Wireless communication device, roaming method, and program

Abstract

To provide a wireless communication device, a roaming method, and a program that can select a roaming destination with which stable communication can be performed.SOLUTION: A wireless communication device includes acquisition means for acquiring information on received signal strength from an access point and information on a wireless communication channel used by the access point, selection means for selecting to roam to, on the basis of the received signal strength from a plurality of access points, either a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the access point or a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel, and execution means for executing roaming to the roaming destination selected by the selection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In wireless networks, roaming is known as an operation that wireless communication devices perform to stabilize communication conditions. Roaming is the operation of a wireless communication device reconnecting to another access point where communication conditions improve when communication conditions with the current access point deteriorate.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless connection terminal and a wireless communication roaming method in which the signal reception strength from the access point to which the wireless connection terminal is currently connected via wireless communication and the signal reception strength from other access points that can be connected on the wireless network are detected and compared with each other, and if the signal reception strength from the other access point exceeds the signal reception strength from the currently connected access point by a difference of more than a predetermined percentage, the wireless connection terminal roams to the other access point. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-118604 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in an environment where there are many interfering access points, the received signal strength is not necessarily an indicator of a stable communication situation because radio wave interference makes communication unstable. With the wireless connection terminal disclosed in Patent Document 1, depending on the communication environment, it may be difficult to improve the communication situation by roaming.

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a wireless communication device, a roaming method, and a program that enable selection of a roaming destination where stable communication can be performed according to the communication environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A wireless communication device in one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition means for acquiring information on received signal strength from an access point and information on a wireless communication channel used by the access point, a selection means for selecting, based on the received signal strength from a plurality of access points, a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the access point or a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel aggregated for each channel, and an execution means for executing roaming to the roaming destination selected by the selection means.

[0008] A roaming method in one aspect of the present disclosure acquires information on received signal strength from an access point and information on a wireless communication channel used by the access point, and, based on the received signal strength from multiple access points, selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the access point or a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel aggregated for each channel, and performs roaming to the selected roaming destination.

[0009] A program in one aspect of the present disclosure acquires information on received signal strength from an access point and information on a wireless communication channel used by the access point, and, based on the received signal strength from multiple access points, selects a roaming destination to roam to either based on the received signal strength from the access point or based on the number of access points using the channel aggregated for each channel, and causes a computer to perform a process of roaming to the selected roaming destination. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a wireless communication device, a roaming method, and a program that can select a roaming destination where stable communication can be performed depending on the communication environment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication environment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a selection unit of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is an example of a data structure of the number of access points (AP number) using a channel, which is counted for each channel. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a data structure of the number of access points (AP number) using a channel, which is counted for each channel. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a data structure of received signal strength of an access point (AP). [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a selection unit of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a selection unit of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a selection unit of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication environment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a structure of data recorded by a recording unit of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a selection unit of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a selection unit of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing and each embodiment described in the specification, similar components are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] (First embodiment)

[0014] (Configuration example) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication environment 10 in the present disclosure. A wireless communication device 100 connects to a network 30 via one of access points (AP) 20-1 to 20-n. In Fig. 1, the wireless communication device 100 is connected to access point 20-1, but it can also connect to any of access points 20-2 to 20-n. Note that there is no limit to the number of candidate access points to which the wireless communication device can connect.

[0015] A wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is an example of the wireless communication environment 10. Furthermore, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is an example of a communication standard for the wireless LAN.

[0016] Each of the access points 20-1 to 20-n is a relay device for connecting wireless communication devices to a network.

[0017] Each component of the wireless communication device 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless communication device 100 in the present disclosure. The wireless communication device 100 includes at least an acquisition unit 110, a selection unit 120, and an execution unit 130. The acquisition unit 110 acquires information on received signal strength from access points and information on channels used by the access points. The selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strengths from multiple access points, from among the information acquired by the acquisition unit 110, to which the wireless communication device 100 should roam. The execution unit 130 executes roaming to the selected roaming destination.

[0018] A channel is a frequency band used for wireless communication.

[0019] The received signal strength is the strength of a signal received by a wireless communication device from an access point in wireless communication.

[0020] The acquisition unit 110 acquires information on the strength of received signals from access points and information on channels used by the access points.

[0021] For example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires information on the strength of the received signal from an access point and information on the channel used by the access point, which information is obtained when the wireless communication device 100 scans for access points.

[0022] Scanning is the process by which a wireless communication device detects network access points.

[0023] The acquisition unit 110 may also compile information on the number of access points using a channel for each channel from information on the channels used by the access points.

[0024] When the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points exceeds a predetermined criterion, the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the access point. Furthermore, when the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points does not exceed a predetermined criterion, the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel, which is tallied for each channel. That is, when the difference in signal strength between access points is significant, the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strength; otherwise, the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel.

[0025] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of selection unit 120. Selection unit 120 includes selection unit 121 and determination unit 122. Selection unit 121 selects information to be used in determining a roaming destination based on differences in received signal strength from multiple access points. Determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination based on the information selected by selection unit 121.

[0026] When the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points exceeds a predetermined criterion, the selector 121 selects the information on the received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. When the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points does not exceed a predetermined criterion, the selector 121 selects the information on the number of access points using the channel, tallied for each channel, as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0027] For example, the selection unit 121 uses the value of the received signal strength as the predetermined criterion.

[0028] In one example, when there is an access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 121 may select information about the received signal strength from the access point as information to be used in determining a roaming destination. Furthermore, when there is no access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 121 may select information about the number of access points using the channel, tallied for each channel, as information to be used in determining a roaming destination. The predetermined value may be set as appropriate depending on conditions such as the communication environment.

[0029] In one example, when there is an access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by at least a predetermined percentage, the selection unit 121 may select information about the received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. Furthermore, when there is no access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by at least a predetermined percentage, the selection unit 121 may select information about the number of access points using the channel, tallied for each channel, as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. The predetermined percentage may be set as appropriate depending on conditions such as the communication environment.

[0030] In one example, when there is an access point whose received signal strength value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the selection unit 121 may select information on the received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. Furthermore, when there is no access point whose received signal strength value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the selection unit 121 may select information on the number of access points using a channel, tallied for each channel, as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. The predetermined value may be set as appropriate depending on conditions such as the communication environment.

[0031] In addition, when there are access points whose difference in received signal strength from the access point with the highest received signal strength exceeds a predetermined criterion and access points whose difference does not exceed the predetermined criterion, the selection unit 121 may select information on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel. In this case, the determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination from among access points other than those whose difference in received signal strength from the access point with the highest received signal strength exceeds the predetermined criterion. In addition, the predetermined criterion used by the selection unit 121 may be, but is not limited to, the specific examples shown above.

[0032] The determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination based on the information selected by the selection unit 121 .

[0033] When the selection unit 121 selects information on the strength of a received signal from an access point, the determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination access point based on the information on the strength of a received signal from the access point. For example, when the selection unit 121 selects information on the strength of a received signal from an access point, the determination unit 122 determines the access point with the strongest received signal strength as the roaming destination.

[0034] When the information on the number of access points using a channel tabulated for each channel is selected by the selection unit 121, the determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination access point based on the information on the number of access points using a channel tabulated for each channel. For example, when the information on the number of access points using a channel tabulated for each channel is selected by the selection unit 121, the determination unit 122 determines, as the roaming destination, an access point using a channel with the fewest number of access points using the channel.

[0035] In addition, if the determination unit 122 cannot determine a single roaming destination based on information on the number of access points using the channel aggregated for each channel, the determination unit 122 may also determine a roaming destination based on information on the received signal strength from the access point.

[0036] In one example, when there are multiple channels that have the fewest number of access points using the channel, the determination unit 122 may determine, as the roaming destination, the access point with the highest received signal strength value among the access points using those channels. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the number of access points using 1ch and 2ch are both the fewest among the available channels. In this case, the determination unit 122 determines, as the roaming destination, the access point with the strongest received signal strength among the access points using 1ch and 2ch. Note that the access point determined by the determination unit 122 as the roaming destination is not limited to the one with the strongest received signal strength.

[0037] In one example, when there are multiple access points using a channel with the fewest number of access points using that channel, the determination unit 122 may determine, as the roaming destination, the access point with the highest received signal strength value among them. A specific example will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the number of access points using ch1 is the smallest among the available channels. FIG. 6 shows an example of data on received signal strength values ​​from access points using ch1. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the received signal strength value from access point A is the highest among the access points using ch1. In this case, the determination unit 122 determines, as the roaming destination, access point A with the strongest received signal strength among the access points using ch1. Note that the access point determined by the determination unit 122 as the roaming destination is not limited to the access point with the strongest received signal strength.

[0038] Note that, as a configuration example of the wireless communication device 100, a configuration in which the acquisition unit 110 does not aggregate information on the number of access points using channels is assumed. In this configuration example, when the selection unit 121 selects the information on the number of access points using channels aggregated for each channel, the determination unit 122 may be configured to aggregate information on the number of access points using channels for each channel.

[0039] The execution unit 130 executes a roaming process to the roaming destination access point selected by the selection unit 120. For example, the execution unit 130 executes a process to change the connection destination access point of a communication interface (not shown) included in the wireless communication device 100 to the access point selected by the selection unit 120.

[0040] (Example of operation) An example of the operation of the wireless communication device 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless communication device 100 in the present disclosure.

[0041] First, the acquisition unit 110 acquires information on the strength of a received signal from an access point and information on a channel used by the access point (S110). Specifically, the acquisition unit 110 acquires information on the strength of a received signal from an access point and information on a channel used by the access point, which are obtained when the wireless communication device 100 scans for access points.

[0042] Next, the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the access point or the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel (S120). Specifically, if the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points exceeds a predetermined standard, the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the access point. On the other hand, if the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points does not exceed the predetermined standard, the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel.

[0043] Next, the execution unit 130 executes a roaming process to the roaming destination access point selected by the selection unit 120 (S130). Specifically, the execution unit 130 executes a process to change the connection destination access point of a communication interface (not shown) provided in the wireless communication device 100 to the access point selected by the selection unit 120.

[0044] An example of the operation of the selection unit 120 in S120 will be described in more detail below. FIG.

[0045] If the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points exceeds a predetermined criterion (Yes in S121A), the selection unit 121 selects the information on the received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination (S121B). Specifically, if there is an access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 121 selects the information on the received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0046] Furthermore, if the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points does not exceed a predetermined standard (No in S121A), the selection unit 121 selects information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel as information to be used for determining a roaming destination (S121C). Specifically, if there is no access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 121 selects information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0047] Next, the determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination based on the information selected by the selection unit 121 (S122).

[0048] When the selection unit 121 selects the information on the received signal strength from the access point, the determination unit 122 determines the access point to roam to based on the information on the received signal strength from the access point. Specifically, the determination unit 122 determines the access point with the strongest received signal strength as the roaming destination.

[0049] Furthermore, when the information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel is selected by the selection unit 121, the determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination access point based on the information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel. Specifically, the determination unit 122 determines, as the roaming destination, an access point using a channel with the fewest number of access points using the channel.

[0050] (effect) The wireless communication device 100 can select a roaming destination where stable communication can be performed depending on the communication environment, because the wireless communication device 100 can use different information for selecting a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from multiple access points.

[0051] (Variation 1) A modified example of the wireless communication device 100 will be described. This modified example is an example in which the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination access point from predetermined access points. This modified example may be applied not only to the first embodiment but also to other examples and modified examples, as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0052] The predetermined access point is an access point that has been selected in advance by the user of the wireless communication device 100. For example, the predetermined access point may be an access point to which the wireless communication device 100 has previously connected. Alternatively, the predetermined access point may be an access point that the wireless communication device 100 has become connectable to by the user entering a password or the like.

[0053] (Configuration example) The selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the predetermined access points when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of predetermined access points exceeds a predetermined standard. Also, when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of predetermined access points does not exceed a predetermined standard, the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination from the predetermined access points based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel.

[0054] The selection unit 120 includes a selection unit 121 and a determination unit 122. The selection unit 121 selects information to be used in determining a roaming destination based on differences in received signal strength from a plurality of predetermined access points. The determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination from among the predetermined access points based on the information selected by the selection unit 121.

[0055] When the difference in received signal strength from a plurality of predetermined access points exceeds a predetermined criterion, the selection unit 121 selects information on the received signal strength from the predetermined access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. When the difference in received signal strength from a plurality of access points does not exceed a predetermined criterion, the selection unit 121 selects information on the number of access points using the channel, tallied for each channel, as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0056] For example, if there is an access point among the predetermined access points whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other predetermined access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 121 selects the information of the received signal strength from the predetermined access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.Also, if there is no access point among the predetermined access points whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other predetermined access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 121 selects the information of the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0057] Based on the information selected by the selection unit 121, the determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination from among predetermined access points.

[0058] When the information on the received signal strength from a predetermined access point is selected by the selection unit 121, the determination unit 122 determines the access point to be a roaming destination based on the information on the received signal strength from the predetermined access point. For example, when the information on the received signal strength from a predetermined access point is selected by the selection unit 121, the determination unit 122 determines the access point with the strongest received signal strength among the plurality of predetermined access points as the roaming destination.

[0059] When the information on the number of access points using the channels tabulated for each channel is selected by the selection unit 121, the determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination access point based on the information on the number of access points using the channels tabulated for each channel. For example, when the information on the number of access points using the channels tabulated for each channel is selected by the selection unit 121, the determination unit 122 determines, as a roaming destination, one predetermined access point that uses a channel that is used by the fewest number of access points, among the channels used by predetermined access points.

[0060] (Example of operation) An example of the operation of the selection unit 120 in this modified example will be described below. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the selection unit 120. Note that since the operation other than the detailed example of the operation of the selection unit 120 is the same as in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0061] If the difference in received signal strength from multiple predetermined access points exceeds a predetermined criterion (Yes in S123A), the selection unit 121 selects the information on the received signal strength from the predetermined access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination (S123B). Specifically, if there is an access point among the predetermined access points whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other predetermined access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 121 selects the information on the received signal strength from the predetermined access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0062] Furthermore, if the difference in received signal strength from multiple predetermined access points does not exceed a predetermined standard (No in S123A), the selection unit 121 selects information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel as information to be used for determining a roaming destination (S123C). Specifically, if there is no access point among the predetermined access points whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other predetermined access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 121 selects information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0063] Next, the determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination from among predetermined access points based on the information selected by the selection unit 121 (S124).

[0064] When the selection unit 121 selects the information on the received signal strength from a predetermined access point, the determination unit 122 determines the access point to roam to based on the information on the received signal strength from the predetermined access point. Specifically, the determination unit 122 determines the access point with the strongest received signal strength from among the predetermined access points as the roaming destination.

[0065] When the selection unit 121 selects the information on the number of access points using the channels tabulated for each channel, the determination unit 122 determines the access point as a roaming destination based on the information on the number of access points using the channels tabulated for each channel. Specifically, when the selection unit 121 selects the information on the number of access points using the channels tabulated for each channel, the determination unit 122 determines, as a roaming destination, one predetermined access point that uses a channel that is used by the fewest access points, among the channels used by predetermined access points.

[0066] (effect) The wireless communication device 100 can further select a roaming destination where stable communication can be performed from among predetermined access points according to the communication environment, because the wireless communication device 100 can select a roaming destination from among predetermined access points while taking into consideration radio wave interference with access points other than the predetermined access point.

[0067] (Variation 2) A modified example of the wireless communication device 100 will now be described. This modified example is an example in which the selection unit 120 first determines roaming destination candidates and then selects a roaming destination from among the roaming destination candidates. This modified example may be applied not only to the first embodiment but also to other examples and modified examples, as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0068] (Configuration example) When the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points exceeds a predetermined criterion, the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination candidate based on the received signal strength from the access point as the roaming destination. When the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points does not exceed a predetermined criterion, the selection unit 120 selects a roaming destination candidate based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel as the roaming destination.

[0069] The selection unit 120 includes a selection unit 121 and a determination unit 122. The determination unit 122 determines a roaming destination candidate based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 110. The selection unit 121 selects a roaming destination based on the difference in received signal strength from a plurality of predetermined access points.

[0070] The determination unit 122 determines roaming destination candidates based on the strength of signals received from access points and the number of access points using the channels counted for each channel.

[0071] For example, the determination unit 122 determines the access point with the strongest received signal strength as the roaming destination candidate. For example, the determination unit 122 determines the access point using the channel that is used by the fewest number of access points as the roaming destination candidate.

[0072] The selector 121 selects a roaming destination from the roaming destination candidates determined by the determiner based on the strength of signals received from a plurality of access points.

[0073] For example, when the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points exceeds a predetermined criterion, the selector 121 selects a roaming destination candidate based on the received signal strength from the access point as the roaming destination. That is, the selector 121 selects the access point with the strongest received signal strength as the roaming destination. On the other hand, when the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points does not exceed a predetermined criterion, the selector 121 selects a roaming destination candidate based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel as the roaming destination. That is, the selector 121 selects an access point using a channel with the fewest number of access points using that channel as the roaming destination.

[0074] In addition, if a roaming destination candidate based on the received signal strength from an access point matches a roaming destination candidate based on the number of access points using a channel aggregated for each channel, the selection unit 121 may simply select the roaming destination candidate as the roaming destination.

[0075] (Example of operation) An example of the operation of the selection unit 120 in this modified example will be described below. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the selection unit 120. Note that since the operation other than the detailed example of the operation of the selection unit 120 is the same as in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0076] The determination unit 122 determines roaming destination candidates based on the received signal strength from the access points and the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel (S125). Specifically, the determination unit 122 determines the access point with the strongest received signal strength as the roaming destination candidate. Furthermore, the determination unit 122 determines the access point using the channel with the fewest number of access points using the channel as the roaming destination candidate.

[0077] Next, if the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points exceeds a predetermined criterion (Yes in S126A), the selection unit 121 selects a roaming destination candidate based on the received signal strength as the roaming destination (S126B). Specifically, if there is an access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 121 selects the access point with the strongest received signal strength as the roaming destination.

[0078] Furthermore, if the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points does not exceed a predetermined standard (No in S126A), the selection unit 121 selects, as the roaming destination, a roaming destination candidate based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel (S126C). Specifically, if there is no access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 121 selects, as the roaming destination, an access point that uses a channel with the fewest number of access points using that channel.

[0079] (effect) The wireless communication device 100 can select a roaming destination where stable communication can be performed depending on the communication environment because the wireless communication device 100 can select a roaming destination from roaming destination candidates based on different information, based on the received signal strength from multiple access points.

[0080] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described below. This embodiment is an example of a case where a wireless communication device uses information on the transition of received signal strength from an access point to select a roaming destination. Note that, among the terms used in the second embodiment, terms used in the first embodiment have the same meaning as those used in the first embodiment, unless otherwise specified.

[0081] (Configuration example) 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication environment 10 in the present disclosure. A wireless communication device 200 connects to a network 30 via one of access points 20-1 to 20-n. In FIG. 1, the wireless communication device 200 is connected to access point 20-1, but it can also connect to any of access points 20-2 to 20-n. Note that there is no limit to the number of candidate access points to which the wireless communication device can connect.

[0082] 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of wireless communication device 200 according to the present disclosure. Wireless communication device 200 includes at least an acquisition unit 210, a recording unit 220, a selection unit 230, and an execution unit 240. Recording unit 220 records information on the transition of the strength of the received signal from an access point. Selection unit 230 selects a roaming destination based on one of the pieces of information acquired by acquisition unit 210.

[0083] The acquisition unit 210 corresponds to the acquisition unit 110 in the first embodiment. The selection unit 230 corresponds to the selection unit 120. The execution unit 240 corresponds to the execution unit 130. That is, the configuration of the second embodiment is the configuration of the first embodiment to which a recording unit 220 has been added. Note that the operations of the acquisition unit 210 and the execution unit 240 are similar to those of the corresponding units in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0084] The recording unit 220 records the time-dependent change in the strength of the signal received from the access point.

[0085] For example, the recording unit 220 associates information about the received signal strength from an access point with information about the time when the received signal strength information was acquired, and records the associated information in a storage device (not shown). Fig. 13 is a table showing an example of the configuration of data recorded by the recording unit 220. The recorded data includes at least information about the received signal strength from each access point obtained by multiple scans.

[0086] The information on the time when the received signal strength information was acquired, which is associated with the received signal strength information, is not limited to the information on the number of scans.

[0087] When the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points exceeds a predetermined criterion, the selection unit 230 selects a roaming destination based on the transition of received signal strength from the access points recorded by the recording unit 220. When the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points does not exceed a predetermined criterion, the selection unit 230 selects a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel, which is tallied for each channel. That is, when the difference in signal strength between access points is significant, the selection unit 230 selects a roaming destination based on the transition of received signal strength, and when this is not the case, the selection unit 230 selects a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel.

[0088] In one example, the selection unit 230 may select a roaming destination based on whether the difference in received signal strength from a plurality of access points exceeded a predetermined standard during the most recent scan.

[0089] In one example, the selection unit 230 may select a roaming destination based on whether the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points exceeds a predetermined criterion during a predetermined number of consecutive scans. Note that the predetermined number of scans can be set appropriately depending on the communication environment, etc.

[0090] 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of selection unit 230. Selection unit 230 includes selection unit 231 and determination unit 232. Selection unit 231 selects information to be used in determining a roaming destination based on differences in received signal strength from multiple access points. Determination unit 232 determines a roaming destination based on the information selected by selection unit 231.

[0091] When the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points exceeds a predetermined criterion, the selection unit 231 selects information on the transition of the received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. When the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points does not exceed a predetermined criterion, the selection unit 231 selects information on the number of access points using the channel, tallied for each channel, as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0092] In one example, when there is an access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 231 selects information on the transition of the received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. Furthermore, when there is no access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 231 selects information on the number of access points using the channel, tallied for each channel, as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. The predetermined value can be set as appropriate depending on conditions such as the communication environment.

[0093] In one example, when there is an access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined percentage or more, the selection unit 231 may select information on the transition of the received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.Also, when there is no access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined percentage or more, the selection unit 231 may select information on the number of access points using the channel, tabulated for each channel, as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0094] In one example, when there is an access point whose received signal strength value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the selection unit 231 may select information on the received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. Furthermore, when there is no access point whose received signal strength value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the selection unit 231 may select information on the number of access points using a channel, tallied for each channel, as information to be used for determining a roaming destination. The predetermined value may be set as appropriate depending on conditions such as the communication environment.

[0095] The determination unit 232 determines a roaming destination based on the information selected by the selection unit 231 .

[0096] The determination unit 232 determines a roaming destination access point based on the information used for determining a roaming destination selected by the selection unit 231. For example, the determination unit 232 determines a roaming destination based on information on the transition of received signal strength from an access point. For example, the determination unit 232 determines a roaming destination based on information on the number of access points using a channel counted for each channel.

[0097] When the information on the received signal strength from an access point is selected by the selection unit 231, the determination unit 232 determines the access point to be a roaming destination based on the information on the transition of the received signal strength from the access point. For example, the determination unit 232 determines, as the roaming destination, the access point with the strongest received signal strength among the access points whose received signal strength is increasing over time.

[0098] In one example, the determination unit 232 may determine, as the roaming destination, the access point with the largest rate of increase in the value of the received signal strength within a predetermined time.

[0099] In one example, the determination unit 232 may determine, as the roaming destination, the access point with the smallest rate of decrease in the value of the received signal strength within a predetermined time.

[0100] In one example, the determination unit 232 may determine, as the roaming destination, the access point whose received signal strength value is estimated to take the longest time to fall below a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be a received signal strength value that is set as a trigger for the wireless communication device 100 to roam. Note that the predetermined value may be a value that can be set as appropriate and is not limited to the one exemplified here.

[0101] For example, the determination unit 232 uses the rate of change of the value of the received signal strength from the access point to calculate the time until the value of the received signal strength falls below a predetermined value.

[0102] When the information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel is selected by the selection unit 231, the determination unit 232 determines a roaming destination access point based on the information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel. For example, the determination unit 232 determines, as the roaming destination, an access point using a channel with the fewest number of access points using the channel.

[0103] In addition, when there are multiple channels that are used by the fewest number of access points, the determination unit 232 may determine the access point that has the greatest received signal strength value among the access points that use those channels as the roaming destination.

[0104] If there are multiple access points using a channel that is used by the fewest number of access points, the determining unit 232 may determine the access point with the highest received signal strength value as the roaming destination.

[0105] Note that a modification of the first embodiment may be applied to the configuration of the selection unit 230. The selection unit 230 corresponds to the selection unit 120. The selection unit 231 corresponds to the selection unit 121, and the determination unit 232 corresponds to the determination unit 122.

[0106] The execution unit 240 executes the roaming process to the access point selected by the selection unit 230 as the roaming destination.

[0107] For example, the execution unit 240 executes a roaming process to the access point determined by the determination unit 232 as the roaming destination.

[0108] (Example of operation) An example of the operation of the wireless communication device 200 will be described below with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless communication device 200 in the present disclosure.

[0109] First, the acquisition unit 210 acquires information on the strength of a received signal from an access point and information on a channel used by the access point (S210). Specifically, the acquisition unit 210 acquires information on the strength of a received signal from an access point and information on a channel used by the access point, which are obtained when the wireless communication device 200 scans for access points.

[0110] Next, the recording unit 220 records information on the time transition of the received signal strength from the access point (S220). Specifically, the recording unit 220 records the information on the received signal strength from the access point in association with the time when the information was acquired in a storage device (not shown).

[0111] Next, the selection unit 230 selects a roaming destination based on the transition of the received signal strength from the access point or the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel (S230). Specifically, if the difference in the received signal strength from the multiple access points exceeds a predetermined standard, the selection unit 230 selects a roaming destination based on the transition of the received signal strength from the access point recorded by the recording unit 220. On the other hand, if the difference in the received signal strength from the multiple access points does not exceed the predetermined standard, the selection unit 230 selects a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel.

[0112] Next, the execution unit 240 executes the roaming process to the access point as the roaming destination selected by the selection unit 230 (S240). Specifically, the execution unit 240 executes the roaming process to the access point determined as the roaming destination by the determination unit 232.

[0113] The following provides a more detailed explanation of an example of the operation of the selection unit 230. FIG.

[0114] If the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points exceeds a predetermined standard (Yes in S231A), the selection unit 231 selects information on the transition of received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination (S231B). Specifically, if there is an access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 231 selects information on the transition of received signal strength from the access point as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0115] Furthermore, if the difference in received signal strength from multiple access points does not exceed a predetermined standard (No in S231A), the selection unit 121 selects information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel as information to be used for determining a roaming destination (S231C). Specifically, if there is no access point whose received signal strength value is greater than the received signal strength values ​​from other access points by a predetermined value or more, the selection unit 231 selects information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel as information to be used for determining a roaming destination.

[0116] Next, the determination unit 232 determines a roaming destination based on the information selected by the selection unit 231 (S232).

[0117] When the information on the transition of the received signal strength from the access point is selected by the selection unit 231, the determination unit 232 determines the access point as the roaming destination based on the information on the transition of the received signal strength from the access point. Specifically, the determination unit 232 determines the access point with the strongest received signal strength as the roaming destination from among the access points whose received signal strength is increasing over time.

[0118] When the information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel is selected by the selection unit 231, the determination unit 232 determines a roaming destination access point based on the information on the number of access points using the channel tabulated for each channel. Specifically, the determination unit 232 determines, as the roaming destination, an access point using a channel with the fewest number of access points using the channel.

[0119] (effect) Even if there is a temporary sudden change in received signal strength, wireless communication device 200 can select a roaming destination where stable communication can be performed. This is because wireless communication device 200 can reduce the impact of a temporary sudden change in received signal strength on the selection of a roaming destination by selecting a roaming destination based on the transition of received signal strength.

[0120] (Hardware configuration) The procedures described in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program that causes a computer functioning as the wireless communication device 100 or 200 to implement the functions of the wireless communication device 100 or 200. Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer device 300 that implements the wireless communication device 100 or 200 according to the present disclosure. The computer device 300 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 310, a memory 320, an auxiliary storage device 330, a communication interface 340, and an input / output interface 350. The memory 320 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 321 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 322.

[0121] The CPU 310 executes the program 400 using the RAM 321. The program 400 may be recorded in the ROM 322.

[0122] The functions of the various components of the devices described in the above embodiments are realized by the CPU 310 executing the program 400. Furthermore, the roaming execution process is realized by the CPU 310 appropriately controlling the communication interface 340.

[0123] The present disclosure has been described above using the above-described embodiments and modifications as exemplary examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. The present disclosure may include embodiments to which various modifications or applications that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are applied within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include embodiments in which the matters described herein are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, matters described using a specific embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs.

[0124] (Addendum) A part or all of the present disclosure may be described as follows: However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the aspects of the following appendices. (Appendix 1) an acquisition means for acquiring information on the strength of a received signal from an access point and information on a wireless communication channel used by the access point; a selection means for selecting a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from a plurality of access points, either a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the access points or a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel counted for each channel; an execution means for executing roaming to the roaming destination selected by the selection means; A wireless communication device comprising: (Appendix 2) The selection means selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the access point when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points exceeds a predetermined standard, and selects a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points does not exceed the predetermined standard. 1. A wireless communication device as defined in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The selection means selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the predetermined access point when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of predetermined access points exceeds a predetermined standard, and selects a roaming destination from the predetermined access points based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of predetermined access points does not exceed a predetermined standard. 1. A wireless communication device as defined in Appendix 1. (Appendix 4) the selection means selects information on the received signal strength from an access point when a difference in received signal strength from a plurality of access points exceeds a predetermined standard, and selects information on the number of access points using the channel totaled for each channel when a difference in received signal strength from a plurality of roaming-enabled access points does not exceed a predetermined standard; a determining means for determining a roaming destination access point based on the information selected by the selecting means; 4. A wireless communication device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising: (Appendix 5) the selection means includes a determination means for determining roaming destination candidates based on the strength of signals received from access points and the number of access points using the channels counted for each channel; a selection means for selecting a roaming destination candidate based on the received signal strength from the access point as a roaming destination when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points exceeds a predetermined standard, and for selecting a roaming destination candidate based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points does not exceed the predetermined standard; 4. A wireless communication device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising: (Appendix 6) The selection means selects a roaming destination based on the change in the received signal strength from the access points or the number of access points using the channel counted for each channel, based on the received signal strength from the plurality of access points. 10. A wireless communication device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) When selecting a roaming destination based on the transition of the received signal strength from an access point, the selection means selects the access point with the largest rate of increase in the received signal strength value within a predetermined time as the roaming destination. 10. A wireless communication device as described in Appendix 6. (Appendix 8) When selecting a roaming destination based on the transition of the received signal strength from the access point, the selection means selects the access point that is estimated to take the longest time for the received signal strength to fall below a predetermined value as the roaming destination. 10. A wireless communication device as described in Appendix 6. (Appendix 9) Acquires information on the strength of a received signal from an access point and information on a wireless communication channel used by the access point; Based on the received signal strengths from the plurality of access points, select a roaming destination based on the received signal strengths from the access points or a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel counted for each channel; Roaming to the selected destination Roaming methods. (Appendix 10) On the computer, Acquires information on the strength of a received signal from an access point and information on a wireless communication channel used by the access point; Based on the received signal strengths from the plurality of access points, select a roaming destination based on the received signal strengths from the access points or a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel counted for each channel; Roaming to the selected destination A program that executes a process.

[0125] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 8, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 9 and 10 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 8. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 9, and 10, but within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may also be dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10 Wireless communication environment 20 Access Points 30 Network 100 Wireless communication equipment 110 Acquisition Department 120 Selection Department 121 Selection Section 122 Decision Section 130 Executive Department 200 Wireless communication equipment 210 Acquisition Department 220 Recording Department 230 Selection Department 231 Selection Section 232 Decision Section 240 Executive Department 300 Computer equipment 310 CPU 320 memory 321 RAM 322 ROM 330 Auxiliary storage device 340 Communication Interface 350 Input / Output Interface 400 Programs

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring information on the strength of a received signal from an access point and information on a wireless communication channel used by the access point; a selection means for selecting a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from a plurality of access points, either a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the access points or a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel counted for each channel; an execution means for executing roaming to the roaming destination selected by the selection means; A wireless communication device comprising:

2. The selection means selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the access point when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points exceeds a predetermined standard, and selects a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points does not exceed the predetermined standard.

10. The wireless communication device of claim 1.

3. The selection means selects a roaming destination based on the received signal strength from the predetermined access point when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of predetermined access points exceeds a predetermined standard, and selects a roaming destination from the predetermined access points based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of predetermined access points does not exceed a predetermined standard.

10. The wireless communication device of claim 1.

4. the selection means selects information on the received signal strength from an access point when a difference in the received signal strength from a plurality of access points exceeds a predetermined standard, and selects information on the number of access points using the channel totaled for each channel when a difference in the received signal strength from a plurality of access points does not exceed the predetermined standard; a determining means for determining a roaming destination access point based on the information selected by the selecting means; The wireless communication device of claim 2 .

5. the selection means includes a determination means for determining roaming destination candidates based on the strength of signals received from access points and the number of access points using the channels counted for each channel; a selection means for selecting a roaming destination candidate based on the received signal strength from the access point as a roaming destination when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points exceeds a predetermined standard, and for selecting a roaming destination candidate based on the number of access points using the channel tallied for each channel when the difference in received signal strength from the plurality of access points does not exceed the predetermined standard; The wireless communication device of claim 2 .

6. The selection means selects a roaming destination based on the change in the received signal strength from the access points or the number of access points using the channel counted for each channel, based on the received signal strength from the plurality of access points.

3. A wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. When selecting a roaming destination based on the transition of the received signal strength from an access point, the selection means selects the access point with the largest rate of increase in the received signal strength value within a predetermined time as the roaming destination.

7. The wireless communication device according to claim 6.

8. When selecting a roaming destination based on the transition of the received signal strength from the access point, the selection means selects the access point that is estimated to take the longest time until the value of the received signal strength falls below a predetermined value as the roaming destination.

7. The wireless communication device according to claim 6.

9. Acquires information on the strength of a received signal from an access point and information on a wireless communication channel used by the access point; Based on the received signal strengths from the plurality of access points, select a roaming destination based on the received signal strengths from the access points or a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel counted for each channel; Roaming to the selected destination Roaming methods.

10. Acquires information on the strength of a received signal from an access point and information on a wireless communication channel used by the access point; Based on the received signal strengths from the plurality of access points, select a roaming destination based on the received signal strengths from the access points or a roaming destination based on the number of access points using the channel counted for each channel; Roaming to the selected destination A program that causes a computer to perform a process.

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