Communication device, control method for communication device, and program

Abstract

To provide a communication device that improves usability when the communication device is used.SOLUTION: A communication device includes a communication control section and a memory area section. The communication control section performs control to associate slave unit information on slave units that communicate by a network connection with setting information on network connections to store the associated information in a data storage area of the memory area section, and based on the slave unit information and the setting information on the network connections whose amount which is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is stored in the data storage area, to store the slave unit information and the setting information on optimal network connections for the slave units in an automatic setting list in the memory area section, to automatically select the setting information on the optimal network connection from the automatic setting list in accordance with the slave unit information on a slave unit newly connected by the network connection, and to communicate with the newly connected slave unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The following documents can be cited regarding the automation and optimization of operational settings of communication devices:

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to a wireless LAN access point that, when a wireless terminal that satisfies a wireless communication OFF control condition is present, automatically realizes power saving by turning off wireless communication with the wireless terminal.

[0004] Patent Document 2 relates to a method for controlling a wireless LAN access point, which switches between a normal setting profile and an emergency setting profile of the wireless LAN access point.

[0005] Patent Document 3 relates to an access point management terminal device that monitors and manages the states of a plurality of access points in real time and automatically changes the settings of the access points depending on the state of the wireless environment.

[0006] Patent Document 4 relates to a wireless communication device in which an AI processing unit performs wireless communication at a bandwidth acquired according to the congestion level of a target space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-136846 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-034485 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2005-094164 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2022-165686 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The following analysis is given by the inventors.

[0009] With the spread of smartphones and IoT devices, the number of devices connected to the Internet is increasing, making the role of a parent device that can accommodate multiple child devices, such as a wireless LAN router, important. In such a situation, the optimal operation settings of the parent device often differ depending on the interface used, the compatibility between devices, and the environment in which the child devices are used. In addition, there are new environmental issues such as reducing power consumption. Conventionally, the operation settings of the parent device were not dependent on the child devices, but were unique to the parent device. However, in many cases, it is desirable to dynamically switch the operation settings of the parent device according to the child devices and the usage environment, thereby reducing the load on the entire system.

[0010] The operation of communication devices such as wireless LAN routers is basically based on one setting, and if you want to switch to another operation, you must manually change the setting value. For example, wireless LAN has a frequency band that can only be used indoors, but even if you move a communication device from outdoors to indoors, the wireless LAN frequency band will not automatically switch. Since wireless LAN also has settings that are related to laws and regulations, users must frequently switch settings when moving between indoors and outdoors, especially for devices that can be used both indoors and outdoors, such as mobile routers.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a control method for a communication device, and a program that contribute to realizing improved usability when using the communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication control unit and a storage area unit, The communication control unit storing, in a data storage area of ​​the storage area unit, child device information of a child device that communicates via a network connection and setting information of the network connection in association with each other; based on the child device information and the network connection setting information of which an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is stored in the data storage area, the child device information and the network connection setting information optimal for the child device are stored in an automatic setting list in the storage area section; automatically selecting the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list according to the child device information of a child device newly connected through the network connection; It is possible to provide a communication device that controls communication with the newly connected child device.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a computer of a communication device including a storage area unit, storing, in a data storage area of ​​the storage area unit, child device information of a child device that communicates via a network connection and setting information of the network connection in association with each other; based on the child device information and the network connection setting information of which an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is stored in the data storage area, the child device information and the network connection setting information optimal for the child device are stored in an automatic setting list in the storage area section; automatically selecting the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list according to the child device information of a child device newly connected through the network connection; and controlling the communication device to communicate with the newly connected child device. This method is associated with a specific machine, that is, a computer that executes the control method for the communication device.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer of a communication device including a storage area unit includes: a process of associating information about a slave unit that communicates via a network connection with setting information about the network connection and storing the information in a data storage area of ​​the storage area unit; a process of storing the child unit information and the network connection setting information optimal for the child unit in an automatic setting list in the storage area unit based on the child unit information and the network connection setting information stored in the data storage area in an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold; a process of automatically selecting the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list according to the child device information of a child device newly connected through the network connection; It is possible to provide a program for executing a process for controlling communication with the newly connected child device.

[0015] These programs can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, etc. The present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device, a control method for a communication device, and a program that contribute to realizing improved usability when using the communication device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data storage area in a storage area unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manual setting list in a storage area unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic setting list in a storage area unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority list in a storage area unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the communication device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the communication device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data storage area of ​​a communication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a computer that constitutes a communication control unit of the communication device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] First, an overview of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings attached to this overview are attached to each element for convenience as an example to aid in understanding, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated form. Furthermore, the connection lines between blocks in the drawings and the like referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. The unidirectional arrows are intended to diagrammatically indicate the flow of the main signal (data), and do not exclude bidirectionality.

[0019] The present invention can be applied to a communication device that can be connected to a plurality of networks. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a communication device 100 is shown that connects a child device 201 via a network connection 701 and communicates with the child device 201 via the network connection 701. The communication device 100 includes a communication control unit 10 and a memory area unit 30, and the memory area unit 30 includes a data storage area 40 and an automatic setting list 60. The communication device 100 can be connected to the Internet and has a network function. The communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention can automatically switch the operation settings of the communication device according to the situation in which the communication device is being used, and provide an optimal communication environment.

[0020] The communication control unit 10 associates information about the child device 201 that communicates through the network connection 701 with setting information about the network connection 701, and stores the information in the data storage area 40 of the storage area unit 30 in association with the information.

[0021] In addition, based on the handset information of handset 201 and the setting information of network connection 701 that is optimal for handset 201, the communication control unit 10 stores the handset information of handset 201 and the setting information of network connection 701 that is optimal for handset 201 in the automatic setting list 60 in the memory area unit 30, based on the handset information and the setting information of network connection 701 of handset 201 that are stored in the data storage area 40 in an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0022] The following describes the operation when the information about the child device 201 and the setting information about the optimal network connection 701 are temporarily stored in the automatic setting list 60, and then the child device 201 is newly connected to the communication device 100 via the network connection 701.

[0023] In this case, the communication control unit 10 automatically selects optimal setting information for the network connection 701 from the automatic setting list 60 according to the child device information of the child device 201 newly connected through the network connection 701. Then, the communication control unit 10 performs control so as to communicate with the newly connected child device 201 according to the setting information.

[0024] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, communication device 100 monitors the connection status between the communication device and the handset, and the trigger for the user to change the setting information (also called the setting value) of the handset, thereby predicting the situation in which the user will change the setting information and automatically switching to the most suitable setting information depending on the situation, thereby improving usability when using the communication device.

[0025] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device, a control method for a communication device, and a program that contribute to realizing improved usability when using the communication device.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, after the automatic setting list 60 is created, the operational settings of the communication device 100 are automatically switched to optimal values, so that the benefits of automatic optimization are significant, especially in cases where settings are frequently switched manually.

[0027] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the communications device 100 by changing the operation settings of the communications device 100 in accordance with the connected child device 201. By creating an operation setting table in accordance with a use case, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the communications device 100.

[0028] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described operation is possible without adding any special devices or interfaces to the communications device 100. The existing hardware can be left unchanged, and only software changes are required.

[0029] [First embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following first embodiment of the present invention, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 700 will be described as an example of a network connection, but the type of interface used for the network connection does not matter, and may be wireless such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wired such as Ethernet or USB. The communication device 100 is connectable to the Internet network and has a wireless local network function. Moreover, the slave devices are wireless slave devices 200, 300, and 400, and are connected to the communication device 100 via the wireless LAN 700.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 2, a communication device 100 is shown which connects a wireless slave device 200 via a wireless LAN 700 and performs wireless communication with the wireless slave device 200 via the wireless LAN 700. The communication device 100 includes a communication control unit 10, a wireless LAN control unit 20, and a memory area unit 30. The memory area unit 30 includes a data storage area 40, a manual setting list 50, an automatic setting list 60, and a priority list 70.

[0031] The communication control unit 10 controls the wireless LAN control unit 20 and the storage area unit 30, and communicates with the wireless slave unit 200 connected to the communication device 100 via the wireless LAN control unit 20. The communication control unit 10 also links the wireless slave unit information of the wireless slave unit 200 with the wireless setting information stored in the manual setting list 50, and stores the wireless setting information in the data storage area 40 in the storage area unit 30 when the manual setting list 50 is updated. Note that, although one wireless slave unit 200 is shown in FIG. 2, the number of wireless slave units 200 may be more than one.

[0032] When the wireless slave device 200 is connected to the communication device 100, the communication control unit 10 refers to the automatic setting list 60 in the memory area unit 30 and checks whether there is wireless setting information for a wireless LAN linked (associated) with the wireless slave device 200. If there is wireless setting information for a wireless LAN linked (associated) with the wireless slave device 200, the communication device 100 applies the wireless setting information for the wireless LAN according to the automatic setting list 60, or if there is no wireless setting information, applies the wireless setting information for the wireless LAN according to the manual setting list 50, and performs wireless communication with the wireless slave device 200.

[0033] When a certain amount or more (for example, an amount or more than a predetermined threshold) of wireless slave device information and wireless LAN wireless setting information is stored in the data storage area 40, the communication control unit 10 refers to the data storage area 40 and the priority list 70, selects the wireless LAN wireless setting information that is optimal for each wireless slave device 200, and stores the wireless slave device information and the wireless LAN wireless setting information that is optimal for each wireless slave device in the automatic setting list 60 together with the priority.

[0034] The wireless LAN control unit 20 performs wireless communication with the wireless slave unit 200 via the wireless LAN 700. When another wireless slave unit is connected or when the connection with the wireless slave unit is released, the wireless LAN control unit 20 notifies the communication control unit 10.

[0035] The storage area unit 30 exists in a memory included in the communication device 100, and includes a data storage area 40, a manual setting list 50, an automatic setting list 60, and a priority list 70 as items related to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Next, the data storage area 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data storage area in the storage area unit of the first embodiment of the present invention. The data storage area 40 stores wireless slave device information connected to the communication device 100 and wireless setting information of a wireless LAN linked to the wireless slave devices. In FIG. 3, as an example, the wireless slave devices are set to three types, wireless slave device 200, wireless slave device 300, and wireless slave device 400, and the wireless setting information is set to three types, frequency band, transmission output, and speed limit. In FIG. 3, the wireless slave device information is named as wireless slave device 200, but instead, unique information for each wireless slave device, such as a MAC address, may be used.

[0037] Next, the manual setting list 50, the automatic setting list 60, and the priority list 70 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a manual setting list in the storage area unit of the first embodiment of the present invention. The manual setting list 50 is a unique table that stores wireless setting information related to the wireless LAN function of the communication device 100, and the user can arbitrarily change the setting value (also called setting information). Referring to FIG. 4, as in FIG. 3, three types of setting values ​​are shown as an example. The environment in which the communication device 100 is used, for example, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the communication device 100 is used outdoors, the frequency band needs to be set to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz (outdoors), so the user manually updates the manual setting list 50 according to the usage environment. In synchronization with the update of the manual setting list 50, the communication control unit 10 saves the wireless slave device information and the manual setting list 50 at that time in the data storage area 40.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic setting list in the storage area unit of the first embodiment of the present invention. The automatic setting list 60 stores optimal wireless setting information of the wireless LAN for each wireless slave device, and is created by the communication control unit 10 based on the information stored in the data storage area 40 and the information set in the priority list 70. For example, in FIG. 5, the priority of the wireless setting information used by the wireless slave device 300 is set to the highest priority "priority 1" for the wireless setting information for three types of wireless slave devices, the wireless slave device 200, the wireless slave device 300, and the wireless slave device 400. As a result, when the communication device 100 and the wireless slave device 200 are connected, the wireless setting operates with "priority 2", but when the wireless slave device 300 is connected in that state, the wireless setting is switched to the wireless setting with "priority 1". That is, when multiple wireless slave devices are connected, the communication control unit 10 refers to the priority from the automatic setting list 60 and automatically selects the optimal wireless LAN 700 setting information for each wireless slave device.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a priority list in the storage area unit of the first embodiment of the present invention. The priority list 70 determines which setting is to be prioritized among the wireless setting information of a plurality of wireless LANs. As described above, the priority list 70 has a role of prioritizing when a plurality of pieces of wireless slave device information are stored in the automatic setting list 60. For example, in FIG. 6, the frequency band 5 GHz (indoor) is set to priority 1, but in the data storage area 40 shown in FIG. 3, it is known that 5 GHz (indoor) is used when the wireless slave device 300 is connected, so the wireless setting information of the wireless slave device 300 is also determined to be priority 1 in the automatic setting list 60. The priority list 70 can be set by the user. In addition, various adjustments such as setting with emphasis on power saving are possible.

[0041] Next, the details of the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an example of the operation of the communication device of the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows the process from when the communication device 100 is started up, when the wireless slave device 200 is connected, until the wireless setting of the communication device 100 is switched, and until the automatic setting list 60 is updated.

[0042] In step S001, the operation starts. In step S002, the communications device 100 starts up.

[0043] Next, in step S003, the communications device 100 performs wireless settings on the wireless LAN control unit 20 in accordance with the manual setting list 50. At this point, the communications device 100 has completed startup and is ready for wireless communication.

[0044] Next, in step S004, the wireless slave device 200 is connected to the communication device 100 via the wireless LAN 700. The wireless LAN control unit 20 notifies the communication control unit 10 of slave device information of the wireless slave device 200.

[0045] Next, in step S005, the communication control unit 10 refers to the automatic setting list 60 in the memory area unit 30 to check whether the wireless slave unit 200 is registered. If registered, the process proceeds to step S006, and if not, the process proceeds to step S007, assuming that the wireless slave unit 200 will operate with the wireless setting set in step S003.

[0046] In step S006, the communication control unit 10 refers to the wireless setting information of the wireless LAN linked (associated) with the wireless slave device 200 from the automatic setting list 60, and performs wireless setting on the wireless LAN control unit 20.

[0047] Next, in step S 007 , the communications device 100 operates based on the settings, and communicates with the wireless slave device 200 .

[0048] Next, in step S008, the user operates the communications device 100 to change the contents of the wireless settings (manual setting list 50) of the wireless LAN.

[0049] Next, in step S009, the communication control unit 10 associates (links) the wireless slave device information of the wireless slave device 200 with the wireless LAN wireless setting information changed by the user, and stores them in the data storage area 40 in the memory area unit 30.

[0050] Next, in step S010, it is confirmed whether the amount of information stored in the data storage area 40 is equal to or greater than a certain threshold. If it is equal to or greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S011, and if it is equal to or less than the threshold, the process proceeds directly to step S012 and the flow ends.

[0051] In step S011, the communications control unit 10 updates the automatic setting list 60 based on the information in the data storage area 40 and the priority list 70. In the case of the flow of Fig. 7 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the wireless LAN wireless setting information changed by the user in step S008 is stored in the automatic setting list 60 as information linked (associated) with the wireless slave device 200. Even if the wireless slave device 200 has already been registered in the automatic setting list 60, the list is updated.

[0052] Next, a description will be given of the operation when a plurality of wireless slave devices are connected to the communication device 100. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of another example of the operation of the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] 8 shows the process from when multiple wireless slave devices are connected to the communication device 100 until another wireless slave device is connected and the communication device 100 switches its operation settings. Note that in this flow, it is assumed that the wireless slave device information of each wireless slave device has already been registered in the automatic setting list 60.

[0054] The operation starts in step S101. Next, in step S102, the wireless slave device 200 is connected to the communication device 100 via the wireless LAN 700. The wireless LAN control unit 20 notifies the communication control unit 10 of wireless slave device information of the wireless slave device 200.

[0055] Next, in step S103, the communication control unit 10 refers to the automatic setting list 60 in the memory area unit 30, reads out wireless setting information of the wireless LAN 700 linked (associated) with the wireless slave device 200, and performs wireless setting on the wireless LAN control unit 20.

[0056] Next, in step S104, the wireless slave device 300 is connected to the communication device 100 via the wireless LAN 700. The wireless LAN control unit 20 notifies the communication control unit 10 of wireless slave device information of the wireless slave device 300.

[0057] Next, in step S105, the communication control unit 10 refers to the automatic setting list 60 to check which of the wireless slave device 200 and the wireless slave device 300 has a higher priority. If the wireless slave device 200 has a higher priority, the communication device 100 continues to operate with the wireless setting of the wireless LAN 700 set in step S103, and proceeds to step S107, where the process ends. If the wireless slave device 300 has a higher priority, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0058] In step S106, the communication control unit 10 refers to the automatic setting list 60 in the memory area unit 30, reads out wireless setting information of the wireless LAN 700 linked (associated) with the wireless slave device 300, and performs wireless setting on the wireless LAN control unit 20. Next, the process proceeds to step S107, where the process ends.

[0059] As described above, the communication device 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention is connectable to the Internet network and has a wireless local area network function, and can automatically switch the operation settings of the communication device 100 according to the situation in which the communication device 100 is being used, thereby providing an optimal communication environment.

[0060] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration including a communication device 100 having a function as a master device of a wireless LAN (local network) 700 and a wireless slave device connected to the communication device by the wireless LAN 700, the communication device 100 can monitor the type of the wireless slave device 200 connected by the wireless LAN 700 and the setting value of the wireless LAN 700 set in the communication device 100 at that time, and periodically store the data in a storage capacity section in the communication device. When the stored data reaches a certain number, the communication device 100 learns the correlation between the wireless slave device 200 and the setting value, and automatically switches to the optimal setting value according to the connected wireless slave device 200, thereby making it possible to omit the setting switching by the user operation. In addition, by periodically performing learning, it is also possible to handle the case where another wireless slave device 300, 400, etc. is newly connected. Note that the first embodiment of the present invention can operate in the same way even when an interface other than a wireless LAN is used.

[0061] Furthermore, as described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, even when a plurality of wireless slave units 200, 300, 400 are connected to the communication device 100, the communication device 100 monitors the connection status between the communication device 100 and the wireless slave units 200, 300, 400 and the opportunity for the user to change the setting values ​​of the wireless slave units 200, 300, 400, thereby predicting the situation in which the user will change the setting values ​​and automatically switching to the optimal setting values ​​depending on the situation, thereby improving usability when using the communication device.

[0062] Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device, a control method for a communication device, and a program that contribute to realizing improved usability when using the communication device.

[0063] In the first embodiment of the present invention, after the automatic setting list 60 is created, the operational settings of the communication device 100 are automatically switched to optimal values, so the benefits of automatic optimization are significant, especially in cases where settings are frequently switched manually.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to achieve power saving of the communication device 100 by changing the operation settings of the communication device 100 in accordance with the connected wireless slave device 200. It is possible to achieve power saving of the communication device 100 by creating an operation setting table in accordance with a use case.

[0065] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the above-described operation is possible without adding any special device or interface to the communications device 100. The existing hardware can be used without modification, and only software changes are required.

[0066] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a data storage area of ​​a communication device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, an example is shown in which a total operation time 45 is added and stored to the data stored in the data storage area shown in FIG. 3. The total operation time 45 indicates the time during which the communication device 100 is used by each wireless slave device in each wireless setting of each wireless LAN. As a result, even if the user does not set the priority list 70, the total operation time 45 can be used as a weighting factor for determining the priority of the automatic setting list 60, thereby making it possible to set the priority of the automatic setting list 60.

[0067] That is, the communication control unit 10 associates information about wireless slave devices that perform wireless communication via the wireless LAN 700 with the total operation time 45 in addition to the setting information of the wireless LAN, and stores the associated information in the data storage area 40 of the storage area unit 30. When multiple wireless slave devices are connected to the communication device 100, the communication control unit 10 can also automatically select optimal wireless setting information for the wireless LAN 700 from the automatic setting list 60 by referring to the total operation time 45 stored in the data storage area 40 as a weighting for determining the priority. Note that even if the priority list 70 is set by the user, the total operation time 45 may be used instead of the priority at any time.

[0068] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, even if the user does not set the priority list 70, when multiple wireless slave units are connected to the communication device, the communication device monitors the connection status between the communication device and the wireless slave units and the trigger for the user to change the setting values ​​of the wireless slave units, thereby predicting the situation in which the user will change the setting values ​​and automatically switching to the optimal setting values ​​depending on the situation, thereby improving usability when using the communication device.

[0069] Therefore, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device, a control method for a communication device, and a program that contribute to realizing improved usability when using the communication device.

[0070] Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and further modifications, substitutions, and adjustments can be made without departing from the basic technical idea of ​​the present invention. For example, the network configurations, element configurations, and message expression forms shown in the drawings are examples to help understand the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown in these drawings. In addition, "A and / or B" is used to mean at least either A or B.

[0071] Moreover, the procedures shown in the first and second embodiments can be realized by a program that causes a computer (9000 in FIG. 10) that functions as a communication device or a communication control unit of the present invention to realize the function of the communication device or the communication control unit. Such a computer is exemplified by a configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 9010, a communication interface 9020, a memory 9030, and an auxiliary storage device 9040 in FIG. 10. That is, the control program for the communication device or the communication control unit is executed by the CPU 9010 in FIG. 10, and an update process of each calculation parameter held in the auxiliary storage device 9040 or the like is performed.

[0072] The memory 9030 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like.

[0073] In other words, each part (processing means, function) of the communication device or communication control unit shown in the first and second embodiments described above can be realized by a computer program that causes the processor of the computer to execute each of the above-mentioned processes using its hardware.

[0074] Finally, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be summarized. [First form] (See communication devices under the first aspect above) [Second Form] In the communication device according to the first aspect, the storage area unit further includes a priority list indicating a priority of the setting information of the network connection, the communication control unit refers to the data storage area and the priority list, selects optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices, and stores the child device information and the optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices together with the priority in the automatic setting list; When multiple child units are connected, It is preferable that the communication control unit automatically selects the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list with reference to the priority. [Third Form] In the communication device according to the first aspect, the communication control unit storing the child device information communicating through a network connection, the setting information of the network connection, and an operation time in the data storage area of ​​the storage area unit in association with each other; When multiple child units are connected, It is preferable that the communications control unit automatically selects the optimal network connection setting information from the automatic setting list by referring to the operation time stored in the data storage area as a weighting for determining priority. [Fourth Form] In the communication device according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the priority list is set so that a high priority is given to setting information for a network connection that includes a predetermined frequency band. [Fifth Form] In the communication device according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the priority list is set so that a high priority is given to network connection setting information including a predetermined transmission output. [Sixth Form] In the communication device according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the priority list is set so that a high priority is given to network connection setting information that includes a predetermined speed limit. [7th form] (See the second aspect of the control method for communication devices above.) [8th form] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a communication device, comprising the steps of: the computer refers to the data storage area and the priority list, selects optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices, and stores the child device information and the optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices together with the priority in the automatic setting list; When multiple child units are connected, It is preferable that the computer automatically selects the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list with reference to the priority. [9th form] (See the third perspective program above) [10th form] The program according to the ninth aspect comprises: the storage area unit further includes a priority list indicating a priority of the setting information of the network connection; a process of causing the computer to refer to the data storage area and the priority list, select optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices, and store the child device information and the optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices together with the priority in the automatic setting list; When multiple child units are connected, It is preferable that the computer executes a process of automatically selecting the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list with reference to the priority. The seventh and ninth embodiments can be expanded into the third to sixth embodiments in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0075] The disclosures of the above patent documents are incorporated herein by reference. Within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the scope of claims), and further based on the basic technical idea, modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible. Furthermore, within the scope of the disclosure of the present invention, various combinations and selections of the various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and corrections that a person skilled in the art would be able to make according to the entire disclosure including the scope of claims and the technical idea. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or subrange included within the range should be construed as being specifically described even if not otherwise specified. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above cited documents, when necessary, in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, may be used in part or in whole in combination with the disclosures of this document as part of the disclosure of the present invention, and are deemed to be included in the disclosures of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10 Communication control section 20 Wireless LAN control unit 30 Storage area section 40 Data storage area 45 Total operation hours 50 Manual Settings List 60 Auto Configuration List 70 Priority List 100 Communication Equipment 200, 300, 400 wireless adapter 201 Child unit 700 Wireless LAN 701 Network Connection 9000 Computers 9010 CPU 9020 Communication Interface 9030 Memory 9040 Auxiliary storage device

Claims

1. A communication control unit and a storage area unit are included, The communication control unit storing, in a data storage area of ​​the storage area unit, child device information of a child device that communicates via a network connection and setting information of the network connection in association with each other; based on the child device information and the network connection setting information of which an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is stored in the data storage area, the child device information and the network connection setting information optimal for the child device are stored in an automatic setting list in the storage area section; automatically selecting the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list according to the child device information of a child device newly connected through the network connection; A communication device that controls communication with the newly connected child device.

2. the storage area unit further includes a priority list indicating a priority of the setting information of the network connection; the communication control unit refers to the data storage area and the priority list, selects optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices, and stores the child device information and the optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices together with the priority in the automatic setting list; When multiple child units are connected, The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication control unit automatically selects the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list with reference to the priority.

3. The communication control unit storing the child device information communicating through a network connection, the setting information of the network connection, and an operation time in the data storage area of ​​the storage area unit in association with each other; When multiple child units are connected, 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication control unit automatically selects the optimal network connection setting information from the automatic setting list by referring to the operation time stored in the data storage area as a weighting for determining a priority.

4. The communication device according to claim 2 , wherein the priority list is set so that a high priority is given to setting information of a network connection that includes a predetermined frequency band.

5. The communication device according to claim 2 , wherein the priority list is set so that a high priority is given to network connection setting information including a predetermined transmission output.

6. The communication device according to claim 2 , wherein the priority list is set so that a high priority is given to network connection setting information that includes a predetermined speed limit.

7. A computer of a communication device including a storage area unit, storing, in a data storage area of ​​the storage area unit, child device information of a child device that communicates via a network connection and setting information of the network connection in association with each other; based on the child device information and the network connection setting information of which an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is stored in the data storage area, the child device information and the network connection setting information optimal for the child device are stored in an automatic setting list in the storage area section; automatically selecting the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list according to the child device information of a child device newly connected through the network connection; and controlling the communication device so as to communicate with the newly connected child device.

8. the storage area unit further includes a priority list indicating a priority of the setting information of the network connection; the computer refers to the data storage area and the priority list, selects optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices, and stores the child device information and the optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices together with the priority in the automatic setting list; When multiple child units are connected, 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of: said computer automatically selecting said optimum network connection setting information from said automatic setting list with reference to said priority.

9. A computer of a communication device including a storage area unit, a process of associating information about a slave unit that communicates via a network connection with setting information about the network connection and storing the information in a data storage area of ​​the storage area unit; a process of storing the child unit information and the network connection setting information optimal for the child unit in an automatic setting list in the storage area unit based on the child unit information and the network connection setting information stored in the data storage area in an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold; a process of automatically selecting the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list according to the child device information of a child device newly connected through the network connection; A program that executes a process of controlling communication with the newly connected child device.

10. the storage area unit further includes a priority list indicating a priority of the setting information of the network connection; a process of causing the computer to refer to the data storage area and the priority list, select optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices, and store the child device information and the optimal network connection setting information for each of the child devices together with the priority in the automatic setting list; When multiple child units are connected, 10. The program according to claim 9, further comprising: causing the computer to execute a process of automatically selecting the optimum network connection setting information from the automatic setting list with reference to the priority.

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