) of data created by the data creation section 2, and is identified by the data length identification section 8. When communicating data whose data length exceeds a specified value (for example, 20 bytes), the control unit 4 performs communication by changing the channel from the normal channel f ₁ to the spare channel f ₃ . There is.

That is, when data having a large data length (for example, 20 bytes or more) is communicated as described above, the occupation time of the normal channels f ₁ ... May be long, which may hinder communication of other data. Therefore, for such data having a large data length, communication is performed using the spare channels f ₃ ... Which are not normally used, so that the traffic on the normal channels f ₁ . . Note that the specified value for determining data to be communicated using the spare channels f ₃ is not limited to the above 20 bytes or more. For example, the specified value may be arbitrarily set in the communication devices S ₁ . Means may be provided so that it can be changed as appropriate. A dip switch may be used as such a setting means so that the setting can be made by hardware, or an external device such as a personal computer may be connected to the communication device S ₁ via a cable, and the setting may be performed using the external device. The value can be set by software.

According to this embodiment, the channels used for communication are changed from the normal channel f ₁ to the spare channel f _3.
By using the data length of the data to be communicated as a condition for changing to, for example, the data having a long data length is communicated using the spare channel f ₃ .
It is possible to improve the communication efficiency by avoiding an increase in traffic due to data having a long data length requiring a long communication processing time, and reducing the influence on other data having a short data length and a high frequency of occurrence. There are advantages.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of communication apparatuses S ₁ ... In a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the basic configuration of the communication devices S ₁ ... And the configuration of the other relay devices M ₁ ... Are the same as those of the first embodiment. The description will be omitted, and only the characteristic portions of the present embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, the communication devices S ₁ ... Are provided with a packet number recognizing unit 9 for recognizing the number of packets required when communicating the data created by the data creating unit 2 in accordance with the format shown in FIG. When the required number of packets recognized by the packet number recognizing unit 9 communicates data exceeding a prescribed value (for example, two), the control unit 4 changes the channel from the normal channel f ₁ to the spare channel f ₃ . It is characterized in that communication is performed by performing the following.

That is, when data requiring a large number of packets to be transmitted as described above (for example, when the number of required packets is two or more) is communicated, the occupation time of the normal channel f ₁ becomes long and other since the communication of the data which may interfere, by performing communication using thus a conventional spare channel f ₃ not used ... for packet a large number of data, increase the normal channel f ₁ ... traffic Communication efficiency can be improved. The prescribed value of the number of required packets that determines data to be communicated using the spare channel f ₃ is not limited to two or more. For example, the prescribed value is set to the communication devices S ₁ . Arbitrary setting means may be provided so that it can be changed as appropriate. A dip switch may be used as such a setting means so that the setting can be made by hardware, or an external device such as a personal computer may be connected to the communication device S ₁ via a cable, and the setting may be performed using the external device. The value can be set by software.

According to the present embodiment, the channels used for communication are changed from the normal channel f ₁ to the spare channel f _3.
By using the number of packets necessary for data communication as a condition for changing to data, for example, in the case of data that is transmitted by being divided into a plurality of packets, communication is performed using the spare channel f ₃ . By doing so, there is an advantage that the possibility of another communication being interrupted between packets can be reduced.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of communication apparatuses S ₁ ... In a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the basic configuration of the communication devices S ₁ ... And the configuration of the other relay devices M ₁ ... Are the same as those of the first embodiment. The description will be omitted, and only the characteristic portions of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the communication mode for recognizing the communication mode of the data created by the data creating section 2, for example, communication between communication devices S ₁ ... And polling communication in communication network N ₁ . The mode recognition unit 10 is provided in the communication devices S ₁ ..., And the communication mode recognized by the communication mode recognition unit 10 is a prescribed mode (for example, the communication devices S ₁ .
), The control unit 4 performs communication by changing the channel from the normal channel f ₁ to the spare channel f ₃ . That is, a communication mode that is periodically performed such as polling cannot be performed because the normal channel f ₁ is used in a communication mode that is randomly performed such as communication between the communication devices S ₁ . Since inconveniences may occur, the communication performed at random as described above is performed using the spare channels f ₃ . It can be done quickly without being affected. Note that the spare channel f
_The communication mode in which communication is performed by using ₃ ... Is not limited to the communication mode in which communication is performed at random as described above. For example, a means for arbitrarily setting the communication mode is provided in the communication devices S ₁ . May be changed as needed. A dip switch may be used as such a setting means to enable hardware setting, or an external device such as a personal computer and a communication device S ₁ may be used.
Can be connected by a cable, and the communication mode can be set by software using the external device.

According to this embodiment, the channels used for communication are changed from the normal channel f ₁ to the spare channel f _3.
By using the communication mode as a condition for changing to..., The communication mode is used in a communication mode performed periodically such as polling and a communication mode performed randomly such as communication between the communication devices S ₁ . By distinguishing the channels, there is an advantage that the communication efficiency can be improved by eliminating the influence of the communication modes.

[0055]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system having a plurality of communication devices, wherein any communication device communicates with another communication device using a predetermined channel. In addition, since a spare channel used only when a predetermined condition is satisfied is provided separately from a plurality of normal channels, a channel used for communication is changed to a spare channel used less frequently even if traffic increases. Accordingly, there is an effect that the retry is unlikely to occur without being affected by the traffic, the communication efficiency can be prevented from lowering, and the required communication specifications can be satisfied.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the same spare channel is commonly assigned to at least two of the normal channels. Therefore, a spare channel which is less frequently used than the normal channels is assigned to a plurality of normal channels. The common correspondence has the effect that the configuration of the communication system can be minimized even when a spare channel is provided.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the same number of spare channels are provided for the plurality of normal channels, the communication efficiency when using the spare channels can be further improved. The invention of claim 4 is
Each of the plurality of normal channels is associated with a specific spare channel. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, each communication device changes and uses the spare channel corresponding to the normal channel. In a case where the predetermined condition is changed, there is an effect that the communication efficiency when using the spare channel can be improved by providing the spare channel corresponding to each normal channel.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, each of the communication devices randomly selects a spare channel to use when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Is selected to perform communication, and the communication efficiency can be improved. According to the invention of claim 6, since the number of retries in communication using the normal channel is used as the predetermined condition, the channel is changed to a spare channel according to the number of retries caused by a decrease in S / N ratio or the influence of traffic. Thus, there is an effect that the communication efficiency can be improved without being affected by a decrease in the S / N ratio or traffic.

According to the invention of claim 7, since the type of data transmitted and received between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition, for example, a spare channel is used for high-priority communication such as emergency communication. Thus, there is an effect that communication can be performed without being affected by a decrease in S / N ratio or traffic depending on the type of data.

According to the invention of claim 8, since the occurrence frequency of a plurality of types of data transmitted and received between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition, for example, data having a high occurrence frequency is communicated using a spare channel. By doing so, there is an effect that communication efficiency can be improved without being affected by traffic. The invention according to claim 9 uses the data length of data transmitted and received between the communication devices as the predetermined condition. For example, if data having a long data length is communicated using a spare channel, It is possible to improve the communication efficiency by avoiding an increase in traffic due to data having a long data length requiring a long communication processing time, and reducing the influence on other data having a short data length and a high frequency of occurrence. effective.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the number of packets transmitted and received between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition, for example, when data to be transmitted after being divided into a plurality of packets, Communicating using a channel has the effect of reducing the likelihood of other communications interrupting between packets. Claim 1
In the invention of the first aspect, the communication mode between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition. Therefore, for example, a channel used in a communication mode performed periodically such as polling and a communication mode used in a random communication mode are distinguished. By doing so, there is an effect that communication effects can be improved by eliminating the influence of each other's communication mode.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the communication device in the above.

FIG. 3 is a data format in the above.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an address table of a router in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is another system configuration diagram of the above system.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to a sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

S ₁ communication device M ₁ relay device R router W power line N ₁ communication network

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A communication system having a plurality of communication devices, wherein an arbitrary communication device communicates with another communication device by using a predetermined channel. A communication system having a spare channel used only when a predetermined condition is satisfied. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the same spare channel is commonly associated with at least two normal channels. 3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the same number of spare channels are provided for the plurality of normal channels. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of normal channels is associated with a specific spare channel, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, each communication device changes and uses the spare channel corresponding to the normal channel. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein 5. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein each of the communication devices randomly selects a spare channel to use when the predetermined condition is satisfied. 6. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the number of retries in communication using the normal channel is used as the predetermined condition. 7. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein a type of data transmitted and received between said communication devices is used as said predetermined condition. 8. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein a frequency of occurrence of a plurality of types of data transmitted and received between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition. 9. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein a data length of data transmitted and received between said communication devices is used as said predetermined condition. 10. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the number of packets transmitted and received between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition. 11. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein a communication mode between the communication devices is used as the predetermined condition. 12. A retry number measuring unit for counting the number of retries in communication using the normal channel,
A control unit for changing a channel used for communication from a normal channel to a spare channel when the number of retries measured by the retry number measuring unit exceeds a prescribed value, is provided in each communication device. 7. The communication system according to 6. 13. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein said specified value is variable. 14. A communication system comprising: a data identification unit for identifying the type of data; and a control unit for changing a channel used for communication from a normal channel to a spare channel according to the type of data identified by the data identification unit. The communication system according to claim 7, wherein the communication system is provided in an apparatus. 15. A data generation frequency measurement unit for measuring the frequency of occurrence of the various data, and if the occurrence frequency measured by the data generation frequency measurement unit is a predetermined value, a channel used for communication is changed from a normal channel to a spare channel. 9. The communication system according to claim 8, wherein each communication device includes a control unit to be changed. 16. The communication system according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined value of the occurrence frequency is variable. 17. A data length identification unit for identifying the data length, and a control unit for changing a channel used for communication from a normal channel to a spare channel if the data length identified by the data length identification unit is a prescribed value. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein each communication device is provided with a communication device. 18. The communication system according to claim 17, wherein the prescribed value of the data length is variable. 19. A packet number recognizing unit for recognizing the number of packets, and a control unit for changing a channel used for communication from a normal channel to a spare channel if the number of packets recognized by the packet number recognizing unit is a prescribed value. The communication system according to claim 10, wherein the communication device is provided with: 20. The communication system according to claim 19, wherein the prescribed value of the number of packets is variable. 21. A communication mode recognizing unit for recognizing the communication mode, and if the communication mode recognized by the communication mode recognizing unit matches a prescribed communication mode, a channel used for communication is changed from a normal channel to a spare channel. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit.
2. The communication system according to 1. 22. The communication system according to claim 21, wherein said prescribed communication mode can be changed.