Data communication program, data communication system, and data communication method

Abstract

To construct a network using a mobile phone device in hand when an existing communication infrastructure (Internet) does not function.SOLUTION: A mobile phone device (400) is provided with a distance determination device (460) that determines the distance to another party for data transmission and reception, and the mobile phone device selects the most appropriate method from a plurality of prepared wireless communication methods in advance, according to the distance, and communicates with the other party according to that method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a data communication program installed in a portable wireless communication device, a data communication system using a portable wireless communication device installed with the data communication program, and a data communication method executed in the data communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] In modern data communications, data communications using communications infrastructures such as the Internet provided by telecommunications carriers are the mainstream. For example, there are many systems that use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), which will be described later, by themselves. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE):https: / / www.musen-connect.co.jp / blog / course / trial-production / ble-beginner-1 / [Non-patent document 2] Wi-Fi Direct:https: / / faq.brother.co.jp / app / answers / detail / a_id / 12496 / ~ / wi-fi-direct%E3%81%A8%E3%81%AF%E4%BD%95%E3%81%A7%E3%81%99%E3%81%8B%EF%BC%9F Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, or in emergencies such as fighting with other countries, communication infrastructure may be damaged, making data communication impossible. However, the current situation is that there are almost no means of communication in place in such emergencies. The present invention has been made in consideration of the current situation, and aims to provide a data communication program, a data communication system, and a data communication method that enable a communication network to be constructed in a short time without relying on existing communication infrastructure, even in the event that the existing communication infrastructure is destroyed and becomes non-functional during an emergency such as a natural disaster. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a data communication program to be loaded into a portable wireless communication device (400), the portable wireless communication device (400) comprising: a data transmitting / receiving device (410) for transmitting and receiving data in accordance with a wireless communication method selected from first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) wireless communication methods depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400) and a data transmitting / receiving party; a distance determining device (460) for determining the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400) and a data transmitting / receiving party; and first to Nth programs for executing the data communication program and the first to Nth wireless communication methods. and a storage device (422) for storing therein the above-mentioned program for data communication, wherein when the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400) and the other party determined by the distance determination device (460) is greater than the maximum communicable distance of the Mth (M is an integer of 1 or more and (N-1) or less) wireless communication method among the first to Nth wireless communication methods and is shorter than the maximum communicable distance of the (M+1)th wireless communication method, the program for data communication selects the (M+1)th wireless communication method and transmits and receives data to and from the other party via the data transmission / reception device (410) by the (M+1)th wireless communication method.

[0006] The first to Nth wireless communication methods preferably include at least one of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), WDS (Wireless Distribution System), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band). Preferably, the data includes the current location of the portable wireless communication device (400). It is preferable that the data communication program scans the surroundings of the portable wireless communication device (400) and performs a detection action to detect other portable wireless communication devices (400A) present within the scan range (S210), performs a communication path calculation action to calculate an optimal communication path (300) to the other portable wireless communication device (400A) (S230), and performs a communication path establishment action to establish a communication path (300) with the other portable wireless communication device (400A) (S240), and constructs a mesh network (400X) by successively performing the detection action, the communication path calculation action, and the communication path establishment action between the portable wireless communication device (400) and the other portable wireless communication device (400A).

[0007] It is preferable that the data communication program performs an update operation (S290) of the communication path after the mesh network (400X) is constructed, thereby optimizing the communication route. It is preferable that the data communication program judges the urgency of communication, and when it is judged that the urgency is high, executes the communication with priority. The present invention further provides a mobile phone device (400) comprising: a data transmitting / receiving device (410) that transmits and receives data according to a wireless communication method selected from first to Nth wireless communication methods (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400) and the other party of data transmission and reception; a distance determination device (460) that determines the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400) and the other party of data transmission and reception; and a storage device (422) that stores first to Nth programs for executing the first to Nth wireless communication methods, wherein the storage device (422) further stores the data communication program.

[0008] The present invention further provides a data communication system for transmitting and receiving data between portable wireless communication devices, between access points, and between a portable wireless communication device and an access point, wherein the portable wireless communication device (400A) comprises a data transmitting / receiving device (410) for transmitting and receiving data in accordance with a wireless communication method selected from first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) wireless communication methods depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and a portable wireless communication device (400B) of the other party of the data transmission / reception; a distance determination device (460) that determines the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B), and a storage device (422) that stores first to N-th programs for executing the first to N-th wireless communication methods, and the data communication system is configured to determine whether the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) determined by the distance determination device (460) is equal to or greater than the M-th (M is an integer of 1 or more and (N-1) or less) wireless communication method among the first to N-th wireless communication methods. If the distance is greater than the maximum communicable distance and less than the maximum communicable distance of the (M+1)th wireless communication method, the (M+1)th wireless communication method is selected, data is transmitted and received with the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) via the data transmitting / receiving device (410) by the (M+1)th wireless communication method, and when the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) determined by the distance determining device (460) exceeds the maximum communicable distance of the first to Nth wireless communication methods, When the mobile wireless communication device (400A) and the other mobile wireless communication device (400B) are located within the same access point (500), if the distance between the mobile wireless communication device (400A) and the access point (500) determined by the distance determination device (460) is greater than the maximum communicable distance of the Mth (M is an integer of 1 or more and (N-1) or less) wireless communication method among the first to Nth wireless communication methods and is shorter than the maximum communicable distance of the (M+1)th wireless communication method,A data communication system is provided in which a first communication is performed to transmit and receive data between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the access point (500) via the data transmission / reception device (410) by the (M+1)th wireless communication method, and data is transmitted and received between the access point (500) and the other portable wireless communication device (400B) in the same manner as the first communication, and when the portable wireless communication device (400A) is located within a first access point (500A) and the other portable wireless communication device (400B) is located within a second access point (500B), data is transmitted and received between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the first access point (500A) in the same manner as the first communication, and data is transmitted and received between the first access point (500A) and the second access point (500B), and data is transmitted and received between the other portable wireless communication device (400B) and the second access point (500B) in the same manner as the first communication.

[0009] The present invention further provides a data communication method for transmitting and receiving data between portable wireless communication devices, between access points, and between a portable wireless communication device and an access point, wherein, when the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and a counterpart portable wireless communication device (400B) is greater than the maximum communicable distance of an Mth (M is an integer of 1 or more and (N-1) or less) wireless communication method among first to Nth wireless communication methods and is shorter than the maximum communicable distance of the (M+1)th wireless communication method, the (M+1)th wireless communication method is selected, and the previous When data is transmitted and received with the other portable wireless communication device (400B) via the data transmitting / receiving device (410) by the (M+1)th wireless communication method, and the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the other portable wireless communication device (400B) exceeds the maximum communicable distance in the first to Nth wireless communication methods, and when the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device (400B) are within the same access point (500), When the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the access point (500) is greater than the maximum communicable distance of the Mth (M is an integer of 1 or more and (N-1) or less) wireless communication method among the first to Nth wireless communication methods and is shorter than the maximum communicable distance of the (M+1)th wireless communication method, a first communication is executed to transmit and receive data between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the access point (500) by the (M+1)th wireless communication method, and a second communication is executed between the access point (500) and the other portable wireless communication device (400A) in the same manner as the first communication. When the portable wireless communication device (400A) is located within a first access point (500A) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) is located within a second access point (500B), data is transmitted and received between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the first access point (500A) in the same manner as the first communication, and data is transmitted and received between the first access point (500A) and the second access point (500B), and in the same manner as the first communication,A data communication method is provided for transmitting and receiving data between the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) and the second access point (500B). The reference numerals in parentheses are used to indicate correspondence with the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the data communication program, the data communication system, and the data communication method of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Even if the existing communication infrastructure (Internet) is damaged and becomes dysfunctional during a disaster, it is possible to build an autonomous communication network that is independent of the communication infrastructure, eliminating the communication outages that frequently occur during disasters. This allows for rapid information sharing and exchange among victims, and ensures effective communication between rescue teams and victims. (2) No special equipment is required; a new network can be instantly established using only the mobile phones and other portable wireless communication devices possessed by the victims, making it possible to respond to unexpected earthquakes and other natural disasters. (3) It is possible to obtain one's own location information without relying on GPS. For example, in the event of an emergency, GPS satellites would be the first to be destroyed, so it is extremely useful to be able to obtain one's own location information without relying on GPS. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a mobile phone device equipped with a data communication program according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first communication state between two mobile phone devices. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second communication state between two mobile phone devices. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a third communication state between two mobile phone devices. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of an example method for establishing a mesh network. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the process of building a mesh network. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a collaboration between a mesh network and the Internet according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a data communication program installed in a portable wireless communication device. A typical example of a portable wireless communication device is a mobile phone device. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a mobile phone device 400 that is equipped with a data communication program according to this embodiment. The portable telephone device 400 includes, for example, a communication unit 410, a control unit 420, an external memory 430, an input / output unit 440, an antenna 450, a distance determination device 460 that determines the distance between the portable telephone device 400 and the other party sending and receiving data, and a battery (not shown) that supplies power to each of these parts. The communication unit 410 is connected to an antenna 450, and transmits and receives data via the antenna 450 to and from other mobile phone devices and other wireless communication devices by wireless communication. The communication unit 410 includes a wireless receiving unit 411 , a wireless transmitting unit 412 , and a changeover switch 413 .

[0013] Wireless receiving unit 411 demodulates data received from other mobile phone devices or other wireless communication devices and sends the data to control unit 420. Wireless transmitting unit 412 modulates data output from control unit 420 and transmits the data to other mobile phone devices or other wireless communication devices via antenna 450. Changeover switch 413 receives a signal from control unit 420 and switches between transmission and reception in response to the signal. The control unit 420 is composed of a central processing unit (CPU) 421, a first memory 422 consisting of ROM, a second memory 423 consisting of RAM, an input interface 424 for transferring various commands and data input to the control unit 420 to the central processing unit 421, an output interface 425 for outputting the processing results executed by the central processing unit 421 to the outside, and a bus 426 connecting the central processing unit 421 to each of the first memory 422, the second memory 423, the input interface 424 and the output interface 425.

[0014] The first memory 422 stores various control programs executed by the central processing unit 421 and other non-rewritable data. The second memory 423 stores various data and parameters and provides an operating area for the central processing unit 421, i.e., stores data temporarily required for the central processing unit 421 to execute various control programs. The central processing unit 421 reads a program from the first memory 422 and executes the program. That is, the central processing unit 421 operates in accordance with the program stored in the first memory 422. In this embodiment, the first memory 422 stores a data communication program according to this embodiment, and the central processing unit 421 executes a method described below in accordance with this data communication program. The input / output unit 440 is composed of an operation unit 441 , a display 442 , and a speaker 443 .

[0015] The operation unit 441 is made up of, for example, a numeric keypad, and various data is input to the mobile phone device 400 via the operation unit 441 . The display 442 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays the results of calculations performed by the control unit 420 and other data on the screen. The audio data transmitted from the other mobile phone device is output through the speaker 443 . The external memory 430 is a memory for the control unit 420 , and the results of calculations performed by the control unit 420 and other data are stored in the external memory 430 . Distance determination device 460 determines the distance between mobile phone device 400 and the other party with which data is transmitted and received, for example, as follows.

[0016] Distance determination device 460 measures the distance between mobile phone device 400 and other mobile phone devices in the vicinity thereof using, for example, Bluetooth technology. Specifically, Bluetooth measures the strength of signals returned from other nearby mobile phone devices, and estimates the relative distance between the mobile phone device 400 and the other mobile phone devices using a signal strength indicator such as RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). The central processing unit 421 selects one wireless communication method from among N wireless communication methods, numbered from first to Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2), depending on the distance between the mobile phone device 400 and the other mobile phone device, and transmits and receives data according to the selected wireless communication method. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone device 400. The operation of the mobile phone device 400 will be explained below with reference to FIGS. The central processing unit 421 reads out the data communication program according to this embodiment stored in the first memory 422, and starts the data communication program (step S110).

[0017] For example, there are two wireless communication methods, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and the communication distance, amount of data that can be transmitted, and power consumption differ depending on the standard. Table 1 shows the specifications for each of the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards. (Table 1) JPEG2025129717000002.jpg66165

[0018] The first memory 422 stores first to Nth programs for causing the mobile phone device 400 to execute N wireless communication methods, first to Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2), selected from these wireless communication methods and various other wireless communication methods in order of shortest communication distance. Table 2 shows the maximum communication distances in the first to Nth wireless communication methods. (Table 2) JPEG2025129717000003.jpg58106 In Table 2, the maximum communication distance increases from D1 to DN, with D1 being the smallest and DN being the largest. <D2<D3<··<DNである。

[0019] The central processing unit 421 reads the distance between the mobile phone unit 400 and the other party's mobile phone unit, which is calculated by the distance determination unit 460 and stored in the first memory 422 (step S120). Next, the central processing unit 421 determines whether the read distance is equal to or less than the communication distance D1 of the first wireless communication method, which is the shortest communication distance (step S130). If the read distance is equal to or shorter than the communicable distance D1 (YES in step S130), the central processing unit 421 reads the first program from the first memory 422 and executes the first program. This causes the first wireless communication method to be executed (step S140), and the mobile phone device 400 becomes ready to communicate with the other mobile phone device (step S170). If the read distance exceeds the communicable distance D1 (NO in step S130), it is determined whether the read distance is equal to or less than the communicable distance D2 of the second wireless communication method, which is the next shortest after the communicable distance D1 (step S150).

[0020] If the read distance is equal to or shorter than the communicable distance D2 (YES in step S150), the central processing unit 421 reads the second program from the first memory 422 and executes the second program, thereby executing the second wireless communication method (step S160), and the mobile phone device 400 becomes ready to communicate with the other mobile phone device (step S170). If the read distance exceeds the communicable distance D2 (NO in step S150), it is determined whether the read distance is equal to or less than the communicable distance D3 of the third wireless communication method, which is the next shortest after the communicable distance D2 (step S150). In this way, the read distance is repeatedly compared with the communication distance DM (M=2, 3,..., N) of the Mth wireless communication method (step S150), a wireless communication method having a communication distance longer than the read distance is found, and that wireless communication method is executed (step S160), thereby enabling communication between the mobile phone device 400 and the other mobile phone device (step S170).

[0021] As described above, according to the data communication program of this embodiment, when the Internet or other existing communication infrastructure is not functioning, it is possible to establish a communication network with the other party's mobile phone device independently of the existing communication infrastructure. Furthermore, the construction of a communication network with the other mobile phone device is performed automatically depending on the distance to the other mobile phone device, so the owner of the mobile phone device can communicate with the other mobile phone device (P2P communication) without having to perform complex settings. According to the data communication program of this embodiment, communication is possible when existing communication infrastructure is damaged due to natural disasters or other causes, which is of great help in emergency actions such as checking the safety of people and contacting rescue teams. In this embodiment, distance determination device 460 is configured to measure the distance between mobile phone device 400 and other mobile phone devices in the vicinity using Bluetooth technology, but distance determination device 460 can also be configured to measure the distance to other mobile phone devices using other methods.

[0022] Because the signal strength of the reply signal from another mobile phone device is likely to fluctuate depending on the environment at the time, it can be difficult to improve the accuracy of the distance between the other mobile phone device (or the location of the other mobile phone device). To improve the accuracy of distance measurement or position measurement, it is also possible to use, for example, a technology called UWB (Ultra-Wide Band). UWB uses extremely short pulses to measure the distance between devices with high accuracy. Unlike conventional wireless communications, which emit signals continuously, UWB uses short pulses, making it possible to measure the distance between a mobile phone device and another device at a specific moment. Specifically, in UWB, a short pulse signal transmitted from the other mobile phone device is captured, and the distance to the other mobile phone device is calculated based on the time of arrival (ToA) and time of flight (ToF).

[0023] Other methods may be used to measure distance using distance determining device 460 . For example, it is possible to use signals from GPS satellites to determine the location of the other party's mobile phone and calculate the distance between the other party's mobile phone and the other party's mobile phone based on that location. GPS is very effective for determining location, especially outdoors. Alternatively, the location of the other mobile phone device can be determined using the location information of nearby Wi-Fi networks. Because GPS signals are weaker indoors, using Wi-Fi can improve the accuracy of indoor location determination. It is also possible to use beacon technology using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to accurately locate the location of the other party's mobile phone device over a short distance. These technologies can be used individually or in combination to improve the accuracy of location and distance measurement in various environments. For example, in environments where Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is available, using these in combination with GPS can improve the accuracy of location and distance measurement both indoors and outdoors.

[0024] (Second embodiment) The data communication program of the first embodiment enables wireless communication (P2P communication) between mobile phone devices, but if the other mobile phone device is far away, it may not be possible to cover all the wireless communication methods available on one's own mobile phone device. The data communication program according to the second embodiment is designed to deal with such a situation. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a first communication state between two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B. When the distance L1 between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B is equal to or less than the maximum communicable distance (DN in the first embodiment) among the multiple wireless communication methods installed in each of the mobile phone devices 400A and 400B, communication (P2P communication) can be performed between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B in the same manner as in the first embodiment. As the wireless communication method for this P2P communication, for example, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) can be used.

[0025] There are two types of Bluetooth standards: the traditional method is called Bluetooth Classic, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a communication method designed specifically for power saving. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a second communication state between two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B. In the situation shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the two mobile phone devices 400A, 400B is L2, and the two mobile phone devices 400A, 400B are within the communication range of the same access point 500. Furthermore, the distance L2 exceeds the maximum communication distance (DN in the first embodiment) of the multiple wireless communication methods installed in the mobile phone devices 400A, 400B. Therefore, communication according to the first embodiment cannot be performed between the two mobile phone devices 400A, 400B, but communication according to the first embodiment is possible between each of the two mobile phone devices 400A, 400B and the access point 500.

[0026] The mobile phone device 400A performs communication with the access point 500 according to the first embodiment. For example, the communication is performed using Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). The mobile phone device 400B also performs communication with the access point 500 according to the first embodiment. For example, the communication is performed using Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). Wi-Fi Direct is a communication method that enables communication between two devices without using a wireless LAN router. In this way, by using access point 500 as a relay station, it is possible to establish a communication network between two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B even if the distance L2 between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B is such that communication according to the first embodiment is not possible. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a third communication state between two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B.

[0027] As in the case of Fig. 4, the distance between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B is assumed to be L2. Also, unlike the case of Fig. 4, one mobile phone device 400A is assumed to be within the communication range of a first access point 500A, and the other mobile phone device 400B is assumed to be within the communication range of a second access point 500B. Communication according to the first embodiment cannot be performed between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B, but communication according to the first embodiment is possible between the mobile phone device 400A and the first access point 500A and between the mobile phone device 400B and the second access point 500B. The mobile phone device 400A performs communication (for example, Wi-Fi Direct) according to the first embodiment with the first access point 500A. Similarly, the mobile phone device 400B performs communication (for example, Wi-Fi Direct) according to the first embodiment with the second access point 500B.

[0028] Communication between the first access point 500A and the second access point 500B is performed in accordance with a long-distance wireless communication system (for example, WDS (Wireless Distribution System)). WDS (Wireless Distribution System) is a communication method that enables wireless communication by wirelessly connecting wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) access points (APs) to each other. In this way, even if the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B are far apart and are not within the range of the same access point, communication between the mobile phone devices 400A and 400B is possible via the two access points 500A and 500B. According to the data communication program of this embodiment, an appropriate wireless communication method is selected depending on the distance between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B and their locations, such as whether they are within the same access point range, making it possible to build a communication network that is not dependent on existing communication infrastructure.

[0029] In the first and second embodiments, a start-up switch for turning the data communication program on and off can be provided on mobile phone 400. After installing the data communication program in mobile phone 400, by turning the start-up switch on, the data communication program will automatically start running, and communication with the other mobile phone will be established without any operation by the user of mobile phone 400. Since the functions of the data communication program in the first and second embodiments are assumed to be implemented in the mobile phone device 400, data transmission and reception is limited to data on the mobile phone device 400, but when the functions of the data communication program are incorporated into the OS (Operating System) of the mobile phone device 400, all data present on the OS will be subject to transmission and reception.

[0030] In communications according to the first and second embodiments, in order to increase the security level, it is possible to limit the mobile phone devices of the other party in advance. For example, it is possible to allow communications only with accounts of people with whom you have a friendship or accounts of a group you belong to (such as your workplace). The mobile phone device 400 equipped with the data communication program according to the first and second embodiments can be used in various situations as follows. In the event of a disaster, it will be possible to contact people in the vicinity without needing to connect to the existing communication infrastructure (Internet), enabling information sharing and other mutual cooperation. In particular, it will enable contact with nearby rescue teams, providing a valuable lifeline in an emergency. Furthermore, the mobile phone device 400 can be simultaneously connected to a plurality of mobile phone devices, enabling rapid and wide-area communication in the event of a disaster.

[0031] For example, during outdoor activities such as mountain climbing or camping, one may enter an area where radio waves cannot reach a mobile phone device using the existing communication infrastructure (Internet). Even in such cases, it is possible to communicate with people around who are within the communication range according to the first or second embodiment, share information to prevent distress, and request rescue. In areas where existing communications infrastructure is not established, such as large construction sites or farms, where workers work far apart from each other, it is possible to build an independent communications network. In addition, it can also be applied to communications between automobiles and other ground vehicles, between drones and other flying objects, and between industrial robots.

[0032] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, two-way communication between two mobile phone devices is illustrated, but it is possible to continuously extend the communication direction radially from one mobile phone device. For example, by continuously linking multiple mobile phone devices, a meshed network (mesh network) can be constructed, and one piece of information can be continuously and repeatedly transmitted from one mobile phone device to one or more subsequent mobile phone devices, thereby distributing the information to a large number of mobile phone devices. Generally, existing mesh networks rely on a fixed network topology, which limits the communication capabilities between communication devices, especially in high-density environments, resulting in reduced network reliability and communication speed. Therefore, this embodiment provides a mesh network that employs a dynamic network topology to optimize network reliability and communication speed and enable efficient data sharing. Each mobile phone device and other portable wireless communication device automatically selects a data transmission route and updates the data transmission route as necessary. This makes it possible to build optimal communication routes in real time in response to the movement of each portable wireless communication device and changes in the network environment.

[0033] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a method for constructing a mesh network, and Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the process of constructing a mesh network. Hereinafter, an example of a method for constructing a mesh network will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 7(A), it is assumed that a plurality of mobile phone devices 401 exist in the vicinity of a mobile phone device 400. The mobile phone device 400 automatically detects the presence of other mobile phone devices 400A in the vicinity thereof as follows. For example, the mobile phone device 400 periodically scans its surroundings (step S210) and detects any new mobile phone devices 401 that have entered the scan range. Furthermore, the mobile phone device 400 measures the connection strength between itself and the newly detected mobile phone device 401 (step S220). The mobile phone device 400 also acquires relative position information of the newly detected mobile phone device 401 using, for example, a UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) communication system. Next, the mobile phone device 400 calculates the optimal communication path for the mobile phone device 401 based on the connection strength and the amount of data transmitted and received (step S230).

[0034] Specifically, mobile phone device 400 analyzes the connection quality (strength, stability) and current data transfer needs in control unit 420, and dynamically selects the most efficient data transfer path based on these conditions. That is, one or more mobile phone devices 400A that can transmit data most efficiently are selected from multiple mobile phone devices 401 present in the vicinity, and a communication path (P2P connection) 300 is formed between mobile phone device 400A and mobile phone device 400A according to the first or second embodiment (step S240). As shown in FIG. 7(B), each of the mobile phone devices 400A (only one mobile phone device 400A is shown in FIG. 7(B)) that has established a communication path with the mobile phone device 400 similarly performs the above steps S210-S230, and establishes a communication path 301 with one or more mobile phone devices 400B (step S240).

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7(C), each mobile phone device 400B similarly establishes a communication path 302 with one or more mobile phone devices 400C. Each new mobile phone device with which a communication path has been established in this way successively establishes a new communication path with the next mobile phone device, thereby constructing a mesh network 400X originating from mobile phone device 400. Through mesh network 400X constructed in this way, mobile phone device 400 can establish a communication path with one or more mobile phone devices 410 in remote locations. Each of the mobile phone devices 400, 400A, 400B, 400C, etc. determines whether the communication to be performed is urgent or not (step S250). For example, a rescue request or medical information is determined to be a highly urgent communication (YES in step S250), and a priority is assigned to the data packet of that communication (step S260).

[0036] The owner of the mobile phone device 400 determines whether the urgency is high or low. For example, the mobile phone device 400 is provided with a button indicating an emergency, and the owner can designate an emergency communication by pressing this button. Alternatively, the same designation can be made by clicking an urgency display icon displayed on the user interface. Alternatively, if a person with official authority such as a firefighter, paramedic, police officer, or member of the Self-Defense Forces determines that an emergency exists, it is possible to set up the system so that all communications by such a person are emergency communications. A communication that is not highly urgent (NO in step S250) is assigned a normal priority, which is lower than the priority level (step S270). Next, routing is performed in each mobile phone device, taking into account limited resources such as battery life and bandwidth (step S280).

[0037] In particular, to minimize the impact of mobile phone devices that become inactive at night, the frequency with which mobile phone devices 400, 400A, 400B, 400C, etc. with low remaining battery power are used as relay points is minimized. Even after routing (step S280) is performed, the network conditions change depending on the movement status of each mobile phone device and the surrounding environment (weather, etc.). Therefore, each mobile phone device reevaluates the available connection options and updates the communication path to optimize the communication route (step S290). If the optimal communication route is changed due to the communication path update process, the entire communication path is reconstructed according to the new communication route. This communication path update process keeps the network in an optimal state at all times, ensuring highly reliable communication. Furthermore, due to fluctuations in network density and the mobility of each mobile phone device, failures may occur in already established communication paths. For this reason, multiple alternative routes are prepared in advance for important communication paths (step S300), and if a failure occurs in a communication path in use, the path is switched to an alternative route, thereby reducing the risk of a single point of failure.

[0038] In the mesh network described above, even if a particular mobile phone device becomes unable to communicate for a reason specific to that mobile phone device, the other mobile phone devices will recalculate (reconstruct) the optimal communication path excluding the mobile phone device that is unable to communicate, so communication within the mesh network will be maintained even if some mobile phone devices within the mesh network become unable to communicate. A single mobile phone device can belong to multiple, mutually independent mesh networks. Therefore, by belonging to multiple mesh networks, it can be useful, for example, in medical support activities in remote areas, for sharing information in real time among medical teams and coordinating rescue operations. The mesh network described above is a system that functions independently, but it can also cooperate with other systems.

[0039] For example, the communication network (Internet) in a disaster area may be completely offline, or it may be partially offline, meaning that some areas of the disaster area may still be able to connect to the Internet. In such cases, combining the mesh network with Internet connectivity will enable communication over a wider area and the sharing of information among a larger number of disaster victims. As shown in Figure 7(C), in a mesh network, each mobile phone device 400, 400A, 400B, 400C, etc. is connected to one or more mobile phone devices, and data is transmitted from the originating mobile phone device 400 via the mobile phone devices 400A, 400B, 400C, etc. to a remote mobile phone device 410. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the cooperation between the mesh network according to this embodiment and the Internet.

[0040] In some areas, it is possible to connect to the Internet, and therefore mobile phone device 400D, one of the mobile phone devices that make up mesh network 400X, can connect to Internet 550. In addition, other mobile phone device 400E that is not part of mesh network 400X can also connect to Internet 550. In this way, if connection to the Internet is locally possible, the mobile phone device 400D, and therefore the mesh network 400X and the mobile phone device 400E, can be connected to each other via the Internet 550. For example, if mobile phone device 400D (mesh network 400X) is located in a geographically isolated disaster area and mobile phone device 400E is located in a non-disaster area such as an urban area away from the disaster area, it may be impossible to extend mesh network 400X to mobile phone device 400E, but by extending mesh network 400X to a location where it can connect to the Internet (the location of mobile phone device 400D) and using locally operating Internet 550, it is possible to enable communication between the disaster area and non-disaster area, allowing disaster information to be transmitted and rescue requests to be made quickly.

[0041] In this embodiment, the urgency of communication is determined by whether the owner of mobile phone device 400 himself / herself or whether the owner of mobile phone device 400 is an authorized person, but it is also possible to equip mobile phone device 400 with an emergency mode function that automatically determines whether or not a communication is an emergency, as described below. (1) For example, the current location of the mobile phone device 400 is determined via the distance determination device 460 using UWB or other means. If the current location is within an area subject to a disaster warning that has been issued at that time, all communications from the mobile phone device 400 are automatically set as emergency communications. In this way, public information can be utilized to set the mobile phone device 400 to emergency mode in real time.

[0042] (2) For example, the mobile phone device 400 may be equipped with devices such as an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope for detecting the physical movement of the mobile phone device 400. These devices may detect vibrations caused by an earthquake or other natural disaster, and if the vibrations exceed a predetermined threshold, the emergency mode may be automatically activated. (3) The voice data acquired through the microphone of the mobile phone device 400 is analyzed, and if the voice is a sound typical of an emergency, such as an alarm siren, the sound of a building collapsing, or the screams of many people, the emergency mode can be automatically activated. (4) When emergency information is received in real time via the Internet or API, emergency mode can be automatically enabled. These means may be used alone or in combination. The program for setting the mobile phone device 400 to emergency mode is stored in the first memory 422, for example, as part of the data communication program of the first embodiment, and when the data communication program is started, the emergency mode setting program is also kept running.

[0043] (Fourth embodiment) In the second and third embodiments described above, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), and WDS (Wireless Distribution System) are given as examples of wireless communication methods, but in addition to these, a wireless communication method using the aforementioned UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) can also be selected. UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) stands for ultra-wideband, and UWB wireless communication refers to a wireless communication method that uses ultra-wideband frequency bandwidth. A feature of UWB wireless communication is that it enables highly accurate positioning and distance measurement. For example, it is used in smartphones (such as those installed in iPhone (registered trademark) 11 and later models) and smart keys for luxury cars to prevent loss and theft. In this embodiment, the first memory 422 of the mobile phone device 400 stores a program for executing UWB wireless communication, and the mobile phone device 400 is also equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0044] Combining GPS and UWB makes it possible to share highly accurate location information in real time. This is particularly useful in times of disaster, when rescue teams can quickly locate victims, and it also makes it possible to share location information in everyday life. When data is transmitted from the mobile phone device 400 storing a program for executing UWB wireless communication to another mobile phone device, the location information of the mobile phone device 400 is transmitted simultaneously with the data. UWB can measure the exact distance between two mobile phone devices and the direction of the other mobile phone device, enabling precise location measurement to within a few centimeters. Because UWB has little interference with other wireless signals, it can provide highly accurate location information even indoors or in environments where GPS signals are weak. By using UWB, which has these characteristics, it is possible to establish two-way communication between rescue teams and evacuees during disasters, enabling accurate distribution of evacuation instructions, immediate reception of SOS signals from evacuees, and real-time sharing of important location information. For example, if a person is lost in a mountainous area where mobile phone signals cannot reach, UWB's positioning accuracy is higher than that of GPS, so if both the victim and the searchers can use UWB functions, the time required for rescue can be shortened. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 400, 400A, 400B, 400C, 400D, 400E mobile phone devices 460 Distance determination device 400X Mesh Network 300, 301, 302 communication paths 500, 500A, 500B Access Points 550 Internet

Claims

1. A data communication program installed in a portable wireless communication device, The portable wireless communication device is a data transmitting / receiving device that transmits and receives data in accordance with a wireless communication method selected from first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) wireless communication methods depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device and a data transmitting / receiving party; a distance determination device for determining the distance between the portable wireless communication device and a data transmission / reception partner; a storage device that stores the data communication program and first to Nth programs that execute the first to Nth wireless communication methods; It is equipped with The data communication program A data communication program that, when the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other party determined by the distance determination device is greater than the maximum communication distance of the Mth (M is an integer greater than 1 and less than (N-1)) wireless communication method among the first to Nth wireless communication methods, and is less than the maximum communication distance of the (M+1)th wireless communication method, selects the (M+1)th wireless communication method and transmits and receives data with the other party via the data transmission / reception device using the (M+1)th wireless communication method.

2. The data communication program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first to Nth wireless communication methods include at least one of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), WDS (Wireless Distribution System), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band).

3. 2. The data communication program according to claim 1, wherein the data includes the current location of the portable wireless communication device.

4. The data communication program Scanning the surroundings of the portable wireless communication device and performing a detection action to detect other portable wireless communication devices present within the scanning range; performing a communication path calculation act to calculate an optimal communication path to said other portable wireless communication device; performing a communication path establishing action to establish a communication path with the other portable wireless communication device; The data communication program of claim 1, characterized in that a mesh network is constructed by continuously executing the detection action, the communication path calculation action, and the communication path establishment action between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device.

5. 5. The data communication program according to claim 4, wherein the data communication program performs an update operation of the communication path after the mesh network is constructed, thereby optimizing the communication route.

6. 2. The data communication program according to claim 1, wherein the data communication program determines the urgency of communication, and when it is determined that the urgency is high, executes the communication with priority.

7. a data transmitting / receiving device that transmits and receives data in accordance with a wireless communication method selected from first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) wireless communication methods depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device and a data transmitting / receiving party; a distance determination device for determining the distance between the portable wireless communication device and a data transmission / reception partner; a storage device that stores first to Nth programs for executing the first to Nth wireless communication methods; Equipped with 7. A mobile phone device, wherein the storage device further stores the data communication program according to claim 1.

8. A data communication system for transmitting and receiving data between portable wireless communication devices, between access points, and between a portable wireless communication device and an access point, The portable wireless communication device is a data transmitting / receiving device that transmits and receives data in accordance with a wireless communication method selected from first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) wireless communication methods depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device and a portable wireless communication device of a data transmitting / receiving party; a distance determination device for determining the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device; a storage device that stores first to Nth programs for executing the first to Nth wireless communication methods; It is equipped with The data communication system includes: If the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device determined by the distance determination device is greater than the maximum communicable distance of an Mth (M is an integer of 1 or more and (N-1) or less) wireless communication method among the first to Nth wireless communication methods and is shorter than the maximum communicable distance of the (M+1)th wireless communication method, select the (M+1)th wireless communication method and perform data transmission and reception with the other portable wireless communication device via the data transmission and reception device using the (M+1)th wireless communication method; If the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device determined by the distance determination device exceeds the maximum communicable distance of the first to Nth wireless communication methods, and if the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device are within the same access point, if the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the access point determined by the distance determination device is greater than the maximum communicable distance of an Mth wireless communication method (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than (N-1)) among the first to Nth wireless communication methods and is shorter than the maximum communicable distance of the (M+1)th wireless communication method, execute a first communication for transmitting and receiving data between the portable wireless communication device and the access point via the data transmitting and receiving device using the (M+1)th wireless communication method, and also perform data transmission and reception between the access point and the other portable wireless communication device in the same manner as the first communication, When the portable wireless communication device is located within a first access point and the other portable wireless communication device is located within a second access point, data is transmitted and received between the portable wireless communication device and the first access point in the same manner as the first communication; transmitting and receiving data between the first access point and the second access point; A data communication system in which data is transmitted and received between the other party's portable wireless communication device and the second access point in the same manner as the first communication.

9. 9. The data communication system according to claim 8, wherein the first to Nth wireless communication methods include at least one of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), WDS (Wireless Distribution System), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band).

10. 9. The data communication system of claim 8, wherein the data includes the current location of the portable wireless communication device.

11. The portable wireless communication device Scanning the surroundings of the portable wireless communication device and performing a detection action to detect other portable wireless communication devices present within the scanning range; performing a communication path calculation act to calculate an optimal communication path to said other portable wireless communication device; performing a communication path establishing action to establish a communication path with the other portable wireless communication device; The data communication system according to claim 8, characterized in that a mesh network is constructed by successively performing the detection action, the communication path calculation action, and the communication path establishment action between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device.

12. 12. The data communication system according to claim 11, wherein the portable wireless communication device performs an update operation of the communication path after the mesh network is established, thereby optimizing the communication route.

13. 13. A data communication system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the portable radio communication device is a mobile telephone device.

14. A data communication method for transmitting and receiving data between portable wireless communication devices, between access points, and between a portable wireless communication device and an access point, comprising: If the distance between the portable radio communication device and the other party's portable radio communication device is greater than the maximum communicable distance of the Mth (M is an integer of 1 or more and (N-1) or less) wireless communication method among the first to Nth wireless communication methods and is shorter than the maximum communicable distance of the (M+1)th wireless communication method, select the (M+1)th wireless communication method and perform data transmission and reception with the other party's portable radio communication device via the data transmission and reception device using the (M+1)th wireless communication method; If the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device exceeds the maximum communicable distance of the first to Nth wireless communication methods, and if the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device are within the same access point, and if the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the access point is greater than the maximum communicable distance of the Mth wireless communication method (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than (N-1)) among the first to Nth wireless communication methods and less than the maximum communicable distance of the (M+1)th wireless communication method, execute a first communication for transmitting and receiving data between the portable wireless communication device and the access point using the (M+1)th wireless communication method, and also perform data transmission and reception between the access point and the other portable wireless communication device in the same manner as the first communication, When the portable wireless communication device is located within a first access point and the other portable wireless communication device is located within a second access point, data is transmitted and received between the portable wireless communication device and the first access point in the same manner as the first communication; transmitting and receiving data between the first access point and the second access point; A data communication method in which data is transmitted and received between the other party's portable wireless communication device and the second access point in the same manner as the first communication.

15. 15. The data communication method according to claim 14, wherein the first to Nth wireless communication methods include at least one of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), WDS (Wireless Distribution System), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band).

16. Scanning the surroundings of the portable wireless communication device and performing a detection action to detect other portable wireless communication devices present within the scanning range; performing a communication path calculation act to calculate an optimal communication path to said other portable wireless communication device; performing a communication path establishing action to establish a communication path with the other portable wireless communication device; The data communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that a mesh network is constructed by successively performing the detection action, the communication path calculation action, and the communication path establishment action between the mobile wireless communication device and the other mobile wireless communication device.

17. The data communication method according to claim 16, wherein the communication path is updated after the mesh network is constructed, thereby optimizing the communication route.

18. 15. The data communication method according to claim 14, wherein the urgency of communication is determined, and when it is determined that the urgency is high, the communication is given priority and executed.

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