Communication relay system, primary device, secondary device, and communication relay method

Abstract

The present invention provides a communication relay system, primary device, secondary device, and communication relay method capable of reducing latency. [Solution] One of the primary device 100 and the secondary device 200 includes a plurality of transmission storage units and a plurality of transmission units provided corresponding to each of the plurality of propagation paths 310. The plurality of transmission storage units store and output frames constituting data in chronological and complementary order, and during the first transmission operation, they output frames to the two or more transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths 310 such that the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths 310 used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames. The plurality of transmission units transmit the frames output by any of the plurality of transmission storage units to the other device through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths 310.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication relay system, a primary device, a secondary device, and a communication relay method for relaying communication.

Background Art

[0002] In a data communication system, data communication is performed between a plurality of devices via a communication relay system. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a digital communication system in which a terminal device is connected to an asynchronous transfer mode node of a wide area integrated service digital network via a plurality of stations. Bidirectional communication of data is performed between a plurality of stations. In the transmitting station, cell data, which is a communication unit constituting the data to be transmitted, is stored in a cell storage area, and order information of the cell data is stored in a pointer area. The cell data stored in the cell storage area is transmitted according to the order information stored in the pointer area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the digital communication system described in Patent Document 1, even if cell data is stored in a cell storage area in an order different from the processing order, the cell data can be retrieved and processed according to the processing order. However, every time cell data is stored in the cell storage area, it is necessary to store the order information of the cell data in the pointer area. Also, every time the cell data stored in the cell storage area is normally received by the receiving station, it is necessary to correct the order information stored in the pointer area. Therefore, the latency increases.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a communication relay system, primary device, secondary device, and communication relay method that can reduce latency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication relay system according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of propagation paths assigned unique identifiers, a primary device, and a secondary device capable of communicating with the primary device, wherein one of the primary device and the secondary device is capable of performing a first transmission operation in which, in a single period, data is simultaneously transmitted to the other device through two or more propagation paths among the plurality of propagation paths, and includes a plurality of first transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting the data in chronological and complementary order, and a plurality of first transmission units provided corresponding to each of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit frames output by any of the plurality of first transmission storage units to the other device through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths, wherein the plurality of first transmission storage units, during the first transmission operation, output frames to two or more first transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths such that the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames.

[0007] A primary device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a primary device provided in a communication relay system including a plurality of propagation paths and a secondary device to which unique identifiers are assigned, and is capable of communicating with the secondary device and performing a first transmission operation in which, in a single period, data is simultaneously transmitted to the secondary device through two or more propagation paths from the plurality of propagation paths, and includes a plurality of transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting data in chronological and complementary order, and a plurality of transmission units provided corresponding to each of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit frames output by any of the plurality of transmission storage units to the secondary device through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths, wherein, during the first transmission operation, the plurality of transmission storage units output frames to two or more transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths such that the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames.

[0008] A secondary device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a secondary device provided in a communication relay system including a primary device and a plurality of propagation paths to which unique identifiers are assigned, and is capable of communicating with the primary device and performing a first transmission operation in which data is simultaneously transmitted to the primary device through two or more propagation paths from the plurality of propagation paths in a single period of time, and includes a plurality of transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting data in chronological and complementary order, and a plurality of transmission units provided corresponding to each of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit frames output by any of the plurality of transmission storage units to the primary device through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths, wherein the plurality of transmission storage units output frames to two or more transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths during the first transmission operation such that the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames.

[0009] A communication relay method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a communication relay method using a plurality of propagation paths assigned unique identifiers, a primary device, and a secondary device, wherein the secondary device is capable of communicating with the primary device, and one of the primary device and the secondary device is capable of performing a first transmission operation to simultaneously transmit data to the other device through two or more propagation paths in a single period of time, using a plurality of transmission storage units and a plurality of transmission units provided corresponding to each of the plurality of propagation paths, wherein the communication relay method includes storing frames constituting data in chronological order and complementaryly using the plurality of transmission storage units, outputting the frames stored in the plurality of transmission storage units to two or more transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths during the first transmission operation such that the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used to transmit the frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames, and transmitting the frames output by the plurality of transmission storage units to the other device through the plurality of propagation paths corresponding to each of the plurality of propagation paths. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, latency can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a communication relay system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a communication period allocated to a propagation path. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the configuration of each secondary device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the transmission memory. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the receiving memory. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the primary device. [Figure 7]It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the transmission memory. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the reception memory. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the primary device. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the length and number of frames monitored by the monitoring unit. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of adjusting the length of the temporary frame. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of dividing and dispersing the temporary frame. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing an example of the table generation process. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the transmission unit and the reception unit. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the waveform of the data transmitted through each wiring. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing the structure of the frame. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the communication relay system when K is 4. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the communication relay system when K is 4. [Figure 19] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the communication relay system when K is 4. [Figure 20] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the communication relay system when K is 4. [Figure 21] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the communication relay system when K is 4. [Figure 22] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the communication relay system when K is 4.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] 1. Configuration of the Communication Relay System Hereinafter, a communication relay system, primary device, secondary device, and communication relay method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication relay system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the communication relay system 300 comprises a primary device 100, a plurality of secondary devices 200, and a plurality of propagation paths 310. Each propagation path 310 is assigned a unique identifier (a number in this example). In the example of Figure 1, the communication relay system 300 comprises two propagation paths 311 and 312 as the plurality of propagation paths 310. Propagation path 311 is assigned the number "1", and propagation path 312 is assigned the number "2".

[0013] The primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 are connected in parallel by multiple propagation paths 310. In this example, the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 are connected by propagation path 311 and propagation path 312. The primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 are also connected by signal lines (not shown). Control signals are supplied from the primary device 100 to each secondary device 200 through the signal lines, thereby controlling the operation of each secondary device 200.

[0014] The primary device 100 is connected to a main control unit 400 located outside the communication relay system 300. Multiple secondary devices 200 are each connected to multiple electronic devices 500 located outside the communication relay system 300. The main control unit 400 controls the operation of each electronic device 500 and generates or processes data. Each electronic device 500 generates or processes data. The main control unit 400 and each electronic device 500 are, for example, devices compliant with the Ethernet standard. Therefore, the data generated or processed in the main control unit 400 and each electronic device 500 consists of one or more frames, and each frame has a predetermined structure such as an Ethernet frame.

[0015] The primary device 100 acquires data from the connected main control unit 400 and provides the data to either secondary device 200 via the propagation path 311 or propagation path 312. The primary device 100 also acquires data from either secondary device 200 via the propagation path 311 or propagation path 312 and provides the data to either secondary device 200 via the propagation path 311 or propagation path 312.

[0016] Each secondary device 200 acquires data from the connected electronic device 500 and transmits it to the primary device 100 via propagation path 311 or propagation path 312. Similarly, each secondary device 200 acquires data from the primary device 100 via propagation path 311 or propagation path 312 and transmits it to the connected electronic device 500. This allows the communication relay system 300 to relay communication between the main control unit 400 and the multiple electronic devices 500.

[0017] The communication relay system 300 is implemented, for example, in FA (Factory Automation) equipment. In this case, the main control unit 400 includes an MCU (Microcontroller Unit), and the electronic equipment 500 includes cameras, sensors, or computers. The cameras include ultra-high-definition cameras such as 4K cameras or 8K cameras. The sensors include various sensors such as speed sensors, acceleration sensors, or angle sensors. Therefore, the capacity of the data generated or processed varies greatly depending on the electronic equipment 500. In particular, if the data is image data generated by an ultra-high-definition camera, it has a very large capacity. Therefore, when communicating large amounts of data, communication is performed using two propagation paths 311 and 312 simultaneously.

[0018] Specifically, in the communication relay system 300, a table is generated for each propagation path 311, 312 that allocates the time period used for communication with each secondary device 200. Frames having a predetermined structure, such as Ethernet frames, are assigned to one of the time periods in the generated table and are periodically and repeatedly communicated between the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 through the propagation paths 311, 312. Therefore, the communication period between the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 is allocated for each propagation path 311, 312. The procedure for generating the tables will be described later.

[0019] Figure 2 shows an example of a communication period allocated to propagation paths 311 and 312. In this example, communication from any of the secondary devices 200 to the primary device 100 is described as "transmission," and communication received by any of the secondary devices 200 from the primary device 100 is described as "reception." In addition, the unique number assigned to the secondary device 200 performing the communication is written in parentheses after "transmission" or "reception."

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, during period T1, transmission by the second secondary device 200 is assigned to propagation path 311, and reception by the second secondary device 200 and reception by the first secondary device 200 are sequentially assigned to propagation path 312. During period T2 following period T1, transmission by the second secondary device 200 is assigned to propagation path 311, and transmission by the second secondary device 200 is assigned to propagation path 312.

[0021] In period T3 following period T2, the transmission by the second secondary device 200 is assigned to propagation path 311, and the transmission by the third secondary device 200 and the transmission by the first secondary device 200 are sequentially assigned to propagation path 312. In period T4 following period T3, the transmission by the third secondary device 200 and the transmission by the first secondary device 200 are sequentially assigned to propagation path 311, and the transmission by the second secondary device 200 is assigned to propagation path 312.

[0022] In this allocation, during period T2, propagation paths 311 and 312 are occupied by transmission by the second secondary device 200. Therefore, even if the data is image data or other data with a large capacity, the data can be efficiently transmitted from the second secondary device 200 to the primary device 100 by using propagation paths 311 and 312 simultaneously during period T2. During reception, if the data capacity is large, propagation paths 311 and 312 are occupied in the same way as during transmission.

[0023] 2. Secondary device Figure 3 shows the configuration of each secondary device 200. As shown in Figure 3, the secondary device 200 includes a control unit 210, multiple transmission memories 220, multiple reception memories 230, multiple transmission units 240, and multiple reception units 250. The control unit 210 includes a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 210 controls the operation of the multiple transmission memories 220 and the multiple reception memories 230 according to control signals provided by the primary device 100.

[0024] The number of transmitting memory 220, receiving memory 230, transmitting unit 240, and receiving unit 250 corresponds to the number of propagation paths 310. As described above, in this example, there are two propagation paths 310. Therefore, in this example, the secondary device 200 includes two transmitting memories 221 and 222 as multiple transmitting memories 220, and two receiving memories 231 and 232 as multiple receiving memories 230. The secondary device 200 also includes two transmitting units 241 and 242 as multiple transmitting units 240, and two receiving units 251 and 252 as multiple receiving units 250.

[0025] Each transmitting memory 221, 222 and each receiving memory 231, 232 are FIFO (First In First Out) volatile memories that temporarily store data frames. Each transmitting memory 221, 222 and each receiving memory 231, 232 are connected to the electronic device 500. Each transmitting memory 221, 222 is also connected to the transmitting unit 241 and the transmitting unit 242. Each receiving memory 231, 232 is also connected to the receiving unit 251 and the receiving unit 252.

[0026] Each transmitting unit 241, 242 and each receiving unit 251, 252 are composed of, for example, electronic circuits. Transmitting unit 241 is connected to propagation path 311 and transmits frames output by transmitting memory 221, 222 to primary device 100 through propagation path 311. Transmitting unit 242 is connected to propagation path 312 and transmits frames output by transmitting memory 221, 222 to primary device 100 through propagation path 312. Receiving unit 251 is connected to propagation path 311 and receives frames transmitted by primary device 100 through propagation path 311. Receiving unit 252 is connected to propagation path 312 and receives frames transmitted by primary device 100 through propagation path 312.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the transmission memories 221 and 222. As shown in Figure 4, the electronic device 500 provides data consisting of multiple frames to the secondary device 200. In this example, for ease of understanding, a number indicating the chronological order of the generated frames is written in parentheses after "frame," but the data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames.

[0028] The transmission memories 221 and 222 complementaryly store frames of data provided by the electronic device 500. In the example in Figure 4, the first frame, the third frame, and the fifth frame are stored in transmission memory 221 in that order. The second frame, the fourth frame, and the sixth frame are stored in transmission memory 222 in that order. Subsequently, the transmission memories 221 and 222 output the stored frames to the transmission units 241 and 242 during the period allocated to the propagation paths 311 and 312.

[0029] Here, during periods when transmission does not occupy propagation paths 311 and 312, transmission memories 221 and 222 output the stored frames to the transmission unit 241 or transmission unit 242 in chronological and complementary order. Specifically, the first frame is output by the transmission memory 221, the second frame by the transmission memory 222, the third frame by the transmission memory 221, the fourth frame by the transmission memory 222, and so on. The output destination of the frames is the transmission unit 241 during periods of transmission through propagation path 311, and the transmission unit 242 during periods of transmission through propagation path 312.

[0030] On the other hand, during the period when transmission occupies propagation paths 311 and 312, transmission memories 221 and 222 output the stored frames to the transmission unit 241 or transmission unit 242 in chronological order and simultaneously. In this case, the output destinations of the earlier and later frames in chronological order are predetermined. In this example, the earlier frame is transmitted through propagation path 311, which is assigned the number "1", and the later frame is transmitted through propagation path 312, which is assigned the number "2". Therefore, the output destination of the earlier frame is the transmission unit 241, and the output destination of the later frame is the transmission unit 242.

[0031] For example, if the output of the first frame by the transmission memory 221 and the output of the second frame by the transmission memory 222 occur simultaneously, the first frame (the earlier frame) is output to the transmission unit 241, and the second frame (the later frame) is output to the transmission unit 242. On the other hand, if the output of the second frame by the transmission memory 222 and the output of the third frame by the transmission memory 221 occur simultaneously, the second frame (the earlier frame) is output to the transmission unit 241, and the third frame (the later frame) is output to the transmission unit 242.

[0032] Furthermore, as will be described later, data is transmitted by the primary device 100 through propagation paths 311 and 312. The data frames transmitted by the primary device 100 include frames corresponding to multiple secondary devices 200. In this case, the receiving units 251 and 252 of each secondary device 200 receive the data frames corresponding to that secondary device 200.

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the receiving memories 231 and 232. As shown in Figure 5, the receiving memories 231 and 232 complementaryly store the frames received by the receiving units 251 and 252. In the example in Figure 5, the 11th frame, the 13th frame, and the 15th frame are stored in the receiving memory 231 in that order. The 12th frame, the 14th frame, and the 16th frame are stored in the receiving memory 232 in that order.

[0034] Here, during periods when reception does not occupy the propagation paths 311 and 312, the receiving memories 231 and 232 store the frames received by the receiving unit 251 or the receiving unit 252 in chronological and complementary order. Specifically, the receiving memory 231 stores the 11th frame, the receiving memory 232 stores the 12th frame, the receiving memory 231 stores the 13th frame, the receiving memory 232 stores the 14th frame, and so on, in sequence.

[0035] On the other hand, during the period when reception occupies propagation paths 311 and 312, the receiving memories 231 and 232 acquire and store the frames received by the receiving units 251 and 252 in chronological order and simultaneously. In this case, as described above, the earlier frame is transmitted through propagation path 311 and the later frame is transmitted through propagation path 312, so the earlier frame is received by the receiving unit 251 and the later frame is received by the receiving unit 252. Therefore, in this example, of the receiving memories 231 and 232, the receiving memory that should store the next frame stores the frame received by the receiving unit 251, and the other receiving memory stores the frame received by the receiving unit 252.

[0036] Subsequently, the receiving memories 231 and 232 output the stored frames to the electronic device 500 in chronological and complementary order. Each secondary device 200 operates as described above, and the primary device 100 performs transmission and reception operations corresponding to the operation of each secondary device 200. The transmission and reception operations of the primary device 100 will be described later. As a result, frames are communicated between the multiple secondary devices 200 and the primary device 100 through the propagation paths 311 and 312 during each period illustrated in Figure 2.

[0037] 3. Primary device Figure 6 shows the configuration of the primary device 100. Figure 6 mainly shows the hardware configuration of the primary device 100. As shown in Figure 6, the primary device 100 includes a control unit 110, multiple transmission memories 120, multiple reception memories 130, multiple transmission units 140, and multiple reception units 150. The control unit 110 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU and memory, and controls the operation of the multiple transmission memories 120 and multiple reception memories 130. The control unit 110 also provides control signals to the control units 210 of each secondary device 200 in Figure 3 for controlling the transmission memory 220 and reception memory 230.

[0038] The configuration of the primary device 100 is the same as that of the secondary device 200. Therefore, the primary device 100 includes two transmission memories 121 and 122 as multiple transmission memories 120, and two reception memories 131 and 132 as multiple reception memories 130. In addition, the primary device 100 includes two transmission units 141 and 142 as multiple transmission units 140, and two reception units 151 and 152 as multiple reception units 150.

[0039] Each transmission memory 121, 122 and each reception memory 131, 132 are FIFO-type volatile memories that temporarily store data frames. Each transmission memory 121, 122 and each reception memory 131, 132 are connected to the main control unit 400. Each transmission memory 121, 122 is also connected to the transmission unit 141 and the transmission unit 142. Each reception memory 131, 132 is also connected to the reception unit 151 and the reception unit 152.

[0040] Each transmitting unit 141, 142 and each receiving unit 151, 152 are composed of, for example, electronic circuits. Transmitting unit 141 is connected to propagation path 311 and transmits frames output by transmitting memories 121, 122 to one of the secondary devices 200 through propagation path 311. Transmitting unit 142 is connected to propagation path 312 and transmits frames output by transmitting memories 121, 122 to one of the secondary devices 200 through propagation path 312. Receiving unit 151 is connected to propagation path 311 and receives frames transmitted by each secondary device 200 through propagation path 311. Receiving unit 152 is connected to propagation path 312 and receives frames transmitted by each secondary device 200 through propagation path 312.

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the transmission memories 121 and 122. As shown in Figure 7, the main control unit 400 provides data consisting of multiple frames to the primary device 100. The multiple frames of data provided from the main control unit 400 to the primary device 100 include frames corresponding to multiple secondary devices 200.

[0042] The transmission memories 121 and 122 complementaryly store data frames provided by the main control unit 400. In the example shown in Figure 7, the 21st frame, the 23rd frame, and the 25th frame are stored in transmission memory 121 in that order. Similarly, the 22nd frame, the 24th frame, and the 26th frame are stored in transmission memory 122 in that order. Subsequently, the transmission memories 121 and 122 output the stored frames to the transmission units 141 and 142 during the period allocated to the propagation paths 311 and 312.

[0043] Here, during periods when transmission does not occupy propagation paths 311 and 312, transmission memories 121 and 122 output the stored frames to the transmission unit 141 or transmission unit 142 in chronological and complementary order. Specifically, the output of the 21st frame by transmission memory 121, the output of the 22nd frame by transmission memory 122, the output of the 23rd frame by transmission memory 121, the output of the 24th frame by transmission memory 122, and so on, are performed sequentially. The output destination of the frames is the transmission unit 141 during periods of transmission through propagation path 311, and the transmission unit 142 during periods of transmission through propagation path 312.

[0044] On the other hand, during the period when transmission occupies propagation paths 311 and 312, transmission memories 121 and 122 output the stored frames in chronological order and simultaneously to the transmission unit 141 or transmission unit 142. In this example, the output destination for the earlier frame is the transmission unit 141, and the output destination for the later frame is the transmission unit 142. In this case, the earlier frame is transmitted through propagation path 311, and the later frame is transmitted through propagation path 312.

[0045] For example, if the output of the 21st frame by the transmission memory 121 and the output of the 22nd frame by the transmission memory 122 occur simultaneously, the earlier frame, the 21st frame, is output to the transmission unit 141, and the later frame, the 22nd frame, is output to the transmission unit 142. On the other hand, if the output of the 22nd frame by the transmission memory 122 and the output of the 23rd frame by the transmission memory 121 occur simultaneously, the earlier frame, the 22nd frame, is output to the transmission unit 141, and the later frame, the 23rd frame, is output to the transmission unit 142.

[0046] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the receiving memories 131 and 132. As explained using Figure 4, when data is transmitted to the primary device 100 by each secondary device 200, the receiving units 151 and 152 receive the data frames. In this case, as shown in Figure 8, the receiving memories 131 and 132 complementaryly store the frames received by the receiving units 151 and 152. In the example in Figure 8, the 31st frame, the 33rd frame, and the 35th frame are stored in the receiving memory 131 in that order. Also, the 32nd frame, the 34th frame, and the 36th frame are stored in the receiving memory 132 in that order.

[0047] During periods when reception does not occupy the propagation paths 311 and 312, the receiving memories 131 and 132 store the frames received by the receiving units 151 and 152 in chronological and complementary order. Specifically, the receiving memory 131 stores the 31st frame, the receiving memory 132 stores the 32nd frame, the receiving memory 131 stores the 33rd frame, the receiving memory 132 stores the 34th frame, and so on.

[0048] On the other hand, during the period when reception occupies propagation paths 311 and 312, the receiving memories 131 and 132 acquire and store the frames received by the receiving units 151 and 152 in chronological order and simultaneously. In this case, as described above, the earlier frame is transmitted through propagation path 311 and the later frame is transmitted through propagation path 312, so the earlier frame is received by the receiving unit 151 and the later frame is received by the receiving unit 152. Therefore, in this example, of the receiving memories 131 and 132, the receiving memory that should store the next frame stores the frame received by the receiving unit 151, and the other receiving memory stores the frame received by the receiving unit 152.

[0049] Subsequently, the receiving memories 131 and 132 output the stored frames to the main control unit 400 in chronological and complementary order. The primary device 100 operates as described above, and each secondary device 200 performs transmission and reception operations corresponding to the operation of the primary device 100. As a result, frames are communicated between the multiple secondary devices 200 and the primary device 100 through the propagation paths 311 and 312 during each period illustrated in Figure 2.

[0050] 4. Table generation As described above, the primary device 100 generates a table for each propagation path 311, 312. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the primary device 100. As shown in Figure 9, the primary device 100 includes a setting unit 11, a monitoring unit 12, an adjustment unit 13, a generation unit 14, a division unit 15, and a distribution unit 16 as functional units 10. In this example, the functional units 10 of the primary device 100 are realized by the processor of the control unit 110 executing a table generation program stored in memory.

[0051] The setting unit 11 sets the length of a temporary frame in a table, indicating the period to be allocated to transmission or reception for each secondary device 200, and saves the set temporary frame length as the initial setting in memory. The temporary frame length may be set equally for all secondary devices 200. In this case, the temporary frame length is set to be sufficiently large. On the other hand, for secondary devices 200 to which electronic equipment 500 is connected that may not be able to establish communication due to handshake failure, etc., the temporary frame length for transmission may be set to be larger than the lengths of other temporary frames. The setting unit 11 may also set the temporary frame length by reading past initial settings.

[0052] Alternatively, if the primary device 100 is connected to a computer including a display device and an operating device, the setting unit 11 may accept an operation from the user to input the length of a temporary frame as an initial setup operation. The user can check the communication volume for each secondary device 200 by viewing the GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display device and input an appropriate temporary frame length corresponding to the communication volume to the setting unit 11 by operating the operating device. In this case, the setting unit 11 sets the received temporary frame length.

[0053] The monitoring unit 12 monitors the length and number of frames received by each secondary device 200 per unit time by acquiring data from the main control unit 400 transmitted by the transmitting unit 140. The monitoring unit 12 also monitors the length and number of frames transmitted by each secondary device 200 per unit time by acquiring data from each secondary device 200 received by the receiving unit 150. The monitoring unit 12 may also monitor the length and number of frames by communicating with each secondary device 200 individually. Alternatively, the monitoring unit 12 may monitor the length and number of frames by communicating with the main control unit 400 and each electronic device 500 individually.

[0054] Figure 10 shows an example of the frame length and number of frames monitored by the monitoring unit 12. In the example in Figure 10, the frame length transmitted by the second secondary device 200 is the longest, and the frame length transmitted by the first secondary device 200 is the shortest. However, the number of frames transmitted by the first secondary device 200 per unit time is the highest. Since the amount of data transmitted per frame is given by the product of the frame length and the number of frames, the amount of data transmitted by the first secondary device 200 is the largest.

[0055] The adjustment unit 13 adjusts the length of the temporary frame set by the setting unit 11 based on the length and number of frames monitored by the monitoring unit 12. For example, let Ne be the length of the temporary frame and Nmax be the length of the largest frame. Also, let N be the length of the frame with the largest amount of data transmitted (hereinafter referred to as the maximum communication frame) and n be the number of maximum communication frames. In this case, the number of maximum communication frames and the length of the temporary frame are adjusted so that the following equations (1) and (2) hold true. Nmax ≤ Ne …(1) n×N <Ne<n×N+α …(2)

[0056] Therefore, combining equations (1) and (2), the maximum number of communication frames and the length of the temporary frame are adjusted so that equation (3) below holds. For example, the maximum number of communication frames and the length of the temporary frame may be adjusted to be as small as possible within the range where equation (3) holds. Here, α is the margin of the temporary frame provided to prevent overflow, and in this example it is set to less than 25% (0.25 × N) of the length of the maximum communication frame. Nmax ≤ Ne <n×N+α …(3)

[0057] Figure 11 shows an example of adjusting the length of the temporary frame. As shown on the left of Figure 11, before adjustment, when the maximum number of communication frames is 2, the inequality on the right of equation (3) holds, but the inequality with equality on the left does not. Therefore, as shown on the right of Figure 11, the length of the temporary frame is adjusted to be larger. This adjustment makes the inequality with equality on the left of equation (3) hold. Also, even when the maximum number of communication frames is adjusted to 3, the inequality on the right of equation (3) holds.

[0058] The generation unit 14 generates a table for each propagation path 311, 312 by determining a temporary frame to be assigned to each frame of the secondary device 200 for each propagation path 311, 312. Each frame of the secondary device 200 includes a transmit frame and a receive frame. Specifically, first, the generation unit 14 determines the length of the table based on the length of the temporary frame adjusted by the adjustment unit 13. In this example, the length of the table is determined to be eight times the length of the temporary frame. That is, the table contains eight temporary frames.

[0059] Next, the generation unit 14 determines which temporary frames to assign to each secondary device 200's frame from among the multiple temporary frames included in the tables of propagation paths 311 and 312. In this example, the temporary frames to be assigned to the secondary devices 200's frames are determined in order of decreasing communication volume. In the above example, the communication volume at the time of transmission by the first secondary device 200 is the largest. In this case, if the table time is S [seconds] and the communication speed of the first secondary device 200 is X [bytes / second], then the length Y [bytes] required for assignment to the transmission of the first secondary device 200 in the table is given by X × S.

[0060] Also, assuming that the length of the maximum communication frame is N1 [bytes], the length y [bytes] of the frame that can be transmitted by the first secondary device 200 per temporary frame is given by N1 × k. Here, k is the maximum value of the number n of maximum communication frames satisfying n < Ne / N1, and in the example of FIG. 11, it is 3. In this case, the number M of temporary frames assigned to the transmission frame of the first secondary device 200 is given by an integer that satisfies the following formula (4). M > Y / y …(4)

[0061] Here, for the secondary device 200 connected to an ultra-high-definition camera or the like, since the communication volume is large, there is a high possibility that a plurality of frames having a relatively large length per unit time are transmitted. Therefore, for the frames of such a secondary device 200, temporary frames located in the same period in the table (period T2 in the example of FIG. 2) are assigned to the propagation path 311 and the propagation path 312. The temporary frames assigned to the frames of the secondary device 200 with a large communication volume after the second one are also sequentially determined in the same manner.

[0062] In the above example, the temporary frames in the table assigned to the frames of each secondary device 200 are determined in descending order of the communication volume, but the embodiment is not limited to this. When the priority of each secondary device 200 is known, the temporary frames in the table assigned to the frames of each secondary device 200 may be determined in order of priority. For example, for the secondary device 200 connected to an ultra-high-definition camera or the like, since the communication volume is large, the temporary frames may be preferentially assigned to the frames of the secondary device 200.

[0063] The splitting unit 15 determines whether or not to split a temporary frame if multiple frames are assigned to a single temporary frame for any of the secondary devices 200. If there are m temporary frames that can be split into m (where m is an integer of 2 or more) and these m temporary frames are assigned to different secondary devices 200 frames, it is determined that the temporary frame should be split. In this case, the splitting unit 15 splits each of the m temporary frames in the table generated by the generation unit 14 into m frames. The distribution unit 16 then evenly distributes and rearranges the temporary frames that have been split by the splitting unit 15.

[0064] Figure 12 shows an example of the division and distribution of temporary frames. In the example in Figure 12, as shown in the upper section, the frames of the 4th to 6th secondary devices 200 are assigned to the 1st to 3rd temporary frames of the table, respectively. Specifically, the 2nd temporary frame is assigned two transmission frames of the 5th secondary device 200, and the 3rd temporary frame is assigned two transmission frames of the 6th secondary device 200. In this case, the 2nd temporary frame can be divided into two so that one transmission frame from the 5th secondary device 200 is assigned to each. Similarly, the 3rd temporary frame can be divided into two so that one transmission frame from the 6th secondary device 200 is assigned to each.

[0065] Thus, there are two temporary frames that can be divided into two, and these two temporary frames are assigned to transmission frames of different secondary devices 200. Therefore, it is determined that each of the second and third temporary frames should be divided into two. As a result, as shown in the middle of Figure 12, each of the second and third temporary frames in the table is divided into two by the division unit 15.

[0066] Subsequently, as shown in the lower part of Figure 12, the second and third temporary frames, which have been divided into two parts, are distributed and rearranged by the distribution unit 16 so that they alternate within the table. Through these steps, the structure of the table generated by the generation unit 14 is determined. The structure of the generated table may be saved in memory as setting information by the setting unit 11. In this case, the structure of the generated table can be used when generating the next table.

[0067] 5. Table generation process The table generation process is performed by the processor of the control unit 110 executing a table generation program stored in memory. The table generation process is a process for generating tables and is started, for example, when the communication relay system 300 is started up. The communication relay system 300 is started up, for example, when the implemented device (FA equipment in this example) is started up. Figure 13 is a flowchart of an example of the table generation process. The table generation process will be explained below with reference to Figure 9.

[0068] First, the setting unit 11 sets the length of the temporary frame as an initial setting (step S1). Next, the monitoring unit 12 monitors the length and number of frames communicated between the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 (step S2). Subsequently, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the length of the temporary frame set in step S1 based on the length and number of frames monitored in step S2 (step S3). After that, the generation unit 14 determines the number of temporary frames in the table for each propagation path 311,312 (step S4).

[0069] Next, the generation unit 14 determines which temporary frames to assign to each secondary device 200 from among the multiple temporary frames included in the tables of propagation paths 311 and 312 (step S5). Here, the secondary devices 200 connected to the ultra-high-definition camera, etc., are assigned temporary frames located in the same period in the table for both propagation path 311 and propagation path 312. As a result, a table is generated for each of the propagation paths 311 and 312. Subsequently, the generation unit 14 determines whether or not temporary frames have been assigned to all of the secondary devices 200's frames (step S6).

[0070] If temporary frames have been assigned to the frames of all secondary devices 200, the generation unit 14 determines whether or not an overflow has occurred in any of the temporary frames (step S7). If the number of empty frames in any of the temporary frames is less than a predetermined amount, it is determined that an overflow has occurred in that temporary frame. If an overflow flag for determining overflows is inserted in the frames transmitted from each secondary device 200, it may be determined whether or not an overflow has occurred in a temporary frame based on the overflow flag.

[0071] If no temporary frames are allocated to any of the secondary devices 200 in step S6, or if an overflow occurs in any of the temporary frames in step S7, the process returns to step S2. This adjusts the number of temporary frames allocated to each of the secondary devices 200. For example, if no temporary frames are allocated to any of the secondary devices 200, the number of temporary frames allocated to any secondary device 200 that has an excessive number of temporary frames is reduced. Alternatively, if an overflow occurs in any of the temporary frames, the number of temporary frames allocated to the corresponding secondary device 200 is preferentially increased.

[0072] Steps S2 to S7 are repeated until no overflow occurs in any of the temporary frames. If no overflow occurs in any of the temporary frames, the splitting unit 15 determines whether or not any of the temporary frames should be split in the table generated in step S5 (step S8). If any of the temporary frames should be split, the splitting unit 15 splits the temporary frame (step S9). Then, the distribution unit 16 rearranges the temporary frames split in step S9 in the table, distributing them evenly (step S10).

[0073] If it is not necessary to divide all temporary frames in step S8, or if step S10 is executed, the table generation process ends when the tables generated for propagation paths 311 and 312 are determined. If it is not necessary to divide all temporary frames in step S8, the process may be returned to step S2 before terminating the table generation process. In this process, even after steps S2 to S8 have been repeated a predetermined number of times, the table generation process may be terminated if it is not necessary to divide all temporary frames in step S8.

[0074] At the end of the table generation process, the structure of the generated table may be saved as a configuration file. After the table generation process is complete, the communication relay system 300 starts normal operation. In normal operation, frames are periodically and repeatedly communicated between the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 through propagation paths 311 and 312 according to the generated table.

[0075] 6. Transmitter and receiver The configurations of the transmitters 140 and 240 and the receivers 150 and 250 will be described below. Here, the receiver 150 and the transmitter 240 have the same configuration as the receiver 250 and the transmitter 140, respectively, so the explanations for the receivers 150 and the transmitter 240 will be omitted. Figure 14 shows the configurations of the transmitters 140 and the receiver 250. In this example, each of the multiple propagation paths 310 is composed of two wires 5 that transmit data in a differential manner. Figure 14 shows the configuration of the parts of the transmitters 140 and 240 corresponding to one propagation path 310.

[0076] As shown in Figure 14, the transmitter 140 and the receiver 250 have similar configurations. Specifically, each of the transmitter 140 and the receiver 250 includes an operational amplifier 1, a pair of capacitors 2, a DC power supply 3, and a pair of resistors 4. The operational amplifier 1 of the transmitter 140 and the operational amplifier 1 of the transmitter 250 are connected by a pair of wires 5. In each of the transmitter 140 and the receiver 250, a pair of capacitors 2 are provided on each of the wires 5. In addition, a transmission or reception voltage is applied to each of the wires 5 via a pair of resistors 4 by the DC power supply 3.

[0077] According to the above configuration, data transmitted from the operational amplifier 1 of the transmitting unit 140 is received by the operational amplifier 1 of the receiving unit 250 through a pair of wires 5. Furthermore, since capacitors 2 are provided on each wire 5 in both the transmitting unit 140 and the receiving unit 250, the DC component of the signal transmitted through each wire 5 is removed. Therefore, even when data is transmitted and received using the NRZ (Non Return to Zero) method, problems caused by mismatched bias levels between the operational amplifiers 1 can be prevented.

[0078] On the other hand, the presence of capacitors 2 in each wiring 5 can cause deformation of the waveform of the data transmitted through each wiring 5. Figure 15 shows the waveform of the data transmitted through each wiring 5. As shown in the upper part of Figure 15, the waveform of each frame included in the data to be transmitted has a rectangular shape. When such frames are transmitted intermittently, as shown in the lower part of Figure 15, the transient response of capacitor 2 causes a large deformation of the leading edge of the frame waveform, which is the rising edge of the waveform enclosed by the dotted line. The deformed portion of the frame waveform may not be received due to errors.

[0079] Therefore, in this example, the transmitters 140 and 240 can reverse the transmission order of each frame, with the structure of each frame inverted, according to instructions from the user. Here, each frame has a structure in which multiple layers are arranged. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the structure of a frame. As shown in Figure 16, in each frame, the preamble section, SFD (Start Frame Delimiter) section, payload section, and blank section are arranged in this order from the beginning to the end. The preamble section and SFD section store information that indicates the starting position of the frame and determines the period for synchronizing the transmission and reception of the frame. The payload section stores the main body of the information to be communicated. No information is stored in the blank section.

[0080] If the frame structure in Figure 16 is reversed, the blank space becomes the beginning of the frame and the preamble becomes the end. Therefore, even if the beginning of the frame is not received due to deformation of the frame waveform, the probability of the subsequent payload, SFD, and preamble being received without error detection is improved. This makes it possible to stably transmit and receive frames even when the frame waveform is deformed.

[0081] 7. Effects In the communication relay system 300 according to this embodiment, a unique identifier is assigned to the propagation paths 311 and 312. Each secondary device 200 can communicate with the primary device 100. As a result, communication between the main control unit 400 connected to the primary device 100 and the electronic equipment 500 connected to each secondary device 200 is relayed.

[0082] Both the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 are capable of selectively performing a first transmission operation and a second transmission operation. Here, the first transmission operation is the operation of simultaneously transmitting data through both propagation paths 311 and 312 in a single period. The second transmission operation is the operation of transmitting data through one of the propagation paths 311 and 312 in a single period.

[0083] In the primary device 100, the frames constituting the data are stored in the transmission memories 121 and 122 in chronological and complementary order. During the first transmission operation, the frames stored in the transmission memories 121 and 122 are output to the transmission units 141 and 142 corresponding to the propagation paths 311 and 312, respectively, such that the order of identifiers assigned to the propagation paths 311 and 312 corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames. During the second transmission operation, the frames stored in the transmission memories 121 and 122 are output to either the transmission unit 141 or 142. The frames output by the transmission memories 121 and 122 are transmitted by the transmission units 141 and 142 through the corresponding propagation paths 311 and 312 to either of the secondary devices 200.

[0084] In this case, during the first transmission operation, two frames are simultaneously transmitted to either secondary device 200 through two propagation paths 311 and 312, making it possible to efficiently transmit data with a large capacity. Furthermore, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames corresponds to the order of identifiers assigned to the propagation paths 311 and 312, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames.

[0085] Similarly, during the second transmission operation, the frames are transmitted to either of the secondary devices 200 in chronological order through either the propagation path 311 or 312. Therefore, even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order. Consequently, there is no need to include information indicating the order of the frames in the transmitted data, nor is there any need to read and process such information. This reduces latency when transmitting data from the primary device 100 to each of the secondary devices 200.

[0086] In each secondary device 200, when receiving data corresponding to the first transmission operation, it is possible to efficiently receive data of large capacity using the receiving units 251 and 252. Furthermore, as described above, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames is known, it is easy to store the frames received by the multiple receiving units 251 and 252 in chronological order and complementaryly in the receiving memories 231 and 232, regardless of whether the reception corresponds to the first or second transmission operation. This makes it easy to arrange the received frames in chronological order.

[0087] During the first transmission operation of each secondary device 200, two frames are simultaneously transmitted to the primary device 100 through two propagation paths 311 and 312, making it possible to efficiently transmit large amounts of data. Furthermore, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames corresponds to the order of identifiers assigned to the propagation paths 311 and 312, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames.

[0088] Similarly, during the second transmission operation of each secondary device 200, frames are transmitted to the primary device 100 in chronological order through either propagation path 311 or 312. Therefore, even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order. Consequently, there is no need to include information indicating the order of the frames in the transmitted data, nor is there any need to read and process such information. This reduces latency even when transmitting data from each secondary device 200 to the primary device 100.

[0089] In the primary device 100, during reception corresponding to the first transmission operation, it is possible to efficiently receive data of large capacity using the receiving units 151 and 152. Furthermore, as described above, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames is known, it is easy to store the frames received by the receiving units 151 and 152 in chronological order and complementaryly in the receiving memories 131 and 132 during reception corresponding to either the first or second transmission operation. This makes it easy to arrange the received frames in chronological order.

[0090] Each transmitting unit 141, 142, 241, and 242 can transmit each frame with its structure inverted. In this configuration, even if information for determining the synchronization period between transmission and reception is stored at the beginning of each frame, it is possible to transmit each frame so that this information is at the end of the frame. Therefore, stable frame communication is possible between the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200.

[0091] The primary device 100 further includes a generation unit 14. The generation unit 14 generates a table that allocates the time used for communication with each secondary device 200 for each of the propagation paths 311 and 312, based on the amount of communication with each secondary device 200. Specifically, the generation unit 14 generates the table by determining Ne and n to satisfy the above equations (1) and (2). Each transmission memory 121, 122, 221, and 222 outputs a frame according to the table generated by the generation unit 14.

[0092] This configuration allows for easy determination of the time allocated to communication for each secondary device in the table. Furthermore, even when multiple secondary devices 200 are provided that communicate with varying amounts of data, the time used for communication for each secondary device 200 is appropriately allocated to each propagation path 311, 312 according to the amount of data each secondary device 200 communicates. As a result, the idle period not used for communication in propagation paths 311, 312 can be minimized. This improves communication efficiency.

[0093] The generation unit 14 assigns the period used for communication with a specific secondary device 200 to the same period in two tables corresponding to propagation paths 311 and 312. In this case, the period for performing the first transmission operation can be easily assigned to the table. Furthermore, the specific secondary device 200 is a secondary device 200 that communicates data with a capacity larger than a predetermined capacity. In this case, data with a capacity larger than the predetermined capacity can be communicated efficiently according to the generated table.

[0094] The primary device 100 further includes a division unit 15 and a distribution unit 16. The division unit 15 divides the m periods into m parts if, in the table generated by the generation unit 14, there are m periods that can be divided into m parts, and these m periods are allocated to communication with different secondary devices 200. The distribution unit 16 rearranges the periods divided by the division unit 15 to be evenly distributed within the table. In this case, the table is provided with as many shortened periods as possible distributed amongst them. This reduces latency in each period. Also, since the frequency of communication increases, communication efficiency can be improved.

[0095] 8. Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 are configured to selectively perform a first transmission operation and a second transmission operation, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The primary device 100 or each secondary device 200 does not need to be configured to perform a second transmission operation as long as it is configured to perform a first transmission operation.

[0096] (2) In the above embodiment, the communication relay system 300 is provided with a plurality of secondary devices 200, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The communication relay system 300 may be provided with only one secondary device 200.

[0097] (3) In the above embodiment, the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 are provided as part of the communication relay system 300, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 may be distributed separately from the communication relay system 300.

[0098] (4) In the above embodiment, earlier frames in the time series are transmitted through propagation path 311 assigned the number "1", and later frames are transmitted through propagation path 312 assigned the number "2", but the embodiment is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the order of the numbers assigned to two or more propagation paths 310 used for transmitting frames corresponds to the time series order of the transmitted frames. Therefore, earlier frames in the time series may be transmitted through propagation path 311 assigned the number "2", and later frames may be transmitted through propagation path 312 assigned the number "1".

[0099] (5) In the above embodiment, the number of propagation paths 310 is 2, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The number of propagation paths 310 may be K (where K is an integer of 3 or more). In this case, the primary device 100 is provided with K each of the transmitting memory 120, receiving memory 130, transmitting unit 140, and receiving unit 150. In addition, each secondary device 200 is provided with K each of the transmitting memory 220, receiving memory 230, transmitting unit 240, and receiving unit 250.

[0100] Specifically, during periods when transmission does not occupy the propagation path 310, two or more of the K transmission memories 120 output the stored frames in chronological order and alternately to one of the K transmission units 140. The output destination for the frames is the transmission unit 140 connected to the propagation path 310 used for transmitting the frames. On the other hand, during periods when transmission occupies two or more of the propagation paths 310, two or more of the K transmission memories 120 output the stored frames in chronological order and simultaneously to two or more of the K transmission units 140.

[0101] For example, if a transmission occupies three propagation paths 310, the output destination for the first frame is the transmission unit 140 corresponding to the propagation path 310 assigned the number "1", the output destination for the next frame is the transmission unit 140 corresponding to the propagation path 310 assigned the number "2", and the output destination for the last frame is the transmission unit 140 corresponding to the propagation path 310 assigned the number "3". In this case, the first frame is transmitted through the propagation path 310 assigned the number "1", the next frame is transmitted through the propagation path 310 assigned the number "2", and the last frame is transmitted through the propagation path 310 assigned the number "3". The same applies when a transmission occupies four or more propagation paths 310.

[0102] Similarly, during periods when reception does not occupy the propagation path 310, two or more of the K receiving memories 130 store frames received by two or more of the K receiving units 150 in chronological order and alternately. On the other hand, during periods when reception occupies two or more of the propagation paths 310, two or more of the K receiving memories 130 acquire and store frames received by two or more of the K receiving units 150 in chronological order and simultaneously.

[0103] For example, if reception occupies three propagation paths 310, the first receiving memory 130 to store a frame will store the frame received by the receiving unit 150 connected to the propagation path 310 assigned the number "1". The next receiving memory 130 to store a frame will store the frame received by the receiving unit 150 connected to the propagation path 310 assigned the number "2". Finally, the last receiving memory 130 to store a frame will store the frame received by the receiving unit 150 connected to the propagation path 310 assigned the number "3". The same applies when reception occupies four or more propagation paths 310.

[0104] In this configuration, during the first transmission operation of the primary device 100 or each secondary device 200, data may be transmitted simultaneously through two or more but no more than (K-1) propagation paths 310 in a single period. That is, if three or more propagation paths 310 are provided, it is not necessary to transmit data simultaneously through all propagation paths during the first transmission operation. Therefore, the first transmission operation can be performed flexibly.

[0105] On the other hand, during the first transmission operation, data may be transmitted simultaneously through K, i.e., all, propagation paths 310, in a single period. In either case, frames are transmitted such that the order of identifiers assigned to two or more propagation paths 310 used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames. Therefore, even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order.

[0106] The following describes an example of the operation of the communication relay system 300 when K is 4. Figures 17 to 22 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the communication relay system 300 when K is 4. In Figures 17 to 22, data is transmitted from the secondary device 200 to the primary device 100. The example of data being transmitted from the primary device 100 to the secondary device 200 is the same as in Figures 17 to 22, so the explanation is omitted.

[0107] As shown in Figures 17 to 22, when K is 4, the communication relay system 300 has four propagation paths 311 to 314 as multiple propagation paths 310. Propagation path 311 is assigned the number "1", propagation path 312 is assigned the number "2", propagation path 313 is assigned the number "3", and propagation path 314 is assigned the number "4".

[0108] The primary device 100 includes four transmitting memories 121-124 as four transmitting memories 120, four receiving memories 131-134 as four receiving memories 130, four transmitting units 140 as four transmitting units 141-144, and four receiving units 150 as four receiving units 151-154. Each transmitting memory 121-124 is connected to each transmitting unit 141-144. Each receiving memory 131-134 is connected to each receiving unit 151-154. The transmitting units 141-144 are connected to propagation paths 311-314, respectively. The receiving units 151-154 are connected to propagation paths 311-314, respectively.

[0109] The secondary device 200 includes four transmitting memories 221-224 as four transmitting memories 220, four receiving memories 231-234 as four receiving memories 230, four transmitting units 240 as four transmitting units 241-244, and four receiving units 250 as four receiving units 251-254. Each transmitting memory 221-224 is connected to each transmitting unit 241-244. Each receiving memory 231-234 is connected to each receiving unit 251-254. The transmitting units 241-244 are connected to propagation paths 311-314, respectively. The receiving units 251-254 are connected to propagation paths 311-314, respectively.

[0110] Note that the transmission memories 121-124 and transmission units 141-144 in the primary device 100 have the same configuration as the transmission memories 221-224 and transmission units 241-244 in the secondary device 200, and therefore are not shown in the diagram. Similarly, the reception memories 231-234 and reception units 251-254 in the secondary device 200 have the same configuration as the reception memories 131-134 and reception units 151-154 in the primary device 100, and therefore are not shown in the diagram.

[0111] As shown in Figure 17, in the secondary device 200, the transmission memories 221 to 224 repeatedly store the 41st to 52nd frames of data provided by the electronic device 500 in a predetermined order in chronological order. In this example, transmission memories 221, 222, 223, and 224 store the frames complementaryly in this order.

[0112] Therefore, in the example in Figure 17, the 41st frame, the 45th frame, and the 49th frame are stored in the transmission memory 221 in this order. The 42nd frame, the 46th frame, and the 50th frame are stored in the transmission memory 222 in this order. The 43rd frame, the 47th frame, and the 51st frame are stored in the transmission memory 223 in this order. The 44th frame, the 48th frame, and the 52nd frame are stored in the transmission memory 224 in this order. Subsequently, the transmission memories 221 to 224 output the stored frames to the transmission units 241 to 244 during the period allocated to the propagation paths 311 to 314.

[0113] Here, during a certain period, transmission may occupy all propagation paths 311-314. In the example in Figure 18, transmission occupies all propagation paths 311-314 during periods 1 to 3. In this case, transmission memories 221-224 repeatedly output the stored frames to transmission units 241-244 in chronological order and simultaneously.

[0114] In this example, during the first period, frames 41 to 44 are simultaneously output to transmitters 241 to 244. During the second period, frames 45 to 48 are simultaneously output to transmitters 241 to 244. During the third period, frames 49 to 52 are simultaneously output to transmitters 241 to 244.

[0115] Specifically, during the first period, the first frame, the 41st, is output from the transmission memory 221 to the transmission unit 241 corresponding to the propagation path 311 assigned the number "1". The next frame, the 42nd, is output from the transmission memory 222 to the transmission unit 242 corresponding to the propagation path 312 assigned the number "2". The next frame, the 43rd, is output from the transmission memory 223 to the transmission unit 243 corresponding to the propagation path 313 assigned the number "3". The final frame, the 44th, is output from the transmission memory 224 to the transmission unit 244 corresponding to the propagation path 314 assigned the number "4".

[0116] Similarly, in the second period, the earliest 45th frame is output from the transmission memory 221 to the transmission unit 241. The next 46th frame is output from the transmission memory 222 to the transmission unit 242. The next 47th frame is output from the transmission memory 223 to the transmission unit 243. The final 48th frame is output from the transmission memory 224 to the transmission unit 244.

[0117] In the third period, the earliest frame, the 49th, is output from the transmission memory 221 to the transmission unit 241. The next frame, the 50th, is output from the transmission memory 222 to the transmission unit 242. The next frame, the 51st, is output from the transmission memory 223 to the transmission unit 243. The final frame, the 52nd, is output from the transmission memory 224 to the transmission unit 244.

[0118] For ease of understanding, in Figure 18, the wiring used for frame output between the transmission memory 221-224 and the transmission unit 241-244 is shown with solid lines, while the wiring not used for frame output is shown with dashed lines. The same applies to Figures 19-21.

[0119] The transmitting units 241 to 244 transmit the output frames to the primary device 100 via propagation paths 311 to 314, respectively. When data is transmitted to the primary device 100 by the secondary device 200, the primary device 100 receives the data. Specifically, the frames transmitted via propagation paths 311 to 314 are received by the receiving units 151 to 154, respectively.

[0120] In the example shown in Figure 19, during the first period, frames 41 to 44 are simultaneously received by receivers 151 to 154, respectively. During the second period, frames 45 to 48 are simultaneously received by receivers 151 to 154, respectively. During the third period, frames 49 to 52 are simultaneously received by receivers 151 to 154.

[0121] The receiving memories 131 to 134 repeatedly acquire and store frames received by the receiving units 151 to 154 in a predetermined order in chronological order. In this example, receiving memories 131, 132, 133, and 134 store frames complementaryly in this order. Furthermore, it is assumed that the next receiving memory to store a frame is receiving memory 131. In this case, during the first period, the earliest 41st frame is stored in receiving memory 131, the next 42nd frame is stored in receiving memory 132, the next 43rd frame is stored in receiving memory 133, and the last 44th frame is stored in receiving memory 134.

[0122] Subsequently, the receiving memory that should store the next frame is also receiving memory 131. Therefore, in the second period, the earliest frame, the 45th, is stored in receiving memory 131, the next frame, the 46th, is stored in receiving memory 132, the next frame, the 47th, is stored in receiving memory 133, and the last frame, the 48th, is stored in receiving memory 134.

[0123] Subsequently, the receiving memory that should store the next frame is also receiving memory 131. Therefore, in the third period, the earliest frame, the 49th, is stored in receiving memory 131, the next frame, the 50th, is stored in receiving memory 132, the next frame, the 51st, is stored in receiving memory 133, and the last frame, the 52nd, is stored in receiving memory 134.

[0124] On the other hand, during a certain period, transmission may not occupy all of the propagation paths 311-314, but rather two or more of them. In the example in Figure 20, during periods 1 to 4, transmission occupies three propagation paths 311-313. In this case, the transmission memories 221-224 repeatedly output the stored frames in chronological order and simultaneously to the transmission units 241-243 (i.e., the three transmission units 240 connected to propagation paths 311-313, respectively).

[0125] In this example, during the first period, frames 41 to 43 are simultaneously output to transmitters 241 to 243. During the second period, frames 44 to 46 are simultaneously output to transmitters 241 to 243. During the third period, frames 47 to 49 are simultaneously output to transmitters 241 to 243. During the fourth period, frames 50 to 52 are simultaneously output to transmitters 241 to 243.

[0126] Specifically, during the first period, the first 41st frame is output from the transmission memory 221 to the transmission unit 241 corresponding to propagation path 311 assigned the number "1". The next 42nd frame is output from the transmission memory 222 to the transmission unit 242 corresponding to propagation path 312 assigned the number "2". The final 43rd frame is output from the transmission memory 223 to the transmission unit 243 corresponding to propagation path 313 assigned the number "3".

[0127] Similarly, in the second period, the earliest 44th frame is output from the transmission memory 224 to the transmission unit 241. The next 45th frame is output from the transmission memory 221 to the transmission unit 242. The final 46th frame is output from the transmission memory 222 to the transmission unit 243.

[0128] In the third period, the earliest frame, the 47th, is output from the transmission memory 223 to the transmission unit 241. The next frame, the 48th, is output from the transmission memory 224 to the transmission unit 242. The final frame, the 49th, is output from the transmission memory 221 to the transmission unit 243.

[0129] In the fourth period, the earliest frame, the 50th frame, is output from the transmission memory 222 to the transmission unit 241. The next frame, the 51st frame, is output from the transmission memory 223 to the transmission unit 242. The final frame, the 52nd frame, is output from the transmission memory 224 to the transmission unit 243.

[0130] The transmitting units 241 to 243 transmit the output frames to the primary device 100 via propagation paths 311 to 313, respectively. When data is transmitted to the primary device 100 by the secondary device 200, the primary device 100 receives the data. Specifically, the frames transmitted via propagation paths 311 to 313 are received by the receiving units 151 to 153, respectively.

[0131] In the example shown in Figure 21, during the first period, frames 41 to 43 are simultaneously received by receivers 151 to 153, respectively. During the second period, frames 44 to 46 are simultaneously received by receivers 151 to 153, respectively. During the third period, frames 47 to 49 are simultaneously received by receivers 151 to 153. During the fourth period, frames 50 to 52 are simultaneously received by receivers 151 to 153.

[0132] The receiving memories 131 to 134 repeatedly acquire and store frames received by the receiving units 151 to 153 in a predetermined order in chronological order. In this example, receiving memories 131, 132, 133, and 134 store frames complementaryly in this order. Furthermore, it is assumed that the next receiving memory to store a frame is receiving memory 131. In this case, during the first period, the earliest 41st frame is stored in receiving memory 131, the next 42nd frame is stored in receiving memory 132, and the last 43rd frame is stored in receiving memory 133.

[0133] Subsequently, the next receiving memory to store a frame is receiving memory 134. Therefore, in the second period, the earliest frame, the 44th, is stored in receiving memory 134, the next frame, the 45th, is stored in receiving memory 131, and the last frame, the 46th, is stored in receiving memory 132.

[0134] Subsequently, the next receiving memory to store a frame is receiving memory 133. Therefore, in the third period, the earliest frame, the 47th, is stored in receiving memory 133, the next frame, the 48th, is stored in receiving memory 134, and the last frame, the 49th, is stored in receiving memory 131.

[0135] Subsequently, the next receiving memory to store a frame is receiving memory 132. Therefore, in the fourth period, the earliest frame, the 50th, is stored in receiving memory 132, the next frame, the 51st, is stored in receiving memory 133, and the last frame, the 52nd, is stored in receiving memory 134.

[0136] According to the operation of the communication relay system 300 described above, as shown in Figure 22, the 41st frame, the 45th frame, and the 49th frame are stored in the receiving memory 131 in that order. The 42nd frame, the 46th frame, and the 50th frame are stored in the receiving memory 132 in that order. The 43rd frame, the 47th frame, and the 51st frame are stored in the receiving memory 133 in that order. The 44th frame, the 48th frame, and the 52nd frame are stored in the receiving memory 134 in that order. Subsequently, the receiving memories 131 to 134 output the stored frames to the main control unit 400 in chronological and complementary order.

[0137] (6) In the above embodiment, wired communication is performed between the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 using a physical pair of wires 5 as each propagation path 310, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Wireless communication may be performed between the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200. In this case, the multiple propagation paths 310 are distinguished by frequency band.

[0138] (7) In the above embodiment, the primary device 100 includes a setting unit 11, a monitoring unit 12, an adjustment unit 13, a generation unit 14, a splitting unit 15, and a distribution unit 16, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. If the temporary frame of the table is not split, the primary device 100 does not need to include the splitting unit 15 and the distribution unit 16. Also, if a table is not generated, the primary device 100 does not need to include the generation unit 14, nor does it need to include the setting unit 11, the monitoring unit 12, and the adjustment unit 13.

[0139] (8) In the above embodiment, the primary device 100 includes a plurality of transmission memories 120, and each of the plurality of transmission memories 120 is used as a plurality of transmission storage units in the primary device 100. The secondary device 200 also includes a plurality of transmission memories 220, and each of the plurality of transmission memories 220 is used as a plurality of transmission storage units in the secondary device 200.

[0140] However, the embodiments are not limited to the examples described above. The primary device 100 includes one transmission memory 120, and multiple storage areas provided in the one transmission memory 120 may be used as multiple transmission storage units in the primary device 100. Similarly, the secondary device 200 includes one transmission memory 220, and multiple storage areas provided in the one transmission memory 220 may be used as multiple transmission storage units in the secondary device 200.

[0141] (9) In the above embodiment, the primary device 100 includes a plurality of receiving memories 130, and each of the plurality of receiving memories 130 is used as a plurality of receiving storage units in the primary device 100. The secondary device 200 also includes a plurality of receiving memories 230, and each of the plurality of receiving memories 230 is used as a plurality of receiving storage units in the secondary device 200.

[0142] However, the embodiments are not limited to the examples described above. The primary device 100 includes one receiving memory 130, and multiple storage areas provided in the one receiving memory 130 may be used as multiple receiving storage units in the primary device 100. Similarly, the secondary device 200 includes one receiving memory 230, and multiple storage areas provided in the one receiving memory 230 may be used as multiple receiving storage units in the secondary device 200.

[0143] (10) The functions of the elements disclosed above may be implemented using circuit configurations or processing circuit configurations, including general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), conventional circuit configurations and / or combinations thereof, which are configured to perform the disclosed elements or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit configuration or circuit configuration if it includes transistors and other circuit configurations within it. In this disclosure, a circuit configuration, unit or means is hardware that performs the listed functions or hardware programmed to perform such functions. Hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or other known hardware programmed to perform the listed functions or configured to perform such functions. When hardware is a processor which may be considered a type of circuit configuration, a circuit configuration, means or unit is a combination of hardware and software, software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0144] 9.Reference example In the above embodiment, the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 are configured to selectively perform a first transmission operation and a second transmission operation. However, the primary device 100 or each secondary device 200 may be configured to perform only the second transmission operation and not the first transmission operation. In this case as well, a table may be generated to allocate the time used for communication between the primary device 100 and each secondary device 200 for each propagation path 310.

[0145] 10. Correspondence between each component of the claim and each part of the embodiment The following describes examples of the correspondence between each component of the claims and each element of the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. Various other elements having the configuration or function described in the claims can also be used as each component of the claims.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the propagation path 310 is an example of a propagation path, the primary device 100 is an example of a primary device, the secondary device 200 is an example of a secondary device, and the communication relay system 300 is an example of a communication relay system. The transmitting memories 120 and 220 are examples of a first transmitting storage unit, a second transmitting storage unit, or a transmitting storage unit, and the transmitting units 140 and 240 are examples of a first transmitting unit, a second transmitting unit, or a transmitting unit. The receiving units 150 and 250 are examples of a first receiving unit or a second receiving unit, the receiving memories 130 and 230 are examples of a first receiving storage unit or a second receiving storage unit, the generation unit 14 is an example of a generation unit, the division unit 15 is an example of a division unit, and the distribution unit 16 is an example of a distribution unit.

[0147] 11. Summary of Embodiments (Paragraph 1) The communication relay system relating to Paragraph 1 is Multiple propagation paths assigned unique identifiers, Primary device and The system comprises a secondary device capable of communicating with the primary device, The primary device and one of the primary devices, It is possible to perform a first transmission operation in which, during a single period, data is simultaneously transmitted to another device through two or more of the aforementioned propagation paths. Multiple first transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting the data in chronological and complementary order, It includes a plurality of first transmitting units, each provided corresponding to one of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit a frame output by one of the plurality of first transmitting storage units to the other device through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths. The plurality of first transmission storage units output frames to two or more first transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths during the first transmission operation, such that the order of identifiers assigned to two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames.

[0148] In this communication relay system, each propagation path is assigned a unique identifier. The secondary device can communicate with the primary device. This allows for the relaying of communication between devices connected to the primary and secondary devices, respectively. One of the primary or secondary devices can perform a first transmission operation in which it simultaneously transmits data to the other device through two or more propagation paths within a single period.

[0149] In one device, frames constituting data are stored in a chronological and complementary order by a plurality of first transmission storage units. During the first transmission operation, the frames stored by the plurality of first transmission storage units are output to two or more first transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths, such that the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used for transmitting the frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames. The frames output by the plurality of first transmission storage units are transmitted to the other device through the plurality of propagation paths corresponding to each of the plurality of first transmission units.

[0150] In this case, during the first transmission operation, two or more frames are simultaneously transmitted to the other device through two or more propagation paths, making it possible to efficiently transmit data with a large capacity. Furthermore, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames corresponds to the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used to transmit the frames, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames.

[0151] Therefore, there is no need to include information indicating the order of frames in the transmitted data, nor is there any need to read and process information indicating the order of frames. This reduces latency when transmitting data from one device to another during the first transmission operation.

[0152] (Article 2) In the communication relay system described in Article 1, The one device is capable of selectively performing a first transmission operation and a second transmission operation in which data is transmitted to the other device through one of the plurality of propagation paths during a single period of time. The plurality of first transmission storage units are, During the second transmission operation, a frame may be output to any of the plurality of first transmission units.

[0153] In this configuration, during the second transmission operation, frames are sent to the other device in chronological order through one of the propagation paths. Therefore, even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order. Consequently, during the second transmission operation, there is no need to include information indicating the order of the frames in the transmitted data, nor is there any need to read and process such information. This reduces latency when transmitting data from one device to the other during the second transmission operation.

[0154] (3) In the communication relay system described in paragraph 1 or 2, The other device is A plurality of first receiving units are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of propagation paths and receive frames through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths, The system may also include a plurality of first receiving storage units that store frames received by the plurality of first receiving units in chronological order and complementaryly.

[0155] In this case, during the first transmission operation, it is possible to efficiently receive data of a large capacity using multiple first receiving units. Furthermore, as described above, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames is known, it is easy to store the frames received by the multiple first receiving units in chronological order and complementaryly in multiple first receiving storage units during the first transmission operation. This makes it easy to arrange the received frames in chronological order.

[0156] (Article 4) In a communication relay system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The plurality of first transmitting units may be capable of transmitting each frame with the structure of each frame inverted.

[0157] In this configuration, even if information for determining the synchronization period between transmission and reception is stored at the beginning of each frame, it is possible to transmit each frame so that this information is at the end of each frame. Therefore, even if the leading edge, which is the rising edge of the waveform of each frame, is deformed by the capacitive components in the propagation path, the frame can be stably transmitted from one device to the other.

[0158] (Article 5) In a communication relay system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The other device is A third transmission operation is possible in which data is simultaneously transmitted to one of the devices through two or more of the plurality of propagation paths during a single period. Multiple second transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting the data in chronological order and complementaryly, It includes a plurality of second transmitting units, each provided corresponding to one of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit a frame output by one of the plurality of second transmitting storage units to the one of the devices through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths. The plurality of second transmission storage units may, during the third transmission operation, output frames to two or more second transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths, such that the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames.

[0159] In this case, during the third transmission operation, two or more frames are transmitted simultaneously to one device through two or more propagation paths, making it possible to efficiently transmit data with a large capacity. Furthermore, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames corresponds to the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used to transmit the frames, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames.

[0160] Therefore, even during the third transmission operation, there is no need to include information indicating the order of frames in the transmitted data, nor is there any need to read and process information indicating the order of frames. This reduces latency even when data is transmitted from one device to the other during the third transmission operation.

[0161] (Article 6) In the communication relay system described in Article 5, The other device is capable of selectively performing the third transmission operation and a fourth transmission operation in which it transmits data to the other device through one of the plurality of propagation paths during a single period of time. The plurality of second transmission storage units may output a frame to any of the plurality of second transmission units during the fourth transmission operation.

[0162] In this configuration, during the fourth transmission operation, frames are transmitted to one device in chronological order through one of the propagation paths. Therefore, even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order. Consequently, during the fourth transmission operation, there is no need to include information indicating the order of the frames in the transmitted data, nor is there any need to read and process such information. This reduces latency when transmitting data from one device to the other during the fourth transmission operation.

[0163] (Paragraph 7) In the communication relay system described in Paragraph 5 or Paragraph 6, The aforementioned one device, A plurality of second receiving units are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of propagation paths and receive frames through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths, The system may also include a plurality of second receiving storage units that store frames received by the plurality of second receiving units in chronological order and complementaryly.

[0164] In this case, during the third transmission operation, it is possible to efficiently receive data of a large capacity using multiple second receivers. Furthermore, as described above, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames is known, during the third transmission operation, it is easy to store the frames received by the multiple second receivers in chronological order and complementaryly in multiple second receiver storage units. This makes it easy to arrange the received frames in chronological order.

[0165] (Article 8) In a communication relay system described in any one of paragraphs 5 to 7, The plurality of second transmitting units may be capable of transmitting each frame with the structure of each frame inverted.

[0166] In this configuration, even if information for determining the synchronization period between transmission and reception is stored at the beginning of each frame, it is possible to transmit each frame so that this information is at the end of the frame. Therefore, even if the leading edge, which is the rising edge of the waveform of each frame, is deformed by the capacitive component in the propagation path, the frame can be stably transmitted from one device to the other.

[0167] (Article 9) In a communication relay system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, Multiple secondary devices are provided, The primary device further includes a generation unit that generates a table that allocates the time period used for communication with each secondary device for each of the multiple propagation paths, based on the amount of communication with each secondary device. The plurality of first transmission storage units may output frames according to the table generated by the generation unit.

[0168] With this configuration, even when multiple secondary devices are provided that communicate with varying amounts of data, the time used for communication by each secondary device is appropriately allocated to each propagation path according to the amount of data each secondary device communicates. Therefore, the idle period not used for communication in the propagation path can be minimized. This improves communication efficiency.

[0169] (Paragraph 10) In the communication relay system described in Paragraph 9, If Nmax is the length of the largest frame among the frames communicated between the primary device and each secondary device, N is the length of the frame with the largest amount of data transmitted, n is the number of frames with the largest amount of data transmitted, Ne is the length of the table frame, and α is the margin of the table frame, the generation unit may generate a table by determining Ne and n to satisfy the above equations (1) and (2).

[0170] In this case, the table makes it easy to specify the period to be allocated to communication for each secondary device.

[0171] (Paragraph 11) In the communication relay system described in paragraph 9 or 10, The generation unit may allocate the period used for communication with a specific secondary device to the same period in two or more tables corresponding to two or more propagation paths among the plurality of propagation paths.

[0172] In this case, the period for performing the first transmission operation can be easily assigned to the table.

[0173] (Paragraph 12) In the communication relay system described in Paragraph 11, The aforementioned specific secondary device may be a secondary device that communicates data with a capacity larger than a predetermined capacity.

[0174] In this case, data with a capacity larger than a predetermined capacity can be efficiently communicated according to the generated table.

[0175] (Article 13) In a communication relay system described in any one of paragraphs 9 to 12, The primary device is In the table generated by the generation unit, there are m periods that can be divided into m parts (where m is an integer of 2 or more), and these m periods are assigned to communication with different secondary devices, a division unit divides these m periods into m parts, The system may further include a distribution unit that evenly distributes and rearranges the periods divided by the division unit within the table.

[0176] In this case, the table contains a large number of periods, each as short as possible, spread out across the table. This reduces latency in each period. Furthermore, the increased frequency of communication improves communication efficiency.

[0177] (Article 14) In a communication relay system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, K propagation paths (where K is an integer greater than or equal to 3) are provided. The first transmission operation described above may also be an operation in which data is transmitted simultaneously through two or more of the K propagation paths and through (K-1) or fewer propagation paths during a single period.

[0178] With this configuration, when three or more propagation paths are provided, it is not necessary to transmit data simultaneously through all propagation paths during the first transmission operation. Therefore, the first transmission operation can be performed flexibly.

[0179] (Paragraph 15) The primary device relating to Paragraph 15 is: A primary device provided in a communication relay system including multiple propagation paths and secondary devices, each assigned a unique identifier, It is capable of communicating with the aforementioned secondary device, The primary device is A first transmission operation is possible in which data is simultaneously transmitted to the secondary device through two or more propagation paths from the plurality of propagation paths during a single period. Multiple transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting the data in chronological order and complementaryly, It includes a plurality of transmitting units, each provided corresponding to one of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit frames output by one of the plurality of transmitting storage units to the secondary device through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths. During the first transmission operation, the plurality of transmission storage units output frames to two or more transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths, such that the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames.

[0180] In this primary device, during the first transmission operation, two or more frames are simultaneously transmitted to the secondary device through two or more propagation paths, making it possible to efficiently transmit large amounts of data. Furthermore, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames corresponds to the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used to transmit the frames, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames.

[0181] Therefore, there is no need to include information indicating the order of frames in the transmitted data, nor is there any need to read and process information indicating the order of frames. This reduces latency when transmitting data from the primary device to the secondary device during the first transmission operation.

[0182] (Paragraph 16) The secondary device relating to Paragraph 16 is A secondary device provided in a communication relay system including multiple propagation paths and a primary device, each assigned a unique identifier, The primary device is capable of communicating with the primary device, A first transmission operation is possible in which data is simultaneously transmitted to the primary device through two or more propagation paths from the plurality of propagation paths during a single period. Multiple transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting the data in chronological order and complementaryly, It includes a plurality of transmitting units, each provided corresponding to one of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit frames output by one of the plurality of transmitting storage units to the primary device through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths. During the first transmission operation, the plurality of transmission storage units output frames to two or more transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths, such that the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames.

[0183] In this secondary device, during the first transmission operation, two or more frames are simultaneously transmitted to the primary device through two or more propagation paths, making it possible to efficiently transmit large amounts of data. Furthermore, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames corresponds to the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used to transmit the frames, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames.

[0184] Therefore, there is no need to include information indicating the order of frames in the transmitted data, nor is there any need to read and process information indicating the order of frames. This reduces latency when transmitting data from a secondary device to a primary device during the first transmission operation.

[0185] (Paragraph 17) The communication relay method relating to Paragraph 17 is: A communication relay method using multiple propagation paths assigned unique identifiers, a primary device, and a secondary device, The secondary device is capable of communicating with the primary device. The primary device and one of the primary devices, Using multiple transmission storage units and multiple transmission units provided corresponding to each of the multiple propagation paths, a first transmission operation can be performed in which data is simultaneously transmitted to another device through two or more of the multiple propagation paths during a single period of time. The aforementioned communication relay method is, The frames constituting the data are stored in chronological order and complementaryly by the plurality of transmission storage units, During the first transmission operation, the frames stored by the plurality of transmission storage units are output to two or more transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths, such that the order of identifiers assigned to two or more propagation paths used for transmitting the frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames. This includes transmitting frames output by the plurality of transmission storage units to the other device through the plurality of corresponding propagation paths by the plurality of transmission units.

[0186] According to this communication relay method, during the first transmission operation, two or more frames are simultaneously transmitted to the other device through two or more propagation paths, making it possible to efficiently transmit data with a large capacity. Furthermore, since the chronological order of the transmitted frames corresponds to the order of identifiers assigned to the two or more propagation paths used to transmit the frames, it is possible to arrange the transmitted frames in chronological order even if the transmitted data does not contain information indicating the order of the frames.

[0187] Therefore, there is no need to include information indicating the order of frames in the transmitted data, nor is there any need to read and process information indicating the order of frames. This reduces latency when transmitting data from one device to another during the first transmission operation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0188] 1…Operational amplifier, 2…Capacitor, 3…DC power supply, 4…Resistor, 5…Wiring, 10…Functional unit, 11…Setting unit, 12…Monitoring unit, 13…Adjustment unit, 14…Generation unit, 15…Dividing unit, 16…Planning unit, 100…Primary device, 110, 210…Control unit, 120~124, 220~224…Transmitting memory, 130~134, 230~234…Receiving memory, 140~144, 240~244…Transmitting unit, 150~154, 250~254…Receiving unit, 200…Secondary device, 300…Communication relay system, 310~314…Propagation path, 400…Main control unit, 500…Electronic equipment

Claims

1. Multiple propagation paths assigned unique identifiers, Primary device and The system comprises a secondary device capable of communicating with the primary device, The primary device and one of the primary devices, It is possible to perform a first transmission operation in which, during a single period, data is simultaneously transmitted to another device through two or more of the aforementioned propagation paths. Multiple first transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting the data in chronological and complementary order, It includes a plurality of first transmitting units, each provided corresponding to one of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit a frame output by one of the plurality of first transmitting storage units to the other device through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths. A communication relay system in which the plurality of first transmission storage units output frames to two or more first transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths during the first transmission operation, such that the order of identifiers assigned to two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames.

2. The one device is capable of selectively performing a first transmission operation and a second transmission operation in which data is transmitted to the other device through one of the plurality of propagation paths during a single period of time. The plurality of first transmission storage units are, The communication relay system according to claim 1, wherein a frame is output to any of the plurality of first transmitting units during the second transmission operation.

3. The other device is A plurality of first receiving units are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of propagation paths and receive frames through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths, A communication relay system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of first receiving storage units that store frames received by the plurality of first receiving units in chronological order and complementaryly.

4. The communication relay system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of first transmitting units are capable of transmitting each frame with the structure of each frame inverted.

5. The other device is A third transmission operation is possible in which data is simultaneously transmitted to one of the devices through two or more of the plurality of propagation paths during a single period. Multiple second transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting the data in chronological order and complementaryly, It includes a plurality of second transmitting units, each provided corresponding to one of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit a frame output by one of the plurality of second transmitting storage units to the one of the devices through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths. The communication relay system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second transmission storage units output frames to two or more second transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths during the third transmission operation, such that the order of identifiers assigned to two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the time-series order of the transmitted frames.

6. The other device is capable of selectively performing the third transmission operation and a fourth transmission operation in which data is transmitted to the other device through one of the plurality of propagation paths during a single period of time. The communication relay system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of second transmission storage units output a frame to any of the plurality of second transmission units during the fourth transmission operation.

7. The aforementioned one device, A plurality of second receiving units are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of propagation paths and receive frames through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths, The communication relay system according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of second receiving storage units that store frames received by the plurality of second receiving units in chronological order and complementaryly.

8. The communication relay system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of second transmitting units are capable of transmitting each frame with the structure of each frame inverted.

9. Multiple secondary devices are provided, The primary device further includes a generation unit that generates a table that allocates the time period used for communication with each secondary device for each of the multiple propagation paths, based on the amount of communication with each secondary device. The communication relay system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of first transmission storage units output frames according to a table generated by the generation unit.

10. The communication relay system according to claim 9, wherein, among the frames communicated between the primary device and each secondary device, the length of the largest frame is Nmax, the length of the frame with the largest amount of communication is N, the number of frames with the largest amount of communication is n, the length of the table frame is Ne, and the margin of the table frame is α, the generation unit generates a table by determining Ne and n to satisfy the following equations (1) and (2). Nmax ≤ Ne …(1) n×N<Ne<n×N+α…(2)

11. The communication relay system according to claim 9, wherein the generation unit allocates the period used for communication with a specific secondary device to the same period in two or more tables corresponding to two or more propagation paths among the plurality of propagation paths.

12. The communication relay system according to claim 11, wherein the specific secondary device is a secondary device that communicates data having a capacity greater than a predetermined capacity.

13. The primary device is In the table generated by the generation unit, there are m periods that can be divided into m parts (where m is an integer of 2 or more), and these m periods are assigned to communication with different secondary devices, a division unit divides the m periods into m parts, The communication relay system according to claim 9, further comprising a distribution unit that evenly distributes and rearranges the periods divided by the division unit within a table.

14. K propagation paths (where K is an integer greater than or equal to 3) are provided. The communication relay system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transmission operation is an operation in which data is transmitted simultaneously through two or more of the K propagation paths and through (K-1) or fewer propagation paths during a single period.

15. A primary device provided in a communication relay system including multiple propagation paths and secondary devices, each assigned a unique identifier, It is capable of communicating with the aforementioned secondary device, A first transmission operation is possible in which data is simultaneously transmitted to the secondary device through two or more propagation paths from the plurality of propagation paths during a single period. Multiple transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting the data in chronological order and complementaryly, It includes a plurality of transmitting units, each provided corresponding to one of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit frames output by one of the plurality of transmitting storage units to the secondary device through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths. The plurality of transmission storage units are primary devices that, during the first transmission operation, output frames to two or more transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths, such that the order of identifiers assigned to two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames.

16. A secondary device provided in a communication relay system including multiple propagation paths and a primary device, each assigned a unique identifier, It is capable of communicating with the aforementioned primary device, A first transmission operation is possible in which data is simultaneously transmitted to the primary device through two or more propagation paths from the plurality of propagation paths during a single period. Multiple transmission storage units that store and output frames constituting the data in chronological order and complementaryly, It includes a plurality of transmitting units, each provided corresponding to one of the plurality of propagation paths, which transmit frames output by one of the plurality of transmitting storage units to the primary device through the corresponding plurality of propagation paths. The plurality of transmission storage units are secondary devices that, during the first transmission operation, output frames to two or more transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths, such that the order of identifiers assigned to two or more propagation paths used for transmitting frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames.

17. A communication relay method using multiple propagation paths assigned unique identifiers, a primary device, and a secondary device, The secondary device is capable of communicating with the primary device. The primary device and one of the primary devices, Using multiple transmission storage units and multiple transmission units provided corresponding to each of the multiple propagation paths, a first transmission operation can be performed in which data is simultaneously transmitted to another device through two or more of the multiple propagation paths during a single period of time. The aforementioned communication relay method is, The frames constituting the data are stored in chronological order and complementaryly by the plurality of transmission storage units, During the first transmission operation, the frames stored by the plurality of transmission storage units are output to two or more transmission units corresponding to each of the two or more propagation paths, such that the order of identifiers assigned to two or more propagation paths used for transmitting the frames corresponds to the chronological order of the transmitted frames. A communication relay method comprising transmitting frames output by the plurality of transmitting storage units to the other device through the plurality of corresponding propagation paths by the plurality of transmitting units.

Images