Information terminals, communication systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide information terminals and the like that allow users to more easily resolve network failures occurring in a clustered network. [Solution] The information terminal 30 configures a network composed of multiple communication nodes 20, and the network includes a first communication network composed of communication nodes 20 including a specific node 20a, and a second communication network composed of the specific node 20a. The information terminal 30 includes a registration unit 323 that registers the first communication network by configuring the other communication nodes 20 included in the first communication network to function as the specific node 20a when the specific node 20a becomes unable to communicate in the second communication network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information terminal, a communication system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A technique for configuring a mesh network using a communication device such as a lighting fixture having a wireless communication function is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a mesh network having lighting devices as nodes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As a configuration of a mesh network, a mesh network composed of a plurality of clusters can be considered, in which a plurality of nodes form a cluster, and among the plurality of nodes, a relay node relays communication between clusters. In a mesh network having such a configuration, when a relay node becomes unable to communicate due to a failure or the like, there is a problem that communication with nodes belonging to the cluster to which the relay node belongs becomes impossible.

[0005] Furthermore, in order to recover a relay node that has become unable to communicate, specialized knowledge regarding the mesh network is required.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information terminal, a communication system, an information processing method, and a program that enable a user to more easily solve a network failure occurring in a network having a cluster structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One embodiment of an information terminal relating to this disclosure is an information terminal for configuring a network composed of multiple communication nodes, wherein the network includes a first communication network composed of communication nodes including a specific node, and a second communication network composed of the specific node, and the information terminal includes a registration unit for registering the first communication network by configuring other communication nodes included in the first communication network to function as the specific node when the specific node becomes unable to communicate in the second communication network.

[0008] Furthermore, one embodiment of the communication system relating to this disclosure comprises a plurality of communication nodes and the above-mentioned information terminal.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the information processing method relating to this disclosure is an information processing method executed by an information terminal that configures a network composed of multiple communication nodes, wherein the network includes a first communication network composed of communication nodes including a specific node, and a second communication network composed of the specific node, and the information processing method includes a registration step of registering the first communication network by configuring communication nodes other than the specific node included in the first communication network to function as the specific node when the specific node becomes unable to communicate in the second communication network.

[0010] Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented not only as the above-mentioned information processing method, but also as a program that causes a computer to execute the above-mentioned information processing method. Moreover, it can also be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the information terminal, communication system, information processing method, and program described herein, users can more easily resolve network failures occurring in a clustered network. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a network diagram of the communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a screen displayed on an information terminal when performing re-registration according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of another screen displayed on the information terminal when performing re-registration according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] (Embodiment) The embodiments of the information terminal, communication system, information processing method, and program relating to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all preferred examples of the present disclosure. The numerical values, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as any component constituting a preferred configuration.

[0014] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0015] [composition] First, the configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication system 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 comprises a plurality of communication nodes 20 and an information terminal 30.

[0016] In the communication system 10, each of the multiple communication nodes 20 has wireless communication capabilities. The multiple communication nodes 20 constitute a hierarchical wireless mesh network (a mesh network with a cluster structure) when the user performs initial network setup using an information terminal 30. Hereinafter, the hierarchical wireless mesh network will also be simply referred to as the mesh network 40. The user is, for example, a company that installs and configures the communication nodes 20. Note that the construction of a hierarchical mesh network by performing initial setup is just one example; other methods, such as constructing a mesh network from the configured communication nodes 20, are also conceivable.

[0017] Figure 2 is a network diagram of the communication system 10 according to an embodiment. The circles in Figure 2 correspond to one communication node 20 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the mesh network 40 includes multiple clusters 41.

[0018] In the example in Figure 2, each cluster 41 is composed of multiple communication nodes 20 (specific nodes 20a and child nodes 20b). Cluster 41 has one or more specific nodes 20a and multiple child nodes 20b. The inter-cluster network is composed of specific nodes 20a belonging to each of the multiple clusters 41. Specific nodes 20a can be described as relay nodes, bridge nodes, core nodes, or gateway nodes. The number of clusters 41 included in the mesh network 40 is not particularly limited. The number of layers in the mesh network 40 is also not particularly limited. Furthermore, in the example in Figure 2, cluster 41 has multiple child nodes 20b, but it may have one child node 20b, or it may have no child nodes 20b at all.

[0019] In cluster 41, when information is transmitted from one node (also described as the first communication node) to another node (also described as the second communication node), the information is transmitted, for example, in a routing manner.

[0020] Specifically, in cluster 41, a communication path is set in advance through which information can be distributed to the communication nodes 20 belonging to cluster 41. When the first communication node unicasts information including the address information (destination information) of the second communication node based on the set communication path, other communication nodes belonging to the same cluster 41 as the first communication node that received this will further unicast the received information based on the set communication path. That is, other communication nodes relay the information. By repeating such information relay within the same cluster 41, the second communication node can receive the information transmitted by the first communication node.

[0021] Note that the routing method is an example of the method used for information transmission within cluster 41. In the information transmission within cluster 41, other methods such as the flooding method may be adopted. In the flooding method, when the first communication node broadcasts information including the address information (destination information) of the second communication node, each of the other nodes belonging to the same cluster 41 as the first communication node that received this will further broadcast the received information. That is, each of the other nodes relays the information. By repeating such information relay within the same cluster 41, the above-mentioned information transmitted by the first communication node is distributed to all the nodes belonging to the same cluster 41 as the first communication node. Therefore, the second communication node can receive the information transmitted by the first communication node.

[0022] When transmitting information from the first communication node to a third node belonging to another cluster 41, the information is relayed by a specific node 20a. In other words, information is transmitted through the inter-cluster network. For example, at least one specific node 20a is provided in one cluster 41. The method used for transmitting information within the inter-cluster network may be a routing method, a flooding method, or any other method.

[0023] If all nodes belonged to the same mesh network, all nodes would relay the information when transmitting it, resulting in a large amount of communication per unit of time. In contrast, in a mesh network with a cluster structure as shown in Figure 2, when information is transmitted within one cluster 41, other clusters 41 do not relay the information. In a mesh network with a cluster structure, information is transmitted from one cluster 41 to another via a specific node 20a only when necessary. Therefore, a mesh network with a cluster structure can improve system robustness by suppressing the amount of communication per unit of time.

[0024] The information transmitted through the mesh network 40 may include, for example, control information for controlling the lighting fixtures (on / off, dimming, color temperature, color control, or light distribution) if multiple communication nodes 20 include lighting fixtures. In some cases, if multiple communication nodes 20 include environmental sensors, the measured values ​​(sensing information) from the environmental sensors may also be transmitted through the mesh network 40. If multiple communication nodes 20 include cameras, speakers, or other devices, video, images, audio, other information, or control values ​​may also be transmitted.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, the information transmitted through the mesh network 40 is configuration information sent by the information terminal 30. The configuration information includes control group configuration information, control scene configuration information, network information, etc. The control group configuration information indicates a group of communication nodes 20 that perform the same control, and the control scene configuration information indicates the content of the control performed by the communication node 20. The network information is necessary for the communication node 20 to communicate within the mesh network 40. The network information includes the network ID of the mesh network 40 and the address information of the communication node 20 used for communication within the mesh network 40.

[0026] In the communication system 10, wireless communication (hereinafter also simply referred to as communication) between multiple communication nodes 20 is performed, for example, according to a first communication protocol for a mesh network 40. The first communication protocol is, for example, Bluetooth® mesh.

[0027] On the other hand, an information terminal 30 that does not belong to the mesh network 40 cannot communicate with multiple communication nodes 20 using the first communication protocol. However, the information terminal 30 is equipped with a communication function using a second communication protocol for one-to-one communication. The second communication protocol is a different communication protocol from the first communication protocol, and is, for example, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy). Note that the first and second communication protocols may be communication protocols that use the same frequency band (for example, the 2.4 GHz band).

[0028] The communication node 20 and information terminal 30 will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0029] First, let's explain the communication node 20. The communication node 20 can be any device that can communicate with other devices, such as a lighting fixture. Alternatively, the communication node 20 may be a lighting remote controller, an AC relay, or other lighting-related device, or it may be a device not directly related to lighting, such as an environmental sensor, camera, motion sensor, or air conditioner. The device that becomes the communication node 20 may be a device that has two or more of the individual functions of the devices mentioned above, and the type of device that becomes the communication node 20 is not particularly limited.

[0030] Communication node 20 is configured with network information by information terminal 30 and joins mesh network 40. Network information for belonging to mesh network 40 is stored in communication node 20. Network information includes the network ID of mesh network 40 and the address information of communication node 20 used for communication within mesh network 40.

[0031] Furthermore, a lighting fixture, which is an example of a communication node 20, will be described. The lighting fixture is a base light or the like, installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. As described above, each of the multiple lighting fixtures, which are multiple communication nodes 20, has a wireless communication function. The multiple lighting fixtures join the mesh network (more specifically, a wireless mesh network) and constitute the mesh network 40. The form of the lighting fixture is not particularly limited and may be a ceiling light, downlight, spotlight, etc. Specifically, the communication node 20 comprises a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a functional unit 24.

[0032] The communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit that enables communication nodes 20 to communicate wirelessly with other communication nodes 20 and information terminals 30. After a communication node 20 joins the mesh network, the communication unit 21 can communicate via the mesh network 40. Before a communication node 20 joins the mesh network 40, the communication unit 21 periodically transmits beacon signals (sometimes called advertisement signals, etc.) and communicates wirelessly individually with information terminals 30 that receive the beacon signals. The communication standards used for wireless communication by the communication unit 21 are specifically BLE or Bluetooth® mesh, etc.

[0033] The information processing unit 22 performs information processing and other operations necessary for the operation of the communication node 20. The information processing unit 22, for example, uses the communication unit 21 to realize the transmission of information within the mesh network 40. The information processing unit 22 operates the communication node 20 by controlling the functional unit 24, for example. The information processing unit 22 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 22 are realized by the execution of computer programs (software) stored in the storage unit 23 by the hardware such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 22. Specifically, the information processing unit 22 includes an acquisition unit 221, a control unit 222, and an output unit 223.

[0034] The acquisition unit 221 acquires setting information from the information terminal 30. The acquisition unit 221 also acquires control information transmitted, for example, through the mesh network 40.

[0035] The control unit 222 executes control based on the control information acquired by the acquisition unit 221 and the setting information stored in the storage unit 23.

[0036] The output unit 223 transmits the control information acquired by the acquisition unit 221 to other communication nodes 20 via the mesh network 40.

[0037] The memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the operation of the communication nodes, such as the configuration information of the mesh network 40. The memory unit 23 stores the configuration information set by the information terminal 30. The memory unit 23 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0038] The functional unit 24 implements the functions of the communication node 20 during its operation. For example, if the communication node 20 is a lighting device, the functional unit 24 is a light source. The light source irradiates the indoor space with white light so that the communication node 20, which is a lighting device, can illuminate the indoor space. The light source is implemented by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be implemented by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or inorganic EL.

[0039] Next, the information terminal 30 will be described. The information terminal 30 is an information terminal used by a user to build a mesh network 40 with multiple communication nodes 20 by adding or removing communication nodes 20 from the mesh network 40. The information terminal 30 is also used by a user to configure the multiple communication nodes 20 that make up the mesh network 40. Furthermore, the information terminal 30 is also used by a user to control the multiple communication nodes 20 that make up the mesh network 40. The user here is, for example, the installer who performed the installation work of the multiple communication nodes 20, but it may also be another user other than the installer. The user may be, for example, the administrator of the communication system 10.

[0040] The information terminal 30 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Alternatively, the information terminal 30 may be a dedicated remote controller used in the communication system 10. Specifically, the information terminal 30 comprises a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, a storage unit 33, an operation reception unit 34, and a display unit 35.

[0041] The communication unit 31 is a communication circuit that enables the information terminal 30 to communicate (more specifically, wirelessly) with the communication node 20. The communication standard used for communication by the communication unit 31 is, for example, BLE.

[0042] The information processing unit 32 performs information processing in response to user operations received by the information terminal 30 via the operation reception unit 34. For example, the information processing unit 32 performs information processing related to the process of allowing the communication node 20 to join the mesh network 40. Here, the process of allowing the node to join is, for example, the process of storing network information in the storage unit 23 of the communication node 20. The network information is information necessary for communication in the mesh network 40. The information processing unit 32 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 32 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 33 by the hardware such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 32. Specifically, the information processing unit 32 includes an acquisition unit 321, a detection unit 322, a registration unit 323, and a determination unit 324.

[0043] The acquisition unit 321 acquires user operations and other information received by the operation reception unit 34.

[0044] The detection unit 322 performs detection processing for the communication node 20. For example, the detection unit 322 detects the communication node 20 by receiving a beacon signal that is periodically transmitted by the communication node 20. In this embodiment, the communication node 20 that transmits the beacon signal is a specific node 20a, or a communication node 20 that does not belong to the mesh network 40. The child node 20b stops transmitting the beacon signal while it is participating in the mesh network 40. The beacon signal is an example of a detection signal.

[0045] The registration unit 323 registers a cluster 41 when a specific node 20a becomes unable to communicate in the inter-cluster network by configuring the other communication nodes 20 in the cluster 41 to function as the specific node 20a. Registering a cluster 41 means that the registration unit 323 stores information about the cluster 41 in the storage unit 33. The information about the cluster 41 includes information to identify the specific node 20a and child nodes 20b belonging to the cluster 41. Furthermore, when constructing a mesh network 40, the registration unit 323 allows multiple communication nodes 20 detected by the detection process to join the mesh network 40 by configuring each of them in the network settings. At the same time, it registers the cluster 41 composed of these multiple communication nodes 20. Network configuration is performed, for example, by the registration unit 323 sending configuration information to the communication node 20 and having the communication node 20 store it in its storage unit 23. The configuration information includes information to identify the cluster 41 to which the communication node 20 belongs.

[0046] The determination unit 324 determines whether a specific node 20a can communicate within the inter-cluster network.

[0047] The storage unit 33 is a memory device that stores the configuration of the constructed mesh network 40. The configuration of the mesh network 40 includes information for identifying specific nodes 20a. The storage unit 33 also stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 32. The storage unit 33 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 33 include dedicated application programs used for constructing the mesh network 40.

[0048] The operation reception unit 34 receives user input. The operation reception unit 34 is implemented, for example, by a touch panel or the like.

[0049] The display unit 35 displays various images. These images are, for example, necessary for the process of allowing the communication node 20 to join the mesh network 40. The display unit 35 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0050] [Operation] In a mesh network with a cluster structure as explained in Figure 2, if a specific node fails and becomes unable to communicate, it will be unable to communicate with other nodes in the cluster to which it belongs. Furthermore, specialized knowledge of mesh networks is required to restore the specific node that has become unable to communicate.

[0051] In this embodiment, the communication system 10 can restore communication in cluster 41 by changing one of the communication nodes 20a in cluster 41 to the specific node 20a responsible for communication in the inter-cluster network, in the event of a communication failure due to a malfunction or other reason. Therefore, with the communication system 10, users can resolve network failures occurring in a cluster-structured network more easily.

[0052] The operation of the information terminal 30 in such a communication system 10 will be described below. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information terminal 30 according to the embodiment.

[0053] Prior to this, the detection unit 322 detects a beacon signal transmitted by a specific node 20a and initiates one-to-one communication with that node 20a. This enables the information terminal 30 to communicate with other communication nodes 20 belonging to the mesh network 40 via the mesh network 40.

[0054] After the information terminal 30 and the mesh network 40 begin communicating, the detection unit 322 checks the network communication status (S11), and the determination unit 324 determines whether or not there are clusters 41 that cannot communicate (S12).

[0055] For example, the acquisition unit 321 acquires information to identify a specific node 20a belonging to the mesh network 40 by referring to the configuration of the mesh network 40 stored in the storage unit 33. The determination unit 324 sends a signal requesting a response to all specific nodes 20a belonging to the inter-cluster network, and if there is a specific node 20a that does not receive a response to the signal requesting a response, it determines that the cluster 41 to which that specific node 20a belongs cannot communicate. Here, if no response is received from any specific node 20a other than the specific node 20a that is communicating directly with the information terminal 30 to the signal requesting a response, it may be determined that the cluster 41 to which the specific node 20a that is communicating one-to-one belongs cannot communicate.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, if the communication node 20 indicated by the device identification information contained in the beacon signal detected by the detection unit 322 is the same communication node 20 stored in the storage unit 33 as a child node 20b, the determination unit 324 determines that the cluster 41 to which the communication node 20 belongs is unable to communicate. In other words, if it is detected that the periodic transmission of beacon signals has resumed because the child node 20b has left the mesh network 40, the determination unit 324 determines that the cluster 41 to which the child node 20b belongs is unable to communicate.

[0057] Here, the processing in steps S11 and S12 performed by the information terminal 30 can be replaced by user confirmation. In other words, the existence of a cluster 41 that cannot communicate may be confirmed by the user.

[0058] For example, if a user attempts to change the settings of a mesh network 40, and is unable to change the settings of some communication nodes 20, it is confirmed that there is a cluster 41 that cannot communicate.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, if it is desired that multiple communication nodes 20 belonging to the mesh network 40 operate with the same content, such as scene control that controls the overall color tone, the existence of a cluster 41 that cannot communicate can be confirmed when the user notices that some of the communication nodes 20 are not performing that operation.

[0060] If it is determined that there are no clusters 41 that cannot communicate (No in S12), the information terminal 30 terminates its operation.

[0061] If it is determined that there is a cluster 41 that cannot communicate (Yes in S12), the registration unit 323 changes the communication node 20 in cluster 41 to a specific node 20a (S13). More specifically, the registration unit 323 configures the communication nodes 20 other than the specific node 20a included in the first communication network to which the specific node 20a belongs to, to function as the specific node 20a.

[0062] Figure 4 shows an example of a screen displayed on the information terminal 30 when re-registration is performed according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the display unit 35 of the information terminal 30 displays a maintenance icon 51 to present the user with options for actions to perform maintenance on the mesh network 40. In the display screen of Figure 4, when the user selects "Maintenance" from the maintenance icon 51, the display unit 35 displays options for maintaining the mesh network 40. Furthermore, when the user selects "Re-registration" from the re-registration icon 52 among these options, the re-registration of the cluster 41 is performed.

[0063] Here, the user may select the device to be re-registered. Figure 5 shows an example of another screen displayed on the information terminal 30 when re-registration is performed according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, when the user performs re-registration of the cluster 41, the user can select the communication node 20 to be re-registered. The device re-registration display 53 shown in Figure 5 displays a list of device displays 54. The user can select the communication node 20 to be re-registered by selecting the checkbox of the device display 54. At this time, if the communication node 20 is a lighting fixture, the user can make the selected communication node 20 blink by tapping the blinking icon 55. This allows the user to select the communication node 20 to be re-registered while visually confirming it.

[0064] By changing one of the communication nodes 20 in cluster 41 to a specific node 20a, the registration unit 323 re-registers cluster 41 (S14). At this time, the child nodes 20b belonging to cluster 41 maintain the state they were in before the cluster 41 was re-registered. In other words, in the process of step S13, the network settings of child nodes 20b other than the communication node 20 that is configured to function as a specific node 20a among the multiple communication nodes 20 belonging to cluster 41 do not need to be changed.

[0065] With the above operation, if a specific node 20a responsible for communication in the inter-cluster network experiences a communication failure due to a malfunction or other reason, the information terminal 30 can restore communication in cluster 41 by changing the communication node 20a included in cluster 41 to the specific node 20a.

[0066] Furthermore, the user can restore communication with cluster 41 simply by tapping the re-registration icon 52 displayed on the display unit 35 of the information terminal 30.

[0067] Therefore, by using the information terminal 30, users can more easily resolve network failures that occur in a cluster-structured network.

[0068] [Effects, etc.] The technologies derived from the disclosures in this specification include, for example, the following. The technologies derived from the disclosures in this specification will be described below, along with the effects obtained by such technologies.

[0069] Technology 1 is an information terminal 30 for configuring a network composed of multiple communication nodes 20, wherein the network includes a first communication network composed of communication nodes 20 including a specific node 20a, and a second communication network composed of the specific node 20a, and the information terminal 30 is equipped with a registration unit 323 that registers the first communication network by configuring the other communication nodes 20 included in the first communication network to function as the specific node 20a when the specific node 20a becomes unable to communicate in the second communication network. The mesh network 40 in the above embodiment is an example of a network. The cluster 41 in the above embodiment is an example of a first communication network. The inter-cluster network in the above embodiment is an example of a second communication network.

[0070] Such an information terminal 30 can restore communication in cluster 41 by changing a communication node 20a, which is responsible for communication in the inter-cluster network, to the specific node 20a, if it experiences a communication failure due to a malfunction or other reason. Furthermore, at this time, it is not necessary to reassign the communication node 20 to cluster 41. Therefore, with such an information terminal 30, users can resolve network failures occurring in a cluster-structured network more easily.

[0071] Technology 2 further includes a determination unit 324 that determines whether a specific node 20a can communicate on the second communication network, and the registration unit 323 is an information terminal 30 of Technology 1 that registers the first communication network when the determination unit 324 determines that the specific node 20a is no longer able to communicate on the second communication network.

[0072] Such an information terminal 30 can determine whether a specific node 20a responsible for communication in the inter-cluster network is experiencing a communication failure. Therefore, using such an information terminal 30, a user can check whether a network failure is occurring in a network with a cluster structure.

[0073] Technology 3 is an information terminal 30 of Technology 2 in which each of the multiple communication nodes 20 transmits a detection signal when it does not belong to the network, and the information terminal 30 is equipped with a detection unit 322 that acquires the detection signal, and the determination unit 324 determines that the specific node 20a, which is included in the first communication network to which the communication node 20 belongs, has become unable to communicate in the second communication network when the detection unit 322 acquires a detection signal transmitted by a communication node 20 other than the specific node 20a. The beacon signal in the above embodiment is an example of a detection signal.

[0074] Such an information terminal 30 can determine that a specific node 20a responsible for communication in the inter-cluster network is experiencing a communication failure if it detects that a child node 20b, which had stopped transmitting beacon signals while belonging to the mesh network 40, has resumed transmitting beacon signals.

[0075] Technology 4 is an information terminal 30 of Technology 2 or 3, in which the determination is performed by user operation.

[0076] With such an information terminal 30, the user can determine at a desired time whether or not a specific node 20a is experiencing a communication failure by operating the information terminal 30.

[0077] Technology 5 is an information terminal 30 that is one of the technologies 1 to 4, further comprising a display unit 35 that displays information indicating which of the multiple communication nodes 20 no longer belong to the network, and a screen for reconfiguring the network.

[0078] Such an information terminal 30 can help users easily resolve network problems by displaying a screen for resolving communication failures in the mesh network 40 on the display unit 35.

[0079] Technology 6 is a communication system 10 comprising multiple communication nodes 20 and an information terminal 30 that is one of technologies 1 to 5.

[0080] Such a communication system 10 can restore communication within cluster 41 by changing one of the communication nodes 20a in cluster 41 to the specific node 20a if a specific node 20a responsible for the inter-cluster network experiences a communication failure due to a malfunction or other reason. With such a communication system 10, users can resolve network failures occurring in a cluster-structured network more easily.

[0081] Technology 7 is an information processing method executed by an information terminal 30 that configures a network composed of multiple communication nodes 20, wherein the network includes a first communication network composed of communication nodes 20 including a specific node 20a, and a second communication network composed of the specific node 20a, and the information processing method includes a registration step of registering the first communication network by configuring the other communication nodes 20 included in the first communication network to function as the specific node 20a when the specific node 20a becomes unable to communicate in the second communication network.

[0082] This information processing method allows for the restoration of communication within cluster 41 by changing a communication node 20a within cluster 41 to the specific node 20a if a specific node 20a responsible for the inter-cluster network experiences a communication failure due to a malfunction or other reason. Therefore, this information processing method allows users to resolve network failures occurring in a cluster-structured network more easily.

[0083] Technology 8 is a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method of Technology 7.

[0084] Such programs can help users more easily resolve network failures that occur in networks with a cluster structure.

[0085] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0086] For example, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Furthermore, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0088] Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be implemented by hardware. For example, components such as the control unit may be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, these circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits.

[0089] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0090] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a communication system or information terminal as described in the above embodiment, or as an information processing method executed by an information terminal. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing an information terminal (computer) to execute such an information processing method, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded. In other words, a program is a computer program product. Such a program includes an application program for causing a computer, such as a general-purpose information terminal, to function as an information terminal as described in the above embodiment.

[0091] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 10 Communication Systems 20 communication nodes 20a Specific node 30 Information terminals 322 Detection unit 323 Registration Department 324 Judgment section 35 Display section 40 Mesh Network (Network) 41. Cluster (First Communication Network)

Claims

1. An information terminal for configuring a network composed of multiple communication nodes, The network includes a first communication network composed of communication nodes including a specific node, and a second communication network composed of the specific node. The information terminal includes a registration unit that, when the specific node becomes unable to communicate in the second communication network, registers the first communication network by configuring other communication nodes included in the first communication network to function as the specific node, thereby registering the first communication network. Information terminal.

2. Furthermore, the system includes a determination unit that determines whether the specific node is capable of communicating in the second communication network. The registration unit registers the first communication network when the determination unit determines that the specific node is unable to communicate on the second communication network. The information terminal according to claim 1.

3. Each of the aforementioned communication nodes transmits a detection signal if it does not belong to the network. The aforementioned information terminal includes a detection unit that acquires the detection signal, The determination unit determines, when the detection unit obtains the detection signal transmitted by a communication node other than the specified node, that the specified node included in the first communication network to which the communication node belongs has become unable to communicate in the second communication network. The information terminal according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned determination is performed by user operation. The information terminal according to claim 2 or 3.

5. Furthermore, it includes a display unit that displays information indicating the communication nodes among the plurality of communication nodes that no longer belong to the network, and a screen for reconfiguring the network. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. Multiple communication nodes, The information terminal comprises the information terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 3. Communication system.

7. An information processing method performed by an information terminal that configures a network consisting of multiple communication nodes, The network includes a first communication network composed of communication nodes including a specific node, and a second communication network composed of the specific node. The information processing method includes a registration step of registering the first communication network by configuring other communication nodes included in the first communication network to function as the specified node when the specified node becomes unable to communicate in the second communication network. Information processing methods.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described in claim 7.

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