Communication relay system, communication relay method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a communication relay system, method, and program that enable access to non-volatile memory and modification of control settings even during operation. [Solution] A communication relay system for relaying communication between a base station and a terminal device, comprising a master station device that receives downlink signals of radio signals from a base station, and subordinate devices connected to the master station device and having one or more slave station devices that receive uplink signals of radio signals from terminal devices, wherein the master station device includes a control setting unit that accesses memory to perform control settings when an information processing device connected to the master station device changes the control settings of the communication relay system, a storage processing unit that stores the progress of the memory access processing in a storage area provided inside the CPU, and an access processing unit that interrupts and changes the access processing, and the subordinate devices include a transmitting and receiving unit that receives downlink signals transmitted from the base station via the master station device and transmits uplink signals from terminal devices to the master station device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a communication relay system, a communication relay method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, as a form of a wireless communication system, a distributed antenna system (DAS) is known. In a distributed antenna system, downlink communication transmitted from a base station to a terminal device and uplink communication transmitted from the terminal device to the base station are performed by a time division multiplexing method (TDD: Time Division Duplex) that switches every communication period.

[0003] Also, a method of sharing a communication relay system (repeater system) for enabling a wireless communication terminal to be used in a dead zone such as indoors among a plurality of operators (carriers: communication service providers) is known.

[0004] In a communication relay system, when it is desired to check and change control settings, it is necessary to access the non-volatile memory of the master station device. During operation, the master station device (MU: Master Unit) frequently transmits and receives operation information, alarm information, etc. among its subordinate devices (hereinafter referred to as subordinate devices), and the master station device adopts interrupt processing to immediately process this information with the CPU.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of access control by an application installed in an in-vehicle PC.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] One problem is that while an interrupt occurs in the CPU, it is not possible to access the non-volatile memory that handles the control settings information of the master station device. Furthermore, there is a problem that an interrupt occurring while accessing non-volatile memory carries the risk of data corruption. In conventional methods, changing control settings during operation required temporarily disconnecting the optical fiber connection between the master station and its subordinate devices (hereinafter referred to as "subordinate devices"). This process carried the risk of incorrectly connecting the optical fiber when restoring the subordinate devices to their original configuration. As a result, using conventional communication relay systems made it difficult to change control settings during operation, leading to problems with system maintainability and reliability. Due to the problems mentioned above, there is a need to streamline maintenance work and reduce maintenance costs.

[0008] Therefore, in this embodiment, the objective is to simplify the operation and management of the communication relay system and improve the maintainability and reliability of the communication relay system by enabling access to non-volatile memory and modification of control settings even in a system that is in operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The communication relay system of the embodiment is a communication relay system that relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, comprising: a master station device connected to the base station and receiving downlink signals of radio signals from the base station; and subordinate devices having one or more slave station devices connected to the master station device and receiving uplink signals of radio signals from terminal devices, wherein the master station device comprises a CPU, memory, a control setting unit that accesses the memory and performs control settings when an information processing device connected to the master station device by a network changes the control settings of the communication relay system, a storage processing unit that stores the progress of the access processing to the memory in a storage area provided inside the CPU, and an access processing unit that interrupts and changes the access processing, and the subordinate devices have a communication relay system comprising a transmitting and receiving unit connected to the master station device that receives uplink signals of radio signals from terminal devices, receives downlink signals transmitted from the base station via the master station device, and transmits uplink signals from terminal devices to the master station device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a distributed antenna system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a modified process for changing the control settings of the communication relay system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a modified process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings below. In the descriptions of the following embodiments and modifications, parts with the same reference numerals have substantially the same functions, and descriptions of overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a distributed antenna system according to the first embodiment. The distributed antenna system 1 is composed of a base station 10, a communication relay system 11, and a terminal device 16. The communication relay system 11 includes a parent station device 12, a hub device 13, a child station device 14, and an optical fiber 15 connecting these. More specifically, the distributed antenna system 1 includes a parent station device 12 connected to the base station 10, and one or more child station devices 14 that relay signals between the terminal device 16 communicating with the base station 10 and the parent station device 12.

[0013] The communication relay system 11 is a system that relays communication between the base station 10 and the terminal device 16.

[0014] The parent station device 12 is connected to a plurality of child station devices 14 inside the communication relay system 11. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of child station devices 14 may be connected to the parent station device 12 via the hub device 13, or a plurality of child station devices 14 may be directly connected. As shown in FIG. 2 to be described later, for convenience, the plurality of hub devices 13 and child station devices 14 connected to the parent station device 12 are collectively referred to as subordinate devices 20.

[0015] The parent station device 12 is connected to the base station 10 by a coaxial cable and transmits and receives radio signals to and from the base station 1.In this case, the radio signal is a signal in the radio communication band transmitted to the terminal device 16. The parent station device 12 relays the radio signal received from the base station 10 to the hub device 13 or the child station device 14. Also, the parent station device 12 relays the radio signal received from the hub device 13 or the child station device 14 to the base station 10.

[0016] The slave unit 14 is connected to the terminal unit 16 by an antenna 17 and a wired cable for wireless communication, and transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the terminal unit 16 via this antenna 17. The slave unit 14 relays the wireless signals received from the terminal unit 16 to the master unit 12 or hub unit 13. The slave unit 14 also relays the wireless signals received from the master unit 12 or hub unit 13 to the terminal unit 16.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the first embodiment. The communication relay system 11 mainly consists of a master station device 12 and subordinate devices 20. The master unit 12 and the subordinate units 20 are connected by an optical fiber 15. The master station device 12 includes a CPU 21, non-volatile memory 23, serial communication interface 26, interrupt detection unit 24, and access processing unit 25.

[0018] The master station device 12 is the central device that oversees the entire communication relay system 11. The communication relay system 11 transmits and receives operational information and alarm information via serial communication 28 between the CPU 21 inside the master station device 12 and the subordinate devices 20.

[0019] The CPU 21 controls the entire master station device 12 and includes a control setting unit 211, a storage processing unit 212, and a storage area 213. When the control setting of the communication relay system 11 is changed, the control setting unit 211 receives an access request from the PC 27, which is connected to the master station device 12 via a network, through serial communication 28 connected to the serial communication interface 26. The control setting unit 211 then accesses the non-volatile memory 23, which is connected to the outside of the CPU 21, in order to perform the control setting.

[0020] If an interrupt occurs from the subordinate device 20 while accessing the non-volatile memory 23, the storage processing unit 212 saves the progress of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 to the storage area 213.

[0021] The interrupt detection unit 24 detects when an interrupt process occurs from the subordinate device 20 while accessing the non-volatile memory 23.

[0022] The access processing unit 25 interrupts and resumes the access process. Specifically, if the interrupt detection unit 24 detects an interrupt from the subordinate device 20 while accessing the non-volatile memory 23, the access processing unit 25 interrupts access to the non-volatile memory 23, waits until the interrupt from the subordinate device 20 is completed, and then resumes access to the non-volatile memory 23 using the progress of the access process stored in the storage area 213.

[0023] The non-volatile memory 23 is a memory that retains stored information such as configuration data even when power is not supplied.

[0024] The serial communication interface 26 is an interface that receives signals sent from the PC 27 and inputs them into the CPU 21 in the master station 12, in order to enable serial communication between the PC 27 and the master station 12.

[0025] The subordinate device 20 includes a transmitting and receiving unit 29. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 is connected to the master station 12, receives uplink signals from the terminal device 16, receives downlink signals transmitted from the base station 10 via the master station 12, and transmits uplink signals from the terminal device 16 to the master station 12.

[0026] The transmitting / receiving unit 29 is mainly composed of a hub device 13 and a slave station device 14, and is mainly connected to the master station device 12 via optical fiber 15. The hub device 13 has functions such as relaying and distributing optical signals, and the slave station device 14 has functions such as wireless communication.

[0027] When configuring the control settings for the communication relay system 11, PC27 inputs the settings and transmits them to the CPU21 via serial communication through the serial communication interface 26.

[0028] Next, the control setting change process for the communication relay system 11 configured according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the first embodiment. First, in order to change the control settings of the communication relay system 11, the PC 27 connects to the serial communication interface 26 and communicates with the CPU 21, and the CPU 21 accesses the non-volatile memory 23 (S301).

[0029] Next, the interrupt detection unit 24 checks whether an interrupt has occurred from the subordinate device 20 (S302). If no interrupt has occurred (S302: No), it executes the access process to the non-volatile memory 23.

[0030] If there is an interrupt from the subordinate device 20 (S302: Yes), the access processing unit 25 will wait to access the non-volatile memory 23 until the access processing from the subordinate device 20 is completed (S303).

[0031] Once the access processing from the subordinate device 20 is complete, the access processing unit 25 accesses the non-volatile memory 23 and executes the processing (S304).

[0032] Next, the interrupt detection unit 24 checks whether another interrupt occurs from the subordinate device 20 while accessing the non-volatile memory 23 (S305). If no interrupt occurs (S305: No), the access processing unit 25 continues the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 and completes the access process (S311).

[0033] If an interrupt is generated from the subordinate device 20 (S305: Yes), the save processing unit 212 saves the progress of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 in the save area 213 located inside the CPU 21 (S306).

[0034] Next, the access processing unit 25 interrupts the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S307) and puts the access process into a waiting state (S308).

[0035] The interrupt detection unit 24 checks whether the interrupt processing from the subordinate device 20 has finished (S309). If the interrupt processing is still in progress (S309: No), the access processing unit 25 continues to wait for access to the non-volatile memory 23 (S308).

[0036] When the interrupt detection unit 24 detects an interrupt from the subordinate device 20 (S309: Yes), the access processing unit 25 uses the progress of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 stored in the storage area 213 located inside the CPU 21 to resume the access process (S310). After resuming, the processes from S304 to S310 described above are carried out until the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 is completed.

[0037] In the communication relay system 11 according to this embodiment, if an interrupt occurs from the subordinate device 20 while access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 is being performed, the storage processing unit 212 saves the progress of the access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 to the storage area 213, interrupts the access processing, and waits until the interrupt processing from the subordinate device 20 is completed. Once the interrupt processing is completed, the access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 is resumed using the progress of the access processing saved in the storage area 213.

[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, the non-volatile memory 23 of the operating master station 12 can be accessed safely, and control settings can be checked and changed quickly and reliably. Furthermore, since there is no need to temporarily disconnect the optical fiber connection between the operational master station 12 and the operational subordinate devices 20, risks such as incorrect optical fiber connection destinations are eliminated, and the overall reliability of the system is enhanced. Furthermore, since it becomes easier to check and change control settings during operation, maintenance work is made more efficient and system downtime is reduced.

[0039] (modified version) In the first embodiment, when an interrupt processing from the subordinate device 20 occurred while accessing the non-volatile memory 23, the progress of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 was saved in the storage area 213. However, it is also possible to apply this to periodically save the progress to the storage area 213 while accessing the non-volatile memory 23.

[0040] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a modified process for changing the control settings of the communication relay system according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the storage processing unit 212 saves the progress of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 only when an interrupt process occurs from the subordinate device 20 during the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S306).

[0041] On the other hand, in a modified version of this embodiment, the storage processing unit 212 periodically saves the progress of the access process while accessing the non-volatile memory 23 (S401). Other processes are carried out in the same manner as in this embodiment. This modified version produces the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0042] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, if an interrupt occurs from the subordinate device 20 while accessing the non-volatile memory 23, access to the non-volatile memory 23 is temporarily interrupted and the interrupt is executed. In this embodiment, the subordinate device monitors the CPU's access to the non-volatile memory to avoid the impact of the interrupt on the CPU.

[0043] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the second embodiment. The distributed antenna system 1 in this embodiment consists of a base station 10, a communication relay system 55, and a terminal device 16. The communication relay system 55 mainly consists of a master station device 50, subordinate devices 51, and an antenna 17.

[0044] The master station device 50 mainly consists of a CPU 52 and non-volatile memory 23. The CPU 52 is equipped with a control setting unit 521. When the control setting unit 521 changes the control settings of the communication relay system 55, it receives access requests from the PC 27, which is connected to the master station device 50 via a network, through serial communication 28 connected to the serial communication interface 26. Then, the control setting unit 211 accesses the non-volatile memory 23, which is connected to the outside of the CPU 21, in order to perform the control settings. This method is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0045] The CPU 52 sends and receives operational information and alarm information to and from the subordinate device 51 via serial communication 28.

[0046] The subordinate device 51 mainly consists of a transmitting / receiving unit 29 and an access processing unit 53. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 is connected to the master station 50, receives uplink signals from the terminal device 16, receives downlink signals transmitted from the base station 10 via the master station 50, and transmits uplink signals from the terminal device 16 to the master station 50.

[0047] In this embodiment, the subordinate device 51 is equipped with an access processing unit 53. The access processing unit 53 determines whether the CPU 52 is accessing the non-volatile memory 23 from the control setting unit 521, and only if it is not accessing the memory, it sends an access request from the subordinate device 51 to the CPU 52.

[0048] The access processing unit 53 includes an access status monitoring unit 531. The access status monitoring unit 531 monitors the access status of the CPU 52 of the master station device 50 to the non-volatile memory 23.

[0049] Next, the control setting change process for the communication relay system 55 according to this embodiment, configured as described above, will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the second embodiment. The control setting unit 521 performs access processing to the non-volatile memory 23. If there is access processing from the subordinate device 51, the control setting unit 521 waits until the access processing is completed. Once the access processing is completed, the control setting unit 521 performs access processing to the non-volatile memory 23. This process is the same as in the first embodiment (S301-S304).

[0050] Next, while the control setting unit 521 is performing the access process to the non-volatile memory 23, the access status monitoring unit 531 in the subordinate device 51 monitors the CPU 52's access to the non-volatile memory 23 (S601).

[0051] The access status monitoring unit 531 checks whether the CPU 52 is performing an access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S602). If the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 521 has finished (S602: No), the access process from the subordinate device 51 to the CPU 52 is performed (S604).

[0052] If the control setting unit 521 is currently accessing the non-volatile memory 23 (S602: Yes), the access processing unit 53 in the subordinate device 51 will wait for the CPU 52 to access the CPU 52 until the CPU 52 has finished accessing the non-volatile memory 23 (S603).

[0053] Once the control setting unit 521 has finished accessing the non-volatile memory 23, the access processing unit 53 accesses the CPU 52 from the subordinate device 51 (S604).

[0054] In the communication relay system 55 according to this embodiment, the access status monitoring unit 531 monitors the access status of the CPU 52 to the non-volatile memory 23 by the subordinate device 51, and only when there is no access, the access processing unit 53 accesses the non-volatile memory 23 by having the subordinate device 51 send an access signal and access the CPU 52, thereby avoiding the impact of interrupt processing on the CPU 52 in the master station device 50 of the communication relay system 55.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, the non-volatile memory 23 of the operating master station device 50 can be accessed safely, and control settings can be checked and changed quickly and reliably. Furthermore, since there is no need to temporarily disconnect the optical fiber connection between the operational master station 50 and the operational subordinate devices 51, risks such as incorrect optical fiber connection destinations are eliminated, and the reliability of the entire system is enhanced. Furthermore, since it becomes easier to check and change control settings during operation, maintenance work is made more efficient and system downtime is reduced.

[0056] (Third embodiment) In the second embodiment, the access status monitoring unit 531 in the subordinate device 51 monitors access to the non-volatile memory 23. If access to the non-volatile memory 23 is occurring, the access processing unit 53 waits for access processing from the subordinate device 51. Once access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 is completed, the subordinate device 51 executes access processing to the CPU 52. In this embodiment, the master station device 50 manages access processing from the subordinate device 51, avoiding the impact of interrupt processing on the CPU 52.

[0057] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the third embodiment. The distributed antenna system 1 in this embodiment consists of a base station 10, a communication relay system 74, and a terminal device 16. The communication relay system 74 mainly consists of a master station device 70, subordinate devices 71, and an antenna 17.

[0058] The master station device 70 mainly comprises a CPU 52, non-volatile memory 23, access management unit 72, and access processing unit 73.

[0059] The CPU 52 is equipped with a control setting unit 521. When the control setting unit 521 changes the control settings of the communication relay system 74, it receives an access request from the PC 27, which is connected to the master station device 70 via a network, through serial communication 28 connected to the serial communication interface 26. The control setting unit 521 then accesses the non-volatile memory 23, which is connected to the outside of the CPU 21, in order to perform the control setting. This method is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0060] The CPU 52 transmits and receives operational information and alarm information to and from the subordinate device 51 via serial communication 28. In this embodiment, an access management unit 72 is provided between the CPU 52 and the subordinate device 71.

[0061] The access management unit 72 manages access processing from the subordinate devices 51. If an access request from a subordinate device 71 occurs while the access processing for the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 521 is being executed, the access processing unit 73 will wait for the access request from the subordinate device 71 to occur.

[0062] The access processing unit 73 executes access processing from the subordinate device 71 after the control setting unit 521 has finished accessing the non-volatile memory 23.

[0063] The subordinate device 51 consists of a transmitting and receiving unit 29. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 includes a hub device 13 and a slave station device 14. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 receives downlink signals transmitted from the base station 10 via the master station device 70 and transmits uplink signals from the terminal device 16 to the master station device 70.

[0064] The hub device 13 and the slave station device 14 are connected to the master station device 50 via optical fiber 15. The hub device 13 has functions for relaying and distributing optical signals, and the slave station device 14 has wireless communication functions, etc. This method is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0065] Next, the control setting change process for the communication relay system 74 configured according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the third embodiment. The control setting unit 521 performs the process of accessing the non-volatile memory 23. If there is an interrupt from the subordinate device 71, the control setting unit 521 waits until the interrupt is completed. Once the interrupt is completed, the control setting unit 521 performs the process of accessing the non-volatile memory 23, which is the same as in the first embodiment (S301-S304).

[0066] Next, the access management unit 72 inside the master station device 70 manages access to the CPU 52 from the subordinate devices 71 (S801).

[0067] Next, the access management unit 72 checks whether the control setting unit 521 is accessing the non-volatile memory 23 (S802). If no access is performed (S802: No), the access processing unit 73 executes the access processing from the subordinate device 71 to the CPU 52 (S804).

[0068] If the CPU 52 is accessing the non-volatile memory 23 (S802: Yes), the access processing unit 73 waits for the subordinate device 71 to access the CPU 52 until the CPU 52 has finished accessing the non-volatile memory 23 (S803).

[0069] Once the CPU 52 has finished accessing the non-volatile memory 23, the access processing unit 73 executes the access processing for the CPU 52 from the subordinate device 71 (S804).

[0070] In this embodiment of the communication relay system 74, the master station 70 manages access from subordinate devices 71, waits for access requests from subordinate devices 71 while processing access to the non-volatile memory 23, and processes access from subordinate devices 71 as soon as the access processing is complete. This method avoids the impact of interrupt processing on the CPU 52 in the master station 70 of the communication relay system 74 and allows access to the non-volatile memory 23.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, the non-volatile memory 23 of the operating master station device 70 can be accessed safely, and control settings can be checked and changed quickly and reliably. Furthermore, since there is no need to temporarily disconnect the optical fiber connection between the operational master station 70 and the operational subordinate devices 71, risks such as incorrect optical fiber connection destinations are eliminated, and the reliability of the entire system is enhanced. Furthermore, since it becomes easier to check and change control settings during operation, maintenance work is made more efficient and system downtime is reduced.

[0072] (Fourth embodiment) This embodiment combines the second and third embodiments. Specifically, it simultaneously determines whether the CPU in a subordinate device is accessing non-volatile memory and manages access from the subordinate device in the master device. By allowing the subordinate device to access the CPU only when it is not accessing the memory, it avoids the impact of interrupt processing and accesses the non-volatile memory.

[0073] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the fourth embodiment. The distributed antenna system 1 in this embodiment consists of a base station 10, a communication relay system 91, and a terminal device 16. The communication relay system 74 mainly consists of a master station device 90, subordinate devices 51, and an antenna 17.

[0074] The master station device 90 mainly consists of a CPU 52, non-volatile memory 23, and access management unit 72.

[0075] The CPU 52 is equipped with a control setting unit 521. When the control setting unit 521 changes the control settings of the communication relay system 91, it receives access requests from the PC 27, which is connected to the master station device 90 via a network, through serial communication 28 connected to the serial communication interface 26. The control setting unit 521 then accesses the non-volatile memory 23, which is connected to the outside of the CPU 21, in order to perform the control settings. This method is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0076] The CPU 52 transmits and receives operational information and alarm information to and from the subordinate device 51 via serial communication 28. In this embodiment, an access management unit 72 is provided between the CPU 52 and the subordinate device 51.

[0077] The access management unit 72 monitors the status of access processing from the control setting unit 521 by the access status monitoring unit 531 (described later) and simultaneously manages access from the subordinate devices 51.

[0078] The subordinate device 51 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 29 and an access processing unit 53. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 includes a hub device 13 and a slave station device 14. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 receives downlink signals transmitted from the base station 10 via the master station device 90 and transmits uplink signals from the terminal device 16 to the master station device 90.

[0079] The hub device 13 has functions for relaying and distributing optical signals, and the slave station device 14 has wireless communication functions, etc. This method is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0080] The access processing unit 53 includes an access status monitoring unit 531. The access status monitoring unit 531 manages access processing from subordinate devices 51 by the access management unit 72 as described above, and at the same time determines whether access processing is being performed from the control setting unit 521. In this embodiment, the access status monitoring unit 531 monitors the access status from the control setting unit 521 of the CPU 52.

[0081] The access processing unit 53 transmits an access processing signal from the subordinate device 51 only if no access processing has been performed from the control setting unit 521.

[0082] In this way, the access management unit 72 and the access status monitoring unit 531 optimize the timing of access.

[0083] Next, the control setting change process for the communication relay system 91 configured according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the fourth embodiment. The CPU 52 performs the process of accessing the non-volatile memory 23. If there is an interrupt from the subordinate device 51, the access processing unit 53 waits until the interrupt is completed. Once the interrupt is completed, the CPU 52 performs the process of accessing the non-volatile memory 23, which is the same as in the first embodiment (S301-S304).

[0084] Next, the access status monitoring unit 531 inside the subordinate device 51 monitors the CPU 52's access to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1001), and the access management unit 72 simultaneously performs the process of managing access from the subordinate device 51 to the CPU 52 at the master station device 90 (S1002).

[0085] As described above, the access status monitoring unit 531 and the access management unit 72 check whether the control setting unit 521 is performing access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1003). If access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 is not performed (S1003: No), the access processing unit 53 accesses the CPU 52 from the subordinate device 51 (S1005).

[0086] If access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 is in progress (S1003: Yes), the access processing unit 53 waits for access to the CPU 52 from the subordinate device 51 until the access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 521 is completed (S1004).

[0087] Once the CPU 52 has finished accessing the non-volatile memory 23, the access processing unit 53 accesses the CPU 52 from the subordinate device 51 (S1005).

[0088] In this embodiment, the communication relay system 91 simultaneously monitors the access status of the CPU 52 to the non-volatile memory 23 by the subordinate device 51 and manages access from the subordinate device 51 by the master station device 90. By optimizing the timing of access and having the subordinate device 51 send an access signal to the CPU 52 only when no access to the non-volatile memory 23 is occurring, the communication relay system 91 avoids the impact of interrupt processing on the CPU 52 in the master station device 90 and accesses the non-volatile memory 23.

[0089] Therefore, in this embodiment, the non-volatile memory 23 of the operating master station device 90 can be accessed safely, and control settings can be checked and changed quickly and reliably. Furthermore, since there is no need to temporarily disconnect the optical fiber connection between the operational master station 90 and the operational subordinate devices 51, risks such as incorrect optical fiber connection destinations are eliminated, and the reliability of the entire system is enhanced. Furthermore, since it becomes easier to check and change control settings during operation, maintenance work is made more efficient and system downtime is reduced.

[0090] (Fifth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, while the control setting unit 521 is performing access processing to the non-volatile memory 23, the subordinate device 51 waits for access from the subordinate device 51 to the CPU 52. In this embodiment, when access processing to the non-volatile memory is being performed, the master station unit waits for access from the subordinate device.

[0091] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the distributed antenna system 1 consists of a base station 10, a communication relay system 111, and a terminal device 16. The communication relay system 111 mainly consists of a master station device 70, subordinate devices 110, and an antenna 17.

[0092] The master station device 70 mainly comprises a CPU 52, non-volatile memory 23, access management unit 72, and access processing unit 73.

[0093] The CPU 52 is equipped with a control setting unit 521. When the control setting unit 521 changes the control settings of the communication relay system 111, it receives access requests from the PC 27, which is connected to the master station device 70 via a network, through serial communication 28 connected to the serial communication interface 26. The control setting unit 521 then accesses the non-volatile memory 23, which is connected to the outside of the CPU 21, in order to perform the control settings. This method is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0094] The CPU 52 transmits and receives operational information and alarm information to and from the subordinate device 110 via serial communication 28. In this embodiment, an access management unit 72 is provided between the CPU 52 and the subordinate device 110.

[0095] The access management unit 72 optimizes the timing of access processing by simultaneously monitoring the status of access processing from the control setting unit 521 via the access status monitoring unit 112 (described later) and managing access processing from the subordinate devices 110 to the CPU 52.

[0096] The access processing unit 73 waits for access processing from the subordinate device 110 when there is access processing for the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 521. Then, once the access processing for the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 521 is completed, it processes the access from the subordinate device 110.

[0097] The subordinate device 110 mainly consists of a transmitting / receiving unit 29 and an access status monitoring unit 112. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 includes a hub device 13 and a slave station device 14. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 receives downlink signals transmitted from the base station 10 via the master station device 70 and transmits uplink signals from the terminal device 16 to the master station device 70.

[0098] The hub device 13 and the slave station device 14 are connected to the master station device 90 via optical fiber 15. The hub device 13 has functions for relaying and distributing optical signals, and the slave station device 14 has wireless communication functions, etc. This method is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0099] The access status monitoring unit 112 monitors the access status of the CPU 52 in the subordinate device 110 to the non-volatile memory 23. In this embodiment, the access status monitoring unit 112 monitors the access status of the CPU 52 in the subordinate device 110 to the non-volatile memory 23.

[0100] In this way, the access management unit 72 and the access status monitoring unit 112 optimize the timing of access. This is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0101] Next, the control setting change process for the communication relay system 111 configured according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the fifth embodiment. The control setting unit 521 performs access processing to the non-volatile memory 23. If there is an interrupt from the subordinate device 110, the access processing unit 73 waits until the interrupt processing is completed. Once the interrupt processing is completed, the access processing unit 73 executes the access processing to the non-volatile memory 23. This process is the same as in the first embodiment (S301-S304).

[0102] Next, the access status monitoring unit 112 monitors access to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 521 (S1201), and the access management unit 72 simultaneously performs the process of managing access to the CPU 52 from the subordinate devices 110 at the master station device 70 (S1202). This is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0103] As described above, the access status monitoring unit 112 and the access management unit 72 check whether the control setting unit 521 is performing access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1203). If access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 is not performed (S1203: No), the access processing unit 73 performs access processing from the subordinate device 110 to the CPU 52 (S1205).

[0104] If access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 is in progress (S1203: Yes), the access processing unit 73 will wait for access to the CPU 52 from the subordinate device 110 until the access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 521 is completed (S1204).

[0105] After the access processing for the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 521 is completed, the access processing unit 73 performs access processing for the CPU 52 from the subordinate device 110 (S1205).

[0106] In this embodiment of the communication relay system 111, the system simultaneously monitors the CPU 52's access status to the non-volatile memory 23 in the subordinate device 110 and manages access from the subordinate device 110 in the master station device 70. While optimizing the timing of access, if access to the non-volatile memory 23 is in progress, the access management unit 72 in the master station device 70 waits for an access request from the subordinate device 110. Once the access processing is complete, the access processing unit 73 processes the access from the subordinate device 110, thereby avoiding the impact of interrupt processing on the CPU 52 in the master station device 70 of the communication relay system 111 and accessing the non-volatile memory 23.

[0107] Therefore, in this embodiment, the non-volatile memory 23 of the operating master station device 70 can be accessed safely, and control settings can be checked and changed quickly and reliably. Furthermore, since there is no need to temporarily disconnect the optical fiber connection between the operational master station 70 and the operational subordinate devices 110, risks such as incorrect optical fiber connection destinations are eliminated, and the overall reliability of the system is enhanced. Furthermore, since it becomes easier to check and change control settings during operation, maintenance work is made more efficient and system downtime is reduced.

[0108] (Sixth embodiment) This embodiment prioritizes the processes that access the CPU, processing higher-priority access processes first, and having lower-priority access processes wait during that time, thereby avoiding any impact on interrupt processing to the CPU in the master station device of the communication relay system.

[0109] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the distributed antenna system 1 consists of a base station 10, a communication relay system 134, and a terminal device 16. The communication relay system 134 mainly consists of a master station device 130, subordinate devices 20, and an antenna 17.

[0110] The master station device 130 mainly comprises a CPU 21, non-volatile memory 23, priority management unit 131, priority comparison unit 132, and access processing unit 133.

[0111] The CPU 21 includes a control setting unit 211, a storage processing unit 212, and a storage area 213. When the control setting unit 211 changes the control settings of the communication relay system 134, it receives an access request from a PC 27 connected to the master station device 130 via a network, through serial communication 28 connected to the serial communication interface 26. The control setting unit 211 then accesses the non-volatile memory 23 connected to the outside of the CPU 21 to perform the control setting. This method is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0112] The CPU 21 sends and receives operational information and alarm information to and from the subordinate device 20 via serial communication 28.

[0113] If an interrupt occurs from the subordinate device 20 while accessing the non-volatile memory 23, the storage processing unit 212 saves the progress of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 to the storage area 213.

[0114] The priority management unit 131 manages the priority of pre-set access processes in access processes from the control setting unit 211 and access processes from subordinate devices 20.

[0115] Although not shown in the diagram, three types of priority are predetermined. Access processing related to alarm information from subordinate devices 20 is set to "1" as the highest priority. Access processing related to control settings of the communication relay system 134 from PC 27 is set to priority "2", and access processing related to operational information from subordinate devices 20 is set to priority "3". The lower the priority number, the higher the priority. In other words, the priority levels are "1", "2", and "3" in descending order of priority.

[0116] The priority comparison unit 132 processes access processing from the subordinate device 20 and access processing from the control setting unit 211 based on priority. Specifically, if access processes with priority "1" and priority "2" conflict, the priority comparison unit 132 processes the access process with priority "1" (which has a higher priority) to be executed first. Furthermore, this method is also applicable when three or more access processes are in conflict. Specifically, the priority comparison unit 132 prioritizes executing the process with the highest priority among the three or more conflicting access processes.

[0117] The access processing unit 133 executes access processing based on priority, while interrupting and resuming access processing. In this embodiment, if an interrupt process occurs from a subordinate device 20 while an access process from the control setting unit 211 is being executed, the access processing unit 133 will have the access process with a lower priority compared to other access processes wait. As mentioned above, if three or more access processes are in conflict, the priority comparison unit 132 prioritizes executing the process with the highest priority among the three or more conflicting access processes, and the access processing unit 133 puts all remaining access processes on hold.

[0118] If the lower priority access process is an access process to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 211, the storage processing unit 212 saves the progress of the access process from the control setting unit 211 to the storage area 213.

[0119] When the access processing unit 133 has saved the progress of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 in the storage area 213, it interrupts the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 211. Once the interrupt processing from the subordinate device 20 is complete, the access processing unit 133 uses the progress of the access processing stored in the storage area 213 to resume the access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 211.

[0120] The subordinate device 20 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 29, similar to the first embodiment. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 includes a hub device 13 and a slave station device 14, similar to the first embodiment. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 receives downlink signals transmitted from the base station 10 via the master station device 90 and transmits uplink signals from the terminal device 16 to the master station device 90.

[0121] As described above, the priority management unit 131 manages the priority of access processes from subordinate devices 20 and PC 27, and the priority comparison unit 132 compares the priorities of these access processes and determines which access processes should be processed with priority. Then, the access processing unit 133 executes the access process determined by the priority comparison unit 132.

[0122] Next, the control setting change process for the communication relay system 134 according to this embodiment, which is configured as described above, will be explained. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the sixth embodiment. First, the priority management unit 131 manages access processing from subordinate devices 20 and PC 27 based on priority (S1401).

[0123] Next, the control setting unit 211 accesses the non-volatile memory 23 (S1402). At that time, the access processing unit 133 checks whether there is access from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 (S1403). If there is no access from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 (S1403: No), the control setting unit 211 executes the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1406).

[0124] If there is access from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 (S1403: Yes), the priority comparison unit 132 compares the priority of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 211 with the access process from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 (S1404). If the priority comparison unit 132 determines that the access process from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 has a lower priority (S1404: No), the control setting unit 211 executes the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1406).

[0125] If the priority comparison unit 132 determines that the access process from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 has a higher priority (S1404: Yes), the access processing unit 133 executes the access process from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 and makes the control setting unit 211 wait for the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 until the access process is completed (S1405).

[0126] Once the access processing from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 is complete, the access processing unit 133 causes the control setting unit 211 to execute the access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1406).

[0127] The control setting unit 211 checks whether an interrupt has occurred from the subordinate device 20 while it is performing the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1407). If no interrupt has occurred from the subordinate device 20 (S1407: No), the control setting unit 211 continues to perform the access process to the non-volatile memory 23, and once the access process is complete, it terminates access to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1414).

[0128] If an interrupt occurs from the subordinate device 20 while the control setting unit 211 is performing an access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1407: Yes), the priority comparison unit 132 compares the priority of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 211 that is currently running with the priority of the access process to the CPU 21 from the subordinate device 20 (S1408). If the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 211 that is currently running has a higher priority (S1408: No), the control setting unit 211 continues execution of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1406).

[0129] If the access process from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 has a higher priority (S1408: Yes), the storage processing unit 212 saves the progress of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 211 to the storage area 213 (S1409).

[0130] Next, the access processing unit 133 interrupts the access processing of the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 211 (S1410) and waits for access to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1411).

[0131] Next, the access processing unit 133 checks whether the interrupt processing from the subordinate device 20 has finished (S1412). If the interrupt processing from the subordinate device 20 has not finished (S1412: No), the access processing unit 133 continues to wait for access to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1412).

[0132] If the interrupt processing from the subordinate device 20 is completed (S1412: Yes), the access processing unit 133 resumes the access processing using the progress of the access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 by the control setting unit 211 stored in the storage area 213 (S1413). Then, the control setting unit 211 again performs the process of accessing the non-volatile memory 23 (S1406).

[0133] In this embodiment, when an interrupt occurs from a subordinate device 20 while the control setting unit 211 is performing an access process to the non-volatile memory 23, the system saves the progress of the access process in a storage area 213 located inside the CPU 21, and performs the access process based on priority while interrupting and resuming the access process. This method avoids the impact of the interrupt on the CPU 21 in the master station device 130 of the communication relay system 134 and allows access to the non-volatile memory 23.

[0134] Therefore, in this embodiment, the non-volatile memory 23 of the operating master station device 130 can be accessed safely, and control settings can be checked and changed quickly and reliably. Furthermore, since there is no need to temporarily disconnect the optical fiber connection between the operational master station 130 and the operational subordinate devices 20, risks such as incorrect optical fiber connection destinations are eliminated, and the reliability of the entire system is enhanced. Furthermore, since it becomes easier to check and change control settings during operation, maintenance work is made more efficient and system downtime is reduced.

[0135] (modified version) In this embodiment, when an interrupt process from the subordinate device 20 occurs while accessing the non-volatile memory 23, the progress of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 is saved in the storage area 213. However, it is also possible to apply this to periodically save the progress to the storage area 213 while accessing the non-volatile memory 23.

[0136] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a modified process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the storage processing unit 212 saves the progress of the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 only when an interrupt process occurs from the subordinate device 20 during the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1409).

[0137] On the other hand, in a modified version of this embodiment, the storage processing unit 212 periodically saves the progress of the access process to the storage area 213 while the control setting unit 211 is performing the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1501). Other processes are performed in the same manner as in this embodiment. This modified version produces the same effects as the sixth embodiment.

[0138] (Seventh Embodiment) In this embodiment, by introducing a system equipped with a function to detect and repair errors during access to non-volatile memory, the system avoids the impact of interrupt processing on the CPU in the master station equipment of the communication relay system and accesses the non-volatile memory.

[0139] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master station and a slave station in a communication relay system according to the seventh embodiment. The distributed antenna system 1 in this embodiment consists of a base station 10, a communication relay system 164, and a terminal device 16. The communication relay system 164 mainly consists of a master station device 160, subordinate devices 20, and an antenna 17.

[0140] The master station device 130 mainly comprises a CPU 21, non-volatile memory 23, access error detection unit 161, access error repair unit 162, and access processing unit 163.

[0141] The CPU 21 includes a control setting unit 211. When the control setting unit 211 changes the control settings of the communication relay system 164, it receives an access request from a PC 27 connected to the master station device 160 via a network, through serial communication 28 connected to the serial communication interface 26. The control setting unit 211 then accesses the non-volatile memory 23 connected to the outside of the CPU 21 to perform the control setting. This method is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0142] The CPU 21 sends and receives operational information and alarm information to and from the subordinate device 20 via serial communication 28.

[0143] The access error detection unit 161 detects an error if an interrupt process occurs from the subordinate device 20 while the access process from the control setting unit 211 is being executed.

[0144] The access error repair unit 162 repairs the error that occurred after the access error detection unit 161 has detected it.

[0145] The access processing unit 163 instructs the control setting unit 211 to execute the access processing that has been repaired by the access error repair unit 162.

[0146] The subordinate device 20 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 29, similar to the first embodiment. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 includes a hub device 13 and a slave station device 14, similar to the first embodiment. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 receives downlink signals transmitted from the base station 10 via the master station device 90 and transmits uplink signals from the terminal device 16 to the master station device 90.

[0147] As described above, the access error detection unit 161 detects an error if an interrupt occurs from the subordinate device 20 while the control setting unit 211 is executing the access process to the non-volatile memory 23. The access error repair unit 162 repairs the error that occurred, and the access processing unit 163 executes the repaired access process.

[0148] Next, the control setting change process for the communication relay system 164 according to this embodiment, configured as described above, will be explained. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for changing the control settings of a communication relay system according to the seventh embodiment. First, the control setting unit 211 performs the process of accessing the non-volatile memory 23 (S1701).

[0149] If there is no interrupt processing from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 while the non-volatile memory 23 access processing is being executed (S1702: No), the control setting unit 211 continues the non-volatile memory 23 access processing (S1705).

[0150] If an interrupt is received from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 while the non-volatile memory 23 access process is being executed (S1702: Yes), the access error detection unit 161 detects an access error to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1703).

[0151] Next, the access error repair unit 162 repairs the access error to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1704).

[0152] Then, the access processing unit 163 instructs the control setting unit 211 to execute the access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 based on the access processing corrected by the access error repair unit 162 (S1705).

[0153] The control setting unit 211 then executes the process of accessing the non-volatile memory 23. If no interrupt is generated from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 (S1706: No), it continues the process of accessing the non-volatile memory 23. Once the access process is complete, it terminates the access to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1709) and ends this process.

[0154] If an interrupt occurs from the subordinate device 20 to the CPU 21 while access processing to the non-volatile memory 23 is being performed (S1706: Yes), the access error detection unit 161 detects an access error to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1707).

[0155] Next, the access error repair unit 162 repairs the detected access error (S1708). Then, the access processing unit 163 instructs the control setting unit 211 to perform the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 (S1705).

[0156] Thus, in the communication relay system 164 according to this embodiment, when an interrupt process from a subordinate device 20 occurs while the control setting unit 211 is executing the access process to the non-volatile memory 23, a system is introduced that has a function to detect errors in the access process to the non-volatile memory 23 and correct the errors that have occurred. This avoids the influence of interrupt processes on the CPU 21 in the master station device 160 of the communication relay system 164 and allows access to the non-volatile memory 23.

[0157] Therefore, in this embodiment, the non-volatile memory 23 of the operating master station device 160 can be accessed safely, and control settings can be checked and changed quickly and reliably. Furthermore, since there is no need to temporarily disconnect the optical fiber connection between the operational master station 160 and the operational subordinate devices 20, risks such as incorrect optical fiber connection destinations are eliminated, and the overall reliability of the system is enhanced. Furthermore, since it becomes easier to check and change control settings during operation, maintenance work is made more efficient and system downtime is reduced.

[0158] The master station devices 12, 50, 70, 130, and 160 of this embodiment are equipped with a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM, and a storage device such as an HDD or CD drive, and are provided with data stored on a storage medium that can be read by a normal computer.

[0159] The programs executed by the master station devices 12, 50, 70, 130, and 160 of this embodiment are provided as installable or executable files stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, or USB memory.

[0160] Furthermore, the program may be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and allowing users to download it via the network. Alternatively, the program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, the program may be provided pre-installed in ROM or similar media.

[0161] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0162] 11, 55, 74, 91, 111, 134, 164…Communication relay system, 10…Base station, 12, 50, 70, 90, 130, 160…Master station equipment, 14…Slave station equipment, 20, 51, 71, 110,…Subordinate equipment, 21, 52…CPU, 23…Non-volatile memory, 24…Interrupt detection unit, 25, 53, 73…Access processing unit, 211, 521…Control setting unit, 212…Storage processing unit, 213…Storage area, 112, 531…Access status monitoring unit, 72…Access management unit, 29…Transmit / receive unit

Claims

1. A communication relay system that relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, A master station device connected to the aforementioned base station and receiving downlink signals of wireless signals from the aforementioned base station, A subordinate device comprising one or more slave devices connected to the master station device and receiving uplink signals of wireless signals from the terminal device, The aforementioned master station device, CPU and, Memory and When the information processing device connected to the base station device via a network changes the control settings of the communication relay system, a control setting unit accesses the memory and performs the control setting, A storage processing unit is provided inside the CPU to store the progress of the memory access process, The system includes an access processing unit that interrupts and resumes the aforementioned access processing, The aforementioned subordinate devices are The system includes a transmitting and receiving unit connected to the aforementioned master station device, which receives uplink signals of wireless signals from the terminal device, receives downlink signals transmitted from the base station via the master station device, and transmits uplink signals from the terminal device to the master station device. Communication relay system.

2. The aforementioned storage processing unit is If an interrupt occurs from the subordinate device during the access process from the control setting unit, the progress of the access process from the control setting unit is saved in the storage area. The aforementioned access processing unit, After saving the progress in the aforementioned storage area, the access process from the control setting unit is interrupted, and once the interrupt processing from the subordinate device is completed, the access process is resumed using the progress of the access process from the control setting unit saved in the aforementioned storage area. The communication relay system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned storage processing unit is During the access process from the control setting unit, the progress of the access process is periodically saved to the storage area. The aforementioned access processing unit, If an interrupt occurs from a subordinate device during the access process from the control setting unit, the access process from the control setting unit is interrupted. Once the interrupt from the subordinate device is completed, the access process is resumed using the progress status of the access process to the control setting unit stored in the storage processing unit. The communication relay system according to claim 1.

4. A communication relay system that relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, A master station device connected to the aforementioned base station and receiving downlink signals of wireless signals from the aforementioned base station, A subordinate device comprising one or more slave devices connected to the master station device and receiving uplink signals of wireless signals from the terminal device, The aforementioned master station device, CPU and, Memory and The information processing device connected to the base station device via a network includes a control setting unit that accesses the memory and performs the control setting when the information processing device changes the control settings of the communication relay system. The aforementioned subordinate devices are An access processing unit that determines whether the control setting unit is accessing the system, and only if it is not accessing the system, sends an access request from the subordinate device to the CPU. The system includes a transceiver that receives the downlink signal transmitted from the base station via the master station device and transmits the uplink signal from the terminal device to the master station device. Communication relay system.

5. The aforementioned access processing unit, The system includes an access status monitoring unit that monitors the access status from the control setting unit by the CPU. The communication relay system according to claim 4.

6. A communication relay system that relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, A master station device connected to the aforementioned base station and receiving downlink signals of wireless signals from the aforementioned base station, A subordinate device comprising one or more slave devices connected to the master station device and receiving uplink signals of wireless signals from the terminal device, The aforementioned master station device, CPU and, Memory and When the information processing device connected to the base station device via a network changes the control settings of the communication relay system, a control setting unit accesses the memory and performs the control setting, An access management unit manages access to the CPU from the subordinate devices, The system includes an access processing unit that, if an interrupt occurs from a subordinate device while the access processing from the control setting unit is being executed, causes the system to wait for access from the subordinate device. The aforementioned subordinate devices are The system includes a transceiver that receives the downlink signal transmitted from the base station via the master station device and transmits the uplink signal from the terminal device to the master station device. Communication relay system.

7. The aforementioned access processing unit, During the access process to the control setting unit, the system waits for access processing from the subordinate devices, and once the access process to the control setting unit is complete, it processes access from the subordinate devices. The communication relay system according to claim 6.

8. A communication relay system that relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, A master station device connected to the aforementioned base station and receiving downlink signals of wireless signals from the aforementioned base station, A subordinate device comprising one or more slave devices connected to the master station device and receiving uplink signals of wireless signals from the terminal device, The aforementioned master station device, CPU and, Memory and When the information processing device connected to the base station device via a network changes the control settings of the communication relay system, a control setting unit accesses the memory and performs the control setting, An access management unit that manages access processing from the subordinate devices to the CPU, The aforementioned subordinate devices are The access status monitoring unit simultaneously manages access from the subordinate devices by the access management unit and determines whether access processing is being performed from the CPU control setting unit. An access processing unit that transmits an access processing signal from the subordinate device only when access processing from the control setting unit has not been performed, The system includes a transceiver that receives the downlink signal transmitted from the base station via the master station device and transmits the uplink signal from the terminal device to the master station device. Communication relay system.

9. The aforementioned access status monitoring unit, The CPU monitors the access status from the control setting unit, The aforementioned access management unit, The access status monitoring unit monitors the status of access processing from the control setting unit and simultaneously manages access from the subordinate devices. The aforementioned access processing unit, The access status monitoring unit and the access management unit optimize the timing of access processing, and the subordinate device accesses the CPU inside the master station device with the access processing signal only when no access processing has been performed from the control setting unit. The communication relay system according to claim 8.

10. A communication relay system that relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, A master station device connected to the aforementioned base station and receiving downlink signals of wireless signals from the aforementioned base station, A subordinate device comprising one or more slave devices connected to the master station device and receiving uplink signals of wireless signals from the terminal device, The aforementioned master station device, CPU and, Memory and The information processing device connected to the base station device via a network includes a control setting unit that accesses the memory and performs the control setting when the information processing device changes the control settings of the communication relay system. The aforementioned subordinate devices are The system includes an access status monitoring unit that determines the access status from the CPU's control setting unit, The aforementioned master station device, The access status monitoring unit determines the access status from the CPU control setting unit, and at the same time manages the access processing from the subordinate devices to the CPU. The system includes an access processing unit that, when an access process from a subordinate device occurs during an access process from the control setting unit, causes the access process from the subordinate device to wait, The aforementioned subordinate devices are The system includes a transceiver that receives the downlink signal transmitted from the base station via the master station device and transmits the uplink signal from the terminal device to the master station device. Communication relay system.

11. The aforementioned access status monitoring unit, The access status from the CPU control setting unit is monitored, The aforementioned access management unit, The access status monitoring unit monitors the access status from the CPU control setting unit, and at the same time manages access from the subordinate devices, optimizing the timing of access. The aforementioned access processing unit, During the access processing from the control setting unit, the system waits for access requests from the subordinate devices, and once the access processing from the control setting unit is complete, it processes the access requests from the subordinate devices. The communication relay system according to claim 10.

12. A communication relay system that relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, A master station device connected to the aforementioned base station and receiving downlink signals of wireless signals from the aforementioned base station, A subordinate device comprising one or more slave devices connected to the master station device and receiving uplink signals of wireless signals from the terminal device, The aforementioned master station device, CPU and, Memory and When the information processing device connected to the base station device via a network changes the control settings of the communication relay system, a control setting unit accesses the memory and performs the control setting, In the access processing from the control setting unit and the access processing from the subordinate devices, a priority management unit manages the priority of pre-set access processing, A storage processing unit that stores the progress of the access process from the control setting unit in a storage area provided inside the CPU, The system includes an access processing unit that processes access based on the priority while interrupting and resuming the aforementioned access processing, The aforementioned subordinate devices are The system includes a transceiver that receives the downlink signal transmitted from the base station via the master station device and transmits the uplink signal from the terminal device to the master station device. Communication relay system.

13. The aforementioned master station device further, It comprises an access processing unit from the subordinate device and a priority comparison unit that processes the access processing from the control setting unit based on the priority, If an interrupt occurs from a subordinate device during an access process from the control setting unit, the access processing unit, using the priority comparison unit, prioritizes the execution of the highest priority among the competing access processes and puts all remaining competing access processes into a waiting state. The storage processing unit saves the progress of the access process from the control setting unit to the storage area. The access processing unit interrupts the access processing from the control setting unit, and once the interrupt processing is complete, it resumes the access processing from the control setting unit using the progress of the access processing stored in the storage area. The communication relay system according to claim 12.

14. The aforementioned master station device further, It comprises an access processing unit from the subordinate device and a priority comparison unit that processes the access processing from the control setting unit based on the priority, The storage processing unit periodically saves the progress of the access process to the storage area during the access process from the control setting unit. The access processing unit interrupts the access processing from the control setting unit when an interrupt occurs from the subordinate device, and resumes the access processing from the control setting unit using the progress of the access processing stored in the storage area when the interrupt processing is completed. The communication relay system according to claim 12.

15. A communication relay system that relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, A master station device connected to the aforementioned base station and receiving downlink signals of wireless signals from the aforementioned base station, A subordinate device comprising one or more slave devices connected to the master station device and receiving uplink signals of wireless signals from the terminal device, The aforementioned master station device, CPU and, Memory and When the information processing device connected to the base station device via a network changes the control settings of the communication relay system, a control setting unit accesses the memory and performs the control setting, If an interrupt occurs from a subordinate device while the control setting unit is executing an access process, an access error detection unit detects the error. The access error detection unit detects the error, and the access error repair unit repairs the error that occurred. The system includes an access processing unit that, after repairing the error by the access error repair unit, causes the control setting unit to execute the repaired access process, The aforementioned subordinate devices are The system includes a transceiver that receives the downlink signal transmitted from the base station via the master station device and transmits the uplink signal from the terminal device to the master station device. Communication relay system.

16. A communication relay method performed in a communication relay system comprising: a master station device connected to a base station and receiving downlink signals of radio signals from the base station; and a subordinate device having one or more slave station devices connected to the master station device and receiving uplink signals of radio signals from terminal devices, When the master station device, and an information processing device connected to the master station device via a network, change the control settings of the communication relay system, the master station device accesses the memory provided by the master station device and performs the control setting; The steps include: the master station device saving the progress of the memory access process in a storage area provided inside the CPU of the master station device; The steps include the base station device interrupting and resuming the access process, The subordinate device receives an uplink signal of a wireless signal from the terminal device, The steps include: the subordinate device receiving the downlink signal transmitted from the base station via the master station device; The steps include: the subordinate device transmits the uplink signal from the terminal device; A communication relay method that includes this.

17. A program to be executed on the computer of the master station of a communication relay system comprising a master station and subordinate devices, which relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, The aforementioned master station device is connected to the base station and receives downlink signals of wireless signals from the base station. The subordinate device has one or more slave devices connected to the master station device that receive uplink signals of wireless signals from the terminal device. The steps include changing the control settings of the communication relay system through access processing from the CPU, The steps include saving the progress of the access process that changes the control settings of the aforementioned communication relay system, The steps include interrupting and resuming the aforementioned access process, A program to cause the aforementioned computer to execute.

18. A program to be executed on the computer of a subordinate device in a communication relay system comprising a master station device and subordinate devices, which relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, The aforementioned master station device is connected to the base station and receives downlink signals of wireless signals from the base station. The subordinate device has one or more slave devices connected to the master station device that receive uplink signals of wireless signals from the terminal device. The steps include: connecting to the aforementioned master station device, receiving an uplink signal of a wireless signal from the terminal device, receiving the downlink signal transmitted from the base station via the master station device, and transmitting the uplink signal from the terminal device to the master station device; A program to cause the aforementioned computer to execute.

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