Communication control device, communication control method, and communication control program

Abstract

To realize a communication control device that can more appropriately deal with a communication abnormality after the occurrence of the communication abnormality.SOLUTION: A communication control device includes detection means for detecting an access point among a plurality of access points where a communication failure has occurred, selection means for selecting a target access point from access points where no communication failure has been detected, and change means for changing the coverage of the target access point so as to compensate for the access point where a failure has occurred.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In a communication system having multiple access points, there is known a technique for compensating for the function of an access point that has a communication error. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for covering the communication area of ​​an access point that has a communication error with an alternative wireless communication protocol of another access point. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-184542 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the communication area of ​​the wireless communication protocol is predetermined. Therefore, this technology has a problem in that when a communication abnormality occurs in an access point having an alternative wireless communication protocol, it becomes difficult to deal with the communication abnormality.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an exemplary purpose thereof is to provide a technique for more appropriately dealing with a communication abnormality after the occurrence of the communication abnormality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication control device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a communication system having a plurality of access points, and includes: a detection means for detecting an access point among the plurality of access points in which a communication failure has occurred; a selection means for selecting one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points in which a communication failure has not been detected; and a change means for changing the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection means so as to compensate for at least a portion of the coverage of the access point in which the failure has occurred, wherein the selection means determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the access points in which a communication failure has not been detected is changed, and selects the one or more target access points based on the determination result.

[0007] A communication control method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, in a communication system including a plurality of access points, a detection process in which at least one processor detects an access point among the plurality of access points in which a communication failure has occurred; a selection process in which the at least one processor selects one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points in which a communication failure has not been detected; and a change process in which the at least one processor changes the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection process so as to compensate for at least a portion of the coverage of the access point in which the failure has occurred, wherein in the selection process, the at least one processor determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the access points in which a communication failure has not been detected is changed, and selects the one or more target access points based on the determination result.

[0008] A communication control program according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer in a communication system having a plurality of access points to function as a detection means for detecting an access point among the plurality of access points where a communication failure is occurring, a selection means for selecting one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points where a communication failure is not detected, and a change means for changing the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection means so as to compensate for at least a portion of the coverage of the access point where a failure is occurring, wherein the selection means determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the access points where a communication failure is not detected is changed, and selects the one or more target access points based on the determination result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary effect is achieved in that a technique for more appropriately dealing with a communication abnormality after the occurrence of the communication abnormality can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of access points included in a communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration during normal operation of a communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer that functions as a communication control device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technologies (part or all of the products or methods) employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technologies employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below are examples of effects expected in the exemplary embodiments, and do not define the scope of the present invention. In other words, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0012] First Exemplary Embodiment A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for each of the exemplary embodiments described below. Note that the scope of application of each technique employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technique employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technique shown in the drawings referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0013] (Overview of communication control device 1) The communication control device 1 is a device that controls the operation of each access point (AP) in a communication system that includes multiple access points. The communication system according to this exemplary embodiment is a system that is connected to a terminal used by a user and a network, and mediates communication between the terminal and the network. The access point according to this exemplary embodiment is a device that is directly wirelessly connected to one or more terminals used by a user. The communication system and the terminal used by the user are connected via the access point.

[0014] (Configuration of communication control device 1) The configuration of the communication control device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication control device 1 includes a detection unit 11, a selection unit 12, and a change unit 13.

[0015] (Detection unit 11) The detection unit 11 detects an access point (fault-detected access point) among a plurality of access points where a communication fault has occurred. A communication fault refers to an event that prevents smooth communication on a transmission path used for communication. A communication fault may be, for example, a fault that occurs when a terminal communicates via an access point.

[0016] (Selection section 12) The selector 12 selects one or more target access points from among the multiple access points for which no communication failure has been detected (failure-undetected access points). The selector 12 determines the degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the failure-undetected access points, and selects one or more target access points based on the determination result. The coverage of an access point refers to, for example, the range of radio waves from the access point that can be used by a terminal for communication. Interference between the coverages of access points refers to, for example, mutual influence on communication via each access point in an area where the coverages of the access points overlap. For example, the selector 12 may determine the degree of interference between the coverages of the access points based on whether or not there is interference between the coverages. For example, the selector 12 may determine the degree of interference between the coverages of the access points by evaluating which of multiple predetermined levels the interference falls into. The above-mentioned configurations provided in the selection unit 12 make it possible to prevent communication via other undetected fault access points from being interfered with and becoming unstable when the coverage of an undetected fault access point is changed to compensate for the coverage of a detected fault access point.

[0017] (Change 13) The change unit 13 changes the coverage of one or more target access points selected by the selection unit 12 so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point. Compensating for at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point means that the changed coverage of one or more target access points covers at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point.

[0018] (Effects of communication control device 1) As described above, in a communication system having a plurality of access points, the communication control device 1 includes a detection means for detecting an access point among the plurality of access points where a communication failure is occurring, a selection means for selecting one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points where a communication failure is not detected, and a change means for changing the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection means so as to compensate for at least a portion of the coverage of the access point where a failure is occurring, and the selection means is configured to determine the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the access points where a communication failure is not detected is changed, and select one or more target access points based on the determination result. Therefore, the communication control device 1 has the effect of being able to more appropriately deal with a communication abnormality after it occurs.

[0019] (Flow of communication control method S1) The flow of the communication control method S1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication control method S1. As shown in Fig. 2, the communication control method S1 includes a detection process (step) S11, a selection process (step) S12, and a change process (step) S13.

[0020] (Step S11) In step S11, the detection unit 11 detects an access point (fault-detected access point) in which a communication fault has occurred among a plurality of access points.

[0021] (Step S12) In step S12, the selector 12 selects one or more target access points from among the access points for which no communication failure has been detected (failure-undetected access points) among the plurality of access points. Here, the selector 12 determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the failure-undetected access points is changed, and selects one or more target access points based on the determination result.

[0022] (Step S13) In step S13, the change unit 13 changes the coverage of one or more target access points selected by the selection unit 12 so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the failure detected access point.

[0023] (Effects of communication control method S1) As described above, the communication control method S1 includes a detection process in which at least one processor detects an access point among the plurality of access points that is experiencing a communication failure, a selection process in which at least one processor selects one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points that are not experiencing a communication failure, and a change process in which at least one processor changes the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection process to compensate for at least a portion of the coverage of the access point that is experiencing the failure, wherein in the selection process, the at least one processor determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the access points that is not experiencing a communication failure is changed, and selects one or more target access points based on the determination result. Therefore, the communication control method S1 has the effect of being able to more appropriately deal with a communication abnormality after it occurs.

[0024] Second Exemplary Embodiment A second exemplary embodiment, which is one example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technology shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0025] (Overview of communication control device 1A) The communication control device 1A is a device that controls the operation of each access point (AP) in a communication system equipped with multiple access points. The communication system according to this exemplary embodiment is connected to a terminal used by a user and a network, and mediates communication between the terminal and the network. The access point according to this exemplary embodiment is a device that is directly wirelessly connected to one or more terminals used by users. The above-mentioned communication system and the terminals used by users are connected via the access point. Specific examples of the above-mentioned communication system include a shared eXtended Global Platform (sXGP) system, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile communication system, a 5G (5th Generation) mobile communication system, and a 6G (6th Generation) mobile communication system. The communication control device 1A may also be, for example, an access point controller (AP controller) that controls the operation of each access point.

[0026] (Configuration of communication control device 1A) The configuration of the communication control device 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control device 1A. The communication control device 1A includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, an input unit 30, and an output unit 40.

[0027] (Control unit 10) The control unit 10 controls each unit of the communication control device 1 A. The control unit 10 includes a detection unit 11, a selection unit 12, and a change unit 13 that are included in the communication control device 1 A.

[0028] (Detection unit 11) The detection unit 11 detects an access point (fault-detected access point) among a plurality of access points where a communication fault has occurred. A communication fault refers to an event that prevents smooth communication on a transmission path used for communication. A communication fault may be, for example, a fault that occurs when a terminal communicates via an access point.

[0029] A specific example of a state in which a communication failure has occurred is a state in which the access point is restarted and communication is interrupted due to reasons such as a loss of synchronization or an access point becoming too hot.

[0030] For example, the detection unit 11 may detect a faulty access point based on the presence or absence of a response to a command sent to the access point, the strength of a signal received from the access point (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator), etc. Other well-known techniques that the detection unit 11 may use to detect a faulty access point include measuring the adjacent radio wave environment using network listening, a sniffer, REM (Radio Environment Measurement), or carrier sense. Other well-known techniques may include monitoring an access point using SCTP Heartbeat or TR-069 Periodic Inform. Other well-known techniques may include analyzing past trends in communication failures by referring to communication-related statistical information or alarms, and detecting signs of a communication failure. Here, when detecting signs of a communication failure, a machine learning model may be used to predict the occurrence of a communication failure, for example.

[0031] (Selection section 12) The selector 12 selects one or more target access points from among the multiple access points for which no communication failure has been detected (failure-undetected access points). The selector 12 determines the degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the failure-undetected access points, and selects one or more target access points based on the determination result. The coverage of an access point refers to, for example, the range of radio waves from the access point that can be used by a terminal for communication. Interference between the coverages of access points refers to, for example, mutual influence on communication via each access point in an area where the coverages of the access points overlap. For example, the selector 12 may determine the degree of interference between the coverages of the access points based on whether or not there is interference between the coverages. For example, the selector 12 may determine the degree of interference between the coverages of the access points by evaluating which of multiple predetermined levels the interference falls into. The above-mentioned configurations provided in the selection unit 12 make it possible to prevent communication via other undetected fault access points from being interfered with and becoming unstable when the coverage of an undetected fault access point is changed to compensate for the coverage of a detected fault access point.

[0032] For example, the selector 12 may select one or more target access points based on information about the location of each of the access points for which a fault has not been detected. The information about the location of each of the access points is, for example, information indicating the location at which each of the access points is installed in an area where the communication system is installed. For example, the information about the location of each of the access points may include information about coordinates indicating the installation location of each of the access points in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate space set in the area where the communication system is installed.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, the selector 12 may select one or more target access points based on information about the location of each of the undetected fault access points and information about the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from each of the undetected fault access points. The information about the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from the access points may be, for example, a preset value for the transmission power. The above-described configuration of the selector 12 makes it easier to estimate the coverage of each access point and can contribute to determining the degree of interference when the coverage of a specific access point is changed.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, the selector 12 may select one or more target access points based on the results of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the failure-undetected access points. When measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the failure-undetected access points, a known technique such as carrier sense may be used. Here, the results of measuring radio waves used by other access points may include, for example, information about the frequencies used by the other access points.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, the selector 12 may select one or more target access points based on the results of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the undetected fault access points and information regarding the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from each of the undetected fault access points. The information regarding the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from the access points may be, for example, a preset value for the transmission power. The above-described configuration of the selector 12 makes it easier to estimate the coverage of each access point and can contribute to determining the degree of interference when the coverage of a specific access point is changed.

[0036] (Change 13) The change unit 13 changes the coverage of one or more target access points selected by the selection unit 12 so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point. Compensating for at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point means that the changed coverage of one or more target access points covers at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point.

[0037] The change unit 13 may change the coverage of one or more target access points by, for example, increasing the coverage of the target access points. For example, the change unit 13 may increase the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from the access points to increase the coverage of the access points.

[0038] The change unit 13 may change the coverage of an access point by, for example, changing the direction in which radio waves are transmitted from the access point.

[0039] (Storage unit 20) The storage unit 20 stores various data referenced by the control unit 10 and various data generated by the control unit 10. As an example, the storage unit 20 stores: ·Fault detection information TR Coverage Information COV ·Location information PL Radio wave measurement information EW ·Transmission power information EP is stored.

[0040] The failure detection information TR includes information regarding which of the multiple access points provided in the communication system is the failure detection access point.

[0041] The coverage information COV is information about the reachable range from an access point of radio waves that can be used by a terminal for communication.

[0042] The location information PL is information indicating the location where each access point is installed in the area where the communication system is installed. For example, the location information PL may include information regarding coordinates indicating the installation location of each access point in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate space set in the area where the communication system is installed.

[0043] The radio wave measurement information EW is information about the results of measurements made by each access point on radio waves used by other access points. Here, when each access point measures radio waves used by other access points, it may use a known technique such as carrier sense.

[0044] The transmission power information EP is information related to the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from each access point. Here, the transmission power information EP may include, for example, a predetermined value related to the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from the access point.

[0045] (input unit 30) The input unit 30 is configured to include at least one of an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. Alternatively, the input unit 30 may be configured to have an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. In this configuration, the input unit 30 accepts input of various information to the communication control device 1A from the connected input device.

[0046] (output unit 40) The output unit 40 is configured to include at least one of an output device such as a display, a printer, a touch panel, etc. Alternatively, the output unit 40 may be configured to be connected to an output device such as a display, a printer, a touch panel, etc. Furthermore, under the control of the control unit 10, the output unit 40 outputs various information to the connected output device. An example of the output unit 40 is an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0047] (Configuration example of communication system 0) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for supplementing communication between adjacent access points in a communication system 0. As described above, the communication system 0 may be, for example, an sXGP system. Furthermore, the communication control device 1A may be, for example, an AP controller. In the following description with reference to FIGS. 4 to 23, the access point will be abbreviated as "AP" where appropriate.

[0048] In the example of Fig. 4, a communication system 0 which is an sXGP system includes a communication control device 1A which is an AP controller, and AP1 to AP3 which are access points. Here, the communication control device 1A which is the AP controller and AP1 to AP3 are connected via a network N. Also, UE1 to UE3 in the example of Fig. 4 are terminals used by users.

[0049] In the example of FIG. 4, the detection unit 11 detects AP2, which is an access point where a fault has been detected, among AP1 to AP3. At this time, the selection unit 12 selects a target access point from AP1 and AP3, which are access points where a fault has not been detected, among AP1 to AP3. Here, the selection unit 12 determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of AP1 and AP3 is changed, and selects AP1, which is the target access point, based on the determination result. Then, the change unit 13 changes the coverage of AP1, which is the target access point selected by the selection unit 12. For example, communication of the terminal UE2 in FIG. 4 can be used via AP1, the coverage of which has been changed as described above, instead of AP2, in which a fault has been detected.

[0050] (Access point placement example) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of access points provided in the communication system 0. In the example of Fig. 5, each of the access points APXX (AP01 to AP20) provided in the communication system 0 is arranged on a floor FL. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, a wall W that can block radio waves from the access points is arranged in part of the floor FL. Note that in the example of Fig. 5, although not shown, a communication control device 1A that is an AP controller is connected to each access point via a network N.

[0051] (Example of configuration during normal operation) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication system 0 during normal operation. Note that FIG. 6 is an example of the configuration of the communication system 0 illustrated in FIG. 5 during normal operation. In the example of FIG. 6, a coverage COV of the output radio wave is set at each access point. Also, within each coverage COV, there are terminals UEC that are communicating or in a call via each access point, and terminals UEI in an idle state. Here, communication at each terminal is being carried out as normal. Note that the terminals UEI in an idle state are terminals that have established a connection with each access point but are not being used for communication.

[0052] (Communication control method S1A flow) The flow of a communication control method S1A executed by the communication control device 1A will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0053] 7 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication control method S1 A. Step S12 in the communication control method S1 corresponds to steps S121 to S124 in the communication control method S1 A.

[0054] (Step S11) In step S11, the detection unit 11 detects a fault detection access point from among the plurality of access points.

[0055] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the detection unit 11 when a failure occurs in the access point exemplified in Fig. 6. In the example of Fig. 8, a communication abnormality occurs in AP07, making it unusable. As a result, one terminal connected to AP07 is no longer able to communicate. At this time, the detection unit 11 detects AP07, which is the failure detection access point, from among AP01 to AP20.

[0056] (Step S121) In step S121, the selector 12 selects, for example, a candidate access point to be a target access point from among the plurality of access points where no failure has been detected, based on the location information of the access points.

[0057] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the selector 12 when selecting candidate access points that are physically close to AP07, the failure detected access point, in the example of Fig. 8. In the example of Fig. 9, the selector 12 selects multiple access points from the failure undetected access points that are at a distance from AP07 that is equal to or less than a predetermined value (within the range of the dotted circle SA in Fig. 9) based on the access point location information PL. As a result, in the example of Fig. 9, four candidate access points (AP06, AP09, AP10, and AP12) are selected from the failure undetected access points.

[0058] (Step S122) In step S122, the selector 12, for example, acquires radio wave measurement information EW, which is a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points, at each of the failure-undetected access points.

[0059] (Step S123) In step S123, the selector 12 determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the failure-undetected access points is changed.

[0060] (Step S124) In step S124, the selection unit 12 selects one or more target access points based on the determination result.

[0061] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of operation when the selector 12 determines the degree of interference for each of the candidate access points (AP06, AP09, AP10, AP12) in the example of Fig. 9 and selects a target access point based on the determination result. In the example of Fig. 10, carrier sense is measured at each of the candidate access points selected in the example of Fig. 9. Then, in the example of Fig. 10, the selector 12 determines the degree of radio wave interference when the coverage COV is changed at each of the candidate access points based on radio wave measurement information EW, which is the carrier sense measurement result.

[0062] In the example of FIG. 10, the selector 12 determines the degree of interference for each of the candidate access points AP06, AP09, AP10, and AP12 based on the carrier sense measurement results, and the results are as follows. AP06: No radio wave interference. (AP04 is close to AP06, but there is a wall W between AP04 and AP06, making it difficult for AP06's radio waves to reach AP04.) AP09: Radio interference with AP05, AP08, AP10, AP11, and AP15. AP10: Radio interference with AP09 and AP12. AP12: Radio interference with AP10 and AP14.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 10, based on the above results, the selector 12 determines that there is no radio wave interference in AP06 when the coverage COV is changed, and selects AP06 as the target access point based on the determination result.

[0064] (Step S13) In step S13, the change unit 13 changes the coverage of one or more target access points selected by the selection unit 12.

[0065] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of operation when the changing unit 13 changes the coverage COV of the target access point in the example of Fig. 10. In the example of Fig. 11, the changing unit 13 sets and changes the output radio waves for the coverage COV of AP06, which is the target access point selected by the selecting unit 12, so that it can cover up to AP07, which is the failure detection access point.

[0066] Here, the change unit 13 may change the coverage of the target access point by, for example, increasing the coverage of the target access point. For example, the change unit 13 may increase the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from the access point to increase the coverage of the target access point. Furthermore, the change unit 13 may change the coverage of the access point by, for example, changing the direction in which radio waves are transmitted from the access point.

[0067] (Modification 1 of communication control method S1A) The flow of the above-mentioned communication control method S1A has described an example of a method in which the selector 12 selects a target access point from the failure-undetected access points based on both the location information of each of the failure-undetected access points and the results of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the failure-undetected access points. In Variation 1 of the communication control method S1A, a method in which the selector 12 selects a target access point from the failure-undetected access points based on the location information of each of the failure-undetected access points will be described.

[0068] First, the detector 11 detects a fault detection access point from among a plurality of access points.

[0069] Next, the selector 12 selects, for example, a candidate access point to be a target access point from among the plurality of access points in which no failure has been detected, based on the location information of the access points.

[0070] Next, the selector 12 determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the candidate access points is changed.

[0071] Next, the selection unit 12 selects one or more target access points based on the determination result.

[0072] Next, the change unit 13 changes the coverage of one or more target access points selected by the selection unit 12.

[0073] (Modification 2 of communication control method S1A) In the second variation of the communication control method S1A, a method will be described in which the selector 12 selects a target access point from among the failure-undetected access points based on the results of measuring the radio waves used by other access points at each failure-undetected access point.

[0074] First, the detector 11 detects a fault detection access point from among a plurality of access points.

[0075] Next, the selector 12, for example, acquires the results of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the failure-undetected access points.

[0076] Next, the selector 12 determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the failure-undetected access points is changed.

[0077] Next, the selection unit 12 selects one or more target access points based on the determination result.

[0078] Next, the change unit 13 changes the coverage of one or more target access points selected by the selection unit 12.

[0079] (Effects of communication control device 1A) As described above, in the communication control device 1A, the change means is configured to increase the coverage of one or more target access points. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1A can also achieve the effect of being able to change the coverage of a target access point by increasing the coverage.

[0080] As described above, the communication control device 1A employs a configuration in which the selection means selects one or more target access points based on information about the locations of access points where no communication failures have been detected. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1A has the effect of being able to select target access points according to the positional relationships between access points.

[0081] Furthermore, in the communication control device 1A, the selection means is configured to select one or more target access points based on the results of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each access point where no communication failure has been detected. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1A can also achieve the effect of being able to select a target access point while also referring to information about radio waves used by other access points.

[0082] Third Exemplary Embodiment A third exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technology shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0083] (Overview of communication control device 1B) The communication control device 1B is a device that controls the operation of each access point (AP) in a communication system equipped with multiple access points. The communication system according to this exemplary embodiment is connected to a terminal used by a user and a network, and mediates communication between the terminal and the network. The access point according to this exemplary embodiment is a device that is directly wirelessly connected to one or more terminals used by users. The above-mentioned communication system and the terminals used by users are connected via the access point. Specific examples of the above-mentioned communication system include a shared eXtended Global Platform (sXGP) system, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile communication system, a 5G (5th Generation) mobile communication system, and a 6G (6th Generation) mobile communication system. The communication control device 1B may also be, for example, an access point controller (AP controller) that controls the operation of each access point.

[0084] (Configuration of communication control device 1B) The configuration of the communication control device 1B will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control device 1B. The communication control device 1B includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, an input unit 30, and an output unit 40. The input unit 30 and the output unit 40 have the same configurations as the input unit 30 and the output unit 40 included in the communication control device 1A, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0085] (Control unit 10) The control unit 10 controls each unit of the communication control device 1B in an integrated manner. The control unit 10 includes a detection unit 11, a selection unit 12, and a change unit 13, which are included in the communication control device 1. The detection unit 11 has the same configuration as the detection unit 11 included in the communication control device 1A, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0086] (Selection section 12) The selector 12 selects one or more target access points from among the multiple access points for which no communication failure has been detected (failure-undetected access points). The selector 12 determines the degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the failure-undetected access points, and selects one or more target access points based on the determination result. The coverage of an access point refers to, for example, the range of radio waves from the access point that can be used by a terminal for communication. Interference between the coverages of access points refers to, for example, mutual influence on communication via each access point in an area where the coverages of the access points overlap. For example, the selector 12 may determine the degree of interference between the coverages of the access points based on whether or not there is interference between the coverages. For example, the selector 12 may determine the degree of interference between the coverages of the access points by evaluating which of multiple predetermined levels the interference falls into. The above-mentioned configurations provided in the selection unit 12 make it possible to prevent communication via other undetected fault access points from being interfered with and becoming unstable when the coverage of an undetected fault access point is changed to compensate for the coverage of a detected fault access point.

[0087] (Change 13) The change unit 13 changes the coverage of one or more target access points selected by the selection unit 12 so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point. Compensating for at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point means that the changed coverage of one or more target access points covers at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point.

[0088] For example, the change unit 13 may change the frequency used by one or more target access points. Then, for example, the change unit 13 may increase the coverage of the target access point. The above-described configuration of the change unit 13 makes it possible to prevent interference from occurring between the coverages of the access points when the target access point uses the same frequency as that used by another access point.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, the change unit 13 may change the frequency used by one or more target access points based on the result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the failure-undetected access points. As described above, when each of the failure-undetected access points measures radio waves used by other access points, a known technique such as carrier sense may be used. Here, the result of measuring radio waves used by other access points may include, for example, information about the frequency used by the other access points.

[0090] (Storage unit 20) The storage unit 20 stores various data referenced by the control unit 10 and various data generated by the control unit 10. As an example, the storage unit 20 stores: ·Fault detection information TR Coverage Information COV Radio wave measurement information EW Frequency information FR is stored.

[0091] The failure detection information TR includes information regarding which of the multiple access points provided in the communication system is the failure detection access point.

[0092] The coverage information COV is information about the reachable range from an access point of radio waves that can be used by a terminal for communication.

[0093] The radio wave measurement information EW is information about the results of measurements made by each access point on radio waves used by other access points. Here, when each access point measures radio waves used by other access points, it may use a known technique such as carrier sense.

[0094] The frequency information FR is information relating to the frequency used by each access point. Here, the frequency information FR may include, for example, a predetermined value relating to the frequency used by each access point.

[0095] (Communication control method S1B flow) The flow of a communication control method S1B executed by the communication control device 1B will be described with reference to Fig. 13 to Fig. 17. Fig. 13 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication control method S1B. Step S12 in the communication control method S1 corresponds to steps S122 to S124 in the communication control method S1B.

[0096] (Step S11) In step S11, the detection unit 11 detects a fault detection access point from among the plurality of access points.

[0097] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the detection unit 11 when a failure occurs in the access point illustrated in Fig. 6. In the example of Fig. 14, a communication abnormality occurs in AP09, making it unusable. As a result, two terminals connected through AP09 are unable to communicate. At this time, the detection unit 11 detects AP09, which is the failure detection access point, from among AP01 to AP20.

[0098] (Step S122) In step S122, the selector 12, for example, acquires radio wave measurement information EW, which is a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points, at each of the failure-undetected access points.

[0099] (Step S123) In step S123, the selector 12 determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the failure-undetected access points is changed.

[0100] (Step S124) In step S124, the selection unit 12 selects one or more target access points based on the determination result.

[0101] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the selector 12 when determining the degree of interference for each of the undetected fault access points in the example of Fig. 14. In Fig. 15, as an example, carrier sense is measured for each of five undetected fault access points (AP05, AP07, AP08, AP10, and AP11) located near AP09. In addition, in the example of Fig. 15, the selector 12 determines the degree of radio wave interference when the coverage COV is changed without changing the frequency used by each of the undetected fault access points, based on the radio wave measurement information EW, which is the carrier sense measurement result.

[0102] In the example of FIG. 15, the selector 12 determines the degree of interference for each of the undetected failure access points AP05, AP07, AP08, AP10, and AP11 based on the carrier sense measurement results, and the results are as follows: AP05: Causes radio interference with AP02, AP03, AP04, and AP08. ·AP07: Causes radio interference with AP06. AP08: Radio interference with AP05 and AP11. ·AP10: Radio interference with AP12. AP11: Radio interference with AP08 and AP13.

[0103] 15, radio wave interference occurs when the coverage is changed at the same frequency for any of the five access points, AP05, AP07, AP08, AP10, and AP11. For example, when the selector 12 selects a target access point from the above-mentioned five access points, the changer 13 may change the frequency used by the target access point in order to prevent interference between the access points.

[0104] The frequency used by the target access point may be changed, for example, after the selector 12 determines the degree of interference between the access points as described above, or before the selector 12 determines the degree of interference between the access points. For example, if the frequency information FR includes a predetermined value regarding the frequency used by each access point, a frequency band not used by any access point may be identified based on the frequency information FR. In addition, at this time, the changer 13 may change the frequency used by the target access point to a frequency not used by any of the target access points based on, for example, the frequency information FR.

[0105] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when the selector 12 selects a target access point from a plurality of failure-undetected access points based on the result of the determination in the example of FIG.

[0106] For example, when changing the frequency used by a target access point, communication via the target access point may be temporarily interrupted as the target access point is restarted to reflect the setting. Here, the selector 12 may select one or more target access points based on, for example, information regarding communication execution at each of the access points where a fault has not been detected. Specific examples of information regarding communication execution include the amount of communication currently being used and the type of application used in communication.

[0107] In the example of FIG. 16, the results of measuring whether or not there is communication volume of connected terminals for each of the access points AP05, AP07, AP08, AP10, and AP11, which are failure-undetected access points, are as follows. AP05: One active terminal UEC and one idle terminal UEI. AP07: Idle terminal UEI only. · AP08: 3 communicating devices UEC. AP10: One communicating device UEC. AP11: One communicating device UEC.

[0108] From the above results, in the example of Figure 16, when selecting a target access point from the above-mentioned five, the selection unit 12 may select AP07, which is connected only to a terminal UEI in an idle state that is less affected by communication interruptions, as the target access point.

[0109] (Step S131) In step S131, the change unit 13 changes, for example, the frequencies used by one or more target access points.

[0110] (Step S13) In step S13, the change unit 13 changes the coverage of one or more target access points selected by the selection unit 12.

[0111] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of operation when the change unit 13 changes the frequency used by the target access point in the example of Fig. 16 and changes the coverage COV of the access point. In the example of Fig. 17, the change unit 13 changes the frequency of AP07, the target access point selected by the selection unit 12, to a different frequency so as not to interfere with other access points. Then, the change unit 13 sets and changes the coverage COV of AP07 so that it can cover up to AP09, the failure detection access point.

[0112] (Effects of communication control device 1B) As described above, in the communication control device 1B, the changing means is configured to change the frequency used by one or more target access points. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1B has the effect of being able to change the frequency used by the target access points depending on the situation.

[0113] Furthermore, in the communication control device 1B, the changing means is configured to change the frequency used by one or more target access points based on the results of measuring the radio waves used by the other access points at each access point where no communication failure has been detected. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1B has the effect of being able to prevent interference caused by the target access point and other access points using the same frequency.

[0114] Fourth Exemplary Embodiment A fourth exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technology shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0115] (Overview of communication control device 1C) The communication control device 1C is a device that controls the operation of each access point (AP) in a communication system equipped with multiple access points. The communication system according to this exemplary embodiment is connected to a terminal used by a user and a network, and mediates communication between the terminal and the network. The access point according to this exemplary embodiment is a device that is directly wirelessly connected to one or more terminals used by users. The above-mentioned communication system and the terminals used by users are connected via the access point. Specific examples of the above-mentioned communication system include a shared eXtended Global Platform (sXGP) system, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile communication system, a 5G (5th Generation) mobile communication system, and a 6G (6th Generation) mobile communication system. The communication control device 1C may also be, for example, an access point controller (AP controller) that controls the operation of each access point.

[0116] (Configuration of communication control device 1C) The configuration of the communication control device 1C will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control device 1C. The communication control device 1C includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, an input unit 30, and an output unit 40. The input unit 30 and the output unit 40 have the same configuration as the input unit 30 and the output unit 40 included in the communication control device 1A and the communication control device 1B, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0117] (Control unit 10) The control unit 10 controls each unit of the communication control device 1C in an integrated manner. The control unit 10 includes a detection unit 11, a selection unit 12, and a change unit 13, which are included in the communication control device 1. The detection unit 11 has the same configuration as the detection unit 11 included in the communication control device 1A and the communication control device 1B, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0118] (Selection section 12) The selector 12 selects one or more target access points from among the multiple access points for which no communication failure has been detected (failure-undetected access points). The selector 12 determines the degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the failure-undetected access points, and selects one or more target access points based on the determination result. The coverage of an access point refers to, for example, the range of radio waves from the access point that can be used by a terminal for communication. Interference between the coverages of access points refers to, for example, mutual influence on communication via each access point in an area where the coverages of the access points overlap. For example, the selector 12 may determine the degree of interference between the coverages of the access points based on whether or not there is interference between the coverages. For example, the selector 12 may determine the degree of interference between the coverages of the access points by evaluating which of multiple predetermined levels the interference falls into. The above-mentioned configurations provided in the selection unit 12 make it possible to prevent communication via other undetected fault access points from being interfered with and becoming unstable when the coverage of an undetected fault access point is changed to compensate for the coverage of a detected fault access point.

[0119] Furthermore, for example, the selector 12 may select one or more target access points based on the priority of communication being performed by each of the undetected failure access points. The priority of communication may be determined, for example, according to the purpose of communication. As an example, the higher the requirement for Quality of Service (QoS) related to communication, the higher the priority of communication may be determined. As a specific example, the highest priority of communication may be determined for a call with a high level of urgency, the next highest priority of communication for communication used for machine control, and a lower priority of communication may be determined for communication associated with an individual browsing a web page or an idle state of a terminal.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, the selector 12 may select one or more target access points based on the degree of communication usage of terminals connected to each of the failure-undetected access points. The degree of communication usage of terminals connected to the failure-undetected access point may be, for example, the number of terminals connected to the failure-undetected access point and currently communicating. With the above-described configuration, the selector 12 can select a target access point by also referring to the degree of communication usage of terminals connected to the access point.

[0121] (Change 13) The change unit 13 changes the coverage of one or more target access points selected by the selection unit 12 so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point. Compensating for at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point means that the changed coverage of one or more target access points covers at least a part of the coverage of the fault detection access point.

[0122] (Storage unit 20) The storage unit 20 stores various data referenced by the control unit 10 and various data generated by the control unit 10. As an example, the storage unit 20 stores: ·Fault detection information TR Coverage Information COV ·Priority information PR is stored.

[0123] The failure detection information TR includes information regarding which of the multiple access points provided in the communication system is the failure detection access point.

[0124] The coverage information COV is information about the reachable range from an access point of radio waves that can be used by a terminal for communication.

[0125] The priority information PR is information regarding the priority of communication being performed by each access point. The priority information PR may be determined, for example, according to the purpose of the communication. As an example, the higher the requirement for Quality of Service (QoS) related to the communication, the higher the priority of the communication may be determined. As a specific example, the highest communication priority may be determined for a call with a high level of urgency, the next highest communication priority for communication used for machine control, and a lower communication priority for communication associated with an individual browsing a web page or an idle state of a terminal.

[0126] (Communication control method S1C flow) The flow of a communication control method S1C executed by the communication control device 1C will be described with reference to Fig. 19 to Fig. 23. Fig. 19 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication control method S1C. Step S12 in the communication control method S1 corresponds to steps S123 and S125 in the communication control method S1C.

[0127] (Step S11) In step S11, the detection unit 11 detects a fault detection access point from among the plurality of access points.

[0128] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the detection unit 11 when a failure occurs in the access point exemplified in Fig. 6. In the example of Fig. 20, a communication abnormality occurs in AP12, making it unusable. As a result, two terminals connected to AP12 are unable to communicate. At this time, the detection unit 11 detects AP12, which is the failure detection access point, from among AP01 to AP20.

[0129] (Step S123) In step S123, the selector 12 determines the degree of interference when the coverage of each of the failure-undetected access points is changed.

[0130] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the selector 12 when determining the degree of interference for each of the failure-undetected access points in the example of Fig. 20. In Fig. 21, as an example, the selector 12 determines the degree of radio wave interference when the coverage COV is changed for each of two failure-undetected access points (AP10, AP14) present near the AP 12.

[0131] In the example of FIG. 21, the selector 12 determines the degree of interference based on the measurement results of radio waves for each of the access points AP10 and AP14, which are failure-undetected access points, and the results are as follows: -AP10: Radio interference with AP09. -AP14: Radio interference with AP15.

[0132] 21, radio wave interference occurs when the coverage is changed at the same frequency in both of the two access points, AP 10 and AP 14. In this case, in order to prevent interference between the access points, the change unit 13 may, for example, change the frequency used by the target access point.

[0133] (Step S125) In step S125, the selector 12 selects one or more target access points based on, for example, the determination result and the priority of the communication being performed by each of the failure-undetected access points.

[0134] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when the selector 12 selects a target access point from multiple failure-undetected access points based on the determination result in the example of Fig. 21. Here, the selector 12 may select the target access point based on, for example, the determination result of the degree of interference and the priority of communication being performed by each of the failure-undetected access points.

[0135] The priority of a communication may be determined, for example, according to the purpose of the communication. As an example, the higher the required quality of service (QoS) for the communication, the higher the priority of the communication may be determined. As a specific example, the highest priority of communication may be determined for a call with a high level of urgency, the next highest priority of communication for communication used for machine control, and a lower priority of communication for communication associated with an individual browsing a web page or an idle state of a terminal.

[0136] In the example of FIG. 22, the results of measuring the priority of communications being performed by each of the access points AP10 and AP14, which are failure-undetected access points, are as follows: AP10: A high-urgency call is in progress. AP14: There are devices browsing the web page and in an idle state.

[0137] Also, for example, the priority of a call with a high urgency being carried out by the AP 10 may be higher than the priority of other communications being carried out by the AP 14.

[0138] Here, for example, when changing the frequency used by the target access point, the target access point may be restarted to reflect the setting, which may temporarily interrupt communication via the target access point. In the example of Fig. 22, the selector 12 may select, as the target access point, an AP 14 that performs communication with a lower communication priority in order to avoid interruption of communication with a higher communication priority.

[0139] (Step S13) In step S13, the change unit 13 changes the coverage of one or more target access points selected by the selection unit 12.

[0140] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of operation when changing the coverage COV of the target access point in the example of Fig. 22. In the example of Fig. 23, the change unit 13 sets and changes the output radio waves for the coverage COV of AP14, which is the target access point selected by the selection unit 12, so that it can cover up to AP12, which is the failure detection access point. Here, for example, the change unit 13 may change the frequency used by AP14 to a different frequency so as to prevent interference between AP14 and other access points.

[0141] (Effects of communication control device 1C) As described above, the communication control device 1C employs a configuration in which the selection means selects one or more target access points based on the priority of communications being performed by each of the access points for which no communication failure has been detected. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1C has the effect of being able to select a target access point while also referring to the priority of communications being performed by the access points.

[0142] Furthermore, the communication control device 1C employs a configuration in which the priority of communication is determined according to the purpose of communication. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1C has the effect of being able to determine the priority of each communication according to the purpose of communication.

[0143] [Software implementation example] Some or all of the functions of the communication control devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C (hereinafter also referred to as "each of the above devices") may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or by software.

[0144] In the latter case, each of the above devices is realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 24. Figure 24 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as each of the above devices.

[0145] The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P for causing the computer C to operate as each of the above-mentioned devices. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices.

[0146] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0147] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, display, and printer.

[0148] Furthermore, the program P can be recorded on a non-transitory tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0149] Furthermore, the functions of each of the devices may be realized by a single processor provided in a single computer, by multiple processors provided in a single computer working in cooperation, or by multiple processors provided in each of multiple computers working in cooperation. Furthermore, the programs for causing each of the devices to realize the functions may be stored in a single memory provided in a single computer, or may be distributed and stored in multiple memories provided in a single computer, or may be distributed and stored in multiple memories provided in each of multiple computers.

[0150] [Appendix A] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0151] (Appendix A1) In a communication system having a plurality of access points, a detection means for detecting an access point among the plurality of access points where a communication failure has occurred; a selection means for selecting one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points in which no communication failure has been detected; a change unit that changes the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection unit so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the access point where a failure has occurred, the selection means determines a degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the access points in which no failure related to the communication has been detected, and selects the one or more target access points based on the determination result. Communications control device.

[0152] (Appendix A2) the modifying means increases the coverage of the one or more target access points; 1. A communication control device according to claim 1.

[0153] (Appendix A3) the selection means selects the one or more target access points based on information relating to the locations of the access points where no communication failure has been detected. 1. A communication control device according to claim 1.

[0154] (Appendix A4) the selection means selects the one or more target access points based on a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the access points where no communication failure has been detected. 1. A communication control device according to claim 1.

[0155] (Appendix A5) the changing means changes the frequency used by the one or more target access points. 1. A communication control device according to claim 1.

[0156] (Appendix A6) the changing means changes the frequency used by the one or more target access points based on a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the access points where the communication failure has not been detected. 1. A communications control device as described in Appendix A5.

[0157] (Appendix A7) the selection means selects the one or more target access points based on the priority of communication being performed by each of the access points in which a failure related to communication has not been detected. 1. A communication control device according to claim A1.

[0158] (Appendix A8) The priority of the communication is determined according to the purpose of the communication. 1. A communications control device as described in Appendix A7.

[0159] [Appendix B] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0160] (Appendix B1) In a communication system including a plurality of access points, a detection process in which at least one processor detects an access point among the plurality of access points in which a communication failure has occurred; a selection process in which the at least one processor selects one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points in which no communication failure has been detected; a change process by the at least one processor to change the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection process so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the access point in which a failure has occurred; In the selection process, the at least one processor determines a degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the access points in which a failure related to the communication has not been detected, and selects the one or more target access points based on a result of the determination. Communication control method.

[0161] (Appendix B2) In the change process, the at least one processor increases coverage of the one or more target access points. 1. A communication control method as described in Appendix B1.

[0162] (Appendix B3) In the selection process, the at least one processor selects the one or more target access points based on information about the locations of access points in which no communication failure has been detected. 1. A communication control method as described in Appendix B1.

[0163] (Appendix B4) In the selection process, the at least one processor selects the one or more target access points based on a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the access points at which no failure related to the communication has been detected. 1. A communication control method as described in Appendix B1.

[0164] (Appendix B5) In the change process, the at least one processor changes a frequency used by the one or more target access points. 1. A communication control method as described in Appendix B1.

[0165] (Appendix B6) In the change process, the at least one processor changes the frequency used by the one or more target access points based on a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the access points where the communication failure is not detected. A communication control method as described in Appendix B5.

[0166] (Appendix B7) In the selection process, the at least one processor selects the one or more target access points based on a priority of communication being performed by each of the access points in which a failure related to the communication has not been detected. 1. A communication control method as described in Appendix B1.

[0167] (Appendix B8) The priority of the communication is determined according to the purpose of the communication. A communication control method as described in Appendix B7.

[0168] [Appendix C] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0169] (Appendix C1) In a communication system having a plurality of access points, Computer, a detection means for detecting an access point among the plurality of access points where a communication failure has occurred; a selection means for selecting one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points in which no communication failure has been detected; functioning as a change unit that changes the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection unit so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the access point where a failure has occurred; the selection means determines a degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the access points in which no failure related to the communication has been detected, and selects the one or more target access points based on the determination result. Communications control program.

[0170] (Appendix C2) the modifying means increases the coverage of the one or more target access points; 1. A communication control program as described in Appendix C1.

[0171] (Appendix C3) the selection means selects the one or more target access points based on information relating to the locations of the access points where no communication failure has been detected. 1. A communication control program as described in Appendix C1.

[0172] (Appendix C4) the selection means selects the one or more target access points based on a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the access points where no communication failure has been detected. 1. A communication control program as described in Appendix C1.

[0173] (Appendix C5) the changing means changes the frequency used by the one or more target access points. 1. A communication control program as described in Appendix C1.

[0174] (Appendix C6) the changing means changes the frequency used by the one or more target access points based on a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the access points where the communication failure has not been detected. The communication control program described in Appendix C5.

[0175] (Appendix C7) the selection means selects the one or more target access points based on the priority of communication being performed by each of the access points in which a failure related to communication has not been detected. 1. A communication control program as described in Appendix C1.

[0176] (Appendix C8) The priority of the communication is determined according to the purpose of the communication. The communication control program described in Appendix C7.

[0177] [Appendix D] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0178] (Appendix D1) In a communication system having a plurality of access points, at least one processor, a detection process for detecting an access point among the plurality of access points in which a communication failure has occurred; a selection process of selecting one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points in which no communication failure has been detected; a change process for changing the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection process so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the access point where the failure has occurred; In the selection process, the at least one processor determines a degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the access points in which a failure related to the communication has not been detected, and selects the one or more target access points based on a result of the determination. Communications control device.

[0179] The communication control device may further include a memory, and the memory may store a program for causing the at least one processor to execute each of the processes.

[0180] (Appendix D2) In the change process, the at least one processor increases coverage of the one or more target access points. 10. The communication control device according to claim D1.

[0181] (Appendix D3) In the selection process, the at least one processor selects the one or more target access points based on information about the locations of access points in which no communication failure has been detected. 10. The communication control device according to claim D1.

[0182] (Appendix D4) In the selection process, the at least one processor selects the one or more target access points based on a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the access points where a communication failure is not detected. 10. The communication control device according to claim D1.

[0183] (Appendix D5) In the change process, the at least one processor changes a frequency used by the one or more target access points. 10. The communication control device according to claim D1.

[0184] (Appendix D6) In the change process, the at least one processor changes the frequency used by the one or more target access points based on a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the access points where the communication failure is not detected. 10. The communications control device of claim 9, wherein the communication control device is a device for controlling a communication between a host and a host

[0185] (Appendix D7) In the selection process, the at least one processor selects the one or more target access points based on a priority of communication being performed by each of the access points in which a failure related to the communication has not been detected. 10. The communication control device according to claim D1.

[0186] (Appendix D8) The priority of the communication is determined according to the purpose of the communication. 10. The communication control device according to claim D7.

[0187] [Appendix E] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0188] (Appendix E1) In a communication system having a plurality of access points, a detection process for detecting an access point among the plurality of access points in which a communication failure has occurred; a selection process of selecting one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points in which no communication failure has been detected; a change process for changing the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection process so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the access point where the failure has occurred; In the selection process, the computer determines a degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the access points in which a failure related to the communication has not been detected, and selects the one or more target access points based on the determination result. A non-transitory recording medium on which a communication control program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0189] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C communication control device 10 Control Unit 11. Detection unit 12 Selection section 13 Changes 20 Memory section 30 Input section 40 Output section C1 processor C2 Memory

Claims

1. In a communication system having a plurality of access points, a detection means for detecting an access point among the plurality of access points where a communication failure has occurred; a selection means for selecting one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points in which no communication failure has been detected; a change unit that changes the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection unit so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the access point where a failure has occurred, the selection means determines a degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the access points in which no failure related to the communication has been detected, and selects the one or more target access points based on the determination result. Communications control device.

2. the modifying means increases coverage of the one or more target access points; The communication control device according to claim 1 .

3. the selection means selects the one or more target access points based on information relating to the locations of the access points where no communication failure has been detected. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

4. the selection means selects the one or more target access points based on a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the access points where no communication failure has been detected. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

5. the changing means changes the frequency used by the one or more target access points. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

6. the changing means changes the frequency used by the one or more target access points based on a result of measuring radio waves used by other access points at each of the access points where the communication failure has not been detected. The communication control device according to claim 5 .

7. the selection means selects the one or more target access points based on the priority of communication being performed by each of the access points in which a failure related to communication has not been detected. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

8. The priority of the communication is determined according to the purpose of the communication. The communication control device according to claim 7.

9. In a communication system including a plurality of access points, a detection process in which at least one processor detects an access point among the plurality of access points in which a communication failure has occurred; a selection process in which the at least one processor selects one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points in which no communication failure has been detected; a change process by the at least one processor to change the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection process so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the access point in which a failure has occurred; In the selection process, the at least one processor determines a degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the access points in which a failure related to the communication has not been detected, and selects the one or more target access points based on a result of the determination. Communication control method.

10. In a communication system having a plurality of access points, Computer, a detection means for detecting an access point among the plurality of access points where a communication failure has occurred; a selection means for selecting one or more target access points from among the plurality of access points in which no communication failure has been detected; functioning as a change unit that changes the coverage of the one or more target access points selected by the selection unit so as to compensate for at least a part of the coverage of the access point where a failure has occurred; the selection means determines a degree of interference when changing the coverage of each of the access points in which no failure related to the communication has been detected, and selects the one or more target access points based on the determination result. Communications control program.

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