WO2015198551A1 - Communication terminal and communication control method - Google Patents

Communication terminal and communication control method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015198551A1
WO2015198551A1 PCT/JP2015/002954 JP2015002954W WO2015198551A1 WO 2015198551 A1 WO2015198551 A1 WO 2015198551A1 JP 2015002954 W JP2015002954 W JP 2015002954W WO 2015198551 A1 WO2015198551 A1 WO 2015198551A1
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Prior art keywords
communication
unit
mode
communication method
packet
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PCT/JP2015/002954
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
貴之 佐々木
國吉　賢治
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パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
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Publication of WO2015198551A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015198551A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q9/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
    • H04W4/04—
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
    • H04W48/18—Selecting a network or a communication service
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00—Network data management
    • H04W8/26—Network addressing or numbering for mobility support

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a communication terminal such as a smart meter.
  • Power line carrier communication PLC: Power Line Communication
  • the PLC is used, for example, for smart meter communication.
  • a communication terminal that can enter any communication system by changing the communication method (communication mode) by switching the firmware for communication control. It is preferable that the communication method of such a communication terminal can be easily changed to the communication method used in the communication system of the entry destination.
  • the present invention provides a communication terminal and a communication control method that can be easily changed to a communication method used in a communication system of an entry destination.
  • a communication terminal includes: a communication unit that selectively uses one of a first communication method and a second communication method different from the first communication method; and When one communication method is used, a determination unit that determines whether or not other mode packet that is a packet of a communication method other than the first communication method is received in the communication unit, and the first communication in the communication unit When a method is used, (i) when an address for entering a communication system using the first communication method is assigned, the communication method of the communication unit is determined as the first communication method. (Ii) Control for performing communication control when the address is not assigned and when it is determined that the other mode packet is received, the communication method of the communication unit is shifted to the second communication method. Provided with a door.
  • a communication control method is a communication control method executed by a communication terminal, wherein the communication terminal is one of a first communication method and a second communication method different from the first communication method.
  • a communication unit that selectively uses the communication unit, and the communication control method includes a communication method other than the first communication method in the communication unit when the first communication method is used in the communication unit.
  • the communication terminal and the communication control method according to one aspect of the present invention can be easily changed to the communication method used in the communication system of the entry destination.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of communication mode determination processing of the communication terminal according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram when the communication terminal according to Embodiment 1 enters the first communication system.
  • FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram when the communication terminal according to Embodiment 1 enters the second communication system.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating Modification 1 of the determination method of the determination unit.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second modification of the determination method of the determination unit.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a third modification of the determination method of the determination unit.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of communication mode determination processing of the communication terminal according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram when the communication terminal according
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth modification of the determination method of the determination unit.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a communication mode determination process according to the modification.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the communication mode determination process is performed again after the communication mode is determined.
  • Embodiment 1 [Constitution]
  • a communication system using the first communication method is described as a first communication system
  • a communication system using a second communication method different from the first communication method is described as a second communication system. To do.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to Embodiment 1.
  • the communication terminal 10 includes a communication unit 11, a determination unit 12, a control unit 13, and a storage unit 14.
  • the communication terminal 10 is a smart meter (communication terminal for power measurement) that performs PLC, and is a terminal that supports both the first communication method and the second communication method.
  • a communication method (old communication method) having a bit rate of about kbps in the PHY has been conventionally used.
  • a communication system new communication system having a maximum bit rate of several hundreds of kbps is known due to performance improvement of lower layers (PHY and DLL (MAC)).
  • the communication terminal 10 is a terminal that supports both the old communication method and the new communication method. That is, the first communication method is, for example, one of the old communication method and the new communication method, and the second communication method is, for example, the other of the old communication method and the new communication method.
  • the old communication method and the new communication method as described above are incompatible in the first embodiment.
  • the first communication system cannot communicate using the second communication method
  • the second communication system cannot communicate using the first communication method.
  • the communication unit 11 is a PLC communication set to one of a first communication mode in which communication is performed using the first communication method and a second communication mode in which communication is performed using a second communication method different from the first communication method. It is a module. In other words, the communication unit 11 performs communication by selectively using one of the first communication method and the second communication method different from the first communication method.
  • the communication mode is set in the communication unit 11 by switching the firmware in the storage unit 14 executed by the control unit 13. For example, when the control unit 13 executes firmware (F / W) 15 of the first communication method, the communication unit 11 is set to the first communication mode. Moreover, when the control part 13 performs F / W16 of a 2nd communication system, the communication part 11 is set to 2nd communication mode.
  • the determination unit 12 detects (detects) reception of a packet from the communication unit 11 and determines whether there is a packet.
  • the determination unit 12 includes a detection unit that detects reception of another mode packet that is a packet having a communication mode different from the communication mode currently set in the communication unit 11, and determines whether or not another mode packet has been received.
  • the point is a feature.
  • the other mode packet is, for example, a periodic meter-reading data collection packet performed by a smart meter system operating in the other mode.
  • the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the communication unit 11 has received another mode packet.
  • the determination unit 12 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, a processor, or a dedicated circuit, but may be realized as part of the function of the communication unit 11 or may be realized as part of the function of the control unit 13. Good.
  • the control unit 13 performs communication mode determination processing (communication control). Specifically, when the communication unit 11 is set to the first communication mode, the control unit 13 has an address for entering the communication system in which the first communication method is used as the communication terminal 10 (communication unit 11). Is assigned (fixed) to the first communication mode. That is, the control unit 13 determines the communication method of the communication unit 11 as the first communication method. In addition, when the communication unit 11 is set to the first communication mode, the control unit 13 sets the communication unit 11 when it is determined that an address is not assigned and the other mode packet is received. Transition to the second communication mode. That is, the control unit 13 shifts the communication method of the communication unit 11 to the second communication method.
  • the control unit 13 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, a processor, or a dedicated circuit.
  • the communication mode determination process as described above of the control unit 13 is performed, for example, when the communication terminal 10 is installed in a building and then newly entered into a communication system already built in the building.
  • the communication mode determined by the control unit 13 is not changed in principle.
  • the storage unit 14 is a storage unit in which the F / W 15 of the first communication method and the F / W 16 of the second communication method are stored.
  • a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is employed.
  • the storage unit 14 may be provided in the communication unit 11 or the control unit 13.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the communication mode determination process of the communication terminal 10.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart when the communication terminal 10 is set to the first communication mode, but the same applies when the communication terminal 10 is set to the second communication mode.
  • the control unit 13 sets the communication unit 11 to the first communication mode as an initial setting (S11). Specifically, the control unit 13 reads and executes the F / W 15 of the first communication method in the storage unit 14.
  • the communication unit 11 transmits an address acquisition request to another communication terminal (master) belonging to the communication system to be entered through the communication unit 11 (S12).
  • the address here means an address on an application used for communication (an address assigned by software).
  • the determination unit 12 detects a packet received by the communication unit 11 (S13).
  • the control unit 13 sets the communication mode of the communication unit 11 to the first mode.
  • One communication mode is determined (S16). Specifically, for example, the control unit 13 raises a confirmation flag in the storage unit 14 (control unit 13), and prohibits execution of communication mode determination processing (change of communication method).
  • the confirmation flag is, for example, “1” when the communication method is fixed in the first communication mode, “2” when the communication method is fixed in the second communication mode, or when the communication method is not fixed in any mode. Set to “0”.
  • control unit 13 causes the determination unit 12 to transmit other mode packets within a predetermined period. It is confirmed whether it is determined that there is reception (S15).
  • control unit 13 shifts the setting of the communication unit 11 to the second communication mode after the predetermined period has elapsed (S17). Specifically, the control unit 13 reads and executes the F / W 16 of the second communication method in the storage unit 14.
  • the first communication mode is maintained even after the predetermined period has elapsed (S18). For example, the processing in steps S12 to S15 is performed. Is done again.
  • the communication unit 11 is set to the second communication mode.
  • the communication unit 11 may store the preambles of the packets in the first communication mode and the second communication mode in advance, and determine whether the packets are other mode packets or noise based on the received packet preambles. In this case, if the communication unit 11 determines that the noise is present, it may not be handled as reception of another mode packet.
  • FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram when the communication terminal 10 enters the first communication system.
  • the first communication system composed of a plurality of first communication terminals 21 is in system operation (S21), and the second communication system composed of a plurality of second communication terminals 22 is in system operation (S22). ).
  • the communication terminal 10 is installed and activated in an area where the first communication system is used (S23).
  • the communication unit 11 of the activated communication terminal 10 is set to the first communication mode as an initial setting, and the control unit 13 performs a communication mode determination process (S24). Specifically, the control unit 13 causes the communication unit 11 to transmit an address acquisition request to the parent device among the plurality of first communication terminals 21 (S25), waits for a response, and the determination unit 12 Then, it is determined whether or not another mode packet is received.
  • the communication terminal 10 since the communication terminal 10 is installed in the area where the first communication system is used, it receives an address acquisition response (S26). As a result, address assignment to the communication terminal 10 (communication unit 11) is performed (S27), and the control unit 13 determines the communication mode of the communication unit 11 to be the first communication mode.
  • FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram when the communication terminal 10 enters the second communication system.
  • the first communication system configured by the plurality of first communication terminals 21 is in the system operation (S ⁇ b> 21), and the second communication system is configured by the plurality of second communication terminals 22.
  • the communication system is operating (S22).
  • the communication terminal 10 is installed and activated in an area where the second communication system is used (S23).
  • the communication unit 11 of the activated communication terminal 10 is set to the first communication mode as an initial setting, and performs a communication mode determination process (S24).
  • the control unit 13 causes the communication unit 11 to transmit an address acquisition request (S25), waits for a response, and the determination unit 12 determines whether or not another mode packet has been received.
  • the communication terminal 10 is installed in an area where the second communication system is used. For this reason, the address acquisition request transmitted by the communication unit 11 set in the first communication mode does not reach the partner communication terminal or cannot be recognized by the partner communication terminal. Cannot be obtained.
  • the communication unit 11 receives the other mode packet transmitted by the second communication terminal 22 in the second communication system even in the state where the first communication mode is set (S28). And the determination part 12 detects reception of the other mode packet of the communication part 11, and determines with reception of another mode packet.
  • control unit 13 shifts (changes) the setting of the communication unit 11 to the second communication mode (S29), and performs the communication mode determination process in a state where the communication unit is set to the second communication mode (S30). .
  • control unit 13 causes the communication unit 11 to transmit an address acquisition request to the parent device among the plurality of second communication terminals 22 (S31), waits for a response, and the determination unit 12 Then, it is determined whether or not another mode packet (here, the packet of the first communication method) is received.
  • the communication terminal 10 Since the communication terminal 10 is installed in an area where the second communication system is used, the communication terminal 10 receives an address acquisition response (S32). As a result, address assignment to the communication terminal 10 (communication unit 11) is performed (S33), and the control unit 13 determines the communication mode of the communication unit 11 to be the second communication mode.
  • the communication mode determination process of the communication terminal 10 as described above is automatically performed using, for example, activation after installation as a trigger. For this reason, setting is less troublesome than setting the communication method manually by the installer of the communication terminal 10. That is, the communication terminal 10 can be easily changed to the communication method used in the entry communication system without manually setting the communication method used in the entry communication system in advance.
  • the communication terminal 10 since the communication terminal 10 requires only one communication unit by the communication mode determination process, the communication terminal 10 is more than a communication terminal including both a communication unit corresponding to the first communication method and a communication unit corresponding to the second communication method. Low cost.
  • a communication terminal that supports a plurality of communication methods using a single communication unit
  • a communication terminal that switches the communication method (F / W) at regular intervals can be considered.
  • a communication terminal there is a possibility that a communication mode unintentionally set.
  • the communication terminal 10 since the address assignment becomes a requirement for determining the communication mode, such a possibility is low.
  • the determination unit 12 may determine that other mode packets have been received when the communication unit 11 receives a predetermined number or more of other mode packets.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating Modification 1 of the determination method of the determination unit 12.
  • the determination unit 12 detects the other mode packet received by the communication unit 11 (S41). As a result of the detection, when the number of received other mode packets (detected number) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (Yes in S42), the determination unit 12 determines that other mode packets have been received (S43). When the number of other mode packets received is less than the predetermined number (No in S42), the determination unit 12 determines that no other mode packet has been received (S44).
  • the determination unit 12 may determine that the other mode packet is received when the reception quality of the other mode packet is a good reception quality equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second modification of the determination method of the determination unit 12.
  • the determination unit 12 detects the other mode packet received by the communication unit 11 (S51), and measures the reception quality of the other mode packet.
  • the reception quality here is signal strength (a value converted from the S / N ratio or S / N ratio). If the reception quality is equal to or higher than the threshold value as a result of the measurement (Yes in S53), the determination unit 12 determines that another mode packet has been received (S54). When the reception quality is less than the threshold (No in S53), the determination unit 12 determines that no other mode packet has been received (S55).
  • the reception quality is not limited to the signal strength, and may take any form such as other parameters indicating the reception quality.
  • reception quality equal to or higher than the threshold value as a requirement for the determination of the presence of reception of other mode packets
  • reception of signals with low signal strength such as noise is not treated as reception of other mode packets.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a third modification of the determination method of the determination unit 12.
  • the determination unit 12 detects the reception of the other mode packet by the communication unit 11 for each predetermined determination period (S61). If the determination period in which the other mode packet is detected (the reception of the other mode packet is confirmed) reaches a predetermined number or more (Yes in S62), the determination unit 12 determines that the other mode packet has been received. (S63). If the determination period in which the other mode packet is detected does not reach the predetermined number or more (No in S62), the determining unit 12 determines that no other mode packet has been received (S64).
  • the determination unit 12 may determine whether the other mode packet is received by comparing the reception quality of the other mode packet with the reception quality of the own mode packet. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 12 may determine that the other mode packet is received when the reception quality of the other mode packet is better than the reception quality of the own mode packet.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth modification of the determination method of the determination unit 12.
  • the determination unit 12 detects the other mode packet and the own mode packet (S71), and measures the detected reception quality of the other mode packet and the detected reception quality of the own mode packet (S72). .
  • the determination unit 12 determines that the other mode packet is received (S74).
  • the reception quality of the other mode packet is not better than the reception quality of the own mode packet (No in S73)
  • the determination unit 12 determines that there is no reception of the other mode packet (S75).
  • the reception quality of the other mode packet As described above, by making the reception quality of the other mode packet better than the reception quality of the own mode packet as a requirement for the determination of the reception of the other mode packet, the reliability of the determination of the reception of the other mode packet is improved. Can increase the sex. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of erroneously shifting to the second communication mode.
  • the determination method of the determination part 12 other mode packet reception presence / absence is not limited to such an example.
  • another determination method in which a plurality of different determination methods described above are combined may be used.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart of communication mode determination processing according to such a modification. In the following description of FIG. 9, the description will focus on differences from the flowchart of FIG.
  • the self-mode packet is included in the packet detected in step S13, and the determination unit 12 calculates the reception quality of the self-mode packet.
  • step S14 Even if the address is not assigned in step S14 (No in S14), if the reception quality of the self-mode packet is a good reception quality equal to or higher than the threshold (Yes in S101), the control unit 13 determines that the communication unit 11 Is set to the first communication mode (S16). When the reception quality of the own mode packet is less than the threshold (No in S101), the control unit 13 performs the process of step S15.
  • the setting of the communication unit 11 is determined to be the first communication mode regardless of the address assignment and the determination of whether or not the other mode packet is received.
  • the communication mode determination process can be speeded up.
  • the predetermined period may be extended.
  • control unit 13 determines the setting of the communication unit 11 to the first communication mode when an address is assigned within the extended predetermined period. If the address is not assigned within the extended predetermined period and it is determined that another mode packet is received within the extended predetermined period, the control unit 13 determines that the communication unit Is set to the second communication mode.
  • the predetermined period in other words, the waiting time until an address is assigned
  • the probability of shifting to an incorrect communication mode can be reduced.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the communication mode determination process is performed again. Note that FIG. 10 illustrates only step S18 and subsequent steps in the flowchart of FIG. 2 or FIG.
  • the control unit 13 may cancel the confirmation of the first communication mode of the communication unit 11 and perform the communication mode determination process (the process shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 9) again (S20). ).
  • the communication unit 11 is maintained in the first communication mode. (S21).
  • control unit 13 may shift the setting of the communication unit 11 to the second communication mode.
  • the start of the predetermined period is the start time of packet detection, but the start time of the communication terminal 10 may be the start of the predetermined period. That is, the start (and end) of the predetermined period may be determined in any way.
  • the communication mode determination process in the PLC has been described as an example of wired communication.
  • the present invention can also be applied to wireless communication.
  • the communication mode determination process has been described with reference to an example in which the communication mode is mainly applied to a communication method having a different bit rate in PHY.
  • control unit 13 performs the communication mode determination process for two communication modes.
  • the communication mode determination process may be performed for three or more communication modes.
  • each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component.
  • Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.
  • another processing unit may execute the processing performed by the specific processing unit.
  • the determination unit 12 may be realized as a function of the communication unit 11 or the control unit 13. Further, the order of the plurality of processes may be changed, and the plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.
  • the comprehensive or specific aspect of the present invention may be realized by a recording medium such as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable CD-ROM.
  • the comprehensive or specific aspect of the present invention may be realized by any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium.
  • the present invention may be realized as a communication mode determination processing method (communication control method) of a communication terminal.
  • this invention is not limited to these embodiment or its modification. Unless it deviates from the gist of the present invention, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art are applied to the present embodiment or the modification thereof, or a form constructed by combining different embodiments or components in the modification. It is included within the scope of the present invention.

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Abstract

A communication terminal comprises: a communication unit (11) that selectively uses one of first and second communication schemes to perform communications; a determination unit (12) that determines whether any packet of another mode has been received in the communication unit (11); and a control unit (13) that performs a communication control such that, in a case where the first communication scheme is currently used in the communication unit (11), (i) when an address for entering a communication system using the first communication scheme is allocated, settles that the communication scheme of the communication unit (11) is the first communication scheme, and (ii) when no such address is allocated and it is determined that a packet of another mode has been received, shifts the communication scheme of the communication unit (11) to the second communication scheme.

Description

通信端末、および、通信制御方法Communication terminal and communication control method
　本発明は、スマートメータなどの通信端末に関する。 The present invention relates to a communication terminal such as a smart meter.
　電力線を通信線としても利用して通信を行う電力線搬送通信（ＰＬＣ：Ｐｏｗｅｒ　Ｌｉｎｅ　Ｃｏｍｍｕｎｉｃａｔｉｏｎ）が知られている。ＰＬＣは、例えば、スマートメータの通信等に用いられる。 Power line carrier communication (PLC: Power Line Communication) that performs communication using a power line as a communication line is also known. The PLC is used, for example, for smart meter communication.
特開平１１－１７７７０号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-17770
　通信方式の変更（バージョンアップ等）により、従来の通信方式を用いた通信システムと、上記従来の通信方式と通信できない新しい通信方式を用いた通信システムとが並存する場合がある。このような場合、並存する通信システムのいずれの通信システムにも参入できる通信端末が有用である（例えば、特許文献１参照）。 There are cases where a communication system using a conventional communication system and a communication system using a new communication system that cannot communicate with the conventional communication system coexist due to a change (version upgrade, etc.) of the communication system. In such a case, a communication terminal that can enter any communication system of coexisting communication systems is useful (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
　例えば、通信制御用のファームウェアの切り替え等を行うことにより通信方式（通信モード）を変更し、いずれの通信システムにも参入できる通信端末が実現可能である。このような通信端末の通信方式は、参入先の通信システムで用いられている通信方式に容易に変更できるほうがよい。 For example, it is possible to realize a communication terminal that can enter any communication system by changing the communication method (communication mode) by switching the firmware for communication control. It is preferable that the communication method of such a communication terminal can be easily changed to the communication method used in the communication system of the entry destination.
　本発明は、参入先の通信システムで用いられている通信方式に容易に変更できる通信端末及び通信制御方法を提供する。 The present invention provides a communication terminal and a communication control method that can be easily changed to a communication method used in a communication system of an entry destination.
　本発明の一態様に係る通信端末は、第一通信方式、および、前記第一通信方式とは異なる第二通信方式の一方を選択的に用いて通信する通信部と、前記通信部において前記第一通信方式が用いられている場合に、前記通信部における、前記第一通信方式以外の通信方式のパケットである他モードパケットの受信有無を判定する判定部と、前記通信部において前記第一通信方式が用いられている場合に、（ｉ）前記第一通信方式が用いられる通信システムに参入するためのアドレスが割り当てられたときは、前記通信部の通信方式を前記第一通信方式に確定し、（ｉｉ）前記アドレスが割り当てられず、かつ、前記他モードパケットの受信有りと判定されたときは、前記通信部の通信方式を前記第二通信方式に移行する、通信制御を行う制御部とを備える。 A communication terminal according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a communication unit that selectively uses one of a first communication method and a second communication method different from the first communication method; and When one communication method is used, a determination unit that determines whether or not other mode packet that is a packet of a communication method other than the first communication method is received in the communication unit, and the first communication in the communication unit When a method is used, (i) when an address for entering a communication system using the first communication method is assigned, the communication method of the communication unit is determined as the first communication method. (Ii) Control for performing communication control when the address is not assigned and when it is determined that the other mode packet is received, the communication method of the communication unit is shifted to the second communication method. Provided with a door.
　本発明の一態様に係る通信制御方法は、通信端末が実行する通信制御方法であって、前記通信端末は、第一通信方式、および、前記第一通信方式とは異なる第二通信方式の一方を選択的に用いて通信する通信部を備え、前記通信制御方法は、前記通信部において前記第一通信方式が用いられている場合に、前記通信部における、前記第一通信方式以外の通信方式のパケットである他モードパケットの受信有無を判定し、前記通信部において前記第一通信方式が用いられている場合に、（ｉ）前記第一通信方式が用いられる通信システムに参入するためのアドレスが割り当てられたときは、前記通信部の通信方式を前記第一通信方式に確定し、（ｉｉ）前記アドレスが割り当てられず、かつ、前記他モードパケットの受信有りと判定されたときは、前記通信部の通信方式を前記第二通信方式に移行する。 A communication control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a communication control method executed by a communication terminal, wherein the communication terminal is one of a first communication method and a second communication method different from the first communication method. A communication unit that selectively uses the communication unit, and the communication control method includes a communication method other than the first communication method in the communication unit when the first communication method is used in the communication unit. (I) an address for entering a communication system in which the first communication method is used when the first communication method is used in the communication unit. Is assigned, the communication method of the communication unit is determined to be the first communication method, and (ii) the address is not assigned and it is determined that the other mode packet is received. Shifts the communication method of the communication unit to the second communication method.
　本発明の一態様に係る通信端末及び通信制御方法は、参入先の通信システムで用いられている通信方式に容易に変更できる。 The communication terminal and the communication control method according to one aspect of the present invention can be easily changed to the communication method used in the communication system of the entry destination.
図１は、実施の形態１に係る通信端末の機能構成を示すブロック図である。1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 図２は、実施の形態１に係る通信端末の通信モード判定処理のフローチャートである。FIG. 2 is a flowchart of communication mode determination processing of the communication terminal according to Embodiment 1. 図３は、実施の形態１に係る通信端末が第一通信システムに参入する場合のシーケンス図である。FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram when the communication terminal according to Embodiment 1 enters the first communication system. 図４は、実施の形態１に係る通信端末が第二通信システムに参入する場合のシーケンス図である。FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram when the communication terminal according to Embodiment 1 enters the second communication system. 図５は、判定部の判定方法の変形例１を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating Modification 1 of the determination method of the determination unit. 図６は、判定部の判定方法の変形例２を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second modification of the determination method of the determination unit. 図７は、判定部の判定方法の変形例３を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a third modification of the determination method of the determination unit. 図８は、判定部の判定方法の変形例４を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth modification of the determination method of the determination unit. 図９は、変形例に係る通信モード判定処理のフローチャートである。FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a communication mode determination process according to the modification. 図１０は、通信モードの確定後、再度、通信モードの判定処理が行われる場合のフローチャートである。FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the communication mode determination process is performed again after the communication mode is determined.
　以下、実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら具体的に説明する。なお、以下で説明する実施の形態は、いずれも包括的または具体的な例を示すものである。以下の実施の形態で示される数値、形状、材料、構成要素、構成要素の配置位置および接続形態、ステップ、ステップの順序などは、一例であり、本発明を限定する主旨ではない。また、以下の実施の形態における構成要素のうち、最上位概念を示す独立請求項に記載されていない構成要素については、任意の構成要素として説明される。 Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a comprehensive or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection forms of the constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept are described as optional constituent elements.
　なお、各図は模式図であり、必ずしも厳密に図示されたものではない。また、各図において、実質的に同一の構成に対しては同一の符号を付しており、重複する説明は省略または簡略化される場合がある。 Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily shown strictly. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the substantially same structure, and the overlapping description may be abbreviate | omitted or simplified.
　（実施の形態１）
　［構成］
　以下、実施の形態１に係る通信端末について説明する。なお、以下の実施の形態１では、第一通信方式が用いられる通信システムを第一通信システムと記載し、第一通信方式と異なる第二通信方式が用いられる通信システムを第二通信システムと記載する。 (Embodiment 1)
[Constitution]
Hereinafter, the communication terminal according to Embodiment 1 will be described. In the following Embodiment 1, a communication system using the first communication method is described as a first communication system, and a communication system using a second communication method different from the first communication method is described as a second communication system. To do.
　まず、実施の形態１に係る通信端末の機能構成について説明する。図１は、実施の形態１に係る通信端末の機能構成を示すブロック図である。 First, the functional configuration of the communication terminal according to Embodiment 1 will be described. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to Embodiment 1. FIG.
　図１に示されるように、実施の形態１に係る通信端末１０は、通信部１１と、判定部１２と、制御部１３と、記憶部１４とを備える。 As shown in FIG. 1, the communication terminal 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes a communication unit 11, a determination unit 12, a control unit 13, and a storage unit 14.
　通信端末１０は、ＰＬＣを行うスマートメータ（電力計測用の通信端末）であり、第一通信方式および第二通信方式の両方の通信方式に対応した端末である。 The communication terminal 10 is a smart meter (communication terminal for power measurement) that performs PLC, and is a terminal that supports both the first communication method and the second communication method.
　ＰＬＣを用いたスマートメータシステムにおいては、従来は、ＰＨＹにおけるビットレートが数ｋｂｐｓ程度の通信方式（旧通信方式）が用いられてきた。しかしながら、近年、下位層（ＰＨＹおよびＤＬＬ（ＭＡＣ））の性能改善により、ＰＨＹにおけるビットレートが最大数１００ｋｂｐｓの通信方式（新通信方式）が知られている。 In a smart meter system using a PLC, a communication method (old communication method) having a bit rate of about kbps in the PHY has been conventionally used. However, in recent years, a communication system (new communication system) having a maximum bit rate of several hundreds of kbps is known due to performance improvement of lower layers (PHY and DLL (MAC)).
　通信端末１０は、このような旧通信方式および新通信方式の両方に対応した端末である。つまり、第一通信方式は、例えば、上記旧通信方式および上記新通信方式のいずれか一方であり、第二通信方式は、例えば、上記旧通信方式および上記新通信方式の他方である。 The communication terminal 10 is a terminal that supports both the old communication method and the new communication method. That is, the first communication method is, for example, one of the old communication method and the new communication method, and the second communication method is, for example, the other of the old communication method and the new communication method.
　なお、上記のような旧通信方式と新通信方式は、実施の形態１では、互換性の無い方式である。つまり、第一通信システムにおいては第二通信方式を用いて通信することはできず、第二通信システムにおいては、第一通信方式を用いて通信をすることはできない。 Note that the old communication method and the new communication method as described above are incompatible in the first embodiment. In other words, the first communication system cannot communicate using the second communication method, and the second communication system cannot communicate using the first communication method.
　通信部１１は、第一通信方式で通信を行う第一通信モード、および、第一通信方式とは異なる第二通信方式で通信を行う第二通信モードのいずれかに設定されるＰＬＣ用の通信モジュールである。言い換えれば、通信部１１は、第一通信方式、および、第一通信方式とは異なる第二通信方式の一方を選択的に用いて通信する。 The communication unit 11 is a PLC communication set to one of a first communication mode in which communication is performed using the first communication method and a second communication mode in which communication is performed using a second communication method different from the first communication method. It is a module. In other words, the communication unit 11 performs communication by selectively using one of the first communication method and the second communication method different from the first communication method.
　通信部１１には、具体的には、制御部１３が実行する記憶部１４内のファームウェアの切り替えによって通信モードが設定される。例えば、制御部１３が第一通信方式のファームウェア（Ｆ／Ｗ）１５を実行する場合は、通信部１１は、第一通信モードに設定される。また、制御部１３が第二通信方式のＦ／Ｗ１６を実行する場合は、通信部１１は、第二通信モードに設定される。 Specifically, the communication mode is set in the communication unit 11 by switching the firmware in the storage unit 14 executed by the control unit 13. For example, when the control unit 13 executes firmware (F / W) 15 of the first communication method, the communication unit 11 is set to the first communication mode. Moreover, when the control part 13 performs F / W16 of a 2nd communication system, the communication part 11 is set to 2nd communication mode.
　判定部１２は、通信部１１のパケットの受信を検出（検知）し、パケットの有無を判定する。特に、判定部１２は、通信部１１に現在設定されている通信モードとは異なる通信モードのパケットである他モードパケットの受信を検出する検出手段を有し、他モードパケットの受信有無を判定する点が特徴である。通信端末がスマートメータである場合、他モードパケットは、例えば他モードで動作しているスマートメータシステムが行う定期的な検針データ収集のパケット等である。 The determination unit 12 detects (detects) reception of a packet from the communication unit 11 and determines whether there is a packet. In particular, the determination unit 12 includes a detection unit that detects reception of another mode packet that is a packet having a communication mode different from the communication mode currently set in the communication unit 11, and determines whether or not another mode packet has been received. The point is a feature. When the communication terminal is a smart meter, the other mode packet is, for example, a periodic meter-reading data collection packet performed by a smart meter system operating in the other mode.
　判定部１２は、具体的には、通信部１１において第一通信モード（第一通信方式）が用いられている場合に、通信部１１における、他モードパケットの受信有無を判定する。判定部１２は、例えば、マイクロコンピュータ、プロセッサ、または専用回路によって実現されるが、通信部１１の機能の一部として実現されてもよいし、制御部１３の機能の一部として実現されてもよい。 Specifically, when the first communication mode (first communication method) is used in the communication unit 11, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the communication unit 11 has received another mode packet. The determination unit 12 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, a processor, or a dedicated circuit, but may be realized as part of the function of the communication unit 11 or may be realized as part of the function of the control unit 13. Good.
　制御部１３は、通信モード判定処理（通信制御）を行う。制御部１３は、具体的には、通信部１１が第一通信モードに設定されている場合に、第一通信方式が用いられる通信システムに参入するためのアドレスが通信端末１０（通信部１１）に割り当てられたときは、通信部１１の設定を第一通信モードに確定（固定）する。つまり、制御部１３は、通信部１１の通信方式を第一通信方式に確定する。また、制御部１３は、通信部１１が第一通信モードに設定されている場合に、アドレスが割り当てられず、かつ、他モードパケットの受信有りと判定されたときは、通信部１１の設定を第二通信モードに移行する。つまり、制御部１３は、通信部１１の通信方式を第二通信方式に移行する。制御部１３は、例えば、マイクロコンピュータ、プロセッサ、または専用回路によって実現される。 The control unit 13 performs communication mode determination processing (communication control). Specifically, when the communication unit 11 is set to the first communication mode, the control unit 13 has an address for entering the communication system in which the first communication method is used as the communication terminal 10 (communication unit 11). Is assigned (fixed) to the first communication mode. That is, the control unit 13 determines the communication method of the communication unit 11 as the first communication method. In addition, when the communication unit 11 is set to the first communication mode, the control unit 13 sets the communication unit 11 when it is determined that an address is not assigned and the other mode packet is received. Transition to the second communication mode. That is, the control unit 13 shifts the communication method of the communication unit 11 to the second communication method. The control unit 13 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, a processor, or a dedicated circuit.
　なお、制御部１３の上記のような通信モード判定処理は、例えば、通信端末１０を建物に設置した後、当該建物において既に構築されている通信システムに新たに参入する場合に行われる。そして制御部１３が確定した通信モードは、原則的には変更されない。 Note that the communication mode determination process as described above of the control unit 13 is performed, for example, when the communication terminal 10 is installed in a building and then newly entered into a communication system already built in the building. The communication mode determined by the control unit 13 is not changed in principle.
　記憶部１４は、第一通信方式のＦ／Ｗ１５および第二通信方式のＦ／Ｗ１６が記憶される記憶部である。記憶部１４としては、例えばフラッシュメモリまたはＥＥＰＲＯＭ（Ｅｌｅｃｔｒｉｃａｌｌｙ　Ｅｒａｓａｂｌｅ　Ｐｒｏｇｒａｍｍａｂｌｅ　Ｒｅａｄ－Ｏｎｌｙ　Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）などの半導体メモリが採用される。なお、記憶部１４は、通信部１１または制御部１３内に設けられてもよい。 The storage unit 14 is a storage unit in which the F / W 15 of the first communication method and the F / W 16 of the second communication method are stored. As the storage unit 14, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is employed. The storage unit 14 may be provided in the communication unit 11 or the control unit 13.
　［通信モード判定処理］
　次に、通信端末１０の特徴構成である通信モード判定処理について説明する。図２は、通信端末１０の通信モード判定処理のフローチャートである。なお、図２は、通信端末１０が第一通信モードに設定されている場合のフローチャートであるが、通信端末１０が第二通信モードに設定されている場合も同様である。 [Communication mode judgment processing]
Next, a communication mode determination process that is a characteristic configuration of the communication terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the communication mode determination process of the communication terminal 10. FIG. 2 is a flowchart when the communication terminal 10 is set to the first communication mode, but the same applies when the communication terminal 10 is set to the second communication mode.
　図２に示されるように制御部１３は、初期設定として、通信部１１を第一通信モードに設定する（Ｓ１１）。具体的には、制御部１３は、記憶部１４内の第一通信方式のＦ／Ｗ１５を読み出して実行する。 As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 13 sets the communication unit 11 to the first communication mode as an initial setting (S11). Specifically, the control unit 13 reads and executes the F / W 15 of the first communication method in the storage unit 14.
　次に、通信部１１は、制御部１３の制御に基づいて、通信部１１を通じて参入対象の通信システムに属する他の通信端末（親機）にアドレス取得要求を送信する（Ｓ１２）。なお、ここでのアドレスは、通信に用いられるアプリケーション上のアドレス（ソフトウェア的に割り当てられるアドレス）を意味する。 Next, based on the control of the control unit 13, the communication unit 11 transmits an address acquisition request to another communication terminal (master) belonging to the communication system to be entered through the communication unit 11 (S12). The address here means an address on an application used for communication (an address assigned by software).
　一方で、判定部１２は、通信部１１によって受信されるパケットの検出を行う（Ｓ１３）。 On the other hand, the determination unit 12 detects a packet received by the communication unit 11 (S13).
　制御部１３は、ステップＳ１２におけるアドレス取得要求の送信の結果、通信端末１０（通信部１１）にアドレスが割り当てられた場合（Ｓ１４でＹｅｓ）、制御部１３は、通信部１１の通信モードを第一通信モードに確定する（Ｓ１６）。具体的には、制御部１３は、例えば、記憶部１４（制御部１３）において確定フラグを立ち上げ、通信モード判定処理の実行（通信方式の変更）を禁止する。確定フラグは、例えば、通信方式が第一通信モードに確定しているときは「１」、第二通信モードに確定しているときは「２」、いずれのモードにも確定していないときは「０」に設定される。 When the address is assigned to the communication terminal 10 (communication unit 11) as a result of the transmission of the address acquisition request in step S12 (Yes in S14), the control unit 13 sets the communication mode of the communication unit 11 to the first mode. One communication mode is determined (S16). Specifically, for example, the control unit 13 raises a confirmation flag in the storage unit 14 (control unit 13), and prohibits execution of communication mode determination processing (change of communication method). The confirmation flag is, for example, “1” when the communication method is fixed in the first communication mode, “2” when the communication method is fixed in the second communication mode, or when the communication method is not fixed in any mode. Set to “0”.
　ステップＳ１２におけるアドレス取得要求の送信の結果、通信端末１０（通信部１１）にアドレスが割り当てられなかった場合（Ｓ１４でＮｏ）、制御部１３は、判定部１２が所定期間内において他モードパケットの受信有りと判定したかどうかを確認する（Ｓ１５）。 If the address is not assigned to the communication terminal 10 (communication unit 11) as a result of the transmission of the address acquisition request in step S12 (No in S14), the control unit 13 causes the determination unit 12 to transmit other mode packets within a predetermined period. It is confirmed whether it is determined that there is reception (S15).
　所定期間内において他モードパケットの受信有りと判定された場合（Ｓ１５でＹｅｓ）、制御部１３は、所定期間の経過後に、通信部１１の設定を第二通信モードに移行する（Ｓ１７）。具体的には、制御部１３は、記憶部１４内の第二通信方式のＦ／Ｗ１６を読み出して実行する。 If it is determined that another mode packet is received within the predetermined period (Yes in S15), the control unit 13 shifts the setting of the communication unit 11 to the second communication mode after the predetermined period has elapsed (S17). Specifically, the control unit 13 reads and executes the F / W 16 of the second communication method in the storage unit 14.
　また、所定期間内において他モードパケットの受信有りと判定されなかった場合（Ｓ１５でＮｏ）、所定期間の経過後も第一通信モードが維持され（Ｓ１８）、例えば、ステップＳ１２～ステップＳ１５の処理が再度行われる。 If it is not determined that another mode packet has been received within a predetermined period (No in S15), the first communication mode is maintained even after the predetermined period has elapsed (S18). For example, the processing in steps S12 to S15 is performed. Is done again.
　なお、以上説明した通信モード判定処理では、所定期間内にアドレス割り当てが行われず、かつ、上記所定期間内に少なくとも１回他モードパケットの受信有りと判定された場合に、上記所定期間の経過後に通信部１１は第二通信モードに設定される。 In the communication mode determination process described above, when it is determined that the address allocation is not performed within the predetermined period and that the other mode packet is received at least once within the predetermined period, after the predetermined period has elapsed. The communication unit 11 is set to the second communication mode.
　例えば、ＰＬＣにおいてはノイズ等が他モードパケットとして誤検出されることが想定される。アドレスが割り当てられる前に他モードパケットの受信有りと判定された場合に、所定期間の経過を待たずに第二通信モードに移行する場合、誤検出に基づいて第二通信モードに移行してしまう可能性がある。これに対し、所定期間の経過を待って第二通信モードに移行することで、誤検出に基づいて第二通信モードに移行してしまう可能性を低減することができる。 For example, in PLC, it is assumed that noise or the like is erroneously detected as other mode packets. If it is determined that another mode packet has been received before the address is assigned, and if the mode shifts to the second communication mode without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined period, the mode shifts to the second communication mode based on a false detection. there is a possibility. On the other hand, the possibility of shifting to the second communication mode based on erroneous detection can be reduced by shifting to the second communication mode after the elapse of the predetermined period.
　なお、通信部１１に予め第一通信モードおよび第二通信モードのパケットのプリアンブルを記憶しておき、受信したパケットのプリアンブルにより、他モードパケットかノイズかの判定が行われてもよい。この場合、通信部１１でノイズと判定した場合には、他モードパケットの受信として取り扱わないようにしてもよい。 Note that the communication unit 11 may store the preambles of the packets in the first communication mode and the second communication mode in advance, and determine whether the packets are other mode packets or noise based on the received packet preambles. In this case, if the communication unit 11 determines that the noise is present, it may not be handled as reception of another mode packet.
　次に、通信端末１０のさらに具体的な動作についてシーケンス図を用いて説明する。まず、通信端末１０が第一通信システムに参入する場合について説明する。図３は、通信端末１０が第一通信システムに参入する場合のシーケンス図である。 Next, a more specific operation of the communication terminal 10 will be described using a sequence diagram. First, a case where the communication terminal 10 enters the first communication system will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram when the communication terminal 10 enters the first communication system.
　図３では、複数の第一通信端末２１により構成される第一通信システムがシステム動作中（Ｓ２１）であり、複数の第二通信端末２２により構成される第二通信システムがシステム動作中（Ｓ２２）である。 In FIG. 3, the first communication system composed of a plurality of first communication terminals 21 is in system operation (S21), and the second communication system composed of a plurality of second communication terminals 22 is in system operation (S22). ).
　このように２つの通信システムが混在する状況において、通信端末１０は、第一通信システムが用いられるエリアに設置され、起動される（Ｓ２３）。起動された通信端末１０の通信部１１は、初期設定として第一通信モードに設定され、制御部１３は、通信モード判定処理を行う（Ｓ２４）。具体的には、制御部１３は、通信部１１に、複数の第一通信端末２１のうちの親機に対してアドレス取得要求を送信させて（Ｓ２５）応答を待ち、かつ、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信有無を判定する。 In such a situation where two communication systems coexist, the communication terminal 10 is installed and activated in an area where the first communication system is used (S23). The communication unit 11 of the activated communication terminal 10 is set to the first communication mode as an initial setting, and the control unit 13 performs a communication mode determination process (S24). Specifically, the control unit 13 causes the communication unit 11 to transmit an address acquisition request to the parent device among the plurality of first communication terminals 21 (S25), waits for a response, and the determination unit 12 Then, it is determined whether or not another mode packet is received.
　ここで、上述のように、通信端末１０は、第一通信システムが用いられるエリアに設置されているため、アドレス取得応答を受信する（Ｓ２６）。この結果、通信端末１０（通信部１１）へのアドレス割り当てが行われ（Ｓ２７）、制御部１３は、通信部１１の通信モードを第一通信モードに確定する。 Here, as described above, since the communication terminal 10 is installed in the area where the first communication system is used, it receives an address acquisition response (S26). As a result, address assignment to the communication terminal 10 (communication unit 11) is performed (S27), and the control unit 13 determines the communication mode of the communication unit 11 to be the first communication mode.
　次に、通信端末１０が第二通信システムに参入する場合について説明する。図４は、通信端末１０が第二通信システムに参入する場合のシーケンス図である。 Next, a case where the communication terminal 10 enters the second communication system will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram when the communication terminal 10 enters the second communication system.
　図４においても、図３と同様に、複数の第一通信端末２１により構成される第一通信システムが、システム動作中（Ｓ２１）であり、複数の第二通信端末２２により構成される第二通信システムがシステム動作中（Ｓ２２）である。 Also in FIG. 4, as in FIG. 3, the first communication system configured by the plurality of first communication terminals 21 is in the system operation (S <b> 21), and the second communication system is configured by the plurality of second communication terminals 22. The communication system is operating (S22).
　このように２つの通信システムが混在する状況において、通信端末１０は、第二通信システムが用いられるエリアに設置され、起動される（Ｓ２３）。起動された通信端末１０の通信部１１は、初期設定として第一通信モードに設定され、通信モード判定処理を行う（Ｓ２４）。具体的には、制御部１３は、通信部１１にアドレス取得要求を送信させて（Ｓ２５）応答を待ち、かつ、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信有無を判定する。 In such a situation where two communication systems coexist, the communication terminal 10 is installed and activated in an area where the second communication system is used (S23). The communication unit 11 of the activated communication terminal 10 is set to the first communication mode as an initial setting, and performs a communication mode determination process (S24). Specifically, the control unit 13 causes the communication unit 11 to transmit an address acquisition request (S25), waits for a response, and the determination unit 12 determines whether or not another mode packet has been received.
　ここで、上述のように、通信端末１０は、第二通信システムが用いられるエリアに設置されている。このため、第一通信モードに設定された通信部１１が送信するアドレス取得要求は、相手先の通信端末に届かない、または、相手先の通信端末においては認識できない等の理由により、アドレス取得応答が得られない。 Here, as described above, the communication terminal 10 is installed in an area where the second communication system is used. For this reason, the address acquisition request transmitted by the communication unit 11 set in the first communication mode does not reach the partner communication terminal or cannot be recognized by the partner communication terminal. Cannot be obtained.
　一方で、通信部１１は、第一通信モードに設定されている状態であっても、第二通信システム内の第二通信端末２２が送信する他モードパケットを受信する（Ｓ２８）。そして、判定部１２は、通信部１１の他モードパケットの受信を検出し、他モードパケットの受信有りと判定する。 On the other hand, the communication unit 11 receives the other mode packet transmitted by the second communication terminal 22 in the second communication system even in the state where the first communication mode is set (S28). And the determination part 12 detects reception of the other mode packet of the communication part 11, and determines with reception of another mode packet.
　したがって、制御部１３は、通信部１１の設定を第二通信モードに移行（変更）し（Ｓ２９）、通信部が第二通信モードに設定された状態で通信モードの判定処理を行う（Ｓ３０）。具体的には、制御部１３は、通信部１１に、複数の第二通信端末２２のうちの親機に対してアドレス取得要求を送信させて（Ｓ３１）応答を待ち、かつ、判定部１２は、他モードパケット（ここでは、第一通信方式のパケット）の受信有無を判定する。 Therefore, the control unit 13 shifts (changes) the setting of the communication unit 11 to the second communication mode (S29), and performs the communication mode determination process in a state where the communication unit is set to the second communication mode (S30). . Specifically, the control unit 13 causes the communication unit 11 to transmit an address acquisition request to the parent device among the plurality of second communication terminals 22 (S31), waits for a response, and the determination unit 12 Then, it is determined whether or not another mode packet (here, the packet of the first communication method) is received.
　通信端末１０は、第二通信システムが用いられるエリアに設置されているため、アドレス取得応答を受信する（Ｓ３２）。この結果、通信端末１０（通信部１１）へのアドレス割り当てが行われ（Ｓ３３）、制御部１３は、通信部１１の通信モードを第二通信モードに確定する。 Since the communication terminal 10 is installed in an area where the second communication system is used, the communication terminal 10 receives an address acquisition response (S32). As a result, address assignment to the communication terminal 10 (communication unit 11) is performed (S33), and the control unit 13 determines the communication mode of the communication unit 11 to be the second communication mode.
　［効果等］
　以上説明したような通信端末１０の通信モード判定処理は、例えば、設置後の起動をトリガとして自動的に実施される。このため、通信端末１０の設置者により手動で通信方式を設定するよりも設定が手間でない。つまり、通信端末１０は、予め参入先の通信システムで用いられている通信方式を手動で設定することなく、参入先の通信システムで用いられている通信方式に容易に変更できる。 [Effects]
The communication mode determination process of the communication terminal 10 as described above is automatically performed using, for example, activation after installation as a trigger. For this reason, setting is less troublesome than setting the communication method manually by the installer of the communication terminal 10. That is, the communication terminal 10 can be easily changed to the communication method used in the entry communication system without manually setting the communication method used in the entry communication system in advance.
　また、通信端末１０は、上記通信モード判定処理により通信部が１つで済むため、第一通信方式に対応する通信部と第二通信方式に対応する通信部との両方を備える通信端末よりも低コストである。 Further, since the communication terminal 10 requires only one communication unit by the communication mode determination process, the communication terminal 10 is more than a communication terminal including both a communication unit corresponding to the first communication method and a communication unit corresponding to the second communication method. Low cost.
　また、１つの通信部を用いて複数の通信方式に対応する通信端末として、一定期間ごとに通信方式（Ｆ／Ｗ）を切り替える通信端末が考えられる。このような通信端末においては、誤って意図しない通信モードに設定されてしまう可能性がある。これに対し、通信端末１０においては、アドレスの割り当てが通信モードの確定の要件となるため、このような可能性は低い。 Also, as a communication terminal that supports a plurality of communication methods using a single communication unit, a communication terminal that switches the communication method (F / W) at regular intervals can be considered. In such a communication terminal, there is a possibility that a communication mode unintentionally set. On the other hand, in the communication terminal 10, since the address assignment becomes a requirement for determining the communication mode, such a possibility is low.
　［他モードパケット受信有無の判定の変形例］
　判定部１２の他モードパケット受信有無の判定方法については、様々な方法が考えられる。以下、判定部１２の他モードパケット受信有無の判定方法の変形例について説明する。 [Modified example of determining whether other mode packet is received]
Various methods can be considered as a method for determining whether or not the other mode packet is received by the determination unit 12. Hereinafter, a modified example of the determination method for determining whether or not the other mode packet is received in the determination unit 12 will be described.
　例えば、判定部１２は、通信部１１が他モードパケットを所定数以上受信した場合に、他モードパケットの受信有りと判定してもよい。図５は、判定部１２の判定方法の変形例１を示すフローチャートである。 For example, the determination unit 12 may determine that other mode packets have been received when the communication unit 11 receives a predetermined number or more of other mode packets. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating Modification 1 of the determination method of the determination unit 12.
　図５に示されるように、判定部１２は、通信部１１が受信した他モードパケットを検出する（Ｓ４１）。検出の結果、他モードパケットの受信数（検出数）が所定数以上となった場合（Ｓ４２でＹｅｓ）、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信有りと判定する（Ｓ４３）。他モードパケットの受信数が所定数未満である場合（Ｓ４２でＮｏ）、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信無しと判定する（Ｓ４４）。 As shown in FIG. 5, the determination unit 12 detects the other mode packet received by the communication unit 11 (S41). As a result of the detection, when the number of received other mode packets (detected number) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (Yes in S42), the determination unit 12 determines that other mode packets have been received (S43). When the number of other mode packets received is less than the predetermined number (No in S42), the determination unit 12 determines that no other mode packet has been received (S44).
　このように、複数回の他モードパケットの受信を、他モードパケットの受信有りの判定の要件とすることで、受信品質が安定した第一通信モードではなく、受信品質が不安定な第二通信モードに移行してしまう可能性を低減することができる。 In this way, by making the reception of other mode packets a plurality of times as a requirement for determining whether other mode packets have been received, it is not the first communication mode in which the reception quality is stable, but the second communication in which the reception quality is unstable. The possibility of shifting to the mode can be reduced.
　また、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信品質が所定の閾値以上の良好な受信品質であった場合に、他モードパケットの受信有りと判定してもよい。図６は、判定部１２の判定方法の変形例２を示すフローチャートである。 Further, the determination unit 12 may determine that the other mode packet is received when the reception quality of the other mode packet is a good reception quality equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second modification of the determination method of the determination unit 12.
　図６に示されるように、判定部１２は、通信部１１が受信した他モードパケットを検出し（Ｓ５１）、他モードパケットの受信品質を測定する。ここでの受信品質は、信号強度（Ｓ／Ｎ比またはＳ／Ｎ比から換算される値）である。測定の結果、受信品質が閾値以上となった場合（Ｓ５３でＹｅｓ）、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信有りと判定する（Ｓ５４）。受信品質が閾値未満である場合（Ｓ５３でＮｏ）、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信無しと判定する（Ｓ５５）。なお、受信品質は、信号強度に限定されるものではなく、受信品質を示す他のパラメータなど、どのような態様であってもよい。 As shown in FIG. 6, the determination unit 12 detects the other mode packet received by the communication unit 11 (S51), and measures the reception quality of the other mode packet. The reception quality here is signal strength (a value converted from the S / N ratio or S / N ratio). If the reception quality is equal to or higher than the threshold value as a result of the measurement (Yes in S53), the determination unit 12 determines that another mode packet has been received (S54). When the reception quality is less than the threshold (No in S53), the determination unit 12 determines that no other mode packet has been received (S55). Note that the reception quality is not limited to the signal strength, and may take any form such as other parameters indicating the reception quality.
　このように、受信品質が閾値以上であることを、他モードパケットの受信有りの判定の要件とすることで、ノイズなどの信号強度の低い信号の受信は、他モードパケットの受信として取り扱われない。つまり、このような構成によれば、受信品質が安定した第一通信モードではなく、受信品質が不安定な第二通信モードに移行してしまう可能性を低減することができる。 In this way, by making the reception quality equal to or higher than the threshold value as a requirement for the determination of the presence of reception of other mode packets, reception of signals with low signal strength such as noise is not treated as reception of other mode packets. . In other words, according to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of shifting to the second communication mode in which the reception quality is unstable instead of the first communication mode in which the reception quality is stable.
　また、判定部１２は、通信部１１による他モードパケットの受信を所定の判定期間ごとに確認し、他モードパケットの受信が確認された判定期間の数が所定数に達した場合に、他モードパケットの受信有りと判定してもよい。図７は、判定部１２の判定方法の変形例３を示すフローチャートである。 Further, the determination unit 12 confirms reception of the other mode packet by the communication unit 11 for each predetermined determination period, and when the number of determination periods in which the reception of the other mode packet is confirmed reaches a predetermined number, It may be determined that a packet has been received. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a third modification of the determination method of the determination unit 12.
　図７に示されるように、判定部１２は、所定の判定期間ごとに通信部１１による他モードパケットの受信を検出する（Ｓ６１）。そして、他モードパケットが検出された（他モードパケットの受信が確認された）判定期間が所定数以上に達した場合（Ｓ６２でＹｅｓ）、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信有りと判定する（Ｓ６３）。他モードパケットが検出された判定期間が所定数以上に達しなかった場合（Ｓ６２でＮｏ）、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信無しと判定する（Ｓ６４）。 As shown in FIG. 7, the determination unit 12 detects the reception of the other mode packet by the communication unit 11 for each predetermined determination period (S61). If the determination period in which the other mode packet is detected (the reception of the other mode packet is confirmed) reaches a predetermined number or more (Yes in S62), the determination unit 12 determines that the other mode packet has been received. (S63). If the determination period in which the other mode packet is detected does not reach the predetermined number or more (No in S62), the determining unit 12 determines that no other mode packet has been received (S64).
　このように、他モードパケットの継続的な受信を、他モードパケットの受信有りの判定の要件とすることで、他モードパケットの受信有りの判定の精度を高めることができる。 In this way, by making continuous reception of other mode packets a requirement for determination of whether other mode packets have been received, the accuracy of determination of whether other mode packets have been received can be improved.
　また、通信部１１が他モードパケットと自モードパケット（通信部１１が第一通信モードに設定されている場合は第一通信方式のパケット）とを受信しているような場合が考えられる。このような場合、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信品質と、自モードパケットの受信品質とを比較して、他モードパケットの受信有無を判定してもよい。具体的には、例えば、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信品質が自モードパケットの受信品質よりも良好である場合に、他モードパケットの受信有りと判定してもよい。図８は、判定部１２の判定方法の変形例４を示すフローチャートである。 Also, a case where the communication unit 11 receives another mode packet and a self mode packet (a packet of the first communication method when the communication unit 11 is set to the first communication mode) can be considered. In such a case, the determination unit 12 may determine whether the other mode packet is received by comparing the reception quality of the other mode packet with the reception quality of the own mode packet. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 12 may determine that the other mode packet is received when the reception quality of the other mode packet is better than the reception quality of the own mode packet. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth modification of the determination method of the determination unit 12.
　図８に示されるように、判定部１２は、他モードパケットおよび自モードパケットを検出し（Ｓ７１）、検出した他モードパケットの受信品質および検出した自モードパケットの受信品質を測定する（Ｓ７２）。測定の結果、他モードパケットの受信品質のほうが自モードパケットの受信品質よりも良好である場合（Ｓ７３でＹｅｓ）、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信有りと判定する（Ｓ７４）。他モードパケットの受信品質のほうが自モードパケットの受信品質よりも良好でない場合（Ｓ７３でＮｏ）、判定部１２は、他モードパケットの受信無しと判定する（Ｓ７５）。 As shown in FIG. 8, the determination unit 12 detects the other mode packet and the own mode packet (S71), and measures the detected reception quality of the other mode packet and the detected reception quality of the own mode packet (S72). . As a result of the measurement, when the reception quality of the other mode packet is better than the reception quality of the own mode packet (Yes in S73), the determination unit 12 determines that the other mode packet is received (S74). When the reception quality of the other mode packet is not better than the reception quality of the own mode packet (No in S73), the determination unit 12 determines that there is no reception of the other mode packet (S75).
　このように、他モードパケットの受信品質が自モードパケットの受信品質よりも良好であることを、他モードパケットの受信有りの判定の要件とすることで、他モードパケットの受信有りの判定の信頼性を高めることができる。このような構成によれば、誤って第二通信モードに移行してしまう可能性を低減することができる。 As described above, by making the reception quality of the other mode packet better than the reception quality of the own mode packet as a requirement for the determination of the reception of the other mode packet, the reliability of the determination of the reception of the other mode packet is improved. Can increase the sex. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of erroneously shifting to the second communication mode.
　以上、判定部１２の他モードパケット受信有無の判定方法の変形例について説明したが、判定部１２の他モードパケット受信有無の判定方法はこのような例に限定されるものではない。例えば、上述した互いに異なる判定方法が複数組み合わされた別の判定方法が用いられてもよい。 As mentioned above, although the modified example of the determination method of the determination part 12 other mode packet reception presence / absence was demonstrated, the determination method of the determination part 12 other mode packet reception presence / absence is not limited to such an example. For example, another determination method in which a plurality of different determination methods described above are combined may be used.
　［通信モード判定処理の変形例］
　以下、通信モードの判定処理の変形例について説明する。例えば、制御部１３は、通信部１１が自モードパケット（通信部１１が第一通信モードに設定されている場合は第一通信方式のパケット）を受信し、かつ、自モードパケットの受信品質が閾値以上の良好な受信品質である場合、通信部１１の設定を第一通信モードに確定してもよい。図９は、このような変形例に係る通信モード判定処理のフローチャートである。なお、以下の図９の説明では、図２のフローチャートとの相違点を中心に説明する。 [Variation of communication mode determination processing]
Hereinafter, a modified example of the communication mode determination process will be described. For example, in the control unit 13, the communication unit 11 receives a self-mode packet (a packet of the first communication method when the communication unit 11 is set to the first communication mode), and the reception quality of the self-mode packet is When it is good reception quality more than a threshold value, you may determine the setting of the communication part 11 in 1st communication mode. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of communication mode determination processing according to such a modification. In the following description of FIG. 9, the description will focus on differences from the flowchart of FIG.
　図９のフローチャートにおいては、ステップＳ１３において検出されたパケットに自モードパケットが含まれ、判定部１２は自モードパケットの受信品質を算出する。 In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the self-mode packet is included in the packet detected in step S13, and the determination unit 12 calculates the reception quality of the self-mode packet.
　ステップＳ１４においてアドレスが割り当てられない場合（Ｓ１４でＮｏ）であっても、自モードパケットの受信品質が閾値以上の良好な受信品質である場合（Ｓ１０１でＹｅｓ）、制御部１３は、通信部１１の設定を第一通信モードに確定する（Ｓ１６）。なお、自モードパケットの受信品質が閾値未満である場合（Ｓ１０１でＮｏ）、制御部１３は、ステップＳ１５の処理を行う。 Even if the address is not assigned in step S14 (No in S14), if the reception quality of the self-mode packet is a good reception quality equal to or higher than the threshold (Yes in S101), the control unit 13 determines that the communication unit 11 Is set to the first communication mode (S16). When the reception quality of the own mode packet is less than the threshold (No in S101), the control unit 13 performs the process of step S15.
　このように、自モードパケットの受信品質が閾値以上の良好な受信品質である場合は、アドレス割り当ておよび他モードパケットの受信有無の判定に関係なく通信部１１の設定が第一通信モードに確定される。 As described above, when the reception quality of the own mode packet is a good reception quality equal to or higher than the threshold value, the setting of the communication unit 11 is determined to be the first communication mode regardless of the address assignment and the determination of whether or not the other mode packet is received. The
　このような動作によれば、参入先の通信システムが現在の通信モードに対応した通信システムである可能性が高いと判断される場合に、通信モードの判定処理を高速化できる。 According to such an operation, when it is determined that there is a high possibility that the communication system of the entry destination is a communication system compatible with the current communication mode, the communication mode determination process can be speeded up.
　なお、自モードパケットの受信品質が閾値以上の良好な受信品質である場合に、他の処理が行われてもよい。例えば、上記所定期間が延長されてもよい。 It should be noted that other processing may be performed when the reception quality of the own mode packet is good reception quality equal to or higher than the threshold. For example, the predetermined period may be extended.
　この場合、制御部１３は、延長された所定期間内にアドレスが割り当てられたときは通信部１１の設定を第一通信モードに確定する。延長された所定期間内にアドレスが割り当てられず、かつ、延長された所定期間内に他モードパケットの受信有りと判定されたときは、制御部１３は、延長された所定期間の経過後に通信部の設定を第二通信モードに移行する。 In this case, the control unit 13 determines the setting of the communication unit 11 to the first communication mode when an address is assigned within the extended predetermined period. If the address is not assigned within the extended predetermined period and it is determined that another mode packet is received within the extended predetermined period, the control unit 13 determines that the communication unit Is set to the second communication mode.
　このように参入先の通信システムが現在の通信モードに対応した通信システムである可能性が高いと判断される場合に、所定期間（言い換えれば、アドレスが割り当てられるまでの待機時間）が延長されることによって、誤った通信モードに移行する確率を下げることができる。 Thus, when it is determined that the communication system of the entry destination is likely to be a communication system compatible with the current communication mode, the predetermined period (in other words, the waiting time until an address is assigned) is extended. As a result, the probability of shifting to an incorrect communication mode can be reduced.
　（その他の実施の形態）
　以上、実施の形態１について説明したが本発明は、上記実施の形態１に限定されるものではない。 (Other embodiments)
Although the first embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment.
　上記実施の形態１では、通信モードの判定処理は、通信端末１０の設置時に行われることを想定しているため、通信モードが確定した後は原則的には通信モードの変更は行われない。しかしながら、通信部１１が誤った通信モードに確定されてしまった場合等に、制御部１３が通信モードの確定を解除し、再度通信モードの判定処理を行ってもよい。図１０は、再度通信モードの判定処理が行われる場合のフローチャートである。なお、図１０は、図２または図９のフローチャートのステップＳ１８以降のみを図示したものである。 In the first embodiment, since it is assumed that the communication mode determination process is performed when the communication terminal 10 is installed, the communication mode is not changed in principle after the communication mode is determined. However, when the communication unit 11 has been determined to be in the wrong communication mode, the control unit 13 may cancel the determination of the communication mode and perform the communication mode determination process again. FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the communication mode determination process is performed again. Note that FIG. 10 illustrates only step S18 and subsequent steps in the flowchart of FIG. 2 or FIG.
　図１０に示されるように、制御部１３が通信部１１の設定を第一通信モードに確定した後（Ｓ１６）、一定期間以上、通信端末１０と通信端末以外の通信端末（第一通信端末２１）との通信が行われない場合（Ｓ１９でＹｅｓ）が想定される。このような場合、制御部１３は、通信部１１の第一通信モードの確定を解除し、再度、通信モードの判定処理（図２、または図９で示される処理）を行ってもよい（Ｓ２０）。なお、通信端末１０と通信端末以外の通信端末（第一通信端末２１）との通信が行われている場合（Ｓ１９でＮｏ）、通信部１１は、第一通信モードに確定されたまま維持される（Ｓ２１）。 As shown in FIG. 10, after the control unit 13 determines the setting of the communication unit 11 to the first communication mode (S16), a communication terminal other than the communication terminal 10 and the communication terminal (first communication terminal 21) for a certain period or more. ) Is not performed (Yes in S19). In such a case, the control unit 13 may cancel the confirmation of the first communication mode of the communication unit 11 and perform the communication mode determination process (the process shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 9) again (S20). ). When communication is performed between the communication terminal 10 and a communication terminal other than the communication terminal (first communication terminal 21) (No in S19), the communication unit 11 is maintained in the first communication mode. (S21).
　これにより、通信部１１が誤った通信モードに確定されてしまった場合等に、通信モードの変更が自動的になされるため、設定変更の手間が軽減される。なお、ステップＳ２０においては、制御部１３は、通信部１１の設定を第二通信モードに移行してもよい。 Thus, since the communication mode is automatically changed when the communication unit 11 is determined to be in the wrong communication mode, the trouble of changing the setting is reduced. In step S20, the control unit 13 may shift the setting of the communication unit 11 to the second communication mode.
　また、上記実施の形態１では、所定期間の始期は、パケットの検出の開始時点としたが、通信端末１０の起動時点が所定期間の始期とされてもよい。つまり、所定期間の始期（および終期）は、どのように定められてもよい。 In the first embodiment, the start of the predetermined period is the start time of packet detection, but the start time of the communication terminal 10 may be the start of the predetermined period. That is, the start (and end) of the predetermined period may be determined in any way.
　上記実施の形態１では、有線通信の一例としてＰＬＣにおける通信モードの判定処理について説明したが、本発明は、無線通信にも適用できる。また、上記実施の形態１において、通信モードの判定処理は、主としてＰＨＹにおけるビットレートが異なる通信方式に適用される例について説明したが、変調方式等が異なる通信方式に適用されてもよい。 In the first embodiment, the communication mode determination process in the PLC has been described as an example of wired communication. However, the present invention can also be applied to wireless communication. In the first embodiment, the communication mode determination process has been described with reference to an example in which the communication mode is mainly applied to a communication method having a different bit rate in PHY.
　上記実施の形態１では、制御部１３は、２つの通信モードに対して通信モード判定処理を行ったが、３つ以上の通信モードに対して通信モード判定処理が行われてもよい。 In the first embodiment, the control unit 13 performs the communication mode determination process for two communication modes. However, the communication mode determination process may be performed for three or more communication modes.
　なお、上記実施の形態１において、各構成要素は、専用のハードウェアで構成されるか、各構成要素に適したソフトウェアプログラムを実行することによって実現されてもよい。各構成要素は、ＣＰＵまたはプロセッサなどのプログラム実行部が、ハードディスクまたは半導体メモリなどの記録媒体に記録されたソフトウェアプログラムを読み出して実行することによって実現されてもよい。 In the first embodiment, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.
　また、上記実施の形態１において、特定の処理部が実行する処理を別の処理部が実行してもよい。例えば、判定部１２は、通信部１１または制御部１３の一機能として実現されてもよい。また、複数の処理の順序が変更されてもよいし、複数の処理が並行して実行されてもよい。 Further, in the first embodiment, another processing unit may execute the processing performed by the specific processing unit. For example, the determination unit 12 may be realized as a function of the communication unit 11 or the control unit 13. Further, the order of the plurality of processes may be changed, and the plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.
　なお、本発明の包括的または具体的な態様は、システム、方法、集積回路、コンピュータプログラムまたはコンピュータ読み取り可能なＣＤ－ＲＯＭなどの記録媒体で実現されてもよい。また、本発明の包括的または具体的な態様は、システム、方法、集積回路、コンピュータプログラムまたは記録媒体の任意な組み合わせで実現されてもよい。例えば、本発明は、通信端末の通信モード判定処理方法（通信制御方法）として実現されてもよい。 The comprehensive or specific aspect of the present invention may be realized by a recording medium such as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable CD-ROM. The comprehensive or specific aspect of the present invention may be realized by any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium. For example, the present invention may be realized as a communication mode determination processing method (communication control method) of a communication terminal.
　なお、本発明は、これらの実施の形態またはその変形例に限定されるものではない。本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない限り、当業者が思いつく各種変形を本実施の形態またはその変形例に施したもの、あるいは異なる実施の形態またはその変形例における構成要素を組み合わせて構築される形態も、本発明の範囲内に含まれる。 In addition, this invention is not limited to these embodiment or its modification. Unless it deviates from the gist of the present invention, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art are applied to the present embodiment or the modification thereof, or a form constructed by combining different embodiments or components in the modification. It is included within the scope of the present invention.
　１０　通信端末
　１１　通信部
　１２　判定部
　１３　制御部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Communication terminal 11 Communication part 12 Determination part 13 Control part

Claims (10)

  1. 　第一通信方式、および、前記第一通信方式とは異なる第二通信方式の一方を選択的に用いて通信する通信部と、
    　前記通信部において前記第一通信方式が用いられている場合に、前記通信部における、前記第一通信方式以外の通信方式のパケットである他モードパケットの受信有無を判定する判定部と、
    　前記通信部において前記第一通信方式が用いられている場合に、（ｉ）前記第一通信方式が用いられる通信システムに参入するためのアドレスが割り当てられたときは、前記通信部の通信方式を前記第一通信方式に確定し、（ｉｉ）前記アドレスが割り当てられず、かつ、前記他モードパケットの受信有りと判定されたときは、前記通信部の通信方式を前記第二通信方式に移行する、通信制御を行う制御部とを備える
    　通信端末。     A communication unit that selectively uses one of the first communication method and the second communication method different from the first communication method; and
    When the first communication method is used in the communication unit, a determination unit that determines whether or not other mode packets are received in a communication method other than the first communication method in the communication unit;
    When the first communication method is used in the communication unit, (i) when an address for entering a communication system using the first communication method is assigned, the communication method of the communication unit is changed. (Ii) When the address is not assigned and it is determined that the other mode packet is received, the communication method of the communication unit is shifted to the second communication method. A communication terminal comprising a control unit that performs communication control.
  2. 　前記制御部は、所定期間内に前記アドレスが割り当てられたときは前記通信部の通信方式を前記第一通信方式に確定し、前記所定期間内に前記アドレスが割り当てられず、かつ、前記所定期間内に前記他モードパケットの受信有りと判定されたときは、前記所定期間の経過後に前記通信部の通信方式を前記第二通信方式に移行する
    　請求項１に記載の通信端末。     The control unit determines the communication method of the communication unit as the first communication method when the address is allocated within a predetermined period, the address is not allocated within the predetermined period, and the predetermined period The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the other mode packet has been received, the communication method of the communication unit is shifted to the second communication method after the predetermined period has elapsed.
  3. 　前記判定部は、前記通信部が前記他モードパケットを所定数以上受信した場合に、前記他モードパケットの受信有りと判定する
    　請求項１に記載の通信端末。     The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the other mode packet has been received when the communication unit receives a predetermined number or more of the other mode packets.
  4. 　前記判定部は、前記他モードパケットの受信品質が所定の閾値以上の良好な受信品質であった場合に、前記他モードパケットの受信有りと判定する
    　請求項１に記載の通信端末。     The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the other mode packet is received when the reception quality of the other mode packet is a good reception quality equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.
  5. 　前記判定部は、前記通信部による前記他モードパケットの受信を所定の判定期間ごとに検出し、前記他モードパケットの受信が検出された前記判定期間の数が所定数に達した場合に、前記他モードパケットの受信有りと判定する
    　請求項１に記載の通信端末。     The determination unit detects reception of the other mode packet by the communication unit for each predetermined determination period, and when the number of the determination periods in which reception of the other mode packet is detected reaches a predetermined number, The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that another mode packet has been received.
  6. 　前記判定部は、前記通信部が前記他モードパケットと前記第一通信方式のパケットである自モードパケットとを受信した場合、前記他モードパケットの受信品質と、前記自モードパケットの受信品質とを比較して、前記他モードパケットの受信有無を判定する
    　請求項１に記載の通信端末。     When the communication unit receives the other mode packet and the own mode packet that is the packet of the first communication method, the determination unit determines the reception quality of the other mode packet and the reception quality of the own mode packet. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the presence or absence of reception of the other mode packet is determined by comparison.
  7. 　前記判定部は、前記他モードパケットの受信品質が前記自モードパケットの受信品質よりも良好である場合に、前記他モードパケットの受信有りと判定する
    　請求項６に記載の通信端末。     The communication terminal according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit determines that the other mode packet is received when the reception quality of the other mode packet is better than the reception quality of the own mode packet.
  8. 　前記制御部は、前記通信部が前記第一通信方式のパケットである自モードパケットを受信し、かつ前記自モードパケットの受信品質が閾値以上の良好な受信品質である場合、前記通信部の通信方式を前記第一通信方式に確定する、または、前記所定期間を延長する
    　請求項２に記載の通信端末。     When the communication unit receives a self-mode packet that is a packet of the first communication method and the reception quality of the self-mode packet is good reception quality equal to or higher than a threshold, the control unit communicates with the communication unit. The communication terminal according to claim 2, wherein the method is determined as the first communication method, or the predetermined period is extended.
  9. 　前記制御部は、前記通信部の通信方式を前記第一通信方式に確定した後、一定期間以上、前記通信端末と前記通信端末以外の通信端末との通信が行われなかった場合、前記通信部の前記第一通信方式の確定を解除し、かつ、前記通信制御を行う
    　請求項１～８のいずれか１項に記載の通信端末。     When the communication unit is not communicated with the communication terminal other than the communication terminal for a certain period of time after the communication unit of the communication unit is determined to be the first communication method, the communication unit The communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the confirmation of the first communication method is canceled and the communication control is performed.
  10. 　通信端末が実行する通信制御方法であって、
    　前記通信端末は、
    　第一通信方式、および、前記第一通信方式とは異なる第二通信方式の一方を選択的に用いて通信する通信部を備え、
    　前記通信制御方法は、
    　前記通信部において前記第一通信方式が用いられている場合に、前記通信部における、前記第一通信方式以外の通信方式のパケットである他モードパケットの受信有無を判定し、
    　前記通信部において前記第一通信方式が用いられている場合に、（ｉ）前記第一通信方式が用いられる通信システムに参入するためのアドレスが割り当てられたときは、前記通信部の通信方式を前記第一通信方式に確定し、（ｉｉ）前記アドレスが割り当てられず、かつ、前記他モードパケットの受信有りと判定されたときは、前記通信部の通信方式を前記第二通信方式に移行する
    　通信制御方法。     A communication control method executed by a communication terminal,
    The communication terminal is
    A communication unit that selectively communicates using one of the first communication method and the second communication method different from the first communication method;
    The communication control method includes:
    When the first communication method is used in the communication unit, the communication unit determines whether or not other mode packets that are packets of a communication method other than the first communication method are received,
    When the first communication method is used in the communication unit, (i) when an address for entering a communication system using the first communication method is assigned, the communication method of the communication unit is changed. (Ii) When the address is not assigned and it is determined that the other mode packet is received, the communication method of the communication unit is shifted to the second communication method. Communication control method.
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