Wireless device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a wireless device, a control method, and a control program that are capable of performing wireless communication on a communication channel that can be used by transmitting location information while suppressing communication interruption.SOLUTION: A wireless LAN router 10 includes a wireless communication unit and a processor 11. The wireless communication unit is capable of wireless communication on channels UNII-6 to 8 that can be used by transmitting location information to an AFC system 30, and wireless communication on a channel UNII-5. When the processor 11 is unable to acquire location information on the wireless LAN router 10, the processor causes the wireless communication unit to start wireless communication on the channel UNII-5, and also receives location information on communication terminals 24 and 25 from the communication terminals 24 and 25 that are communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10, and transmits the information to the AFC system 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless device, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to advance wireless LAN (Local Area Network), the unlicensing of the 6 GHz band has been considered. For example, in Japan, only the UNII-5 channel can be freely used in the 6 GHz band in Wi-Fi 6E (registered trademark). In order to improve the convenience of the 6 GHz band, it is desirable to freely use the UNII-6 to 8 channels in Wi-Fi 7 (registered trademark). However, in order to use the UNII-6 to 8 channels at present, the access point of the wireless LAN may need permission to obtain setting information from an AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination) system. In order to obtain setting information from the AFC system, it is necessary to transmit the location information of the access point to the AFC system.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a method in which a wireless access point causes a wireless slave device to which it belongs to return current location information of the wireless slave device, and acquires the returned current location information of the wireless slave device as the current location information of the wireless access point itself. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-057907 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, for example, during communication via UNII-6 to 8, if a wireless access point is unable to properly receive GPS (Global Positioning System) signals in an unfavorable radio wave environment, such as indoors, it will be unable to obtain setting information from the AFC system, and communication via UNII-6 to 8 will become impossible.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not anticipate that when using a communication channel that requires permission to use, the use of the communication channel may not be permitted due to a radio wave environment in which the wireless access point cannot acquire GPS signals (location information), etc.

[0007] In response to this, for example, when a wireless access point cannot receive a GPS signal normally, it is possible to have the associated wireless slave device return its position information, and to transmit the returned position information of the wireless slave device to the AFC system as the position information of the wireless access point. However, in this case, the AFC update time may pass before the position information is acquired from the wireless slave device, and communication may stop (disconnect) at UNII-6 to 8.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a wireless device, a control method, and a control program that are capable of performing wireless communication on a communication channel that can be used for transmitting location information while suppressing communication interruptions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The wireless device of the present invention is a wireless device, a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication in a first communication channel that can be used by transmitting location information to a server, and wireless communication in a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; a control unit that, when the location information of the wireless device cannot be acquired, starts wireless communication on the second communication channel with the wireless communication unit and receives location information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal that is communicatively connected to the wireless device and transmits the location information to the server; It is equipped with the following.

[0010] A control method of the present invention is a control method of a wireless device having a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication on a first communication channel that can be used by transmitting location information to a server, and wireless communication on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel, a processor of the wireless device, If the location information of the wireless device cannot be obtained, the wireless communication unit starts wireless communication on the second communication channel, and controls the wireless communication unit to receive location information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal that is communicatively connected to the wireless device and transmit the location information of the communication terminal to the server.

[0011] A control program of the present invention is a control program for a wireless device having a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication on a first communication channel that can be used by transmitting location information to a server, and wireless communication on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel, a processor of the wireless device, When the location information of the wireless device cannot be acquired, control is performed to start wireless communication on the second communication channel in the wireless communication unit, and to receive location information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal communicatively connected to the wireless device and transmit the location information to the server. It is for executing processing. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wireless device, a control method, and a control program that are capable of performing wireless communication on a communication channel that can be used for transmitting location information while suppressing communication interruptions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless system to which a wireless device according to the present invention is applied; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a wireless LAN router 10. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a first mode of processing by a processor 11 of a wireless LAN router 10. [Figure 4] 1 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10, and the communication terminal 25 in the wireless system 1 in a first mode. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a second mode of processing by the processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10. [Figure 6] 13 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10, and the communication terminal 25 in the wireless system 1 in a second mode. FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process of the second mode described in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the operation of the second mode described in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Embodiment) <Radio system to which the radio device of the present invention is applied> 1 is a diagram showing an example of a wireless system to which a wireless device of the present invention is applied. The wireless system 1 shown in FIG.

[0016] The wireless LAN router 10 is an example of a "wireless device" of the present invention. The wireless LAN router 10 has a router function that relays communication between an information terminal (e.g., communication terminals 21, 24, 25) connected to the wireless LAN router 10 and the network 2. The network 2 is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, and connection is possible after determining the connection method. The wireless LAN router 10 also has a function as a wireless LAN access point. The wireless LAN router 10 may also have a function such as a switching hub.

[0017] The wireless LAN router 10 is a router capable of wireless communication in, for example, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6E, etc. In Wi-Fi 7, wireless communication is possible using, for example, UNII-6 to 8 channels. In Wi-Fi 6E, wireless communication is possible using, for example, UNII-5 channel. The UNII-6 to 8 channels are an example of a "first communication channel" in the present invention. The UNII-5 channel is an example of a "second communication channel" in the present invention.

[0018] The communication terminals 21, 24, and 25 are information terminals capable of performing wired communication or wireless communication with the wireless LAN router 10 by connecting to the wireless LAN formed by the wireless LAN router 10. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the communication terminal 21 is a notebook personal computer that is connected to the wireless LAN router 10 by wire. The communication terminals 24 and 25 are smartphones that are wirelessly connected to the wireless LAN router 10. The communication terminals 24 and 25 are terminals that support wireless communication of wireless LANs such as Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6E.

[0019] The AFC system 30 is an example of the "server" of the present invention. The AFC system 30 can be connected to the network 2. The AFC system 30 is a system that the wireless LAN router 10 needs to access in order to obtain permission to use the UNII-6 to 8 channels. When the wireless LAN router 10 transmits information such as the ID (identification) of the wireless LAN router 10, location information by GPS, location uncertainty information, installation location / direction (antenna directivity), etc., the AFC system 30 assigns (permits use) a frequency to be used, a channel to be used, wireless output, etc. to the wireless LAN router 10. This makes it possible to avoid mutual interference when multiple wireless devices use the UNII-6 to 8 channels. Each of the UNII-6 to 8 channels is an example of a communication channel that becomes available by transmitting location information to the AFC system 30. In contrast, the UNII-5 channel is a communication channel that can be used without transmitting location information to the AFC system 30. The AFC system 30 may be a physical server or a virtual server on a cloud.

[0020] The GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites 3 are artificial satellites of a satellite positioning system such as GPS satellites. The wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminals 21, 24, and 25 each have a GNSS unit that acquires location information of the device itself by receiving a GNSS signal (e.g., a GPS signal) from the GNSS satellite 3. However, there may be a situation where the wireless LAN router 10 cannot normally receive the GNSS signal from the GNSS satellite 3, for example, if the wireless LAN router 10 is installed in the center of a building.

[0021] <Configuration of Wireless LAN Router 10> 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless LAN router 10. The wireless LAN router 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary memory 13, a wireless LAN communication I / F 14, a WAN communication I / F 15, a wired LAN communication I / F 16, and a GNSS unit 17.

[0022] The processor 11 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire wireless LAN router 10. The processor 11 may be realized by other digital circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 11 may also be realized by combining a plurality of digital circuits. The processor 11 is an example of the "control unit" of the present invention.

[0023] The main memory 12 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory 12 is used as a work area for the processor 11. The auxiliary memory 13 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory. Various programs for operating the wireless LAN router 10 are stored in the auxiliary memory 13. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory 13 are loaded into the main memory 12 and executed by the processor 11.

[0024] The wireless LAN communication I / F 14 is a communication interface that connects to a LAN and performs wireless communication with a wireless communication terminal (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) via the LAN. The wireless LAN communication I / F 14 is capable of performing wireless communication using the 2.4 GHz band (frequency band), the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. The WAN communication I / F 15 is a communication interface that connects to a WAN such as the Internet and performs communication with a communication device (e.g., AFC system 30, etc.) via the WAN. The wired LAN communication I / F 16 is a communication interface that connects to a LAN and performs communication with a communication terminal (e.g., communication terminal 21, etc.) via the LAN. The processor 11 and the wireless LAN communication I / F 14 are an example of a "wireless communication unit" of the present invention.

[0025] For example, the wireless LAN router 10 communicates with the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. on the LAN side through the wireless LAN communication I / F 14, and communicates with the communication devices on the WAN side through the WAN communication I / F 15, thereby relaying data communication between the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. and the communication devices on the WAN side. The wireless LAN router 10 can also simultaneously connect to wireless communication terminals (e.g., the communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) in multiple bands (e.g., MLO: Multi-Link Operation) using the wireless LAN communication I / F 14. The communication terminals 24, 25 can also perform wireless communication using the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. The wireless LAN router 10 communicates with the communication terminals 21, etc. on the LAN side through the wired LAN communication I / F 16, and communicates with the communication devices on the WAN side through the WAN communication I / F 15, thereby relaying data communication between the communication terminals 21, etc. on the LAN side and the communication devices on the WAN side.

[0026] The GNSS unit 17 is a unit for acquiring position information of the wireless LAN router 10. The GNSS unit 17 is a unit (e.g., a GPS unit) capable of receiving radio waves from a GNSS satellite 3 (e.g., a GPS satellite). The GNSS unit 17 is an example of the "position acquisition unit" of the present invention.

[0027] In the wireless LAN router 10 configured as above, when the processor 11 cannot acquire the location information of the wireless LAN router 10 by, for example, the GNSS unit 17, it starts wireless communication on the UNII-5 channel via the wireless LAN communication I / F 14 and receives the location information of the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. from the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. that are communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10. The processor 11 transmits the location information received from the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. to the AFC system 30.

[0028] The case where the position information of the wireless LAN router 10 cannot be obtained includes a case where the position information of the wireless LAN router 10 cannot be obtained via the GNSS unit 17 due to a poor radio wave environment around the wireless LAN router 10, as well as a case where the wireless LAN router 10 does not include the GNSS unit 17 (GPS unit). Receiving the position information of the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. from the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. includes a case where the position information is received from the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. by wireless communication on the UNII-6 to 8 channels before wireless communication on the UNII-5 channel is started, as well as a case where the position information is received from the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. by wireless communication on the UNII-6 to 8 channels before wireless communication on the UNII-5 channel is started. The position information received from the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. is the current position information of the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. at the time of acquisition, which is acquired by the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. by the GNSS unit mounted on the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. A communication terminal communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10 may be, for example, a terminal (such as a smartphone) that is wirelessly connected to the wireless LAN router 10, or a terminal (such as a notebook PC) that is wired connected to the wireless LAN router 10.

[0029] In addition, after starting wireless communication on the UNII-5 channel via the wireless LAN communication I / F 14, the processor 11 performs a process of re-acquiring the location information of the wireless LAN router 10 via the GNSS unit 17, and if the location information of the wireless LAN router 10 cannot be acquired by the re-acquisition process, it receives the location information of the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. from the communication terminals 24, 25, etc., and transmits the received location information to the AFC system 30.

[0030] Furthermore, the processor 11 selects a predetermined communication terminal from among a plurality of communication terminals (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10, based on the radio wave strength between the communication terminal and the wireless LAN router 10. The processor 11 receives location information of the selected predetermined communication terminal from the communication terminal, and transmits the received location information to the AFC system 30. The radio wave strength between the plurality of communication terminals and the wireless LAN router 10 is represented, for example, by a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) between the two. The radio wave strength may be measured on the wireless LAN router 10 side, or may be measured on the communication terminal side. Selecting a predetermined communication terminal based on the radio wave strength means, for example, that the higher the radio wave strength (estimated to be closer to the wireless LAN router 10), the higher the selection of the communication terminal. The location information may be received from a plurality of communication terminals (e.g., the top two communication terminals with the strongest radio wave strength).

[0031] Furthermore, the processor 11 selects a predetermined communication terminal from among a plurality of communication terminals (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10, based on the distance between the communication terminal and the wireless LAN router 10. The processor 11 receives location information of the selected predetermined communication terminal from the communication terminal, and transmits the received location information to the AFC system 30. The distance between the communication terminal and the wireless LAN router 10 is measured based on, for example, the radio wave reception strength between the two. The distance between the communication terminal and the wireless LAN router 10 may be measured using, for example, positioning by Bluetooth (registered trademark). Selecting a predetermined communication terminal based on the distance means, for example, giving priority to the closer communication terminal. The location information may be received from a plurality of communication terminals (e.g., the top two communication terminals with the closest distance).

[0032] The processor 11 also receives location information from multiple communication terminals (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) that are communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10, and selects predetermined location information from the received location information based on the time at which the communication terminal acquired the location information. The processor 11 transmits the selected predetermined location information to the AFC system 30. Selecting predetermined location information based on the acquisition time means, for example, giving priority to location information with a newer acquisition time (the most recent acquisition).

[0033] Furthermore, the processor 11 receives location information from multiple communication terminals (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) that are communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10, and calculates predetermined location information based on the received location information of the multiple communication terminals. The processor 11 transmits the calculated predetermined location information to the AFC system 30. Calculating the predetermined location information based on the location information of the multiple communication terminals means, for example, calculating an average value or a median value of the location information of the multiple communication terminals.

[0034] Furthermore, the processor 11 calculates predetermined position information based on position information received from a communication terminal (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10 and the positional relationship between the communication terminal and the wireless LAN router 10. The processor 11 transmits the calculated predetermined position information to the AFC system 30. The positional relationship between the communication terminal and the wireless LAN router 10 may be acquired, for example, by positioning using Bluetooth. The calculated predetermined position information is, for example, position information of the wireless LAN router 10 obtained by correcting the positional information of the communication terminal acquired from the communication terminal with the positional relationship between the communication terminal and the wireless LAN router 10.

[0035] Furthermore, when the processor 11 cannot acquire the position information of the wireless LAN router 10 by, for example, the GNSS unit 17, it starts wireless communication on the UNII-5 channel via the wireless LAN communication I / F 14 and receives the position information of the communication terminals 24, 25, etc., by wireless communication on the UNII-5 channel from the communication terminals 24, 25, etc., that are communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10. The processor 11 transmits the position information received from the communication terminals 24, 25, etc., to the AFC system 30.

[0036] <Processing of the First Form by the Processor 11 of the Wireless LAN Router 10> 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the first mode by the processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10. The processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10 starts this processing, for example, when starting up the wireless LAN router 10, in order to perform wireless communication on UNII-6 to 8 channels in the wireless LAN.

[0037] First, the processor 11 performs a process of acquiring the location information of the wireless LAN router 10 by the GNSS unit 17 (step S11). Next, the processor 11 determines whether or not the location information of the wireless LAN router 10 has been acquired by the process of acquiring the location information in step S11 (step S12).

[0038] If the location information has been acquired in step S12 (step S12: Yes), the processor 11 transmits, for example, the ID, location information, and antenna information of the wireless LAN router 10 to the AFC system 30 (step S13).

[0039] Next, the processor 11 receives from the AFC system 30 "connection information" which is a reply from the AFC system 30 regarding permission to use channels UNII-6 to 8 in response to the information transmission in step S13 (step S14). Next, the processor 11 sets the communication channels for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-6 to 8 based on the connection information received from the AFC system 30 in step S14 (step S15).

[0040] Next, the processor 11 determines whether or not it is time to update the AFC in the AFC system 30 (step S16). The AFC update time is based on a time limit permitted by the AFC system 30 for the current use of the UNII-6 to 8 channels. For example, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lease time (e.g., 11:59 p.m.) may be used as the AFC update time. Alternatively, the AFC update time may be a certain time (e.g., 23 hours and 59 minutes) after the previous reception of connection information.

[0041] If the AFC update time has not arrived in step S16 (step S16: No), the processor 11 repeats the process of step S16 until the AFC update time arrives. That is, the processor 11 continues wireless communication on the UNII-6 to 8 channels until the AFC update time arrives.

[0042] If it is determined in step S16 that the AFC update time has come (step S16: Yes), the processor 11 returns to step S11 and repeats this process in order to continue wireless communication on channels UNII-6 to 8.

[0043] On the other hand, if the location information cannot be acquired in step S12 (step S12: No), the processor 11 sets the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-5, and causes the wireless LAN router 10 to start wireless communication on UNII-5 (step S17). As a result, the communication terminals (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) currently connected to the wireless LAN router 10 follow suit and start wireless communication on UNII-5.

[0044] Next, the processor 11 performs again the process of acquiring the position information of the wireless LAN router 10 by the GNSS unit 17 (step S18). Next, the processor 11 determines whether or not the position information of the wireless LAN router 10 has been acquired by the process of acquiring the position information in step S18 (step S19).

[0045] If the position information has been acquired in step S19 (step S19: Yes), the processor 11 proceeds to step S13 and sequentially executes the processes from step S13 to step S16 described above.

[0046] If the location information cannot be obtained in step S19 (step S19: No), the processor 11 sends a location information request to a communication terminal (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) connected to the wireless LAN router 10, requesting location information of that communication terminal (step S20).

[0047] Next, the processor 11 receives the location information from the communication terminal that transmitted the location information request in step S20 (step S21), and then proceeds to step S13, where it sequentially executes the processes from step S13 to step S16 described above. When proceeding from step S21 to step S13, the "location information" that the processor 11 transmits to the AFC system 30 in step S13 is the location information of the communication terminal (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) currently connected to the wireless LAN router 10.

[0048] In the above-mentioned processing, if there is no communication terminal connected to the wireless LAN router 10, if there is a connected communication terminal but that communication terminal is not equipped with a GNSS unit, or if a location information request is made to the communication terminal but no location information is returned, the processor 11 repeats the process of obtaining location information using the GNSS unit and sending a location information request to the connected communication terminal while maintaining the communication channel at UNII-5, and proceeds to step S13 if location information can be obtained.

[0049] In the above-mentioned process, steps S18 and S19 may be omitted and the process may proceed to step S20. When the wireless LAN router 10 is set to channels UNII-6 to 8, location information may be obtained from the communication terminal using channels UNII-6 to 8 before setting the communication channel to UNII-5 in step S17, and then the communication channel may be set to UNII-5.

[0050] <Operation of the first mode of the wireless system 1> FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10, and the communication terminal 25 in the wireless system 1 in the first mode.

[0051] First, the wireless LAN router 10, for example, at startup, performs a process of acquiring the location information of the wireless LAN router 10 by the GNSS unit 17 (step S31). For example, it is assumed that the location information has been acquired (successfully) in this acquisition process. The wireless LAN router 10 transmits, for example, the ID, location information, and antenna information of the wireless LAN router 10 to the AFC system 30 (step S32).

[0052] Next, when the AFC system 30 receives the ID, location information, antenna information, etc. from the wireless LAN router 10, it transmits "connection information" permitting the use of wireless communication on channels UNII-6 to 8 to the wireless LAN router 10 (step S33). The connection information indicating permission to use includes, for example, the frequency to be used for wireless communication, the channels UNII-6 to 8 permitted to be used, allocation of wireless output, etc. Here, it is assumed that the use of channel UNII-6 has been instructed.

[0053] Next, the wireless LAN router 10 sets the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-6 based on the connection information received from the AFC system 30 (step S34). By the wireless LAN router 10 setting the communication channel to UNII-6, the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminal 25 are wirelessly connected via the UNII-6 channel (step S35).

[0054] Next, it is assumed that the AFC update time in the AFC system 30 (for example, 23:59, which is the DHCP lease time) has arrived. The wireless LAN router 10 performs a process of acquiring location information of the wireless LAN router 10 using the GNSS unit 17 (step S36). For example, it is assumed that the location information cannot be acquired (failed) in this acquisition process. Specifically, it is assumed that the wireless LAN router 10 is installed indoors and the radio wave environment is unfavorable, so that the location information cannot be acquired based on the GNSS signal from the GNSS satellite 3. In this case, the wireless LAN router 10 sets the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-5 (step S37).

[0055] The wireless LAN router 10 sets the communication channel to UNII-5, whereby the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminal 25 are wirelessly connected via the UNII-5 channel (step S38).

[0056] Next, the wireless LAN router 10 again performs the process of acquiring the location information of the wireless LAN router 10 by the GNSS unit 17 (step S39). For example, it is assumed that the location information cannot be acquired (failed) even in this acquisition process. In this case, the wireless LAN router 10 transmits a location information request to the communication terminal 25 on the UNII-5 channel to request notification of the location information of the communication terminal 25 (step S40).

[0057] Next, when the communication terminal 25 receives the position information request from the wireless LAN router 10, the communication terminal 25 transmits the acquired position information of the communication terminal 25 to the wireless LAN router 10 (step S41).

[0058] Next, the wireless LAN router 10 transmits, for example, the ID, location information, and antenna information of the wireless LAN router 10 to the AFC system 30 (step S42). At this time, the wireless LAN router 10 transmits the location information of the communication terminal 25 received from the communication terminal 25 in step S41 to the AFC system 30 as the location information of the wireless LAN router 10.

[0059] Next, the AFC system 30 transmits "connection information" permitting the use of wireless communication on channels UNII-6 to 8 to the wireless LAN router 10, similar to step S33 (step S43). Here, it is assumed that the "connection information" also instructs the use of channel UNII-6.

[0060] Next, the wireless LAN router 10 sets the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-6 based on the connection information received from the AFC system 30 (step S44). By the wireless LAN router 10 setting the communication channel to UNII-6, the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminal 25 are wirelessly connected via the UNII-6 channel (step S45).

[0061] In this operation mode, the wireless LAN router 10 requests location information from the communication terminal 25, but the communication terminal to which the request is made is not limited to the communication terminal 25. For example, the wireless LAN router 10 may request location information from a communication terminal with the strongest radio wave intensity or a communication terminal that is closest in distance among a plurality of communication terminals (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) that are communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10. The wireless LAN router 10 may also request location information from a plurality of communication terminals, and in this case, may use, for example, an average value of the location information calculated based on the location information of the communication terminals as the location information of the communication terminal.

[0062] As described above, according to the wireless LAN router 10 of the first embodiment, even in a situation where it is difficult to obtain the position information of the wireless LAN router 10 by the GNSS unit 17 mounted on the wireless LAN router 10, it is possible to temporarily set the communication channel of wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-5, receive the position information of the communication terminal 25 from the communication terminal 25 connected to the wireless LAN router 10, and obtain permission to use the communication channels of UNII-6 to 8 from the AFC system 30 using the position information. By setting the wireless communication channel to UNII-5, it is possible to prevent communication interruption in the wireless LAN even in a case where the permission to use UNII-6 to 8 with the AFC system 30 cannot be updated. Therefore, even in a situation where it is difficult to obtain a GPS signal, it is possible to connect to a communication channel (UNII-6 to 8) that is available for communication while suppressing communication interruption in the wireless LAN.

[0063] <Processing of the Second Form by the Processor 11 of the Wireless LAN Router 10> Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the second mode by the processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10. In the processing of the first mode described in Fig. 3, the wireless LAN router 10 is equipped with the GNSS unit 17. In contrast, in the present second mode, processing will be described for the case where the wireless LAN router 10 does not have the GNSS unit 17 or is equipped with the GNSS unit 17 but a malfunction occurs in the GNSS unit 17.

[0064] First, when the wireless LAN router 10 is started, the processor 11 sets the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-5, and causes the wireless LAN router 10 to start wireless communication on UNII-5 (step S51). As a result, the communication terminals (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) currently connected to the wireless LAN router 10 follow suit and start communication on UNII-5.

[0065] Next, the processor 11 transmits a location information request to a communication terminal (e.g., the communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) currently connected to the wireless LAN router 10, requesting location information of the communication terminal (step S52). Next, the processor 11 receives location information from the communication terminal that transmitted the location information request in step S52 (step S53).

[0066] Next, the processor 11 transmits, for example, the ID, location information, and antenna information of the wireless LAN router 10 to the AFC system 30 (step S54). This "location information" is the location information of the communication terminal (for example, the communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) received in step S53 regarded as the location information of the wireless LAN router 10.

[0067] Next, the processor 11 receives from the AFC system 30 "connection information" which is a reply from the AFC system 30 regarding permission to use channels UNII-6 to 8 in response to the information transmission in step S54 (step S55). Next, the processor 11 sets the communication channels for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-6 to 8 based on the connection information received from the AFC system 30 in step S55 (step S56).

[0068] Next, the processor 11 determines whether or not the AFC update time in the AFC system 30 has arrived (step S57). If the AFC update time has not arrived (step S57: No), the processor 11 repeats the process of step S57 until the AFC update time arrives. If the AFC update time has arrived (step S57: Yes), the processor 11 returns to step S51 and repeats this process to continue wireless communication on the UNII-6 to 8 channels.

[0069] In addition, the processing of processor 11 in the following cases is the same as the processing of processor 11 in FIG. 3: when there is no communication terminal connected to wireless LAN router 10; when there is a communication terminal connected but that communication terminal is not equipped with a GNSS unit; and when a location information request is made to the communication terminal but no location information is returned.

[0070] <Operation of the Second Mode of the Wireless System 1> 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the second mode of the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10, and the communication terminal 25 in the wireless system 1. The operation of the second mode is the operation when the processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10 executes the processing of the second mode described in FIG.

[0071] First, the wireless LAN router 10 sets the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-5, for example, at startup (step S61). By setting the communication channel to UNII-5, the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminal 25 are wirelessly connected via the UNII-5 channel (step S62). The wireless LAN router 10 transmits a location information request to the communication terminal 25, requesting notification of location information of the communication terminal 25, via the UNII-5 channel (step S63).

[0072] Next, when the communication terminal 25 receives the position information request from the wireless LAN router 10, the communication terminal 25 transmits the acquired position information of the communication terminal 25 to the wireless LAN router 10 (step S64).

[0073] Next, the wireless LAN router 10 transmits, for example, the ID, location information, and antenna information of the wireless LAN router 10 to the AFC system 30 (step S65). The wireless LAN router 10 transmits the location information of the communication terminal 25 received from the communication terminal 25 in step S64 to the AFC system 30 as location information of the wireless LAN router 10.

[0074] Next, when the AFC system 30 receives the ID, location information, antenna information, and the like from the wireless LAN router 10, it transmits "connection information" permitting the use of wireless communication on channels UNII-6 to 8 to the wireless LAN router 10 (step S66). Here, it is assumed that the use of channel UNII-6 has been instructed.

[0075] Next, the wireless LAN router 10 sets the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-6 based on the connection information received from the AFC system 30 (step S67). By the wireless LAN router 10 setting the communication channel to UNII-6, the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminal 25 are wirelessly connected via the UNII-6 channel (step S68).

[0076] Next, when the AFC update time arrives in the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10 sets the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-5 (step S69).

[0077] Note that the processes from step S70 to step S76 are the same as the processes from step S62 to step S68, and therefore the description will be omitted. In addition, in the operation of the second embodiment, the case where the wireless LAN router 10 acquires the location information from the same communication terminal 25 in steps S63 and S71 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The wireless LAN router 10 may acquire the location information from another communication terminal (e.g., communication terminal 24, etc.). For example, the wireless LAN router 10 may acquire the location information from the communication terminal with the strongest radio wave intensity or the communication terminal with the closest distance, etc., among a plurality of communication terminals (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) communicatively connected to the wireless LAN router 10.

[0078] As described above, according to the wireless LAN router 10 of the second embodiment, even if the wireless LAN router 10 itself cannot obtain location information of the wireless LAN router 10 because the wireless LAN router 10 does not have the GNSS unit 17 or the GNSS unit 17 has a malfunction, it is possible to temporarily set the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-5, receive location information of the communication terminal 25 from the communication terminal 25 connected to the wireless LAN router 10, and obtain permission to use the communication channels of UNII-6 to 8 from the AFC system 30 using the location information. As a result, even if it is difficult to obtain a GPS signal, it is possible to connect to a communication channel (UNII-6 to 8) that is available for communication while suppressing communication interruptions in the wireless LAN.

[0079] <Modification of the Processing by the Processor 11 of the Wireless LAN Router 10> Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process of the second mode by the processor 11 described in Fig. 5. In the process of the second mode in Fig. 5, when the AFC update time comes in step S57 (step S57: Yes), the process returns to step S51 to repeat the process in order to continue wireless communication on channels UNII-6 to 8. In contrast, in this modified example, when the AFC update time comes, the processor 11 returns to step S52 to repeat the process.

[0080] That is, when the AFC update time (for example, 23:59, which is the DHCP lease time) arrives, the processor 11 returns to step S52, and while the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN is set to UNII-6 to 8 as set in step S56, transmits a location information request to a communication terminal (for example, communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) currently connected to the wireless LAN router 10, requesting location information of the communication terminal. Then, until the allocation period of the "connection information" received from the AFC system 30 ends (for example, until 24:00), the processor 11 receives the next "connection information" from the AFC system 30, and performs processing (processing from step S53 to step S56) to set the communication channel for wireless communication to UNII-6 to 8. Note that the processing from step S51 to step S57 in this modified example is the same as the processing from step S51 to step S57 in the processing of the second embodiment in FIG. 5, and therefore further detailed description will be omitted.

[0081] Also, for example, if the processor 11 returns from step S57 to step S52 and is unable to acquire "location information" from the communication terminal in the state of communication channels of UNII-6 to 8, the processor 11 returns to step S51, sets the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-5, and repeats each process. Similarly, if the processor 11 returns from step S57 to step S52 and is unable to acquire "connection information" from the AFC system 30 in the state of communication channels of UNII-6 to 8, the processor 11 returns to step S51, sets the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-5, and repeats each process.

[0082] <Modification of the operation of the wireless system 1> Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the operation of the second mode of the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10, and the communication terminal 25 in the wireless system 1 described in Fig. 6. This modified example is an operation in the case where the processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10 executes the modified example of the processing of the second mode described in Fig. 7.

[0083] The operations of the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10, and the communication terminal 25 from step S61 to step S68 in this modified example are similar to the operations of the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10, and the communication terminal 25 from step S61 to step S68 in the operation of the second form of FIG. 6, so that a description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] Next, when it is time to update the AFC in the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10, while keeping the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN at UNII-6 to 8, transmits a location information request to the communication terminal 25 connected to the wireless LAN router 10, requesting location information of the communication terminal 25 (step S71). In this modification, when it is time to update the AFC in the AFC system 30, the processor 11 does not set the communication channel for wireless communication in the wireless LAN to UNII-5.

[0085] The operations of the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10, and the communication terminal 25 from step S72 to step S76 are similar to the operations of the AFC system 30, the wireless LAN router 10, and the communication terminal 25 from step S72 to step S76 in the second embodiment of the operation of Figure 6, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0086] As described above, according to the wireless LAN router 10 of the modified example, when the wireless LAN router 10 itself cannot acquire the location information of the wireless LAN router 10 because the wireless LAN router 10 does not have the GNSS unit 17 mounted thereon or the mounted GNSS unit 17 has a malfunction, the wireless LAN router 10 does not temporarily set the channel to UNII-5 except when the wireless LAN router 10 is started up, and in a communication state of channels UNII-6 to 8, it is possible to receive location information of the communication terminal 25 from the communication terminal 25 connected to the wireless LAN router 10, and obtain permission to use the communication channels UNII-6 to 8 from the AFC system 30 using the location information. As a result, even when it is difficult to acquire a GPS signal, it is possible to connect to a communication channel (UNII-6 to 8) that is available for communication while suppressing communication interruptions in the wireless LAN.

[0087] (About the control program) The control method of the wireless device described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared control program on a computer. The control program is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The control program may be provided in a form stored in a non-transient storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the control program may be included in the wireless device, or may be included in an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer that can communicate with the wireless device, or may be included in a server device that can communicate with the wireless device and the electronic device.

[0088] As described above, this specification discloses the following:

[0089] The disclosed wireless device is a wireless device that includes a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication over a first communication channel that can be used by transmitting location information to a server, and wireless communication over a second communication channel that is different from the first communication channel, and a control unit that, when location information of the wireless device cannot be obtained, starts wireless communication over the second communication channel in the wireless communication unit and controls the wireless communication unit to receive location information of the communication terminal from a communication terminal that is communicatively connected to the wireless device and transmit the location information of the communication terminal to the server.

[0090] The disclosed wireless device includes a location acquisition unit that acquires location information of the wireless device, and the control unit performs the control when the location acquisition unit is unable to acquire location information of the wireless device.

[0091] In the disclosed wireless device, the control unit, in the control, performs a process of re-acquiring location information of the wireless device after causing the wireless communication unit to start wireless communication on the second communication channel, and if the re-acquisition process cannot acquire the location information of the wireless device, receives location information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal and transmits it to the server.

[0092] The disclosed wireless device is configured such that, in the control, the control unit receives location information of a communication terminal selected from a plurality of communication terminals wirelessly connected to the wireless device based on radio wave strength between the plurality of communication terminals and the wireless device, and transmits the location information of the selected communication terminal to the server.

[0093] The disclosed wireless device is configured such that, in the control, the control unit receives location information of a selected communication terminal from a communication terminal selected from a plurality of communication terminals communicatively connected to the wireless device based on the distance between the plurality of communication terminals and the wireless device, and transmits the location information of the selected communication terminal to the server.

[0094] The disclosed wireless device is configured such that, during the control, the control unit transmits to the server location information selected from the location information of multiple communication terminals that are communicatively connected to the wireless device based on the acquisition time of the location information.

[0095] The disclosed wireless device is configured such that, during the control, the control unit transmits to the server location information calculated based on location information of a plurality of communication terminals that are communicatively connected to the wireless device and received from the plurality of communication terminals.

[0096] The disclosed wireless device is configured such that, during the control, the control unit transmits to the server location information calculated based on location information of a communication terminal received from a communication terminal that is communicatively connected to the wireless device and the location relationship between the communication terminal and the wireless device.

[0097] In the disclosed wireless device, the control unit, in its control, causes the wireless communication unit to start wireless communication on the second communication channel, and receives location information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal via wireless communication on the second communication channel and transmits the location information to the server.

[0098] The disclosed control method is a control method for a wireless device having a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication over a first communication channel that can be used by transmitting location information to a server, and wireless communication over a second communication channel different from the first communication channel, wherein when a processor of the wireless device cannot obtain location information of the wireless device, the processor controls the wireless communication unit to start wireless communication over the second communication channel, and receives location information of the communication terminal from a communication terminal that is communicatively connected to the wireless device and transmits it to the server.

[0099] The disclosed control program is a control program for a wireless device having a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication over a first communication channel that can be used by transmitting location information to a server, and wireless communication over a second communication channel different from the first communication channel, and causes a processor of the wireless device to execute processing to, when location information of the wireless device cannot be obtained, start wireless communication over the second communication channel with the wireless communication unit, and control receiving location information of the communication terminal from a communication terminal communicatively connected to the wireless device and transmitting it to the server. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Radio System 2 Network 3 GNSS satellites 10. Wireless LAN Router 11 Processors 12. Main memory 13 Auxiliary Memory 14 Wireless LAN communication I / F 15 WAN communication I / F 16 Wired LAN communication I / F 17 GNSS Unit 21, 24, 25 Communication terminals 30 AFC System

Claims

1. 1. A wireless device, comprising: a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication in a first communication channel that can be used by transmitting location information to a server, and wireless communication in a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; a control unit that, when the location information of the wireless device cannot be acquired, starts wireless communication on the second communication channel with the wireless communication unit and receives location information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal that is communicatively connected to the wireless device and transmits the location information to the server; A wireless device comprising:

2. 2. The wireless device of claim 1, a location acquisition unit that acquires location information of the wireless device; The control unit performs the control when the location acquisition unit cannot acquire location information of the wireless device. Radio equipment.

3. 3. A wireless device according to claim 2, In the control, the control unit performs a process of reacquiring location information of the wireless device after causing the wireless communication unit to start wireless communication on the second communication channel, and when the location information of the wireless device cannot be acquired by the reacquisition process, receives the location information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal and transmits the location information to the server. Radio equipment.

4. 2. The wireless device of claim 1, The control unit, in the control, receives location information of a communication terminal selected from a plurality of communication terminals wirelessly connected to the wireless device based on radio wave intensity between the plurality of communication terminals and the wireless device, and transmits the location information of the selected communication terminal to the server. Radio equipment.

5. 2. The wireless device of claim 1, The control unit, in the control, receives location information of a communication terminal selected from a plurality of communication terminals communicatively connected to the wireless device based on distances between the plurality of communication terminals and the wireless device, and transmits the location information to the server. Radio equipment.

6. 2. The wireless device of claim 1, The control unit transmits, to the server, location information selected from location information of a plurality of communication terminals communicatively connected to the wireless device based on an acquisition time of the location information. Radio equipment.

7. 2. The wireless device of claim 1, The control unit, in the control, transmits to the server location information calculated based on location information of a plurality of communication terminals that are communicatively connected to the wireless device and received from the plurality of communication terminals. Radio equipment.

8. 2. The wireless device of claim 1, The control unit transmits, to the server, location information calculated based on location information of the communication terminal received from the communication terminal communicatively connected to the wireless device and a location relationship between the communication terminal and the wireless device. Radio equipment.

9. A wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, In the control, the control unit causes the wireless communication unit to start wireless communication on the second communication channel, and receives location information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal through the wireless communication on the second communication channel and transmits the location information to the server. Radio equipment.

10. A method for controlling a wireless device including a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication on a first communication channel that can be used by transmitting location information to a server, and wireless communication on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel, comprising: a processor of the wireless device, When the location information of the wireless device cannot be acquired, control is performed to start wireless communication on the second communication channel, and to receive location information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal communicatively connected to the wireless device and to transmit the location information to the server. Control methods.

11. A control program for a wireless device having a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication on a first communication channel that can be used by transmitting location information to a server and wireless communication on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel, a processor of the wireless device, When the location information of the wireless device cannot be acquired, control is performed to start wireless communication on the second communication channel, and to receive location information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal communicatively connected to the wireless device and to transmit the location information to the server. A control program for executing processing.

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