COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND COMMUNICATION METHOD

Abstract

A communication device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: one or a plurality of communication means (21) configured so as to be able to transmit and receive directional communication media; an acquisition means (22) that acquires related information related to one or a plurality of communication partners of communication by the one or a plurality of communication means; and a determination means (23) that determines one or a plurality of connection partners of communication by the one or a plurality of communication means, wherein the determination means refers to the related information related to the one or a plurality of communication partners, and determines the communication partner having more established connections as the connection partner.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a communication method for performing communication in a directional communication medium. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of communication networks, there is a demand for communication technologies that can realize large capacity and low latency. As one of such communication technologies, communication technologies using directional communication media such as millimeter waves and light in the visible light band are being developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system that performs multi-hop data communication using a relay device that forms a sub-network using directional millimeter waves and a connection terminal that connects to the sub-network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-161373 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Directional communication media are expected to realize high-capacity, low-latency communications due to their high frequency, but because they are directional, they are susceptible to the effects of obstructions and external disturbances.

[0005] In order to ensure robust communication while using a directional communication medium, it is preferable to have a configuration that allows adaptive changes, including adding nodes to the network and changing node positions, but even if the technology described in Patent Document 1 is used, such a configuration cannot be realized.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and one example of a purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique for realizing a robust communication network using a directional communication medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, an acquisition means for acquiring associated information related to one or more communication partners via the one or more communication means, and a determination means for determining one or more connection partners via the one or more communication means, wherein the determination means refers to the associated information related to the one or more communication partners and determines a communication partner having more established connections as the connection partner.

[0008] In addition, a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, an acquisition means for acquiring associated information related to one or more communication partners via the one or more communication means, and a determination means for determining one or more connection partners via the one or more communication means, wherein the determination means refers to the associated information related to the one or more communication partners and determines as the connection partner a communication partner that has a greater number of unused connections among established connections, or a greater number of connection partner candidates with unestablished connections among connection partner candidates identified by scanning.

[0009] Moreover, a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of communication devices, at least any of the plurality of communication devices being equipped with one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, an acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners via the one or more communication means, and a determination means for determining one or more connection partners via the one or more communication means, wherein the determination means refers to the related information related to the one or more communication partners and determines the communication partner having the greater number of established connections as the connection partner.

[0010] Moreover, a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of communication devices, at least any of the plurality of communication devices being equipped with one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, an acquisition means for acquiring associated information related to one or more communication partners via the one or more communication means, and a determination means for determining one or more connection partners via the one or more communication means, wherein the determination means refers to the associated information related to the one or more communication partners and determines as the connection partner a communication partner having a greater number of unused connections among established connections, or a greater number of connection partner candidates with unestablished connections among connection partner candidates identified by scanning.

[0011] Further, a communication method according to an aspect of the present invention includes: transmitting related information related to one or more communication partners by one or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium. Take and determining one or more connection partners by said one or more communication means, wherein in said determining step, reference is made to related information relating to said one or more communication partners, and a communication partner having a greater number of established connections is determined as said connection partner.

[0012] Further, a communication method according to an aspect of the present invention includes: transmitting related information related to one or more communication partners by one or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium. Take and determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means, in which in the determining step, referring to related information related to the one or more communication partners, a communication partner having a greater number of unused connections among established connections, or a greater number of connection partner candidates with unestablished connections among connection partner candidates identified by scanning, is determined as the connection partner. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a flow chart showing the flow of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of a processing flow from scanning to connection establishment in a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the processing flow from scanning to connection establishment in a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of a processing flow from scanning to connection establishment in a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of a processing flow from scanning to connection establishment in a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15]11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 19] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 20] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 21] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 22] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer that is an example of an implementation of a communication device according to each exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Example Embodiment 1 A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form of the exemplary embodiments described later.

[0016] (Configuration of communication device) The configuration of a communication device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a communication unit 11, a specification unit 12, and a connection establishment unit 13.

[0017] The communication unit 11, the identification unit 12, and the connection establishment unit 13 are examples of the communication means, the identification means, and the connection establishment means in the claims.

[0018] (Communications Department 11) The communication unit 11 is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium. The number of communication units 11 included in the communication device 10 does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, and the communication device 10 may be configured to include one or more communication units 11.

[0019] Each communication unit 11 is configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium as described above. Here, the specific configuration of the communication unit 11 does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, the communication unit 11 includes a transmitter that transmits the directional communication medium and a receiver that receives the directional communication medium. The communication unit 11 may be configured to include an integrated transmitter / receiver that transmits and receives the directional communication medium.

[0020] Furthermore, a specific example of a directional communication medium used for communication by the communication unit 11 is, without being limited to the illustrative embodiment, an electromagnetic wave in a high frequency range having a frequency of about 10 GHz or more, for example. The electromagnetic wave in the frequency range may include millimeter waves, submillimeter waves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, etc.

[0021] As an example, the communication unit 11 directs and transmits electromagnetic waves in the above frequency range within a predetermined angle range, thereby using the electromagnetic waves as the above-mentioned directional communication medium for communication. Here, the specific configuration for the communication unit 11 to direct the electromagnetic waves in the above frequency range does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the communication unit 11: A beamforming antenna that directs and transmits millimeter and sub-millimeter waves within a specified angle range. Collimators for collimating infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light Laser oscillators that generate infrared, visible, or ultraviolet laser light The configuration may include the following.

[0022] By directing and transmitting electromagnetic waves in the above frequency range, which are the communication medium, from the communication unit 11, the energy density of the communication medium increases, making it possible to communicate with a communication partner at a greater distance using the communication medium.

[0023] (Specific part 12) The identifying unit 12 identifies one or more connection partner candidates by scanning using the communication unit 11. In other words, the identifying unit 12 identifies one or more connection partner candidates by transmitting or receiving a scan beam using the communication unit 11.

[0024] Here, in the scan using the communication unit 11, a scan using the above-mentioned directional communication medium is executed. Also, in this exemplary embodiment, the scan refers to a search executed to identify one or more connection partner candidates, for example. The term "scan" is not intended to specify a specific scan order or the like.

[0025] In addition, the scanning by the identification unit 12 using the communication unit 11 includes the following steps: Transmitting a scan beam from the communication unit 11 to the scan range Transmitting a scan beam from the communication unit 11 to a scan range and receiving a response beam in response to the scan beam. The communication unit 11 receives a scan beam transmitted from another device, and The communication unit 11 receives a scan beam transmitted from another device and transmits a response beam in response to the scan beam. At least one of the above is included.

[0026] The scan by the identification unit 12 includes, for example, a search for a connection partner candidate whose position is not known in advance. More specifically, for example, the scan by the identification unit 12 includes a search for a connection partner candidate whose direction from the communication device 10 is not known in advance. In other words, the scan includes a search for a connection partner candidate whose at least one of the azimuth angle, the elevation angle, and the depression angle from the communication device 10 is not known in advance.

[0027] When searching for one or more connection partner candidates whose positions are not known in advance as described above, the identification unit 12 identifies the positions of the one or more connection partner candidates by scanning using the communication unit 11. More specifically, as an example, the identification unit 12 identifies the direction of the one or more connection partner candidates from the communication device 10 as a starting point by scanning using the communication unit 11. In other words, the identification unit 12 identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, the elevation angle, and the depression angle from the communication device 10 as a starting point by scanning using the communication unit 11 for the one or more connection partner candidates.

[0028] Furthermore, the one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification unit 12 are not limited to communication devices included in the scan range of the scan using the communication unit 11. The identification unit 12 can also refer to a response signal from a communication device included in the scan range of the scan using the communication unit 11 and identify a communication device that is identified by the response signal and is outside the scan range as a connection partner candidate.

[0029] As an example, by referring to a response signal from communication device A that was included in the scanning range of a scan using communication unit 11, communication device B whose position is identified by the response signal but is outside the scanning range can be identified as a candidate connection partner.

[0030] (Connection establishment unit 13) The connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification unit 12. Furthermore, the connection establishment unit 13 generates one or more communication paths in the mesh network by establishing the connection. Here, the connection establishment unit 13 may establish a connection using one or more communication units 11 included in the communication device 10, which are the same as the one or more communication units 11 used by the identification unit 12 for scanning, or may use communication units that are partially or entirely different from the one or more communication units 11 used by the identification unit 12 for scanning.

[0031] In either case, the connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection between one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification unit 12 using a directional communication medium via one or more communication units 11 provided in the communication device 10.

[0032] Although the specific connection establishment process by the connection establishment unit 13 does not limit this exemplary embodiment, an example includes the following process A.

[0033] (Process A): The communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 transmits a directional communication medium to the connection partner candidate identified by the identification unit 12.

[0034] Furthermore, the connection establishment process may be configured to include the following process B in addition to the process A.

[0035] (Process B): In response to the transmission in Process A, the connection partner candidate transmits a directional communication medium to the communication device 10, and the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 receives the directional communication medium.

[0036] In addition, in process A, the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 may be configured to transmit connection start information for starting a connection according to a specific protocol to a connection partner candidate via a directional communication medium, and in process B, the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 may be configured to receive connection acceptance information according to a specific protocol from a connection partner candidate via a directional communication medium.

[0037] In addition, the above connection start information may be configured to include identification information for identifying the communication device 10 from other devices, and the above connection approval information may be configured to include identification information for identifying the connection partner candidate from other devices.

[0038] Furthermore, the connection establishment process may include the following processes C and D in addition to the processes A and B.

[0039] (Process C): The connection start information transmitted by the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 via the directional communication medium in Process A is referred to by the connection partner candidate, and the connection partner candidate registers the identification information of the communication device 10 in a storage unit included in the connection partner candidate.

[0040] (Process D): The communication device 10 refers to the connection acknowledgement information received by the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 via the directional communication medium in Process B, and registers identification information of connection partner candidates in the storage unit provided in the communication device 10.

[0041] (Effects of the communication device 10) As described above, the communication device 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes: One or more communication units 11 configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; A determination unit 12 that performs a scan using one or more communication units 11 to determine one or more connection partner candidates; a connection establishment unit 13 that establishes a connection with one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification unit 12; The configuration includes the following:

[0042] According to the communication device 10 configured as above, even if a connection partner candidate whose location is not known in advance can be identified by executing a scan using the communication unit 11. Then, communication can be established with the identified connection partner candidate.

[0043] Generally, while a directional communication medium can realize high-capacity and low-latency communication, due to its directionality, it has an aspect of being susceptible to the effects of obstructions, disturbances, etc. According to the communication device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment, in a network using a directional communication medium, adaptive changes including addition of communication devices and change of positions can be made, so that a network that is less susceptible to the effects of obstructions, disturbances, etc. can be configured.

[0044] That is, the communication device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment can realize a robust communication network using a directional communication medium.

[0045] (Communication method flow) The flow of the communication method S10 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication method S10 according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the communication method S10 includes steps S12 and S13.

[0046] (Step S12) First, in step S12, the identification unit 12 identifies one or more connection partner candidates by executing a scan using the communication unit 11. Here, in the scan using the communication unit 11, a scan using the above-mentioned directional communication medium is executed. The specific processing contents by the identification unit 12 have been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0047] (Step S13) Next, in step S13, the connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification unit 12. Here, the connection establishment by the connection establishment unit 13 may use, among one or more communication units 11 included in the communication device 10, the same communication unit or units as the one or more communication units 11 used for scanning by the identification unit 12, or may use communication units that are partially or entirely different from the one or more communication units 11 used for scanning by the identification unit 12. The specific processing contents by the connection establishment unit 13 have been described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0048] (Effect of communication method S10) As described above, the communication device 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes: Identifying one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using one or more communication units 11 configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving in a directional communication medium (S12); Establishing a connection with the identified one or more connection partner candidates (S13); Contains:

[0049] According to the communication method S10 configured as described above, even if a connection partner candidate whose location is not known in advance, can be identified by executing a scan using the communication unit 11. Then, communication can be established with the identified connection partner candidate.

[0050] Therefore, according to the communication method S10 according to this exemplary embodiment, like the communication device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0051] (Communication System Configuration) The configuration of a communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the communication system 1 includes, as an example, a first communication device 10-1, a second communication device 10-2, a third communication device 10-3, and a fourth communication device.

[0052] 3 does not limit the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. The communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment may be configured to include five or more communication devices, or may be configured to include three or less communication devices.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, the first communication device 10-1, the second communication device 10-2, the third communication device 10-3, and the fourth communication device 10-4 each have a configuration similar to that of the communication device 10 described with reference to FIG.

[0054] (Effects of communication system 1) As described above, the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes: A plurality of communication devices (for example, a first communication device 10-1, a second communication device 10-2, a third communication device 10-3, and a fourth communication device) are included, At least any of the plurality of communication devices among the plurality of communication devices, One or more communication units 11 configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; a specifying unit 12 that specifies one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using the one or more communication means; The communication device further includes a connection establishment unit 13 for establishing a connection with one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification unit.

[0055] According to the communication system 1 configured as above, even if a connection partner candidate whose location is not known in advance, can be identified by executing a scan using the communication unit 11. Then, communication can be established with the identified connection partner candidate.

[0056] Therefore, according to the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment, like the communication device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0057] Exemplary embodiment 2 The second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same functions as those described in the first exemplary embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the description of the matters common to those described in the first exemplary embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0058] (Configuration of communication device) The configuration of the communication device 20 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the communication device 20 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a communication unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, and a determination unit 23.

[0059] The communication unit 21, the acquisition unit 22, and the determination unit 23 are examples of the communication means, the acquisition means, and the determination means in the claims.

[0060] (Communications Department 21) The communication unit 21 is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium. The number of communication units 21 included in the communication device 20 does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, and the communication device 20 may be configured to include one or more communication units 21.

[0061] The communication unit 21 has the same configuration as the communication unit 11 according to the first exemplary embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0062] (Acquisition part 22) The acquisition unit 22 acquires related information related to one or more communication partners by the one or more communication units 21. The related information includes, for example, the number of established connections involving each communication partner, the number of connection partner candidates identified by a scan involving each communication device, or the connection status of a connection involving each communication device.

[0063] (Decision Unit 23) The determination unit 23 determines one or more communication partners by one or more communication units 21. When determining to communicate with multiple communication partners, the determination unit 23 refers to related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determines a communication partner having a larger number of established connections as the connection partner.

[0064] Here, the specific selection process by the determination unit 23 does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the determination unit 23 may be configured to acquire related information (described in detail in exemplary embodiment 3) related to the communication partner candidates, and make the above selection by referring to location information of the communication partner candidates included in the acquired related information.

[0065] The determination unit 23 may be configured to identify the number of established connections involving the candidate communication partners through a scanning process (described in detail in exemplary embodiment 3) of the communication unit 21 for the candidate communication partners, and to make the above-mentioned determination by referring to the identified number of established connections.

[0066] Alternatively, the communication partner having the most established and in-use connections may be determined as the connection partner.

[0067] However, the one or more connection partner candidates identified by the determination unit 23 are not limited to communication devices included in the scan range of the scan using the communication unit 21. 23 can also refer to a response signal from a communication device that was included in the scanning range of a scan using the communication unit 21, and identify a communication device identified by the response signal that is outside the scanning range as a candidate connection partner.

[0068] As an example, by referring to a response signal from communication device A that was included in the scanning range of a scan using communication unit 21, communication device B whose position is identified by the response signal but is outside the scanning range can be identified as a connection partner candidate.

[0069] (Effects of the communication device 20) As described above, the communication device 20 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes: One or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; an acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners by the one or more communication means; A determination means for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; Equipped with The determining means is The communication device is configured to refer to related information related to the one or more communication partners and to determine a communication partner having a greater number of established connections as the connection partner.

[0070] Generally, the more established connections a communication device has, and the more connections in use the device has, the more reliable the communication device tends to be. The communication device 20 according to this exemplary embodiment can establish communication with a more reliable communication device, and therefore has the effect of configuring a more reliable communication network. Therefore, the communication device 20 according to this exemplary embodiment can realize a robust communication network using a directional communication medium.

[0071] (Communication method flow) The flow of the communication method S20 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication method S20 according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the communication method S20 includes steps S22 and S23.

[0072] (Step S22) First, in step S22, the acquisition unit 22 acquires related information related to one or more communication partners by the one or more communication means. As an example, the acquisition unit 22 acquires related information related to one or more communication partners by the communication unit 21 by executing a scan using the communication unit 21. Here, in the scan using the communication unit 21, as an example, a scan using the above-mentioned directional communication medium is executed.

[0073] (Step S23) Next, in step S23, the determination unit 23 determines one or more connection partners by the one or more communication units 21. Here, by referring to related information related to the one or more communication partners, the determination unit 23 determines the communication partner having the greater number of established connections as the connection partner. The specific processing contents by the determination unit 23 have been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0074] (Effect of communication method S20) As described above, the communication method S20 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes: Related information related to one or more communication partners via one or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving directional communication media Take (Step S22) determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means (step S23); In the determining step, By referring to related information related to the one or more communication partners, a communication partner having a greater number of established connections is determined as the connection partner.

[0075] According to the communication method S20 of this exemplary embodiment, it is possible to establish communication with a more reliable communication device, and therefore it is possible to configure a more reliable communication network. Therefore, according to the communication method S20 of this exemplary embodiment, it is possible to realize a robust communication network using a directional communication medium.

[0076] (Configuration of communication system 2) The configuration of a communication system 2 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication system 2 according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the communication system 2 includes, as an example, a first communication device 20-1, a second communication device 20-2, a third communication device 20-3, and a fourth communication device.

[0077] 6 does not limit the communication system 2 according to this exemplary embodiment. The communication system 2 according to this exemplary embodiment may be configured to include five or more communication devices, or may be configured to include three or less communication devices.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, the first communication device 20-1, the second communication device 20-2, the third communication device 20-3, and the fourth communication device 20-4 each have a configuration similar to that of the communication device 20 described with reference to FIG.

[0079] (Effects of communication system 2) As described above, the communication system 2 according to this exemplary embodiment includes: A plurality of communication devices (for example, a first communication device 20-1, a second communication device 20-2, a third communication device 20-3, and a fourth communication device) are included, At least any of the plurality of communication devices among the plurality of communication devices, One or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; An acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners by the one or more communication means; a determination means for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; Equipped with The determining means is By referring to related information related to the one or more communication partners, a communication partner having a greater number of established connections is determined as the connection partner.

[0080] According to the communication system 2 of this exemplary embodiment, it is possible to establish communication with a more reliable communication device, which has the effect of configuring a more reliable communication system 2. Therefore, according to the communication system 2 of this exemplary embodiment, it is possible to realize a robust communication system 2 using a directional communication medium.

[0081] (Variation 1 of Exemplary Embodiment 2) A first modified example of this exemplary embodiment will be described below.

[0082] (Configuration of communication device) The configuration of the communication device 20 according to this modification is generally the same as that shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the communication device 20 according to this modification generally includes a communication unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, and a determination unit 23, similar to the communication device 20 according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0083] The communication unit 21, the acquisition unit 22, and the determination unit 23 are examples of the communication means, the acquisition means, and the determination means in the claims.

[0084] (Communications Department 21) The communication unit 21 is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium. The number of communication units 21 included in the communication device 20 is not limited to this modification, and the communication device 20 may be configured to include one or more communication units 21.

[0085] The communication unit 21 has the same configuration as the communication unit 11 according to the first exemplary embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0086] (Acquisition part 22) The acquisition unit 22 acquires related information related to one or more communication partners by the one or more communication units 21. The related information includes, for example, the number of established connections involving each communication device, unused connections among the established connections, and the number of unestablished connections among connection partner candidates identified by scanning.

[0087] (Decision Unit 23) The determination unit 23 refers to related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determines as the communication partner a communication partner having a greater number of unused connections among established connections, or a greater number of connection partner candidates with unestablished connections among connection partner candidates identified by scanning.

[0088] The one or more connection partner candidates identified by the determination unit 23 are not limited to communication devices included in the scan range of the scan using the communication unit 21. 23 can also refer to a response signal from a communication device that was included in the scanning range of a scan using the communication unit 21, and identify a communication device identified by the response signal that is outside the scanning range as a candidate connection partner.

[0089] As an example, by referring to a response signal from communication device A that was included in the scanning range of a scan using communication unit 21, communication device B whose position is identified by the response signal but is outside the scanning range can be identified as a connection partner candidate.

[0090] (Effects of the communication device 20) As described above, the communication device 20 according to this modification has the following features: One or more communication units 21 configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; an acquisition unit 22 for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners via the one or more communication means; A determination unit 23 that determines one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; Equipped with The determination unit 23 is configured to refer to related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determine as the connection partner a communication partner having a greater number of unused connections among established connections, or a greater number of connection partner candidates with unestablished connections among connection partner candidates identified by scanning.

[0091] According to the communication device 20 of this modification, a communication partner having a larger number of unused connections among established connections or a larger number of unestablished connection partner candidates among connection partner candidates identified by scanning is determined as the connection partner, so that a connection partner can be suitably determined while effectively utilizing resources. Therefore, according to the communication device 20 of this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network that effectively utilizes resources while using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0092] (Communication method flow) The outline of the flow of the communication method S20 according to the present modified example 1 is similar to that of the above-mentioned Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the communication method S20 according to the present modified example generally includes steps S22 and S23, similar to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment 2.

[0093] (Step S22) First, in step S22, Acquisition part 22 The present invention relates to a method for acquiring related information relating to one or more communication partners by one or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium. do.

[0094] (Step S23) Next, in step S23, the determination unit 23 determines one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means. Here, the determination unit 23 refers to related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determines as the connection partner a communication partner having a greater number of unused connections among established connections, or a greater number of connection partner candidates with unestablished connections among connection partner candidates identified by scanning. The specific processing contents by the determination unit 23 have been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0095] (Effect of communication method S20) As described above, the communication method S20 according to this modification includes: Related information related to one or more communication partners via one or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving directional communication media Take Obtaining (step S22), determining one or more connection partners by said one or more communication means (step S23); Including, In the determining step, Refer to relevant information related to the one or more communication partners; Established connections that are not in use, or Among the connection partner candidates identified by the scan, a communication partner having a larger number of connection partner candidates with which a connection has not been established is determined as the connection partner. It is structured as follows.

[0096] According to the communication method S20 of this modification, a communication partner having a larger number of unused connections among established connections or a larger number of unestablished connection partner candidates among connection partner candidates identified by scanning is determined as the connection partner, so that a connection partner can be suitably determined while effectively utilizing resources. Therefore, according to the communication method S20 of this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network that effectively utilizes resources can be realized while using a directional communication medium.

[0097] (Configuration of communication system 2) The configuration of the communication system 2 according to this modification is generally the same as that shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the communication system 2 according to this modification includes, as an example, a first communication device 20-1, a second communication device 20-2, a third communication device 20-3, and a fourth communication device.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 6, a first communication device 20-1, a second communication device 20-2, a third communication device 20-3, and a fourth communication device 20-4 each have a similar configuration to the communication device 20 according to this modification.

[0099] (Effects of communication system 2) As described above, the communication system 2 according to this exemplary embodiment includes: A plurality of communication devices (for example, a first communication device 20-1, a second communication device 20-2, a third communication device 20-3, and a fourth communication device) are included, At least any of the plurality of communication devices among the plurality of communication devices, One or more communication units 21 configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; An acquisition unit 22 that acquires related information related to one or more communication partners via the one or more communication means; a determination unit 23 for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; Equipped with The determination unit 23 Refer to relevant information related to the one or more communication partners; Established connections that are not in use, or Among the connection partner candidates identified by the scan, a communication partner having a greater number of connection partner candidates with which a connection has not yet been established is determined as the connection partner.

[0100] According to the communication system 2 of this modification, a communication partner having a larger number of unused connections among established connections or a larger number of unestablished connection partner candidates among connection partner candidates identified by scanning is determined as the connection partner, so that a connection partner can be suitably determined while effectively utilizing resources. Therefore, according to the communication system 2 of this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication system 2 that effectively utilizes resources can be realized while using a directional communication medium.

[0101] Exemplary embodiment 3 The third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same functions as those described in the first exemplary embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] (Configuration of communication device) The configuration of the communication device 100 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 100. As shown in Fig. 7, the communication device 100 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a first communication unit 110, a second communication unit 120, a control unit 130, a memory 140, and a storage unit 150.

[0103] Here, the first communication unit 110 is one example of a communication means in the claims.

[0104] (First communication unit 110) The first communication unit 110 is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium. As an example, the first communication unit 110 is configured by a plurality of communication units such as a communication unit 110-1, a communication unit 110-2, ... as shown in Fig. 7.

[0105] Each of the communication units 110-1, 110-2, ... is configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium as described above. Here, the specific configuration of each of the communication units 110-1, 110-2, ... does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, each of the communication units 110-1, 110-2, ... includes a transmitter that transmits the directional communication medium and a receiver that receives the directional communication medium. Each of the communication units 110-1, 110-2, ... may be configured to include an integrated transmitter / receiver that transmits and receives the directional communication medium.

[0106] Furthermore, a specific example of a directional communication medium used by the first communication unit 110 for communication is not limited to the exemplary embodiment, but as an example, electromagnetic waves in a high frequency region having a frequency of approximately 10 GHz or more can be given as an example, similar to exemplary embodiment 1. Electromagnetic waves in this frequency region can include millimeter waves, submillimeter waves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, and the like.

[0107] As an example, the first communication unit 110 directs and transmits electromagnetic waves in the above frequency range within a predetermined angle range, thereby using the electromagnetic waves as the above-mentioned directional communication medium for communication. Here, the specific configuration for directing the electromagnetic waves in the above frequency range by the first communication unit 110 does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the individual communication units 110-1, 110-2, ... constituting the first communication unit 110, as in the exemplary embodiment 1, A beamforming antenna that directs and transmits millimeter and sub-millimeter waves within a specified angle range. Collimators for collimating infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light Laser oscillators that generate infrared, visible, or ultraviolet laser light The configuration may include the following.

[0108] Furthermore, the individual communication units 110-1, 110-2, ... constituting the first communication unit 110 may be oriented to cover different ranges. For example, communication unit 110-1 may be oriented to cover a range of azimuth angles from 0° to 90° for transmission and reception, communication unit 110-2 may be oriented to cover a range of azimuth angles from 90° to 180° for transmission and reception, communication unit 110-3 may be oriented to cover a range of azimuth angles from 180° to 270° for transmission and reception, and communication unit 110-4 may be oriented to cover a range of azimuth angles from 270° to 360° for transmission and reception.

[0109] (Second communication unit 120) The second communication unit 120 is configured to communicate using a communication medium other than the directional communication medium used for communication by the first communication unit 120. As an example, the second communication unit 120 communicates with another device such as a server via a wired or wireless local area network or a global network. The second communication unit 120 may also be configured to function as an acquisition unit that acquires related information related to another communication device from another device such as another communication device or a server.

[0110] (Control unit 130) 7, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a communication management unit 132, and a memory management unit 133. The acquisition unit 131 is an example of an acquisition means in the claims. The communication management unit 132 is an example of a specification means, a connection establishment means, a determination means, and a provision means in the claims. The memory management unit 133 is an example of a storage means in the claims.

[0111] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires related information related to a communication partner of the first communication unit 110. Here, the communication partner of the first communication unit 110 includes: One or more connection partner candidates identified by a scan using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132 described later A connection partner with which a connection has been established by the communication management unit 132 among one or more identified connection partner candidates At least one of the above is included.

[0112] The related information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 will be described later.

[0113] (Communications Management Unit 132) The communication management unit 132 manages communication processing using the first communication unit 110. As an example, the communication management unit 132 Scanning using the first communication unit 110 Establishing a connection using the first communication unit 110 Disconnection using the first communication unit 110 Switching of connection using the first communication unit 110 A specific example of the process performed by the communication management unit 132 will be described later.

[0114] (Memory Management Department 133) The memory management unit 133 manages the storage process in the memory unit 150. As an example, the memory management unit 133 stores the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 in the memory unit 150. In addition, the memory management unit 133 reads out various types of information stored in the memory unit 150 and provides the information to each part of the control unit 130.

[0115] (Flow from scanning to establishing a connection) Next, a process flow from the execution of a scan by the communication management unit 132 using the first communication unit 110 to the establishment of a connection will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0116] (Example 1 of the flow from scanning to establishing a connection) 8 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of a process flow from scanning to connection establishment using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132. This example is an example of a case where the communication device 100 first transmits a scan beam and establishes a connection with a connection partner candidate present within a scan target range.

[0117] (Step S101-1) In step S101-1, the communication management unit 132 transmits a scan beam within a predetermined scan range using the first communication unit 110. The transmitted scan beam reaches connection partner candidates that exist within the scan range.

[0118] (Step S101-2) In step S101-2, a connection partner candidate existing within the above-mentioned scan range returns a response beam to the communication device 100 in response to the scan beam. The returned response beam reaches the communication device 100.

[0119] Note that the specific configuration for the connection partner candidate to return a response beam is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the connection partner candidate may be configured to include a corner cube reflector, reflect the scan beam by the corner cube reflector, and return the reflected scan beam to the communication device 100 as a response beam. As another example, the connection partner candidate may be configured to include a receiving device that receives the scan beam and a transmitting device that transmits a response beam in the direction of the received scan beam.

[0120] (Step S102-1) In step S102-1, the communication management unit 132 identifies a communication partner candidate by referring to a response beam received from the connection partner candidate.

[0121] As an example, the communication management unit 132 identifies the position of the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received reply beam. More specifically, the communication management unit 132 identifies the direction of the connection partner candidate as seen from the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received reply beam. In other words, the communication management unit 132 identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the connection partner candidate as seen from the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received reply beam.

[0122] (Step S103-1) In step S103-1, the communication management unit 132 transmits a connection request beam to the connection partner candidate identified in step S102-1. The connection request beam may be configured to include, as an example, information requesting a connection, as well as identification information for identifying the communication device 100 from other devices. The connection request beam may also be configured to include related information managed by the memory management unit 133, which is related information regarding the communication device 100 and other communication devices.

[0123] (Step S102-2) In step S102-2, the connection partner candidate receives the connection request beam transmitted in step S103-1. The connection partner candidate also identifies the communication device 100 by referring to the connection request beam transmitted in step S103-1. As an example, the connection partner candidate identifies the position of the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received connection request beam. More specifically, the connection partner candidate identifies the direction of the communication device 100 as seen from the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received connection request beam. In other words, the connection partner candidate identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the communication device 100 as seen from the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received connection request beam.

[0124] (Step S103-2) In step S103-2, the connection partner candidate transmits a connection approval beam to the communication device 100. The connection approval beam may be configured to include identification information for identifying the connection partner candidate from other devices, along with information indicating approval of the connection. The connection approval beam may also be configured to include related information regarding the connection partner candidate and other communication devices.

[0125] (Step S104-1) In step S104-1, the communication management unit 132 receives the connection approval beam transmitted in step S103-2.

[0126] (Step S105-1) In step S105-1, the memory management unit 133 refers to the connection approval beam received in step S104-1 and registers the connection partner candidate as a connection partner. As an example, the memory management unit 133 stores identification information of the connection partner candidate included in the connection approval beam in a memory unit. As an example, this step establishes a connection from the communication device 100 to the connection partner candidate.

[0127] (Step S104-2) In step S104-2, the connection partner candidate refers to the connection request beam received in step S102-2 and registers the communication device 100 as a connection partner. As an example, the connection partner candidate stores the identification information of the communication device 100 included in the connection request beam in a storage unit provided in the connection partner candidate. As an example, a connection from the connection partner candidate to the communication device 100 is established by this step.

[0128] (Example 2 of the flow from scanning to establishing a connection) 9 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the process flow from scanning to connection establishment using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132. This example is an example of a case where a connection partner candidate first transmits a scan beam and establishes a connection with the communication device 100 that is present within the scan target range.

[0129] As shown in Fig. 9, the process flow from scanning to connection establishment according to this example is the same as the process of connecting communication device 100 and a connection partner candidate described with reference to Fig. 8, except that communication device 100 and the connection partner candidate are interchanged. The process in each step shown in Fig. 9 is clear with reference to Fig. 8, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted here.

[0130] (Example 3 of the flow from scanning to establishing a connection) 10 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of a process flow from scanning to connection establishment using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132. This example is an example in which the communication device 100 first transmits a scan beam and establishes a connection with a connection partner candidate present within a scan target range.

[0131] (Example 3 of the flow from scanning to establishing a connection) 10 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of a process flow from scanning to connection establishment using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132. This example is an example in which the communication device 100 first transmits a scan beam and establishes a connection with a connection partner candidate present within a scan target range.

[0132] (Step S121-1) In step S121-1, the communication management unit 132 transmits a scan beam within a predetermined scan range using the first communication unit 110. The transmitted scan beam reaches connection partner candidates that exist within the scan range.

[0133] The scan beam transmitted in this step may be configured to include, for example, information requesting a connection as well as identification information for identifying the communication device 100 from other devices. Also, the scan beam may be configured to include related information managed by the memory management unit 133, which is related to the communication device 100 and other communication devices.

[0134] (Step S121-2) In step S121-2, the connection partner candidate identifies communication device 100 with reference to the scan beam transmitted in step S121-1. As an example, the connection partner candidate identifies the position of communication device 100 based on the direction of the scan beam transmitted in step S121-1. More specifically, the connection partner candidate identifies the direction of communication device 100 as seen from the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received scan beam. In other words, the connection partner candidate identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of communication device 100 as seen from the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received scan beam.

[0135] In addition, in this step, the connection partner candidate may be configured to specify the communication device 100 by further referring to the identification information of the communication device 100 included in the scan beam.

[0136] (Step S122-2) In step S122-2, the connection partner candidate transmits a response beam to the communication device 100 in response to the scan beam transmitted in S121-2. The transmitted response beam reaches the communication device 100.

[0137] The response beam transmitted in this step may include, for example, information indicating that the connection is accepted, as well as identification information for identifying the connection partner candidate from other devices. The response beam may also include related information managed by the connection partner candidate, which is related to the connection partner candidate and other communication devices.

[0138] (Step S122-1) In step S122-1, the communication management unit 132 refers to the response beam transmitted in step S122-2 and identifies connection partner candidates.

[0139] As an example, the communication management unit 132 identifies the position of the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received reply beam. More specifically, the communication management unit 132 identifies the direction of the connection partner candidate as seen from the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received reply beam. In other words, the communication management unit 132 identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the connection partner candidate as seen from the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received reply beam.

[0140] In addition, in this step, the communication management unit 132 may be configured to further refer to the identification information of the connection partner candidate included in the response beam to identify the connection partner candidate.

[0141] (Step S123-1) In step S123-1, the memory management unit 133 refers to the response beam received from the connection partner candidate and registers the connection partner candidate as a connection partner. As an example, the memory management unit 133 stores the identification information of the connection partner candidate included in the response beam in a memory unit. As an example, this step establishes a connection from the communication device 100 to the connection partner candidate.

[0142] (Step S123-2) In step S123-2, the connection partner candidate refers to the scan beam received from the communication device 100 and registers the communication device 100 as a connection partner. As an example, the connection partner candidate stores the identification information of the communication device 100 included in the scan beam in a storage unit provided in the connection partner candidate. As an example, a connection from the connection partner candidate to the communication device 100 is established by this step.

[0143] (Example 4 of the flow from scanning to establishing a connection) 11 is a sequence diagram showing a fourth example of the process flow from scanning to connection establishment using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132. This example is an example of a case where a connection partner candidate first transmits a scan beam and establishes a connection with the communication device 100 that is present within the scan target range.

[0144] As shown in Fig. 11, the process flow from scanning to connection establishment according to this example is the same as the process of connecting communication device 100 and a connection partner candidate described with reference to Fig. 10, except that communication device 100 and the connection partner candidate are interchanged. The process in each step shown in Fig. 11 is clear with reference to Fig. 10, and therefore detailed description will be omitted here.

[0145] Although an example of the process flow from scanning to connection establishment has been described above, the above example does not limit this embodiment.

[0146] For example, in the above-mentioned second example, communication device 100 may establish a connection with a communication partner candidate (conveniently referred to as communication partner candidate B) different from the communication partner candidate that transmitted the scan beam (conveniently referred to as communication partner candidate A). In such a case, as an example, communication device 100 may be configured to refer to related information included in the connection request beam transmitted in step S113-2, identify communication partner candidate B, and establish a connection with the identified communication partner candidate B.

[0147] Similarly, in the above-described fourth example, communication device 100 may establish a connection with a communication partner candidate (for convenience, referred to as communication partner candidate B) different from the communication partner candidate that transmitted the scan beam (for convenience, referred to as communication partner candidate A). In such a case, as an example, communication device 100 may be configured to refer to related information included in the scan beam transmitted in step S131-2, identify communication partner candidate B, and establish a connection with the identified communication partner candidate B.

[0148] (Examples of communication system configurations and related information) Next, a configuration example of a communication system according to this exemplary embodiment and an example of related information managed by the communication device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system 1a according to this exemplary embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the communication system 1a includes other communication devices 100-1 to 100-8 in addition to the communication device 100 according to this exemplary embodiment. The configurations of these communication devices 100-1 to 100-8 are, for example, similar to the configuration of the communication device 100 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0149] In addition, in Fig. 12, the dotted lines indicate connections that have already been established. In addition, in Fig. 12, the symbol "Cxy" (x and y are numbers) indicates a connection established between the communication device 100-x and the communication device 100-y. For example, C12 indicates a connection established between the communication device 100-1 and the communication device 100-2.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 12, the communication devices included in the communication system 1a configure a mesh network having communication paths spread out in a mesh-like pattern.

[0151] In addition, in FIG. 12, any of the communication devices 100, 100-1 to 100-8 may be configured to function as an edge terminal, and the communication system 1a may be configured to include, in addition to the communication devices shown in FIG. 12, one or more edge terminals connected to any of the communication devices.

[0152] (Related information) The acquisition unit 131 included in the communication device 100, for example, acquires related information regarding a device that is a communication partner of the communication device 100, and the memory management unit 133 included in the communication device 100 stores and manages the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 in the memory unit 150. Here, the communication partner of the communication device 100 includes at least one or more connection partner candidates identified by the communication management unit 132, and at least one or more connection partners with which a connection has been established by the communication management unit 132.

[0153] The memory management unit 133 can also be configured to store related information relating to the communication device 100 in the memory unit 150 and manage it.

[0154] Hereinafter, one of the communication devices included in the communication system according to this exemplary embodiment will be referred to as communication device A, and the contents of the related information of communication device A will be described in a case where communication devices B, C, and D exist as communication partners of communication device A. Communication devices A, B, C, and D are, as an example, communication devices 100, 100-1 to 100-8, respectively.

[0155] First, the related information of communication device A includes the following: Location information of communication device A, and - Load status of communication device A the number of established connections involving communication device A, The number of connection candidates identified by scans involving communication device A, -Connection status of communication device A or the connection involved Number of hops from communication device A to the connection reference point At least one of the above is included.

[0156] Here, specific examples of the location information of communication device A are not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, they may be coordinate information assigned by a predetermined location identification system such as a GPS, location identification information such as an address assigned in advance within the target communication area, or information indicating the direction of communication device A as seen by communication devices surrounding communication device A.

[0157] Furthermore, the specific indicator of the load status of communication device A does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, it may be information indicating the operating rate of a processor such as a control unit provided in communication device A, or information indicating the operating rate of a specific task by a processor such as a control unit provided in communication device A.

[0158] Furthermore, the connection involving communication device A includes at least one of a connection that starts or ends at communication device A, and a connection that passes through communication device A. Therefore, in the above example, the connection involving communication device A includes at least one of a connection between communication device A and communication device B, a connection between communication device A and communication device C, and a connection between communication device A and communication device D.

[0159] In addition, the connection status of the connection involving the above-mentioned communication partner A is as follows: - The line quality of the connection involving communication device A, and - Number of disconnections involving communication device A At least one of the above is included.

[0160] Here, the specific indicators regarding the line quality of the connection involving communication device A are not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, include any indicator of the communication delay due to the connection, the information loss rate in the communication due to the connection, etc.

[0161] Furthermore, the specific indicator regarding the number of disconnections of a connection involving communication device A is not intended to limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, it includes an indicator regarding the number of disconnections per unit time of communication via that connection.

[0162] In addition, the related information of communication device A includes Information about environmental influences on connections involving communication device A The configuration may include the following.

[0163] Here, the information regarding the influence of the environment on the connection involving the communication device A includes, for example, - The effect of sunlight on the connection between communication device A and communication device B - The effect of sunlight on the connection between communication device A and communication device C - The effect of sunlight on the connection between communication device A and communication device D At least one of the above is included.

[0164] Furthermore, the degree of influence of sunlight on a certain connection can be expressed, for example, by the angle of the sun's direction based on the direction along the certain connection. For example, when the angle between the direction along the certain connection and the sun's direction is close to 90°, the influence information indicates that the influence of sunlight on the connection is relatively small. Also, for example, when the angle between the direction along the certain connection and the sun's direction is close to 0°, the influence information indicates that the influence of sunlight on the connection is relatively large.

[0165] As another example, the information on the environmental influence on the connection involving the communication device A may be configured to include information indicating the influence of reflection or absorption on the directional communication medium used by the communication unit of the communication device A. For example, when the directional communication medium used by the communication unit of the communication device A propagates through the air, the information may include information on the transparency of the air and information on buildings near the propagation path.

[0166] (Example of processing by communication device) In the following, specific examples of processing by the communication devices related to the communication system 1a will be described. Note that these examples of processing can be used in combination with each other, and the combined examples of processing are also included in this exemplary embodiment.

[0167] (Processing example 1-1 by communication device) The following describes a processing example 1-1 by the communication device. As described above, the acquisition unit 131 included in the communication device 100 acquires, as an example, related information related to a device of a communication partner of the communication device 100, and the memory management unit 133 included in the communication device 100 stores the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 in the memory unit 150 and manages it.

[0168] As an example, consider a case where communication device 100 has communication device 100-5, communication device 100-6, and communication device 100-8 as communication partners in communication system 1a as shown in FIG.

[0169] As an example, the communication device 100-5, the communication device 100-6, and the communication device 100-8 each provide related information related to the device to the communication device 100. In this case, the acquisition unit 131 of the communication device 100 Related information RI100-5 related to the communication device 100-5 Related information RI100-6 related to the communication device 100-6, and Related information RI100-8 related to the communication device 100-8 are acquired from communication device 100-5, communication device 100-6, and communication device 100-8, respectively, and are stored in storage unit 150 for management.

[0170] As another example, the control unit 130 of the communication device 100 may be configured to function as a provision means for providing related information related to one or more communication partners acquired by the acquisition unit 131 to communication partners other than the one or more communication partners via the first communication unit 110.

[0171] For example, the control unit 130 of the communication device 100 may be configured to provide the related information RI100-5 and related information RI100-6 acquired by the acquisition unit 131 from the communication devices 100-5 and 100-6 to the communication device 100-8, which is a communication partner other than the communication devices 100-5 and 100-6.

[0172] Here, the related information RI100-5 related to the communication device 100-5 may be configured to include related information of the communication counterpart of the communication device 100-5. In other words, the communication device 100-5 may acquire related information related to the communication devices 100-2, 100-3, and 100-7, which are its communication counterparts, in advance, and include this information in the related information related to its own device.

[0173] In such a configuration, the acquisition unit 131 of the communication device 100 acquires, via the related information RI 100-5 related to the communication device 100-5, Related information RI100-2 related to the communication device 100-2 Related information RI100-3 related to the communication device 100-3, and Related information RI100-7 related to the communication device 100-7 can be obtained.

[0174] Similarly, the acquisition unit 131 of the communication device 100 acquires, via related information RI100-6 related to the communication device 100-6, Related information RI100-3 related to the communication device 100-3 can be obtained.

[0175] In addition, the acquisition unit 131 of the communication device 100 acquires, via the related information RI 100-8 related to the communication device 100-8, Related information RI100-7 related to the communication device 100-7 can be obtained.

[0176] Furthermore, the associated information RI 100-7 related to the communication device 100-7 may be configured to acquire associated information related to the communication device 100-4, which is the communication partner of the communication device 100-7, and include this information in the associated information related to its own device.

[0177] Similarly, the associated information RI 100-3 related to the communication device 100-3 may be configured to acquire associated information related to the communication device 100-1, which is the communication partner of the communication device 100-3, and include this information in the associated information related to its own device.

[0178] In such a configuration, the acquisition unit 131 of the communication device 100 can acquire the associated information RI100-1 to RI100-8 for all of the other communication devices 100-1 to 100-8 that belong to the communication system 1a.

[0179] As described above, by including related information related to a certain communication device in related information related to another communication device, each communication device can obtain wide-area information related to the communication system 1a.

[0180] Therefore, by utilizing this wide-area information, it becomes possible to perform wide-area control of the communication system 1a through control by each communication device.

[0181] (Processing example 1-2 by communication device) Next, a processing example 1-2 by a communication device will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a communication system 1a according to this processing example. This processing example is a processing example when a new communication device 100-A is connected to the communication system 1a. Here, the new communication device 100-A has the same configuration as the communication device 100, as an example.

[0182] (STEP-A) First, in step A, communication device 100 establishes a connection with communication device 100-A. The procedure for establishing a connection has been described above, and therefore will not be described here. Note that the connection may be established in response to a scan from communication device 100, or may be established in response to a scan from communication device 100-A.

[0183] In this step A, the control unit 130 of the communication device 100 transmits to the communication device 100-A via the first communication unit 110: Related information RI100 related to the communication device 100 Related information RI100-5 related to the communication device 100-5 Related information RI100-6 related to the communication device 100-6, and Related information RI100-8 related to the communication device 100-8 to provide.

[0184] (STEP-B) Next, in step B, the control unit included in the communication device 100-A according to this exemplary embodiment refers to the related information RI100, RI100-5, RI100-6, and RI100-8 received from the communication device 100 and performs the following: Whether or not to communicate with communication devices other than the communication device 100 that is the source of the related information It functions as a judgment means for determining

[0185] As an example, a control unit included in the communication device 100-A refers to the position information of the communication device 100-8 included in the related information RI100 or the related information RI100-8, and determines that the communication device 100-A is located relatively close to the communication device 100-8. Then, the control unit included in the communication device 100-A decides to communicate with the communication device 100-8. After making such a decision, the communication device 100-A, as an example, transmits a scan beam to the communication device 100-8 prior to establishing a connection with the communication device 100-8.

[0186] In this way, the communication device in this processing example refers to the related information received from other communication devices and determines whether to communicate with one or more communication devices, so that a communication system 1a having an adaptive network configuration can be configured according to the related information.

[0187] (Processing example 1-3 by communication device) Next, a processing example 1-3 by a communication device will be described. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a communication system 1a according to this processing example. This processing example is a processing example when a new communication device 100-A is connected to the communication system 1a. Here, the new communication device 100-A has the same configuration as the communication device 100, as an example.

[0188] (STEP-A) First, in step A, the communication device 100 transmits a scan beam S0A in the direction in which the communication device 100-A is located. Here, the scan beam S0A has the following features: Related information RI100 related to the communication device 100 Contains:

[0189] (STEP-B) Next, in step B, the communication device 100-A detects from the scan beam S0A received from the communication device, Related information RI100 related to the communication device 100 Get the.

[0190] Then, the control unit of the communication device 100-A refers to the related information RI100 and Whether to establish a connection with the communication device 100, and Whether or not to communicate with communication devices other than the communication device 100 It functions as a judgment means for determining

[0191] As an example, the control unit of the communication device 100-A refers to the related information RI100-8 related to the communication device 100-8 included in the related information RI100. Then, the control unit of the communication device 100-A determines that the communication device 100A is located relatively close to the communication device 100-8 based on the location information included in the related information RI100-8. Then, the control unit provided in the communication device 100-A decides to communicate with the communication device 100-8. After making such a decision, the communication device 100-A, as an example, transmits a scan beam to the communication device 100-8 prior to establishing a connection with the communication device 100-8.

[0192] In this way, the communication device in this processing example refers to the related information contained in the scan beam received from other communication devices and determines whether to communicate with one or more communication devices, so that it can quickly configure a communication system 1a having an adaptive network configuration according to the related information.

[0193] (Processing example 2-1 by communication device) Next, a processing example 2-1 by a communication device will be described. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a communication system 1a according to this processing example. This processing example is a processing example when a new communication device 100-A is connected to the communication system 1a. Here, the new communication device 100-A has the same configuration as the communication device 100, as an example.

[0194] In this processing example, the control unit of communication device 100-A establishes a connection with communication device 100-8. Then, as a first-stage determination process, the control unit of communication device 100-A selects a communication partner candidate such that the angle between communication device 100-8 as seen from communication device 100-A is equal to or larger than a predetermined angle.

[0195] Here, the specific determination process by the control unit of the communication device 100-A does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the control unit of the communication device 100-A can be configured to acquire related information related to the communication partner candidates and make the above selection by referring to the acquired related information. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the communication devices 100-5, 100-6, and 100-7 are selected as the first-stage determination process.

[0196] Then, in a second stage of determination processing, the control unit of communication device 100-A selects communication device 100-7 from communication devices 100-5, 100-6, and 100-7 such that the angle between the communication devices as viewed from communication device 100-A is equal to or larger than a predetermined angle.

[0197] Here, the specific determination process by the control unit of the communication device 100-A does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the control unit of the communication device 100-A may be configured to acquire related information related to each of the communication devices 100-5, 100-6, and 100-7, and make the above selection by referring to the acquired related information. In the above example, the specific value of the predetermined angle does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the predetermined angle may be about 30° to 45°.

[0198] In addition, in this processing example, the control unit of communication device 100-A makes the above selection by referring to related information, but the present invention is not limited to this. As an example, the control unit of communication device 100-A may be configured to identify location information of communication devices 100-8 and 100-5, 100-6, and 100-7 by scanning these communication devices, and to make the above selection by referring to the identified location information.

[0199] More specifically, the control unit of the communication device 100-A A scanning beam or a response beam from the communication device 100-8; A scanning beam or a response beam from the communication device 100-5; A scanning beam or a response beam from the communication device 100-6, and A scanning beam or a response beam from the communication device 100-7; The positions of these communication devices may be identified by referring to the above, and the above selection may be performed by referring to the identified positions.

[0200] Generally, directional communication media are expected to realize high-capacity and low-latency communication due to their high frequency, but they are also susceptible to the effects of obstructions and external disturbances due to their directivity. In addition, when multiple communication devices exist in the same direction as seen from a certain communication device, the effects of external disturbances may extend to each of these multiple communication devices. For example, during a specific time period, the effects of sunlight may occur simultaneously on communication with these multiple communication devices.

[0201] According to this processing example, communication partners are selected so that the angle between multiple communication partners as seen from a certain communication device is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, which has the effect of minimizing the influence of disturbances on the communication system 1a.

[0202] (Processing example 2-2 by communication device) Next, a processing example 2-2 by a communication device will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a communication system 1a according to this processing example. This processing example is a processing example when a new communication device 100-A is connected to the communication system 1a. Here, the new communication device 100-A has the same configuration as the communication device 100, as an example.

[0203] In this processing example, the control unit 130 of the communication device 100 establishes connections with the communication devices 100-5, 100-6, and 100-8. In this situation, it is assumed that the communication device 100 receives a scan beam from the communication device 100-A. The control unit 130 of the communication device 100 identifies position information of the communication device 100-A from the scan beam. As an example, the control unit 130 of the communication device 100 identifies the angle between the communication device 100-8 and the communication device 100-A as seen from the communication device 100.

[0204] In this processing example, the control unit 130 of the communication device 100 functions as a decision unit that, when a communication partner candidate exists within a predetermined angle range from the connected communication partner, lowers the priority of the communication partner candidate.

[0205] As an example, since communication device 100-A exists as a communication partner candidate within a predetermined angle range from communication device 100-8 with which a connection has been established, control unit 130 of communication device 100 lowers the priority of communication device 100-A.

[0206] Then, as an example, the control unit 130 of the communication device 100 determines not to connect to the communication device 100-A whose priority has been lowered.

[0207] In the above example, the specific value of the predetermined angle does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the predetermined angle may be about 30° to 45°.

[0208] Generally, directional communication media are expected to realize high-capacity and low-latency communication due to their high frequency, but they are also susceptible to the effects of obstructions and external disturbances due to their directivity. In addition, when multiple communication devices exist in the same direction as seen from a certain communication device, the effects of external disturbances may extend to each of these multiple communication devices. For example, during a specific time period, the effects of sunlight may occur simultaneously on communication with these multiple communication devices.

[0209] According to this processing example, if a candidate communication partner is present within a specified angle range from a connected communication partner, the priority of the candidate communication partner is lowered, thereby achieving the effect of minimizing the impact of disturbances on the communication system 1a.

[0210] (Processing example 2-3 by communication device) Next, a processing example 2-3 by a communication device will be described. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a communication system 1a according to this processing example. This processing example is a processing example when a new communication device 100-A is connected to the communication system 1a. Here, the new communication device 100-A has the same configuration as the communication device 100, as an example.

[0211] In this processing example, the control unit 130 of the communication device 100-A provides the communication devices 100-5, 100-6, and 100-7 with location information of the communication device 100-A. As an example, the control unit 130 of the communication device 100-A transmits a scan beam including the location information of the communication device 100-A to the communication devices 100-5, 100-6, and 100-7.

[0212] The control unit of communication device 100-5, the control unit of communication device 100-6, and the control unit of communication device 100-7 each refer to the location information of communication device 100-A, which is a candidate communication partner, and determine whether to establish communication with communication device 100-A.

[0213] As an example, the control unit of communication device 100-5, the control unit of communication device 100-6, and the control unit of communication device 100-7 each refer to the location information of communication device 100-A, which is a candidate communication partner, and decide to establish communication with communication device 100-A if the distance to communication device 100-A is within a predetermined range.

[0214] In other words, the communication devices 100-5, 100-6, and 100-7 may function as a determination means for determining which of the communication partner candidates to establish a connection with by referring to the location information of the multiple communication partner candidates. Also, the communication devices 100-5, 100-6, and 100-7 may function as a determination means for determining, as the one or more communication partner candidates, one or more communication partner candidates that are within a predetermined distance from the communication device, by referring to the location information of the multiple communication partner candidates.

[0215] As an example, the control unit of communication device 100-5 refers to the location information of communication device 100-A, determines that the distance between communication device 100-5 and communication device 100-A is not within a predetermined range and is too short, and decides not to establish communication with communication device 100-A.

[0216] Also, as an example, the control unit of communication device 100-6 refers to the location information of communication device 100-A, determines that the distance between communication device 100-6 and communication device 100-A is not within a predetermined range and is too long, and decides not to establish communication with communication device 100-A.

[0217] Also, as an example, the control unit of communication device 100-7 refers to the location information of communication device 100-A, determines that the distance between communication device 100-7 and communication device 100-A is within a predetermined range, and decides to establish communication with communication device 100-A. Then, the control unit of communication device 100-7 establishes a connection with communication device 100-A.

[0218] In the above description, the specific example of the predetermined range regarding the distance does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, but as an example, it can be determined according to the characteristics of the directional communication medium used by each communication device. For example, the predetermined range can be set to a range from 50 m to 500 m. In addition, the control unit of the communication device 100-5, the control unit of the communication device 100-6, and the control unit of the communication device 100-7 may be configured to acquire information indicating the influence of reflection and absorption on the directional communication medium, and adaptively change the predetermined range by referring to the acquired information. For example, when the directional communication medium propagates through the air, information such as the transparency of the air and information on buildings near the propagation path may be acquired, and the predetermined range may be adaptively changed according to this information.

[0219] In this manner, according to this processing example, the communication device refers to the location information of the multiple communication partner candidates and determines which communication partner candidate to establish a connection with. Also, the communication device refers to the location information of the multiple communication partner candidates and determines one or more communication partner candidates that are within a predetermined distance from the communication device as the one or more communication partners.

[0220] Therefore, according to this processing example, a communication system including communication devices that are suitably arranged can be configured.

[0221] (Processing example 3-1 by communication device) Next, a processing example 3-1 by a communication device will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a communication system 1a according to this processing example. This processing example is a processing example when a new communication device 100-A is connected to the communication system 1a. Here, the new communication device 100-A has the same configuration as the communication device 100, as an example.

[0222] In this processing example, the control unit of the communication device 100-A receives the following from the communication device 100-5 and the communication device 100-6, which are communication partner candidates: Related information RI100-5 related to the communication device 100-5, and Related information RI100-6 related to the communication device 100-6 The control unit of the communication device 100-A functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the related information RI100-5 and the related information RI100-6. the number of established connections involving communication device 100-5; The number of established connections involving communication device 100-6 For more information, please refer to.

[0223] The control unit of communication device 100-A functions as a determination unit that determines, as the connection partner, one of communication device 100-5 and communication device 100-6 that has more established connections.

[0224] 18, communication device 100-5 has a total of four established connections, connections C57, C45, C25, and C35, excluding the connection with communication device 100-A. Also, communication device 100-6 has a total of two established connections, connections C36 and C69. Therefore, the control unit of communication device 100-A determines communication device 100-5 as the connection partner and establishes the connection. Also, the control unit of communication device 100-A does not determine communication device 100-6 as the connection partner, and does not establish the connection.

[0225] In addition, the control unit of the communication device 100-A Related information RI100-5 related to the communication device 100-5, and Related information RI100-6 related to the communication device 100-6 and determining, as the connection partner, a communication partner having a greater number of established connections and in use.

[0226] Note that the specific manner in which the control unit of communication device 100-A acquires the above-mentioned related information is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, the control unit can be configured to refer to the scan beam or response beam received from communication device 100-5 and communication device 100-6, which are candidate communication partners, and acquire the related information contained in the scan beam or response beam.

[0227] A communication device tends to be more reliable as the number of established connections and the number of connections in use increase. According to this processing example, the communication device 100-A can establish communication with a more reliable communication device, and therefore, a more reliable communication system 1a can be configured.

[0228] (Processing example 3-2 by communication device) Next, a processing example 3-2 by a communication device will be described. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a communication system 1a according to this processing example. This processing example is a processing example when a new communication device 100-A is connected to the communication system 1a. Here, the new communication device 100-A has the same configuration as the communication device 100, as an example.

[0229] In this processing example, the control unit of the communication device 100-A receives the following from the communication device 100-5 and the communication device 100-6, which are communication partner candidates: Related information RI100-5 related to the communication device 100-5, and Related information RI100-6 related to the communication device 100-6 The control unit of the communication device 100-A functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the relevant information RI 100-5. the number of established connections involving communication device 100-5; The number of connection partner candidates identified by a scan involving the communication device 100-5; ·Connection status of the connection involving the communication device 100-5 With reference to the above, the communication device 100-5 has - Established connections that are not in use, and - Among connection candidates identified by scanning, connection candidates with which a connection has not yet been established Identify the number of.

[0230] Similarly, the control unit of the communication device 100-A is included in the related information RI 100-6. the number of established connections involving communication device 100-6; The number of connection partner candidates identified by a scan involving the communication device 100-6; · The connection status of the connection involving the communication device 100-6 With reference to the above, the communication device 100-6 has - Established connections that are not in use, and - Among connection candidates identified by scanning, connection candidates with which a connection has not yet been established Identify the number of.

[0231] Then, the control unit of the communication device 100-A - Established connections that are not in use, or - Among connection candidates identified by scanning, connection candidates with which a connection has not yet been established The communication partner having the largest number of .function..times ...

[0232] As an example, in the example shown in Fig. 19, connections that are not in use among the established connections are represented by dashed lines. In the example shown in Fig. 19, communication device 100-5 has two unused established connections, C57 and C54. On the other hand, communication device 100-6 has no unused established connections.

[0233] Therefore, the control unit of communication device 100-A determines communication device 100-5 as the communication partner and establishes a connection. Also, the control unit of communication device 100-A does not determine communication device 100-6 as the connection partner, and does not establish a connection.

[0234] Note that the specific manner in which the control unit of communication device 100-A acquires the above-mentioned related information is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, the control unit can be configured to refer to the scan beam or response beam received from communication device 100-5 and communication device 100-6, which are candidate communication partners, and acquire the related information contained in the scan beam or response beam.

[0235] In addition, when the number of established connections involving the communication device 100-5, or the number of established connections that are in use, reaches a number obtained by subtracting 1 from the maximum number of connections that the communication means of the communication device 100-5 can establish, the control unit of the communication device 100-A - not establish any further connections, or - Make a new connection and then set the existing connection to an unused state The above-mentioned process may be performed as a connection establishing unit.

[0236] Similarly, when the number of established connections involving the communication device 100-6, or the number of established connections that are in use, reaches a number obtained by subtracting 1 from the maximum number of connections that the communication means of the communication device 100-6 can establish, the control unit of the communication device 100-A - not establish any further connections, or - Make a new connection and then set the existing connection to an unused state The above-mentioned process may be performed as a connection establishing unit.

[0237] In addition, when the number of established connections or the number of established connections that are in use reaches a number obtained by subtracting 1 from the maximum number of connections that the communication unit of the communication device 100-5 or 100-6 can establish, the control unit of the communication device 100-5 or 100-6 No further connections will be established, or Make a new connection and then set the existing connection to an unused state The above-mentioned process may be performed as a connection establishing unit.

[0238] In general, the more established connections a communication device has, the more reliable the communication device is. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of effective use of connection paths, it is advantageous to establish a connection with a communication device that has many unused established connections.

[0239] From a similar perspective, it is advisable to establish a connection with a communication partner that has a larger number of connection partner candidates with which a connection has not yet been established among the connection partner candidates identified by scanning.

[0240] According to this processing example, the communication device 100-A determines as the communication partner a communication partner that has a greater number of unused connections among established connections, or a greater number of connection partner candidates with unestablished connections among connection partner candidates identified by scanning, thereby making it possible to configure a communication system 1a that is highly reliable and makes effective use of communication paths.

[0241] In addition, in this processing example, as described above, it is also possible to configure the communication system 1a so that it can intentionally create a vacant connection. In this way, by intentionally creating a vacant connection, it is possible to configure the communication system 1a so that it can flexibly respond even when a new connection with high urgency occurs.

[0242] (Processing example 4-1 by communication device) Next, a processing example 4-1 by a communication device will be described. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a communication system 1a according to this processing example. This processing example is a processing example when a new communication device 100-A is connected to the communication system 1a. Here, the new communication device 100-A has the same configuration as the communication device 100, as an example.

[0243] In addition, in this processing example, the case where the usage information described later indicates the first usage will be mainly described, and the case where the usage information indicates the second usage will be described in processing example 4-2 by the communication device.

[0244] In this processing example, the control unit of the communication device 100-A functions as a providing unit that provides purpose information regarding the purpose of the connection to the communication device 100-2 and the communication device 100-3, which are communication partner candidates.

[0245] Here, the purpose information includes information regarding whether the purpose of the connection is a first purpose or a second purpose different from the first purpose.

[0246] Here, the specific examples of the first use and the second use do not limit the present exemplary embodiment. As an example, the first use refers to a case where the connection is used for an access link, and the second use refers to a case where the connection is used for a backbone link.

[0247] Here, the access link refers to a connection path used mainly for data exchange between edge terminals included in the communication system 1a. Also, the backbone link refers to a connection path used mainly for data exchange between communication devices other than the edge terminals included in the communication system 1a. Even a backbone link may function as an access link depending on the situation.

[0248] When the control unit of the communication device 100-2 and the control unit of the communication device 100-3 receive the above-mentioned use information from the communication device 100-A, they each respond to the use information by Related information RI100-2 related to the communication device 100-2, and Related information RI100-3 related to the communication device 100-3 to the communication device 100-A. The control unit of the communication device 100-A also functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the related information.

[0249] Here, the related information provided to the communication device 100-A may have different contents depending on the above-mentioned use information. For example, when the use information is the above-mentioned first use, the control unit of the communication device 100-2 and the control unit of the communication device 100-3 respectively provide the following as related information: The connection status of the connection involving the communication device 100-2, and Connection status of the connection involving the communication device 100-3 to the communication device 100-A, and the control unit of the communication device 100-A may acquire this information.

[0250] Here, the connection status of the connection involving the communication device 100-2 includes the following: The line quality of the connection involving the communication device 100-2; The number of disconnections involving the communication device 100-2; and Delay time of a connection involving the communication device 100-2 In addition, the connection status of the connection involving the communication device 100-3 includes at least one of the following: The line quality of the connection involving the communication device 100-3; The number of disconnections of a connection involving the communication device 100-3, and Delay time of a connection involving the communication device 100-3 At least one of the above is included.

[0251] The control unit of the communication device 100-A Related information RI100-2 related to the communication device 100-2, and Related information RI100-3 related to the communication device 100-3 The communication device 100-1 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether to connect to the communication device 100-2 and whether to connect to the communication device 100-3 by referring to the communication device 100-2 and the communication device 100-3.

[0252] As an example, when the use of the connection is the first use, the control unit of the communication device 100-A determines to establish a connection with the communication device having the better line quality, the fewer number of interruptions, and the smaller delay time, out of the communication device 100-2 and the communication device 100-3. As an example, in the example shown in Fig. 20, the control unit of the communication device 100-A determines that the connection involving the communication device 100-2 has better line quality, and establishes a connection C2A with the communication device 100-2, but does not establish communication with the communication device 100-3.

[0253] Note that the specific manner in which the control unit of communication device 100-A acquires the above-mentioned related information is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, the control unit can be configured to refer to the scan beam or response beam received from communication device 100-2 and communication device 100-3, which are candidate communication partners, and acquire the related information contained in the scan beam or response beam.

[0254] In general, requirements for a communication path may differ depending on the purpose of the communication path. According to this processing example, the control unit of the communication device 100-A: providing usage information about the use of the connection to one or more communication partners; obtaining, in response to the usage information, from the one or more communication partners, relevant information related to the communication partners; Refer to relevant information related to the communication partner and decide whether to connect to the communication partner. Since this configuration is adopted, a suitable communication path can be configured depending on the purpose of the connection.

[0255] Furthermore, in this processing example, the communication device 100-A establishes communication with a communication device having a relatively good line condition among the communication partner candidates, and therefore, it is possible to configure a communication system 1a having a favorable communication condition.

[0256] (Processing example 4-2 by communication device) Next, a processing example 4-2 by a communication device will be described. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a communication system 1a according to this processing example. This processing example is a processing example when a new communication device 100-A is connected to the communication system 1a. Here, the new communication device 100-A has the same configuration as the communication device 100, as an example.

[0257] In this processing example, a case will be mainly described in which the purpose information described in processing example 4-1 by the communication device indicates the second purpose.

[0258] In this processing example, the control unit of communication device 100-A functions as a providing unit that provides purpose information regarding the purpose of the connection to communication device 100-5 and communication device 100-6, which are communication partner candidates.

[0259] When the control unit of the communication device 100-5 and the control unit of the communication device 100-6 receive the above-mentioned use information from the communication device 100-A, they each respond to the use information by Related information RI100-5 related to the communication device 100-5, and Related information RI100-6 related to the communication device 100-6 to the communication device 100-A. The control unit of the communication device 100-A also functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the related information.

[0260] In addition, in this processing example, when the use information is the second use, the control unit of the communication device 100-5 and the control unit of the communication device 100-6 respectively set, as the related information, the number of established connections involving the communication device 100-5; and The number of established connections involving communication device 100-6 to the communication device 100-A, and the control unit of the communication device 100-A may acquire this information.

[0261] The control unit of the communication device 100-A Related information RI100-2 related to the communication device 100-2, and Related information RI100-3 related to the communication device 100-3 The communication device 100-1 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether to connect to the communication device 100-2 and whether to connect to the communication device 100-3 by referring to the communication device 100-2 and the communication device 100-3.

[0262] As an example, when the use of the connection is the second use, the control unit of the communication device 100-A determines to establish a connection with the communication device having the greater number of established connections, out of the communication device 100-5 and the communication device 100-6. In the example shown in Fig. 21 as an example, the control unit of the communication device 100-A determines that the number of established connections involving the communication device 100-5 is greater, and establishes a connection C5A with the communication device 100-5, but does not establish communication with the communication device 100-6.

[0263] Note that the specific manner in which the control unit of communication device 100-A acquires the above-mentioned related information is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, the control unit can be configured to refer to the scan beam or response beam received from communication device 100-5 and communication device 100-6, which are candidate communication partners, and acquire the related information contained in the scan beam or response beam.

[0264] In general, requirements for a communication path may differ depending on the purpose of the communication path. According to this processing example, the control unit of the communication device 100-A: providing usage information about the use of the connection to one or more communication partners; obtaining, in response to the usage information, from the one or more communication partners, relevant information related to the communication partners; Refer to relevant information related to the communication partner and decide whether to connect to the communication partner. Since this configuration is adopted, a suitable communication path can be configured depending on the purpose of the connection.

[0265] Furthermore, in this processing example, the communication device 100-A establishes communication with a communication device with a relatively large number of established connections among the communication partner candidates, and therefore, a more reliable communication system 1a can be configured.

[0266] (Processing example 4-3 by communication device) Next, a processing example 4-3 by a communication device will be described. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a communication system 1a according to this processing example. This processing example is a processing example when a new communication device 100-A is connected to the communication system 1a. Here, the new communication device 100-A has the same configuration as the communication device 100, as an example.

[0267] In this processing example, the communication device 100-A receives the following from the communication device 100-3 and the communication device 100-5, which are communication partner candidates: Related information RI100-3 related to the communication device 100-3, and Related information RI100-5 related to the communication device 100-5 It functions as an acquisition means for acquiring

[0268] Here, the related information RI100-3 and the related information RI100-3 are respectively: The number of hops from the communication device 100-3 to the connection reference point, and Number of hops from the communication device 100-5 to the connection reference point Here, a specific example of the connection reference point does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, but may refer to, for example, a terminal or a communication device that is a connection point from the network configured by the communication system 1a to another network. As an example, the connection reference point is represented by the symbol 100-X in FIG. 22.

[0269] The control unit of the communication device 100-A functions as a determination unit that refers to the hop number information included in the related information RI100-3 and the related information RI100-5 and determines to connect to a communication partner having a smaller number of hops to the connection reference point.

[0270] 22, the number of hops from the communication device 100-3 to the connection reference point 100-X is 1, and the number of hops from the communication device 100-5 to the connection reference point 100-X is 2 or 3. Therefore, the control unit of the communication device 100-A establishes a connection with the communication device 100-3, which has the fewer number of hops to the connection reference point 100-X, out of the communication device 100-3 and the communication device 100-5, but does not establish a connection with the communication device 100-5.

[0271] Note that the specific manner in which the control unit of communication device 100-A acquires the above-mentioned related information is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, the control unit can be configured to refer to the scan beam or response beam received from communication device 100-3 and communication device 100-5, which are candidate communication partners, and acquire the related information contained in the scan beam or response beam.

[0272] According to this processing example, the communication device 100-A establishes a connection with a communication partner candidate having a smaller number of hops to a connection reference point, and therefore, a more optimally connected communication system 1a can be configured.

[0273] [Software implementation example] Some or all of the functions of the communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 100, 20, 20-1 to 20-4, 100-1 to 100-9, and 100-A may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or may be realized by software.

[0274] In the latter case, the communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 20, 20-1 to 20-4, 100, 100-1 to 100-9, and 100-A are realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter, referred to as computer C) is shown in FIG. 23. The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P for operating the computer C as the communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 20, 20-1 to 20-4, 100, 100-1 to 100-9, and 100-A. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby implementing the functions of the communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 20, 20-1 to 20-4, 100, 100-1 to 100-9, and 100-A.

[0275] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a microcontroller, or a combination of these. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination of these.

[0276] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may further include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may further include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0277] Furthermore, the program P can be recorded on a non-transitory tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can obtain the program P via such a recording medium M. Furthermore, the program P can be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also obtain the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0278] [Additional Note 1] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the above-described embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0279] [Additional Note 2] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows. However, the present invention is not limited to the following described aspects.

[0280] (Appendix 1) One or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; An acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners by the one or more communication means; a determination means for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; Equipped with The determining means is Referencing related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determining a communication partner with a greater number of established connections as the connection partner. Communications equipment.

[0281] According to the above configuration, by referring to related information related to the one or more communication partners, a communication partner having a larger number of established connections is determined as the connection partner, so that a more reliable communication network can be configured, and therefore a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0282] (Appendix 2) The determining means is Refer to related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determine the communication partner having the most established connections and in use as the connection partner. 2. The communication device of claim 1.

[0283] According to the above configuration, it is possible to configure a more reliable communication network, and therefore it is possible to realize a robust communication network using a directional communication medium.

[0284] (Appendix 3) One or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; An acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners by the one or more communication means; a determination means for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; Equipped with The determining means is Refer to relevant information related to the one or more communication partners; Established connections that are not in use, or Among the connection partner candidates identified by the scan, a communication partner having a larger number of connection partner candidates with which a connection has not been established is determined as the connection partner. Communications equipment.

[0285] According to the above configuration, a communication partner having a larger number of unused connections among established connections or a larger number of unestablished connection partner candidates among connection partner candidates identified by scanning is determined as the connection partner, so that a connection partner can be suitably determined while effectively utilizing resources. Therefore, a robust communication network that utilizes resources effectively while using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0286] (Appendix 4) The acquiring means acquires the related information from a scan signal received by the communication means prior to establishment of a connection with the communication partner. 、 4. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. .

[0287] According to the above configuration, a robust communication network capable of responding to adaptive changes can be quickly realized while using a directional communication medium.

[0288] (Appendix 5) A plurality of communication devices; At least any of the plurality of communication devices among the plurality of communication devices, One or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; An acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners by the one or more communication means; a determination means for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; Equipped with The determining means is Refer to relevant information related to the one or more communication partners; Established connections that are not in use, or Among the connection partner candidates identified by the scan, a communication partner having a larger number of connection partner candidates with which a connection has not been established is determined as the connection partner. Communication systems.

[0289] According to the above configuration, by referring to related information related to the one or more communication partners, a communication partner having a larger number of established connections is determined as the connection partner, so that a more reliable communication network can be configured, and therefore a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0290] (Appendix 6) A plurality of communication devices; At least any of the plurality of communication devices among the plurality of communication devices, One or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; An acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners by the one or more communication means; a determination means for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; Equipped with The determining means is Refer to relevant information related to the one or more communication partners; Established connections that are not in use, or Among the connection partner candidates identified by the scan, a communication partner having a larger number of connection partner candidates with which a connection has not been established is determined as the connection partner. Communication systems.

[0291] According to the above configuration, a communication partner having a larger number of unused connections among established connections or a larger number of unestablished connection partner candidates among connection partner candidates identified by scanning is determined as the connection partner, so that a connection partner can be suitably determined while effectively utilizing resources. Therefore, a robust communication network that utilizes resources effectively while using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0292] (Appendix 7) Related information related to one or more communication partners via one or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving directional communication media Take What you get, determining one or more connection partners via said one or more communication means; Including, In the determining configuration, Referencing related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determining a communication partner with a greater number of established connections as the connection partner. Communication methods.

[0293] According to the above configuration, by referring to related information related to the one or more communication partners, a communication partner having a larger number of established connections is determined as the connection partner, so that a more reliable communication network can be configured, and therefore a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0294] (Appendix 8) Related information related to one or more communication partners via one or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving directional communication media Take What you get, determining one or more connection partners via said one or more communication means; Including, In the determining step, Refer to relevant information related to the one or more communication partners; Established connections that are not in use, or Among the connection partner candidates identified by the scan, a communication partner having a larger number of connection partner candidates with which a connection has not been established is determined as the connection partner. Communication methods.

[0295] According to the above configuration, a communication partner having a larger number of unused connections among established connections or a larger number of unestablished connection partner candidates among connection partner candidates identified by scanning is determined as the connection partner, so that a connection partner can be suitably determined while effectively utilizing resources. Therefore, a robust communication network that utilizes resources effectively while using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0296] (Appendix 9) A communication program for causing a computer to operate as the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the program causing the computer to function as each of the means.

[0297] (Addendum 10 ) At least one processor, the processor comprising: An acquisition process for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners by a communication means for transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; A determination process for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; Run In the determination process, Referencing related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determining a communication partner with a greater number of established connections as the connection partner. Communications equipment.

[0298] (Addendum 11 ) At least one processor, the processor comprising: A communication process for transmitting and receiving data on a directional communication medium; an acquisition process for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners by the communication process; A determination process for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; Run In the determination process, Refer to relevant information related to the one or more communication partners; Established connections that are not in use, or Among the connection partner candidates identified by the scan, a communication partner having a larger number of connection partner candidates with which a connection has not been established is determined as the connection partner. Communications equipment.

[0299] The communication device may further include a memory, and the memory may store a program for causing the processor to execute each of the processes. The program may be recorded in a computer-readable, non-transitory, tangible recording medium.

[0300] [Additional Note 3] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-061071, filed on March 31, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0301] 1, 1a Communication System 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 20, 20-1 to 20-4 Communication device 11 21 Communication Department (Means of communication) 12 Specific part 13 Connection Establishment Unit 23 Determination unit (determination means) 100, 100-1~100-9, 100-A communication equipment 130 Control section 22 131 Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 132 Communication management unit (determination means) 133 Memory Management Department 150 Storage section 110-1, 110-2 First communication unit (communication means) 120 Second Communication Department

Claims

1. One or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; an acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners via the one or more communication means; A determination means for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; It is equipped with The determining means is Refer to related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determine a communication partner having a greater number of established connections and in use as the connection partner; The acquiring means acquires the related information from a response beam received in response to a scan beam transmitted from the communication means prior to establishment of a connection with the communication partner. Communications equipment.

2. A plurality of communication devices; At least any of the plurality of communication devices among the plurality of communication devices, One or more communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium; an acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication partners via the one or more communication means; A determination means for determining one or more connection partners by the one or more communication means; It is equipped with The determining means is Refer to related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determine a communication partner having a greater number of established connections and in use as the connection partner; The acquiring means acquires the related information from a response beam received in response to a scan beam transmitted from the communication means prior to establishment of a connection with the communication partner. Communication systems.

3. Obtaining related information related to one or more communication partners by one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium; determining one or more connection partners via said one or more communication means; Including, In the determining step, Refer to related information related to the one or more communication partners, and determine a communication partner having a greater number of established connections and in use as the connection partner; In the step of acquiring related information, The related information is obtained from a response beam received in response to a scan beam transmitted from the communication means prior to the establishment of a connection with the communication partner. Communication methods.

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