JPWO2005034434A1 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, OPERATION MODE STARTING METHOD FOR THE DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING THE PROGRAM - Google Patents

Abstract

Functions as a master station function control section (17) for causing the own apparatus to function as a master station, a slave station function control section (19) for causing the own apparatus to function as a slave station, and a master station function control section (17). The AP fixed mode in which the own device operates as a master station, the STA fixed mode in which the slave station function control unit (19) functions to operate as the slave station, and the master station function control unit (17) or child There is at least one operation mode among AP / STA modes in which any one of the station function control units (19) is operated to operate the own apparatus in either the master station or the slave station. Is stored in the terminal function information storage unit (23), the mode determination unit (22) for determining the operation mode stored in the terminal function information storage unit (23), and the operation determined by the mode determination unit (22). Based on the mode Controlling the mode control unit and a (21).

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus configured to select a communication apparatus having a predetermined capability as a master station in a communication system including a plurality of communication apparatuses, an operation mode activation method of the communication apparatus, a communication method, a communication system, a program, The present invention also relates to a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The wireless network is generally composed of a master station that periodically transmits a beacon and a slave station that receives the beacon. In such a wireless network, an ad hoc network technique is known as one of techniques for automatically determining whether each wireless communication apparatus operates as a master station or a slave station.

  For example, the wireless communication device of the IEEE 802.11 standard has two types of operation modes of the wireless communication device: an IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set) mode that is an ad hoc mode and a BSS (Basic Service Set) mode that is an infrastructure mode. It has a mode. Here, when the operation mode of the wireless communication device is the IBSS mode, the participating wireless communication device carries out the function of the master station around it so that communication can be continued even if the wireless communication device joins or leaves. . On the other hand, when the operation mode of the wireless communication apparatus is the BSS mode, the user does not have the function of the master station and the user fixes a specific device to the master station in advance. In the latter case, a device that is also connected to the wired network is usually selected as the master station.

  Here, for example, when joining a new wireless communication device to the wireless network, the user sets the operation mode of the wireless communication device, and when the wireless communication device operates in the BSS mode, Must be set each time.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-330142 (publication date: November 15, 2002)), there is a master station that operates in the BSS mode in the vicinity in order to save the user from setting time. In this case, as a slave station of the master station that operates in the BSS mode, when there is no master station that operates in the BSS mode in the vicinity, the master station operates in the IBSS mode, or the mobile station itself becomes the master station in the BSS mode. A technique has been disclosed in which a wireless communication device itself makes settings autonomously so as to operate.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-110572 (publication date: April 11, 2003)), when there is a master station operating in the BSS mode in the vicinity, the communication channel is changed. A technique is disclosed in which when a communication channel having no parent station in the vicinity is found due to the change of the wireless communication apparatus, the wireless communication apparatus itself performs setting so as to operate as the parent station in the communication channel. A technique similar to this is also suggested in the configuration method of the neighbor piconet in IEEE 802.15.3.

  Furthermore, in Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-145276 (publication date: May 29, 1998)), since the master station continues to transmit beacons, the power consumption is larger than that of the slave stations. Attention is paid to a technique for selecting a radio communication apparatus having the most power margin as a master station.

  Further, in Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-298687 (publication date: November 12, 1996)), the operation mode set in the communication device is determined, and the first priority is given to the neighboring communication devices. A technique for selecting a wireless communication apparatus having a high operation mode as a master station is also disclosed. A technique similar to this is also suggested in the IEEE 802.15.3 standard.

  As described above, the techniques relating to the determination of the operation content (IBSS / BSS and the master / slave station) of the wireless communication device disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 are either when the wireless communication device is activated, or This is a technology that takes into account when a communication device participates in a wireless network. A technique for selecting an alternative master station when the master station leaves the wireless network is suggested in the IEEE 802.15.3 standard.

  By the way, the conventional wireless network technology represented by IEEE 802.11 has a so-called best-effort communication function that does not guarantee communication reliability and communication quality (Quality of Service (hereinafter also referred to as QoS)) described later. providing.

  However, in real-time transmission of multimedia data such as digital broadcasting and data streaming, there is a communication quality control technology that controls the communication quality indicated by transmission error rate, delay, delay dispersion, etc., and guarantees these within a certain range. It is necessary.

  Therefore, also in the field of wireless networks, IEEE802.11e, IEEE802.15.3, and T70 (ARIB standards having such communication quality control technology are compatible with the European standard ETSI-BRAN HiperLAN / 2. Standards and products such as (ARIB STD T70)) are being developed.

  Under such a communication quality control technique, one wireless communication device selected from a plurality of wireless communication devices participating in the wireless network controls the communication quality (hereinafter, this communication quality control). The wireless communication device that performs the above is called a communication quality control station). That is, the communication quality control station centrally manages most of the information related to communication quality related to the wireless communication devices participating in the wireless network, and performs control such as bandwidth allocation for each wireless communication device.

  In addition, the communication quality control station has, for example, a predetermined capability (function or performance) such as “the ability to recalculate the timing for granting the communication right to each wireless communication device as needed and change the timing to the calculated result”. ) Is generally required, only a limited number of wireless communication devices have the capability of becoming communication quality control stations. Furthermore, its capabilities depend on the wireless communication device and are not uniform. For example, in IEEE802.11e described above, the HC (Hybrid Coordinator) provides the function of the communication quality control station in bandwidth management by the polled access method, and in IEEE 802.15.3, the PNC (Picone Coordinator) is the communication quality control station. Provides functionality.

  Further, in general, in the field of wireless networks, it is defined as a handover procedure that a master station is switched to another one as a slave station moves. For example, the T70 standard defines a function for maintaining communication quality or changing communication quality during a handover and the like along with a handover procedure. Further, in the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) of the IEEE802.11 standard, the handover procedure itself is not specified, but a method related to de facto reconnection is used in products on the market.

  In addition, the communication quality control station which is equipped with the above communication quality technology and is currently put into practical use periodically so that it is convenient to centrally manage communication quality information (communication quality information) due to the network structure. In many cases, it is the same as the parent station that transmits the beacon, that is, it also serves as the parent station. In each of the IEEE 802.11e, IEEE 802.15.3, and T70 standards, the communication quality control station also serves as the master station. Note that the bandwidth management method based on the IEEE 802.11e polled access method operates only in the BSS mode, and the master station is fixed once determined, and does not change midway as in the IBSS mode. As described above, in a wireless network considering communication quality, the master station normally functions as a communication quality control station.

  Furthermore, in recent years, digital home appliances that record and reproduce digitized multimedia data (data such as moving images, animation, music, and voice) have been developed. In addition, with the development of these digital home appliances, there is an increasing expectation for real-time transmission of multimedia data using wireless in a home network. When a digital home appliance includes a wireless communication device and performs real-time transmission of multimedia data, a communication quality control station having a predetermined capability is required in the network.

  However, the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 4 have a problem that a master station is selected without considering the capability of the wireless communication apparatus as a master station. That is, a wireless communication apparatus that is not suitable as a parent station may become a parent station.

  In Patent Documents 1 and 2, only the master station and the slave station can be autonomously selected without bothering the user, and the ability as a communication quality control station is not considered. The most preferable communication quality control station for performing real-time transmission cannot be selected. Further, in Patent Document 3, although the capabilities of transmission speed and electric energy are taken into consideration, the transmission speed here is the transfer capability of the master station, and the capability as a communication quality control station is not considered. Similarly, in Patent Document 4, only the operation mode of whether to operate as a master station or a slave station is considered, and the capability as a communication quality control station is not considered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the purpose thereof is a communication device capable of setting a communication device having a predetermined capability as a master station, an operation mode starting method of the communication device, a communication method, A communication system, a program, and a storage medium are provided.

  Further, another object of the present invention is that each communication device participates in the network (including participation by movement, participation by returning from a state where the radio propagation environment has deteriorated, and participation by turning on the main power supply), and Considering the master station function and / or communication quality control function even in an environment where each communication device leaves the network (including leaving due to movement, leaving due to deterioration of the propagation environment, and leaving due to main power off) Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that can select a master station, a communication device operation mode activation method, a communication method, a communication system, a program, and a storage medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, a communication apparatus according to the present invention comprises a slave station function control means for causing a local apparatus to function as a slave station in a communication apparatus constituting a network system comprising a master station and a slave station. Selecting a master station based on the function information indicating the function of the other communication device acquired from the other communication device, and controlling the selected parent station to operate the device as a slave station; It is characterized by having.

  Therefore, when there are a plurality of other communication devices in the vicinity of the own device, by using the function information indicating the acquired function of the other communication device, the master station having a better condition than the current master station Can be selected. Furthermore, it is possible to participate in the selected master station as a slave station.

  Therefore, since it is possible to participate in a network system configured by a master station having better conditions, it is possible to perform communication with excellent quality.

  In order to achieve the above object, the communication apparatus according to the present invention is a master station function control for causing a self apparatus to function as a master station in a communication apparatus constituting a network system including a master station and a slave station. Means, a slave station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as a slave station, a first operation mode in which the master station function control means is caused to function as a master station, and the slave station function control means. The second operation mode in which the device operates as a slave station, and either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means functions to operate the master device in either the master station or the slave station A storage unit that has at least one of the third operation modes to be stored and stores any one of the operation modes; a determination unit that determines the operation mode stored in the storage unit; Is characterized in that a control means for operating the self-device based on the operation mode is the constant means determines as a master station or a slave station.

  Therefore, depending on the operation mode stored in the storage means, it is determined whether the communication apparatus operates in the master station or the slave station.

  Here, when the first operation mode is stored in the storage unit, the determination unit determines that the first operation mode is stored in the storage unit, and the control unit operates in the first operation mode. To work. Therefore, in this case, the communication apparatus can operate as a master station by causing the master station function control means to function.

  In addition, when the second operation mode is stored in the storage unit, the determination unit determines that the second operation mode is stored in the storage unit, and the control unit detects the own device in the second operation mode. Make it work. Therefore, in this case, the communication apparatus can operate as a slave station by causing the slave station function control means to function.

  Further, when the third operation mode is stored in the storage unit, the determination unit determines that the third operation mode is stored in the storage unit, and the control unit detects the own device in the third operation mode. Make it work. Therefore, in this case, the communication apparatus can operate either the master station or the slave station by causing either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means to function. Further, when operating in the third operation mode, for example, when another parent station already exists, the local station can be prevented from standing up by making the own apparatus a slave station. On the other hand, when there is no other master station, by setting the own apparatus as the master station, there is an effect that a new network can be constructed even when there is no other master station.

  By the way, the capability of the master station function (that is, the capability when functioning as a master station) differs depending on each communication device constituting the network. That is, some communication devices have a predetermined capability as a master station, and some communication devices do not have a predetermined capability as a parent station. Therefore, there are communication apparatuses that are desired to operate as a master station and other communication apparatuses that are not desired to be operated as a master station.

  Therefore, when it is desired to operate as a master station, this communication apparatus can be operated as a master station by storing the first operation mode in the storage means. Further, when it is not desired to operate as a master station, this communication apparatus can be operated as a slave station by storing the second operation mode in the storage means. Furthermore, when it is possible to operate as a master station, the communication device can be operated as a master station or a slave station by storing the third operation mode in the storage means.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, there is an effect that a communication apparatus that can set a communication apparatus having a predetermined capability as a master station can be obtained.

  In order to achieve the above object, the operation mode activation method according to the present invention includes a master station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as a master station, and a slave station for causing the own apparatus to function as a slave station. An operation mode activation method for a communication device comprising a function control means, wherein the master station function control means functions to function as a master station, and the slave station function control means functions. A second operation mode in which the own apparatus operates as a slave station, and a second operation mode in which either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means functions to operate the own apparatus in either the master station or the slave station. A determination step for determining in which operation mode of the three operation modes the device operates, and an operation step for operating the device as a master station or a slave station based on the operation mode determined in the determination step It is characterized in that it comprises.

  Therefore, the operation mode of the communication apparatus is determined depending on the determined operation mode.

  Here, when it is determined in the determination step that the own apparatus is operated in the first operation mode, the own apparatus operates in the first operation mode. Therefore, in this case, there is an effect that the communication apparatus can be operated as a master station by causing the master station function control means to function.

  If it is determined in the determination means step that the own apparatus is to be operated in the second operation mode, the own apparatus operates in the second operation mode. Therefore, in this case, there is an effect that the communication apparatus can be operated as a slave station by functioning the slave station function control means.

  Further, when it is determined in the determination step that the own apparatus is to be operated in the third operation mode, the own apparatus operates in the third operation mode. Therefore, in this case, the communication apparatus can operate either the master station or the slave station by causing either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means to function. Further, when operating in the third operation mode, for example, when another parent station already exists, the local station can be prevented from standing up by making the own apparatus a slave station. On the other hand, when there is no other master station, by setting the own apparatus as the master station, there is an effect that a new network can be constructed even when there is no other master station.

  In order to achieve the above object, a communication method according to the present invention constitutes a network system composed of a master station and a slave station, and communicates with a communication apparatus that can operate as a master station and a slave station. Then, while participating in the network system, an acquisition step of acquiring information related to a master station function of another communication device, a search step of searching whether there is another communication device serving as a master station, When another communication device serving as a master station is found in the search step, the comparison step for comparing the master station function of the own device with the master station function of the discovered communication device; If it is determined that the master station function of the device is higher than the master station function of the discovered communication device, the own device operates as a master station, while the master station function of the device is the discovery station in the comparison step. The if it is judged to be lower than the master station functions of the communication device, its own device is characterized in that it comprises an operation step of participating in the communication device that is the discovery as a child station.

  Therefore, when participating in the network system, it is possible to acquire information related to the master station function of another communication device.

  Therefore, a communication device having a higher master station function among the communication devices including the host device operates autonomously as a new parent station, so that it is possible to reconstruct a network with better conditions.

  In order to achieve the above object, a communication method according to the present invention forms a wireless network system including a master station and a slave station, and communicates with a communication apparatus that can operate as a master station and a slave station. A method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information related to a parent station function of another communication device while participating in the network system; a monitoring step of monitoring a communication state with the parent station; A comparison step for comparing the master station function of its own device with the master station function of the communication device that has acquired information related to the master station function, and the comparison step. When it is determined that the master station function of the device is higher than the master station function of the communication device that acquired the information related to the master station function, the own device operates as the master station, while the comparison step In the case where it is determined that the master station function of the own apparatus is lower than the master station function of the communication apparatus that acquired the information related to the master station function, the own apparatus includes an operation step of operating as a slave station. It is a feature.

  Therefore, when participating in the network system, it is possible to acquire information related to the master station function of another communication device.

  Therefore, when communication with the master station becomes poor, a network with poor communication is not continuously constructed as it is, but communication devices with a high master station function are autonomous among communication devices including the self device. By operating as a new master station, it is possible to reconstruct a network with better conditions.

  In order to achieve the above object, a communication method according to the present invention constitutes a network system composed of a master station and a slave station, and communicates with a communication apparatus that can operate as a master station and a slave station. The acquisition step of acquiring information related to the master station function of another communication device while participating in the network system, and the master station function of the own device when receiving a leave command from the network from the master station Comparing the master station function of the communication apparatus that has acquired information on the master station function with the master station function of the communication apparatus in which the master station function of the own apparatus has acquired information on the master station function in the comparison step If the device is determined to be higher, the device operates as a master station, while the master station function of the device acquires information related to the master station function in the comparison step. If it is judged to be lower than the master station capability of location, the own apparatus is characterized in that it comprises an operation step of operating as the slave station.

  Therefore, when participating in the network system, it is possible to acquire information related to the master station function of another communication device.

  Therefore, when receiving a leave command from the network from the master station, rather than terminating the operation of the own device as it is, if the master station function of the own device is the highest among the communication devices including the own device, When the own apparatus operates as a master station, there is an effect that a new network can be reconstructed. In addition, if there is another network with good conditions, it is possible to reconstruct a new network by participating in the network.

  In order to achieve the above object, a communication system according to the present invention is a communication system in which a plurality of communication devices are connected via a network, and at least one of the plurality of communication devices includes: It is said communication apparatus.

  Therefore, there is an effect that the effect described above with respect to the communication device can be obtained by the present system.

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to function as each means of the communication device.

  By loading the program into the computer system, the communication device can be provided to the user.

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to execute the operation mode starting method of the communication apparatus.

  By loading the program into the computer system, it is possible to provide the user with a method for starting the operation mode of the communication device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to execute the above communication method.

  By loading the program into the computer system, it is possible to provide the user with the communication method.

  In order to achieve the above object, a recording medium recording a program according to the present invention records the above program.

  By loading the program recorded on the recording medium into the computer system, the communication device, the operation mode starting method of the communication device, or the communication method can be provided to the user.

  Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be fully understood from the following description. The benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a block diagram of the radio | wireless communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of starting of the said radio | wireless communication apparatus. It is a block diagram of the radio | wireless communication apparatus which concerns on other embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the master station recovery operation | movement of the said radio | wireless communication apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the priority referred at the time of the said master station recovery operation | movement. It is another figure for demonstrating the priority referred at the time of the said master station recovery operation | movement.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 as follows.

  In the following description, in a wireless network system composed of a plurality of wireless communication devices, when the wireless communication device functions as a parent station, the wireless communication device is referred to as a parent station, and the wireless communication device serves as a child station. When functioning, the wireless communication device is referred to as a slave station. When the wireless communication device functions as a communication quality control station, the wireless communication device is referred to as a communication quality control station. Further, when the wireless communication device functions as a master station and a communication quality control station, the wireless communication device is referred to as a master station that performs communication quality control. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a wireless communication apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the wireless communication apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a MEM (Memory) 12, a transmission data buffer 13, a reception data buffer 14, a wireless communication control unit 15, a modem unit 16, and a master station function control. Section (master station function control means) 17, communication quality control section (communication quality control means) 18, slave station function control section (slave station function control means) 19, antenna 20, mode control section (mode control means / control means) 21, a mode determination unit (determination unit) 22, a terminal function information storage unit (storage unit) 23, a mode display unit (display unit) 24, and a mode setting unit (setting unit) 25.

  The CPU 11 performs processing such as input / output of the wireless communication device 1 and execution of commands. The MEM 12 is a main storage device that the CPU 11 can directly access. Note that the CPU 11 and the MEM 12 are connected to the wireless communication control unit 15 via a system bus.

  The transmission data buffer 13 temporarily stores data to be transmitted to an external wireless communication device, and then transmits the data to the wireless communication control unit 15. The reception data buffer 14 receives data received from an external wireless communication device via the wireless communication control unit 15 and temporarily stores the received data, and then transmits the received data to a processing unit (not shown). Send.

  The wireless communication control unit 15 is a block that controls transmission / reception of data including a beacon. The modem 16 demodulates the data received via the antenna 20 and then transmits the modulated data to the radio communication control unit 15 or modulates the data received from the radio communication control unit 15. The modulated data is transmitted to the antenna 20.

  The master station function control unit 17 is a block that performs master station processing including beacon transmission processing. That is, the master station function control unit 17 is a block that allows the wireless communication apparatus 1 to function as a master station. The master station function controller 17 functions as a master station in response to a command from the mode controller 21. The master station function control unit 17 transmits and receives data to and from the wireless communication control unit 15. Further, data is transmitted to and received from the communication quality control unit 18.

  The communication quality control unit 18 calculates allocation of a radio band for performing communication with an external radio communication device. Further, the communication quality control unit 18 performs processing for notifying the external wireless communication apparatus of the allocated wireless band and band information indicating the communication timing. Thereby, communication quality is controlled between the wireless communication device 1 and another wireless communication device, and between other wireless communication devices, and the communication quality is guaranteed. The band information is sent to an external wireless communication device via the wireless communication control unit 15.

  The slave station function control unit 19 is a block that performs slave station processing including synchronization processing and participation processing with the master station. That is, the slave station function control unit 19 is a block that allows the wireless communication apparatus 1 to function as a slave station. The slave station function controller 19 functions as a slave station in response to a command from the mode controller 21. The slave station function control unit 19 transmits and receives data to and from the wireless communication control unit 15.

  The antenna 20 transmits data to an external wireless communication device and receives data from the external wireless communication device.

  The mode control unit 21 controls the operation of the wireless communication device 1 based on the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit 22. That is, the mode control unit 21 acquires information from the mode determination unit 22, and based on the acquired information, the AP fixed mode (first operation mode) and the STA fixed mode (second operation mode) described later. ) And AP / STA mode (third operation mode) in which operation mode the wireless communication device 51 is operated is controlled.

  The mode control unit 21 also acquires information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 other than the operation mode, and when controlling in the AP / STA mode, based on this information, the master station ( AP) or a slave station (STA) is determined.

  In any case, the mode control unit causes at least one of the master station function control unit 17, the communication quality control unit 18, and the slave station function control unit 19 to function.

  For example, when the mode control unit 21 determines to operate the wireless communication apparatus 1 as a master station, it issues a command to the master station function control unit 17 to cause the master station function control unit 17 to function. If the mode control unit 21 determines that the wireless communication apparatus 1 is to operate as a slave station, it issues a command to the slave station function control unit 19 to cause the slave station function control unit 19 to function. Further, when the mode control unit 21 determines to operate the wireless communication apparatus 1 as a master station for performing communication quality control, it issues a command to the master station function control unit 17 and the communication quality control unit 18 to thereby execute the master station function. The control unit 17 and the communication quality control unit 18 are caused to function.

  In addition, the mode control unit 21 has, for the mode display unit 24, whether its own device functions as a master station, a slave station, a communication quality control station, or a communication It transmits information on the communication state of its own device, including information on whether it functions as a master station that also functions as a quality control station.

  The terminal function information storage unit 23 stores any information of AP fixed mode, STA fixed mode, and AP / STA mode information, which will be described later. Further, the terminal function information storage unit 23 also stores parameters such as a communication channel used when operating in the respective operation modes. The terminal function information storage unit 23 transmits and receives data to and from the wireless communication control unit 15.

  The mode determination unit 22 determines the operation mode stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23. That is, the mode determination unit 22 determines which mode is stored among the AP fixed mode, the STA fixed mode, and the AP / STA mode.

  The mode display unit 24 displays the data received from the mode control unit 21, the data received from the mode determination unit 22, and the data received from the terminal function information storage unit 23. More specifically, information on the communication state of the own device, information on the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit 22, and information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 are displayed.

  Further, when the mode display unit 24 is constituted by a display device, for example, the received data is displayed as character information. An example of the display device is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display device may be an external monitor.

  Further, the mode display unit 24 may be configured by an LED. In this case, in the case of a predetermined condition, the LED at a predetermined location is turned on. Furthermore, instead of the mode display unit 24, a predetermined sound can be generated according to the information transmitted from the mode control unit 21. For example, when information on the AP fixed mode, which is one of the reference information, is transmitted from the mode control unit 21, it is only necessary to beep once. The AP fixed mode will be described later.

  Further, the information displayed on the mode display unit 24 may be displayed constantly from when the wireless communication device 1 is operated, or the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 is obtained from the mode setting unit 25. You may display when it changes.

  The mode setting unit 25 is a block that changes information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 and stores information in the terminal information storage unit. For example, AP fixed mode information is recorded in the terminal function information storage unit 23, and is used when, for example, the user changes this information to other information (for example, STA fixed mode information).

  The mode setting unit 25 can be configured by a physical switch, for example. For example, a switch that designates the AP fixed mode, the STA fixed mode, and the AP / STA mode is provided in the main body of the wireless communication apparatus 1, and the mode is selected by switching the switch, and the selected mode is stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23. Remembered. In this case, for example, information on each mode may be stored in another storage unit (not shown), and these modes may be called and stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23.

  In setting the mode, the display screen of the mode display unit 24 or the display screen of an externally connected monitor may be used as the setting screen. Further, the information change using the mode setting unit 25 may be configured while the wireless communication apparatus 1 is in operation, or may be configured so as not to be performed during operation. Further, when the application is designed to operate only on the slave station due to the design specification of the application, the application sets / changes the mode and parameter values using the mode setting unit 25. It is good also as a structure.

  Here, the AP fixed mode, the STA fixed mode, and the AP / STA mode will be described.

  The AP (Access Point) fixed mode is a mode in which the wireless communication device 1 is set as a master station and operation control is performed. The STA (Station) fixed mode is a mode in which the wireless communication device 1 is set as a slave station and operation control is performed. Furthermore, the AP / STA (Access Point / Station) mode is a mode in which the wireless communication device 1 can be set in either a master station or a slave station, and operation control is performed as a set station. is there. In this AP / STA (Access Point / Station) mode, the wireless communication device is first activated as a slave station.

  Next, the operation at the time of starting the wireless communication device 1 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. However, in the following description, a case will be described in which, when the wireless communication device 1 is a master station, this wireless communication device also functions as a communication quality station. That is, the case where the wireless communication apparatus 1 functions only as a master station or a slave station capable of controlling communication quality is shown.

  First, the mode determination unit 22 determines whether the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 is AP fixed mode information (S1). Here, when the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 is AP fixed mode information, the mode control unit 21 designates the communication channel in the terminal function information storage unit 23 in advance by the user or an application ( It is determined whether or not it is stored (S8).

  In S8, when a communication channel is designated, the mode control unit 21 issues a command to the master station function control unit 17 and the communication quality control unit 18, and the wireless communication apparatus 1 uses the designated communication channel. Then, it is started as a master station capable of controlling communication quality (S9). On the other hand, if it is determined in S8 that the communication channel is not designated, the mode control unit 21 issues a command to the wireless communication control unit 15 via the master station function control unit 17 to search for an empty channel ( S10).

  After S10, it is determined whether an empty channel has been found (S11). In S11, when a free channel is found, the mode control unit 21 issues a command to the master station function control unit 17 and the communication quality control unit 18 to use the found communication channel, and the wireless communication apparatus 1 is controlled to perform communication quality control. It is activated as a possible master station (S12).

  On the other hand, if a free channel cannot be found in S11, the process returns to S10 again to search for a free channel. In this case, a message indicating that an empty channel cannot be found may be displayed on the mode display unit 24, may be activated as a master station using any communication channel, or may continue to be searched as it is. Alternatively, the power may be turned off automatically after the startup is finished. Furthermore, the mode setting unit 25 or the mode display unit 24 may prompt the user or application to end the AP fixed mode and change to another mode.

  In S1, when it is determined that the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 is not information of the AP fixed mode, the mode control unit 21 determines that the communication channel is set in advance by the user or an application by the terminal function information storage unit 23. Is determined (stored) (S2).

  When the communication channel is designated in S2, the mode control unit 21 issues a command to the wireless communication control unit 15 through the slave station function control unit 19, and searches for the master station only in the designated communication channel (S3). . On the other hand, when the channel is not designated in S2, the mode control unit 21 issues a command to the radio communication control unit 15 through the slave station function control unit 19, and searches for the master station in all communication channels (S4).

  After S3 and S4, it is determined whether or not a master station has been found (S5). In S5, when the master station is found, the mode control unit 21 issues a command to the wireless communication control unit 15 through the slave station function control unit 19, and participates in the master station (S6). On the other hand, if the master station cannot be found in S5, the mode determination unit 22 determines whether or not the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 is STA fixed mode information ( S7).

In S7, when the mode determination unit 22 determines that the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 is the STA fixed mode information, the wireless communication device 1 is activated as a slave station and the master station is activated. The fact that it cannot be found may be displayed on the mode display unit 24, the search for the master station may be continued as it is, the startup may be terminated and the power may be turned off automatically, or the STA fixed mode The mode setting unit 25 or the mode display unit 24 may prompt the user or application to end the process and change to another mode.
On the other hand, in S7, when the mode determination unit 22 determines that the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 is not the STA fixed mode information, that is, the AP / STA mode information is the terminal function information storage unit 23. Is stored, the process proceeds to S8, and the above-described series of processing (S9 to S12) is executed. If a free channel cannot be found in S11, the mode setting unit 25 or the mode display unit 24 may prompt the user or application to end the AP / STA mode and change to another mode. . Alternatively, the process may be repeated from S1 again.

  As a result of the above processing, when the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 is information on the AP fixed mode, the wireless communication device 1 functions as a master station on a designated channel or an empty channel. When the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 is STA fixed mode information, the wireless communication device 1 functions as a slave station. Further, when the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 is AP / STA mode information, it functions as a slave station when there is a master station, and when there is no master station, the master station Will function as.

  Therefore, the user uses the wireless communication device 1 in the mode desired by the user by storing the operation mode desired by the mode setting unit 25 in the terminal function information storage unit 23 of the wireless communication device 1 in advance. can do.

  For example, when the user wants to make the wireless communication device 1 a device that forms a network independent of the existing network, the wireless communication device 1 may be set to the AP fixed mode. In addition, it is desirable that a device used in a stationary state of a wireless communication device or a device that is not carried by a user so much is set to an AP fixed mode or an AP / STA mode. Furthermore, it is preferable that the wireless communication device (for example, home server) in which the power is always turned on is set to the AP fixed mode.

  In addition, it is preferable that a wireless communication apparatus that only needs to receive a stream is set to the STA fixed mode. Furthermore, it is preferable to set a relatively low-function wireless communication device (for example, a low-function TV, a mobile phone, and a PDA) to the STA fixed mode.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to set the AP / STA mode for a wireless communication apparatus that does not have a function to become a master station but wants to be activated as a master station instead when there is no master station. A wireless communication apparatus (for example, a video deck or a video camera) having a stream transmission function is preferably set to the AP / STA mode (or the AP fixed mode).

  Further, the communication quality control unit 18 calculates the allocation of radio bands to other radio communication devices, and notifies the band information indicating the radio bands allocated to the other radio communication devices, so that each radio communication device However, the communication quality is not limited to this.

  For example, the communication quality control unit 18 controls the transmission waiting time for other wireless communication devices, and notifies the other wireless communication devices of the transmission waiting time information, thereby determining the communication quality between the wireless communication devices. You may control. That is, without assigning a radio band, each wireless communication device is notified of information on the transmission waiting time with superiority or inferiority, and each wireless communication device that has received the information has superiority or inferiority (priority order) of data that it wants to transmit. ) By itself, waiting for the above-mentioned transmission waiting time, and each wireless communication device may transmit the name to control the communication quality.

  Note that in this case, competition occurs because each wireless communication apparatus transmits in a deliberate manner, but the competition quality control unit controls the waiting time, so that the competition state can be set to a certain level.

  In addition, the communication quality control unit that notifies the waiting time can be easily applied to various wireless communication devices because it is easy to mount on the wireless communication device.

  As described above, the radio communication device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to control the master station function for causing the own device to function as the master station in the radio communication device constituting the radio network system including the master station and the slave station. Unit (master station function control means) 17, slave station function control section (slave station function control means) 19 for causing the own apparatus to function as a slave station, and the master station function control section 17 to function. AP fixed mode (first operation mode) for operating as a master station, STA fixed mode (second operation mode) for causing the slave station function control unit 19 to function as a slave station, and the master station function One of the operation modes of the AP / STA mode (third operation mode) in which either the control unit 17 or the slave station function control unit 19 is caused to function to operate the own apparatus in either the master station or the slave station is stored. Terminal Based on the information storage unit (storage unit) 23, the mode determination unit (determination unit) 22 that determines the operation mode stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23, and the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit 22 And a mode control unit (mode control means) 21 for operating the device itself.

  Therefore, when it is desired to operate the wireless communication apparatus 1 as a master station, the wireless communication apparatus 1 can be operated as a master station by storing the AP fixed mode in the terminal function information storage unit 23. When it is not desired to operate the wireless communication apparatus 1 as a master station, the wireless communication apparatus 1 can be operated as a slave station by storing the STA fixed mode in the terminal function information storage unit 23. Further, when the wireless communication device 1 may be operated as a master station, the wireless communication device 1 is operated as a master station or a slave station by storing the AP / STA mode in the terminal function information storage unit 23. be able to.

  Therefore, when the wireless network system is formed by a wireless communication device having the configuration of the wireless communication device 1, a wireless communication device having a predetermined capability can be set as a master station.

  Further, the wireless communication device 1 further calculates the assignment of the wireless band to the other wireless communication device, and notifies the wireless communication device 1 of the band information indicating the wireless band assigned to the other wireless communication device. The communication quality between the wireless communication devices is controlled, or the transmission waiting time for other wireless communication devices is controlled, and the information of the transmission waiting time is notified to the other wireless communication devices, so that the communication between the wireless communication devices is performed. A communication quality control unit (communication quality control means) 18 for controlling quality is provided, and when operating the own device as a parent station, the mode control unit 21 operates the own device as a parent station capable of controlling communication quality. It is something to be made.

  Therefore, in consideration of not only the capability of the master station function but also the capability of the communication quality control function, the wireless communication apparatus having a low capability of the communication quality control function can be obtained by storing the operation mode in the terminal function information storage unit 23. It can prevent becoming a master station. Therefore, a wireless network in which communication quality is guaranteed can be constructed.

  Further, when the operation mode of the wireless communication device 1 is set to the AP / STA mode and there is another master station, the mode control unit 21 The apparatus is operated as a slave station.

  Therefore, even when the AP / STA mode is stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23, it is possible to prevent the master station from being disturbed in the wireless network.

  By the way, the start timing of the processing of the flow shown in FIG. 2 may be, for example, when the power of the wireless communication device 1 is turned on. Further, it may be immediately after the setting / change by the mode setting unit 25 is completed. Further, a start button for giving an instruction to start the flow process may be provided on the housing of the wireless communication apparatus 1, and the flow process may be started when the start button is pressed. In addition, a button corresponding to the start button may be provided in the mode setting unit 25.

  In the above description, the operation only for the wireless communication device 1 in which the operation mode is set and the wireless network formed by the wireless communication device 1 have been described. However, the conventional operation mode does not have the above operation mode. Even if there is a wireless communication device in the vicinity, there is no influence and both can operate in the same network.

  The wireless communication device 1 may be configured without the mode display unit 24. Furthermore, the wireless communication device 1 may be configured not to include the mode setting unit 25. However, in this case, the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 cannot be changed.

[Embodiment 2]
One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, when the wireless communication apparatus serves as a master station, the case where this wireless communication apparatus also functions as a communication quality station will be described. That is, the case where the wireless communication apparatus functions only as a master station or a slave station capable of controlling communication quality is shown.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of radio communication apparatus 51 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the wireless communication device 51 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61, a MEM (Memory) 62, a transmission data buffer 63, a reception data buffer 64, a wireless communication control unit 65, a modem unit 66, and a master station function control. Section (master station function control means) 67, communication quality control section (communication quality control means) 68, slave station function control section (slave station function control means) 69, antenna 70, mode control section (mode control means / control means) 71, mode determination unit (determination unit) 72, terminal function information storage unit (storage unit) 73, mode display unit 74, mode setting unit 75, master station monitoring unit (monitoring unit) 76, main power supply control unit (power supply control unit) ) 77 and a terminal function information notifying unit (notifying means) 78.

  Here, the CPU 61, the MEM 62, the transmission data buffer 63, the reception data buffer 64, the modem unit 66, the master station function control unit 67, the communication quality control unit 68, the slave station function control unit 69, the antenna 70, and the mode determination unit 72. Are the CPU 11, the MEM 12, the transmission data buffer 13, the reception data buffer 14, the modulation / demodulation unit 16, the master station function control unit 17, the communication quality control unit 18, and the slave station function control unit 19 described in the first embodiment. Since it has the same function as the antenna 20 and the mode determination unit 22, the description thereof is omitted.

  The wireless communication control unit 65, the mode control unit 71, the terminal function information storage unit 73, the mode display unit 74, and the mode setting unit 75 are respectively the wireless communication control unit described in the first embodiment. 15, since it has substantially the same function as the mode control unit 21, the terminal function information storage unit 23, the mode display unit 24, and the mode setting unit 25, only different points will be described.

  In addition to the items that can be set by the mode setting unit 25 described in the first embodiment, the mode setting unit 75 can also set whether or not the wireless communication device 51 supports a master station recovery function described later. Yes. The rest is the same as the mode setting unit 25 described above.

  Here, the master station recovery function is (1) when communication with the master station becomes defective due to movement of the master station, etc. (2) If communication with the master station remains disabled, the wireless communication device 51 functioning as a slave station has the function of becoming a master station. A function that serves as a master station. With this master station recovery function, even if the slave station loses sight of the master station, the slave station can become the master station and the wireless communication network can be reconstructed.

  Whether the terminal function information storage unit 73 supports the master station recovery function set by the mode setting unit 75 in addition to the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 shown in the first embodiment. Such information is also stored. Further, in the terminal function information storage unit 73, beacon information transmitted from the master station while the radio communication device 51 is participating in the network, and the capability and quality communication control of the master station function of other radio communication devices in the network. Memorize capability of function. Note that beacon information transmitted by other parent stations other than the parent station forming the network to which the terminal belongs may be stored. The beacon information, the master station function capability, and the quality communication control function capability are acquired via the radio communication control unit 65 and then stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73. The beacon information refers to the network identifier of the master station obtained from the beacon, the beacon transmission cycle, or the MAC address of the master station (address identifying the information device).

  In addition to the items that can be displayed by the mode display unit 24 shown in the first embodiment, the mode display unit 74 displays whether or not the wireless communication device 51 supports the master station recovery function, and whether the wireless communication device 51 If the recovery function is supported, the recovery status is displayed. In addition, the mode display unit 74 displays the operation status of the master station recovery function such as “I lost my master station. I am currently searching.” Or “I found my master station. I am now participating.” May be indicated. The information displayed on the mode display unit 24 may be displayed at all times from when the wireless communication device 1 is operated, or displayed when the support status such as whether to support the master station recovery function is changed. May be.

  In addition to the functions shown in the first embodiment, the mode control unit 71 is a case where there are wireless communication devices that form a certain number of networks in the surroundings, and the operation mode is in the AP / STA mode. If set, the superiority or inferiority of the master station function capability and the communication quality control function capability between the wireless communication device 51 itself and the surrounding wireless communication devices is determined, and the operation mode of the wireless communication device 51 itself is set as the master station. Or whether it should be a slave station. That is, when the above capability of the wireless communication device 51 is higher than that of the surrounding wireless communication devices, the wireless communication device 51 is set to operate as a master station capable of quality control, and when it is low, It is set to operate as a slave station. Further, the mode control unit 71 controls the above-described master station recovery function, and instructs the master station function control unit 67, the communication quality control unit 68, and the slave station function control unit 69 to perform an operation at the time of recovery. .

  When the wireless communication device 51 is operating as a slave station, the master station monitoring unit 76 monitors other wireless communication devices that are master stations. If it is determined that the state of communication failure with the master station continues for a predetermined time, the mode control unit 71 is notified that communication with the master station is impossible. The master station monitoring unit 76 is provided with a timer for detecting a beacon transmitted by the radio communication device serving as the master station, and determines whether or not the communication failure state continues for a predetermined time. Yes.

  The main power control unit 77 controls power supply to the wireless communication device 1 and transmits information about the power supply state to the terminal function information notification unit 78.

  The terminal function information notifying unit 78 transmits the capability of the master station function of the own station (wireless communication device 51) or another station (other wireless communication device) stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73 to other wireless communication devices. The communication quality control function capability is notified as a data frame. Examples of the notification timing include a case where the terminal function information notification unit receives information that the supply of power from the main power supply control unit 77 is stopped.

  The wireless communication control unit 65 receives the notification of the capability from the terminal function information notification unit 78 and sends information to other wireless communication devices, except for the wireless communication control unit 15 described in the first embodiment. Has the same function.

  Here, the capability of the master station function and the capability of the communication quality control function will be described.

  The capability of the master station function refers to, for example, encryption technology, transmission speed, power control technology, or the amount of power that can be supplied, and whether the device is a stationary type or a portable type. For example, the X wireless communication apparatus supports the technique A as an encryption technique, and the Y wireless communication apparatus supports the technique B as well as A as an encryption technique. However, it will have higher functional capabilities as a master station.

  The ability of the communication quality control function is the ability to respond to changes in the wireless communication environment, such as whether the communication quality can be guaranteed even when the wireless communication environment changes, the capacity to accommodate a large number of wireless communication devices that guarantee the communication quality, It refers to the calculation processing capacity for executing the functions of the environmental change capacity and the capacity. As a capability of the communication quality control function, it is also possible to support advanced encryption technology that cannot be supported by the master station due to specifications.

  More specifically, the capability of the communication quality control function is roughly divided into processing performance and a providing function.

  Regarding the processing performance, the higher the processing performance, the more finely the bandwidth allocation can be controlled at the time of execution. For this reason, if the processing performance is high, it is possible to improve the throughput of the entire wireless network system and increase the capacity of equipment to be accommodated in the system under a wireless transmission environment that changes more rapidly than the wired network. Therefore, the processing performance of the communication quality control station needs to satisfy a predetermined condition and is preferably as high as possible.

  For example, in the same wireless communication environment, a communication quality control station with high processing performance can realize a data transmission rate of 30 Mbps, but a communication quality control station with low processing performance may be suppressed to 24 Mbps. Further, if the processing performance of the communication quality control station is high, even if three pieces of data requiring a transmission rate of 6 Mbps can be transmitted at the same time, only two lines may be transmitted if the processing performance is low.

  Examples of the providing function include a power saving control function and an encryption function. For example, in the IEEE802.11e standard, the communication quality control station can teach the timing at which it is possible to shift to a power saving state to a communication device that is a slave station. Of HC. However, since the implementation of this function is optional, it is necessary to select a communication device having the function as the communication quality control station in order to use the function. In addition, in the IEEE802.11 standard, in addition to the conventional WEP encryption function, a TKIP encryption function having a higher encryption level is formulated as IEEE802.11i. However, since the implementation of the TKIP encryption function is a function expansion for the communication quality control station, it is necessary to select a communication apparatus having the function as the communication quality control station in order to use the function.

  As described above, it is preferable to select a wireless communication apparatus having a high capability as a communication quality control station as the communication quality control station.

  Next, a storage period of information regarding the beacon information, the master station function capability, and the communication quality control function capability will be described. The stored information of the beacon information, the master station function capability, and the communication quality control function capability stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73 may be deleted, for example, when the wireless communication device 51 is turned off. However, it may be used at the next power-on without erasing. Further, the number of stored information may be determined in advance, for example, up to 10 stations, and thereafter, the old information may be exchanged in order, or the user may be determined by the mode setting unit 75. Note that the mode control unit 71 refers to these information and capability as a criterion for the beacon information, the capability of the master station function, and the capability of the communication quality control function.

  As described above, in the wireless communication device 51, when the wireless communication device 51 is set to support the master station recovery function by the mode setting unit 75, there is information indicating that the master station recovery function is supported. It is stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73. If the AP / STA mode is set and the master station monitoring unit 76 notifies the mode control unit 71 that communication with the master station is disabled, the mode is set. The control unit 71 performs processing so that the wireless communication device 51 itself functions as a master station to recover from a communication failure. A detailed flow of these processes will be described later.

  Note that communication with the master station becomes impossible: (A) When the master station breaks down, when the master station is turned off, or when the master station or its own station (slave station) is far away When the master station is physically lost due to, for example, moving to another station, and communication with the master station is lost, and (B) the master station loses sight of the master station because it has moved to a different communication channel and cannot communicate with the master station. There are two types of cases. Note that the slave station cannot determine whether communication with the master station has been disabled for any of the reasons (A) or (B) above. Can be determined by not receiving.

  Here, a flow when the communication failure is recovered by exhibiting the master station recovery function will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 4, not only the case where the AP / STA mode (third operation mode) is stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73, but also the STA fixed mode (second operation mode) instead of the AP / STA mode. ) Is stored together.

  First, the master station monitoring unit 76 determines whether the wireless communication device 51 has received a beacon (S21). If a beacon is received in S21, the timer for beacon detection of the master station monitoring unit 76 is reset (S22). That is, the time measurement from the initial value (0 seconds) is started again by the timer. After S22, the process returns to S21 again to determine whether or not a beacon is received. If no beacon is received in S21, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the beacon is no longer received (that is, whether or not a timeout has occurred) (S23).

  In the case of the above reason (A), the smaller the setting value of the timeout is, the better. Therefore, a value equal to or greater than “the time during which the master station operates as a master station in a different communication channel” is set so as to cope with the inability to communicate with the master station due to any of the reasons (A) and (B) above. . However, since the slave station cannot accurately grasp the “time when the master station operates as a master station on a different communication channel”, the beacon is accidentally caused by the radio channel conditions even though the master station has not lost. For example, the timeout value may be several times the “beacon interval” because it must be assumed that the message does not reach. Further, for example, the set value of the timeout may be set from the beacon transmission interval of the master station stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73, or may be set by the user or application by the mode setting unit 75. Good.

  If no time-out has occurred in S23, it is determined whether or not a Deauthentication frame has been received (S24). Here, the Deauthentication frame is a kind of control frame, and specifically is a command to leave the wireless network. If the Deauthentication frame is not received in S24, the process returns to S21 again to determine whether or not a beacon is received.

  If the Deauthentication frame is received in S24, the master station monitoring unit 76 determines that the master station has been lost (that is, communication with the master station has become impossible). Further, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the Deauthentication frame (S25). If the predetermined time has not elapsed in S25, the process waits until the predetermined time elapses.

  The reason for determining whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed is that when the reason for being out of communication with the master station is the above reason (B), the master station moves to a different communication channel when the Deauthentication frame is received. Since it may be in the middle of starting, it is not determined that the recovery process is started at this point, and communication with the master station is disabled due to any of the reasons (A) and (B) above. This is in order to be able to cope. Note that the set value for the fixed time is the “time for which the master station operates on a different communication channel” for the same reason as the timeout value, but it is clear that the master station will be lost if a Deauthentication frame is received. It is not necessary to assume a case where a beacon does not arrive accidentally due to the state of the radio propagation path even though the master station is not lost. Therefore, in this case, the set value for a certain time can be made smaller than the set value for the timer. Similarly to the time-out setting value, the fixed time setting may be set by the wireless communication device 51 itself from the beacon transmission interval of the master station stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73, for example. The user or application may be set by the mode setting unit 75.

  When a certain time has passed in S25 and when a time-out occurs in S23, the master station monitoring unit 76 notifies the mode control unit 71 to perform the master station recovery function, The station's power burr starts. First, the mode control unit 71 instructs the wireless communication control unit 65 via the slave station function control unit 69 and covers all communication channels so as to cope with the inability to communicate with the master station due to the reason (B) above. The master station is searched (S26). After S26, it is determined whether or not the original master station has been found (S27).

  If the original master station can be found in S27, the mode control unit 71 instructs the wireless communication control unit 65 via the slave station function control unit 69 and participates in the original master station via the discovered communication channel. The participation process to the station is performed (S32). After S32, it is determined whether or not the participation in the original master station has been successful (S33). If the participation is successful in S33, the master station recovery process is terminated. On the other hand, if the participation is not successful in S33, the master station recovery process is terminated as it is. However, the participation process may be repeated until the participation is successful without terminating the master station recovery process.

  If the original master station cannot be found in S27, the mode control unit 71 instructs the radio communication control unit 65 via the slave station function control unit 69 to determine whether or not a proxy master station is established in the original communication channel. Search is performed (S28). After S28, it is determined whether or not a proxy master station has been found (S29). If it is determined in S29 that a proxy master station has been found, it is determined whether or not a plurality of proxy master stations have been found (S30). The reason for determining whether or not there are a plurality of proxy master stations in this way is the influence of the start timing shift of the master station recovery function between the radio communication devices, the influence of the radio communication propagation path condition, etc. This is because there are cases where a plurality of proxy master stations are discovered simultaneously.

  If a plurality of proxy stations are not found in S30, that is, if only one proxy master station is found, the process proceeds to S32, and thereafter, the above-described series of processing from S32 is performed. On the other hand, when a plurality of proxy master stations are found in S30, the proxy master station having the highest priority is determined according to the priority determined by the mode control unit 71, and the proxy master station to participate in is selected. (S31). In step S32, the mode control unit 71 instructs the wireless communication control unit 65 via the slave station function control unit 69 to perform processing for joining the proxy master station. The priority will be described later.

  When the proxy master station cannot be found in S29, the mode control unit 71 determines whether or not the wireless communication device 51 itself (own station) has the capability to become the master station (S34). If it is determined in S34 that the own station is not capable of becoming a master station, the master station recovery process is terminated. Instead of ending the master station recovery process as it is, all communication channels may be searched until another proxy master station is created, or a completely different master station may be joined. Further, the operation may be ended by automatically turning off the power. Whether or not the own station can become the master station is determined based on whether the mode of the own apparatus is the AP / STA mode.

  If the own station can become the master station in S34, the priority is determined by the mode control unit 71 in the own station (S35). Then, after S35, it is determined whether or not the time set based on the priority has elapsed (S36). That is, a different time is set according to the priority, and it is determined whether or not this set time has elapsed. Also, the higher the priority, the shorter the time is set.

  Here, the reason why the time is set based on the priority is that if the wireless communication devices that can become a plurality of parent stations start the processing of the master station recovery at the same time and start the operation as a proxy master station, This is because there is a possibility that the proxy master station will be disturbed.

  If the time set based on the priority in S36 has not yet elapsed, the mode control unit 71 instructs the wireless communication control unit 65 via the master station function control unit 67 or the slave station function control unit 69. Then, it is searched in the current channel whether there is any other proxy master station or original master station (S37).

  Thus, even when the time set based on the priority has not yet passed, the reason for performing the search is that the priority is set as described above, and it starts as a proxy master station after the time based on the priority has passed Even so, the timing of the standby start and the timing of starting as the proxy master station are determined by the own station, so if there is a time lag between the wireless communication devices for some reason, the proxy master station may be disturbed This is to prevent such an overshoot.

  After S37, it is determined whether the proxy master station or the original master station has been found (S38). If the proxy master station or the original master station cannot be found in S38, the process returns to S36 again. On the other hand, if it is determined in S38 that the proxy master station has been found, the mode control unit 71 determines whether the detected proxy master station is the master station. It is determined whether or not the priority is higher than the own station (S39).

  If the priority of the proxy master station is lower than that of the own station in S39, the process returns to S36 again to continue searching for the proxy master station. On the other hand, if the priority of the proxy master station is higher than that of the own station in S39, the process proceeds to S32, where the process of joining the master station having a higher priority than the own station is performed. Processing is done. Alternatively, when it is determined in S38 that the proxy master station or the original master station has been found, a series of processes after S32 described above may be performed.

  When the time set based on the priority in S36 has elapsed, the own station (wireless communication device 51 itself) is activated as a proxy master station (S41). After S41, it is determined whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since activation as a proxy master station (S42).

  If the predetermined time has not yet elapsed in S42, the mode control unit 71 instructs the wireless communication control unit 65 via the master station function control unit 67 or the slave station function control unit 69, and sends the other proxy parent. Whether there is a station or the original master station is searched in the current channel (S43). The reason for performing the search even when the predetermined time has not yet elapsed is the same as the reason for performing the search even when the time set based on the priority has not yet elapsed. Yes, in order to prevent the proxy master station from being overrun.

  After S43, it is determined whether or not a proxy master station has been found (S44). If the proxy master station or the original master station cannot be found in S44, the process returns to S42 again. On the other hand, if it is determined in S44 that the proxy master station has been found, the mode control unit 71 determines whether the detected proxy master station or the own station becomes the master station. It is determined whether or not the priority is higher than the own station (S45).

  If the priority of the proxy master station is lower than that of the own station in S45, the process returns to S42 again, and the process continues as the proxy master station. On the other hand, when the priority of the proxy master station is higher than that of the own station in S45, the process as the proxy master station is terminated (S40). After S40, the process proceeds to S32, where a process of joining a master station having a higher priority than the own station is performed, and thereafter, a series of processes after S32 described above are performed. Alternatively, when it is determined in S44 that the original master station has been found, the process as the proxy master station may be terminated (S40), and thereafter, the above-described series of processes from S32 may be performed.

  If a predetermined time has elapsed in S42, the own station becomes the parent station, and the parent station recovery process ends.

  In S41 and after, it is desirable that the communication channel that starts the operation as the proxy master station is the original communication channel. This is due to the following reason. When the master station is lost, it is important to resume communication immediately. To do so, it is necessary to collect the remaining stations in the same network as much as possible. Therefore, by fixing the communication channel that starts the operation as the proxy master station to the original communication channel that has been used up to now, both the proxy master station side and the slave station side exist in the network until now This is because it is easy to find the wireless communication device, and it is possible to resume communication promptly.

  In S30, when a plurality of proxy master stations are not found (that is, when only one proxy master station is found) and when a plurality of proxy master stations are found, the discovered proxy master station When participating, but in the AP / STA mode, the priority of the discovered proxy parent station and the own station may be compared to operate as the proxy parent station.

  As described above, the wireless communication device 51 according to the present embodiment includes the master station monitoring unit (monitoring means) 76 that monitors other wireless communication devices serving as master stations, and the operation mode of the own device is AP / STA. When the mode (third operation mode) is set and the master station monitoring unit 76 determines that the communication state with the master station is bad, the mode control unit (mode control means) 71 The master station function control section (master station function control means) 67 is operated to operate the own apparatus as a master station, or the slave station function control section (slave station function control means) 69 is operated as a slave station. Decide whether to operate.

  Therefore, when the communication state with the parent station becomes poor, for example, if there is no other wireless communication device that becomes the parent station, the wireless network can be reconstructed by the own device becoming the parent station. In addition, if there is another wireless communication device serving as a master station, it is possible to prevent the master station from standing up because the device remains a slave station.

  Here, the priority described above will be described.

  The priority refers to a criterion for determining a wireless communication device to be a master station. The priority includes, for example, the order in which individual addresses (hereinafter referred to as network addresses) assigned to each wireless communication device forming the network are arranged in ascending order.

  Here, the network address can be used as the priority for the following reason. In general, each wireless communication device obtains the network address of the partner station from the master station in order to communicate with the partner station. Therefore, while participating in the master station, the network address of the partner station is stored in the terminal function information storage unit. 73 can be stored. Therefore, the mode control unit 71 can obtain the network addresses of all the wireless communication devices in the same network from the terminal function information storage unit 73. Therefore, the mode control unit 71 can use the order in which the network addresses assigned from the parent station to the own station are arranged in ascending order as the priority as the parent station.

  In addition to the network address, the priority may be determined in consideration of the ability to become a master station. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the wireless communication devices that cannot become the master station can be removed from the order in which the network addresses are arranged in ascending order, and the wireless communication device that can become the parent station has priority. The degree can be increased.

  Further, the beacon information transmitted by the master station stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73 before losing the master station, and the master station function obtained from the terminal function information notification unit of the wireless communication device in the network The mode control unit 71 may determine the priority by using the information on the ability and the communication quality control function ability.

  In order to realize such priority determination, while each wireless communication device participates in the network, information about the surrounding wireless communication device and the capability of the master station function and the communication quality control function is obtained in advance. The information is exchanged and stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73. In this case, information about the capability of the master station function and the capability of the communication quality control function of the local station is notified as a data frame to the other wireless communication apparatus by the terminal function information notification unit 78. Also, the information about the capability of the master station function and the capability of the communication quality control function related to the surrounding wireless communication devices stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73 may be notified and transferred to another wireless communication device together with the information of the local station. Good.

  Information about the capability of the master station function and the capability of the communication quality control function related to the surrounding wireless communication devices collected by the wireless communication device 51 in this way is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the terminal function information storage unit 73 includes, as information on the capability of the master station function, a power supply state, an installation state, a supported transmission speed, a supported encryption technology, and a supported power control technology. Information about is stored. In addition, as information on the capability of the communication quality control function, communication quality assurance capability, support for encryption technology out of specification when functioning as a master station, and information on power control technology are stored. Further, the information on the communication quality assurance capability includes communication capability such as adaptability to changes in the radio communication environment, the number of radio communication devices accommodated, the transmission speed capable of supporting communication quality, and the correspondence capability, the accommodated number, the transmission rate, and the like. It stores information about the calculation speed until the quality assurance capability is executed. Further, the terminal function information storage unit 73 operates as a wireless communication device 51 own MAC address, communication channel, whether or not it is currently a master station, whether or not it has master station capability, and a communication quality control station. Information such as whether or not it is possible is also stored. And based on such information, for example, each information can be scored, and the priority can be determined based on the total score.

  As shown in the figure, the wireless communication apparatus having a MAC address of 100 is the current master station and its communication channel is 1. In this case, the score for the communication channel of the wireless communication apparatus having the MAC address of 300 is, for example, 0 points because the communication channel is 2 instead of 1, and the score for the parent station is not the current parent station, for example, 0 points. To do. Hereinafter, as will be described later, a score is assigned to each piece of information. However, the method of assigning the score is an example, and is not limited to this.

  For example, the score regarding the capability of the master station is 10 points for a wireless communication device with capability and 0 points for a wireless communication device without capability.

  The score relating to the power supply state is 5 points for a wireless communication device that obtains power from an AC power source and 0 point for a wireless communication device that is obtained from a battery. The score regarding the installation state is 5 points for the stationary wireless communication device and 0 points for the portable wireless communication device. Further, the score regarding the transmission rate is 10 points for a wireless communication device having a maximum transmission rate of 36 Mbps and 8 points for a wireless communication device having a maximum transmission rate of 24 Mbps. Further, the score relating to the encryption technique is 5 points for the wireless communication apparatus that supports the encryption technique of the parent station called α, and 0 points if not. Furthermore, the score regarding the power control technique is 5 points for a wireless communication apparatus that supports the power control technique A, and 0 points for wireless communication apparatuses that do not support the power control technique. The score regarding whether or not the communication quality control station can operate is 20 points if the wireless communication apparatus can operate as a communication quality control station, and 0 points if the wireless communication apparatus cannot operate.

  Here, the reason why the score of the wireless communication device that obtains power from the AC power source is higher than the score of the wireless communication device that obtains power from the battery is that the master station continues to send out beacons, so This is because it is preferable that the power supply is higher than that of the station and AC power is supplied. In the case of battery driving, it can be said that the larger the remaining battery power, the better.

  In addition, the reason why the score of the stationary wireless communication device is higher than the score of the portable wireless communication device is that if the parent station is portable, if the parent station moves during communication, communication between networks This is because it may become impossible.

  Next, the score concerning the communication quality assurance capability is as follows. Regarding the score regarding the wireless communication environment change resilience, eight wireless communication devices having a moderate adaptability are assigned. Furthermore, the score relating to the number of accommodation is set to 3 when the number of wireless communication apparatuses that can be accommodated is 3. Further, the score concerning the transmission speed is 10 points for the wireless communication apparatus having a maximum transmission speed of 36 Mbps with guaranteed communication quality. Further, the number of wireless communication devices that have a high calculation speed until the communication quality assurance capability is executed is 10 points.

  In addition, as for the score regarding the support of the encryption technology out of the above specification, the wireless communication device that supports the encryption technology of X as an option is 5 points. Furthermore, the score regarding the power control technology is 0 for wireless communication devices that do not support the optional power control technology.

  Further, in each wireless communication device, the score of information of the part not obtained (that is, the minus part in the figure) is calculated as 0 points. In addition, since a wireless communication apparatus without the capability of the master station cannot be operated as a master station, the total score is calculated as 0 regardless of the other scores.

  As a result, the total score of the wireless communication device with the MAC address 100 is 48 points, the total score of the wireless communication device with the MAC address 200 is 0 points, and the total score of the wireless communication device with the MAC address 300 is 91 points. . Therefore, the priority is in the order of a wireless communication device with a MAC address of 300 and a wireless communication device with a MAC address of 100.

  Note that there are various ways of assigning points for each information. For example, if a high score for adaptability to changes in the wireless communication environment is set, a wireless communication device with high adaptability to changes in the wireless communication environment is used as a parent. It becomes easier to select as a station. For example, if the capability of the communication quality control function is set high, it is easy to select a wireless communication apparatus equipped with the communication quality control function as a master station. Conversely, if the capability of the communication quality control function is set low, it becomes easier to select a wireless communication apparatus not equipped with the communication quality control function as a master station.

  If the score is the same, for example, the wireless communication device that has the smallest value read from the MAC address may be selected. These adjustments / changes may be performed from the mode setting unit 75. Further, each element (for example, transmission rate) of the capability of the master station function in FIG. 6 is referred to as a partial function, and how to assign evaluation points in each element is also referred to as a contribution rate to the capability evaluation.

  In addition, it is easier to select the same wireless communication device as a master station by setting the score for each information or the contribution rate equally between each wireless communication device, and prevent the master station from becoming unbalanced. be able to. Or, by making the above settings the same between wireless communication devices that want to communicate, it is possible to participate in the same wireless network, so even in an environment where the master station is turbulent, each participates in a different wireless network. Communication can be resumed between the wireless communication devices without any problem.

  In addition, if the power supply state is an AC power supply and the score is high when the installation state is a stationary type, a fixed base station such as a home server can be easily selected as a parent station. it can.

  For other wireless communication devices, the MAC address, communication channel, transmission speed supported as a master station, encryption technology, and power control technology can be obtained from only the transmitted beacon information. It is. In addition, as described above, since the score of the information not obtained in the wireless communication device is calculated as 0 points, information on the capabilities of the surrounding wireless communication devices and the master station function and the communication quality control function Even if they are not exchanged, it is possible to determine the priority even from information of only beacons.

  Further, if information on the capability of the master station function and the capability of the communication quality control function regarding the surrounding wireless communication apparatus as shown in FIG. 6 has already been stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73, the information By comparing with the MAC address in the beacon received from the station, it is possible to more accurately determine the priority of the parent station than the information obtained only by the beacon. For example, when the MAC address in the beacon is 100, it can be determined that it is a beacon transmitted from the wireless communication device shown in the first column in comparison with FIG. Therefore, the priority of the wireless communication device can be obtained from, for example, the total score given to each piece of information, and the priority can be determined to be 2.

  Moreover, the information regarding the radio | wireless communication apparatus which can be utilized for determination of a priority is not restricted above. For example, a network address may be used as described above. For example, in IEEE 802.11e, BSSID (Basic Service Set Identification) and SSID (Service Set Identifier) can be used.

  The terminal function information storage unit 73 further stores ID information of other wireless communication apparatuses that have communicated in the past, and the own apparatus operates as either a master station or a slave station. In determining whether to do so, it is preferable that the mode control unit 71 refers to the ID information. Here, the ID information refers to information such as the MAC address of the wireless communication device, for example. Further, the ID information may be content information stored in a storage device such as a hard disk, a DVD disk, or a memory connected to the wireless communication device. The storage device may be built in the wireless communication device, or may be provided outside and connected to the wireless communication device wirelessly or by wire.

  In this case, based on the ID information, it can be determined whether or not a desired wireless communication device such as a wireless communication device that has performed communication in the past exists in the wireless network. When it is desired to communicate with the desired wireless communication device, if the own device can determine that the wireless communication device is present in the wireless network, it can be left in the wireless network as it is or not. If so, you can move to another wireless network. Further, if it is known that the wireless communication device is operating as a master station based on the ID information, the wireless communication device is operated as a slave station, and the wireless communication device is configured as a master station. It can be judged that participation is sufficient. By operating in this way, wireless communication devices that wish to communicate based on the ID information can participate in the same wireless network. Communication between the wireless communication devices can be resumed without participating in the communication. Therefore, it is possible to obtain judgment information for determining whether the own apparatus operates as a master station or a slave station.

  Further, an item indicating whether or not the main power supply is always on may be added to the items in FIG. 6 and used for priority determination. This is because a device in which the main power supply is always on is suitable as a master station.

  In the above description, the communication channel for searching for the proxy master station and the communication channel for becoming the proxy master station are the communication channels in which the original master station was operating before losing the original master station. Any communication channel may be used. This is due to the following reason.

  For example, when the propagation path state of the original communication channel is deteriorated, the proxy master station cannot be found, and thus each station operates as a proxy master station by the above steps. Therefore, there can be a situation in which the master station becomes unstable. In this case, when the local station becomes a proxy master station, it can operate on other communication channels with good propagation path conditions, and when searching for a proxy master station, not only the original communication channel but also other communication channels are searched. You can find a proxy master station. As a result, it is possible to prevent the master station from standing up.

  Here, for example, the channel for becoming the proxy master station may be set in advance by the mode setting unit 75 by the user or application. In addition, when the channel for becoming the proxy master station is not set in advance, it may be determined that the proxy master station is to be the original communication channel.

  Also, the parameter values used when becoming a proxy master station are stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73 before losing the original master station, and the same parameter value can be used to operate as a proxy master station. Good. In addition, it may operate as a proxy master station using parameter values that are set in advance by the mode setting unit 75 in the user or application.

  In the above, the case of losing sight of the master station refers to the case where communication with the master station cannot be performed completely. For example, if the radio propagation path condition continues for a certain period of time, the received power is predetermined. The state of radio wave propagation with the parent station for a predetermined period, such as when the state does not reach the level continues for a certain period of time, or when the error rate based on communication data does not reach the predetermined level for a certain period of time. May be determined to have lost sight of the master station (that is, the communication state with the master station is poor).

  In this case, even if radio waves can be exchanged with the master station, a new master station can be set as long as the radio wave propagation state is below a predetermined level. Therefore, the wireless network can be reconstructed at least under the master station whose master station capability is superior to others. Here, the predetermined level may be set in advance by the mode setting unit 75 by a user or an application.

  Furthermore, in S27 of FIG. 4, when the original master station is found on a communication channel different from the original communication channel, the discovered communication channel is a communication set in advance by the mode setting unit 75 by the user or application. If it is different from the channel, it is not always necessary to participate in the parent station discovered in S32.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication quality of the currently performed data transmission can be restored and maintained as much as possible without any prior notification from the original master station that has been lost.

  As a result, even if the original parent station is suddenly lost due to the reason (A), it is possible to reconstruct the network with only the remaining stations. Even if the original master station is suddenly lost due to the reason (B), the remaining stations can find the original master station.

  In addition, when changing the communication channel, it is necessary to notify the information in advance. In the prior art, when the propagation path condition deteriorates, the advance notification data cannot be transmitted. Whereas the channel cannot be changed, in the wireless communication apparatus 51 according to the present embodiment, even if the master station changes the communication channel, it is determined in advance which communication channel to change to the slave station. You do not have to notify. Therefore, the master station can change the communication channel even when the radio propagation path condition deteriorates rapidly.

  In addition, it is preferable that a wireless communication apparatus that is often carried away from the master station supports the master station recovery function. Even when the power of the master station is likely to be turned off, it is preferable that the wireless communication apparatus existing in the network of the master station supports the master station recovery function.

  The wireless communication device 51 may be configured not to include the mode setting unit 75. In this case, it is necessary to support the master station recovery function in advance, but the user cannot turn off this function.

  In the above description, the case where the master station also serves as a communication quality control station, that is, the case where the master station operates as a master station capable of controlling communication quality has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and communication quality control is not possible. The present invention can also be applied when operating as a simple master station. In this case, if the AP / STA mode is set, the mode control unit 71 determines whether to function as a master station or a slave station without considering the capability of the communication quality control function. Judgment will be made.

  In the above description, only the wireless communication device has been described as the communication device. However, a wired communication device may be used. For example, it is possible to implement the contents of the present invention in a wired communication device by replacing the antenna 20 and the antenna 70 with a wired connection unit and omitting the above description regarding the communication channel in the case of the wired communication device. It becomes.

  As described above, the communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a slave station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as a slave station, and other communication in the communication apparatus constituting the network system including the master station and the slave station. And a control unit that selects a master station based on function information indicating the function of the other communication device acquired from the device and causes the selected master station to operate the device as a slave station. .

  Therefore, when there are a plurality of other communication devices in the vicinity of the own device, by using the function information indicating the acquired function of the other communication device, the master station having a better condition than the current master station Can be selected. Furthermore, it is possible to participate in the selected master station as a slave station.

  Therefore, since it is possible to participate in a network system configured by a master station having better conditions, it is possible to perform communication with excellent quality.

  In addition, as described above, the communication device according to the present invention includes a master station function control means for causing the host device to function as a master station in the communication device constituting the network system including the master station and the slave station, Slave station function control means for causing the apparatus to function as a slave station, a first operation mode in which the master station function control means is caused to function and the own apparatus to operate as a parent station, and the slave station function control means is caused to function automatically. A second operation mode in which the apparatus operates as a slave station, and a third operation in which either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means functions to operate the own apparatus in either the master station or the slave station. A storage unit having at least one operation mode among the modes, the storage unit storing any one of the operation modes, a determination unit determining the operation mode stored in the storage unit, and the determination unit determining Was based on the operation mode is a configuration and control means for operating the self-device as a master station or a slave station.

  Therefore, depending on the operation mode stored in the storage means, it is determined whether the communication apparatus operates in the master station or the slave station.

  Here, when the first operation mode is stored in the storage unit, the determination unit determines that the first operation mode is stored in the storage unit, and the control unit operates in the first operation mode. To work. Therefore, in this case, the communication apparatus can operate as a master station by causing the master station function control means to function.

  In addition, when the second operation mode is stored in the storage unit, the determination unit determines that the second operation mode is stored in the storage unit, and the control unit detects the own device in the second operation mode. Make it work. Therefore, in this case, the communication apparatus can operate as a slave station by causing the slave station function control means to function.

  Further, when the third operation mode is stored in the storage unit, the determination unit determines that the third operation mode is stored in the storage unit, and the control unit detects the own device in the third operation mode. Make it work. Therefore, in this case, the communication apparatus can operate either the master station or the slave station by causing either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means to function. Further, when operating in the third operation mode, for example, when another parent station already exists, the local station can be prevented from standing up by making the own apparatus a slave station. On the other hand, when there is no other master station, by setting the own apparatus as the master station, there is an effect that a new network can be constructed even when there is no other master station.

  By the way, the capability of the master station function (that is, the capability when functioning as a master station) differs depending on each communication device constituting the network. That is, some communication devices have a predetermined capability as a master station, and some communication devices do not have a predetermined capability as a parent station. Therefore, there are communication apparatuses that are desired to operate as a master station and other communication apparatuses that are not desired to be operated as a master station.

  Therefore, when it is desired to operate as a master station, this communication apparatus can be operated as a master station by storing the first operation mode in the storage means. Further, when it is not desired to operate as a master station, this communication apparatus can be operated as a slave station by storing the second operation mode in the storage means. Furthermore, when it is possible to operate as a master station, the communication device can be operated as a master station or a slave station by storing the third operation mode in the storage means.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, there is an effect that a communication apparatus that can set a communication apparatus having a predetermined capability as a master station can be obtained.

  In addition, the communication device according to the present invention includes communication quality control means for notifying other communication devices of control information and controlling the communication quality between the communication devices in the communication device described above. When operating as a station, the control means is configured to operate the master station function control means and communication quality control means to operate the apparatus as a master station capable of controlling communication quality.

  Therefore, the master station also controls communication quality. For this reason, by considering not only the capability of the master station function but also the capability of the communication quality control function, it is possible to prevent a communication apparatus having a low capability of the communication quality control function from becoming the master station.

  Therefore, it is possible to construct a network in which communication quality is guaranteed.

  Further, in the communication device according to the present invention, in the above communication device, when the own device operates as a slave station, the control means indicates the function information indicating the function of the other communication device acquired from the other communication device. The master station is selected on the basis of the above.

  Therefore, when there are a plurality of other communication devices in the vicinity of the own device, by using the function information indicating the acquired function of the other communication device, the master station having a better condition than the current master station Can be selected. Furthermore, it is possible to participate in the selected master station as a slave station.

  Therefore, since it is possible to participate in a network system configured by a master station having better conditions, it is possible to perform communication with excellent quality.

  Further, the communication device according to the present invention is a case where, in the communication device described above, the device is operating in the third operation mode, and at least one master station other than the current master station is found. The control means is configured to determine whether to operate the master station function control means to operate the own apparatus as a master station or to operate the slave station function control means to operate as a slave station.

  Therefore, when at least one master station (other communication device) is found in addition to the current master station, the master station is selected again from the other communication devices found, for example, more favorable conditions By selecting the master station, it is possible to reconstruct a network with better conditions than the existing network.

  Also, for example, if the own device operates as a parent station and can reconfigure a network with better conditions than the existing network, the own device operates as the parent station to re-establish a more favorable network. There is an effect that it can be constructed.

  In addition, the communication device according to the present invention is a case where, in the above communication device, the device is operating in the third operation mode and the communication state with the master station is determined to be poor. The control means is configured to determine whether to operate the master station function control means to operate the own apparatus as a master station or to operate the slave station function control means to operate as a slave station.

  Therefore, when the communication state with the master station becomes poor, for example, if there is no other communication device that becomes the master station, the network can be reconstructed by the own device becoming the master station.

  In addition, if there is another communication device that serves as a master station, the self-device remains as a slave station, so that it is possible to prevent the master station from being disturbed.

  Further, the communication device according to the present invention is the above communication device, wherein when the own device is operating in the third operation mode and a command to leave the network is received from the master station, the control device The means is configured to determine whether to operate the master station function control means to operate the own apparatus as a master station or to operate the slave station function control means to operate as a slave station.

  Therefore, when an instruction to leave the network is received from the master station, the operation is not terminated at that time, but the network can be reconstructed by, for example, the own apparatus becoming the master station.

  Alternatively, the own apparatus can be operated as a slave station to participate in other master stations. As a result, the network can be reconstructed.

  Further, in the communication device according to the present invention, in the above communication device, when performing wireless communication with another communication device and operating the own device as a master station, the control unit is configured to communicate with which the own device was operating. This is a configuration in which the own apparatus operates on the same communication channel as the channel.

  Therefore, it becomes easy to find a communication apparatus that performs wireless communication that has existed in the network so far from both the master station side and the slave station side.

  Therefore, there is an effect that communication can be resumed promptly.

  Further, in the communication device according to the present invention, in the above communication device, when performing wireless communication with another communication device and operating the own device as a master station, the control unit is configured to communicate with which the own device was operating. This is a configuration in which the device operates on a communication channel different from the channel.

  For example, when the propagation channel state of the communication channel is deteriorated, the slave station cannot find the master station, and therefore cannot resume communication. However, a communication apparatus that performs wireless communication that has existed in the same network from the parent station side and the slave station side by operating the own apparatus as a parent station on a communication channel different from the original communication channel. Can be discovered.

  Therefore, there is an effect that communication can be resumed even when the propagation path state of the communication channel is deteriorated.

  Further, in the communication apparatus according to the present invention, when the own apparatus selects a master station in the communication apparatus, the control means refers to information on the capability of the master station function of another communication apparatus as the function information. It is the structure to do.

  Therefore, it is possible to select a master station to which the own device should participate based on information on the capability of the master station function of another communication device.

  Accordingly, the own apparatus can participate in the network formed by the master station having the best master station function.

  Further, in the communication apparatus according to the present invention, in the communication apparatus described above, when determining whether the own apparatus operates as a master station or a slave station, the control means has the capability of the master station function of the own apparatus. And information related to the capability of the master station function of another communication device as the function information.

  Therefore, based on the information on the capability of the master station function of the own device and the information on the capability of the master station function of other communication devices, it is determined whether the own device operates as a master station or a slave station. To do.

  Therefore, if the master station function of its own device is superior to the master station function of another communication device, the own device becomes the master station, and the master station function of its own device In the case where it is inferior to the master station function, another network device becomes the master station, so that it is possible to construct a network having a master station with a superior master station function.

  Further, in the communication apparatus according to the present invention, in the communication apparatus described above, when the own apparatus selects a master station, the control means provides information on the capability of the communication quality control function in another communication apparatus as the function information. It is the structure which refers to.

  Therefore, it is possible to select a master station to which the own device should participate based on information regarding the capability of the communication quality control function of another communication device.

  Accordingly, the own apparatus can participate in the network formed by the master station having the best communication quality control function.

  In the communication apparatus according to the present invention, in the communication apparatus described above, when determining whether the own apparatus operates as a master station or a slave station, the control unit has a communication quality control function in the own apparatus. It is a configuration that refers to information related to capability and information related to capability of a communication quality control function in another communication device as the function information.

  Therefore, based on the information related to the communication quality control function capability of the own device and the information related to the communication quality control function capability of other communication devices, the own device operates as a master station or a slave station. Can be determined.

  Therefore, if the communication quality control function of the own device is superior to the communication quality control function of another communication device, the own device becomes the master station, and the communication quality control function of the own device When it is inferior to the communication quality control function of the communication device, there is an effect that it is possible to construct a network having a master station with an excellent communication quality control function by making another communication device a master station. .

  Further, the communication device according to the present invention is configured such that, in the above communication device, when the own device selects a master station, the control means refers to ID information of the other communication device acquired from the other communication device. It is.

  Therefore, based on the ID information of the other communication device, it can be determined whether or not the desired communication device exists in the network.

  If it is desired to communicate with the desired communication device, it can be left in the network as long as it can be determined that the desired communication device exists in the network. On the other hand, if it is determined that the desired communication device does not exist in the network, it can be moved to another network.

  Further, if it is known that the desired communication device is operating as a parent station based on the ID information of the other communication device, the desired communication device may participate in the network configured as the parent station. It can be judged.

  In this way, communication devices that wish to communicate can participate in the same network based on the ID information of the other communication devices. For this reason, communication can be resumed between the communication devices without participating in different networks even in an environment in which the proxy master station is turbulent.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain determination information when the own apparatus selects the master station.

  Further, in the communication apparatus according to the present invention, in the communication apparatus described above, when determining whether the own apparatus operates as a master station or a slave station, the control unit obtains the communication apparatus from the other communication apparatus. This is a configuration that refers to ID information of another communication device.

  Therefore, based on the ID information of the other communication device, it can be determined whether or not the desired communication device exists in the network.

  If it is desired to communicate with the desired communication device, it can be left in the network as long as it can be determined that the desired communication device exists in the network. On the other hand, if it is determined that the desired communication device does not exist in the network, it can be moved to another network.

  Further, if it is known that the desired communication device is operating as a master station based on the ID information of the other communication device, the own device is operated as a slave station, and the desired communication device is operated as the master station. It can be determined that it is only necessary to participate in the network configured as follows.

  In this way, communication devices that wish to communicate can participate in the same network based on the ID information of the other communication devices. For this reason, communication can be resumed between the communication devices without participating in different networks even in an environment in which the proxy master station is turbulent.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain determination information for determining whether the own apparatus operates as a master station or a slave station.

  In addition, the communication device according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores information related to the capability of the master station function of another communication device in the communication device described above.

  Therefore, information regarding the capability of the master station function of another communication device can be stored.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain determination information when the own apparatus selects the master station.

  Moreover, the communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores information on the capability of the master station function of the own apparatus and information on the capability of the master station function of another communication apparatus in the communication apparatus. is there.

  Therefore, information regarding the capability of the master station function of the own device and information regarding the capability of the master station function of another communication device can be stored.

  Therefore, there is an effect that judgment information can be obtained when the own apparatus selects the master station or when the own apparatus operates as the master station or the slave station.

  In addition, the communication device according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores information related to the capability of the communication quality control function in another communication device in the communication device described above.

  Therefore, information regarding the capability of the communication quality control function in other communication devices can be stored.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain determination information when the own apparatus selects the master station.

  The communication device according to the present invention further includes a storage unit that stores information on the capability of the communication quality control function in the own device and information on the capability of the communication quality control function in another communication device. It is a configuration.

  Therefore, information regarding the capability of the communication quality control function in the own device and information regarding the capability of the communication quality control function in other communication devices can be stored.

  Therefore, there is an effect that judgment information can be obtained when the own apparatus selects the master station or when the own apparatus operates as the master station or the slave station.

  In addition, the communication device according to the present invention is configured to include storage means for storing ID information of another communication device in the above communication device.

  Therefore, ID information of other communication devices can be stored.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain determination information when the own apparatus selects the master station.

  In addition, a communication device according to the present invention is a configuration that includes a storage unit that stores the operation mode in the communication device described above.

  Therefore, the operation mode can be saved.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain judgment information when determining whether the own apparatus operates as a master station or a slave station.

  In addition, the communication device according to the present invention is configured such that, in the communication device described above, notification means for notifying other communication devices of information stored in the storage means is provided.

  Therefore, the other communication apparatus can know, for example, which operation mode the own apparatus is in, the capability of the master station function of the own apparatus, the capability of the communication quality control function of the own apparatus, and the like.

  If another communication device includes the above notification means, the own device also determines which operation mode the other communication device is in, the capability of the master station function of the other communication device, and the communication of the other communication device. There is an effect that the ability of the quality control function can be known.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain judgment information for determining which station is to operate as a master station or a slave station.

  In addition, the communication device according to the present invention includes a power control unit that controls supply of power to the device in the communication device, and when the power supply is stopped by the power control unit, the notification unit The communication device is configured to notify the information stored in the storage means.

  Therefore, when the power supply control means stops the power supply, and the self-device is disconnected from the network, the other communication device can determine, for example, which operation mode the self-device is in. It is possible to know the capability of the master station function, the communication quality control function of the device itself, and the like.

  In addition, if another communication device includes the power supply control means and the notification means, when the other communication device is to leave the network, the own device and the other communication device are in any operation mode. There is an effect that the capability of the master station function of the other communication device, the capability of the communication quality control function of the other communication device, and the like can be known.

  Therefore, when the power supply is stopped, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain judgment information for determining which station is to operate as a master station or a slave station.

  Moreover, the communication apparatus according to the present invention is a configuration including the setting means for setting and / or changing the information stored in the storage means in the communication apparatus.

  Therefore, new information can be stored in the storage means and / or information that has already been stored can be changed.

  Therefore, the communication apparatus can be operated as a new operation mode.

  Also, for example, in evaluating the capability of the master station function, changing the contribution rate to the capability evaluation for some functions in the master station function, or in evaluating the capability of the communication quality control function, The degree of operation of the own apparatus as a master station or a slave station can be changed by changing a contribution rate or the like with respect to capability evaluation for some functions.

  In addition, a communication device according to the present invention is configured to include a display unit that displays information stored in the storage unit in the communication device.

  Therefore, there is an effect that the user can check the information stored in the storage means.

  Further, when the setting means is provided, the setting can be easily changed by referring to the information displayed on the display means.

  The communication device according to the present invention is configured to communicate with other communication devices using the communication method of the IEEE 802.11 standard or the communication method of the IEEE 802.11e standard in the communication device described above.

  Therefore, when the communication device is connected in a wireless network constructed using the communication method of the IEEE 802.11 standard or the communication method of the IEEE 802.11e standard, it is possible to connect to the existing wireless network without any trouble. Play.

  The communication apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus that performs wireless communication in the communication apparatus.

  Therefore, communication with other communication devices can be performed using wireless communication.

  Therefore, there is an effect that a communication device with excellent portability can be provided.

  In addition, as described above, the operation mode activation method according to the present invention includes a master station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as a master station, and a slave station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as a slave station. An operation mode activation method for a communication apparatus comprising: a first operation mode in which the master station function control means is caused to function to operate the own apparatus as a master station; and the slave station function control means is caused to function. A second operation mode in which it operates as a slave station, and a third operation mode in which either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means functions to operate the own apparatus in either the master station or the slave station. A method comprising: a determination step for determining in which operation mode the device is to be operated; and an operation step for causing the device to operate as a master station or a slave station based on the operation mode determined in the determination step. A.

  Therefore, the operation mode of the communication apparatus is determined depending on the determined operation mode.

  Here, when it is determined in the determination step that the own apparatus is operated in the first operation mode, the own apparatus operates in the first operation mode. Therefore, in this case, there is an effect that the communication apparatus can be operated as a master station by causing the master station function control means to function.

  If it is determined in the determination means step that the own apparatus is to be operated in the second operation mode, the own apparatus operates in the second operation mode. Therefore, in this case, there is an effect that the communication apparatus can be operated as a slave station by functioning the slave station function control means.

  Further, when it is determined in the determination step that the own apparatus is to be operated in the third operation mode, the own apparatus operates in the third operation mode. Therefore, in this case, the communication apparatus can operate either the master station or the slave station by causing either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means to function. Further, when operating in the third operation mode, for example, when another parent station already exists, the local station can be prevented from standing up by making the own apparatus a slave station. On the other hand, when there is no other master station, by setting the own apparatus as the master station, there is an effect that a new network can be constructed even when there is no other master station.

  The operation mode activation method according to the present invention is an apparatus that performs wireless communication in the operation mode activation method described above.

  Therefore, there is an effect that the operation mode starting method can be executed by a communication device that performs wireless communication.

  As described above, the communication method according to the present invention is a communication method of a communication apparatus that constitutes a network system including a master station and a slave station, and that can operate as a master station and a slave station. While participating in the system, an acquisition step for acquiring information related to the master station function of another communication device, a search step for searching whether there is another communication device serving as a master station, and a parent step in the search step A comparison step for comparing the master station function of the own device and the master station function of the discovered communication device when another communication device to be a station is found, and the master station function of the own device in the comparison step If it is determined that the master station function is higher than the master station function of the discovered communication device, the master device operates as a master station, while the master station function of the subject device is the parent of the found communication device in the comparison step. Station If it is judged to be lower than the capacity, its own device is a method and a operation step for participating in the communication device that is the discovery as a child station.

  Therefore, when participating in the network system, it is possible to acquire information related to the master station function of another communication device.

  Therefore, a communication device having a higher master station function among the communication devices including the host device operates autonomously as a new parent station, so that it is possible to reconstruct a network with better conditions.

  Further, the communication method according to the present invention is a communication method for a communication apparatus that constitutes a wireless network system composed of a master station and a slave station as described above, and that can operate as a master station and a slave station. An acquisition step of acquiring information related to a master station function of another communication device while participating in the network system, a monitoring step of monitoring a communication status with the master station, and a communication status with the master station by the monitoring step A comparison step of comparing the master station function of the own device with the master station function of the communication device that has acquired information on the master station function, and the master station of the own device in the comparison step If it is determined that the function is higher than the master station function of the communication device that has acquired the information related to the master station function, the own device operates as the master station, while in the comparison step When the master station function is determined to be lower than the master station functions acquired communication device information on the master station function, its own device is a method comprising an operation step of operating as the slave station.

  Therefore, when participating in the network system, it is possible to acquire information related to the master station function of another communication device.

  Therefore, when communication with the master station becomes poor, a network with poor communication is not continuously constructed as it is, but communication devices with a high master station function are autonomous among communication devices including the self device. By operating as a new master station, it is possible to reconstruct a network with better conditions.

  Further, the communication method according to the present invention is the communication method described above, wherein, in the monitoring step, when the data propagation state with the parent station is below a certain level for a predetermined period in the monitoring step, the communication with the parent station is performed. This is a method for determining that the state is bad.

  Therefore, it is possible to determine that the communication state with the parent station is poor not only when the communication with the parent station is completely disconnected, but also with more flexibility.

  Therefore, there is an effect that an existing network can be abandoned at an early stage and a network with better conditions can be reconstructed.

  Further, the communication method according to the present invention is a communication method of a communication apparatus that constitutes a network system composed of a master station and a slave station as described above, and that can operate as a master station and a slave station, An acquisition step of acquiring information related to a master station function of another communication device while participating in the network system; and a master station function of the own device and the master station when receiving a leave command from the network from the master station A comparison step for comparing the master station function of the communication device that has acquired the information on the function, and the master station function of the own device is higher than the master station function of the communication device that has acquired the information on the master station function in the comparison step If it is determined, the own device operates as a parent station, while the parent station function of the own device acquires information related to the parent station function in the comparison step. If the remote low is determined, the own device is a method comprising an operation step of operating as the slave station.

  Therefore, when participating in the network system, it is possible to acquire information related to the master station function of another communication device.

  Therefore, when receiving a leave command from the network from the master station, rather than terminating the operation of the own device as it is, if the master station function of the own device is the highest among the communication devices including the own device, When the own apparatus operates as a master station, there is an effect that a new network can be reconstructed. In addition, if there is another network with good conditions, it is possible to reconstruct a new network by participating in the network.

  Further, the communication method according to the present invention is the same communication channel as the communication channel in which the own device was operating when performing wireless communication with another communication device and operating the own device as a master station in the communication method described above. This is a method of operating the own device.

  Therefore, it becomes easy to find a communication apparatus that performs wireless communication that has existed in the network so far from both the master station side and the slave station side.

  Therefore, there is an effect that communication can be resumed promptly.

  Further, the communication method according to the present invention is a communication channel different from the communication channel in which the own device was operating when performing wireless communication with another communication device and operating the own device as a master station in the communication method described above. This is a method of operating the own device.

  For example, when the propagation channel state of the communication channel is deteriorated, the slave station cannot find the master station, and therefore cannot resume communication. However, a communication apparatus that performs wireless communication that has existed in the same network from the parent station side and the slave station side by operating the own apparatus as a parent station on a communication channel different from the original communication channel. Can be discovered.

  Therefore, there is an effect that communication can be resumed even when the propagation path state of the communication channel is deteriorated.

  Further, the communication method according to the present invention is a master station capable of controlling communication quality when the own device is operated as a master station in the communication method described above and the own device has a communication quality function. As a method of operating the own device.

  Therefore, the device itself can operate as a master station capable of controlling communication quality, rather than simply operating as a master station to construct a best effort network.

  Therefore, it is possible to construct a network capable of controlling communication quality.

  In the communication method according to the present invention, in the communication method described above, in the obtaining step, information on a communication quality control function of the other communication device is further obtained, and in the comparing step, a master station function of the own device is obtained. And the total function that combines the communication quality control function and the total function that combines the master station function and the communication quality control function of the communication apparatus that has acquired the information related to the communication quality control function. When it is determined that the total function is higher than the total function of the communication device that has acquired the information related to the communication quality control function, and the own device has a master station function and a communication quality control function, While operating as a master station capable of controlling communication quality, the total function of the own device in the comparison step relates to the communication quality control function. If it is judged to be lower than the total function of the acquired communication apparatus multicast is a method comprising an operation step of participating in the communication device that has acquired the information on the communication quality control function as the slave station.

  Therefore, a communication device having a high total function including the master station function and the communication quality control function operates as a new master station. That is, a new master station is determined in consideration of the communication quality control function.

  Therefore, if the parent station has not yet been determined because the parent station has left the network, or immediately after its own startup, etc., communication other than the communication device currently operating as the parent station is highly suitable for communication as a parent station. Even in the case where the device exists, it is possible to reconstruct a network whose communication quality is guaranteed by the new master station.

  Further, the communication method according to the present invention is the communication method described above, wherein, when communicating with the other communication device, information related to the master station function of the own device and information related to the master station function of the other communication device. , A way to notify each other.

  Therefore, other communication apparatuses can determine the master station function of the own apparatus.

  Therefore, if the parent station has not yet been determined because the parent station has left the network, or immediately after its own startup, etc., communication other than the communication device currently operating as the parent station is highly suitable for communication as a parent station. When a device exists, the other communication device can determine whether or not it operates as a parent station based on the parent station function.

  Further, the communication method according to the present invention is the communication method according to the above-described communication method, wherein information related to the communication quality control function of the own device and information related to the communication quality control function of the other communication device when communicating with the other communication device. This is a method of notifying each other.

  Therefore, other communication devices can also determine the communication quality control function of the own device.

  Therefore, if the parent station has not yet been determined because the parent station has left the network, or immediately after its own startup, etc., communication other than the communication device currently operating as the parent station is highly suitable for communication as a parent station. When the device exists, the other communication device can determine whether or not it operates as a master station based on the communication quality control function.

  The communication method according to the present invention is a method for notifying information relating to the master station function of the own device to other communication devices when the power supply of the own device is stopped.

  Therefore, when the power supply is stopped and the own device is disconnected from the network, other communication devices can know the capability of the master station function of the own device.

  Therefore, when the power supply of the own device is stopped, the other communication devices can obtain the determination information for determining whether the own device operates as the master station or the slave station.

  In addition, the communication method according to the present invention is a method for notifying other communication devices of information relating to the communication quality control function of the own device when the power supply of the own device is stopped.

  Therefore, when the power supply is stopped and the own device is disconnected from the network, other communication devices can know the capability of the communication quality control function of the own device.

  Therefore, when the power supply of the own device is stopped, the other communication devices can obtain the determination information for determining whether the own device operates as the master station or the slave station.

  Further, the communication method according to the present invention is a method in which, in the communication method described above, the device itself communicates with other communication devices wirelessly.

  Therefore, there is an effect that the communication method can be executed by a communication device that performs wireless communication.

  The communication system according to the present invention is a communication system in which a plurality of communication devices are connected via a network as described above, and at least one of the plurality of communication devices is the communication device described above. It is.

  Therefore, there is an effect that the effect described above with respect to the communication device can be obtained by the present system.

  The program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to function as each unit of the communication device as described above.

  By loading the program into the computer system, the communication device can be provided to the user.

  Further, as described above, the program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to execute the operation mode starting method of the communication apparatus.

  By loading the program into the computer system, it is possible to provide the user with a method for starting the operation mode of the communication device.

  The program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to execute the communication method described above.

  By loading the program into the computer system, it is possible to provide the user with the communication method.

  Moreover, the recording medium which recorded the program based on this invention has recorded the said program as mentioned above.

  By loading the program recorded on the recording medium into the computer system, the communication device, the operation mode starting method of the communication device, or the communication method can be provided to the user.

  Further, as described above, the radio communication apparatus according to the present invention is a master station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as the master station in the radio communication apparatus constituting the radio network system including the master station and the slave station. And a slave station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as a slave station, a first operation mode in which the master station function control means is caused to function and the own apparatus is operated as a master station, and the slave station function control means is functioned. The second operation mode in which the own apparatus is operated as a slave station, and either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means is caused to function to operate the own apparatus in either the master station or the slave station. A storage unit that stores any one of the third operation modes; a determination unit that determines the operation mode stored in the storage unit; and an own device based on the operation mode determined by the determination unit A structure and a mode control means for controlling the operation.

  Therefore, in which operation mode the wireless communication apparatus operates depends on the operation mode stored in the storage means.

  Here, when the first operation mode is stored in the storage unit, the determination unit determines that the first operation mode is stored in the storage unit, and the mode control unit automatically performs the operation in the first operation mode. Operate the device. Therefore, in this case, the wireless communication apparatus can operate as a master station by causing the master station function control means to function.

  Further, when the second operation mode is stored in the storage means, the determination means determines that the second operation mode is stored in the storage means, and the mode control means operates in the second operation mode. To work. Therefore, in this case, the wireless communication apparatus can be operated as a slave station by causing the slave station function control means to function.

  Further, when the third operation mode is stored in the storage means, it is determined by the determination means that the third operation mode is stored in the storage means, and the mode control means in its own third operation mode. To work. Therefore, in this case, the wireless communication apparatus can operate either the master station or the slave station by causing either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means to function. Further, when operating in the third operation mode, for example, when another parent station already exists, the local station can be prevented from standing up by making the own apparatus a slave station. On the other hand, when there is no other master station, a new wireless network can be constructed even if there is no other master station by setting the own apparatus as the master station.

  By the way, the capability of the master station function (that is, the capability when functioning as a master station) differs depending on each radio communication device constituting the radio communication network. That is, some wireless communication devices have a predetermined capability as a master station, and other wireless communication devices do not have a predetermined capability as a parent station. Therefore, there are some wireless communication devices that are desired to operate as a master station, and other wireless communication devices that are not desired to be operated as a master station.

  Therefore, when it is desired to operate as a master station, this wireless communication apparatus can be operated as a master station by storing the first operation mode in the storage means. If it is not desired to operate as a master station, the wireless communication device can be operated as a slave station by storing the second operation mode in the storage means. Further, when it is possible to operate as a master station, the wireless communication device can be operated as a master station or a slave station by storing the third operation mode in the storage means.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, there is an effect that a wireless communication device that can set a wireless communication device having a predetermined capability as a master station can be obtained.

  In addition, the wireless communication device according to the present invention calculates, in the above-described wireless communication device, allocation of a wireless band to another wireless communication device, and notifies band information indicating a wireless band allocated to the other wireless communication device. Then, control the communication quality between each wireless communication device, or control the transmission waiting time for other wireless communication devices, and notify the other wireless communication device of the information of the transmission waiting time, When communication quality control means for controlling the communication quality between the wireless communication apparatuses is provided, and the own apparatus is operated as a master station, the mode control means operates the master station function control means and the communication quality control means. In this configuration, the device is operated as a master station capable of controlling communication quality.

  Therefore, the master station also controls communication quality. For this reason, by considering not only the capability of the master station function but also the capability of the communication quality control function, it is possible to prevent a radio communication apparatus having a low capability of the communication quality control function from becoming the master station.

  Therefore, it is possible to construct a wireless network in which communication quality is guaranteed.

  The wireless communication device according to the present invention is the above wireless communication device when the operation mode of the device is set to the third operation mode and there is another master station. The mode control means is configured to operate the own apparatus as a slave station.

  Therefore, even if the third operation mode is stored in the storage unit, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the master station from standing up in the wireless network.

  The wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention further includes a monitoring unit that monitors another wireless communication apparatus serving as a master station in the wireless communication apparatus, and the operation mode of the own apparatus is set to the third operation mode. And the mode control means operates the master station function control means to operate itself as a master station when the monitoring means determines that the communication state with the master station is poor. Or to determine whether to operate the slave station function control means as a slave station.

  Therefore, when the communication state with the master station becomes poor, for example, if there is no other wireless communication device that becomes the master station, the wireless network can be reconstructed by the own device becoming the master station. . In addition, if there is another wireless communication device serving as a master station, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the master station from standing up because the device itself remains a slave station.

  In addition, the wireless communication device according to the present invention calculates, in the above-described wireless communication device, allocation of a wireless band to another wireless communication device, and notifies band information indicating a wireless band allocated to the other wireless communication device. Then, control the communication quality between each wireless communication device, or control the transmission waiting time for other wireless communication devices, and notify the other wireless communication device of the information of the transmission waiting time, Communication quality control means for controlling communication quality between the wireless communication devices, and the mode control means operates the master station function control means and the communication quality control means to control the communication quality of the own device. Or the slave station function control means is determined to be operated as a slave station.

  Therefore, by considering not only the capability of the master station function control means but also the capability of the communication quality control means, even when communication with the master station becomes impossible, there is a wireless communication device with a low capability of the communication quality control means. It can prevent becoming a master station.

  Therefore, it is possible to construct a wireless network in which communication quality is guaranteed.

  Further, the wireless communication device according to the present invention is the above-described wireless communication device, the information regarding the capability of the master station function of its own device and the information regarding the capability of the master station function of another wireless communication device as the first information. Then, the storage means stores the first information and the third operation mode, and when determining whether the own apparatus operates as a master station or a slave station, the mode control means The configuration refers to the first information.

  Therefore, based on the information on the capability of the master station function of the own device and the information on the capability of the master station function of other wireless communication devices, it is determined whether the own device operates as a master station or a slave station. decide.

  Therefore, if the master station function of its own device is superior to the master station function of other wireless communication devices, the own device becomes the master station, and the master station function of its own device becomes another wireless communication. When it is inferior to the master station function of the device, another wireless communication device becomes the master station, thereby producing an effect that a radio network having a master station with an excellent master station function can be constructed.

  In addition, the wireless communication device according to the present invention provides the second wireless communication device with information on the communication quality control function capability of the device itself and information on the communication quality control function capability of other wireless communication devices. As information, the storage means stores the second information and the third operation mode, and when determining whether the own device operates as a master station or a slave station, the storage unit stores the second information and the third operation mode. The control means refers to the second information.

  Therefore, based on the information on the communication quality control function capability of the own device and the information on the communication quality control function capability of other wireless communication devices, the own device operates as either a master station or a slave station. To decide.

  Therefore, if the communication quality control function of its own device is superior to the communication quality control function of other wireless communication devices, the own device becomes the master station, and the communication quality control function of its own device If the communication quality control function of the wireless communication device is inferior to that of the other wireless communication device, another wireless communication device can become a master station, so that a wireless network having a master station with an excellent communication quality control function can be constructed. There is an effect.

  Further, the wireless communication device according to the present invention is the above wireless communication device, wherein the information on the capability of the master station function and the capability of the communication quality control function regarding the device itself, the capability of the master station function and the communication quality regarding the other communication devices Assuming that the information regarding the capability of the control function is the third information, the storage means stores the third information and the third operation mode, and the own device is either a master station or a slave station. When deciding whether to operate, the mode control means refers to the third information.

  Therefore, based on the information on the capability of the master station function and the communication quality control function regarding the own device and the information on the capability of the master station function and the communication quality control function regarding other communication devices, Decide whether to operate as a station or a slave station.

  Therefore, if the total function that combines the master station function and communication quality control function of its own device is superior to the total function that combines the master station function and communication quality control function of other wireless communication devices, By becoming a master station, the total function that combines the master station function and communication quality control function of its own device is inferior to the total function that combines the master station function and communication quality control function of other wireless communication devices. In the case where the wireless communication device is, the other wireless communication device becomes the master station, so that it is possible to construct a wireless network having a master station having an excellent total function including the master station function and the communication quality control function.

  In the wireless communication device according to the present invention, in the above wireless communication device, the storage unit further stores ID information of another wireless communication device that has communicated in the past. The mode control means refers to the ID information when deciding which station operates as a master station or a slave station.

  Therefore, if another wireless communication apparatus that has performed communication in the past exists in the wireless network, the other wireless communication apparatus exists in the wireless network based on the ID information. Can be judged.

  Further, based on the ID information, for example, if it is known that the other wireless communication device was operating as a master station during past communication, it can be determined that the device itself should be operated as a slave station.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain determination information for determining whether the own apparatus operates as a master station or a slave station.

  In addition, a wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention is configured to include notification means for notifying information stored in the storage means in the wireless communication apparatus.

  Therefore, for example, the other wireless communication device can know which operation mode the device is in, the capability of the master station function of the device itself, the capability of the communication quality control function of the device itself, and the like.

  If another wireless communication apparatus includes the above notification means, the own apparatus also determines which operation mode the other wireless communication apparatus is in, the capability of the master station function of the other wireless communication apparatus, There is an effect that the capability of the communication quality control function of the communication device can be known.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain judgment information for determining which station is to operate as a master station or a slave station.

  The wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention further includes power control means for controlling power supply to the self-device in the above wireless communication apparatus, and when the power supply is stopped by the power control means, the notification means In this configuration, the information stored in the storage unit is notified to another wireless communication device.

  Therefore, when the power supply control means stops the power supply, and when the own device is to leave the wireless network, other wireless communication devices, for example, which operation mode the own device is in, It is possible to know the capability of the master station function of the own device, the capability of the communication quality control function of the own device, and the like.

  Further, if another wireless communication device includes the power supply control means and the notification means, when the other wireless communication device is to leave the wireless network, neither the own device nor the other wireless communication device This is advantageous in that it is possible to know the operation mode of the wireless communication device, the capability of the master station function of the other wireless communication device, the capability of the communication quality control function of the other wireless communication device, and the like.

  Therefore, when the power supply is stopped, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain judgment information for determining which station is to operate as a master station or a slave station.

  In addition, a wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention is configured to include setting means for setting and / or changing information stored in the storage means in the wireless communication apparatus described above.

  Therefore, new information can be stored in the storage means.

  Therefore, the wireless communication apparatus can be operated as a new operation mode.

  Also, for example, in evaluating the capability of the master station function, changing the contribution rate to the capability evaluation for some functions in the master station function, or in evaluating the capability of the communication quality control function, The degree of easiness of being a master station can also be changed by changing the contribution rate to the ability evaluation of some functions.

  Further, the wireless communication device according to the present invention is the above wireless communication device, wherein at least one of the operation mode information determined by the determination unit, the communication state information of the own device, and the information stored in the storage unit. It is the structure provided with the display means which displays one or more information.

  Therefore, there is an effect that the user can check the communication state information of the own apparatus and the information stored in the storage unit.

  Further, when the setting means is provided, the setting can be easily changed by referring to the information displayed on the display means.

  In addition, as described above, the operation mode setting (startup) method of the wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention is for causing the own apparatus to function as a parent station and the own station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as a parent station. A method of setting an operation mode of a wireless communication apparatus including a slave station function control means, wherein the master station function control means functions to operate the own apparatus as a master station, and the slave station function control. A second operation mode in which the device functions as a slave station, and either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means functions as a master station or a slave station A determination step of determining which operation mode is stored among the third operation modes to be operated in the step, and an operation step of operating the device based on the operation mode determined in the determination step A.

  Therefore, the operation mode of the wireless communication apparatus is determined depending on the stored operation mode.

  Here, when it is determined in the determination step that the first operation mode is stored, the own apparatus operates in the first operation mode. Therefore, in this case, the wireless communication apparatus can operate as a master station by causing the master station function control means to function.

  If it is determined in the determining means step that the second operation mode is stored, the own apparatus operates in the second operation mode. Therefore, in this case, the wireless communication apparatus can be operated as a slave station by causing the slave station function control means to function.

  Further, when it is determined in the determination step that the third operation mode is stored, the own apparatus operates in the third operation mode. Therefore, in this case, the wireless communication apparatus can operate either the master station or the slave station by causing either the master station function control means or the slave station function control means to function. Further, when operating in the third operation mode, for example, when another parent station already exists, the local station can be prevented from standing up by making the own apparatus a slave station. On the other hand, when there is no other master station, a new wireless network can be constructed even if there is no other master station by setting the own apparatus as the master station.

  By the way, the capability of the master station function (that is, the capability when functioning as a master station) differs depending on each radio communication device constituting the radio communication network. That is, some wireless communication devices have a predetermined capability as a master station, and other wireless communication devices do not have a predetermined capability as a parent station. Therefore, there are some wireless communication devices that are desired to operate as a master station, and other wireless communication devices that are not desired to be operated as a master station.

  Therefore, when it is desired to operate as a master station, the wireless communication apparatus can be operated as a master station by storing the first operation mode. Further, when it is not desired to operate as a master station, the wireless communication apparatus can be operated as a slave station by storing the second operation mode. Furthermore, when it is possible to operate as a master station, the wireless communication apparatus can be operated as a master station or a slave station by storing the third operation mode.

  Therefore, the above configuration has an effect that a wireless communication apparatus having a predetermined capability can be set as a master station.

  In addition, as described above, the wireless communication method according to the present invention constitutes a wireless network system composed of a parent station and a slave station, and is a wireless communication method for a wireless communication apparatus that can operate as both a master station and a slave station. Then, at the time of communication with another wireless communication device, an acquisition step for acquiring information on the master station function of the other wireless communication device, and a search for whether there is another wireless communication device serving as the master station A search step, and, when a master station is found in the search step, based on the information acquired in the acquisition step, an appropriate determination step for determining appropriateness as the master station with respect to the master station, In the aptitude determination step, when it is determined that the master station is appropriate, it is a method of joining the master station as a slave station.

  Therefore, if there is another wireless communication device that serves as a master station, and if it is determined in the suitability determining step that the master station is appropriate as a master station, this master station is newly added. By becoming a master station, the wireless communication apparatus can participate in a new master station as a slave station.

  Therefore, it is highly suitable as a master station in addition to a wireless communication device that is currently operating as a master station, because the master station has left the wireless network, or when the master station is undecided, for example, immediately after starting up Even when a wireless communication device exists, the wireless network can be reconstructed.

  In the wireless communication method according to the present invention, in the communication method described above, in the obtaining step, information on a communication quality control function of the other wireless communication device is further obtained, and in the suitability determining step, the master station is obtained. This is a method for determining the appropriateness as a master station capable of controlling the communication quality.

  Therefore, there is an effect that a wireless network in which communication quality is guaranteed can be reconstructed.

  In addition, as described above, the wireless communication method according to the present invention constitutes a wireless network system composed of a parent station and a slave station, and is a wireless communication method for a wireless communication apparatus that can operate as both a master station and a slave station. A search step for searching whether or not there is another wireless communication device serving as a master station, and when the master station cannot be found in the search step, When the communication quality control function is provided, the method operates as a master station capable of controlling the communication quality.

  Therefore, in the case where other wireless communication devices that are parent stations cannot be found, if the own device has a parent station function and a communication quality control function, the own device can become a new parent station. A wireless communication device can participate in a wireless network as a slave station.

  Therefore, even if the master station has a master station function and a communication quality control function even if the master station is undecided because the master station has left the wireless network, or because the host apparatus has just started, etc. There is an effect that a wireless network can be reconstructed. Further, since the own apparatus operates as a master station capable of controlling communication quality, there is an effect that the communication quality of the wireless network is also guaranteed.

  In addition, as described above, the wireless communication method according to the present invention constitutes a wireless network system composed of a parent station and a slave station, and is a wireless communication method for a wireless communication apparatus that can operate as both a master station and a slave station. Then, at the time of communication with another wireless communication device, an acquisition step for acquiring information on the master station function of the other wireless communication device, and a search for whether there is another wireless communication device serving as the master station And when the master device is found in the search step and the own device has a master station function, the master station function of the own device and the master station function of the master station are When it is determined that the parent station function of the own device is higher than the parent station function of the parent station in the comparison step to be compared and the comparison step, the own device operates as a parent station, while the own device operates in the comparison step. Other master station functions If it is judged to be lower than the master station functions of the wireless communication device, the device itself is a method to join the master station as a slave station.

  Therefore, a wireless communication apparatus having a high master station function operates as a new master station.

  Therefore, if the parent station is undecided, for example, because the parent station has left the wireless network, or because the device itself has just started, etc., it may be suitable as a parent station in addition to the wireless communication device currently operating as the parent station. Even when a high wireless communication device exists, the wireless network excellent in the master station function can be reconstructed by the new master station.

  In the wireless communication method according to the present invention, in the communication method described above, in the obtaining step, information on a communication quality control function of the other wireless communication device is further obtained. Comparing the total function that combines the master station function and communication quality control function of its own device with the total function that combines the master station function and communication quality control function of the master station when it has a station function and communication quality control function If the total function of the own device is determined to be higher than the total function of the master station in the comparison step, the device operates as a master station capable of controlling communication quality. When it is determined that the function is lower than the total function of the master station, this is a method of joining the master station as a slave station.

  Therefore, a wireless communication apparatus having a high total function combining the master station function and the communication quality control function operates as a new master station. That is, a new master station is determined in consideration of the communication quality control function.

  Therefore, if the parent station is undecided, for example, because the parent station has left the wireless network, or because the device itself has just started, etc., it may be suitable as a parent station in addition to the wireless communication device currently operating as the parent station. Even when a high wireless communication device exists, the wireless network in which the communication quality is guaranteed can be reconstructed by the new master station.

  Further, the wireless communication method according to the present invention relates to information on the master station function of the own device and the master station function of the other radio communication device when communicating with the other radio communication device in the communication method described above. This is a method of notifying each other of information.

  Therefore, other wireless communication apparatuses can also determine the master station function of the own apparatus.

  Therefore, if the parent station is undecided, for example, because the parent station has left the wireless network, or because the device itself has just started, etc., it may be suitable as a parent station in addition to the wireless communication device currently operating as the parent station. When there is a high wireless communication device, another wireless communication device can determine whether or not it operates as a parent station based on the parent station function.

  Also, the wireless communication method according to the present invention is the communication method described above, wherein the communication with the other wireless communication device includes information on a master station function and a communication quality control function of the own device, and the other wireless communication device. This is a method of notifying each other of information related to the master station function and the communication quality control function.

  Therefore, other wireless communication apparatuses can also determine the master station function and the communication quality control function of the own apparatus.

  Therefore, if the parent station is undecided, for example, because the parent station has left the wireless network, or because the device itself has just started, etc., it may be suitable as a parent station in addition to the wireless communication device currently operating as the parent station. When there is a high wireless communication device, another wireless communication device can determine whether or not it operates as a parent station based on the master station function and the communication quality control function.

  In addition, the wireless communication method according to the present invention is a method of notifying other wireless communication devices of information relating to the master station function of the own device when the power supply of the own device is stopped.

  Therefore, when the power supply is stopped and the own device is disconnected from the wireless network, another wireless communication device can know the capability of the master station function of the own device.

  Therefore, when the power supply of the own device is stopped, the other wireless communication device can obtain the determination information for determining whether the own device operates as the master station or the slave station.

  In addition, the wireless communication method according to the present invention is a method of notifying other wireless communication devices of information relating to the master station function and the communication quality control function of the own device when the power supply of the own device is stopped. It is.

  Therefore, when the power supply is stopped and the own device leaves the wireless network, other wireless communication devices can know the capabilities of the master station function and the communication quality control function of the own device. .

  Therefore, when the power supply of the own device is stopped, the other wireless communication device can obtain the determination information for determining whether the own device operates as the master station or the slave station.

  In addition, the wireless communication method according to the present invention monitors another wireless communication device serving as a master station, and when the propagation state of radio waves with the master station is below a certain level for a predetermined period, A monitoring step for determining that the communication state of the device is poor, and a state transition step for transitioning the device to a parent station undetermined state when the monitoring step determines that the communication state with the parent station is poor, This is a method of performing any one of the above wireless communication methods when the master station is in an undetermined state in the state transition step.

  Therefore, even when radio waves can be exchanged with the master station, if the radio wave propagation state is below a certain level, the own apparatus can be shifted to the master station undetermined state.

  Therefore, by performing any one of the wireless communication methods described above, it becomes possible to set a wireless communication device that has at least a superior master station capability as compared to other devices, including its own device, as a new master station. The effect is that the wireless network can be reconstructed under the new master station. Note that examples of the parent station undetermined state include a case where the own device is in an initial state and a case where the own device determines that the communication state with the parent station is poor.

  Further, as described above, the wireless communication system according to the present invention is a communication system in which a plurality of communication devices are connected via a network, and at least one of the plurality of communication devices includes the wireless communication. It is the structure which is an apparatus.

  Therefore, there is an effect that the effect described above with respect to the wireless communication device can be obtained by the present system.

  The program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to function as each means of the wireless communication apparatus as described above.

  By loading the program into the computer system, the wireless communication device can be provided to the user.

  The program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to execute the operation mode setting method of the wireless communication apparatus as described above.

  By loading the program into the computer system, the operation mode setting method of the wireless communication apparatus can be provided to the user.

  The program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to execute the wireless communication method described above.

  By loading the program into the computer system, the wireless communication method can be provided to the user.

  Moreover, the recording medium which recorded the program based on this invention has recorded the said program as mentioned above.

  By loading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system, the wireless communication device, the operation mode setting method of the wireless communication device, or the wireless communication method can be provided to the user. Play.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

  Also, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or a wireless communication apparatus, and the system (or CPU or CPU) of the system or wireless communication apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used.

  The program code may be downloaded from another computer system to a main storage medium or an external storage medium via a transmission medium such as a communication network.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU of the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

  The present invention can be applied to various wireless communication fields such as wireless real-time transmission of multimedia data.

Whether the terminal function information storage unit 73 supports the master station recovery function set by the mode setting unit 75 in addition to the information stored in the terminal function information storage unit 23 shown in the first embodiment. Such information is also stored. Further, in the terminal function information storage unit 73, beacon information transmitted from the master station while the radio communication device 51 is participating in the network, as well as capability and communication quality control of the master station function of other radio communication devices in the network. Memorize capability of function. Note that beacon information transmitted by other parent stations other than the parent station forming the network to which the own terminal belongs may be stored. The beacon information, the master station function capability, and the communication quality control function capability are acquired via the wireless communication control unit 65 and then stored in the terminal function information storage unit 73. The beacon information refers to the network identifier of the master station obtained from the beacon, the beacon transmission cycle, or the MAC address of the master station (address identifying the information device).

Claims (47)

In a communication device constituting a network system composed of a master station and a slave station,
Slave station function control means for causing the own device to function as a slave station,
Control means for selecting a master station based on function information indicating the function of the other communication apparatus acquired from another communication apparatus and operating the selected apparatus as a slave station for the selected master station. A communication device. In a communication device constituting a network system composed of a master station and a slave station,
A master station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as a master station;
Slave station function control means for causing the own device to function as a slave station,
A first operation mode in which the master station function control means is operated to operate the own apparatus as a master station; a second operation mode in which the slave station function control means is operated to operate the own apparatus as a slave station; Having at least one operation mode of the third operation mode in which either the station function control means or the slave station function control means is operated to operate the own apparatus in either the master station or the slave station;
Storage means for storing any one of the operation modes;
Determination means for determining an operation mode stored in the storage means;
A communication device comprising: control means for operating the own apparatus as a master station or a slave station based on the operation mode determined by the determination means. The communication quality control means for notifying the control information to other communication devices and controlling the communication quality between the communication devices,
When operating the own apparatus as a master station, the control means operates the master station function control means and the communication quality control means to operate the own apparatus as a master station capable of controlling communication quality. The communication device according to claim 2. 3. When operating the own apparatus as a slave station, the control means selects a master station based on function information indicating a function of the other communication apparatus acquired from another communication apparatus. The communication device described. When the own apparatus is operating in the third operation mode and if at least one master station is found in addition to the current master station, the control means operates the master station function control means. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the communication apparatus determines whether to operate the own apparatus as a master station or to operate the slave station function control means as a slave station. When the own apparatus is operating in the third operation mode and it is determined that the communication state with the master station is poor, the control means operates the master station function control means. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the communication apparatus determines whether to operate the own apparatus as a master station or to operate the slave station function control means as a slave station. When the own apparatus is operating in the third operation mode and receives a leave command from the network from the master station, the control means operates the master station function control means to The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the communication apparatus determines whether to operate as a master station or to operate the slave station function control means as a slave station. While performing wireless communication with other communication devices,
8. When operating the own apparatus as a master station, the control means operates the own apparatus on the same communication channel as the communication channel on which the own apparatus was operating. The communication device described. While performing wireless communication with other communication devices,
8. When operating the own apparatus as a master station, the control means operates the own apparatus on a communication channel different from the communication channel on which the own apparatus was operating. The communication device described. 5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the own apparatus selects a parent station, the control unit refers to information regarding the capability of the parent station function of another communication apparatus as the function information. . In determining whether the own apparatus operates as a master station or a slave station, the control means includes information on the capability of the master station function of the own apparatus, and other communication apparatuses as the function information. 3. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein information on the capability of the master station function is referred to. 2. When the own apparatus selects a master station, the control means refers to the master station based on information regarding the capability of a communication quality control function in another communication apparatus as the function information. Or the communication apparatus of 4. When determining whether the own device operates as a master station or a slave station, the control means includes information relating to the capability of the communication quality control function in the own device, and other communication devices as the function information. 3. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein information on the capability of the communication quality control function is referred to. 5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the own apparatus selects a master station, the control unit refers to ID information of the other communication apparatus acquired from the other communication apparatus. The control means refers to ID information of another communication device acquired from another communication device when determining whether the own device operates as a master station or a slave station. Item 3. The communication device according to Item 2. 11. The communication apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising storage means for storing information relating to the capability of the master station function of another communication apparatus. 12. The communication apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising storage means for storing information relating to the capability of the master station function of the own device and information relating to the capability of the master station function of another communication device. 13. The communication apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising storage means for storing information relating to the capability of the communication quality control function in another communication apparatus. 14. The communication apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising storage means for storing information relating to the capability of the communication quality control function in the own device and information relating to the capability of the communication quality control function in another communication device. The communication apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a storage unit that stores ID information of the other communication apparatus. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising storage means for storing the operation mode. The communication device according to any one of claims 16 to 21, further comprising notification means for notifying other communication devices of information stored in the storage means. Power supply control means for controlling the supply of power to its own device,
23. The communication apparatus according to claim 22, wherein when the power supply is stopped by the power control means, the notification means notifies the information stored in the storage means to another communication apparatus. . The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 21, further comprising setting means for setting and / or changing information stored in the storage means. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 21, further comprising display means for displaying information stored in the storage means. The communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication apparatus communicates with another communication apparatus using a communication system conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard or a communication system conforming to the IEEE 802.11e standard. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the own apparatus is an apparatus that performs wireless communication. An operation mode activation method for a communication device comprising a master station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as a master station, and a slave station function control means for causing the own apparatus to function as a slave station,
A first operation mode in which the master station function control means is operated to operate the own apparatus as a master station; a second operation mode in which the slave station function control means is operated to operate the own apparatus as a slave station; Which one of the third operation modes in which either the station function control means or the slave station function control means is operated to operate the own apparatus in either the master station or the slave station is operated in the operation mode. A determination step for determining;
An operation mode activation method for a communication apparatus, comprising: an operation step of operating the own apparatus as a master station or a slave station based on the operation mode determined in the determination step. 29. The operation mode activation method according to claim 28, wherein the own apparatus is an apparatus that performs wireless communication. It is a communication method of a communication apparatus that constitutes a network system composed of a master station and a slave station, and that can operate as a master station and a slave station,
An acquisition step of acquiring information related to a master station function of another communication device while participating in the network system;
A search step for searching whether there is another communication device serving as a master station;
When another communication device that becomes a master station is found in the search step, a comparison step that compares the master station function of the own device with the master station function of the discovered communication device;
If it is determined in the comparison step that the parent station function of the own device is higher than the parent station function of the discovered communication device, the own device operates as a parent station, whereas the parent device function of the own device is determined in the comparison step. An operation step of joining the discovered communication device as a slave station when the station function is determined to be lower than the master station function of the discovered communication device. Method. A wireless network system comprising a master station and a slave station, and a communication method for a communication device that can operate as a master station and a slave station,
An acquisition step of acquiring information related to a master station function of another communication device while participating in the network system;
A monitoring step of monitoring a communication state with the master station;
A comparison step of comparing the master station function of the own apparatus with the master station function of the communication apparatus that has acquired information on the master station function when the monitoring step determines that the communication state with the master station is poor; ,
When it is determined in the comparison step that the master station function of the own device is higher than the master station function of the communication device that has acquired information on the master station function, the own device operates as a parent station, while the comparison step The host device has an operation step of operating as a slave station when it is determined that the master station function of the host device is lower than the master station function of the communication device that has acquired information on the master station function. Communication method. 32. The communication state with the parent station is determined to be bad when the data propagation state with the parent station is below a certain level for a predetermined period in the monitoring step. The communication method described. It is a communication method of a communication apparatus that constitutes a network system composed of a master station and a slave station, and that can operate as a master station and a slave station,
An acquisition step of acquiring information related to a master station function of another communication device while participating in the network system;
A comparison step of comparing the master station function of the own device with the master station function of the communication device that has acquired information on the master station function when receiving a leave command from the network from the master station;
When it is determined in the comparison step that the master station function of the own device is higher than the master station function of the communication device that has acquired information on the master station function, the own device operates as a parent station, while the comparison step The host device has an operation step of operating as a slave station when it is determined that the master station function of the host device is lower than the master station function of the communication device that has acquired information on the master station function. Communication method. While performing wireless communication with other communication devices,
34. When operating the own apparatus as a master station, the own apparatus is operated on the same communication channel as the communication channel on which the own apparatus was operating. Communication method. While performing wireless communication with other communication devices,
34. When operating the own apparatus as a master station, the own apparatus is operated on a communication channel different from the communication channel on which the own apparatus was operating. Communication method. 30. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein when the own apparatus is operated as a master station and the own apparatus has a communication quality function, the own apparatus is operated as a master station capable of controlling communication quality. 34. The communication method according to any one of 33 and 33. In the acquisition step, further, information on a communication quality control function of the other communication device is acquired,
In the comparison step, a total function that combines the master station function and the communication quality control function of the own device, and a total function that combines the master station function and the communication quality control function of the communication device that has acquired information on the communication quality control function; Compare
In the comparison step, it is determined that the total function of the own device is higher than the total function of the communication device that has acquired the information related to the communication quality control function, and the own device is the master station function and the communication quality control If the function is provided, the mobile station operates as a master station capable of controlling the communication quality, and determines that the total function of the own apparatus is lower than the total function of the communication apparatus that has acquired information on the communication quality control function in the comparison step. 34. The communication according to any one of claims 30, 31, and 33, further comprising an operation step of participating in a communication apparatus that has acquired information relating to the communication quality control function as a slave station. Method. 32. The information on the master station function of the own device and the information on the master station function of the other communication device are mutually notified at the time of communication with the other communication device. 34. The communication method according to any one of items 33 and 33. 30. The information regarding the communication quality control function of the own device and the information regarding the communication quality control function of the other communication device are mutually notified when communicating with the other communication device. 34. The communication method according to any one of 31 and 33. The communication method according to any one of claims 30, 31, and 33, wherein when the power supply of the own device is stopped, information on the master station function of the own device is notified to another communication device. The communication method according to any one of claims 30, 31, and 33, wherein information related to a communication quality control function of the own device is notified to another communication device when the power supply of the own device is stopped. . The communication method according to any one of claims 30 to 41, wherein the communication is performed wirelessly with the other communication device. In a communication system in which a plurality of communication devices are connected via a network,
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein at least one of the plurality of communication devices is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 27. A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 27. A program for causing a computer to execute the operation mode starting method for the communication device according to claim 28 or 29. A program for causing a computer to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 30 to 42. 47. A recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 44 to 46 is recorded.

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