WO2015129658A1 - Transmission module, information transmission network system, information transmission method, and information transmission program - Google Patents

Abstract

A module has a memory for storing predetermined transmission information to be processed by an information processing device, and transmits the predetermined transmission information stored in the memory along a predetermined transmission path including the information processing device. When a transmission failure in which the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information cannot be confirmed when the predetermined transmission information has been transmitted in accordance with a predetermined transmission parameter occurs, the module changes part or all of the predetermined transmission parameter used to transmit the predetermined transmission information that has failed to be transmitted while holding information in the memory, and retransmits the predetermined transmission information in accordance with the changed predetermined transmission parameter. Consequently, when communication trouble occurs in a transmission module included in a network for information transmission and having a memory, rapid recovery from the communication trouble without loss of the information in the memory becomes possible.

Description

Transmission module, information transmission network system, information transmission method, information transmission program

The present invention relates to a transmission module that transmits information related to an information processing apparatus along a predetermined transmission path including the information processing apparatus, and a network system including the transmission module and the information processing apparatus.

Conventionally, by using a sensor module that measures environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity, and transmitting the measured information to an information processing device via a network, a large amount of measurement data can be easily collected. Technologies that enable it are being developed. In this case, the wireless function for transmitting the measured information is formed by providing the sensor module with a wireless function. Here, regarding a wireless network, for example, in Patent Document 1, when a communication failure occurs in an ad hoc wireless network, a base station receives a communication parameter change request issued from a wireless terminal, and the base station receives a communication channel of the network. A technique for transmitting communication parameters for constructing a new communication path to each terminal by aggregating information is disclosed. In this way, the base station grasps the entire network, so that communication parameters that do not affect the entire system are set.

JP 2012-147090 A

In a network that transmits information to be transmitted to a destination via a plurality of transmission modules, from the viewpoint of information collection, if a communication failure occurs between transmission modules included in the network, the failure section is determined until then. Since the information collected via the route will not reach the destination, prompt recovery from communication failures is required. On the other hand, as in the prior art, when a base station placed in a position to manage the network issues a request for recovery to each terminal and attempts to recover based on the response, it grasps the communication status of the entire network. On the other hand, it may be difficult to fully grasp the communication status of the entire network due to the section where the communication failure occurs. .

Also, the transmission module may be provided with a memory for electrically holding information to be transmitted to the destination. With this memory, it is possible to retain information transmitted from the upstream transmission module, information acquired by the own transmission module, and the like, and transmit information toward the destination in a timely manner. Here, when a communication failure occurs, the transmission module is generally reset as a method for restoring the communication state. In this reset process, information previously held in the memory is lost. This is not always desirable from the viewpoint of information collection.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and belongs to a network for information transmission, and when a communication failure occurs in a transmission module having a memory, the information in the memory is not lost. The purpose is to enable quick recovery from communication failures.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention includes a memory for storing information processed by the information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “predetermined transmission information”), and along a predetermined transmission path that is a network. In the transmission module that transmits the predetermined transmission information, when a transmission failure to the downstream side occurs, the transmission module side autonomously changes a predetermined transmission parameter related to information transmission while retaining the information in the memory. Adopted. This makes it easier to recover from the failure state without being affected by a transmission failure (communication failure) occurring in a predetermined transmission path. In the present application, “self-transmission module” is an expression used to specify a transmission module included in a network. That is, when a transmission module belonging to a network is specified as a reference, the transmission module is expressed as “self transmission module”. Also, in the information flow in the network with reference to the self-transmission module, the transmission module located on the upstream side is referred to as “upstream transmission module” or similar expression, and the transmission module located on the downstream side is referred to as “downstream transmission module” or An expression similar to that. Therefore, expressions such as “self-transmission module”, “upstream transmission module”, and “downstream transmission module” are based on the relative relationship between the transmission modules. The transmission module specified as the transmission module is also different. In addition, when there is no need to distinguish between “self-transmission module”, “upstream transmission module”, “downstream transmission module”, and the like, they may be simply expressed as “transmission module”.

Specifically, the present invention has a memory for storing predetermined transmission information to be processed by the information processing apparatus, and the predetermined transmission information stored in the memory is transferred to a predetermined transmission path including the information processing apparatus. It is a module that transmits along. Then, the transmission module, according to a predetermined transmission parameter set to transmit the predetermined transmission information from the self-transmission module to the downstream transmission module located downstream of the self-transmission module in the predetermined transmission path, Transmitting means for transmitting predetermined transmission information from the self-transmission module to the downstream transmission module in the predetermined transmission path, and the predetermined transmission information transmitted by the transmission means is received by the downstream transmission module, or Confirmation means for confirming the transmission completion state that has reached the information processing apparatus, and when the transmission failure in which the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information cannot be confirmed by the confirmation means occurs, the information in the memory is retained. , The predetermined transmission used to transmit the predetermined transmission information that has become the transmission defect Changing some or all of the parameters, and a retransmission means for performing the retransmission of the predetermined transmission information in accordance with a predetermined transmission parameter after the change.

In the transmission module according to the present invention, information transmission according to a predetermined transmission parameter is performed by the transmission means. That is, transmission of the predetermined transmission information from the self-transmission module to the downstream transmission module in the transmission module belonging to the predetermined transmission path follows a predetermined transmission parameter that determines the transmission condition. Each of the transmission modules that transmit the predetermined transmission information has this predetermined transmission parameter. As the predetermined transmission path, each transmission module transmits the predetermined transmission information according to the predetermined transmission parameter. By doing so, the predetermined transmission information is collected from each transmission module to the information processing apparatus that is the destination.

The predetermined transmission path is formed by the starting point and the end point, and a transmission module located between the two points. However, in the present invention, the predetermined transmission path is limited to a specific path. There is no intention. That is, the predetermined transmission path may be a transmission path that is determined in advance, or may be a transmission path that is changed by changing a predetermined transmission parameter as will be described later. In addition, the predetermined transmission information transmitted by the transmission module is information to be processed by the information processing device included in the predetermined transmission path. In the present invention, the processing form of the predetermined transmission information in the information processing device is a specific type. The form is not limited.

Here, the transmission module according to the present invention is the information processing apparatus in which the predetermined transmission information transmitted from the self-transmission module to the downstream transmission module by the transmission unit is the downstream transmission module or the final destination by the confirmation unit. Check the transmission completion status to indicate that has been reached. For example, the transmission completion state for the downstream transmission module can be confirmed using a confirmation signal (acknowledge signal) sent from the downstream transmission module that has received the predetermined transmission information to the self transmission module. The transmission completion status for the information processing apparatus can be confirmed using a reception notification sent from the information processing apparatus that has received the predetermined transmission information to the self-transmission module.

Here, if the self-transmission module cannot confirm the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information by the confirmation means, it means that the purpose of information transmission has not been achieved despite the transmission of the predetermined transmission information by the transmission means. A transmission failure has occurred for some reason. In such a case, in the transmission module according to the present invention, processing for autonomous recovery by the retransmission means is performed. That is, the retransmission means changes a part or all of the predetermined transmission parameter for determining the transmission condition from the self-transmission module while maintaining the predetermined transmission information in the memory, interaction with other transmission modules, or This is performed as processing within the self-transmission module without any interaction with the information processing apparatus. Therefore, the change of the predetermined transmission parameter is executed without receiving external interference. Then, in accordance with the predetermined transmission parameter after the change, transmission of the predetermined transmission information having a transmission failure is attempted again.

In this way, when the self-transmission module confirms a transmission failure, a predetermined transmission parameter is autonomously changed within the self-transmission module, which is affected by the external transmission failure occurring at that time. Therefore, the transmission state can be recovered. Further, since the information in the memory is retained when the predetermined transmission parameter is changed, continuous information collection to the information processing apparatus is ensured. If retransmission of the predetermined transmission information is performed by the retransmission unit and the transmission completion state is confirmed, transmission of the predetermined transmission information thereafter may be performed according to the predetermined transmission parameter after the change, The predetermined transmission information may be transmitted in accordance with a predetermined transmission parameter before the change when a certain time has passed or the cause of the transmission failure is removed.

Here, the transmission module includes initialization of the memory and initialization of the predetermined transmission parameter when a transmission failure occurs in which the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information cannot be confirmed by the confirmation unit. You may further provide the reset means which resets a self-transmission module. The retransmission unit retransmits the predetermined transmission information according to the changed predetermined transmission parameter when the transmission failure occurs and before the reset unit resets the self-transmission module. Do. In the transmission module configured in this way, it may be possible to recover from a transmission failure by the reset means. However, since the predetermined transmission information stored in the memory is lost when recovery is performed by the resetting means, the transmission module sets the autonomous predetermined transmission parameter before the recovery by the resetting means. By executing the change and the retransmission according to the predetermined transmission parameter after the change, it is possible to recover the suitable transmission state as described above.

Further, in the transmission module, when the transmission failure occurs again after the retransmission of the predetermined transmission information by the retransmission unit, the retransmission by the retransmission unit accompanied by further change of the predetermined transmission parameter and the confirmation unit The confirmation of the transmission completion state may be repeated. In this case, if the transmission failure continues even after a predetermined number of retransmissions by the retransmission unit, the self-transmission module may be reset by the reset unit. In this way, when the predetermined parameter change and retransmission are repeated by the retransmission means, an upper limit value is set a predetermined number of times for the repetition, thereby avoiding unnecessarily increasing the time required for recovery from a transmission failure. be able to. If the transmission failure continues even after repeating the retransmission a predetermined number of times, the reset process by the reset means is unavoidable. Note that the predetermined number of times can be set as appropriate from the viewpoint of information collection, such as whether the predetermined transmission information can be collected appropriately and whether the time required for collection is large.

Here, in the transmission module up to the above, when the retransmission means causes a transmission failure in which the predetermined transmission information does not reach the information processing apparatus even if the downstream transmission module successfully receives the predetermined transmission information. Alternatively, a part or all of the predetermined transmission parameter corresponding to the transmission failure may be changed and the predetermined transmission information may be retransmitted. That is, even if transmission of the predetermined transmission information from the self-transmission module to the downstream transmission module is successful, the information collection device cannot fulfill its purpose unless the information reaches the information processing device. Become. In particular, when specific information related only to the self-transmission module is included in the predetermined transmission information, the importance of delivering the predetermined transmission information to the information processing apparatus is not low. Therefore, as described above, when a reception notification from the information processing device is not confirmed by the confirmation unit, that is, when a transmission failure occurs in which the predetermined transmission information does not reach the information processing device, retransmission by the retransmission unit is performed. Therefore, suitable information collection can be realized.

Here, in the transmission module up to the above, the following modes can be adopted for changing the predetermined transmission parameter by the retransmission means. As a first form, when the transmission failure occurs, the retransmitting means includes a part or all of the predetermined transmission parameter that has caused the transmission failure without changing the downstream transmission module with respect to the self-transmission module. And the predetermined transmission information may be retransmitted. In such a case, since the positional relationship of the downstream transmission module with respect to at least the self-transmission module does not change, retransmission by the retransmission unit is realized by changing transmission parameters other than the transmission parameter that determines the positional relationship between the transmission modules. Will be. For example, the changed parameters among the predetermined transmission parameters include a parameter relating to setting of reception sensitivity in the self-transmission module related to confirmation of the transmission completion state by the confirmation means, and a parameter relating to transmission intensity from the self-transmission module. At least one of parameters relating to a channel used for transmission of the predetermined transmission information between transmission modules belonging to the predetermined transmission path may be used. Of course, other than the parameters related to the positional relationship of the downstream transmission module with respect to the self-transmission module, other transmission parameters may be changed by the retransmission means.

Further, as a second modified form, when the transmission failure occurs, the retransmission means changes the downstream transmission module with respect to the self-transmission module so that one of the predetermined transmission parameters having the transmission failure is changed. The predetermined transmission information may be retransmitted by changing some or all of the information. In such a case, since the positional relationship of the downstream transmission module with respect to the self-transmission module changes, the self-transmission module has a new transmission module that is different from the transmission module that has transmitted the predetermined transmission information until now. After that, retransmission by the retransmission means is realized. For example, the changed parameter among the predetermined transmission parameters is a transmission module other than the self-transmission module included in the network forming the predetermined transmission path, and the transmission is arranged to be communicable with the self-transmission module. Parameters related to the module and a network other than the network forming the predetermined transmission path, and the predetermined transmission information can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus, or information can be exchanged with the information processing apparatus It may be at least one of the parameters relating to the network that can be transmitted to other information processing apparatuses connected in this manner.

When the downstream transmission module is changed by the retransmission unit and there are a plurality of transmission modules that can be changed as new downstream transmission modules in this way, between the self-transmission module and the information processing apparatus. The predetermined transmission parameter corresponding to the transmission failure is partially or entirely changed so that the one transmission module having the smallest number of transmission modules in the network becomes the new downstream transmission module. The transmission information may be retransmitted. If the number of transmission modules between the self-transmission module and the information processing device is large, the possibility of communication failure increases accordingly, so when changing the downstream transmission module in this way, the transmission module By making the number the smallest, it is possible to increase the probability of successful retransmission of the predetermined transmission information.

Here, the transmission module up to the above may further include holding means for holding a specific restoration parameter that uses the transmission condition of the predetermined transmission information by the transmission means as a specific transmission condition. When the transmission failure occurs, the retransmission unit always holds the predetermined transmission parameter before the retransmission of the predetermined transmission information according to the changed predetermined transmission parameter. The predetermined transmission information is retransmitted after changing to the specific recovery parameter. The change of the predetermined transmission parameter by the retransmission means up to the above can be performed without specifying the cause of the transmission failure. Therefore, retransmission is not always successful immediately. On the other hand, the specific restoration parameter held by the holding unit forms a specific transmission condition set for recovering the transmission failure from various viewpoints. For example, the specific recovery parameter may be set from the viewpoint of grasping in advance the form of transmission failure that is likely to occur in the transmission module and removing the cause of the communication failure, and does not take into account the cause of the communication failure. One of the transmission parameters when communication was successfully performed before may be set as the specific recovery parameter. Then, before changing the predetermined transmission parameter by the retransmitting means, the specific recovery parameter is used to try to retransmit the predetermined transmission information, so that the information in the memory can be transmitted promptly without being lost. Recovery from defects can be achieved.

In the transmission module, when the transmission failure occurs again after the predetermined transmission information is retransmitted in accordance with the specific recovery parameter, the retransmission unit is configured to transmit the retransmission information before the change to the specific recovery parameter. It suffices to change some or all of the predetermined transmission parameters and retransmit the predetermined transmission information. Thereby, it is possible to preferably recover from a transmission failure.

Here, the transmission module up to the above may further include a sensor that detects an environmental parameter around or inside the self-transmission module, in which case the detected environmental parameter is It is stored in the memory as predetermined transmission information or as a part of the predetermined transmission information. Note that this configuration does not prevent the transmission module from storing information other than environmental parameters in the memory as predetermined transmission information and transmitting the information to the information processing apparatus along a predetermined transmission path.

Also, the present invention is an information transmission configured to transmit predetermined transmission information, which is information to be processed by the information processing apparatus, via a plurality of transmission modules along a predetermined transmission path including the information processing apparatus. It can also be seen from the network system side. In this case, at least one of the plurality of transmission modules includes a memory for storing the predetermined transmission information and the predetermined transmission information from the self transmission module to the downstream side of the self transmission module in the predetermined transmission path. Transmitting means for transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the self-transmission module to the downstream transmission module in the predetermined transmission path according to predetermined transmission parameters set for transmission to the downstream transmission module located; and the transmission means Confirming means for confirming a transmission completion state in which the predetermined transmission information transmitted by the downstream transmission module is received by the downstream transmission module or reaches the information processing apparatus, and the transmission completion of the predetermined transmission information by the confirmation means When a transmission failure occurs whose status cannot be confirmed, the information in the memory The predetermined transmission parameter used for transmission of the predetermined transmission information that has failed to be transmitted is changed, and the predetermined transmission information according to the changed predetermined transmission parameter is changed. Resending means for performing resending. It should be noted that the technical idea disclosed regarding the invention of the transmission module can be applied to the invention of the information transmission network system as long as there is no technical flaw.

In addition, the present invention has a memory for storing predetermined transmission information to be processed by the information processing apparatus, and passes through a transmission module for transmitting the predetermined transmission information to a predetermined transmission path including the information processing apparatus. The predetermined transmission information may be transmitted along the side of the information transmission method. In this case, according to a predetermined transmission parameter set for transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the self-transmission module to the downstream transmission module located downstream of the self-transmission module in the predetermined transmission path, A transmission step of transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the self-transmission module to the downstream transmission module in the predetermined transmission path, and the predetermined transmission information transmitted in the transmission step is received by the downstream transmission module; Alternatively, a confirmation step for confirming a transmission completion state that has reached the information processing apparatus, and a transmission failure in which the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information cannot be confirmed in the confirmation step, the information in the memory is retained. The predetermined transmission used to transmit the predetermined transmission information that has failed to transmit Changing some or all of the parameters, including a retransmission step of retransmitting the predetermined transmission information in accordance with a predetermined transmission parameter after the change. It should be noted that the technical idea disclosed regarding the invention of the transmission module can be applied to the invention of the information transmission method as long as there is no technical flaw.

Also, the present invention provides an information transmission program that includes a memory for storing predetermined transmission information to be processed by the information processing apparatus, and causes a transmission module that transmits the predetermined transmission information to execute processing including the following steps. Can also be captured from. In this case, the information transmission program has predetermined transmission parameters set to transmit the predetermined transmission information from the self-transmission module to a downstream transmission module located downstream of the self-transmission module in the predetermined transmission path. The transmission step of transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the self-transmission module to the downstream transmission module in the predetermined transmission path, and the predetermined transmission information transmitted in the transmission step are received by the downstream transmission module Or a confirmation step for confirming a transmission completion state that has reached the information processing apparatus, and when there is a transmission failure in which the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information cannot be confirmed in the confirmation step, information in the memory is stored. Used to transmit the predetermined transmission information that has become the transmission failure while holding Serial to change some or all of the predetermined transmission parameters, to execute a retransmission step of retransmitting the predetermined transmission information in accordance with a predetermined transmission parameter after the change. It should be noted that the technical idea disclosed regarding the invention of the transmission module can be applied to the invention of the information transmission program as long as there is no technical flaw.

When a communication failure occurs in a transmission module that belongs to a network for information transmission and has a memory, it is possible to quickly recover from the communication failure without losing information in the memory.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system according to the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the transmission module contained in the network system shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the server contained in the network system shown in FIG. It is a 1st flowchart of the transmission process of the transmission information performed with a transmission module. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a data structure of transmission information to be transmitted in the transmission process shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a transmission failure has occurred between transmission modules in the network system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6B is a diagram schematically illustrating a state where a transmission parameter of the transmission module related to the transmission failure is changed and a new transmission path is formed after the transmission failure illustrated in FIG. 6A occurs. In the 2nd network system concerning the present invention, it is a figure showing roughly the state where transmission failure occurred between transmission modules. FIG. 7B is a diagram schematically showing a state where a transmission parameter of the transmission module related to the transmission failure is changed and a new transmission path is formed after the transmission failure shown in FIG. 7A occurs. It is a 2nd flowchart of the transmission process of the transmission information performed with a transmission module. It is a 3rd flowchart of the transmission process of the transmission information performed with a transmission module.

Referring to the drawings, a network system 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “network”) 10 according to the present invention and transmission modules 2 and 3 included in the network will be described. The configuration of the following embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the network 10. The network 10 includes a transmission module in which sensors for measuring various external environment parameters (such as temperature) are mounted or a transmission module having only a relay function in which the sensors are not mounted. The network is formed so that each transmission module functions so as to collect information in the information processing apparatus 1. In the network 10 shown in FIG. 1, two transmission paths are formed between each of the transmission modules and the information processing apparatus 1, and the same reference numbers (2 or 2) are assigned to the transmission modules included in one transmission path. 3) will be attached. In addition, when a plurality of transmission modules in one transmission path are distinguished from each other, letters (“A”, “B”, etc.) for identifying the individual are provided after the reference numbers 2 and 3 of the transmission modules. Will be attached.

Specifically, a transmission path including a plurality of transmission modules 2 and a transmission path including a plurality of transmission modules 3 are formed in the network 10. The former transmission path includes the transmission modules 2A and 2B on which the sensor is mounted, and the latter transmission path has a transmission module 3A on which the sensor is mounted and only a relay function without mounting the sensor. A transmission module 3B is included. In the network 10 shown in FIG. 1, communication between transmission modules is performed in a wireless format, and the relay order of the transmission modules in each transmission path is determined according to transmission parameters set for information transmission in each transmission module. ing. Note that the transmission parameters include not only the relay order but also a plurality of parameters for determining various transmission conditions regarding information transmission, and details thereof will be described later. In the network 10, transmission information is transmitted in the order of the transmission modules 2A and 2B through the transmission path including the transmission module 2, and transmission information is transmitted in the order of the transmission modules 3A and 3B through the transmission path including the transmission module 3. Finally, the data is transmitted from the transmission modules 2B and 3B to the information processing apparatus 1 that is the destination of the route.

Here, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a transmission / reception apparatus 1a and a server 1b. The transmission / reception device 1a receives information transmitted from the transmission modules 2B and 3B located closest to the information processing device 1 in each transmission path, and transmits a predetermined operation command or transmission to the transmission module located in each transmission path. It is a device for transmitting to the transmission modules 2B and 3B in order to deliver a notification. The transmission / reception device 1a is electrically connected to the server 1b. The server 1b collects information measured by sensors mounted on the transmission modules 2A and 2B and the transmission module 3A, for example, and performs predetermined information processing.

Note that the measurement by the sensors mounted on the transmission modules 2A and 2B and the transmission module 3A and the transmission of the measurement data to the information processing apparatus 1 are performed by each transmission module in order to realize continuous information collection. It is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals (for example, at regular intervals) after being inserted. 1 includes a sensor function for measuring a measurement target, a function for recording and processing the measured information, and a wireless connection to the outside of the transmission module. A transmission module that is configured with a function, a power supply function, and the like and is not mounted with a sensor is configured as a small device that is mounted with a wireless function, a power supply function, and the like to the outside of the transmission module.

Examples of sensors mounted on the transmission modules 2 and 3 include physical sensors such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, an illuminance sensor, a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a ground temperature sensor, and a particle sensor, and a CO2 sensor. There are chemical sensors such as pH sensors, EC sensors, and soil moisture sensors. In the present embodiment, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that each transmission module 2 is equipped with a temperature sensor for measuring the external temperature at the position where each transmission module 2 is disposed, and the transmission modules 2A and 2B. The temperature data measured by 3A is provided for predetermined information processing in the server 1b.

Here, in the network 10, when measurement is performed by the sensor, the measurement data is finally transmitted to the information processing apparatus 1 through transmission processing by a plurality of transmission modules as transmission information. However, since transmission information is transmitted via radio in the network 10, the transmission environment is not suitable (for example, receiving radio wave interference from other radio devices outside the transmission path or between transmission modules). For example, when there is an obstacle temporarily, a transmission failure may occur in which the transmission completion state of the transmission information between the transmission modules cannot be confirmed from the transmission source. If this transmission failure continues, collection of transmission information to the information processing apparatus 1 does not proceed smoothly, and it is required to quickly eliminate the transmission failure. In general, a central device (such as a base station) that manages the entire network may adjust the communication conditions between the transmission modules in consideration of the communication status of the network. However, since a transmission failure has occurred between the transmission modules, there is a possibility that such adjustment instructions from the central device may not reach the transmission module located at the end, and in this case, it is difficult to quickly eliminate the transmission failure. I must say.

In addition, the transmission module is equipped with a memory that temporarily stores measurement data acquired by the sensor, information received from the upstream transmission module, and the like for transmission to the downstream side. And, there is a case where the reset process of the transmission module itself is performed as a means to eliminate the transmission failure, but generally the information in the memory is lost because the transmission module is initialized when the reset process is performed, During the time required for initialization, the transmission module may be in a non-functional state, so that information collection to the information processing measure 1 is also hindered.

Therefore, in the network 10 according to the present invention, when a transmission failure occurs, the transmission module that grasps the transmission failure autonomously resolves the state and retransmits information that could not be transmitted (hereinafter referred to as “transmission failure”). , “Transmission processing”). Thereby, collection of transmission information to the information processing apparatus 1 can be realized smoothly and promptly.

Based on the above, specific processing by the transmission modules 2 and 3 and the information processing apparatus 1 in the network 10 will be described. The transmission modules 2 and 3 have an arithmetic device, a memory, and the like inside, and various functions are exhibited when a predetermined control program is executed by the arithmetic device. Therefore, FIG. 2 shows functional blocks in which some of the various functions exhibited by the transmission module 2 belonging to the network 10 are imaged. In addition, although the functional block about the transmission module 2 in which the sensor is mounted is specifically illustrated in FIG. 2, the transmission module other than the functions related to the sensor is also applied to the transmission module without other sensors. 2 has the same function. For the transmission module equipped with the sensor, the temperature data measured by the temperature sensor installed is stored in the memory, and the measured data is transmitted to the downstream transmission module by the communication unit 21 described later. Composed.

Here, the transmission module 2 includes a control unit 20, a communication unit 21, a transmission parameter storage unit 22, a specific recovery parameter holding unit 23, a measurement unit 24, and an information storage unit 25 as functional units. The driving power of the transmission module 2 may be supplied from a battery built in the module, or may be supplied from an AC power source outside the module. Below, each function part which transmission module 2 has is explained.

The control unit 20 is a functional unit that performs various controls in the transmission module 2, and particularly includes a transmission control unit 201, a transmission completion confirmation unit 202, a transmission parameter change unit 203, and a reset unit 204. The transmission control unit 201 is a functional unit that transmits transmission information from the self-transmission module to the downstream transmission module through the communication unit 21 described later according to transmission parameters held by a transmission parameter storage unit 22 described later. This transmission parameter includes a plurality of parameters for determining information transmission conditions in the self-transmission module, and details thereof will be described later. Note that, as described above, the transmission control unit 201 itself performs information transmission according to the transmission parameter and functions as a transmission unit according to the present invention. When transmitting the transmission information, the transmission control unit 201 functions as a retransmission unit according to the present invention together with a transmission parameter changing unit 203 described later.

The transmission completion confirmation unit 202 is a downstream transmission module that is a direct transmission destination or a final transmission destination when transmission information is transmitted by the transmission control unit 201. It is a functional unit that confirms that the information processing apparatus 1 has been reached, and corresponds to a confirmation unit according to the present invention. For example, when the downstream transmission module or the information processing apparatus 1 receives transmission information from the self-transmission module, it is designed to transmit an acknowledgment signal (reception notification) corresponding to the reception to the self-transmission module. The transmission completion confirmation unit 202 confirms the completion of transmission to the transmission destination by confirming whether or not the acknowledge signal has been received. If the transmission completion confirmation unit 202 cannot confirm the transmission completion state to the transmission destination, it means that a transmission failure has occurred in the self-transmission module. The transmission parameter changing unit 203 is a functional unit that changes some or all of the transmission parameters held in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 described later based on the transmission completion confirmation result by the transmission completion confirmation unit 202. . The reset unit 204 corresponds to a reset unit according to the present invention, and is a functional unit that executes initialization related to the control system of the self-transmission module. The initialization by the reset unit 204 causes initialization of transmission parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 and loss of various data stored in the information storage unit 25 described later.

Next, the communication unit 21 controls transmission / reception of information to / from the outside through an antenna mounted on the self-transmission module. Specifically, the communication unit 21 is directed to a downstream transmission module according to an instruction from the transmission control unit 201. And transmission information transmitted from the upstream transmission module is received. The antenna included in the self-transmission module has a diversity function, and the communication unit 21 adjusts ON / OFF of the diversity function as necessary to adjust the reception capability of the self-transmission module. In addition, when the transmission unit 21 receives transmission information from the upstream transmission module, the communication unit 21 is configured to notify the upstream transmission module of an acknowledge signal indicating that the transmission information has been received. .

Next, the transmission parameter storage unit 22 is a functional unit that holds transmission parameters for determining transmission conditions when transmission information is transmitted by the transmission control unit 201 in the memory of the self-transmission module. Since there are a variety of specific transmission parameter modes, five transmission parameters are typically exemplified below as transmission parameters largely related to the present invention.
(1) Parameter for Validating Antenna Diversity This parameter is a parameter for setting ON / OFF of the antenna diversity function of the transmission module, and is hereinafter referred to as “diversity parameter” in the present application. When the antenna diversity function is turned on, the reception capability of the self-transmission module is improved, while the power consumption required for reception slightly increases.
(2) Parameter related to transmission power This parameter is a parameter related to the transmission strength of transmission information from the transmission module, and is hereinafter referred to as “transmission power parameter” in the present application. When the transmission power is increased, the area that can be transmitted from the transmission module is expanded, and it is less susceptible to obstacles located near the transmission module, but the power consumption required for transmission increases. become.
(3) Parameter relating to node address of transmission module serving as transmission destination This parameter is a parameter for identifying a downstream transmission module that is a transmission module belonging to the same network and is a transmission destination from the own transmission module, In the present application, this is hereinafter referred to as “node parameter”. In the network 10 shown in FIG. 1, in the transmission module 2A, the node address of the transmission module 2B is set as a node parameter.
(4) Network-related parameter This parameter is a parameter for identifying a network in which the self-transmission module transmits transmission information with the information processing apparatus 1 as the highest level as shown in FIG. This is referred to as “network parameter”. In the network 10 shown in FIG. 1, the network parameters in the transmission modules 2 and 3 are all set to the same value for identifying the network 10.
(5) Parameter related to channel This parameter is a parameter related to a transmission channel used when information is transmitted between the transmission modules, and is hereinafter referred to as “channel parameter” in the present application. Generally, common channel parameters are set between transmission modules belonging to the same network.
Note that some or all of the transmission parameters (1) to (5) stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 can be changed by an instruction from the transmission parameter changing unit 203. When the reset process is performed by the reset unit 204, the transmission parameters (1) to (5) stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 are initialized and changed to initial transmission parameters. .

Next, the specific recovery parameter storage unit 23 is a functional unit that stores a specific recovery parameter that is a kind of transmission parameter of the self-transmission module. The specific recovery parameter is a transmission parameter set in advance in order to promptly recover from the transmission failure when a transmission failure occurs as a result of the confirmation of the transmission completion confirmation unit 202 in the self-transmission module. When a defect occurs, it is set as a transmission parameter to be used preferentially in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 as necessary. Even if the reset processing by the reset unit 204 is performed, the specific recovery parameter held in the specific recovery parameter holding unit 23 is not initialized.

Next, the measurement unit 24 is a functional unit that measures an external environment parameter (for example, external temperature) through a sensor (for example, a temperature sensor) mounted on the self-transmission module. And the measurement data by the measurement part 24 are memorize | stored in the memory of a self-transmission module by the information storage part 25. FIG. The information storage unit 25 also stores transmission information received from the upstream transmission module via the communication unit 21 when the self-transmission module functions as a repeater. These pieces of information stored in the information storage unit 25 are transmitted to the downstream transmission module via the communication unit 21 in accordance with instructions from the communication control unit 201. Note that when the reset process by the reset unit 204 is performed, the information stored in the information storage unit 25 is lost.

Next, functional units formed in the server 1b will be described with reference to FIG. The server 1b includes a communication unit 11, a measurement data recording unit 12, an information processing unit 13, and a reception notification unit 14. The communication unit 11 is a functional unit that performs communication for collecting transmission information from a transmission module that is located closest to the information processing device 1 in the transmission path via the transmission / reception device 1a. Specifically, the communication unit 11 controls transmission / reception between the transmission modules 2 b and 3 b and the information processing apparatus 1. The measurement data recording unit 12 is a functional unit that records temperature data, which is measurement data, of information included in transmission information transmitted from the transmission modules 2 and 3 via the communication unit 11. Then, the measurement data recorded here is transferred to the information processing unit 13, and the information processing unit 13 performs predetermined information processing using the collected measurement data (for example, a transmission module based on temperature data). Air conditioning control of the installed space is performed. Therefore, the sensor mounted on the transmission module may be a sensor for measuring information necessary for predetermined information processing to be performed by the information processing unit 13. Next, the reception notifying unit 14 notifies the transmission module that is the transmission source of the transmission information that the server 1b has received the transmission information from the transmission module received via the communication unit 11. It is.

Next, transmission processing in the transmission module will be described based on FIG. In addition, the transmission process includes the transmission module 2 shown in FIG. 1, and the following is realized as a process realized by executing a predetermined control program in the transmission module 2A located on the most upstream side. Specific contents are shown. However, substantially the same transmission processing can be applied to other transmission modules.

FIG. 5 shows a data structure of transmission information transmitted by the transmission module 2A in the transmission process. The upper part (a) of FIG. 5 schematically shows the data structure of the entire transmission information, and the transmission information is roughly divided into eight data areas. In the present embodiment, five data areas a1 to a5 that are particularly important among the eight data areas will be described. The area a1 (Start Symbol) is a specific byte string indicating the start of transmission information. An area a2 (Destination Address) represents an address of a destination (information processing apparatus 1 in this embodiment) to which transmission information is finally transmitted. An area a3 (Source Address) represents an address of a transmission information transmission source (in the case of the present embodiment, the transmission module 2A). The area a4 (Data) stores temperature data measured by a temperature sensor mounted on the transmission module 2A that is a transmission source. Area a5 (Terminator Symbol for Data) is a specific byte string indicating the end of transmission information.

Next, an example of measured temperature data stored in the area a4 is shown in the middle part (b) of FIG. In this embodiment, in the transmission module 2A, the temperature data for two times measured after the transmission of the previous transmission information is stored in the area a4. Specifically, the temperature data acquired at time t10 and the temperature data T2 acquired at time t20 are stored in the area a4 in the order of the data acquisition time. This is because the transmission module 2A is designed not to transmit the measurement data to the transmission module 2B every time data measurement is performed by the temperature sensor, but to transmit the measurement data of a plurality of times collectively. Of course, the form of the measurement data to be transmitted is not limited to the form shown in FIG.

<Relay processing>
Here, returning to FIG. 4, the transmission process will be described. First, in S101, the transmission control unit 201 determines whether or not it is time to transmit transmission information from the own transmission module 2A to the transmission module 2B located downstream thereof. If an affirmative determination is made in S101, the process proceeds to S102, and if a negative determination is made, the process of S101 is performed again.

Next, in S102, the transmission control unit 201 forms transmission information in a state where the measured temperature data stored in the information storage unit 25 is stored in the transmission information area a4 to be transmitted to the transmission module 2B. Transmission to the transmission module 2B is executed via the unit 21. The transmission is executed according to transmission parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22, that is, transmission parameters including a diversity parameter, a transmission power parameter, a node parameter, a network parameter, and a channel parameter. When the process of S102 ends, the process proceeds to S103.

In S103, the transmission completion confirmation unit 202 determines whether or not a transmission failure has occurred in which the transmission completion state of the transmission information to the transmission module 2B cannot be confirmed. Specifically, if the acknowledge signal transmitted by the transmission module 2B that transmitted the transmission information and received it cannot be confirmed by the transmission completion confirmation unit 202 within a predetermined time from the transmission, a transmission failure has occurred. Judged to be. If an affirmative determination is made in S103, the process proceeds to S104, and if a negative determination is made, this transmission process is terminated.

In S104, a part of the transmission parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 is changed by the transmission parameter changing unit 203 in order to eliminate the transmission failure that has occurred. After that, in S105, the changed transmission is changed. According to the parameters, the transmission control unit 201 retransmits the transmission information in which transmission failure has occurred, that is, transmission information for which transmission completion to the transmission module 2B could not be confirmed. When the process of S105 ends, the occurrence of a transmission failure related to the retransmitted transmission information is determined again by the process of S103. In addition, since the reset process by the reset part 204 is not performed in the self-transmission module 2A while these processes of S104 and S105 are performed, the information stored in the information storage unit 25 is not lost.

Here, the change of the transmission parameter in S104 will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, as the transmission parameters to be changed, the five parameters described above are the diversity parameter, transmission power parameter, node parameter, network parameter, and channel parameter. Hereinafter, the process of S104 corresponding to each parameter will be described.

(1) When changing the diversity parameter When a transmission failure occurs in the state where the antenna diversity function is disabled in the self-transmission module 2A, transmission information is received by the transmission module 2B, and an acknowledge signal is transmitted from the transmission module 2B. In spite of this, it can be considered that the transmission failure occurred due to the fact that the self-transmission module 2A could not properly receive the acknowledge signal. Thus, it is useful to enable the antenna diversity function and improve the reception capability in the self-transmission module 2A as means for eliminating transmission failure.

Specifically, the self-transmission module 2A performs a process of changing the diversity parameter stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 to a value corresponding to validation as the process of S104. Thereafter, the transmission control unit 201 retransmits the transmission information according to the transmission parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 including the changed diversity parameter.

(2) When changing the transmission power parameter If the transmission power is set high in the self-transmission module 2A, it is possible to improve the transmission capability, but the increase in power consumption in the self-transmission module 2A and the surrounding wireless network Therefore, the transmission power of the self-transmission module 2A is normally set to a value that is suppressed to some extent. Therefore, by increasing the transmission power in the self-transmission module 2A, it may be possible to eliminate a transmission failure that may occur due to the presence of an obstacle between the transmission modules.

Specifically, the self-transmission module 2A performs a process of increasing the transmission power parameter stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 as a process of S104. Thereafter, the transmission control unit 201 retransmits the transmission information in accordance with the transmission parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 including the changed transmission power parameter. As the transmission power parameter increasing process, for example, the transmission power parameter may be changed so that the transmission power gradually increases in order to suppress interference with surrounding networks as much as possible. In order to eliminate a bad transmission failure, the transmission power parameter may be changed so that the maximum transmission power can be set in the self-transmission module 2A.

(3) When changing a node parameter The change of a node parameter is demonstrated based on FIG. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A shows a state in which a transmission failure has occurred between the transmission modules 2A and 2B in the network 10 (that is, a state in which an affirmative determination is made in S103). At this time, the self-transmission module 2A broadcasts a message for searching for a transmission module that can be newly connected as a direct transmission destination to the surrounding transmission modules. The message includes, for example, a command that causes the transmission module that has received the message to return a node address for identifying the transmission module and the device type of the transmission module.

The self-transmission module 2A receives a reply from the transmission module that has received the message, and selects a transmission module as a new destination from the transmission modules that have sent the reply. For example, based on the device type information included in the reply, a new transmission is selected from among the transmission modules excluding transmission modules of a type to which the self-transmission module 2A cannot be connected (for example, transmission modules not having a relay function). The transmission module as a destination is determined, the determination is reflected in the node parameter stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22, and the transmission parameter is changed. Thereafter, the transmission control unit 201 retransmits the transmission information according to the transmission parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 including the changed node parameters.

In the case of this embodiment, it is assumed that the transmission module 3A, 3B is searched as a connectable transmission module as a result of the self-transmission module 2A broadcasting the message. Here, as to which transmission module to be selected from the searched transmission modules 3A and 3B, the self-transmission module 2A and the information that is the final information transmission destination when newly connected to the transmission module. The transmission module to which the own transmission module 2A is newly connected is the one having the smallest number of transmission modules existing with the processing apparatus 1. This is because, in transmitting transmission information, it is considered that the mode with the smallest number of transmission modules to be relayed is less likely to cause a transmission failure. The transmission module having the smallest number of transmission modules to be relayed can be determined by grasping which transmission module is located on the most downstream side among the searched transmission modules. In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the node parameter is changed in S104 so that the transmission module 3B located on the most downstream side along the information transmission flow is selected as a new connection destination. It will be.

Note that when the processing of S104 is performed for the first time, the transmission module 3B is selected as a new transmission module as described above, and when retransmission of transmission information is performed, if a transmission failure also occurs for the retransmission, the node By further changing the parameters, the transmission module 3A in which the number of transmission modules to be relayed next to the transmission module 3B is reduced is set as the next new connection destination.

(4) When changing a network parameter The change of a network parameter is demonstrated based on FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. The networks shown in both figures include a network N2 formed by the transmission module 2 and a network N3 formed by the transmission module 3. The information processing device 4 is arranged at the highest level in the network N2, and the information processing device 5 is arranged at the highest level in the network N3. The information processing devices 4 and 5 have transmission / reception devices 4a and 5a and servers 4b and 5b, respectively, like the information processing device 1, so that both information processing devices can exchange information with each other. Are connected to each other to construct a shared database DB.

Here, FIG. 7A shows a state in which a transmission failure has occurred between the transmission modules 2A and 2B in the network N2 (that is, a state in which an affirmative determination is made in S103). At this time, the self transmission module 2A searches for a transmission module that can be newly connected as a direct transmission destination to the transmission module existing in a network other than the network to which the self transmission module 2A belongs. Broadcast the message. Note that since different communication channels may be used in different networks, the broadcast is performed using each communication channel that can be used by the self-transmission module 2A. The message includes, for example, a transmission module that has received the message, a network name for identifying the network to which the transmission module belongs, a communication channel used in the network, and a reception strength signal RSSI of the message. It includes commands to be sent back.

The self-transmission module 2A receives a reply from the transmission modules 3A and 3B belonging to the network N3 that has received the message, and selects a transmission module as a new transmission destination from the transmission modules that have sent the reply. For example, based on the information of the received strength signal RSSI included in the reply, a transmission module that can most reliably receive the transmission information from the self-transmission module 2A is determined as a new transmission destination, and the determination is made as the transmission parameter storage unit 22 Is reflected in the network parameters stored in the network, and the transmission parameters are changed. Thereafter, the transmission control unit 201 retransmits the transmission information according to the transmission parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 including the changed network parameters.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the transmission module 3A, 3B belonging to the network N3 is searched as a connectable transmission module as a result of the self-transmission module 2A broadcasting the message. Here, regarding which transmission module to be selected from the searched transmission modules 3A and 3B, the transmission module 3B having a large value of the received signal strength RSSI is selected. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the network parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 and the network parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 as necessary are changed so that the network to which the self belongs is changed from N2 to N3. The channel parameter regarding the communication channel for connecting to the network N3 is changed in S104.

(5) When changing channel parameters There is a possibility that a transmission failure may occur due to a difference in transmission channel to be used between the transmission module 2B of the transmission destination in the self transmission module 2A. To do. In such a case, it is useful to change the transmission channel as a means for eliminating the transmission failure. Therefore, the self-transmission module 2A performs a process of changing the channel parameter stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 as a process of S104. Thereafter, the transmission control unit 201 retransmits the transmission information according to the transmission parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 including the changed channel parameters.

In S104, the above transmission parameters may be changed one by one, or alternatively, a plurality of transmission parameters may be combined and changed. The transmission parameter change in S104 is repeated as long as an affirmative determination is made in S103. However, the transmission parameter change order is not limited to a specific order and is appropriately set according to a predetermined purpose. can do. For example, when it is desired to avoid the change in the flow of transmission information through the transmission module as much as possible for the user, the change of the diversity parameter and the transmission power parameter is given priority over the change of the node parameter and the network parameter. May be. Further, when it is desired to suppress power consumption in the transmission module, the priority of changing the transmission power parameter may be set lower than changing other transmission parameters.

As described above, according to the transmission process shown in FIG. 4, when a transmission failure occurs when transmitting transmission information from the self-transmission module 2A, the processes of S103 to S105 are repeated. At this time, while the information stored in the information storage unit 25 is retained, a part of the transmission parameters stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 is autonomously changed, and the retransmission of the transmission information is repeated, thereby eliminating the transmission failure. Will be tried. Then, when the retransmission of the transmission information by changing the transmission parameter is successful, the transmission process is terminated.

<Modification 1>
In the above embodiment, the transmission process executed in the transmission module 2A has been described. However, substantially the same transmission process can be applied to the transmission module 2B located on the downstream side, and information in the memory is lost. And quick recovery from communication failures. However, since the transmission module 2B is arranged to transmit transmission information to the transmission / reception device 1a of the information processing device 1, a transmission failure occurs based on the reception notification transmitted from the reception notification unit 14 of the server 1b. Confirmation is performed.

The transmission information transmitted from the transmission module 2B also has the data structure shown in FIG. 5, but the measured temperature data included in the region a4 is the measured temperature included in the transmission information received from the upstream transmission module 2a. The data may be data obtained by adding temperature data measured by the self-transmission module 2B. In this case, the measured temperature data included in the transmission information received from the upstream transmission module 2a is stored in the information storage unit 25 together with the temperature data measured by the self transmission module 2B, and the process in S102 shown in FIG. The transmission information is formed so as to be included in the transmission information transmitted from the self-transmission module 2B.

<Modification 2>
In the above embodiment, the transmission completion confirmation unit 202 of the self-transmission module 2A confirms the occurrence of a transmission failure based on the presence or absence of an acknowledge signal from the downstream transmission module 2B. The completion confirmation unit 202 may confirm the occurrence of a transmission failure based on the reception notification issued from the reception notification unit 14 of the server 1b to the self-transmission module 2A. Since the transmission information is to be finally collected by the information processing apparatus 1, even with such a configuration, it is possible to eliminate the autonomous transmission failure by the self-transmission module 2A as described above.

Another embodiment of transmission processing executed by the transmission module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Of the processes in the transmission process shown in FIG. 8, the same processes as those in the transmission process shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the following description, it is assumed that the transmission process shown in FIG. 8 is executed in the transmission module 2A. In the transmission process according to the present embodiment, if an affirmative determination is made in S103, that is, if it is determined that a transmission failure has occurred, the process proceeds to S201. Here, in S201, it is determined whether or not the number of retransmissions of transmission information in the transmission process, that is, the number of retransmissions of transmission information executed in S105 has reached a predetermined number. If an affirmative determination is made in S201, reset processing by the reset unit 204 is executed, and this transmission processing is terminated. If a negative determination is made in S201, the process proceeds to S104, in which the transmission parameter stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 is partially changed, and the transmission information is retransmitted according to the changed transmission parameter. Is done.

As described above, according to the transmission process illustrated in FIG. 8, if the transmission is successful within a predetermined number of times when the transmission information is retransmitted together with the change of the transmission parameter, the reset process by the reset unit 204 is not executed. If the transmission failure is not resolved even if the retransmission is repeated a predetermined number of times, reset processing by the reset unit 204 is executed. As a result, it is possible to avoid repeated retransmission of transmission information. When the reset process by the reset unit 204 is executed, information stored in the information storage unit 25 is lost, but it is unavoidable to resume transmission of transmission information from the self-transmission module 2A.

Another embodiment of transmission processing executed by the transmission module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Of the processes in the transmission process shown in FIG. 9, the same processes as those in the transmission process shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the following description, it is assumed that the transmission process shown in FIG. 9 is executed in the transmission module 2A. In the transmission process according to the present embodiment, when the process of S102 ends, the process proceeds to S301. In S301, as in S103, based on the presence or absence of an acknowledge signal from the transmission module 2B, it is determined whether or not a transmission failure has occurred in which the transmission completion state of transmission information to the transmission module 2B cannot be confirmed. Then, if an affirmative determination is made in S301, the process proceeds to S302, and if a negative determination is made, this transmission process is terminated.

Next, in S302, the transmission parameter stored in the transmission parameter storage unit 22 is set to be replaced with the specific recovery parameter stored in the specific recovery parameter storage unit 23, and transmission information according to the specific recovery parameter is set. Is retransmitted. The specific restoration parameter is a transmission parameter set in advance in order to promptly recover from the transmission failure when a transmission failure occurs in the self-transmission module 2A. The above five transmission parameters (diversity parameter, transmission parameter) (A power parameter, a node parameter, a network parameter, a channel parameter) is a parameter group in which values are set when communication has been performed successfully before. That is, the process of S302 is executed in the hope that there is a high possibility that the transmission failure will be solved by replacing the transmission parameter with this specific recovery parameter when a transmission failure occurs. When the process of S302 ends, the processes after S103 are performed.

If it is determined in S103 immediately after the processing of S302 that a transmission failure has occurred, the transmission parameter to be changed in the next S104 is not the specific recovery parameter but the specific recovery parameter. The replaced transmission parameter, that is, the transmission parameter used when it is determined in S301 that a transmission failure has occurred, and as a result, the transmission failure as quickly as possible as in the transmission process shown in FIG. Is resolved.

<Other examples>
In the transmission processing according to the above-described embodiments, when a transmission failure occurs in the self-transmission module, the transmission failure is resolved by repeating retransmission of the transmission information together with a partial change of the transmission parameter. Here, the transmission information is successfully retransmitted after the transmission parameter is changed and the transmission failure is resolved, and the transmission failure occurs again in the transmission according to the changed transmission parameter (hereinafter referred to as “transmission failure”). , “Retransmission failure case”). In such a retransmission failure case, the transmission parameter could be temporarily eliminated by changing the transmission parameter in the previous transmission process, but the transmission environment is unstable due to the changed transmission parameter. It may have become. Therefore, in the retransmission failure case, as a partial change of the transmission parameter, a change process for returning the transmission parameter changed in the previous transmission process to the transmission parameter before the change may be performed. Further, when the transmission parameter is changed a plurality of times in the previous transmission process, a change process for sequentially returning the transmission parameter according to the change history may be performed.

1, 4, 5... Information processing device 1 b, 4 b, 5 b... Server 2, 2 A, 2 B, 3, 3 A, 3 B... Transmission module N 2, N 3, 10.

Claims (15)

1. A module having a memory for storing predetermined transmission information to be processed by the information processing apparatus, and transmitting the predetermined transmission information stored in the memory along a predetermined transmission path including the information processing apparatus. ,
   According to a predetermined transmission parameter set for transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the self transmission module to a downstream transmission module located downstream of the self transmission module in the predetermined transmission path, Transmitting means for transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the transmission module to the downstream transmission module;
   Confirmation means for confirming a transmission completion state in which the predetermined transmission information transmitted by the transmission means is received by the downstream transmission module or reaches the information processing apparatus;
   When the transmission means in which the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information cannot be confirmed by the confirmation means has occurred, the information is used to transmit the predetermined transmission information that has become the transmission defect while retaining the information in the memory. Re-transmission means for changing part or all of the predetermined transmission parameter and re-transmitting the predetermined transmission information according to the changed predetermined transmission parameter;
   A transmission module comprising:
2. Reset means for resetting the self-transmission module, including initialization of the memory and initialization of the predetermined transmission parameters, when a transmission failure occurs in which the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information cannot be confirmed by the confirmation means Further comprising
   The retransmission means performs retransmission of the predetermined transmission information according to the changed predetermined transmission parameter before the self-transmission module is reset by the reset means when the transmission failure occurs.
   The transmission module according to claim 1.
3. When the transmission failure occurs again after the retransmission of the predetermined transmission information by the retransmission unit, the retransmission by the retransmission unit with further change of the predetermined transmission parameter and the confirmation of the transmission completion state by the confirmation unit are repeated. ,
   If the transmission failure continues even after a predetermined number of retransmissions by the retransmission means, the reset means resets the self-transmission module.
   The transmission module according to claim 2.
4. The retransmission means responds to the transmission failure when a transmission failure occurs where the predetermined transmission information does not reach the information processing apparatus even if the predetermined transmission information is successfully received by the downstream transmission module. Changing some or all of the predetermined transmission parameters and retransmitting the predetermined transmission information;
   The transmission module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. When the transmission failure occurs, the retransmission means changes a part or all of the predetermined transmission parameter that has caused the transmission failure within a range in which the downstream transmission module for the self-transmission module is not changed. Resend
   The transmission module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. Among the predetermined transmission parameters, the changed parameters are a parameter relating to setting of reception sensitivity in a self-transmission module related to confirmation of the transmission completion state by the confirmation means, a parameter relating to transmission intensity from the self-transmission module, and At least one of parameters relating to a channel used for transmission of the predetermined transmission information between transmission modules belonging to a predetermined transmission path;
   The transmission module according to claim 5.
7. The retransmission means changes a part or all of the predetermined transmission parameter that has caused the transmission failure so as to change the downstream transmission module with respect to the self-transmission module when the transmission failure occurs. Resend
   The transmission module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
8. The changed parameter of the predetermined transmission parameters is a transmission module other than the self-transmission module included in the network forming the predetermined transmission path, and relates to the transmission module arranged to be communicable with the self-transmission module A network other than a parameter and a network that forms the predetermined transmission path, the network transmitting the predetermined transmission information to the information processing apparatus, or information exchange to the information processing apparatus Is at least one of the parameters related to the network that can be transmitted to another information processing apparatus connected to
   The transmission module according to claim 7.
9. In the case where there are a plurality of transmission modules that can be changed as new downstream transmission modules, the retransmission means transmits one transmission that minimizes the number of transmission modules existing between the self-transmission module and the information processing apparatus. Changing a part or all of the predetermined transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission failure so that the module becomes the new downstream transmission module, and retransmitting the predetermined transmission information.
   The transmission module according to claim 7 or 8.
10. Holding means for holding a specific restoration parameter that uses a transmission condition of the predetermined transmission information by the transmission means as a specific transmission condition;
    When the transmission failure occurs, the retransmission means always stores the predetermined transmission parameter by the holding means before resending the predetermined transmission information according to the changed predetermined transmission parameter. Change to a recovery parameter and retransmit the predetermined transmission information.
    The transmission module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. If the transmission failure occurs again after the predetermined transmission information is retransmitted in accordance with the specific recovery parameter, the retransmission means may include a part of the predetermined transmission parameter before being changed to the specific recovery parameter or Change all and resend the predetermined transmission information,
    The transmission module according to claim 10.
12. A sensor for detecting environmental parameters around or within the self-transmission module;
    The detected environmental parameter is stored in the memory as the predetermined transmission information or as a part of the predetermined transmission information.
    The transmission module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
13. A network system configured to transmit predetermined transmission information, which is information to be processed by an information processing device, via a plurality of transmission modules along a predetermined transmission path including the information processing device,
    At least one transmission module of the plurality of transmission modules is
    A memory for storing the predetermined transmission information;
    According to a predetermined transmission parameter set for transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the self transmission module to a downstream transmission module located downstream of the self transmission module in the predetermined transmission path, Transmitting means for transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the transmission module to the downstream transmission module;
    Confirmation means for confirming a transmission completion state in which the predetermined transmission information transmitted by the transmission means is received by the downstream transmission module or reaches the information processing apparatus;
    When the transmission means in which the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information cannot be confirmed by the confirmation means has occurred, the information is used to transmit the predetermined transmission information that has become the transmission defect while retaining the information in the memory. Re-transmission means for changing part or all of the predetermined transmission parameter and re-transmitting the predetermined transmission information according to the changed predetermined transmission parameter;
    An information transmission network system.
14. The predetermined transmission information having a memory for storing predetermined transmission information to be processed by the information processing apparatus, and along a predetermined transmission path including the information processing apparatus, via a transmission module for transmitting the predetermined transmission information An information transmission method for transmitting
    According to a predetermined transmission parameter set for transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the self transmission module to a downstream transmission module located downstream of the self transmission module in the predetermined transmission path, A transmission step of transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the transmission module to the downstream transmission module;
    A confirmation step of confirming a transmission completion state in which the predetermined transmission information transmitted in the transmission step is received by the downstream transmission module or reaches the information processing device;
    When the transmission failure in which the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information cannot be confirmed in the confirmation step occurs, the information was used for transmitting the predetermined transmission information that had the transmission defect while retaining the information in the memory. A retransmission step of changing a part or all of the predetermined transmission parameter and retransmitting the predetermined transmission information according to the changed predetermined transmission parameter;
    Including an information transmission method.
15. A transmission module having a memory for storing predetermined transmission information to be processed by the information processing apparatus, and transmitting the predetermined transmission information,
    According to a predetermined transmission parameter set for transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the self transmission module to a downstream transmission module located downstream of the self transmission module in the predetermined transmission path, A transmission step of transmitting the predetermined transmission information from the transmission module to the downstream transmission module;
    A confirmation step of confirming a transmission completion state in which the predetermined transmission information transmitted in the transmission step is received by the downstream transmission module or reaches the information processing device;
    When the transmission failure in which the transmission completion state of the predetermined transmission information cannot be confirmed in the confirmation step occurs, the information was used for transmitting the predetermined transmission information that had the transmission defect while retaining the information in the memory. A retransmission step of changing a part or all of the predetermined transmission parameter and retransmitting the predetermined transmission information according to the changed predetermined transmission parameter;
    An information transmission program that executes

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