Information processing apparatus and alarm notification method

Abstract

This information processing device is provided with: a first acquisition unit that acquires topology information including information about a connection destination communication device of communication devices constituting a network; a second acquisition unit that acquires a condition for notifying an alarm indicating that the communication device or the network is in a specific state, and a notification target of the alarm; a determination unit that determines whether or not the topology information satisfies the condition; and a notification unit that, if the topology information satisfies the condition, transmits the alarm to the notification target.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an alarm notification method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, a multi-hop communication using a power line communication (PLC: Power Line Communication) is known. For such a multi-hop communication, in a communication network (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as “network (NW: network)”) constituted by a plurality of communication terminals, communication between terminals that cannot directly communicate with their own terminals is performed by relaying communication signals between the communication terminals.

[0003] A technology for detecting a slave in which a communication trouble occurs based on a communication quality of a transmission path in such a communication network is known (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a center device holds a communication condition table in which a reception level, a transmission level, and a number of retransmissions of the same text of a slave are stored for each slave, and monitors the reception level, the transmission level, and the number of retransmissions of the same text of each slave, and determines a slave in which a state in which a threshold condition (for example, a reception level or a transmission level is lower than a threshold value, or a number of retransmissions of the same text is equal to or more than a threshold value) is satisfied continues for a prescribed time as a communication trouble.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-54324 SUMMARY

[0008] In the technology disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a slave in which a fixed condition of “a communication trouble occurs” is satisfied is determined. However, it is desirable to have a mechanism that determines a communication network or a communication terminal in a certain state not by such a fixed condition but by setting a condition more flexibly.

[0009] The non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing an information processing apparatus and an alarm notification method that can appropriately determine and notify a situation in which a communication network or a communication terminal constituting the communication network is in a particular state.

[0010] The information processing apparatus of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit that acquires topology information including information indicating a connection destination communication apparatus of a communication apparatus that configures a network; a second acquisition unit that acquires a condition for notification of an alarm and a notification target of the alarm, the alarm being an alarm indicating that the communication apparatus or the network is in a specific state; a determination unit that determines whether the topology information matches the condition; and a notification unit that transmits the alarm to the notification target in a case where the topology information matches the condition.

[0011] The alarm notification method of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of: acquiring topology information including information indicating a connection destination communication apparatus of a communication apparatus that configures a network; acquiring a condition for notification of an alarm and a notification target of the alarm, the alarm being an alarm indicating that the communication apparatus or the network is in a specific state; determining whether the topology information matches the condition; and transmitting the alarm to the notification target in a case where the topology information matches the condition.

[0012] Note that these general and specific sub-combination manners can be implemented by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately determine and notify that a communication network or a communication terminal that configures a communication network is in a specific state.

[0014] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of the present disclosure will be clarified by the description and drawings. These advantages and / or effects are provided by the features described in the specification and the drawings, but it is not necessary to provide all of the features in order to obtain one or more of the same features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional structure of a CPU of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware structure of a management server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a CPU of a management server that represents an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a setting screen example including statistical information of a transmission path quality and information related to an alarm notification condition.

[0021] Figure 7A is a diagram showing an example of a topology change.

[0022] Figure 7B is a diagram showing an example of a topology change.

[0023] Figure 7C is a diagram showing an example of a topology change.

[0024] Figure 7D is a diagram showing an example of a topology change.

[0025] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an action example of a terminal as a slave.

[0026] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an action example of a terminal as a master.

[0027] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an action example of a management server.

[0028] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an action example of a management server.

[0029] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an action example of a management server.

[0030] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an action example of a management server.

[0031] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an action example of a management server.

[0032] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of NW information accumulated and stored in a management server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. However, there are cases where excessively detailed description unnecessary for understanding the present disclosure will be omitted. For example, there are cases where detailed description of matters that have been widely known or redundant repeated description of substantially identical configurations will be omitted. This is to avoid the following description unnecessarily lengthy and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0034] Further, the accompanying drawings and the following description provide a full understanding of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0035] (Embodiments)

[0036] <Structure of Remote Monitoring System>

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a remote monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 the remote monitoring system 1 includes a terminal network 10 (a communication network, a network), a management server 20, a manager device 30, and a network 40. The terminal network 10, the management server 20, and the manager device 30 are communicably connected through the network 40. The network 40 can be a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a mobile communication network, or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0038] The terminal network 10 can constitute a communication system. Such a communication system can be, for example, a PLC system. Further, the communication system and the communication network can be replaced with each other.

[0039] The terminal network 10 can be constituted by a plurality of terminals (for example, the illustrated terminals 1001 to 1003). However, the number of terminals constituting the terminal network 10 is not limited to three, of course, and can be any number (however, depending on the network, there can be a maximum number specified). Hereinafter, in a case where it is not necessary to distinguish the terminals 1001 to 1003 and the like, these terminals are referred to as a terminal 100. The plurality of terminals 100 can include a master and slaves. In the illustrated example, the master can be the terminal 1001, and the slaves can be the terminals 1002 and 1003. The master (terminal 1001) has a structure connectable to the management server 20 (an information processing apparatus) through the network 40.

[0040] Each terminal 100 as a slave (that is, other than the master) transmits, for example, periodically, to the master, information indicating a network topology of the own terminal 100 (hereinafter, also referred to as "topology information"), and a transmission path quality (hereinafter, also referred to as "transmission path state") of a transmission path (a path) through which the own terminal 100 performs communication.

[0041] The terminal 100 that is the master integrates or aggregates the information indicating the network topology of the own terminal 100 and the transmission path quality of the transmission path through which the own terminal 100 communicates, and the information indicating the network topology and the transmission path quality transmitted from each terminal 100 that is the slave, and transmits these information (for example, periodically) to the management server 20. Hereinafter, the information indicating the network topology of the terminal 100 and the transmission path quality of the transmission path through which the terminal 100 communicates will be sometimes referred to as information of a terminal network (NW), terminal NW information, NW information, and the like.

[0042] These master and slave can be collectively referred to as: a communication terminal or simply a terminal, a communication node or simply a node, a communication device or simply a device, a communication apparatus or simply an apparatus, a communication terminal or simply a terminal, and the like. Further, the master can be referred to as a master terminal, a parent terminal, a master end, a root, a root terminal, and the like, and the slave can be referred to as a terminal end, a child terminal, an end point, and the like.

[0043] In the terminal network 10, each terminal uses a power line as a communication line and performs multi-hop communication using PLC that superimposes a signal on the power line used.

[0044] In the multi-hop communication, for example, a plurality of terminals are connected within a system, and a master is the highest level, and a relay transmission network up to a prescribed number (for example, also referred to as "hop number") is constructed. In the system, a relay terminal is automatically selected in accordance with the transmission path state between the terminals, and communication data is relayed between the master and the slave. In this way, in the multi-hop communication system, a multi-hop (or topology) is formed and multi-hop communication is performed.

[0045] In the multi-hop communication system, the communication quality with an adjacent terminal (or a terminal in the vicinity) is evaluated by each terminal, and after the communication quality is evaluated, an appropriate relay path is set by the master. Further, a unicast (UC) frame is relayed in accordance with the relay path set by the master. In addition, if it is a broadcast frame, the object frame is transmitted to all terminals. For this reason, after the broadcast frame transmitted from a certain terminal is received by the master and all relay terminals, the object frame is re-broadcast by these terminals and is forwarded to other terminals.

[0046] The management server 20 can be, for example, a cloud server provided in a cloud environment. The management server 20 has a structure that is connected to the master (for example, the terminal 1001) in the terminal network 10 and the administrator device 30 through a network 40.

[0047] The management server 20 collects the NW information transmitted by the master, and stores the collected NW information (for example, in a storage device possessed by the management server 20). The stored NW information will be described below.

[0048] The management server 20 (conducts control) to transmit the statistical information of the NW information including the quality of the transmission path through which the terminal 100 communicates and the information related to the alarm notification condition to the administrator device 30, and thereby displays a setting screen including these information in the display means (display section) possessed by the administrator device 30.

[0049] The management server 20 receives the information indicating the alarm notification condition and the notification object from the administrator device 30, and stores the received information indicating the alarm notification condition and the notification object, thereby registering the received information indicating the alarm notification condition and the notification object.

[0050] The management server 20 determines whether the NW information of the registered terminal 100 meets the alarm notification condition. In other words, the management server 20 determines whether the alarm notification condition is satisfied based on the NW information of the registered terminal 100. The management server 20 transmits an alarm by e-mail to the alarm notification object in a case where the NW information of the terminal 100 meets the alarm notification condition, and thereby notifies the administrator of the alarm.

[0051] The administrator device 30 is a device used by the administrator who manages the remote monitoring system 1 or the terminal network 10. The administrator device 30 can also be referred to as a device corresponding to the administrator of the remote monitoring system 1 or the terminal network 10. The administrator device 30 can be a personal computer (PC), a tablet, or the like.

[0052] The administrator device 30 receives the statistical information of the NW information and the information related to the alarm notification condition transmitted by the management server 20, and displays a setting screen including these information. The statistical information of the NW information and the information related to the alarm notification condition which are displayed will be described below.

[0053] The administrator device 30 receives the alarm notification condition and the information indicating the notification object input by the administrator in the displayed setting screen, and transmits these information to the management server 20.

[0054] The administrator device 30 receives and displays the alarm transmitted by the management server 20.

[0055] Note that, hereinafter, the term "frame" can also be appropriately replaced with the term "packet", "message", "signal", or the like.

[0056] <Structure of terminal>

[0057] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the terminal 100 of the present embodiment.

[0058] For example, the master and the slave in the terminal network 10 can have Figure 1The structure of the terminal 100 shown.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2 The terminal 100 includes a central processing device (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 201, a storage device 202, a communication device 203, and a device interface device 204. The terminal 100 can also include structural elements other than those described above.

[0060] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the terminal 100. The CPU 201, for example, implements various functions of the terminal 100 (including the processes described below) by loading a prescribed program stored in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like included in the storage device 202 into a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like included in the storage device 202 and executing the program. The program executed by the CPU 201 can be stored in advance in the storage device 202, can be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet, or can be provided from a non-temporary storage medium such as a memory card.

[0061] The storage device 202 is a non-temporary storage medium and includes a non-volatile memory such as an HDD, an SSD, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an electrically erasable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The storage device 202 stores information (for example, information in table form) related to a communication path, topology information, a terminal (for example, another terminal that can directly communicate) that can communicate, and the like. The storage device 202 also stores programs such as a control program for causing the terminal 100 to operate, data required to execute the program, identification information of the terminal 100, other information / data that has been processed (processed) by the terminal 100 (for example, the CPU 201), and the like.

[0062] In the case where the terminal 100 is a master, in the storage device 202, for example, a communication path data table for registering all communication paths constructed in the network, a topology table for recording information (link information) of adjacent terminals that can directly communicate with each terminal, and the like are stored.

[0063] In addition, in the case where the terminal 100 is a slave, in the storage device 202, for example, information indicating a terminal (for example, an adjacent terminal) that can communicate with the terminal 100 and a communication quality between the terminal 100 and a terminal adjacent to the terminal 100, and the like are stored.

[0064] The communication device 203 is a communication interface device for communication with other terminals 100. The communication device 203 can be a communication interface device for PLC.

[0065] The device interface device 204 is an interface device for giving and receiving (input and output) data between a control device or an electronic device connected to the terminal 100. The device interface device 204 can be, for example, a communication interface device according to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0066] The hardware structure of the terminal 100 described above is only an example, and the terminal 100 of the present disclosure can also be implemented by other appropriate hardware structures.

[0067] Figure 3 Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional structure of the CPU 201 of the present embodiment.

[0068] The CPU 201 includes a packet analysis section 301, an authentication processing section 302, a transmission path estimation section 303, a topology management section 304, a NW information communication control section 305, and a packet generation section 306.

[0069] The CPU 201 can be input at least one of a call packet (H packet: Hello packet) (may also be referred to as a "call message" or a "call signal"), an authentication packet, a packet for synchronization, a packet for transmission path estimation, and a normal packet. The H packet is simultaneously broadcast from one terminal to terminals being connected before authentication processing in a communication system (communication network). In addition, the H packet is periodically transmitted or broadcast by each terminal to adjacent terminals to update path information (such an H packet can also be referred to as a "regular signal"). The H packet can refer to a packet that notifies of the existence of the own terminal. For example, the H packet includes identification information of a host in the network, information of a transmission source of the H packet, information of adjacent terminals of the own terminal, information of communication quality of a link, and the like. The authentication packet is a packet that is transmitted and received in authentication processing, the packet for synchronization is a packet for time synchronization of Sync packets, Follow Up packets, and the like, and the normal packet can be, for example, sensor data acquired by a sensor, and the like. Furthermore, the packet for transmission path estimation is a packet used when estimating a transmission path, and can include a signal (for example, a reference signal or a pilot signal) known by both the terminal on the transmission side and the terminal on the reception side.

[0070] The packet analysis section 301 analyzes the data structure of each of the various data packets (H data packet, authentication data packet, data packet for synchronization, data packet for transmission path estimation, and normal data packet) inputted, to determine the type of the data packet, and based on the determination result, assigns the forwarding destination of the data packet. The packet analysis section 301, for example, outputs the data packet for transmission path estimation to the transmission path estimation section 303, in the case where it is determined that the inputted data packet is a data packet for transmission path estimation. Further, the packet analysis section 301 outputs the authentication data packet to the authentication processing section 302, for example, in the case where it is determined that the inputted data packet is an authentication data packet. The packet analysis section 301 outputs the normal data packet to the topology management section 304, for example, in the case where it is determined that the inputted data packet is a normal data packet.

[0071] The authentication processing section 302 performs authentication processing with the terminal that is the transmission source of the authentication data packet inputted from the packet analysis section 301. The authentication processing section 302 outputs the data packet generated in the authentication processing, i.e., the authentication data packet, or the response of the authentication data packet transmitted from the other terminal, to the topology management section 304.

[0072] The transmission path estimation section 303 performs transmission path estimation (CE: channel estimation) between the terminal that is the transmission source of the data packet for transmission path estimation inputted from the packet analysis section 301 and the own terminal, using the data packet. The transmission path estimation section 303 calculates the physical (PHY) speed of the transmission path as the transmission path estimation result. Alternatively, the transmission path estimation section 303 can calculate the CINR (Carrier to Interference and Noise Ratio) characteristic, noise characteristic, or the like, as the transmission path estimation result. The transmission path estimation section 303 outputs the transmission path estimation result to the NW information communication control section 305.

[0073] The topology management section 304 manages (acquires or calculates) topology information indicating the topology (i.e., the terminals constituting the communication system and the connection mode thereof) generated by the host, and based on the topology information, assigns and outputs the output destination (e.g., the data packet generation section 306) of each of the various data packets. The topology information is stored in the topology management section 304 or the storage device 202 of each terminal. In addition, the topology management section 304 causes the topology management section 304 or the storage device 202 to store, in addition to the topology information, the above-described information related to the communication path, the communicable terminals (e.g., other terminals directly communicable, and the like), the own terminal, and the like. Note that the topology management section 304 of the host generates (forms) the topology based on the H data packets respectively transmitted from one or more terminals that are the authentication processing targets, and provides the topology information indicating the topology to the other terminals.

[0074] The NW information communication control section 305 outputs, to the data packet generation section 306, information indicating the terminal 100 that is a communication object (connection destination) and related information (topology information) and a transmission path estimation result (transmission path quality) of a transmission path between the terminal 100 that is the communication object, as the NW information of the terminal 100, on the basis of the topology information and the like stored in the topology management section 304 or the storage 202 and the transmission path estimation result. The NW information communication control section 305 causes the data packet generation section 306 to transmit the NW information to the terminal 100 that is the host, for example, at regular intervals (for example, every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, every 1 minute, and the like). In a multi-hop network, the NW information transmitted from the terminal 100 located at a lower level is relayed to the terminal 100 located at a higher level, and is finally forwarded to the terminal 100 that is the host.

[0075] The data packet generation section 306 generates and outputs a data packet, an H data packet, or the like for data communication to other terminals that are transmission destinations, on the basis of an authentication data packet or a normal data packet input from the topology management section 304 or on the basis of information input from the NW information communication control section 305.

[0076] <Structure of Management Server>

[0077] Figure 4 is a block diagram indicating an example of a hardware structure of the management server 20 of the present embodiment. The management server 20 can be implemented by a server device or the like computing device (computer, computer), or an information processing device.

[0078] For example, as shown in Figure 4 , the management server 20 can include a CPU 401, a storage 402, a communication device 403, and a user interface (UI) device 404.

[0079] A program or an instruction for implementing the aforementioned or subsequent functions and processes of the management server 20 can be downloaded from some external device (for example, a server) through a network or the like. In addition, such a program or an instruction can also be provided through a removable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or the like.

[0080] The CPU 401 executes the aforementioned and subsequent functions and processes of the management server 20 on the basis of a program or an instruction, a parameter or the like data for executing the program or the instruction, stored in the storage 402.

[0081] The storage 402 is implemented by a RAM, a flash memory, a hard disk drive, or the like, and stores an installed program or an instruction, and a file, data, or the like for executing the program or the instruction. The storage 402 can include a non-transitory storage medium.

[0082] The storage device 402 stores the entire NW information collected from the terminal 100 as a host. Further, the storage device 402 stores the alarm notification condition and the notification object.

[0083] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the NW information accumulated and stored in the management server. For example, the NW information is held in a data table 1500 stored in the storage device 402 possessed by the management server 20.

[0084] As shown in Figure 15 , the NW information can include the hop count of the terminal 100, the terminal type, the uplink / downlink connection destination, the data arrival rate to the host, the data type, and the uplink / downlink threshold speed. Here, the uplink refers to the direction from the terminal 100 located at a lower level (large hop count) to the terminal located at an upper level (small hop count) in the multi-hop network, and the downlink refers to the direction from the terminal 100 located at an upper level to the terminal 100 located at a lower level in the multi-hop network.

[0085] The hop count indicates the number of relays from the terminal 100 as a host to the terminal 100, and in the present embodiment, is set to 1 for the host.

[0086] The device type indicates whether the terminal 100 is fixed (fixed type) or a mobile body.

[0087] The uplink / downlink connection destination indicates the connection destination terminal 100 on the upper level side and / or the connection destination terminal 100 on the lower level side of the terminal 100.

[0088] The data arrival rate to the host indicates the data arrival rate of the uplink and the data arrival rate of the downlink between the host in a prescribed period of time.

[0089] The data type indicates the kind of data (control signal, image, sensor value, etc.) acquired by the terminal 100. Further, the data type here can also be the representative kind of data acquired by the terminal 100. That is, even if the data type is "image", the terminal 100 can acquire other data (control signal, sensor value, etc.).

[0090] The uplink / downlink threshold speed is one of the alarm notification conditions, and can be automatically determined by the host or the management server 20 according to the type of data flowing through the terminal network 10. For example, the uplink / downlink threshold speed when the data type is a data type with a large data amount (e.g., an image) can be set to a higher value than the uplink / downlink threshold speed when the data type is a data type with a small data amount (e.g., a sensor value). Alternatively, the opposite can also be true. Further, the uplink / downlink threshold speed can be automatically determined by the host or the management server 20 according to the hop number of the terminal 100. For example, the value of the uplink / downlink threshold speed can be set to be higher for a terminal with a small hop number (i.e., a terminal located at a higher level) than for a terminal with a large hop number (i.e., a terminal located at a lower level). Alternatively, the opposite can also be true. Further, the uplink / downlink threshold speed can be automatically determined by the host or the management server 20 according to the device type of the terminal 100. For example, the value of the uplink / downlink threshold speed can be set to be higher for a fixed-type terminal than for a mobile-type terminal. Alternatively, the opposite can also be true. Further, the uplink / downlink threshold speed can be changed by the setting of the administrator (e.g., through the setting screen described later). The uplink / downlink threshold speed can also not be included in the NW information, but can be stored in the data table for the alarm notification condition.

[0091] Further, although not illustrated, the data table 1500 stores the transmission path quality (physical speed, etc.) of the transmission path through which the terminal 100 communicates.

[0092] The communication device 403 can realize communication processing with an external device, an Internet, a LAN, a VPN, or the like, through various communication circuits.

[0093] The UI device 404 can be constituted by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a microphone, an output device such as a display, a speaker, a headphone, a printer, and an input / output device such as a tactile device, a touch panel, and can realize an interface between a user and the management server 20. For example, the user can operate the management server 20 by operating a GUI displayed on the display or the touch panel using the keyboard, the mouse, or the like.

[0094] The hardware structure of the management server 20 described above is merely an example, and the management server 20 of the present disclosure can also be realized by other appropriate hardware structures.

[0095] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the CPU 401 of the present embodiment.

[0096] The CPU 401 has an alarm-related information display control section 501 (corresponding to a "display control section"), an alarm-related information acquisition section 502 (corresponding to a "first acquisition section" and a "second acquisition section"), an alarm notification determination section 503 (corresponding to a "determination section"), and an alarm notification section 504 (corresponding to a "notification section").

[0097] The alarm-related information display control section 501 (performs control) transmits the statistical information of the NW information of the terminal 100 and the information related to the alarm notification condition to the administrator device 30 via the communication device 403, and thereby displays a setting screen including these pieces of information in the display device (display section) possessed by the administrator device 30.

[0098] The alarm-related information acquisition section 502 receives information indicating the alarm notification condition and the alarm notification object from the administrator device 30 via the communication device 403, and thereby acquires information indicating the alarm notification condition and the notification object. The alarm is an alarm indicating that the terminal 100 or the terminal network 10 is in a specific state (an abnormal state, an unstable state, a state of being located in the vicinity of certain devices, or the like). The alarm-related information acquisition section 502 stores the acquired information indicating the alarm notification condition and the notification object in the storage device 402, and thereby registers the information indicating the alarm notification condition and the notification object.

[0099] The alarm-related information acquisition section 502 acquires the entire NW information from the terminal 100 serving as the host via the communication device 403, and thereby acquires the entire NW information received. The alarm-related information acquisition section 502 stores the acquired entire NW information in the storage device 402, and thereby registers the entire NW information. The alarm-related information acquisition section 502 outputs the fact that the entire NW information has been received (acquired) to the alarm notification determination section 503.

[0100] The alarm notification determination section 503 determines whether the registered NW information of the terminal 100 satisfies the alarm notification condition. In other words, the alarm notification determination section 503 determines whether the alarm notification condition is satisfied on the basis of the registered NW information of the terminal 100. The alarm notification determination section 503 determines that the terminal 100 is to be notified of the alarm in the case where the NW information of the terminal 100 satisfies the alarm notification condition, and determines that the terminal 100 is not to be notified of the alarm in the case where the NW information of the terminal 100 does not satisfy the alarm notification condition. The alarm notification determination section 503 outputs the result of the determination to the alarm notification section 504.

[0101] The alarm notification determination section 503 can perform the alarm notification determination on the basis of the change in the topology at the timing at which the alarm-related information acquisition section 502 receives (acquires) the topology information (NW information) from the terminal 100 serving as the host.

[0102] The alarm notification determination section 503 can perform the alarm notification determination at the timing when the alarm-related information acquisition section 502 receives (acquires) the transmission path quality (NW information) from the terminal 100 as the host, when performing the alarm notification determination based on the transmission path quality.

[0103] The alarm notification section 504, as inputting the determination result output by the alarm notification determination section 503, when the inputted determination result is to notify the terminal 100 of the alarm, transmits the alarm to the notification target by e-mail via the communication device 403, thereby notifying the administrator of the alarm.

[0104] <Structure of administrator device>

[0105] Although not illustrated, the administrator device 30 can have the same hardware structure as the management server 20.

[0106] The administrator device 30 receives the statistical information of the NW information of the terminal 100 and the information related to the alarm notification condition transmitted by the management server 20, and displays a setting screen including these information in the display device (display section) possessed by the administrator device 30.

[0107] The administrator device 30 receives the input (information indicating the alarm notification condition and the notification target) of the administrator to the setting screen displayed in the display section, and transmits the received information indicating the alarm notification condition and the notification target to the management server 20.

[0108] <Statistical information and alarm notification condition>

[0109] Next, the statistical information of the transmission path quality and the information related to the alarm notification condition displayed in the display section of the administrator device 30 will be described.

[0110] Figure 6 is a drawing illustrating an example of a setting screen indicating the statistical information of the transmission path quality (NW information) and the alarm notification condition displayed in the display section of the administrator device 30. Figure 6 The setting screen 600 illustrated is displayed in the display section of the administrator device 30 by the display control of the alarm-related information display control section 501.

[0111] The setting screen 600 includes a statistical information area 601 and a condition area 602.

[0112] The statistical information area 601 displays the statistical information of the NW information of the terminal 100 accumulated and stored in the management server 20.

[0113] For example, as Figure 6As shown, statistical information from NW (Non-Wave) data can display the frequency distribution of physical velocities. Furthermore, Figure 6 The "display time period" shown refers to the object display time period of the physical speed displayed in the statistics information area 601, which is the time period immediately preceding the present. Figure 6 The "display object" shown refers to the terminal that calculated the physical speed displayed in the statistics area 601. In the illustrated example, the display time period is the most recent 4 hours, and the display object is all terminals 100 in the terminal network 10. "T1" to "T4" represent each terminal 100, and each rectangle surrounding "T1" to "T4" represents the average physical speed over 1 hour. Therefore, in the illustrated example, for each of "T1" to "T4", there are 4 rectangles corresponding to 4 hours.

[0114] Information related to alarm notification conditions is displayed in condition area 602.

[0115] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, it can be used as an alarm notification condition, displaying and setting items such as "object," "frequency," "threshold," and "notification object." Administrators can use the input devices provided with the administrator device 30 (through selection, text input, etc.) to... Figure 6 The settings for the project shown. For example... Figure 6 The “object” shown refers to the terminal that received the alert. For example, Figure 6 The "frequency" shown indicates: when in what future time period, Figure 6 The text describes the level to which certain conditions related to a "threshold" will trigger an alert. For example, ... Figure 6 The “threshold” shown represents one or more values ​​used for comparison with the transmission path quality. Alarms are triggered based on the relationship or inclusion of the transmission path quality with respect to this value (group). For example, Figure 6 The "Notification Object" shown indicates the destination to which the alert notification is sent. Furthermore, Figure 6 The notification recipients shown ("Manager A", "Manager C") correspond to email addresses; in fact, alert notifications are sent to these email addresses.

[0116] Further, it can be that, in relation to the alarm notification based on the transmission path quality, the manager is able to set the upper limit and lower limit of the transmission path quality (e.g., physical speed), the fluctuation allowable period, and the like as the alarm notification condition ("threshold value"). For example, it can be that, when the transmission path quality is not within the range defined by the upper limit and lower limit, and / or the fluctuation period of the transmission path quality is shorter than the fluctuation allowable period, this case is notified as an alarm. Further, for example, it can be that, if the setting related to the transmission path quality is set to have no upper limit and the lower limit is the minimum value, this case is notified as an alarm when the terminal 100 cannot be identified (exits from the terminal network 10 or disappears from the topology).

[0117] Further, it can be that, in relation to the alarm notification based on the topology change, the manager is able to set all topology changes, the proportion of changes within a certain period of time, the increase and decrease in the number of terminals 100 (i.e., the addition of a new terminal 100 to the terminal network 10 or the exit of a terminal 100 from the terminal network 10), and the like as the alarm notification condition. Then, when the above-described topology change occurs, this case is notified as an alarm.

[0118] Figure 6 The alarm notification conditions shown in the above are merely examples, and other items can be added, and some of the items shown in the above can be removed. Figure 6

[0119] In this way, the management server 20 displays the past statistical information and the alarm condition setting on one screen. In this way, the manager is able to input the alarm notification condition while checking the past statistical information, and thus is able to easily and appropriately set the alarm notification condition. For example, when the number of alarms to be notified is large, the manager can set the condition while checking the past statistical information so as to avoid the condition in which the alarm is frequently notified; on the contrary, when the number of alarms to be notified is small, the manager can set the condition so as to make the alarm be notified more frequently while checking the past statistical information.

[0120] [Use Case]

[0121] Hereinafter, a use case example to which the present disclosure is applied will be described.

[0122] [Use Case 1: Alarm based on transmission path quality]

[0123] For example, the alarm based on the transmission path quality can be applied in a collection housing doorbell system. For example, in this system, it is necessary to transmit the video of a visitor to the doorbell sub in provided in the facility administrator room or the residence of the corresponding resident, and thus, when it becomes a state in which the minimum necessary physical speed (threshold value, lower limit) cannot be ensured, an alarm indicating this case can be notified to the facility administrator or the service person as the manager. In the former case, this alarm can be a trigger to call the service person. ​

[0124] [Use Case 2: Topology change-based alarm]

[0125] For example, in a building (e.g., a factory) configured with various terminals 100, a topology change-based alarm can be utilized as a trigger for controlling a robot that moves within the building (e.g., a factory) in which the terminal 100 is embedded. As an example, when the robot that moves within the building reaches a certain location (i.e., when a topology change occurs), the elevator can be moved to the location. The movement of the elevator can be triggered by notifying the manager of the topology change-based alarm, or can be triggered by the topology change. Another example is that, when multiple robots are operating simultaneously, in order to avoid a collision at a certain location, it can be set so that only after a certain robot passes through the location, another robot can pass through the location.

[0126] Figure 7A is a diagram showing an example of a topology change in Use Case 2. In Figure 7A the example shown in FIG. 10, the terminal network 10 includes a terminal 1001 as a master and terminals 1002 to 1006 as slaves. The slave 1003 is provided near the elevator, the slaves 1004 and 1005 are provided in the corridor, and the slave 1006 is embedded in the robot. As shown in Figure 7A (a) of FIG. 11, at a certain point in time, the slave 1006 is a subordinate of the slave 1005 in the topology, but after the robot moves, it becomes a subordinate of the slave 1004, and the topology changes at any time. Also, as shown in Figure 7A (b) of FIG. 11, when the slave 1006 becomes a subordinate of the slave 1003 (reaches the elevator location, i.e., when a prescribed topology change (connection of the slave 1006 to the particular slave 1003) occurs), the elevator is moved to the elevator location.

[0127] [Use Case 3: Topology change-based alarm]

[0128] For example, a topology change-based alarm can be used for optimization of an underwater multi-hop network configured with various terminals 100. For example, in a multi-hop network constructed using terminals 100 in underwater resource exploration or coastal engineering, when a relay drone or the like embedded with a terminal 100 is reduced due to a communication failure (i.e., when a topology change occurs), this is used as a trigger to cause a backup relay drone or the like embedded with a terminal 100 to automatically move to replace the failed relay drone or the like to function.

[0129] Figure 7B is a diagram showing an example of a topology change in Use Case 3. In Figure 7B the example shown in FIG. 14, the terminal network 10 includes a terminal 1001 as a master and terminals 1002 to 1004 as slaves. The terminals 1002 to 1004 as slaves are embedded in underwater drones. As shown inFigure 7B (a) shows, at a certain point in time, the following topology: slave 1002 is subordinate to master 1001, slave 1003 is subordinate to slave 1002, and slave 1004 is subordinate to slave 1003. Thereafter, as time passes, as shown in (b), slave 1003 becomes unrecognizable due to a failure of slave 1004, which is subordinate to slave 1003. In this case, the number of slaves subordinate to master 1001 is less than the number of slaves that were recognized at the time of construction. Thus, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and a service person is called. Figure 7B

[0130] [Use Case 4: Topology Change-Based Alarm]

[0131] For example, a topology change-based alarm can be used to detect an abnormality in a fixed-type device (commercial air conditioner, solar panel, fire alarm, etc.) in which a terminal 100 is embedded. For example, for a large, fixed, and transmission path fluctuation factor-less device, a terminal 100 can be determined to be abnormal when it is exited from the network, and an alarm indicating the abnormality can be notified to a device manager or a service person as a manager based on this determination. In the former case, this alarm can be used as a trigger to call a service person.

[0132] Figure 7C FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a topology change in Use Case 4. In the example shown in (a) of FIG. 10, a terminal network 10 includes a terminal 1001 as a master and terminals 1002 to 1004 as slaves, and the slave terminals 1002 to 1004 are embedded in air conditioners. As shown in (a) of FIG. 10, at a certain point in time, the following topology is established: slave 1002 is subordinate to master 1001, slave 1003 is subordinate to slave 1002, and slave 1004 is subordinate to slave 1003. Thus, devices introduced at the time of construction, such as air conditioners, are all mastered at the time of construction. Thereafter, as time passes, as shown in (b) of FIG. 10, slave 1004, which is subordinate to slave 1003, becomes unrecognizable due to a failure of slave 1004. In this case, the number of slaves subordinate to master 1001 is less than the number of slaves that were recognized at the time of construction. Thus, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and a service person is called. Figure 7C Figure 7C Figure 7C

[0133] [Use Case 5: Topology Change-Based Alarm]

[0134] ​​​​For example, in the terminal network 10 configured with various terminals 100, the alarm based on the topology change can be applied to a case where the topology has greatly changed from the initial topology (for example, at the time of construction) or the initial topology and other topologies are alternately repeated. Such a case can be caused by environmental factors (for example, the influence of noise, etc.) or be a precursor of a device failure. Therefore, in such a case, the alarm can be notified to the device manager or service personnel as the manager. In the former case, this alarm can be a trigger to call the service personnel.

[0135] Figure 7D is a diagram showing an example of the topology change in use case 5. In Figure 7D the example shown in FIG. 10, the terminal network 10 includes the terminal 1001 as the master and the terminals 1002 to 1006 as the slaves at the initial time, and thereafter includes the master 1001, the slaves 1002 to 1005, and the terminal 1007 as the slave. As shown in (a) of Figure 7D at the time of construction is a first topology in which the slave 1002 is a subordinate of the master 1001, the slaves 1003, 1004, and 1005 are subordinates of the slave 1002, and the slave 1006 is a subordinate of the slave 1002. In contrast, at a certain time point, as shown in (b) of Figure 7D the topology changes greatly to a second topology in which the slave 1003 is a subordinate of the master 1004, the slave 1007 is a subordinate of the slave 1005, and the slave 1006 is no longer recognized. In this case, the service personnel can be called. For example, the service personnel can perform a response such as fixing the topology by fixing the slave or replacing a device that is a precursor of a failure. Alternatively, the service personnel can be called when the topology greatly changes in the order of the first topology, the second topology, the first topology, the second topology, and the like within a certain period of time.

[0136] <Actions of Remote Monitoring System>

[0137] Hereinafter, an example of the actions of the remote monitoring system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 8-15

[0138] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the actions of the terminal 100 as the slave. Figure 8 The processing shown in FIG. 11 can be periodically performed by the terminal 100 at intervals of 5 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or the like.

[0139] In step S101, the terminal 100 calculates the topology information and the transmission path quality.

[0140] ​In step S102, the terminal 100 transmits the calculated topology information and the transmission path quality to the terminal 100 as the master. The topology information and the transmission path quality transmitted from the terminal 100 located at a lower level in the multi-hop network are relayed to the terminal 100 located at a higher level, and are finally forwarded to the terminal 100 as the master. Then, the flow ends.

[0141] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the terminal 100 as the master. Figure 9 The processing shown in FIG. 10 can be executed periodically by the terminal 100 every 5 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or the like.

[0142] In step S201, the terminal 100 receives the topology information and the transmission path quality from the terminal 100 as the slave. In addition, here, the topology information and the transmission path quality are received from all the slaves included in the terminal network 10.

[0143] In step S202, the terminal 100 integrates the topology information and the transmission path quality (NW information) received from all the slaves as a whole.

[0144] In step S203, the terminal 100 transmits the integrated NW information as a whole to the management server 20. Then, the flow ends.

[0145] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server 20. Figure 10 The processing shown in FIG. 12 relates to the alarm-related information.

[0146] In step S301, the management server 20 displays a setting screen relating to the alarm notification condition in the display section of the manager device 30 by transmitting the statistical information of the NW information and the information relating to the alarm notification condition to the manager device 30.

[0147] In step S302, the management server 20 receives the alarm notification condition and the notification object from the manager device 30 according to the input of the manager to the setting screen.

[0148] In step S303, the management server 20 stores the received alarm notification condition and the notification object in the storage device 402, thereby registering the received alarm notification condition and the notification object. Then, the flow ends.

[0149] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server 20. Figure 11 The processing shown in FIG. 14 relates to the NW information.

[0150] In step S401, the management server 20 receives the NW information as a whole from the terminal 100 as the master.

[0151] In step S402, the management server 20 stores the received NW information into the storage device 402. Then, the process ends.

[0152] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the actions performed by the management server 20. Figure 12 The process shown involves alarm notifications.

[0153] In step S501, the management server 20 determines whether the NW information of the terminal 100 meets the alarm notification conditions.

[0154] If the alarm notification conditions are not met (step S501; no), the process ends.

[0155] On the other hand, if the alarm notification conditions are met (step S501; Yes), then in step S502, the management server 20 notifies the alarm. The process then ends.

[0156] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the actions performed by the management server 20. Figure 13 The process shown is to Figure 12 The illustrated processing provides a more detailed alarm notification, including judgments regarding transmission path quality and topology changes. Figure 12 In the example shown, topology-change-based alarm notification decisions are prioritized. Furthermore, let's assume that, in... Figure 11 Before the process shown begins, N is set to 1.

[0157] In step S601, the management server 20, for example, from... Figure 15 The table shown contains the latest NW information for the Nth terminal 100.

[0158] In step S602, the management server 20 determines the NW information (e.g., Figure 15 The "Terminal Type" field in the table shown is used to determine whether the Nth terminal is a mobile entity.

[0159] If it is a moving object (step S602; yes), the process proceeds to step S604.

[0160] On the other hand, if it is not a moving object (step S602; no), then in step S603, it is determined whether a topology change set as an alarm notification condition has occurred based on the NW information.

[0161] If a topology change occurs (step S603; yes), then in step S606, the management server 20 records the Nth terminal 100 as being in a specific state, and the process proceeds to step S607.

[0162] On the other hand, if no topology change has occurred (step S603; No), in step S604, the management server 20 determines whether the transmission path quality is below the threshold value set as the alarm notification condition, based on the NW information.

[0163] If the transmission path quality is below the threshold value (step S604; Yes), in step S606, the management server 20 records the Nth terminal 100 as being in the specific state, and the flow proceeds to step S607.

[0164] On the other hand, if the transmission path quality is not below the threshold value (step S604; No), in step S605, the management server 20 records the Nth terminal 100 as not being in the specific state, and the flow proceeds to step S607.

[0165] In step S607, the management server 20 determines whether the alarm notification determination for all terminals 100 has ended.

[0166] If the alarm notification determination for all terminals 100 has not ended (step S607; No), in step S608, the management server 20 decides so that N = N + 1 (the alarm notification determination is performed for the N + 1th terminal 100). Then, the flow returns to step S601.

[0167] If the alarm notification determination for all terminals 100 has ended (step S607; Yes), in step S609, the management server 20 determines whether there is a terminal 100 recorded as being in the specific state.

[0168] If there is no terminal 100 recorded as being in the specific state (step S609; No), the management server 20 does not notify the alarm, and the flow ends.

[0169] On the other hand, if there is a terminal 100 recorded as being in the specific state (step S609; Yes), in step S610, the management server 20 gives an alarm notification indicating the contents of the alarm notification condition to the alarm notification object (sends an e-mail).

[0170] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server 20. Figure 14 The processing shown is alarm notification that is more specific than Figure 12 The processing shown is alarm notification that is more specific than Figure 14 The processing shown is alarm notification that is more specific than Figure 13 The processing shown is alarm notification that is more specific than

[0171] In addition, the manager who receives the alarm notification can make a setting to lower the threshold of the transmission path quality (for example, physical speed) and / or make a setting to fix the topology (for example, change the device type from "mobile" to "fixed") in various setting screens displayed in the display section of the manager device 30 based on the alarm notification (step S610) shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 Thus, it is possible to avoid the alarm from being frequently notified. Alternatively, on the contrary, it is possible to make the alarm be notified more frequently by making a setting to raise the threshold of the transmission path quality and the like. Figure 15

[0172] <Modification Example>

[0173] Examples of the alarm notification determination are not limited to the examples shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 For example, in the processing shown in Figure 13 , it is also possible to make the alarm notification determination based on the topology change and make the alarm notification determination based on the transmission path quality. That is, in the processing shown in Figure 13 , it is possible to omit step S603. In addition, in the processing shown in Figure 13 , it is also possible to make the alarm notification determination based on the transmission path quality preferentially. That is, step S603 and step S604 can be reversed. In addition, in the processing shown in Figure 13 , it is also possible to make both the alarm notification determination based on the topology change and the alarm notification determination based on the transmission path quality, and when it is determined to notify the alarm in both of the alarm notification determinations, record the terminal 100 in the specific state.

[0174] Although the above-described alarm-related information acquisition section 502 is described as an example of acquiring the topology information and the transmission path quality as the NW information, it is also possible to acquire only one of the topology information and the transmission path quality.

[0175] In addition, the communication system of the above-described embodiment is not limited to the multi-hop communication system, and can be another communication system including a plurality of terminals 100.

[0176] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the functional sections of the CPU 201 and the CPU 401 can be integrated with other functional sections as appropriate, and can be divided into two or more sub-functional sections.

[0177] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the flowcharts and the like is not limited to the illustrated order.

[0178] ​According to the above-described embodiments, the management server 20 acquires topology information including information indicating connection-destination terminals 100 of the terminals 100 constituting the terminal network 10, and acquires a condition for notifying an alarm, i.e., an alarm notification condition, and a notification target of the alarm, i.e., an alarm notification target, the alarm being an alarm indicating that the terminals 100 or the terminal network 10 is in a specific state. In addition, the management server 20 determines whether the topology information satisfies the alarm notification condition, and transmits the alarm to the alarm notification target in a case where the topology information satisfies the alarm notification condition. In this way, it is possible to appropriately determine and notify of a case where the terminals 100 or the terminal network 10 is in a specific state, based on the topology information including information indicating connection-destination terminals 100 of the terminals 100.

[0179] <Summary of Embodiments>

[0180] An information processing apparatus of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit that acquires topology information including information indicating connection-destination communication apparatuses of communication apparatuses constituting a network; a second acquisition unit that acquires a condition for notifying an alarm and a notification target of the alarm, the alarm being an alarm indicating that the communication apparatuses or the network is in a specific state; a determination unit that determines whether the topology information satisfies the condition; and a notification unit that transmits the alarm to the notification target in a case where the topology information satisfies the condition.

[0181] In the information processing apparatus, the condition is that a new communication apparatus is added to the network or a communication apparatus is withdrawn from the network.

[0182] In the information processing apparatus, the condition is that the communication apparatus is connected to a specific communication apparatus in the network.

[0183] In the information processing apparatus, the first acquisition unit further acquires a transmission path quality of a transmission path through which the communication apparatus communicates, the determination unit determines whether the transmission path quality satisfies the condition in a case where the topology information does not satisfy the condition, and the notification unit transmits the alarm to the notification target in a case where the transmission path quality satisfies the condition.

[0184] In the information processing apparatus, a display control unit displays the topology information and statistical information of the transmission path quality, and information related to the condition, in a display unit of an apparatus corresponding to a manager of the network.

[0185] In the information processing apparatus, the condition is that the transmission path quality is below a threshold value.

[0186] In the information processing apparatus, the transmission path quality is a physical speed of the transmission path.

[0187] In this information processing device, the condition is that the quality of the transmission path is not within the specified range.

[0188] In one embodiment of the alarm notification method of this disclosure, the information processing device performs the following steps: acquiring topology information including information about the connection destination communication device of the communication devices constituting the network; acquiring the conditions for notifying the alarm and the notification object of the alarm, wherein the alarm is an alarm indicating that the communication device or the network is in a specific state; determining whether the topology information meets the conditions; and if the topology information meets the conditions, sending the alarm to the notification object.

[0189] In the above embodiments, the term "...part" used in each structural element can also be replaced with other terms such as "...circuitry", "...assembly", "...device", "...unit" or "...module".

[0190] While the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited to these examples. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It should be understood that these modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the structural elements in the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0191] This disclosure can be implemented in software, hardware, or software in cooperation with hardware. The functional blocks used in the above embodiments are implemented partially or wholly as LSIs (Large Scale Integration), and the processes described in the above embodiments can also be controlled partially or wholly by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI can be composed of individual chips, or it can be composed of a single chip containing some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI can also include data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, an LSI can also be referred to as an "IC (Integrated Circuit)," "System LSI," "Super LSI," or "Ultra LSI."

[0192] The method of integration into a circuit is not limited to LSI and can be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a special-purpose processor. In addition, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacture or a reconfigurable processor in which a connection or a setting of a circuit block inside the LSI can be reconfigured can also be used. The present disclosure can also be implemented as a digital processing or an analog processing.

[0193] Further, if a technology of integration into a circuit other than LSI emerges as semiconductor technology advances or other technology derives, the functional blocks can of course be integrated using this technology. There is also a possibility of applying biotechnology, etc.

[0194] The present disclosure can be implemented in all kinds of devices, apparatuses, and systems (collectively referred to as "communication devices") having a communication function. The communication devices can also include a wireless transceiver and a processing / control circuit. The wireless transceiver can also include a reception section and a transmission section, or function as these sections. The wireless transceiver (transmission section, reception section) can also include an RF (Radio Frequency) module and one or more antennas. The RF module can also include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or the like. Non-limiting examples of the communication devices include a telephone (a mobile phone, a smartphone, etc.), a tablet, a personal computer (PC) (a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, etc.), a camera (a digital still camera, a digital video camera, etc.), a digital player (a digital audio / video player, etc.), a wearable device (a wearable camera, a smart watch, a tracking device, etc.), a game machine, an electronic book reader, a remote health / remote medical (remote care / medical prescription) device, a vehicle or a transportation tool (a car, an airplane, a ship, etc.) with a communication function, and a combination of the above various devices.

[0195] The communication devices are not limited to devices that can be carried or moved and include all kinds of devices, apparatuses, and systems that cannot be carried or are fixed. For example, smart home devices (home appliance devices, lighting devices, smart meters or meters, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and other "Things" that can exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network are included.

[0196] The communication includes not only data communication through a cellular system, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system, a communication satellite system, etc., but also data communication through a combination of these systems.

[0197] In addition, the communication device also includes a controller or a sensor and the like connected or linked to a communication apparatus that performs the communication function described in the present disclosure. For example, a controller or a sensor that generates a control signal or a data signal used by the communication apparatus that performs the communication function of the communication device.

[0198] In addition, the communication device includes an infrastructure apparatus such as a base station, an access point, and all other devices, apparatuses, and systems that perform communication with or control the above-described various devices.

[0199] The disclosure content of the specification, the drawings, and the specification abstract included in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-119091 filed on July 21, 2023 are all incorporated herein by reference.

[0200] Industrial applicability

[0201] One embodiment of the present disclosure is useful for a communication system including a plurality of terminals.

[0202] Explanation of reference numerals

[0203] 1 Remote monitoring system

[0204] 10 Terminal network

[0205] 100 Terminal

[0206] 201 CPU

[0207] 202 Storage device

[0208] 203 Communication device

[0209] 204 Apparatus interface device

[0210] 301 Packet analysis section

[0211] 302 Authentication processing section

[0212] 303 Transmission path estimation section

[0213] 304 Topology management section

[0214] 305 NW information communication control section

[0215] 306 Packet generation section

[0216] 20 Management server

[0217] 401 CPU

[0218] 402 Storage device

[0219] 403 Communication device

[0220] 404 UI device

[0221] 501 alarm-related information display control section

[0222] 502 alarm-related information acquisition section

[0223] 503 alarm notification determination section

[0224] 504 alarm notification section

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that, have: The first acquisition unit acquires topology information including information representing the communication devices constituting the network and the connection destination communication device; The second acquisition unit acquires the conditions for the notification alarm and the notification recipient of the alarm, wherein the alarm indicates that the communication device or the network is in a specific state; The determination unit determines whether the topology information meets the conditions; as well as The notification department sends the alarm to the notification recipient if the topology information meets the conditions.

2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The condition is that a new communication device joins the network or a communication device leaves the network.

3. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The condition is that the communication device is connected to a specific communication device in the network.

4. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The first acquisition unit also acquires the transmission path quality of the transmission path through which the communication device performs communication. If the topology information does not meet the conditions, the determination unit determines whether the transmission path quality meets the conditions. If the transmission path quality meets the conditions, the notification unit sends the alarm to the notification recipient.

5. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein, It also includes a display control unit that displays the topology information, statistical information on the transmission path quality, and information related to the conditions on a display unit of a device corresponding to the network administrator.

6. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein, The condition is that the quality of the transmission path is below a threshold.

7. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The transmission path quality is the physical speed of the transmission path.

8. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The condition is that the quality of the transmission path is not within the specified range.

9. An alarm notification method, characterized in that, The information processing device performs the following steps: Obtain topology information containing information about the connection destination communication devices of the communication devices constituting the network; The conditions for obtaining a notification alarm and the notification recipient of the alarm, wherein the alarm indicates that the communication device or the network is in a specific state; Determine whether the topology information meets the conditions; as well as If the topology information meets the conditions, the alarm is sent to the notification object.

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