Access point
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025031861
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-09
AI Technical Summary
【0008】 本発明によれば、複数の端末の優先順位で複数の端末が緊急連絡先に通報できるように制御することができる。
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Figure 2026144520000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an access point, a communication system, a method for controlling an access point, and a program. [Background Art]
[0002] There is a function called Emergency Preparedness Communication Service (EPCS) that can prioritize Wi-Fi communication of pre-authenticated users when an emergency occurs. EPCS is a function that allows a person who detects an emergency when an emergency occurs to report to an emergency contact using an EPCS terminal (STA), and has been standardized in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7). EPCS is a mechanism for authenticated users in which priorities are determined in advance, and terminals of EPCS-authenticated users can perform communication with priority over terminals that are not EPCS-authenticated users. This is expected to ensure a stable communication environment for users who should be prioritized even when the communication environment is congested.
[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which when a communication destination is a communication destination with high publicness, social importance, and urgency, communication is performed by positioning the connection priority of a communication terminal at the highest level. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-52074 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]
[0005] Patent Document 1 is effective for ensuring a stable communication environment for specific users who should be prioritized even in a congested communication environment, similarly to the aforementioned EPCS.
[0006] However, Patent Document 1 states that when considering the case of an incident or accident occurring in an environment where a large number of people gather, such as a large event venue or commercial facility, if the highest priority communications are sent simultaneously, there is a risk of network congestion. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The access point is an access point comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring the relative location information of each of a plurality of terminals with respect to the access point; a second acquisition means for acquiring the relative location information of the location where the abnormality occurred with respect to the access point when an abnormality occurs; a calculation means for calculating the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred based on the relative location information of each of the plurality of terminals and the relative location information of the location where the abnormality occurred; and a control means for controlling the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts in order of priority based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to control multiple terminals so that they can notify emergency contacts according to their priority. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of an access point configuration. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing an example of a terminal configuration. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a server configuration. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an example of a camera configuration. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the CPU, ROM, and RAM. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the mechanism for calculating the distance between the location of an anomaly detection and the emergency contact sender. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram of the mechanism of position detection based on images. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram of the mechanism of direction detection processing using voice or an antenna. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram of the mechanism of distance detection processing using voice or an antenna. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing distances from a sensor to which priority weighting is applied. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram of EDCA categories. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram of EDCA parameters. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of a display method for a terminal whose priority has been changed. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication system includes an access point 110, a terminal 120, a terminal 130, a camera 140, a server 150, a network 160, and an external line 170. The access point 110, the camera 140, and the server 150 can communicate with each other via the network 160. The terminal 120 and the terminal 130 can each communicate with the access point 110 mutually via wireless communication.
[0012] The access point 110 is a device that provides network access by switching from wireless to wired when terminal devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers make wireless connections.
[0013] The terminal 120 or 130 is a device for a user to connect to an external line via an access point and perform communication. The wireless connection of the terminal 120 or 130 can implement EPCS communication by communicating in accordance with the IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) standard.
[0014] Here, EPCS is a function called Emergency Preparedness Communication Service that can prioritize Wi-Fi communication of pre-authenticated users when an emergency occurs. EPCS is a function that allows a person who detects an emergency when an emergency occurs to report to an emergency contact using an EPCS terminal (STA), and is standardized in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7). EPCS is a mechanism for authenticated users that pre-determines priorities, and a terminal of an EPCS authenticated user can perform communication with priority over a terminal that is not an EPCS authenticated user. This enables a stable communication environment to be secured for users who should be prioritized even when the communication environment is congested.
[0015] The camera 140 generates video data combining image and audio, and performs analysis on the video data. The data analysis includes abnormality detection and position detection. Abnormality detection and position detection can each be detected by analyzing image and audio data. The camera 140 is a network camera that transmits video data via the network 160, and corresponds to an imaging device.
[0016] The server 150 is a device that stores video data generated by the camera 140. The analysis of the video data may be performed by the camera 140, or may be performed by the server 150. In addition, the server 150 corresponds to a device such as a personal computer (PC).
[0017] Network 160 comprises the network connections for terminals 120 or 130 to connect to an external line via access point 110, and the network connections between camera 140 and server 150. Network 160 consists of a modem, router, switch, etc. Network 160 is not limited by its communication standard, size, or configuration, as long as it enables communication between access point 110, camera 140, and server 150. For example, network 160 may consist of the internet, wired LAN (Local Area Network), wireless LAN (Wireless LAN), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. Furthermore, camera 140 may be a surveillance camera compatible with PoE (Power Over Ethernet®), for example, and power may be supplied via a LAN cable.
[0018] External line 170 is a network for connecting network 160 with emergency contacts. External line 170 can communicate with various contacts, not just emergency contacts, by utilizing communication services such as the internet and telephone provided by an internet service provider, for example.
[0019] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the access point 110 in Figure 1. The access point 110 includes an antenna 210, a wireless unit 220, a control unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a communication unit 250.
[0020] Antenna 210 transmits and receives wireless signals. Antenna 210 is connected to the wireless unit 220 and transmits and receives radio waves.
[0021] The wireless unit 220 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving radio waves. Wireless connectivity operates based on standards such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax and IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. EPCS communication requires compliance with the IEEE 802.11be standard.
[0022] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 230 has a CPU 610. The CPU is a processing unit for processing and controlling data, and performs tasks such as data routing, encryption, and data packet management. The control unit 230 also sets various network parameters.
[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the memory unit 240 has a ROM 620 and a RAM 630 for storing data, and performs writing and reading of settings related to EPCS and IEEE 802.11be.
[0024] The communication unit 250 receives data transmitted by the emergency contact, camera 140, or server 150 via the network 160 and outputs it to the control unit 230. The communication unit 250 also transmits data received from terminal 120 or terminal 130 to the emergency contact, camera 140, or server 150 via the network 160.
[0025] Figure 3 shows an example configuration of terminal 120. The configuration of terminal 130 is the same as that of terminal 120.
[0026] The terminal 120 includes an antenna 310, a wireless unit 320, a control unit 330, a storage unit 340, and a display unit 350.
[0027] Antenna 310 transmits and receives wireless signals. Antenna 310 is connected to the wireless unit 320 and transmits and receives radio waves.
[0028] The wireless unit 320 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving radio waves. The wireless unit 320 has the same function as the wireless unit 220 of the access point 110, and transmits and receives data wirelessly with the access point 110. To perform EPCS communication, the IEEE 802.11be standard is followed.
[0029] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 330 has a CPU 610. The control unit 330 performs data processing such as screen display processing, application operation, and data communication on the terminal 120.
[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the memory unit 340 has a ROM 620 and a RAM 630 for storing data and executes the stored program.
[0031] The display unit 350 displays images on the screen. The display unit 350 also functions as an input device, and if it has a touch panel function, it is operated by touching it with a finger.
[0032] Figure 4 shows an example configuration of camera 140. Camera 140 includes an imaging unit 410, an image processing unit 420, a control unit 430, a communication unit 440, a storage unit 450, a sound collection unit 460, and an audio processing unit 470.
[0033] The imaging unit 410 is an imaging means that includes a lens and an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and captures a subject with a field of view determined by the lens setting, etc., and generates an image signal by photoelectric conversion.
[0034] The image processing unit 420 performs predetermined image processing and compression encoding processing on the video signal generated by the imaging unit 410 to generate image data. The control unit 430 controls the imaging unit 410 and the image processing unit 420 based on imaging conditions set by the user or determined automatically by the control unit 430. Here, imaging conditions include imaging gain conditions, gamma conditions, dynamic range conditions, exposure conditions, focus conditions, etc. The image processing unit 420 also performs image detection processing on the video signal generated by the imaging unit 410 in the steps of preprocessing, feature extraction, object detection, and classification. The image processing unit 420 detects abnormalities such as dangerous people or fires through image detection processing and determines where the detected abnormality is located in the image.
[0035] The control unit 430 analyzes camera control commands received from the server 150 or the like via the network 160 and performs processing according to the camera control commands. For example, the control unit 430 issues instructions to the image processing unit 420 for image quality adjustment, zoom and focus control, pan-tilt operation, and transmits video data by combining image and audio data. In addition, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 430 has a CPU 610 that controls the camera 140 and sets various parameters necessary for camera control.
[0036] The communication unit 440 transmits video data to the server 150 via the network 160. The communication unit 440 also receives camera control commands transmitted by the server 150 and outputs them to the control unit 430.
[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the storage unit 450 has a ROM 620 and a RAM 630 for storing data, and stores and reads various setting information for the imaging unit 410, image processing unit 420, communication unit 440, sound collection unit 460, and voice processing unit 470, which are executed by the control unit 430.
[0038] The sound collection unit 460 is an audio input means and is composed of a microphone. The sound collection unit 460 is composed of electrodes such as a diaphragm and a fixed plate, and the distance between the electrodes changes in response to the vibration of the diaphragm due to sound pressure, causing a voltage fluctuation, thereby converting sound into an electrical audio signal. The sound collection unit 460 may also include an amplifier for amplifying the voltage of the audio signal.
[0039] The audio processing unit 470 performs audio processing and compression encoding on the audio signal generated by the sound collection unit 460 to generate audio data. The control unit 430 controls the sound collection unit 460 and the audio processing unit 470 based on audio input conditions set by the user or automatically determined by the control unit 430. Here, the audio input conditions include volume gain conditions, audio frequency characteristics conditions, audio directivity direction conditions, audio directivity range conditions, etc. The audio processing unit 470 also performs audio detection processing on the audio signal generated by the sound collection unit 460 through the steps of preprocessing, feature extraction, and acoustic model analysis. The audio processing unit 470 detects abnormal sounds such as gunshots, glass shattering sounds, explosions, and screams through audio detection processing. If the sound collection unit 460 has multiple microphones, the audio processing unit 470 detects the direction or location of the abnormal sound based on the relative positions of the microphones and the time difference or sound pressure difference in the arrival of the sound.
[0040] Figure 5 shows an example configuration of server 150. Server 150 is a general-purpose computer, such as a personal computer. Server 150 has a communication unit 510, a control unit 520, and a storage unit 530.
[0041] The communication unit 510 receives video data from the camera 140 via the network 160. The communication unit 510 also sends control commands to the camera 140.
[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 520 has a CPU 610. The control unit 520 generates camera control commands in response to user operations and transmits the camera control commands to the camera 140 via the communication unit 510. If video data analysis is required, it is performed by the control unit 520.
[0043] The memory unit 530 has a ROM 620 and a RAM 630 that store the data shown in Figure 6, and stores and reads video data from the camera 140 received via the communication unit 510.
[0044] Figure 6 shows an example configuration of CPU 610, ROM 620, and RAM 630. The CPU 610, ROM 620, and RAM 630 are interconnected via a bus.
[0045] Using Figure 7, we will explain the process of calculating the distance from the location where the anomaly was detected to the location of the emergency caller. In Figure 7, we assume that there is a location P1 for the emergency caller and a location P2 where the anomaly was detected. In this case, the distance Dx from P1 to P2 is expressed by the following equation (1).
[0046] Dx = |vector Px| ... Equation (1)
[0047] The vector Px can be expressed by the following equation (2) using vectors Pc, Pa, and Pac.
[0048] Vector Px = Vector Pc - Vector Pa + Vector Pac ... Equation (2)
[0049] Here, vector Pc is the relative coordinate of the anomaly detection position P2 as seen from camera 140. To determine vector Pc, there are two methods: detection using images from camera 140 and detection using the microphone of camera 140. The method of detecting vector Pc using images is explained in Figure 8. The method of detecting vector Pc using sound is explained in Figures 9 and 10.
[0050] Next, vector Pa is the relative coordinate of the emergency caller's position P1 as seen from access point 110. To determine vector Pa, one method is to detect access point 110 wirelessly. The wireless detection method for vector Pa is explained in Figures 9 and 10.
[0051] The method for determining vectors Pc and Pa is not limited to the explanations in Figures 9 and 10. It is also possible to simplify the triangulation conditions by estimating the distance from sound pressure in the case of speech, or from radio wave intensity in the case of wireless communication.
[0052] Vector Pac represents the relative coordinates of camera 140 as seen from access point 110. Vector Pac can be pre-set by confirming the installation locations when setting up access point 110 and camera 140.
[0053] From equations (1) and (2) above, the distance from the anomaly detection location P2 to the location P1 of the emergency contact sender can be determined.
[0054] Using Figure 8, we will explain the process of detecting the object vector Pc relative to camera 140.
[0055] First, calibration is performed to determine the characteristics of camera 140. Through calibration, the intrinsic parameters of camera 140 (focal length, optical center) are obtained. Next, objects are detected by image detection using camera 140. One method for detecting objects in an image is, for example, a method using deep learning CNN. The coordinates of the objects detected by image detection are determined in the image.
[0056] When the focal length is (fx, fy), the optical center is (cx, cy), and the position of the object in the image coordinate system is (U, V), the camera coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is expressed by the following equations (3) and (4).
[0057] X = (U - cx) × Z / fx ... Equation (3) Y = (V - cy) × Z / fy ... Equation (4)
[0058] Here, Z is the depth of the object from camera 140, and the depth can be estimated from the actual size of the object and its size in the image. For example, the actual size of a human head can be predicted to some extent, so the depth Z can be calculated by comparing it with its size in the image. Through the above process, the vector Pc of the object relative to camera 140 is detected.
[0059] The direction detection process with respect to coordinate P will be explained using Figures 9(a) and 9(b). Figure 9(a) shows how sound from a sound source at coordinate P or radio waves from a transmitting antenna of a terminal at coordinate P arrive at the receiving unit 910 and the receiving unit 920 from a direction of angle θ. The receiving unit 910 and the receiving unit 920 are located separated by a distance D2. If the signal source is sound, the receiving unit becomes a microphone, and this case will be explained. The difference L between the distance between the sound source and microphone 910 and the distance between the sound source and microphone 920 is expressed by the following equation (5).
[0060] L=D2×cosθ...Equation (5)
[0061] Furthermore, if V is the speed of sound and T is the time difference between the sounds reaching each microphone 910 and 920, then the angle θ between the straight line formed by the two microphones 910 and 920 and the straight line formed by the sound source and microphone 920 is expressed by the following equation (6).
[0062] cosθ=L / D2=(T×V) / D2...Equation (6)
[0063] Figure 9(b) shows the values of L and θ for a time difference T, where D2 = 50 mm and V = 346.75 m / s. For example, when T = 144 μs, L = 50 mm and θ = 0 degrees. When T = 139 μs, L = 48 mm and θ = 15 degrees. In this way, the angle θ can be determined from the time difference T, and the direction of the sound source from the microphone can be calculated. For the source of radio waves, the angle θ can be determined by replacing the microphone with an antenna, V with the propagation speed of radio waves, and T with the time difference in the reception time of the radio waves.
[0064] Using Figures 10(a) and 10(b), we will explain the distance detection process using triangulation. In Figure 10, as in Figure 9, sound and radio waves can be considered similarly by replacing the microphone with an antenna, so we will explain the case of a microphone.
[0065] In Figure 10(a), the sound source is the source of the sound, and M1, M2, M3, and M4 represent the central positions of the two microphones 910 and 920 in Figure 9. Furthermore, M1 to M4 indicate that each represents a different combination of two microphones 910 and 920.
[0066] Figure 10(b) shows an example of the external appearance of camera 140. Camera 140 has an imaging unit (imaging section) 410 and a plurality of microphones (sound collection sections) 1010 to 1080. The number of microphones 1010 to 1080 is not limited to 8 and may be increased or decreased. Figure 1 shows camera 140 from an overhead view, while Figure 10(b) shows camera 140 viewed from directly above.
[0067] For example, as shown in Figure 10(b), the center of microphone 1010 and microphone 1020 is M1, the center of microphone 1020 and microphone 1030 is M2, the center of microphone 1030 and microphone 1040 is M3, and the center of microphone 1040 and microphone 1050 is M4. θ1 to θ4 are angles obtained from the angle θ calculated by the direction detection process. Let D12 be the distance between M1 and M2, and L12 be the length of the line segment when a perpendicular line is drawn from the sound source to the line passing through M1 and M2. In this case, D12 is expressed by the following equation (7).
[0068] D12=(L12 / tanθ1)+(L12 / tanθ2)...Equation (7)
[0069] Therefore, L12 is expressed by the following equation (8).
[0070] L12=D12 / ((1 / tanθ1)+(1 / tanθ2))...Equation (8)
[0071] This calculation method allows us to determine L12, which is the distance from camera 140 to the sound source.
[0072] Furthermore, by performing calculations for microphones located in different coordinate systems, such as M3 and M4, it is possible to determine the relative coordinates of the sound source as seen from camera 140.
[0073] Figure 11 is used to explain the weighting of priority based on sensor type. Figure 11 shows an example of assigning priority weights to five representative sensors. For example, let's assume that the distance A from the sensor's location to the emergency caller is 5 [m] in all cases. Multiplying the distance A to each sensor by the weight results in the weighted distance B, and the urgency is determined by distance B. The weight represents the urgency when each sensor detects an anomaly, and a smaller weight indicates a higher urgency. Furthermore, even for the same sensor, the weight may be changed depending on the type of anomaly detected and the detected value.
[0074] Figure 12 illustrates the EDCA categories. EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) is a wireless LAN priority control method based on IEEE 802.11e, a standard that implements QoS (quality of services) control by prioritizing the transmission of specific types of data. EDCA improves network efficiency by setting different priorities for different types of traffic. EDCA has the following four access categories (ACs):
[0075] AC_VO: Used for voice traffic and has the highest priority. Suitable for real-time communications such as VoIP (Voice over IP).
[0076] AC_VI: Used for video traffic and has high priority. Suitable for video conferencing, streaming, etc.
[0077] AC_BE: Used for general data traffic and has a standard priority. Suitable for web browsing, email, etc.
[0078] AC_BK: Used for background traffic and has the lowest priority. Suitable for file transfers and backups.
[0079] Each of these categories has a priority, ensuring that different types of traffic are processed in the correct order, thus optimizing network performance.
[0080] Figure 13 illustrates the EDCA parameters. EDCA parameters are used to efficiently manage wireless LAN traffic, and Figure 13 shows an example of EDCA parameter settings for determining the priority of four access categories (AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BK). The EDCA parameters are stored in the memory unit 240 of the access point 110. The EDCA parameters are as follows:
[0081] AIFSN (Arbitration Inter-Frame Space Number): Sets the waiting time (frame interval) for each access category. A smaller value means faster transmission and higher priority.
[0082] CWmax (Maximum Contention Window): Sets the maximum window size for determining a random backoff time before traffic is sent. A larger value indicates lower priority.
[0083] CWmin (Minimum Contention Window): Sets the minimum window size for determining a random backoff time before traffic is sent. A smaller value indicates higher priority.
[0084] TXOP (Transmission Opportunity): Sets the maximum time each access category can transmit data consecutively. A higher value indicates higher priority, allowing traffic to transmit data continuously and minimizing latency.
[0085] Figure 13(a) shows an example of EDCA parameters during initial EPCS setup. When access point 110 communicates with a terminal via EPCS, it sends EDCA parameters to the terminal. The terminal sets each EDCA parameter according to the access category of the data it transmits, based on the received EDCA parameters, and then sends and receives the data.
[0086] Figure 13(b) shows an example of EDCA parameter settings when there are two terminals performing EPCS communication and terminal 2 is given priority. Here, terminal 1 is the same as terminal 120, and terminal 2 is the same as terminal 130. Terminal 1 has the same EDCA parameter settings as in Figure 13(a), and terminal 2 has AIFSN values that are 1 smaller than those in Figure 13(a), with the other parameters being the same. In this case, a smaller AIFSN setting is given priority, so if the data is of the same access category for terminals 1 and 2, terminal 2 will be given priority. On the other hand, comparing the access category AC_VO of terminal 1 and the access category AC_VI of terminal 2, the AIFSN, Cwmax, and Cwmin EDCA parameters are smaller for terminal 1's AC_VO, so terminal 1's AC_VO will be given priority. In this way, while maintaining the priority framework defined by the conventional access category, it becomes possible for terminal 2 to communicate with terminal 1 with priority.
[0087] Figure 13(c) shows a different example from Figure 13(b) of EDCA parameter settings when there are two terminals performing EPCS communication and terminal 2 is given priority. Terminal 1 has the same EDCA parameter settings as in Figure 13(a), while terminal 2 has all AIFSN values at 1, and the other parameters are set to the same values as the EDCA parameters for AC_VO. In this case, the EDCA parameters AIFSN, Cwmax, and Cwmin of terminal 2 are smaller than the EDCA parameters for all access categories of terminal 1, so that terminal 2 can communicate with terminal 1 with priority over terminal 1 for all data.
[0088] In this way, in addition to the EDCA parameter data from the initial EPCS setup, having EDCA parameters like those set for terminal 2 in Figures 13(b) and 13(c) allows for prioritizing the communication of a specific terminal when there are multiple EPCS terminals.
[0089] An example of how to display the priority status of a terminal is explained using Figure 14. Figure 14 is an example of a smartphone screen when communicating via EPCS. Suppose the system of this embodiment determines that the urgency is high and access point 110 increases the priority of the terminal. In this case, the user is unaware that the priority has been changed by the EPCS system. By displaying "Priority Status" as shown in Figure 14, the user is notified that the priority has been increased compared to normal EPCS communication. Notification of the change in priority is sent from access point 110 to the terminal when updating the EDCA parameters. In addition, the method of indicating that the priority has been increased does not have to be the words "Priority Status", but an icon or other method, or it may be done by changing the color or brightness of the screen.
[0090] Figure 15 illustrates the flowchart that shows how access point 110 determines the urgency of multiple terminals and changes the priority. Here, terminal 1 is the same as terminal 120, and terminal 2 is the same as terminal 130. The following explanation uses the processing of terminal 120 as an example, but the processing of terminal 130 is the same as that of terminal 120. The control method of access point 110 is described below.
[0091] In step S1501, terminal 120 requests access point 110 to enable EPCS communication to begin.
[0092] In step S1502, the access point 110 responds to the terminal 120, which made the request in step S1501, with an EPCS enable command to initiate EPCS communication. At the same time as the EPCS enable response, the access point 110 notifies the terminal 120 of the EDCA parameters for initial EPCS setup, as shown in Figure 13(a).
[0093] In step S1503, terminal 120 obtains relative position information of terminal 120 from access point 110, which was the response of terminal 120 in step S1502. Relative position information is vector Pa in Figure 7, and vector Pa is calculated using radio waves from wireless communication between terminal 120 and access point 110, and can be calculated using the method described in Figures 9 and 10.
[0094] In step S1504, access point 110 determines whether there are other terminals connected via EPCS. If there are other terminals, the process returns to step S1501. If there are no other terminals, the process proceeds to step S1505.
[0095] In step S1505, the access point 110 determines whether the server 150, camera 140, or sensor has detected an anomaly and whether it has been able to obtain the relative location information of the detected anomaly and the relative location information of the multiple terminals acquired in step S1503. The method for obtaining relative location information of the anomaly detected by the sensor is as described in Figure 8 when obtained from an image, and in Figures 9 and 10 when obtained from audio. The sensor transmits the relative location information of the anomaly and the type of sensor to the access point 110. Here, a typical example of how to obtain the relative location information of an anomaly is detected by the camera 140, but if the relative location information of an anomaly cannot be obtained from a motion sensor, fire sensor, fire alarm, or various security sensors or monitoring sensors, the relative location information of the anomaly is set to zero, and only the type of sensor is transmitted to the access point 110. The access point 110 calculates the relative location information of the anomaly relative to the access point 110 from the relative location information of the anomaly relative to the sensor using the method described in Figure 7. If the relative position information from the anomaly detection location to access point 110 can be calculated, the process proceeds to step S1506; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1509.
[0096] In step S1506, access point 110 determines priority based on urgency. Urgency is determined by comparing the distance between the location where the anomaly was detected and each terminal. The distance is calculated using the method described in Figure 7, based on the relative position information from the anomaly detection location to access point 110 calculated in step S1505 and the relative position information from access point 110 of each terminal obtained in step S1503. If weighting is to be applied depending on the type of sensor, the distance information is updated by applying the weighting using the method described in Figure 11.
[0097] In step S1507, the access point 110 changes the EDCA parameter settings so that the terminal closest to the location where the anomaly was detected among the terminals is given priority. As an example of how to prioritize communication, the settings of the priority EDCA parameters can be changed as described in Figure 12. Alternatively, a threshold distance can be set for assigning priority, and if the distance exceeds the threshold, the EDCA parameter settings may not be changed to the priority value even for the closest terminal. Furthermore, if a terminal has built-in sensors such as a camera or microphone, and these built-in sensors detect an anomaly and notify the access point 110 of the terminal detection information as a terminal anomaly detection parameter, the terminal with the terminal anomaly detection parameter may be given the highest urgency and its EDCA parameter settings changed, regardless of the distance value detected by sensors other than the terminal itself.
[0098] In step S1508, if the access point 110 makes a change to the EDCA parameters based on the EDCA category classification, it notifies the terminal that the change has been prioritized.
[0099] In step S1509, if relative position information cannot be calculated in step S1505, access point 110 determines priority by setting EDCA parameters based on EDCA category classification. After that, the process proceeds to step S1505.
[0100] As described above, we have explained the process of determining the urgency level using parameters related to the sensor that detected the anomaly, such as the relative position information of the sensor relative to the detected anomaly location and the type of sensor, and parameters related to the terminal, such as the relative position information of the terminal from the access point and terminal anomaly detection parameters.
[0101] The process for determining which terminal to prioritize based on the distance between the terminal's location and the location of the detected anomaly was explained. Even when emergency alert communication lines are congested, the system can determine the appropriate priority for the situation and communicate accordingly.
[0102] As described above, in step S1503, the multiple terminals detect the relative location information of each of the multiple terminals with respect to the access point 110. In step S1505, the access point 110 obtains the relative location information Pa of each of the multiple terminals with respect to the access point 110. Then, if an anomaly occurs, the access point 110 obtains the relative location information Pac+Pc of the location P2 where the anomaly occurred with respect to the access point 110.
[0103] In step S1506, the access point 110 calculates the distance Dx between each of the multiple terminals and the location P2 where the anomaly occurred, based on the relative location information Pa of each of the multiple terminals and the relative location information Pac+Pc of the location P2 where the anomaly occurred. Here, Dx = |Pac+Pc-Pa|.
[0104] Specifically, the access point 110 acquires relative position information Pc of the location P2 where the anomaly occurred relative to the camera 140 or sensor that detected the anomaly. Then, based on the relative position information Pc of the location P2 where the anomaly occurred relative to the camera 140 or sensor, and the relative position information Pac of the camera 140 or sensor relative to the access point 110, the access point 110 calculates the relative position information Pac+Pc of the location P2 where the anomaly occurred relative to the access point 110.
[0105] Access point 110 controls multiple terminals to notify emergency contacts based on a priority order of terminals, which is determined by the distance Dx between each terminal and the location P2 where the anomaly occurred.
[0106] Specifically, as shown in Figure 13, the access point 110 sets parameters indicating priority based on the distance Dx between each of the multiple terminals and the location P2 where the anomaly occurred. For example, the parameters are the frame transmission interval, the transmission waiting time, or the setting value for the amount of time data can be transmitted at once. The parameters are, for example, EDCA parameters. The access point 110 sets EDCA parameters for each of the multiple terminals, according to the access category.
[0107] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the access point 110 controls multiple terminals to notify emergency contacts based on the distance Dx between each terminal and the location P2 where the anomaly occurred, and the priority of the terminals based on the type of camera 140 or sensor.
[0108] Specifically, the access point 110 controls multiple terminals to notify emergency contacts based on a priority order for each terminal, which is weighted according to the type of camera 140 or sensor, based on the distance Dx between each terminal and the location P2 where the anomaly occurred.
[0109] The access point 110 may also control multiple terminals to notify emergency contacts based on a priority order for each terminal, which is determined by the distance Dx between each terminal and the location P2 where the anomaly occurred, and the type or value of the anomaly detected by the camera 140 or sensor. The camera 140 or sensor may also be built into the terminal.
[0110] Access point 110 prioritizes terminals based on the distance Dx between the terminal and the location P2 where the anomaly occurred. Furthermore, if the distance Dx between each of the multiple terminals and the location P2 where the anomaly occurred is within a threshold, access point 110 controls the terminals to notify emergency contacts based on the priority of the multiple terminals according to the distance Dx between each terminal and the location P2 where the anomaly occurred.
[0111] Figure 13(a) shows an example of initial values for EDCA parameters. Figures 13(b) and (c) show examples of EDCA parameters after changing the initial values in Figure 13(a). Access point 110 changes the initial values of the EDCA parameters for each of the multiple terminals based on the distance Dx between each terminal and the location P2 where the anomaly occurred.
[0112] In step S1508, access point 110 notifies the terminal that has changed the initial value of the EDCA parameter.
[0113] According to this embodiment, even when the communication lines are congested due to emergency alarms, if it is determined that the situation is urgent, the priority can be changed and communication can be performed. The access point 110 can determine the appropriate priority for the situation and communicate even when the communication lines are congested due to emergency alarms.
[0114] (Other embodiments) This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.
[0115] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely examples illustrating how to implement this disclosure, and they should not be interpreted as limiting the technical scope of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features.
[0116] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Item 1) It is an access point, A first acquisition means for acquiring the relative location information of each of the multiple terminals with respect to the access point, If an anomaly occurs, a second acquisition means for acquiring relative location information of the location where the anomaly occurred with respect to the access point, A calculation means for calculating the distance between each of the multiple terminals and the location where the anomaly occurred, based on the relative location information of each of the multiple terminals and the relative location information of the location where the anomaly occurred. Control means for controlling the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts based on the priority of the plurality of terminals, which is determined by the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred. An access point characterized by having the following features. (Item 2) The access point according to item 1, characterized in that the control means sets a parameter indicating the priority based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred. (Item 3) The access point according to item 2, characterized in that the parameter is a setting value for the frame transmission interval, transmission waiting time, or the time that data can be transmitted at one time. (Item 4) The access point according to item 2 or 3, characterized in that the aforementioned parameter is an EDCA parameter. (Item 5) The access point according to item 4, characterized in that the control means sets EDCA parameters for each of the plurality of terminals for each access category. (Item 6) The access point according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the second acquisition means acquires relative position information of the location where the abnormality occurred with respect to the camera or sensor that detected the occurrence of the abnormality, and calculates relative position information of the location where the abnormality occurred with respect to the access point based on the relative position information of the location where the abnormality occurred with respect to the camera or sensor and the relative position information of the camera or sensor with respect to the access point. (Item 7) The access point according to item 6, characterized in that the control means controls the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred, and the priority of the plurality of terminals based on the type of camera or sensor. (Item 8) The access point according to item 7, characterized in that the control means controls the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts based on a priority order of the plurality of terminals, which is weighted according to the type of camera or sensor, with respect to the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred. (Item 9) The access point according to item 6, characterized in that the control means controls the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred, and the priority of the plurality of terminals based on the type or detected value of the abnormality detected by the camera or sensor. (Item 10) The access point according to any one of items 6 to 9, characterized in that the camera or sensor is built into the terminal. (Item 11) The access point according to any one of items 1 to 10, characterized in that the control means gives a higher priority to the terminal the shorter the distance between the terminal and the location where the abnormality occurred. (Item 12) The access point according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that the control means controls the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts in order of priority of the plurality of terminals based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred, when the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred is within a threshold. (Item 13) The access point according to any one of items 2 to 5, characterized in that the control means changes the initial value of the parameters of each of the plurality of terminals based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred. (Item 14) The access point according to item 13, characterized in that the control means notifies the terminal that has changed the initial value of the parameter. (Item 15) An access point listed in any one of items 1-14, The aforementioned multiple terminals and A communication system characterized by having the following features. (Item 16) A method for controlling an access point, A first acquisition step of acquiring the relative location information of each of the multiple terminals with respect to the access point, If an anomaly occurs, a second acquisition step is to acquire relative location information of the location where the anomaly occurred with respect to the access point, A calculation step of calculating the distance between each of the multiple terminals and the location where the anomaly occurred, based on the relative location information of each of the multiple terminals and the relative location information of the location where the anomaly occurred. A control step that controls the plurality of terminals to be able to notify emergency contacts based on the priority of the plurality of terminals, which is determined by the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred. A method for controlling an access point, characterized by having the following features. (Item 17) A program that causes a computer to function as an access point as described in one of items 1 through 14. [Explanation of symbols]
[0117] 110 Access Points 210 Antenna 220 Wireless Section 230 Control Unit 240 Storage section 250 Communications Department
Claims
1. It is an access point, A first acquisition means for acquiring the relative location information of each of the multiple terminals with respect to the access point, If an anomaly occurs, a second acquisition means for acquiring relative location information of the location where the anomaly occurred with respect to the access point, A calculation means for calculating the distance between each of the multiple terminals and the location where the anomaly occurred, based on the relative location information of each of the multiple terminals and the relative location information of the location where the anomaly occurred. Control means for controlling the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts based on the priority of the plurality of terminals, which is determined by the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred. An access point characterized by having the following features.
2. The access point according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means sets a parameter indicating the priority based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred.
3. The access point according to claim 2, characterized in that the parameter is a setting value for the frame transmission interval, the transmission waiting time, or the time for which data can be transmitted at one time.
4. The access point according to claim 2, characterized in that the aforementioned parameters are EDCA parameters.
5. The access point according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means sets EDCA parameters for each of the plurality of terminals for each access category.
6. The access point according to claim 1, wherein the second acquisition means acquires relative position information of the location where the abnormality occurred with respect to the camera or sensor that detected the occurrence of the abnormality, and calculates relative position information of the location where the abnormality occurred with respect to the access point based on the relative position information of the location where the abnormality occurred with respect to the camera or sensor and the relative position information of the camera or sensor with respect to the access point.
7. The access point according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means controls the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred, and the priority of the plurality of terminals based on the type of camera or sensor.
8. The access point according to claim 7, characterized in that the control means controls the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts based on a priority order of the plurality of terminals, which is weighted according to the type of camera or sensor, with respect to the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred.
9. The access point according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means controls the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred, and the priority of the plurality of terminals based on the type or detected value of the abnormality detected by the camera or sensor.
10. The access point according to claim 6, characterized in that the camera or sensor is built into the terminal.
11. The access point according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means assigns a higher priority to the terminal the shorter the distance between the terminal and the location where the abnormality occurred.
12. The access point according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the plurality of terminals to notify emergency contacts in order of priority of the plurality of terminals based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred, when the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred is within a threshold.
13. The access point according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means changes the initial value of the parameters of each of the plurality of terminals based on the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred.
14. The access point according to claim 13, characterized in that the control means notifies the terminal that has changed the initial value of the parameter.
15. An access point according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The aforementioned multiple terminals and A communication system characterized by having the following features.
16. A method for controlling an access point, A first acquisition step of acquiring the relative location information of each of the multiple terminals with respect to the access point, If an anomaly occurs, a second acquisition step is to acquire relative location information of the location where the anomaly occurred with respect to the access point, A calculation step of calculating the distance between each of the multiple terminals and the location where the anomaly occurred, based on the relative location information of each of the multiple terminals and the relative location information of the location where the anomaly occurred. A control step that controls the plurality of terminals to be able to notify emergency contacts based on the priority of the plurality of terminals, which is determined by the distance between each of the plurality of terminals and the location where the abnormality occurred. A method for controlling an access point, characterized by having the following features.
17. A program for causing a computer to function as an access point according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Communication system and method therefor, communication enterpriser server, processing method thereof, computer program and storage medium
JP2003052074A