Wireless communication device, wireless communication method and wireless communication system

Abstract

A wireless communication device in a wireless mesh network includes: a receiving circuit that receives a wireless signal; and a control circuit that determines not to select a candidate wireless device as a forwarding destination of the received wireless signal based on destination information of the received wireless signal and information related to a group to which other candidate wireless devices that can communicate belong.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, a wireless communication method and a wireless communication system. Background Art

[0002] There is a wireless communication network (e.g., a wireless mesh network) that forwards messages between multiple wireless devices (or, also referred to as "nodes", "wireless nodes", "wireless communication devices" or "wireless communication terminals") (e.g., see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-98137 Summary of the invention

[0006] However, there is still room for research on methods to improve the transmission efficiency of wireless signals (eg, also referred to as "data" or "messages") in wireless mesh networks.

[0007] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention help provide a wireless communication device, a wireless communication method, and a wireless communication system that can improve signal transmission efficiency in a wireless mesh network.

[0008] A wireless communication device of one embodiment of the present invention is a wireless communication device in a wireless mesh network, comprising: a receiving circuit for receiving a wireless signal; and a control circuit for deciding not to select a candidate wireless device as a forwarding destination of the received wireless signal based on the destination information of the received wireless signal and information related to a group to which other candidate wireless devices that can communicate belong.

[0009] It should be noted that these general or specific aspects may be implemented by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program or a recording medium, or may be implemented by any combination of systems, apparatuses, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the signal transmission efficiency in a wireless mesh network can be improved.

[0011] More advantages and effects of an embodiment of the present invention will be explained through the description and drawings. These advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments, and the features described in the description and drawings, but not necessarily all of them need to be provided in order to obtain one or more of the same features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication network structure.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of a wireless communication network.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication network structure.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a wireless device.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of a wireless communication network.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a wireless device.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the forwarding process.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a modified example of a wireless communication network structure.

[0020] Fig. 9 It is a sequence diagram showing an operation example in a modified example of the wireless communication network configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the embodiment described below is just an example, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0022] With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), the number of terminals or sensors equipped with wireless devices is increasing. A wireless mesh network is an example of a wireless communication network composed of such wireless devices. Compared with the structure of other wireless communication networks, a wireless mesh network has the following characteristics: the reception area can be flexibly set, and even if the communication is partially blocked, it can self-repair.

[0023] It is contemplated that a wireless mesh network is composed of, for example, a large number of wireless devices. Therefore, for example, a plurality of wireless devices within a wireless mesh network may sometimes be divided into a plurality of groups (e.g., also referred to as "communication groups" or "wireless device groups"). For example, wireless devices having the same properties or qualities (e.g., reception quality) may be grouped into the same group. In addition, examples of wireless devices having the same properties may include a plurality of wireless devices configured in the same area.

[0024] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of converging communications between groups on a representative device in each group.

[0025] In Patent Document 1, for example, Figure 1As shown, a plurality of wireless devices 11 ( Figure 1 The wireless devices A to F in the wireless communication module are divided into one or more groups ( Figure 1 In addition, in Patent Document 1, for example, Figure 1 As shown, one or more representative devices in each of group 12 and group 13 are selected ( Figure 1 Wireless device C and wireless device D).

[0026] exist Figure 1 In the example, each wireless device 11 directly communicates with other wireless devices belonging to the same group as the wireless device 11. Figure 1 In the example, each wireless device 11 communicates with wireless devices belonging to a group different from that of the wireless device 11 via a representative device. Figure 1 In the present invention, when a signal (e.g., a message) is sent from wireless device A belonging to group 12 to wireless device F belonging to group 13, after the message is sent (in other words, forwarded) to wireless device C which is a representative device of group 12, wireless device C forwards the message (e.g., part or all of the data) to wireless device D which is a representative device of group 13.

[0027] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 may include a process of selecting (in other words, choosing, setting, or determining) a representative device in each group. Figure 2 is a timing diagram showing an example of the processing procedure in the method described in Patent Document 1. Figure 2 As shown, the process before data communication is performed may include processing related to the selection of a representative device, such as the following: collecting information (e.g., "obtaining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI)"); selecting candidate representative devices (e.g., "obtaining an RSSI list (List) and selecting a representative"); entrusting the role of the representative device to the candidate representative device (e.g., "representative request"); and the candidate representative device assuming the entrustment and notifying other wireless devices in the group (e.g., "granting and notifying").

[0028] Due to the selection process of the representative device, for example, the time until data communication starts (in other words, the time until communication becomes possible) may increase.

[0029] In addition, with the method described in Patent Document 1, for example, in each group, communication (in other words, traffic or communication load) tends to be concentrated on the representative device, so the communication speed (or system throughput) may decrease.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is described in which, in a wireless mesh network, for example, a representative device is not selected and communication between a plurality of groups is performed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, for example, since a representative device is not selected, the time until data communication starts can be shortened compared to the method described in Patent Document 1. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since a representative device is not selected in each group, communication can be easily dispersed, and communication speed (or system throughput) can be improved.

[0031] [Configuration example of wireless communication network]

[0032] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication network (in other words, a wireless communication system) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication network 100 is, for example, a wireless mesh network.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a diagram schematically showing, as an example, the arrangement (in other words, the topology) of six wireless devices 101 , namely, wireless device A to wireless device F, included in the wireless communication network 100 .

[0034] Figure 3 The wireless devices A to F included in the wireless communication network 100 shown are each divided into one of the groups 102 and 103. Figure 3 For example, wireless device A, wireless device B, and wireless device C belong to group 102, and wireless device D, wireless device E, and wireless device F belong to group 103.

[0035] Figure 3 The lines connecting the wireless devices 101 shown in FIG. 1 represent an example of the relationship between the wireless devices that can perform wireless communication. Figure 3 , wireless device A can respectively communicate wirelessly with wireless device B and wireless device C, wireless device B can respectively communicate wirelessly with wireless device A, wireless device C, wireless device D and wireless device E, wireless device C can respectively communicate wirelessly with wireless device A, wireless device B, wireless device D and wireless device E, wireless device D can respectively communicate wirelessly with wireless device B, wireless device C, wireless device E and wireless device F, wireless device E can respectively communicate wirelessly with wireless device B, wireless device C, wireless device D and wireless device F, and wireless device F can respectively communicate wirelessly with wireless device D and wireless device E.

[0036] Therefore, in Figure 3In the example shown, wireless device B, wireless device C, wireless device D, and wireless device E can communicate with wireless devices in other groups in addition to the wireless devices in their respective groups. On the other hand, wireless device A and wireless device F can communicate with wireless devices in their respective groups, but will not directly communicate with wireless devices in other groups.

[0037] In addition, as an example below, the creator of the message (e.g., the user of the wireless device 101) knows that the communication terminal that inputs the message (e.g., the wireless device 101) and the communication terminal that is the destination of the message (e.g., the wireless device 101) exist within the wireless communication network 100.

[0038] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, it may be: Figure 3 The wireless devices A to F shown in the figure each have Figure 4 The structure of the wireless device 101 is shown.

[0039] Figure 4 The wireless device 101 shown may include, for example, a transceiver unit 111 , a quality measurement unit 112 , a storage unit 113 , and a control unit 114 .

[0040] The transceiver unit 111, for example, performs at least one of wireless transmission and wireless reception of signals (e.g., also referred to as "data" or "messages"). For example, the transceiver unit 111 (e.g., equivalent to a receiving circuit) receives messages sent to other wireless devices. In addition, for example, the transceiver unit 111 (e.g., equivalent to a transmitting circuit) forwards received messages sent to other wireless devices. The transceiver unit 111 may, for example, determine the transmission and reception of messages based on the control of the control unit 114. In addition, the wireless communication method in the transceiver unit 111 may, for example, be a wireless local area network (LAN: Local Area Network), Bluetooth (Bluetooth) (registered trademark), or a method using a millimeter wave frequency band (e.g., WiGig (registered trademark)), or other wireless communication methods.

[0041] The quality measurement unit 112 measures the quality of the propagation path between the wireless device 101 and the other wireless devices (e.g., reception quality), for example, based on the signals received from the other wireless devices. The reception quality may be, for example, RSSI (received signal strength). In addition, the reception quality (or the collected log) is not limited to RSSI, and may be, for example, information related to the quality of the received signal, such as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR), or the bit error rate (or the packet error rate).

[0042] The storage unit 113 stores, for example, messages (for example, transmission data or reception data). In addition, for example, the storage unit 113 may store information related to control of message forwarding (described later).

[0043] The control unit 114 controls, for example, transmission, reception, or transfer of a message.

[0044] For example, the control unit 114 may generate information about other wireless devices that can communicate with the wireless device 101 (hereinafter referred to as "wireless device information") based on the measurement result of the reception quality (for example, RSSI) in the quality measurement unit 112. The wireless device information may be, for example, a list of other wireless devices that can communicate with the wireless device 101.

[0045] In addition, for example, the control unit 114 determines the group to which the other wireless devices belong. For example, the control unit 114 may determine the group to which the destination wireless device of the received message belongs. For example, the control unit 114 may determine whether the received message is a message sent to the group to which the wireless device 101 that received the message belongs (hereinafter, for convenience, also referred to as the "same group"), or a message sent to another group different from the group (hereinafter, for convenience, also referred to as the "other group").

[0046] In addition, for example, the control unit 114 may determine the group to which the other wireless devices that can communicate with the wireless device 101 belong. For example, the control unit 114 may generate information indicating whether the other wireless devices belong to the same group as the wireless device 101 (hereinafter referred to as "group information"). The group information may also be information indicating whether the other wireless devices that can communicate with the wireless device 101 belong to the "same group" or to the "other group".

[0047] In addition, for example, the wireless device information and the group information may be generated by the control unit 114 before sending a message (in other words, data communication). In addition, for example, the wireless device information and the group information may be updated regularly or irregularly. For example, when the structure of the wireless device 101 or the group is changed, the wireless device information and the group information may be updated. In addition, the wireless device information and the group information may be stored in the storage unit 113, for example.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 114 controls the forwarding (in other words, relaying) of messages received from other wireless devices based on, for example, the wireless device information, the group information, and the group to which the destination wireless device of the received message belongs. In addition, the control unit 114 can control the sending and receiving (for example, sending, receiving, and forwarding) of messages based on the message sending rules described later.

[0049] [Example of wireless device operation]

[0050] An operation example of the wireless device 101 in the wireless communication network 100 described above will be described.

[0051] [Sending rules]

[0052] Each wireless device 101 in the wireless communication network 100 controls the transmission and reception (eg, transmission, reception, and forwarding) of a message based on, for example, transmission rules including the following rules 1 to 8.

[0053] <Rule 1>

[0054] When the destination of the received message is a wireless device in the same group, the wireless device 101 does not send the message to the wireless devices in other groups.

[0055] For example, when the destination information of the message indicates the same group (or wireless devices belonging to the same group), the wireless device 101 forwards the message to other wireless devices in the same group, and does not forward the message to wireless devices in other groups. In other words, when the destination information of the message indicates the first group to which the wireless device 101 belongs, the wireless device 101 selects the wireless devices in the first group (in other words, the candidate wireless devices) as the forwarding destination of the message, and does not select the wireless devices in the second group different from the first group as the forwarding destination of the message.

[0056] In addition, sometimes the wireless device 101 in the other group can also receive the message forwarded (in other words, wirelessly transmitted) based on <Rule 1>. Therefore, for example, when the destination wireless device of the message forwarded from the wireless device of the other group belongs to the other group, the wireless device 101 discards (in other words, does not forward) the message. For example, when the destination information of the message indicates a second group different from the first group to which the wireless device 101 belongs, and the forwarding source wireless device of the received message belongs to the second group, the wireless device 101 discards the received message. In other words, in <Rule 1>, the wireless device on the sending side does not forward the message to a certain wireless device (in other words, does not select a certain wireless device as a candidate wireless device as the forwarding destination), which is equivalent to the wireless device on the receiving side discarding the message.

[0057] <Rule 2>

[0058] When the destination of the received message is other groups and the wireless device 101 can send messages to wireless devices in other groups, the wireless device 101 does not send the message to the same group.

[0059] For example, when the destination wireless device of the message belongs to another group and the wireless device 101 can communicate with the wireless devices in the other group, the wireless device 101 forwards the message to the wireless devices in the other group and does not forward the message to other wireless devices in the same group. In other words, when the destination information of the message indicates a second group different from the first group to which the wireless device 101 belongs, the wireless device 101 selects a wireless device in the second group (in other words, a candidate wireless device) as the forwarding destination of the message, and does not select a wireless device in the first group as the forwarding destination of the message.

[0060] In addition, sometimes the wireless device 101 in the same group can also receive a message that is forwarded (in other words, wirelessly transmitted) based on <Rule 2>. Therefore, for example, when the destination wireless device of the message forwarded from other wireless devices in the same group belongs to another group and the other wireless device can communicate with the wireless devices in the other group, the wireless device 101 discards (in other words, does not forward) the message. For example, when the destination information of the message indicates a second group different from the first group to which the wireless device 101 belongs, and the forwarding source wireless device of the received message belongs to the first group, the wireless device 101 discards the received message. In other words, in <Rule 2>, the wireless device on the sending side does not forward the message to a certain wireless device (in other words, does not select a certain wireless device as a candidate wireless device for the forwarding destination), which is equivalent to the wireless device on the receiving side discarding the message.

[0061] <Rule 3>

[0062] After forwarding the first message once, when forwarding the second message, the wireless device 101 waits for a certain period of time (e.g., called "delay time") and then performs processing related to the forwarding of the second message (e.g., controlling the forwarding). Here, the first message and the second message can be the same or different.

[0063] Furthermore, in <Rule 3>, the condition for forwarding a message after a certain delay time has elapsed is not limited to the case where the message has been forwarded once, but may also be the case where the message has been forwarded a predetermined number of times (for example, twice or more).

[0064] In addition, the delay time in <Rule 3> is not limited to a fixed value, but may be a variable value. For example, the delay time may be set in units of wireless devices or in units of groups.

[0065] <Rule 4>

[0066] When it is confirmed that the same message has been sent from another wireless device before forwarding the message, the wireless device 101 stops sending (in other words, forwarding) the message.

[0067] For example, when receiving a message identical to the message received from the first wireless device from a second wireless device different from the first wireless device, the wireless device 101 discards the received message.

[0068] <Rule 5>

[0069] The wireless device 101 does not send (in other words, forward) the message to the source wireless device or the source group of the message. In other words, the wireless device 101 does not select the source wireless device of the message or the wireless device in the source group of the message as the forwarding destination of the message.

[0070] In addition, sometimes, for example, wireless devices 101 that exist in the vicinity of the forwarding source wireless device can also receive the forwarded (in other words, wirelessly transmitted) message. Therefore, for example, the wireless device 101 that sent the message or the wireless device 101 that belongs to the group that sent the message may discard (in other words, not forward) the message sent from the wireless device of the other group to which the message is forwarded.

[0071] For example, it can be Figure 3In the case where the message received from the wireless device in group 103 is the same as the message forwarded to the wireless device in group 103, the wireless device 101 in group 102 discards the received message. In other words, in <Rule 5>, the wireless device on the sending side not forwarding a message to a certain wireless device (in other words, not selecting a certain wireless device as a candidate wireless device for forwarding) is equivalent to the wireless device on the receiving side discarding the message.

[0072] <Rule 6>

[0073] The wireless device 101 does not transmit the message that has been transmitted. In other words, when the received message is the same as the message that has been forwarded in the past, the wireless device 101 stops forwarding the received message.

[0074] <Rule 7>

[0075] The transmission path (e.g., also called "reply path" or "return path") of a response to a message (or, called "response signal") is the same path as the transmission path of the message (e.g., called "request path" or "go path").

[0076] <Rule 8>

[0077] When the destination wireless device of the message is not the wireless device 101 and there is no wireless device as the forwarding destination if <Rule 2> and <Rule 5> are followed, the wireless device 101 forwards the message to other wireless devices in the same group.

[0078] The above is the description of the sending rule.

[0079] Figure 5 1 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the wireless communication network 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] exist Figure 5 In the wireless communication network 100, for example, Figure 3 There are six wireless devices 101 (wireless device A to wireless device F).

[0081] [Get RSSI]

[0082] For example, before data communication, each wireless device 101 retains information about other wireless devices that can communicate with each wireless device 101 (e.g., wireless device information) and information about the group to which the wireless device included in the wireless device information belongs (e.g., group information).

[0083] For example, Figure 5As shown, the wireless device 101 transmits and receives information including RSSI (e.g., referred to as "RSSI information"). For example, in the wireless device 101, the quality measurement unit 112 measures RSSI, the transceiver unit 111 performs at least one of transmission and reception of RSSI information, and the storage unit 113 retains the received RSSI information of other wireless devices. In addition, in the wireless device 101, the control unit 114 determines whether the other wireless devices belong to the same group as the wireless device 101 or belong to a group different from the wireless device 101 (in other words, other groups) based on the RSSI information.

[0084] exist Figure 5 , RSSI information generated by each wireless device 101 based on the RSSI of signals transmitted from wireless device A, wireless device B, wireless device C, wireless device D, wireless device D, and wireless device F, respectively, is represented as "Ra", "Rb", "Rc", "Rd", "Re", and "Rf".

[0085] As an example, Figure 5 The wireless device B is shown for illustration.

[0086] exist Figure 5 In the example, wireless device B retains RSSI information (e.g., Ra, Rc, Rd, and Re) for wireless device A, wireless device C, wireless device D, and wireless device E. Therefore, for example, wireless device information (information related to wireless devices that can communicate) retained by wireless device B includes wireless device A, wireless device C, wireless device D, and wireless device E.

[0087] Alternatively, the group information stored in wireless device B may indicate that wireless device A and wireless device C belong to the same group (e.g., group 102), and wireless device D and wireless device E belong to another group (e.g., group 103). Alternatively, for example, group determination may be performed based on the RSSI corresponding to the wireless device to be determined.

[0088] It can be, in Figure 5 In the example, the other wireless devices A, C to F retain the wireless device information and group information similarly to the wireless device B.

[0089] The actions related to obtaining the wireless device information and group information may be performed periodically or irregularly during a period when data communication is not performed. For example, the wireless device information and group information may be updated at regular intervals. Alternatively, the wireless device information and group information may be updated when the topology of the wireless communication network 100 changes due to changes such as deletion or addition of wireless devices.

[0090] Each wireless device 101 may be in a state where communication is possible after the operation of generating (or updating) the wireless device information and the group information is completed.

[0091] also, Figure 5 The method of acquiring RSSI in the wireless device 101 shown is an example and is not limited to this.

[0092] [Data Communication]

[0093] exist Figure 5 In the example, a case where two request messages (REQ1 and REQ2) are transmitted from wireless device A to wireless device F is described. The request message may be information requesting acquisition of information held by wireless device F, for example.

[0094] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the source wireless device sending the request message is wireless device A, and the destination wireless device is wireless device F.

[0095] <About request message REQ1>

[0096] At time t1, a request message REQ1 addressed to wireless device F is input to wireless device A. Here, wireless device A may not send messages to other groups (e.g., group 103). Therefore, wireless device A sends request message REQ1 to wireless devices B and C in group 102 that can communicate, for example.

[0097] The request message REQ1 received by the wireless device B is a message sent to the wireless device F belonging to the group 103 different from the group 102 to which the wireless device B belongs. In addition, the wireless device B can communicate with the wireless device D and the wireless device E belonging to the group 103. Therefore, at time t3, the wireless device B forwards the request message REQ1 received at time t2 to the wireless device D and the wireless device E belonging to the group 103 based on <Rule 2>, for example.

[0098] Here, because wireless device B can communicate with wireless device C in group 102, wireless device C can also receive the request message REQ1 forwarded by wireless device B (for example, Figure 5 The dashed arrow extending from wireless device B to wireless device C is shown. Distribution outside the destination). Therefore, based on <Rule 4>, wireless device C stops forwarding the request message REQ1 received at time t2 ( Figure 5 The × mark shown means that the transmission is stopped).

[0099] exist Figure 5, the request message REQ1 received by the wireless device E is a message sent to the wireless device F belonging to the group 103 to which the wireless device E belongs. Therefore, at time t5, the wireless device E forwards the request message REQ1 received at time t4 to the wireless device F belonging to the group 103, for example, based on <Rule 1>. At time t6, the wireless device F receives the request message REQ1 sent to the wireless device F.

[0100] In addition, at time t6, wireless device D receives the request message REQ1 forwarded by wireless device B at time t4 from wireless device E. Therefore, based on <Rule 4>, wireless device D stops forwarding the request message REQ1 received at time t4 ( Figure 5 The × mark shown means that the transmission is stopped).

[0101] In addition, Figure 5 In the example, the following case is described, that is, at time t2 and time t3, wireless device B forwards request message REQ1, wireless device C stops forwarding request message REQ1, and at time t4 and time t5, wireless device E forwards request message REQ1, and wireless device D stops forwarding request message REQ1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, among the multiple wireless devices that receive the message, a wireless device that can perform the forwarding process of the message (for example, request message REQ1) earlier may perform the forwarding process, and the other wireless devices may stop the forwarding process based on <Rule 3>. Through this action, in the wireless communication network 100, the message is not easily forwarded repeatedly, so the data transmission efficiency can be improved.

[0102] exist Figure 5 In the example, according to <Rule 7>, the transmission path of the response to the request message REQ1 can be determined based on the transmission path of the request message REQ1. Figure 5 In FIG, the transmission path of the request message REQ1 is wireless device A, wireless device B, wireless device E, and wireless device F. Therefore, the transmission path of the response to the request message REQ1 may be wireless device F, wireless device E, wireless device B, and wireless device A.

[0103] For example, when forwarding the request message REQ1, each wireless device 101 may record the path information including the information related to the wireless device 101. Each wireless device 101 may decide whether to forward the response to the request message REQ1 based on the recorded information.

[0104] <About request message REQ2>

[0105] The request message REQ2 is input to the wireless device A, for example, at time t6 after the wireless device A sends the request message REQ1. As described above, the wireless device A may not send messages to other groups (for example, the group 103). Therefore, the wireless device A sends the request message REQ2 to the wireless device B and the wireless device C in the group 102 that can communicate, for example.

[0106] exist Figure 5 At time t7 shown, wireless device B and wireless device C receive request message REQ2 from wireless device A. Here, wireless device B performs the forwarding action of request message REQ1. In other words, wireless device C does not perform the forwarding action of request message REQ1. Therefore, based on <Rule 3>, wireless device B makes the forwarding action of request message REQ2 received at time t7 wait for a certain delay time.

[0107] For example, a certain delay time may be determined based on the time that the wireless device 101 spends on message forwarding processing (hereinafter referred to as "forwarding processing time"). For example, the delay time may be set to a time that is less than twice the forwarding processing time. For example, in the wireless device 101, when the delay time is set to 50% of the forwarding processing time, the wireless device 101 will spend 1.5 times the forwarding processing time compared to the case where there is no delay. In addition, the delay time is not limited to 50% of the forwarding processing time, but may be other proportions. In addition, the delay time is not limited to the case based on the forwarding processing time, and for example, the delay time may be set based on the degree of dispersion of the communication volume and the allowed forwarding delay time.

[0108] In addition, the request message REQ2 received by the wireless device C at time t7 is a message addressed to the wireless device F belonging to the group 103 different from the group 102 to which the wireless device C belongs. In addition, the wireless device C can communicate with the wireless device D and the wireless device E belonging to the group 103. Therefore, for example, while the wireless device B is waiting for the forwarding action (in other words, it remains on standby), at time t8, the wireless device C forwards the request message REQ2 received at time t7 to the wireless device D and the wireless device E belonging to the group 103 based on <Rule 2>.

[0109] Here, because wireless device C can communicate with wireless device B in group 102, wireless device B can also receive the request message REQ2 forwarded by wireless device C (for example, Figure 5 The dashed arrow extending from wireless device C to wireless device B is shown. Distribution outside the destination). Therefore, based on <Rule 4>, wireless device B stops forwarding the request message REQ2 received at time t7 ( Figure 5 The × mark shown means that the transmission is stopped).

[0110] exist Figure 5 In the example, similar to wireless device B, wireless device E performs the forwarding action of request message REQ1, so wireless device E waits for a certain delay time for the forwarding action of request message REQ2 received at time t9 based on <Rule 3>. While wireless device E waits for the forwarding action (in other words, keeps on standby), at time t10, wireless device D forwards the request message REQ2 received at time t9 to wireless device F belonging to group 103 based on <Rule 1>, for example. At time t11, wireless device F receives the request message REQ2 sent to wireless device F.

[0111] In addition, wireless device E also receives the request message REQ2 forwarded by wireless device C at time t9 from wireless device D at time t11. Therefore, based on <Rule 4>, wireless device E stops forwarding the request message REQ2 received at time t9 ( Figure 5 The × mark shown means that the transmission is stopped).

[0112] In this way, Figure 5 In the example, each time a message is forwarded, the wireless device that forwards a plurality of (for example, two) messages sent from the wireless device A to the wireless device F is switched between the wireless device D and the wireless device E. In other words, the possibility that the message is continuously forwarded by one of the wireless devices D and the wireless device E is low, and therefore, the communication load can be dispersed in the wireless communication network 100.

[0113] For example, according to <Rule 7>, the transmission path of the response to the request message REQ2 can be determined based on the transmission path of the request message REQ2. Figure 5 In FIG, the transmission path of the request message REQ2 is wireless device A, wireless device C, wireless device D, and wireless device F. Therefore, the transmission path of the response to the request message REQ2 may be wireless device F, wireless device D, wireless device C, and wireless device A.

[0114] Thus, while wireless devices B and E, which forwarded the request message REQ1, are waiting for the forwarding action, the request message REQ2 is forwarded by wireless devices C and D. In other words, according to the setting of the delay time based on <Rule 3>, for example, Figure 5 At time t8 and time t10 shown in FIG. 1 , the possibility that the request message REQ2 is forwarded by the wireless device B and the wireless device E decreases, and the possibility that the request message REQ2 is forwarded by the wireless device C and the wireless device D increases. Figure 5In the embodiment, whenever a message is forwarded, the transmission path of a plurality of (for example, two) messages transmitted from wireless device A to wireless device F may be switched between wireless device B and wireless device C, and may be switched between wireless device D and wireless device E. In other words, the possibility of continuously forwarding messages by one of wireless device B and wireless device C, or one of wireless device D and wireless device E is reduced. As a result, the communication load can be dispersed in the wireless communication network 100.

[0115] Next, an operation example of each wireless device 101 in the wireless communication network 100 will be described.

[0116] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless device 101 .

[0117] exist Figure 6 In the process, the wireless device 101 updates information such as wireless device information and group information (S101). For example, the wireless device 101 detects other wireless devices that can communicate with the wireless device 101 by measuring RSSI, and updates the wireless device information (for example, a list of wireless devices that can communicate) based on the detected result. In addition, the wireless device 101 determines whether the wireless device that can communicate is a wireless device in the same group or a wireless device in another group based on the RSSI measurement result, and updates the group information.

[0118] For example, after the information is updated, the wireless device 101 enters a state of waiting to receive a message (eg, a message waiting state).

[0119] The wireless device 101 determines, for example, whether a message has been received (S102). If a message has not been received (S102: No), the wireless device 101 determines, for example, whether a certain time period related to information update has passed (S103). If the certain time period has passed (S103: Yes), the wireless device 101 returns to the process of S101 and performs information update. On the other hand, if the certain time period has not passed (S103: No), the wireless device 101 returns to the process of S102 and continues to wait for the reception of a message.

[0120] In addition, Figure 6 In the description, the case where information is updated every time a certain period of time has passed is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, information can be updated every time a certain period of time has passed (in other words, regularly or periodically), or information can be updated when a certain event (for example, a change in the topology) occurs (in other words, non-regularly or non-periodically).

[0121] exist Figure 6 In the case of receiving a message in (S102: Yes), the wireless device 101 determines whether the received message is a new message (S104). In other words, the wireless device 101 determines whether the received message is different from the message that has been forwarded in the past. In the case that the received message is not a new message (S104: No), the wireless device 101, for example, discards the message (S105) and returns to the process of S102.

[0122] Figure 6 The processes of S104 and S105 shown correspond to the above-mentioned <Rule 6>.

[0123] If the received message is a new message (S104: Yes), the wireless device 101 determines whether the received message is a message addressed to the wireless device 101 (in other words, itself) (S106). If the received message is not addressed to itself (S106: No), the wireless device 101 performs message forwarding processing (S107). On the other hand, if the received message is a message addressed to itself (S106: Yes), the wireless device 101 performs message reception processing (S108). For example, the wireless device 101 may return to the processing of S102 after the processing of S107 or S108.

[0124] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 6 The flowchart of the operation example of the message forwarding process of S107 is shown.

[0125] exist Figure 7 In the received message, the wireless device 101 writes information related to the wireless device 101 (e.g., "self-information" or "path information") into the received message (S201). For example, the transmission path of the response to the message may be determined in each wireless device 101 based on <Rule 7> according to the information.

[0126] Alternatively, the wireless device 101 determines whether the forwarded flag is OFF ( S202 ).

[0127] The "forwarded flag" may be information indicating whether the wireless device 101 has forwarded other messages within a certain period of time before the current message. For example, if the wireless device 101 has forwarded the message, the forwarded flag may be set to ON. Alternatively, if the wireless device 101 has stopped forwarding the message, the forwarded flag may be set to OFF. Furthermore, before data communication (for example, at the time of initial setting), the forwarded flag may be set to OFF.

[0128] exist Figure 7If the forwarded flag in is on (S202: No), the wireless device 101 waits for a certain delay time (S203). As a result, the forwarding is performed by other wireless devices 101, thereby avoiding the concentrated communication by a specific wireless device 101. Figure 7 The processing of S202 and S203 shown corresponds to the above-mentioned <Rule 3>.

[0129] When the forwarded flag is off (S202: Yes), or after the process of S203, the wireless device 101 determines whether the message identical to the received message has not been forwarded by other wireless devices (S204). When other wireless devices have forwarded the same message (S204: No), the wireless device 101 discards the message (S205) and sets the forwarded flag to off (S206). Figure 7 The processes of S204, S205, and S206 shown correspond to the above-mentioned <Rule 4>.

[0130] When other wireless devices do not forward the same message ( S204 : Yes), the wireless device 101 determines whether the received message is a message addressed to a wireless device in the group to which the wireless device 101 belongs (eg, the same group) ( S207 ).

[0131] If the message is not sent to a wireless device in the same group (S207: No), the wireless device 101 determines whether the message can be forwarded to a wireless device in another group different from the source group (S208). If the message can be forwarded to a wireless device in another group different from the source group (S208: Yes), the wireless device 101 forwards the message to a wireless device in another group different from the source wireless device (S209). Figure 7 The processes of S207, S208, and S209 shown correspond to the above-mentioned <Rule 2> or <Rule 5>.

[0132] On the other hand, when it is not possible to forward the message to a wireless device in a group different from the source group ( S208 : No), the wireless device 101 forwards the message to a wireless device in the same group ( S210 ). Figure 7 The processes of S207, S208, and S210 shown correspond to the above-mentioned <Rule 8>.

[0133] In addition, when the message is sent to wireless devices in the same group (S207: Yes), the wireless device 101 forwards the message to wireless devices in the same group (S210). In other words, when the message is sent to wireless devices in the same group, the wireless device 101 does not forward the message to wireless devices in other groups. Figure 7The processes of S207 and S210 shown correspond to the above-mentioned <Rule 1>.

[0134] When the message is forwarded in the process of S209 or S210, the wireless device 101 sets the forwarded flag to on (S211). For example, after the process of S211, the wireless device 101 may return to Figure 6 The process of S102 is shown.

[0135] The above is a description of an operation example of the wireless device 101 .

[0136] In the present embodiment, the wireless device 101 in the wireless communication network 100 determines not to select a candidate wireless device as a forwarding destination of the received message based on the destination information of the received message and the information about the group to which other wireless devices (e.g., candidate wireless devices) that can communicate with the wireless device 101 belong. For example, in the case where the destination information of the message indicates the same group, the wireless device 101 does not select a wireless device in the other group as a forwarding destination of the received message (equivalent to the above <Rule 1>). In addition, in the case where the destination information of the message indicates another group, the wireless device 101 does not select a wireless device in the same group as a forwarding destination of the received message (equivalent to the above <Rule 2>).

[0137] Through these processes, in the wireless communication network 100, for example, even if a representative device is not selected in each group, the wireless device 101 can forward a message to a wireless device in the same group and a group to which the destination wireless device belongs in other groups. Therefore, according to this embodiment, since the process of selecting a representative device as described in Patent Document 1 is not necessary, the time until data communication can be performed can be shortened. In addition, according to this embodiment, the wireless device 101 does not forward a message sent to a wireless device in the same group to other groups, and does not forward a message sent to a wireless device in other groups to the same group, thereby reducing the amount of communication.

[0138] In addition, for example, even if the message is forwarded to Figure 5 In the case of a wireless device 101 in another group (not shown) that is communicating with both the two groups 102 and 103 shown, the wireless device 101 may not forward (eg, discard) the message based on <Rule 2>, thereby reducing the communication volume.

[0139] In addition, in this embodiment, for example, when forwarding the next message after forwarding a message, the wireless device 101 waits for a certain delay time and then performs an action related to message forwarding (equivalent to the above <Rule 3>). Through this process, among multiple wireless devices 101 that can forward the same message at the same time, the possibility that the message is forwarded by another wireless device different from the wireless device that is waiting for the delay time becomes high. As a result, the message is easily forwarded by multiple wireless devices in the wireless communication network 100 in a dispersed manner. For example, in the case of multiple communication paths for messages, it is possible to suppress the communication from being biased toward a part of the multiple communication paths.

[0140] In addition, when the same message as the received message has been forwarded from another wireless device, the wireless device 101 stops forwarding the message (equivalent to the above <Rule 4>). This process reduces the possibility that the message will be forwarded by another wireless device different from the wireless device that actually forwarded the message. Therefore, in the wireless communication network 100, it is not easy for multiple wireless devices 101 to forward the same message at the same time, so the communication volume can be reduced.

[0141] In addition, in this embodiment, the wireless device 101 does not send a message to the wireless device or the group that sent the message (equivalent to the above <Rule 5>). In addition, the wireless device 101 does not send a message that has already been sent (equivalent to the above <Rule 6>). Through these processes, it is possible to suppress the repeated forwarding of the same message in the same path, thereby reducing the amount of communication.

[0142] Based on the above, this embodiment can improve the data transmission efficiency in the wireless communication network.

[0143] [Modifications]

[0144] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless communication network 100 a according to a modification. Figure 8 The wireless communication network 100a shown in the figure is, for example, structured as follows, that is, except for Figure 3 In addition to the structure of the wireless communication network 100 shown in FIG. 1 , a group 104 is added. Figure 8 For example, wireless device G, wireless device H, and wireless device I belong to group 104.

[0145] exist Figure 8 In the example, the connection relationship between wireless devices A to F (e.g., whether wireless communication is possible) and Figure 3 The same. In addition, Figure 8In the embodiment, the wireless device G can respectively communicate wirelessly with the wireless device F, the wireless device H and the wireless device I, the wireless device H can respectively communicate wirelessly with the wireless device F, the wireless device G and the wireless device I, and the wireless device I can respectively communicate wirelessly with the wireless device G and the wireless device H.

[0146] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication between the wireless device 101 belonging to the group 102 and the wireless device 101 belonging to the group 104 is to be via the group 103 .

[0147] Fig. 9 1 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the wireless communication network 100 a according to the modification.

[0148] exist Fig. 9 For example, each wireless device 101 (eg, wireless device A to wireless device I) may control the sending and receiving (eg, forwarding) of a message based on the sending rules (<Rule 1> to <Rule 8>) similarly to the above-described embodiment.

[0149] exist Fig. 9 As an example, a case where two request messages (REQ1 and REQ2) are sent from wireless device A to wireless device I is described.

[0150] like Fig. 9 As shown, Figure 5 Similarly, before data communication, each wireless device 101 retains information about other wireless devices that can communicate with each wireless device 101 (e.g., wireless device information) and information related to the group to which the wireless device contained in the wireless device information belongs (e.g., group information).

[0151] Then, in Fig. 9 In the example, at time t1, a request message REQ1 addressed to wireless device I is input to wireless device A. Fig. 9 At times t1 to t4 and t6 to t23 shown, each wireless device 101 controls the transmission and reception of the request message REQ1 (eg, transmission, forwarding, reception, or forwarding suspension) based on the transmission rule, for example, similarly to the above-described embodiment.

[0152] exist Fig. 9 At time t4 shown, wireless device D and wireless device E (wireless devices in group 103 ) receive a request message REQ1 from wireless device B (wireless device in group 102 ) addressed to wireless device I (wireless device in group 104 ).

[0153] Here, the destination of the request message REQ1 received by the wireless device D and the wireless device E is a wireless device of another group (group 104), and the wireless device D and the wireless device E are not allowed to send messages to the group 104. In addition, the wireless device B and the wireless device C of another group that can communicate with the wireless device D and the wireless device E belong to the group 102 that is the source of the request message REQ1.

[0154] Therefore, based on <Rule 2> and <Rule 5>, there is no wireless device among wireless device D and wireless device E that can forward the message. Fig. 9 For example, the wireless device D (or the wireless device E) forwards the message to other wireless devices F in the group 103 to which the wireless device D belongs based on <Rule 8> at time t5 ( Fig. 9 (1) shown in the position).

[0155] In addition, Fig. 9 In the example, at time t6, a request message REQ2 addressed to wireless device I is input to wireless device A. Fig. 9 At time t6 to time t11 and time t13 to time t28 shown, each wireless device 101 controls the transmission and reception of the request message REQ2 (for example, transmission, forwarding, reception, or forwarding suspension) based on the transmission rule, for example, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0156] exist Fig. 9 At time t11 shown, wireless device F receives a request message REQ2 sent from wireless device E to wireless device I.

[0157] Here, if Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the wireless device F forwards the request message REQ1 at time t7. Therefore, based on <Rule 3>, the wireless device F makes the forwarding action of the request message REQ2 received at time t7 wait for a certain delay time. Fig. 9 In the example, except for wireless device F, there is no wireless device in group 103 that can communicate with the wireless devices in group 104. Fig. 9 As shown, after a certain delay time, the wireless device F forwards the request message REQ2 to the wireless device G and the wireless device H in the group 104 ( Fig. 9 (2) as shown).

[0158] In the above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described.

[0159] In addition, the structure of the wireless communication network described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modification example is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the number of groups (or the number of wireless devices 101) in the wireless communication network, the number of wireless devices 101 belonging to each group, and the connection relationship between each wireless device 101 may be the same as Figure 3 or Figure 8 The examples shown are different.

[0160] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, request messages and responses are described as an example of signals sent (for example, distributed or requested) in the wireless communication network 100, but the sent signals are not limited to these and may also be other types of signals.

[0161] Various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is certainly not limited to these examples. Those skilled in the art can obviously think of various variations or modifications within the scope of the protection scope of this application, and it should be understood that these variations or modifications also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the various constituent elements in the above-mentioned embodiments can also be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the invention.

[0162] In the above-mentioned embodiments, examples in which the present invention is configured using hardware have been described. However, the present invention can also be implemented by software in cooperation with hardware.

[0163] In addition, each functional block used in the description of each of the above embodiments can be typically implemented as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) as an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit can also control each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments, and has input and output. These can be implemented as a single chip separately, or they can be implemented as a single chip in a manner that includes a part of the structure or all of the structure. It is called LSI here, but depending on the degree of integration, it is sometimes also called IC (Integrated Circuit), SSI (Small Scale Integration), MSI (Middle Scale Integration), System LSI (System LSI), Super LSI (Super LSI), VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), and Ultra LSI (Ultra LSI).

[0164] In addition, the integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and can also be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. It is also possible to use an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection or setting of the circuit blocks inside the LSI.

[0165] In addition, if integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI emerges as semiconductor technology advances or other technologies are derived, it is of course possible to use this technology to achieve integration of functional blocks. There is also the possibility of applying biotechnology, etc.

[0166] The present invention can be implemented in all kinds of devices, equipment, and systems (collectively referred to as "communication devices") with communication functions. Non-limiting examples of communication devices include: phones (mobile phones, smart phones, etc.), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (laptops, desktops, notebook computers, etc.), cameras (digital cameras, digital video cameras, etc.), digital players (digital audio / video players, etc.), wearable devices (wearable cameras, smart watches, tracking devices, etc.), game consoles, e-book readers, telehealth / telemedicine (telehealth / medical prescription) devices, vehicles or transportation vehicles with communication functions (cars, airplanes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the above devices.

[0167] Communication devices are not limited to portable or mobile devices, but also include all kinds of devices, equipment, and systems that cannot be carried or fixed. For example, they include: smart home devices (home appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or meters, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and all other "things" that can exist on the IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0168] In addition to data communication via cellular systems, wireless LAN (Local Area Network) systems, communication satellite systems, etc., communication also includes data communication via a combination of these systems. In addition, the communication device also includes devices such as controllers or sensors connected or linked to the communication device that performs the communication function described in the present invention. For example, it includes a controller or sensor that generates a control signal or data signal used by the communication device that performs the communication function of the communication device.

[0169] In addition, the communication device includes infrastructure equipment that communicates with the above-mentioned non-limiting various devices or controls the above-mentioned various devices, such as base stations, access points, and all other devices, equipment, and systems.

[0170] In the above description, the expression “…part” used in each component may be replaced by other expressions such as “…circuitry”, “…device”, “…component”, “…unit” or “…module”.

[0171] (Summary of Implementation Methods)

[0172] A wireless communication device of one embodiment of the present invention is a wireless communication device in a wireless mesh network, comprising: a receiving circuit for receiving a wireless signal; and a control circuit for deciding not to select a candidate wireless device as a forwarding destination of the received wireless signal based on the destination information of the received wireless signal and information related to a group to which other candidate wireless devices that can communicate belong.

[0173] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the destination information indicates a second group different from the first group to which the wireless communication device belongs, the control circuit does not select the candidate wireless device in the first group as the forwarding destination of the wireless signal; and when the destination information indicates the first group, the control circuit does not select the candidate wireless device in the second group as the forwarding destination of the wireless signal.

[0174] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit discards the received wireless signal when the destination information indicates a second group different from the first group to which the wireless communication device belongs and the forwarding source wireless device of the received wireless signal belongs to the first group; and discards the received wireless signal when the destination information indicates the second group and the forwarding source wireless device of the received wireless signal belongs to the second group.

[0175] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit selects the candidate wireless device in the second group as the forwarding destination of the wireless signal when the destination information represents the second group, and selects the candidate wireless device in the first group as the forwarding destination of the wireless signal when the destination information represents the first group.

[0176] In one embodiment of the present invention, when forwarding the second wireless signal after forwarding the first wireless signal, the control circuit waits for a certain period of time.

[0177] In one embodiment of the present invention, the certain time is set to a time that is less than or equal to twice the forwarding processing time of the wireless signal.

[0178] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the case where a signal identical to the wireless signal received from the first wireless device is received from a second wireless device different from the first wireless device, the control circuit discards the wireless signal.

[0179] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit does not select the wireless device that is the transmission source of the wireless signal or the candidate wireless devices within the group of the transmission source of the wireless signal as the forwarding destination of the wireless signal.

[0180] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the wireless signal received from a wireless device in a second group different from the first group to which the wireless communication apparatus belongs is the same as a signal forwarded to the candidate wireless device in the second group, the control circuit discards the received wireless signal.

[0181] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the received wireless signal is identical to a signal that has been forwarded in the past, the control circuit discards the received wireless signal.

[0182] In one embodiment of the present invention, a transmission path of a response signal to the wireless signal in the wireless mesh network is determined based on the transmission path of the wireless signal.

[0183] In a wireless communication method of one embodiment of the present invention, a wireless communication device in a wireless mesh network receives a wireless signal and, based on the destination information of the received wireless signal and information related to a group to which other candidate wireless devices that can communicate belong, decides not to select a candidate wireless device as a forwarding destination of the received wireless signal.

[0184] A wireless communication system of one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first wireless device in a wireless mesh network; and multiple second wireless devices that can communicate with the first wireless device, the first wireless device receives a wireless signal, and based on the destination information of the received wireless signal and information related to the group to which the multiple second wireless devices belong, determines a candidate wireless device among the multiple second wireless devices that is not selected as a forwarding destination of the received wireless signal.

[0185] The disclosures of the specification, drawings, and abstract contained in Japanese patent application No. 2020-014839 filed on January 31, 2020 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0186] Industrial Applicability

[0187] The present invention can be applied to wireless communication systems.

[0188] Description of Reference Numerals

[0189] 101 Wireless Devices

[0190] 111 Transceiver Department

[0191] 112 Quality Measurement Department

[0192] 113 Storage

[0193] 114 Control Department

Claims

1. A wireless communication device, which is a wireless communication device in a wireless mesh network, wherein the wireless communication device is characterized in that it comprises: A receiving circuit for receiving wireless signals; as well as a control circuit that determines not to select a candidate wireless device as a forwarding destination of the received wireless signal based on the destination information of the received wireless signal and information related to a group to which other candidate wireless devices that can communicate belong, the control circuit not selecting the candidate wireless device in the first group as a forwarding destination of the wireless signal when the destination information indicates a second group different from the first group to which the wireless communication device belongs, When the destination information indicates the first group, the candidate wireless devices in the second group are not selected as forwarding destinations for the wireless signal. the control circuit discards the received wireless signal when the destination information indicates the second group and the wireless device from which the received wireless signal is forwarded belongs to the first group; If the destination information indicates the second group and the forwarding source wireless device of the received wireless signal belongs to the second group, the received wireless signal is discarded.

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit selects the candidate wireless device in the second group as the forwarding destination of the wireless signal when the destination information indicates the second group, and selects the candidate wireless device in the first group as the forwarding destination of the wireless signal when the destination information indicates the first group.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: When forwarding the second wireless signal after forwarding the first wireless signal, the control circuit waits for a certain period of time.

4. The wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein: The certain time is set to a time not more than twice the forwarding processing time of the wireless signal.

5. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit discards the wireless signal in a case where a signal identical to the wireless signal received from the first wireless device is received from a second wireless device different from the first wireless device.

6. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit does not select the wireless device that is the transmission source of the wireless signal or the candidate wireless device within the group of the transmission source of the wireless signal as a forwarding destination of the wireless signal.

7. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: When the wireless signal received from a wireless device in a second group different from a first group to which the wireless communication apparatus belongs is identical to a signal forwarded to the candidate wireless device in the second group, the control circuit discards the received wireless signal.

8. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: When the received wireless signal is identical to a signal that has been forwarded in the past, the control circuit discards the received wireless signal.

9. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: Based on the transmission path of the wireless signal, a transmission path of a response signal to the wireless signal in the wireless mesh network is determined.

10. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: A wireless communication device in a wireless mesh network receives a wireless signal and determines not to select a candidate wireless device as a forwarding destination of the received wireless signal based on the destination information of the received wireless signal and information related to a group to which other candidate wireless devices that can communicate belong, When the destination information indicates a second group different from the first group to which the wireless communication device belongs, the candidate wireless device in the first group is not selected as a forwarding destination of the wireless signal, When the destination information indicates the first group, the candidate wireless devices in the second group are not selected as forwarding destinations for the wireless signal. When the destination information indicates the second group and the forwarding source wireless device of the received wireless signal belongs to the first group, discarding the received wireless signal, If the destination information indicates the second group and the forwarding source wireless device of the received wireless signal belongs to the second group, the received wireless signal is discarded.

11. A wireless communication system, characterized in that: include: a first wireless device in a wireless mesh network; as well as a plurality of second wireless devices capable of communicating with the first wireless device, The first wireless device receives a wireless signal and determines a candidate wireless device among the plurality of second wireless devices that is not selected as a forwarding destination of the received wireless signal based on destination information of the received wireless signal and information related to a group to which the plurality of second wireless devices belong. When the destination information indicates a second group different from the first group to which the first wireless device belongs, the candidate wireless device in the first group is not selected as a forwarding destination of the wireless signal, When the destination information indicates the first group, the candidate wireless devices in the second group are not selected as forwarding destinations for the wireless signal. When the destination information indicates the second group and the forwarding source wireless device of the received wireless signal belongs to the first group, discarding the received wireless signal, If the destination information indicates the second group and the forwarding source wireless device of the received wireless signal belongs to the second group, the received wireless signal is discarded.

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