Communication device, communication system, and communication program

Abstract

To provide a communication device, a communication system, and a communication program that can ensure a state where channels of a plurality of access points to which a large number of terminals are connected do not overlap.SOLUTION: A communication device having an access point function and present in a network including a communication management device includes an acquisition unit 211A that acquires channel information including information regarding a wireless communication channel of another communication device having the access point function and present in the network from the communication management device included in the other communication device, and an update unit 211D that updates the channel of the own device when the channel of the own device, and the channel of the other communication device included in the channel information acquired by the acquisition unit come close to each other within a predetermined range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a communication program. [Background technology]

[0002] OES (Order Entry System) is a system used in restaurants and other food service establishments. It configures a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) network using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and constructs a network by automatically connecting client devices to wired LAN devices with access point functionality and wireless repeaters.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a payment system that includes a terminal installed at a table used by a customer, a connection device that connects to the terminal during payment, and a server that communicates with the terminal and the connection device via a network, in which the terminal accepts product orders from the customer and sends table identification information that identifies the table and product information related to the product to the server, the server associates the table identification information with the product information and stores it as payment information, and when the terminal connects to the connection device, it retrieves the payment information associated with the table identification information from the server and performs payment processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-100062 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in a system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, a slave input terminal device is placed at each table, and a large number of terminal devices are connected to the same network. Therefore, although the entire store is covered by multiple access points, if each access point operates on the same channel (frequency band), a problem arises in that communication errors occur frequently when the data communication volume increases.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a communication system, and a communication program that can ensure that the channels of multiple access points to which a large number of terminals are connected do not overlap. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The communication device of the first aspect is a communication device having an access point function and located within a network including a communication management device, and is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires channel information including information regarding the wireless communication channels of other communication devices located within the network and having access point function from the communication management device included in the other communication devices, and an update unit that updates the channel of the own device when the channel of the own device and the channel of the other communication device included in the channel information acquired by the acquisition unit come close to each other within a predetermined range.

[0008] The communication device according to the first aspect can ensure that the channels of a plurality of access points to which a large number of terminals are connected do not overlap.

[0009] A communication device according to a second aspect is the communication device according to the first aspect, wherein the update unit updates the channel of the device to a channel calculated using a predetermined parameter.

[0010] According to the communication device of the second aspect, it is possible to eliminate a state in which channels used by a plurality of access points are close to or overlap each other based on a predetermined parameter.

[0011] A communication device according to a third aspect is a communication device according to the second aspect, wherein when the channel calculated using a predetermined parameter is the same for the own device and the other communication device, the update unit does not update the channel of the own device even if the channel of the own device and the channel of the other communication device become closer than a predetermined range.

[0012] According to the communication device of the third aspect, a plurality of communication devices having an access point function can be managed by dividing them into groups defined based on predetermined parameters.

[0013] A communication device according to a fourth aspect is a communication device according to the first aspect, wherein the update unit updates the channel of the own device when the channel of the other communication device is included in a threshold range set as the predetermined range for the channel of the own device.

[0014] According to the communication device of the fourth aspect, it is possible to eliminate a state in which the channel used by the own device is close to or overlaps with the channel of another communication device.

[0015] A communication device according to a fifth aspect is a communication device according to the first aspect, wherein the update unit updates the channel of the own device when the channel of the own device is included in a threshold range set as the predetermined range for the channels of the other communication device.

[0016] According to the communication device of the fifth aspect, it is possible to eliminate a state in which the channel used by the communication device is close to or overlaps with a channel used by another communication device.

[0017] A communication device according to a sixth aspect is a communication device according to the first aspect, wherein the update unit updates the channel of the own device when the difference between the channel of the other communication device and the channel of the own device falls below a threshold set as the specified range.

[0018] According to the communication device of the sixth aspect, it is possible to eliminate a state in which the channel used by the device itself and the channel used by another communication device are close to or overlap with each other.

[0019] A communication device according to a seventh aspect is a communication device according to the first aspect, which is provided with a notification unit that notifies the communication management device of the changed channel of the device when the channel of the device is changed by channel selection control using a DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) function.

[0020] According to the communication device of the seventh aspect, it is possible to avoid the influence of the DFS function.

[0021] A communications device according to an eighth aspect is the communications device according to the first aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the channel information when the channel information of the communication management device is updated.

[0022] According to the communication device of the eighth aspect, it is possible to update the settings relating to wireless communication of the communication device having an access point function based on the latest data included in the updated channel information.

[0023] A communication device according to a ninth aspect is the communication device according to the first aspect, wherein the update unit updates the channel of the own device at a predetermined time.

[0024] According to the communication device of the ninth aspect, it is possible to eliminate a state in which channels used by a plurality of access points are close to or overlap with each other at regular time intervals.

[0025] A communication system according to a tenth aspect includes a communication device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, one or more other communication devices connected to the communication device, and a communication management device to which the communication device and the other communication devices are connected.

[0026] According to the communication system of the tenth aspect, it is possible to ensure that the channels of a plurality of access points to which a large number of terminals are connected do not overlap.

[0027] The communication program of the eleventh aspect causes a computer of a communication device having an access point function that is present in a network including a communication management device to obtain channel information including information about the wireless communication channels of another communication device that is present in the network and has an access point function from the communication management device included in the other communication device, and to execute a process of updating the channel of the own device when the channel of the own device and the channel of the other communication device included in the channel information come close to each other within a predetermined range.

[0028] According to the communication program of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to ensure that the channels of a plurality of access points to which a large number of terminals are connected do not overlap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure that the channels of a plurality of access points to which a large number of terminals are connected do not overlap. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic hardware configuration of a wired device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a storage unit of the wired device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic access point information file according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic Wi-Fi setting file according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of parameters according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a storage unit of a controller according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a wired device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of channel transition of the communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of channel setting when the channel of the controller according to the embodiment is changed by the DFS function. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of channel setting when the channel of the wired device according to the embodiment is changed by the DFS function. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of channel setting when the channel of the wired device according to the embodiment is changed by the DFS function. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed when a wired device or a wireless relay device according to the present embodiment is started up. [Figure 14] 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when a wired device or a wireless relay device is started, following FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a controller file download process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a DFS check process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a DFS channel difference comparison process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a Wi-Fi update process according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] A communication system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the object of the present disclosure.

[0032] (Communication Systems) FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a communication system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0033] The communication system 1 of this embodiment is housed in a store such as a restaurant. The communication system 1 includes a controller 10 (device name: EST01), a wired device 20A (device name: EPR03), a wired device 20B (device name: EPR04), a wired device 20C (device name: EPR05), a wireless relay device 30 (device name: RPR04), input terminals 40A, 40B, and 40C, a checkout device 50, and a router 60. The device names are used to identify the controller 10, the wired devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, and the wireless relay device 30. While FIG. 1 illustrates one wireless relay device 30 and one input terminal 40C, there may be multiple of each. The wired device 20A is an example of a "communication device having access point functionality." The controller 10 and the wired devices 20B and 20C are examples of "other communication devices having access point functionality." The controller 10 is an example of a "communications management device."

[0034] Here, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the controller 10, the wired devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, and the wireless relay device 30, the controller 10, the wired devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, and the wireless relay device 30 are collectively referred to as communication devices. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the wired devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, the wired devices 20A, 20B, and 20C are collectively referred to as wired devices 20. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the input terminals 40A, 40B, and 40C, the input terminals 40A, 40B, and 40C are collectively referred to as input terminals 40.

[0035] The controller 10 of this embodiment has a server function that manages the entire communication system 1. The controller 10 is capable of communicating with each of the wired devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, the checkout device 50, and the router 60 via a wired network N1. As an example, the wired network N1 may be a local area network (LAN) established in a store using wires.

[0036] The controller 10 is also capable of communicating with the wireless relay device 30 and the multiple input terminals 40A via a wireless network N2. Wi-Fi (registered trademark), an example of a wireless LAN standard, is applied to the wireless network N2. That is, the controller 10 has a wireless communication function as an access point of the wireless network N2. The controller 10 having the access point function is also referred to as an access point.

[0037] Here, a case where Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is used as an example of the wireless network N2 will be described. Wi-Fi (registered trademark) uses channels (CH) that use a predetermined frequency band, for example, W53 (5260 MHz to 5320 MHz) for channels 52, 56, 60, and 64, and W56 (5500 MHz to 5720 MHz) for channels 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, and 144. The frequency bands of the W53 and W56 channels are likely to interfere with radar waves from weather radar, aircraft radar, and other sources. For this reason, a DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) function is provided, which changes the channel in the frequency band when radar waves are detected, making the channel unavailable for a predetermined period of time. In this embodiment, a case where channels 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, and 140 are used will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The same applies to wireless networks N3 and N4, which will be described later. Wireless networks N2, N3, and N4 are networks identified by the same SSID (Service Set Identifier), but use different channels. A network identified by the same SSID is an example of a "network including a communication management device."

[0038] The wired device 20A of this embodiment is capable of communicating with a plurality of input terminals 40B and 40C via a wireless network N3. Wi-Fi (registered trademark), an example of a wireless LAN standard, is applied to the wireless network N3. That is, the wired device 20A has a wireless communication function as an access point of the wireless network N3. The wired device 20A having the access point function is also referred to as an access point.

[0039] Like the wired device 20A, the wired devices 20B and 20C of this embodiment are capable of communicating with each of a plurality of input terminals 40 (not shown) via a wireless network N3 or N4. Wi-Fi (registered trademark), an example of a wireless LAN standard, is applied to the wireless network N4. That is, the wired device 20B has a wireless communication function as an access point for the wireless network N4, and the wired device 20C has a wireless communication function as an access point for the wireless network N3. The wired devices 20B and 20C having the access point function are also referred to as access points.

[0040] The wireless relay device 30 of this embodiment is wirelessly connected to the controller 10 which is connected to the wired network N1, and relays the connection of the input terminal 40A to the wired network N1. The wireless relay device 30 is a device that mainly relays between the access point and an input terminal 40 used in a location in a store where wireless radio waves from the access point are difficult to reach, and transmits order data from the input terminal 40 to the access point.

[0041] Note that the present invention is not limited to a case where the controller 10 and the wired devices 20A, 20B, and 20C all have wireless communication functions as access points. Furthermore, the controller 10, the wired device 20, and the wireless relay device 30 can be configured to change their functions to a controller, a wired device, and a wireless relay device, respectively. For example, by installing a recording medium (controller card) that causes the wired device 20 to function as a controller, the wired device 20 can function as a controller. Furthermore, by installing a controller card in the wireless relay device 30 and connecting it by wire, the wireless relay device 30 can function as a controller. Furthermore, by connecting the wireless relay device 30 by wire, the wireless relay device 30 can function as a wired device.

[0042] In this embodiment, the input terminals 40A, 40B, and 40C are devices for inputting order data, such as handheld terminals used by customer service staff for work, tablet terminals used by customers at their tables, or smartphones personally owned by customers.

[0043] The accounting device 50 in this embodiment is connected to a wired network N1, and as an example, a POS (Point Of Sales) register or the like is applied.

[0044] The router 60 in this embodiment is a device for connecting the wired network N1 and an external network N5. The external network N5 may be, for example, the Internet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

[0045] For example, the wired device 20 and the wireless relay device 30 transmit order data indicating orders from customers received from the input terminal 40 via the wireless networks N2, N3, and N4 to the controller 10. The controller 10 stores and manages the received order data for each customer. Based on the received order data, the controller 10 generates slip data for printing a slip and transmits the generated slip data to a printer (not shown) to output the slip. The accounting device 50 performs accounting for each customer based on the slip printed by the printer, and transmits information indicating the completion of the accounting process to the controller 10. The wired device 20 and the wireless relay device 30 may also be equipped with a printer function.

[0046] (Configuration of communication device) Next, a description will be given of the hardware configurations of the controller 10, wired device 20, and wireless relay device 30 according to this embodiment. Since the controller 10, wired device 20, and wireless relay device 30 have the same basic hardware configuration, the wired device 20 will be described as a representative.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic hardware configuration of the wired device 20 according to this embodiment.

[0048] The wired device 20 of this embodiment includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, a display unit 230, an input unit 240, a communication unit 250, and a radar detection unit 260.

[0049] The control unit 210 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, and an input / output interface (I / O) 214, and these components are connected to each other via a bus 215.

[0050] The CPU 211 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various components. The ROM 212 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 213 temporarily stores programs or data as a work area. That is, the CPU 211 reads a program from the ROM 212 or the storage unit 220 (described later), and executes the program using the RAM 213 as a work area.

[0051] The I / O 214 is connected to various units including a storage unit 220, a display unit 230, an input unit 240, a communication unit 250, and a radar detection unit 260. The storage unit 220, the display unit 230, the input unit 240, the communication unit 250, and the radar detection unit 260 are capable of communicating with the CPU 211 via the I / O 214.

[0052] The control unit 210 may be configured as a sub-control unit that controls part of the operation of the wired device 20, or may be configured as part of a main control unit that controls the overall operation of the wired device 20.

[0053] The storage unit 220 may be, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like.

[0054] 3 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of the storage unit 220 of the wired device 20 according to this embodiment. An example of information stored in the storage unit 220 will be described below.

[0055] 3, the storage unit 220 is configured to include an access point information file 221, a Wi-Fi setting file 222, and a communication program 223. Here, the access point information file 221 and the Wi-Fi setting file 222 are updated by acquiring the access point information file 121 and the Wi-Fi setting file 122 (see FIG. 7) stored in the storage unit 120 of the controller 10, which will be described later. The access point information file and the Wi-Fi setting file are also referred to as controller files. The communication program 223 may be stored in the ROM 212. The controller file is an example of "channel information."

[0056] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the access point information file 221 according to this embodiment.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the access point information file 221 stores information including a device name, a channel, and a controller flag. Here, the "device name" stores the device name of each communication device. Furthermore, the "channel" stores the setting value of the channel used by each communication device. The "controller flag" indicates whether or not each communication device functions as a controller 10. Specifically, a device with a controller flag of "1" functions as a controller 10, and a device with a controller flag of "0" does not function as a controller 10. An example of information stored in the access point information file 221 will be described below.

[0058] The channel used by the communications device with the device name "EST01" is "100", and the controller flag is "1". The channel used by the communications device with the device name "EPR03" is "128", and the controller flag is "0". The channel used by the communications device with the device name "EPR04" is "116", and the controller flag is "0". The channel used by the communications device with the device name "EPR05" is "128", and the controller flag is "0". The channel used by the communications device with the device name "RPR04" is "100", and the controller flag is "0".

[0059] Here, when a device name starts with "E," it indicates that it is a wired communication device, and when a device name starts with "R," it indicates that it is a wirelessly connected communication device. Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication device "EST01" functions as the controller 10, the communication devices "EPR03," "EPR04," and "EPR05" function as wired devices 20, and the communication device "RPR04" functions as a wireless relay device 30. The last two digits of the device name are the identification number of each communication device, and are also referred to as "SAD." The SAD is an example of a "predetermined parameter."

[0060] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the Wi-Fi setting file 222 according to this embodiment.

[0061] 5, information including parameter names and parameters is stored in the Wi-Fi setting file 222. The Wi-Fi setting file 222 is an example of a setting file to be loaded into a communication device. An example of information stored in the Wi-Fi setting file 222 will be described below.

[0062] The parameter name "ssid" is set to the parameter "OES-TEST" as the SSID for Wi-Fi connection. The parameter name "passphrase" is set to the parameter "12345678" as the password for Wi-Fi connection. The parameter name "dfs_channel_time" is set to the parameter "04:30" as the designated time of a DFS designated timer event, which will be described later. The parameter name "dfs_channel_type" is set to the parameter "0" as a method for determining the channel to be set in the wired device 20. The designated time of 4:30 is an example of a "predetermined time."

[0063] In this embodiment, when "0" is set to the parameter with the parameter name "dfs_channel_type", the same channel is set to all of the wired devices 20. When "1" is set to the parameter, the channel to be set to the wired devices 20 is determined by the remainder (0, 1) when SAD is divided by 2. When "2" is set to the parameter, the channel to be set to the wired devices 20 is determined by the remainder (0, 1, 2) when SAD is divided by 3. That is, the "dfs_channel_type" parameter sets a method for allocating channels used by multiple wired devices 20. The remainder is also referred to as a MOD value. The MOD value is an example of a "predetermined parameter".

[0064] Here, the multiple parameters according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the multiple parameters according to this embodiment. The multiple parameters according to this embodiment include SAD, dfs_channel_type, MOD value, difference value, boundary value, channel to be set, and exclusive range. The difference value, boundary value, channel to be set, and exclusive range will be described in detail in the explanation of the calculation unit 211C described later.

[0065] "SAD" is the identification number of each communication device.

[0066] "dfs_channel_type" is a preset parameter value. The exclusive range of the communication device's channel is calculated using a predetermined calculation formula reserved in advance based on the parameter value set in dfs_channel_type. In addition, the MOD value, difference value, and boundary value are determined from a separately provided table (not shown) based on the parameter value set in dfs_channel_type.

[0067] The "MOD value" is the remainder when SAD is divided by the value calculated by dfs_channel_type. The "difference value" is a value calculated by dfs_channel_type and is a preset parameter value. The "boundary value" is a value calculated by dfs_channel_type and is a preset parameter value (in this example, the default value is 2). The boundary value is a margin value that prevents immediate channel overlap when a channel change occurs due to DFS.

[0068] The "channel to be set" is the channel to be set for the communication device. The channel to be set is calculated using the above parameters (dfs_channel_type, MOD value, difference value). In this example, the channel to be set is mainly calculated using the formula "controller channel + (1 + (MOD value + 1) x difference value) x 4".

[0069] The "exclusive range" is a channel range indicated by upper and lower limit values ​​calculated from the channel used by the currently operating communication device. The exclusive range is calculated using the above parameters (dfs_channel_type, boundary value). In this example, if the currently operating channel is 120, the exclusive range is calculated from 112 to 128, calculated from "120 ± boundary value x 4". Then, each communication device will change channels again if the exclusive range includes the channel of another communication device.

[0070] Here, the SAD and MOD values ​​are parameters used when further dividing multiple communication devices belonging to the same network into several small groups. The difference value is a parameter indicating the desired channel separation width between small groups of communication devices. The exclusive range is determined by a boundary value, indicating the upper and lower limits of the channels that a small group of communication devices will occupy. In other words, in this embodiment, these parameters are used to recalculate the channels so that the channel spacing is increased when the channels of communication devices (small groups) approach within the exclusive range.

[0071] The communication program 223 in FIG. 3 is a program for executing processes including a controller file download process, a DFS check process, a Wi-Fi update process, and a DFS channel difference comparison process, which will be described later.

[0072] 2 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like, and displays various information under the control of the CPU 211. The display 230 may also employ a touch panel system and function as the input unit 240, which will be described later.

[0073] The input unit 240 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used to perform various inputs.

[0074] The communication unit 250 is an interface for communicating with other devices in the store, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) for wired communication and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) for wireless communication, for example.

[0075] The radar detection unit 260 detects radar waves for the DFS function. When such radar waves are detected, the CPU 211 stops the channel currently being used and changes the channel to be used for wireless communication.

[0076] Additionally, if the controller 10, the wired device 20, and the wireless relay device 30 have a printer function, they are provided with a printing unit.

[0077] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the storage unit 120 of the controller 10 according to this embodiment. The storage unit 120 of the controller 10 has a configuration corresponding to the storage unit 220 of the wired device 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0078] The storage unit 120 of the controller 10 stores an access point information file 121, a Wi-Fi setting file 122, a communication program 123, and a communication management program 124. The access point information file 121 is similar to the access point information file 221 (see FIG. 3), the Wi-Fi setting file 122 is similar to the Wi-Fi setting file 222 (see FIG. 3), and the communication program 123 is similar to the communication program 223 (see FIG. 3), so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Here, the access point information file 121 is updated when a notification is received that the channel of the controller 10 or the wired device 20 has been changed. Furthermore, the Wi-Fi setting file 122 is set to an arbitrary value input by the user. Note that the communication management program 124 may be stored in the ROM 112 included in the controller 10, or may be stored in a recording medium (e.g., a controller card) that can be attached to the communication device.

[0079] The communication management program 124 is a program for causing the controller 10 to function as a server that manages the entire communication system 1. Specifically, the communication management program 124 is a program that executes processes including receiving a notification that the channel of the wired device 20 has been changed and transmitting an updated controller file to the wired device 20.

[0080] (Wired device functions) Next, the functional configuration of the wired device 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0081] 8 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of the functional configuration of the wired device 20 according to this embodiment. In the wired device 20 according to this embodiment, the CPU 211 executes the communication program 223, thereby functioning as an acquisition unit 211A, a comparison unit 211B, a calculation unit 211C, an update unit 211D, and a notification unit 211E. The following describes the wired device 20A as an example.

[0082] The acquiring unit 211A has a function of acquiring a controller file. Specifically, the acquiring unit 211A acquires the access point information file 121 and the Wi-Fi setting file 122 (see FIG. 7) from the controller 10. Note that the acquiring unit 211A may acquire only one of the access point information file 121 and the Wi-Fi setting file 122.

[0083] The comparison unit 211B has a function of comparing the controller files. Specifically, the comparison unit 211B compares the access point information file 121 and the Wi-Fi setting file 122 acquired by the acquisition unit 211A with the access point information file 221 and the Wi-Fi setting file 222 stored in the storage unit 220.

[0084] Furthermore, the comparison unit 211B has a function of comparing the channels used by the controller 10 and the wired devices 20A, 20B, and 20C. Specifically, the comparison unit 211B in the wired device 20A compares the setting values ​​of the channels used by the controller 10 and the wired devices 20B and 20C, which are stored in the access point information file 221, with the channel used by the wired device 20A itself.

[0085] The comparison unit 211B has a function of comparing the channels of the controller 10 and the wired devices 20B and 20C with the exclusive range of channels used by the wired device 20A. Specifically, the comparison unit 211B compares the setting values ​​of the channels used by the controller 10 and the wired devices 20B and 20C stored in the access point information file 221 with the exclusive range of channels of the wired device 20A calculated by the calculation unit 211C described later. As an example, the comparison unit 211B compares the channels used by the controller 10 with the exclusive range of channels of the wired device 20A. The exclusive range indicates a channel range that is used as a reference when the update unit 211D described later updates the channel of the wired device 20A. The exclusive range is an example of a "threshold range."

[0086] Furthermore, the comparison unit 211B has a function of comparing the channel used by the wired device 20A with the exclusive channel range of the controller 10 and the wired devices 20B and 20C. Specifically, the comparison unit 211C compares the channel used by the wired device 20A with the exclusive channel range of the controller 10 and the wired devices 20B and 20C calculated by the calculation unit 211C described later. As an example, the comparison unit 211B compares the channel used by the wired device 20A with the exclusive channel range of the wired device 20B.

[0087] Note that the comparison unit 211B does not compare the channels in use with the calculated exclusive range of channels between the wired device 20A and the wired device 20 having the same MOD value. As an example, when the parameter "dfs_channel_type" is set to "1," the MOD values, which are the remainders when the SADs (03 and 05) of the wired device 20A (device name: EPR03) and the wired device 20C (device name: EPR05) are divided by 2, are both 1. Therefore, the comparison unit 211B does not compare the channels in use with the wired device 20C, and does not update the channels of the wired device 20A by the update unit 211D, which will be described later. Furthermore, the comparison between the channels in use and the calculated exclusive range of channels may be omitted not only when the MOD values ​​related to the SADs are the same, but also when the channels calculated using the MOD values ​​are the same.

[0088] In the wired device 20A, the calculation unit 211C has a function of calculating a channel to be set for the wired device 20A, which is the device itself. Specifically, the calculation unit 211C calculates a channel to be set for the wired device 20A based on the MOD value and a preset difference value. As an example, the calculation unit 211C calculates the channel to be set for the wired device 20A as "128CH" based on "100CH", which is the channel used by the controller 10, "1", which is the MOD value of the wired device 20A, and "3", which is the difference value. In the above example, the calculation unit 211C uses the calculation formula "100 + (1 + (MOD value + 1) × difference value) × 4", but this is not limiting. Note that when "0" is set as the parameter "dfs_channel_type", the calculation unit 211C may calculate the channel to be set for the wired device 20A by setting the MOD value of the wired device 20A to 0 regardless of the value of the SAD. The difference value is a parameter for separating the channel of each communication device from the channel of a reference communication device (e.g., the controller 10) when the communication device is configured or started, and is an example of a "predetermined parameter." Currently, channel changes can occur once a day or more frequently due to the influence of radar waves. Therefore, even if the channel of the reference communication device changes due to the influence of radar waves, it is necessary to separate the channels of the communication devices to a certain extent so that the channel of the communication device does not have to be changed immediately. In other words, the difference value is set to separate the channels of the communication devices, and although it is set to "3" in the above example, it is not limited to this.

[0089] The calculation unit 211C also has a function of calculating an exclusive channel range for the wired device 20. Specifically, the calculation unit 211C calculates the lower limit and upper limit of the exclusive range based on the setting values ​​of the channels used by the wired devices 20A, 20B, and 20C stored in the access point information file 221 and a preset boundary value. As an example, the calculation unit 211C calculates that the lower limit and upper limit of the exclusive range for the wired device 20A are 120CH and 136CH, respectively, based on "128CH," which is the channel used by the wired device 20A, and "2," which is the boundary value. In the above example, the calculation unit 211C uses the formula "128±boundary value×4," but this is not limiting. The lower limit and upper limit of the exclusive range are values ​​that are set cyclically between 100CH and 140CH, and if 140CH is exceeded, the values ​​are set back to 100CH. For example, if the lower limit of the exclusive range is 132CH and the upper limit is 144CH according to the above calculation formula, the upper limit will be 104CH because the number of channels exceeding 140CH is set by cycling back to 100CH. That is, the exclusive range will be 132CH to 140CH and 100CH to 104CH. The calculation unit 211C may also calculate the exclusive range of the channel of the controller 10. The channel range indicated by "boundary value x 4" is an example of a "threshold value set as a predetermined range." The boundary value is an example of a parameter for determining the upper and lower limits of the exclusive channel range. Currently, channel changes can occur once a day or more frequently due to the influence of radar waves. Therefore, it is necessary to separate the channels between communication devices to a certain extent so that even if the channel of a reference communication device changes due to the influence of radar waves, the channel of the communication device itself does not have to be changed immediately. That is, the boundary value is set to separate the channels between communication devices.

[0090] In the wired device 20A, the updating unit 211D has a function of updating the channel of the wired device 20A, which is the device itself. The updating unit 211D updates (resets) the channel of the wired device 20A when the channel of the wired device 20A and the channels of the controller 10 and the wired devices 20B and 20C become closer to each other beyond the range of channels calculated based on the boundary value. As an example, when the channel of the wired device 20A and the channel of the wired device 20B become closer to each other beyond the range of "8CH (boundary value x 4)", the updating unit 211D updates the channel of the wired device 20A to the channel calculated by the calculation unit 211C.

[0091] Furthermore, when the channels used by the controller 10 and the wired devices 20B and 20C are included in the exclusive range of the channel of the wired device 20A, the update unit 211D updates the channel of the wired device 20A to the channel calculated by the calculation unit 211C. As an example, when the channel used by the controller 10 is included in the exclusive range of the channel of the wired device 20A, the update unit 211D updates the channel of the wired device 20A.

[0092] Furthermore, the updating unit 211D updates the channel of the wired device 20A to the channel calculated by the calculation unit 211C when the channel used by the wired device 20A is included in the exclusive range of the channels of the controller 10 and the wired devices 20B and 20C. As an example, the updating unit 211D updates the channel of the wired device 20A when the channel used by the wired device 20A is included in the exclusive range of the channel of the wired device 20B.

[0093] In the wired device 20A, the notification unit 211E has a function of notifying when the channel of the wired device 20A itself has been changed. Specifically, when the channel used by the wired device 20A has been changed by the DFS function or when the channel used by the wired device 20A has been updated by the update unit 211D, the notification unit 211E notifies the controller 10 of the channel that will be newly used by the wired device 20A.

[0094] The functional configuration of the wired device 20 has been described above using the wired device 20A as an example. Note that the wired devices 20B and 20C also have similar functions.

[0095] (Channel transition) Next, a description will be given of channel transitions of the wired device 20 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, when channels used by multiple access points are close to or overlap with each other, the channels used by each access point are reset. For example, when the channel of the controller 10 is included in the exclusive channel range of the wired device 20A, the channel of the wired device 20A is reset. Furthermore, when the channel of the wired device 20A is included in the exclusive channel range of the wired device 20B, the channel of the wired device 20A is reset. However, for wired devices 20 with the same MOD value, checking the exclusive channel range is omitted, and the channel of the wired device 20 is not reset. Furthermore, channel resetting for the controller 10 may not be performed. In this embodiment, channel transitions are performed in increments of 4CH. Below, a description will be given of the case where "1" is set in "dfs_channel_type".

[0096] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of channel transition of the communication device according to this embodiment.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 9, the controller 10 (EST01) is an access point that uses channel 100, and the wireless relay device 30 (RPR04) is connected to EST01 using channel 100. Furthermore, the wired device 20A (EPR03) and the wired device 20C (EPR05) are access points that use channel 128. Furthermore, the wired device 20B (EPR04) is an access point that uses channel 116. That is, in Fig. 9, there are three types of wireless networks: a wireless network N2 used by the controller 10, a wireless network N3 used by the wired devices 20A and 20C, and a wireless network N4 used by the wired device 20B.

[0098] Next, a case where the channel of EST01 is changed by the DFS function will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0099] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the transition of channel settings when the channel of the controller 10 according to this embodiment is changed by the DFS function. In Fig. 10 to 12, channels that have been changed are indicated in bold. Also, channels included in the exclusive range of any access point and the thresholds used to detect those channels are underlined.

[0100] 10A, when the channel of EST01 is changed from 100CH to 104CH, the channel of RPR04 connected to EST01 is also changed from 100CH to 104CH. In other words, the channel used by the wireless relay device 30 is changed in conjunction with the channel of the access point to which it is connected.

[0101] Here, the lower limit of the exclusive range of EPR03 and EPR05 is 120 CH and the upper limit is 136 CH. Also, the lower limit of the exclusive range of EPR04 is 108 CH and the upper limit is 124 CH.

[0102] Therefore, the channel (104CH) after the movement of EST01 and RPR04 is not included in the exclusive range of any access point, and therefore the channel is not reset in EPR03, EPR04, and EPR05.

[0103] 10B, when the channel of EST01 moves from 104CH to 108CH, the channel of RPR04 connected to EST01 also moves from 104CH to 108CH. Then, at the time of a DFS designation timer event described later, it is detected that the channel (108CH) of EST01, which functions as the controller 10, is included in the exclusive range of EPR04 (108CH to 124CH).

[0104] Next, as shown in FIG. 10(C), when it is detected that the channel of EST01 is included in the exclusive range of EPR04, EPR03, EPR04, and EPR05 reset the channel.

[0105] Here, the channel for EPR03 and EPR05 is reset from 128CH to 136CH, and the channel for EPR04 is reset from 116CH to 124CH. Also, the lower limit of the exclusive range for EPR03 and EPR05 is 128CH and the upper limit is 100CH. Also, the lower limit of the exclusive range for EPR04 is 116CH and the upper limit is 132CH.

[0106] Next, a case where the channel of EPR04 is changed by the DFS function will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0107] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of transition of channel setting when the channel of the wired device 20B according to this embodiment is changed by the DFS function.

[0108] 11(A), when the channel of EPR04 is changed from 124CH to 128CH, the lower limit of the exclusive range of EPR04 becomes 120CH and the upper limit becomes 136CH. Then, at the time of a DFS specified timer event described later, it is detected that the channel of EPR04 (128CH) is included in the exclusive range of EPR03 and EPR05 (128CH to 140CH, 100CH). It is also detected that the channel of EPR03 and EPR05 (136CH) is included in the exclusive range of EPR04 (120CH to 136CH).

[0109] As shown in FIG. 11(B), when it is detected that EPR03, EPR04, and EPR05 are included in each other's exclusive range, EPR03, EPR04, and EPR05 reset the channel.

[0110] Here, EPR03 and EPR05 are not reset because the channels before and after the reset are the same. On the other hand, the channel of EPR04 is reset from 128 to 124. The lower limit of the exclusive range of EPR04 is 116 and the upper limit is 132.

[0111] Next, a case where the channel of EPR03 is changed by the DFS function will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0112] 12A to 12C are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of transition of channel setting when the channel of the wired device 20A according to this embodiment is changed by the DFS function.

[0113] 12(A), if the channel of EPR03 is changed from 136CH to 140CH, the lower limit of the exclusive range of EPR03 becomes 132CH and the upper limit becomes 104CH. Here, since EPR03 and EPR05 have the same MOD value of "1", the exclusive channel ranges of EPR03 and EPR05 are not compared.

[0114] Therefore, the channel (140CH) after the move of EPR03 is not included in the exclusive range (120CH to 136CH) of EPR04, so the channel is not reset in EPR03, EPR04, and EPR05.

[0115] 12(B), when the channel of EPR03 is changed from 140CH to 100CH, the lower limit of the exclusive range of EPR03 becomes 136CH and the upper limit becomes 108CH. Then, at the time of a DFS specified timer event described later, it is detected that the channel (108CH) of EST01 functioning as the controller 10 is included in the exclusive range of EPR03 (136CH to 140CH, 100CH to 108CH).

[0116] As shown in FIG. 12(C), when it is detected that the channel of EST01 is included in the exclusive range of EPR03, EPR03, EPR04, and EPR05 reset the channel.

[0117] Here, EPR04 and EPR05 are not reset because the channels before and after the reset are the same. On the other hand, the channel of EPR03 is reset from 100 to 136. The lower limit of the exclusive range of EPR03 is 128 and the upper limit is 100.

[0118] (Flow of Control) Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed when the wired device 20 or the wireless relay device 30 according to this embodiment is started up. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed when the wired device 20 or the wireless relay device 30 is started up, following Fig. 13. The following describes an example where the wired device 20A is started up.

[0119] 13, the CPU 211 executes initialization of the wireless LAN function, and then the CPU 211 proceeds to step S101.

[0120] In step S101, the CPU 211 branches the process based on the device name. Specifically, device names include those beginning with "EST," "EPR," "RST," and "RPR." If the device name begins with "EST" or "EPR," the CPU 211 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the device name begins with "RST" or "RPR," the CPU 211 proceeds to step S103.

[0121] In step S102, the CPU 211 sets the interface to be used to the wired LAN. Note that the LAN device type of the communication device whose interface to be used is set to the wired LAN becomes a wired LAN device. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S104.

[0122] In step S103, the CPU 211 sets the interface to be used to wireless LAN. Note that the LAN device type of the communication device whose interface to be used is set to wireless LAN becomes wireless LAN device. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S104.

[0123] In step S104, the CPU 211 connects to the controller 10. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S105.

[0124] In step S105, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the connection to the controller 10 has been successful. If the CPU 211 determines that the connection has been successful (step S105: YES), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the CPU 211 determines that the connection has not been successful (step S105: NO), the process returns to step S100.

[0125] In step S106, the CPU 211 executes a controller file download process, which will be described later, and then the CPU 211 proceeds to step S107.

[0126] In step S107, the CPU 211 executes a DFS check process, which will be described later, and then the CPU 211 proceeds to step S108.

[0127] In step S108, the CPU 211 executes a Wi-Fi update process, which will be described later, and then the CPU 211 proceeds to step S109 in FIG.

[0128] 14, the CPU 211 waits for an event. Specifically, the types of events for which the CPU 211 waits are a "DFS channel change event," a "controller file update event," and a "DFS-designated timer event." Here, a "DFS channel change event" indicates that the channel being used has been changed by the DFS function. A "controller file update event" indicates that the controller file stored in the storage unit 120 of the controller 10 has been updated. A "DFS-designated timer event" indicates that a set designated time has been reached. If any of the above events occurs, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S110. After performing processing corresponding to each event type from the event-waiting state, the CPU 211 returns to step S109 and enters the event-waiting state again.

[0129] In step S110, the CPU 211 branches the process depending on the type of event. If the type of the detected event is a "DFS channel change event," the CPU 211 proceeds to step S111. If the type of the detected event is a "controller file update event," the CPU 211 proceeds to step S112. If the type of the detected event is a "DFS specified timer event," the CPU 211 proceeds to step S115.

[0130] In step S111, the CPU 211 notifies the channel information to the controller 10. Specifically, the CPU 211 notifies the controller 10 of the new channel changed by the DFS function. Then, the CPU 211 returns to step S109.

[0131] In step S112, the CPU 211 executes a controller file download process, which will be described later, and then the CPU 211 proceeds to step S113.

[0132] In step S113, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the controller file has been updated. Specifically, the CPU 211 determines whether or not a file update has been set in step S205 (see FIG. 15), which will be described later. If the CPU 211 determines that the controller file has been updated (step S113: YES), the CPU 211 proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, if the CPU 211 determines that the controller file has not been updated (step S113: NO), the CPU 211 returns to step S109.

[0133] In step S114, the CPU 211 executes a Wi-Fi update process, which will be described later, and then the CPU 211 returns to step S109.

[0134] In step S115, the CPU 211 executes a DFS check process, which will be described later. Note that the process executed by the CPU 211 in step S115 may be a process of calculating a channel to be set for the own device and reserving a change of the channel when the channels of access points other than the own device are close to or overlap with each other. As an example, when the channel of the controller 10 is included in the exclusive range of the wired device 20B, the CPU 211 calculates a channel to be set for the wired device 20A and reserving a change of the channel of the wired device 20A. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S116.

[0135] In step S116, the CPU 211 determines whether or not a channel change is necessary. Specifically, the CPU 211 determines whether or not a channel change reservation was made in step S115. If the CPU 211 determines that a channel change is necessary (step S116: YES), the CPU 211 proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, if the CPU 211 determines that a channel change is not necessary (step S116: NO), the CPU 211 returns to step S109.

[0136] 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the controller file download process according to this embodiment. The controller file download process according to this embodiment is executed in step S106 (see FIG. 13) and step S112 (see FIG. 14).

[0137] 15, the CPU 211 acquires the access point information file 121. Specifically, the CPU 211 acquires the access point information file 121 (see FIG. 7) stored in the storage unit 120 of the controller 10. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S201.

[0138] In step S201, the CPU 211 acquires the Wi-Fi setting file 122. Specifically, the CPU 211 acquires the Wi-Fi setting file 122 (see FIG. 7) stored in the storage unit 120 of the controller 10. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S202.

[0139] In step S202, the CPU 211 determines whether the acquisition was successful. Specifically, in steps S200 and S201, the CPU 211 determines whether the acquisition of the access point information file 121 and the Wi-Fi setting file 122 was successful. If the CPU 211 determines that the acquisition was successful (step S202: YES), the CPU 211 proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the CPU 211 determines that the acquisition was not successful (step S202: NO), the CPU 211 ends the controller file download process.

[0140] In step S203, the CPU 211 compares the previous file information. Specifically, the CPU 211 compares the access point information file 121 acquired in step S200 and the Wi-Fi setting file 122 acquired in step S201 with the access point information file 221 and the Wi-Fi setting file 222 stored in the storage unit 220. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S204.

[0141] In step S204, CPU 211 determines whether or not there is a difference. Specifically, CPU 211 determines whether or not there is a difference in the files compared in step S203. If CPU 211 determines that there is a difference (step S204: YES), it proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if CPU 211 determines that there is no difference (step S204: NO), it ends the controller file download process.

[0142] In step S205, the CPU 211 sets that the file has been updated. Specifically, the CPU 211 records that the controller file has been updated, and updates the controller file stored in the storage unit 220 to the controller file acquired in steps S200 and S201. Then, the CPU 211 ends the controller file download process.

[0143] 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the DFS check process according to this embodiment. The DFS check process according to this embodiment is executed in step S107 (see FIG. 13) and step S115 (see FIG. 14).

[0144] 16, the CPU 211 reads the access point information file 221. Specifically, the CPU 211 reads the access point information file 221 (see FIG. 3) stored in the storage unit 220. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S301.

[0145] In step S301, CPU 211 determines whether or not the reading was successful. Specifically, CPU 211 determines whether or not the reading of access point information file 221 in step S300 was successful. If CPU 211 determines that the reading was successful (step S301: YES), it proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if CPU 211 determines that the reading was not successful (step S301: NO), it ends the DFS check process.

[0146] In step S302, the CPU 211 performs a LAN device check of its own device. Specifically, the CPU 211 determines the interface to be used that was set in step S102 or step S103 (see FIG. 13). Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S303.

[0147] In step S303, the CPU 211 branches the process depending on the LAN device type. Specifically, the LAN device type is a "wired LAN device" and a "wireless LAN device." If the LAN device type is a "wired LAN device," the CPU 211 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the LAN device type is a "wireless LAN device," the CPU 211 ends the DFS check process.

[0148] In step S304, the CPU 211 reads the Wi-Fi setting file 222. Specifically, the CPU 211 reads the Wi-Fi setting file 222 (see FIG. 3) stored in the storage unit 220. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S305.

[0149] In step S305, CPU 211 determines whether the reading was successful. Specifically, CPU 211 determines whether the reading of Wi-Fi setting file 222 in step S304 was successful. If CPU 211 determines that the reading was successful (step S305: YES), it proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if CPU 211 determines that the reading was not successful (step S305: NO), it ends the DFS check process.

[0150] In step S306, the CPU 211 acquires the currently operating channel. Specifically, the CPU 211 acquires the channel used by the wired device 20A. As an example, the CPU 211 acquires "128CH", which is the channel used by the wired device 20A. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S307.

[0151] In step S307, the CPU 211 executes a DFS channel difference comparison process, which will be described later, and then the CPU 211 proceeds to step S308.

[0152] In step S308, CPU 211 determines whether or not there has been a channel change. Specifically, CPU 211 determines whether or not the currently operating channel acquired in step S306 is the same as the channel calculated in step S408 (see FIG. 17), which will be described later. If CPU 211 determines that there has been a channel change (step S308: YES), it proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, if CPU 211 determines that there has not been a channel change (step S308: NO), it ends the DFS check process.

[0153] In step S309, CPU 211 makes a reservation to change the channel. CPU 211 makes a reservation to change the channel used by its own device to the channel calculated in step S408 (see FIG. 17), which will be described later. Then, CPU 211 ends the DFS check process.

[0154] 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the DFS channel difference comparison process according to this embodiment. The DFS channel difference comparison process according to this embodiment is a process executed in step S307 (see FIG. 16).

[0155] In step S400 of Fig. 17, the CPU 211 checks the channel setting values. Specifically, the CPU 211 checks the channel setting values ​​of the access points stored in the access point information file 221 read in step S300 (see Fig. 16). As an example, the CPU 211 checks the channel setting values ​​of EST01, EPR03, EPR04, and EPR05 (see Fig. 4). Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S401.

[0156] In step S401, CPU 211 determines whether the confirmation was successful. Specifically, CPU 211 determines whether the confirmation of the channel setting value in step S400 was successful. If CPU 211 determines that the confirmation was successful (step S401: YES), it proceeds to step S402. On the other hand, if CPU 211 determines that the confirmation was not successful (for example, if an invalid value or an abnormality was detected) (step S401: NO), it ends the DFS channel difference comparison process.

[0157] In step S402, CPU 211 calculates the exclusive channel range of its own device. Specifically, CPU 211 calculates the exclusive channel range based on the currently operating channels acquired in step S306 (see FIG. 16). As an example, CPU 211 calculates that the exclusive channel range of EPR03, to which 128CH is set, is "120CH to 136CH." Then, CPU 211 proceeds to step S403.

[0158] In step S403, the CPU 211 compares the calculated exclusive channel range with the channels of the controller 10. Specifically, the CPU 211 compares the exclusive channel range calculated in step S402 with the channels of the controller 10. As an example, the CPU 211 compares 100CH of EST01 with 120CH to 136CH, which is the exclusive channel range of EPR03. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S404.

[0159] In step S404, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the channel of the controller 10 is included in the exclusive range. Specifically, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the channel of the controller 10 is included in the exclusive range of the channel calculated in step S402. If the CPU 211 determines that the channel is included in the exclusive range (step S404: YES), the process proceeds to step S408. On the other hand, if the CPU 211 determines that the channel is not included in the exclusive range (step S404: NO), the process proceeds to step S405.

[0160] In step S405, the CPU 211 calculates the exclusive channel range of the other device. Specifically, the CPU 211 calculates the exclusive channel range of the other wired device 20 based on the information in the access point information file 221 read in step S300 (see FIG. 16). As an example, the CPU 211 calculates that the exclusive channel range of EPR04 is "CH108 to CH124." Note that the CPU 211 does not need to calculate the exclusive channel range of EPR05 because it omits checking the exclusive channel range between wired devices 20 with the same MOD value. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S406.

[0161] In step S406, CPU 211 compares the calculated exclusive range with the channel of its own device. Specifically, CPU 211 compares the exclusive range calculated in step S405 with the currently operating channel acquired in step S306 (see FIG. 16). As an example, CPU 211 compares 108CH to 124CH, which is the exclusive range of channels for EPR04, with 128CH for wired device 20A. Then, CPU 211 proceeds to step S407.

[0162] In step S407, CPU 211 determines whether or not the channel of wired device 20 is included in the exclusive range. Specifically, CPU 211 determines whether or not the channel of wired device 20 is included in the exclusive range of the channel of another wired device 20 calculated in step S405. If CPU 211 determines that the channel is included in the exclusive range (step S407: YES), CPU 211 proceeds to step S408. On the other hand, if CPU 211 determines that the channel is not included in the exclusive range (step S407: NO), it ends the DFS channel difference comparison process.

[0163] In step S408, CPU 211 calculates the channel to be set in its own device. As an example, CPU 211 calculates that the channel to be set in its own device is "136CH." CPU 211 then ends the DFS channel difference comparison process and proceeds to step S308.

[0164] 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the Wi-Fi update process according to this embodiment. The Wi-Fi update process according to this embodiment is executed in step S108 (see FIG. 13) and step S114 (see FIG. 14).

[0165] 18, the CPU 211 acquires the currently active Wi-Fi settings and channel, and then proceeds to step S501.

[0166] In step S501, the CPU 211 reads the Wi-Fi setting file 222. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S502.

[0167] In step S502, CPU 211 compares the SSID and passphrase data. Specifically, CPU 211 compares the currently active Wi-Fi settings acquired in step S500 with the parameters stored in Wi-Fi setting file 222 read in step S501. Then, CPU 211 proceeds to step S503.

[0168] In step S503, CPU 211 determines whether or not there is a difference. Specifically, CPU 211 determines whether or not there is a difference between the settings and parameters compared in step S502. If CPU 211 determines that there is a difference (step S503: YES), the process proceeds to step S505. On the other hand, if CPU 211 determines that there is no difference (step S503: NO), the process proceeds to step S504.

[0169] In step S504, CPU 211 determines whether or not there has been a channel change. Specifically, CPU 211 determines whether or not a channel change reservation has been made in step S309 (see FIG. 16). If CPU 211 determines that there has been a channel change, it proceeds to step S505. On the other hand, if CPU 211 determines that there has not been a channel change (step S504: NO), it ends the Wi-Fi update process.

[0170] In step S505, the CPU 211 stops the access point function, and then the CPU 211 proceeds to step S506.

[0171] In step S506, the CPU 211 sets a channel. Specifically, the CPU 211 sets the channel reserved in step S309 (see FIG. 16). Then, the process proceeds to step S507.

[0172] In step S507, the CPU 211 sets the SSID and passphrase. Specifically, the CPU 211 sets the SSID and passphrase parameters stored in the Wi-Fi setting file 222 read in step S501. Then, the CPU 211 proceeds to step S508.

[0173] In step S508, the CPU 211 starts the access point function, and then the CPU 211 proceeds to step S509.

[0174] In step S509, the CPU 211 notifies the channel information to the controller 10. Specifically, the CPU 211 notifies the controller 10 of the channel set in step S506. Then, the CPU 211 ends the Wi-Fi update process.

[0175] (Summary of this embodiment) According to the present embodiment, a wired device 20A having an access point function acquires from the controller 10 a controller file storing channel setting values ​​of other access points using the same SSID, and resets the channel of the wired device 20A when the channel of the wired device 20A and the channel setting value of the other access point stored in the controller file approach within a channel range calculated based on a boundary value. Therefore, the wired device 20A of the present embodiment can ensure that the channels of multiple access points to which multiple terminals are connected do not overlap. Furthermore, according to the wired device 20A of the present embodiment, even when the amount of data communication increases, communication does not concentrate on a specific channel, thereby reducing the occurrence of communication errors.

[0176] The wired device 20A according to the present embodiment updates the channel of the wired device 20A to a channel calculated using the MOD value and the difference value related to the SAD of the wired device 20A. Therefore, the wired device 20A according to the present embodiment can eliminate a situation where the channels used by a plurality of access points are close to or overlap with each other.

[0177] The wired device 20A according to the present embodiment does not compare channels with the wired device 20C having the same MOD value related to the SAD or the same channel calculated using the MOD value and the difference value, and does not reset the channel of the wired device 20A depending on the channel of the wired device 20C. Therefore, the wired device 20A according to the present embodiment can manage the multiple wired devices 20 by dividing them into groups based on the MOD value related to the SAD.

[0178] The wired device 20A according to the present embodiment updates the channel of the wired device 20A when the exclusive range of the wired device 20A calculated based on the channel of the wired device 20A and the boundary value includes the channel of another access point. Therefore, the wired device 20A according to the present embodiment can eliminate a state in which the channel used by the wired device 20A is close to or overlaps with the channel of another access point.

[0179] The wired device 20A according to the present embodiment updates the channel of the wired device 20A when the channel of the wired device 20A is included in the exclusive range of the channels of the other access point calculated based on the channels of the other access point and the boundary value. Therefore, the wired device 20A according to the present embodiment can eliminate a state in which the channel used by the wired device 20A is close to or overlaps with the channel of the other access point.

[0180] When the channel used by the wired device 20A is changed by the DFS function, the wired device 20A according to this embodiment notifies the controller 10 of the new changed channel. Therefore, the wired device 20A according to this embodiment can avoid the influence of the DFS function.

[0181] When the controller file of the controller 10 is updated, the wired device 20A according to the present embodiment acquires the controller file. Therefore, according to the wired device 20A according to the present embodiment, it is possible to update the settings related to wireless communication of the wired device 20A based on the latest data included in the updated controller file.

[0182] The wired device 20A according to this embodiment resets the channel of the wired device 20A when a DFS designation timer event occurs. Therefore, the wired device 20A according to this embodiment can eliminate a state in which channels used by multiple access points are close to or overlap with each other at regular time intervals.

[0183] [Other embodiments] The wired device 20A of the present embodiment compares whether the channel of the wired device 20A is within the exclusive channel range of the other access point, or whether the channel of the other access point is within the exclusive channel range of the wired device 20A. However, this is not limiting. Alternatively, the wired device 20A may calculate the difference between the channel of the wired device 20A and the channel of the other access point and determine whether the calculated difference is within a channel range calculated based on a boundary value. For example, the wired device 20A updates the channel of the wired device 20A when the difference between the channel of the wired device 20A and the channel of the wired device 20B is within a range of "8CH." Therefore, the wired device 20A of the present embodiment can resolve a state in which the channel used by the wired device 20A and the channel of the other access point are close to or overlap with each other. When the difference is within the channel range calculated based on the boundary value, this is an example of "when the difference is below the threshold."

[0184] The wired device 20A of this embodiment executes the DFS check process in step S107 (see FIG. 13) and step S115 (see FIG. 14). However, this is not limiting, and the DFS check process may be executed when a controller file update event occurs. Specifically, the wired device 20A executes the DFS check process between step S113 and step S114 of FIG. 14. That is, every time the controller file of the controller 10 is updated, the channel to be used is reset. Therefore, according to the wired device 20A of this embodiment, when the controller file is updated, it is possible to eliminate a state in which the channels used by multiple access points are close to or overlap with each other.

[0185] [remarks] Furthermore, the configurations of the communication system 1, the controller 10, the wired device 20, and the wireless relay device 30 described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and may be changed according to the situation without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0186] Furthermore, the processing flow of the program described in the above embodiment is also an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed within the scope of the main idea.

[0187] In the above embodiment, the term "CPU" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and dedicated processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a programmable logic device.

[0188] Furthermore, the operations of the processors in the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0189] In the above embodiment, the information processing program is pre-stored (installed) in ROM, but the present invention is not limited to this. The program may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The program may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 1. Communication Systems 10 Controller 20A wired device 20B wired device 20C wired device 30 Radio repeater 40A input terminal 40B Input terminal 40C Input terminal 50 Accounting Device 60 Router 120 Storage section 121 Access point information file 122 Wi-Fi configuration file 123 Communication Program 124 Communications Management Program 210 Control Unit 211A Acquisition Department 211B Comparison section 211C Calculation part 211D Update Department 211E Notification Department 220 Storage section 221 Access Point Information File 222 Wi-Fi configuration file 223 Communication Program 230 Display section 240 Input section 250 Communications Department 260 Radar detection unit

Claims

1. A communication device having an access point function that exists in a network including a communication management device, an acquisition unit that acquires channel information including information about a wireless communication channel of another communication device that exists in the network and has an access point function from the communication management device included in the other communication device; an update unit that updates the channel of the own device when the channel of the own device and the channel of the other communication device included in the channel information acquired by the acquisition unit become closer to each other within a predetermined range; A communication device comprising:

2. the updating unit updates the channel of the own device to a channel calculated using a predetermined parameter. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. When the channel calculated using a predetermined parameter is the same for the own device and the other communication device, the update unit does not update the channel of the own device even if the channel of the own device and the channel of the other communication device become closer than a predetermined range. The communication device according to claim 2 .

4. the updating unit updates the channel of the own device when a channel of the other communication device is included in a threshold range set as the predetermined range for the channel of the own device. The communication device according to claim 1 .

5. the updating unit updates the channel of the own device when the channel of the own device is included in a threshold range set as the predetermined range for the channels of the other communication device. The communication device according to claim 1 .

6. the updating unit updates the channel of the own device when a difference between the channel of the other communication device and the channel of the own device falls below a threshold set as the predetermined range. The communication device according to claim 1 .

7. a notification unit that notifies the communication management device of the changed channel of the device when the channel of the device is changed by the channel selection control using a DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) function; The communication device according to claim 1 .

8. the acquiring unit acquires the channel information when the channel information of the communication management device is updated. The communication device according to claim 1 .

9. the update unit updates the channel of the own device at a predetermined time. The communication device according to claim 1 .

10. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; one or more other communication devices connected to the communication device; a communication management device to which the communication device and the other communication device are connected; A communication system comprising:

11. A computer of a communication device having an access point function that exists in a network including a communication management device, acquiring channel information including information about a wireless communication channel of another communication device that exists in the network and has an access point function from the communication management device included in the other communication device; updating the channel of the own device when the channel of the own device and the channel of the other communication device included in the channel information become closer to each other within a predetermined range; A communication program that executes processing.

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