COMMUNICATION CONTROL DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

To suppress radio wave interference and unauthorized connection caused by factors outside a space in which a wireless communication network is constructed.SOLUTION: A communication control device 2A includes a wireless communication unit 210A that performs wireless communication, and a communication control unit 220A that performs output control processing for controlling the direction and intensity of radio waves output by the wireless communication unit on the basis of spatial information on a target space to which the wireless communication unit outputs radio waves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, with the development of wireless communication technology, wireless LAN environments are being developed in buildings such as homes, offices, and stores. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for designing the layout of wireless LAN access points and clients. In Patent Document 1, the radio wave strength from an access point is calculated based on the layout of the access point and the client. In this way, it is possible to simulate areas where the radio wave strength is less than a predetermined strength or areas where radio waves interfere. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-304255 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a wireless LAN environment is created within a building, radio waves are transmitted to the outside of the building, which can lead to problems such as unauthorized connections to the wireless LAN from outside the building and radio interference with the wireless LAN of an adjacent building. In response to such problems, Patent Document 1 is a technology that simulates radio wave conditions based on the arrangement of access points and clients, and therefore cannot solve problems involving factors outside the building.

[0005] The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to suppress radio interference and unauthorized connections caused by factors external to the space in which a wireless communication network is established. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The communication control device of the present invention comprises a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication, and a communication control unit that performs output control processing that controls the direction and intensity of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit based on spatial information regarding a target space to which the wireless communication unit outputs radio waves.

[0007] The communication system of the present invention comprises a communication control device having a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication and a communication control unit that performs output control processing to control the direction and intensity of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit based on spatial information regarding a target space from which the wireless communication unit outputs radio waves, and an information processing device capable of wireless communication with the communication control device.

[0008] The communication control method of the present invention includes performing an output control process that controls the direction and intensity of radio waves output by a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication, based on spatial information regarding a target space to which the wireless communication unit outputs radio waves. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress radio wave interference and unauthorized connection caused by factors external to the space in which the wireless communication network is constructed. Note that the present invention may provide other effects instead of or in addition to the above effect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an operation mode of a communication system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the access point according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the access point according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the floor plan measurement device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the floor plan measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the measurement process in the floor plan measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of output control processing in the access point according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a floor plan measurement device moves in a living space in which an access point according to the first embodiment is installed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating information received by the access point according to the first embodiment from the floor plan measurement device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of radio waves output from an access point to a living space according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the influence of a wireless LAN on the outside of a building according to a reference example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an installation state of a wireless communication terminal in a living space according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating information received by the access point according to the second embodiment from the wireless communication terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reception control process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be denoted by the same or corresponding reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

[0012] Each embodiment described below is merely one example of a configuration that can realize the present invention. Each of the following embodiments can be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Not all of the combinations of elements included in each of the following embodiments are necessarily essential to realize the present invention, and some of the elements can be omitted as appropriate. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in each of the following embodiments. As long as there is no mutual contradiction, a configuration that combines multiple configurations described in the embodiments can also be adopted.

[0013] The explanation will be given in the following order: 1. Overview of the embodiments of the present invention 2. First embodiment 2.1. Operational form of communication system 2.2.Communication Control Device Configuration 2.3. Configuration of the floor plan measurement device 2.4. Processing flow in communication systems 2.4.1. Measurement process flow 2.4.2. Output control process flow 3. Second embodiment 3.1. Communication status with wireless communication terminals in the target space 3.2. Reception control process flow 4. Third embodiment 5. Other embodiments

[0014] <1. Overview of the embodiment of the present invention> First, an outline of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0015] (1)Technical issues In recent years, with the development of wireless communication technology, wireless LAN environments are being established in buildings such as homes, offices, and stores. For example, a technology for designing the layout of wireless LAN access points and clients has been disclosed. This technology calculates the radio wave strength from an access point based on the layout of the access point and clients. In this way, it is possible to simulate areas where the radio wave strength is less than a predetermined strength or areas where radio waves interfere.

[0016] However, when a wireless LAN environment is created within a building, radio waves are transmitted to the outside of the building, which can lead to problems such as unauthorized connections to the wireless LAN from outside the building and radio interference with the wireless LAN of an adjacent building. The above-mentioned technology for solving such problems is a technology that simulates radio wave conditions based on the arrangement of access points and clients, and therefore cannot solve problems involving factors outside the building.

[0017] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to suppress radio interference and unauthorized connections caused by factors external to the space in which a wireless communication network is established.

[0018] (2) Technical features In an embodiment of the present invention, for example, a communication control device includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication, and a communication control unit that performs output control processing that controls the direction and intensity of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit based on spatial information regarding a target space to which the wireless communication unit outputs radio waves.

[0019] This makes it possible to suppress radio interference and unauthorized connections caused by factors external to the space in which the wireless communication network is constructed. Note that the above-mentioned technical features are specific examples of the embodiments of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned technical features.

[0020] 2. First embodiment <2.1. Operational form of communication system> First, an operation mode of a communication system 1000 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an operation mode of the communication system 1000. The communication system 1000 includes an access point 2 and a floor plan measurement device 3.

[0021] The access point 2 is connected to a network 6 (not shown in FIG. 1) by wired communication, and is provided in a building such as a home, an office, or a store. The access point 2 is also an element that converts signals transmitted and received via the network 6 to connect to the Internet and realize a wireless LAN environment in the interior space of the building. The access point 2 in this embodiment is an example of a communication control device. For example, a home gateway or the like may be used as the access point 2.

[0022] The floor plan measurement device 3 can measure the shape of the interior space of the building in which the access point 2 is set, its own position in the interior space, the distance between the access point 2, etc. As the floor plan measurement device 3, for example, a cleaning robot capable of autonomously moving in the interior space of the building may be used. The floor plan measurement device 3 communicates with the access point 2 via a wireless LAN realized by the access point 2. The floor plan measurement device 3 is an example of an information processing device that wirelessly communicates with the access point 2.

[0023] <2.2. Configuration of communication control device> Next, the configuration of the access point 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the access point 2. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the access point 2.

[0024] 2, the access point 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage medium 14, and an interface (I / F) 15, which are connected to one another via a bus 16. The I / F 15 is also connected to an antenna unit 17 and the network 6. Note that the access point 2 may include an input device and a display device in addition to those shown in FIG. 2.

[0025] The CPU 11 is a calculation means and controls the overall operation of the access point 2. The RAM 13 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a working area when the CPU 11 processes information. The ROM 12 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium in which programs such as firmware are stored. The storage medium 14 is a non-volatile storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) in which information can be read and written, and in which an OS, various control programs, application programs, etc. are stored.

[0026] The I / F 15 connects and controls the bus 16 with various hardware, the antenna unit 17, the network 6, etc. The network 6 is a communication network (for example, the Internet that communicates according to the TCP / IP protocol) that can be connected via wide area lines such as optical communication lines and telephone lines. The antenna unit 17 has a transceiver circuit with wireless radio wave transmission and reception functions, and transmits and receives radio waves to and from a wireless communication terminal (for example, the floor plan measuring device 3).

[0027] In such a hardware configuration, the CPU 11 performs calculations according to a program stored in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage medium 14 to the RAM 13, thereby forming a software control unit of the access point 2. The software control unit thus configured is combined with hardware to form a functional block that realizes the functions of the controller 200 (see FIG. 3).

[0028] Next, the functional configuration of the access point 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the access point 2 includes a controller 200 that controls transmission and reception of information in the access point 2.

[0029] The controller 200 has a wireless communication unit 210, a communication control unit 220, and a storage unit 230. The wireless communication unit 210 has a radio wave output unit 211 that outputs radio waves via the antenna unit 17, and a radio wave receiving unit 212 that receives radio waves via the antenna unit 17, and performs wireless communication with an information processing device capable of wireless communication (for example, the floor plan measuring device 3).

[0030] The communication control unit 220 controls radio waves transmitted and received by the wireless communication unit 210. Specifically, the communication control unit 220 has a radio wave intensity control unit 221 that controls the intensity of radio waves transmitted and received by the wireless communication unit 210, an angle control unit 222 that controls the angle of the radio waves transmitted and received by the wireless communication unit 210, and a space information generation unit 223 that generates space information related to a target space to which the wireless communication unit 210 outputs radio waves. The communication control unit 220 performs output control processing that controls the direction and intensity of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit 210. Note that the communication control unit 220 may also perform reception control processing that controls the direction and intensity of the radio waves received by the wireless communication unit 210.

[0031] The spatial information generating unit 223 calculates, for example, the movement area of ​​the floor plan measurement device 3 based on the position information received from the floor plan measurement device 3. Next, the spatial information generating unit 223 generates the product of the calculated movement area of ​​the floor plan measurement device 3 and a predetermined height as spatial information. In addition to this, the spatial information generating unit 223 generates spatial information based on the position information received from the floor plan measurement device 3 and the position information received from a wireless communication terminal other than the floor plan measurement device 3. In this case, the spatial information generating unit 223 generates information including the volume of the internal space connecting the installation locations of the floor plan measurement device 3 and the wireless communication terminal other than the floor plan measurement device 3 as the spatial information.

[0032] The storage unit 230 stores SSIDs (Service Set IDentifiers) 231 and 232 that identify a wireless LAN realized by the access point 2 transmitting radio waves. The SSIDs 231 and 232 are network identifiers that identify the wireless LAN realized by the access point 2. Note that the storage unit 230 may store SSIDs other than the SSIDs 231 and 232.

[0033] <2.3. Configuration of the floor plan measurement device> Next, the configuration of the floor plan measurement device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the floor plan measurement device 3. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the floor plan measurement device 3.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, in the floor plan measuring device 3, a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a storage medium 34, and an I / F 35 are connected to one another via a bus 36. In addition, an antenna unit 39 and a movement mechanism 40 are connected to the I / F 35. Note that in addition to those shown in Fig. 4, the floor plan measuring device 3 may include an input device and a display device.

[0035] The CPU 31 is a calculation means and controls the operation of the entire floor plan measuring device 3. The RAM 33 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a working area when the CPU 31 processes information. The ROM 32 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium in which programs such as firmware are stored. The storage medium 34 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a HDD in which information can be read and written, and in which an OS, various control programs, application programs, etc. are stored.

[0036] The I / F 35 connects and controls the bus 36 and various hardware, the antenna unit 39, the moving mechanism 40, etc. The antenna unit 39 has a transceiver circuit with wireless radio wave transmission and reception functions, and transmits and receives radio waves between the access point 2 and information processing devices other than the floor plan measurement device 3. The moving mechanism 40 has a power source such as a motor, and corresponds to a mechanism for autonomously moving the floor plan measurement device 3. As the moving mechanism 40, for example, a motor mechanism for moving on the floor surface within a building, or a rotor mechanism for flying in the space within a building, etc. can be used.

[0037] In such a hardware configuration, the CPU 31 performs calculations according to a program stored in the ROM 32 or a program loaded from the storage medium 34 to the RAM 33, thereby forming a software control unit of the floor plan measuring device 3. The software control unit configured as described above is combined with hardware to form a functional block that realizes the functions of the controller 300 (see FIG. 5).

[0038] Next, a functional configuration of the floor plan measurement device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the floor plan measurement device 3 includes a controller 200 that controls the operation of the floor plan measurement device 3.

[0039] The controller 300 includes a wireless communication unit 310, a position information generation unit 320, a movement control unit 330, a spatial information generation unit 340, and a storage unit 350. The wireless communication unit 310 transmits and receives radio waves via an antenna unit 39, and performs wireless communication with a wireless communication terminal (e.g., access point 2).

[0040] The position information generating unit 320 generates position information regarding the position of the main body of the floor plan measuring device 3. Specifically, the position information generating unit 320 calculates the movement distance of the main body of the floor plan measuring device 3 based on the rotation speed of a motor or rotor included in the moving mechanism 40, and generates position information regarding the position of the main body of the floor plan measuring device 3 based on the movement distance. In addition to this, the position information generating unit 320 generates position information regarding the position of the main body of the floor plan measuring device 3 based on the communication speed with another wireless communication terminal (e.g., access point 2) during communication. The position information generating unit 320 may generate the position of the main body of the floor plan measuring device 3 relative to the access point 2, or the position of the main body of the floor plan measuring device 3 within the building as position information.

[0041] The movement control unit 330 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the main body of the floor plan measuring device 3.

[0042] The spatial information generating unit 340 generates spatial information on the space in which the floor plan measurement device 3 exists based on the position information generated by the position information generating unit 320. For example, the spatial information generating unit 340 calculates the movement area of ​​the floor plan measurement device 3 based on the position information. Next, the spatial information generating unit 340 generates the product of the calculated movement area of ​​the floor plan measurement device 3 and a predetermined height as spatial information. In addition to this, the spatial information generating unit 340 generates spatial information based on the position information and the positions of other wireless communication terminals communicating with the floor plan measurement device 3. In this case, the spatial information generating unit 340 generates information including the volume of the internal space connecting the installation locations of the floor plan measurement device 3 and the wireless communication terminals other than the floor plan measurement device 3 as spatial information.

[0043] The storage unit 350 corresponds to a storage area that stores information related to the operation of the floor plan measurement device 3. The storage unit 350 may store position information and spatial information. With this configuration, the floor plan measurement device 3 performs wireless communication with the access point 2.

[0044] However, when a wireless LAN environment is constructed in a building as in the reference example, radio waves are transmitted to the outside of the building, which may cause unauthorized connection to the wireless LAN from outside the building or radio wave interference with the wireless LAN of a neighboring building. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the influence of the wireless LAN on the outside of the building according to the reference example. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a wireless router 4 installed in a living space RM2 in the building, and the radio waves output from the wireless router 4 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0045] When a wireless LAN environment is constructed by transmitting and receiving radio waves using a relay device such as a wireless router 4 as in the reference example, radio waves are transmitted in a concentric manner with the wireless router 4 at the center, as shown in Fig. 11. In the living space RM2, when radio waves are output in a concentric manner with a radio wave intensity sufficient to use the wireless LAN environment in a Western-style room, the radio waves from the wireless router 4 reach the outside of the living space RM2, as shown in Fig. 11. In such a case, there is a problem that a device existing outside the living space RM2 may connect to the wireless LAN without permission, or radio wave interference may occur outside the living space RM2. On the other hand, when radio waves are output from the wireless router 4 with a radio wave intensity sufficient to not reach the outside of the living space RM2, it may not be possible to connect to the wireless LAN environment in a Western-style room, dining room, or Japanese-style room.

[0046] To address such problems, the communication system 1000 of this embodiment controls the strength and direction of the radio waves output from the access point 2 based on spatial information about the space in which the access point 2 is installed, such as the size and direction of the space, in order to suppress radio wave interference and unauthorized connections caused by factors external to the space in which the wireless LAN is established.

[0047] <2.4. Processing flow in communication system> Next, the flow of processing in the communication system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of measurement processing in the floor plan measurement device 3. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of output control processing in the access point 2. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the manner in which the floor plan measurement device 3 moves through the living space RM in which the access point 2 is installed. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating information received by the access point 2 from the floor plan measurement device 3. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the manner in which radio waves are output from the access point 2 to the living space RM.

[0048] <2.4.1. Measurement process flow> First, a flow of the measurement process in the floor plan measurement device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In step S11, the wireless communication unit 310 (floor plan measurement device 3) establishes communication with the access point 2.

[0049] Next, in step S12, the movement control unit 330 controls the movement mechanism 40 to start moving the floor plan measurement device 3. Here, it is assumed that the floor plan measurement device 3 starts moving from the wall of the Western-style room farthest from the access point 2 in the living space RM (the wall on the north side, position P1), moves via the vicinity of the access point 2 to the wall of the bathroom farthest from the access point 2 (the wall on the east side, position P2), and then moves back to the vicinity of the access point 2. The position information generating unit 320 generates position information of the main body of the floor plan measurement device 3 on the wall of the Western-style room farthest from the access point 2 in the living space RM (position P1).

[0050] Next, in step S13, the wireless communication unit 310 transmits the location information of the main body of the floor plan measurement device 3 generated by the location information generation unit 320 to the access point 2. The location information acquired by the access point 2 from the floor plan measurement device 3 located at the position P1 corresponding to the wall of the Western-style room farthest from the access point 2 includes information indicating that the floor plan measurement device 3 is located at a distance of 20 m in the north direction from the access point 2 (see FIG. 9). The wireless communication unit 210 of the access point 2 stores in the storage unit 230 the location information received from the floor plan measurement device 3 and information regarding the radio wave strength in communication with the floor plan measurement device 3 at the time when the location information was received. FIG. 9 shows that the radio wave strength in communication with the floor plan measurement device 3 located at a distance of 20 m (position P1) in the north direction from the access point 2 was "58 dBm."

[0051] Furthermore, when the floor plan measuring device 3 reaches the wall of the bathroom farthest from the access point 2, the position information generating unit 320 generates position information of the main body of the floor plan measuring device 3. The position information acquired from the floor plan measuring device 3 located at position P2 corresponding to the wall of the bathroom farthest from the access point 2 includes information indicating that the floor plan measuring device 3 is located at a distance of 30 m east of the access point 2 (see FIG. 9). The wireless communication unit 210 of the access point 2 stores in the storage unit 230 the position information received from the floor plan measuring device 3 and information regarding the radio wave strength in communication with the floor plan measuring device 3 at the time the position information was received. FIG. 9 shows that the radio wave strength in communication with the floor plan measuring device 3 located at a distance of 30 m east of the access point 2 (position P2) was "40 dBm."

[0052] After transmitting the position information to the access point 2, the movement control unit 330 controls the movement mechanism 40 to end the movement of the floor plan measurement device 3 in step S14. Next, the wireless communication unit 310 transmits a notification to the access point 2 that the measurement process for measuring the floor plan of the living space RM has ended in step S15. Note that the spatial information generation unit 340 may generate spatial information that identifies the living space RM based on the position information generated by the position information generation unit 320. The spatial information generated by the spatial information generation unit 340 may be transmitted to the access point 2 in step S15 together with a notification that the measurement process for measuring the floor plan of the living space RM has ended.

[0053] <2.4.2. Output control process flow> Next, the flow of the output control process in the access point 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Upon receiving a notification from the floor plan measurement device 3 that the measurement process has ended, in step S21, the spatial information generation unit 223 (access point 2) generates spatial information regarding the living space RM based on the information received from the floor plan measurement device 3 in step S13. Note that if the spatial information generated by the spatial information generation unit 340 is received together with the notification from the floor plan measurement device 3 that the measurement process has ended, the process of step S21 may be omitted. The living space RM in this embodiment is an example of a target space to which radio waves are output from the wireless communication unit 210 of the access point 2.

[0054] Here, the spatial information generated by the spatial information generating unit 223 will be described. The spatial information generating unit 223 generates spatial information on the living space RM based on information (see FIG. 9) that the access point 2 receives from the floor plan measuring device 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the information that the access point 2 receives from the floor plan measuring device 3 includes stored location information indicating that the floor plan measuring device 3 is located at a distance of 20 m (position P1) in the north direction from the access point 2, and information indicating that the radio wave strength in communication with the floor plan measuring device 3 was "58 dBm." The information that the access point 2 receives from the floor plan measuring device 3 also includes location information indicating that the floor plan measuring device 3 is located at a distance of 30 m (position P2) in the east direction from the access point 2, and information indicating that the radio wave strength in communication with the floor plan measuring device 3 was "40 dBm."

[0055] Based on these pieces of information, the spatial information generating unit 223 generates, as the spatial information, information indicating that for the position P1, communication with the wireless communication terminal is possible by setting the radio wave intensity to 58 dBm within a range of 20 m from the access point 2 in a northward direction. Also, the spatial information generating unit 223 generates, as the spatial information, information indicating that for the position P2, communication with the wireless communication terminal is possible by setting the radio wave intensity to 40 dBm within a range of 30 m from the access point 2 in an eastward direction. In this way, the spatial information corresponds to information that specifies the target space from which the wireless communication unit 210 outputs radio waves based on the position information of the floor plan measuring device 3. Also, the spatial information includes information indicating the direction and intensity of the radio waves received by the access point 2 (wireless communication unit 210) in communication with the wireless communication terminal present in the target space. Note that the spatial information generating unit 340 (floor plan measuring device 3) can also generate spatial information in the same manner as the spatial information generating unit 223.

[0056] Next, in step S22, angle control unit 222 determines the output angle of radio waves output by wireless communication unit 210 based on the spatial information. Specifically, angle control unit 222 determines the output angle of radio waves from wireless communication unit 210 so that radio waves are output from antenna unit 17 to the north and east of access point 2.

[0057] Next, in step S23, the radio wave intensity control unit 221 determines the radio wave intensity of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit 210 based on the spatial information. Specifically, the radio wave intensity control unit 221 sets the maximum value of the radio wave intensity of the radio waves output by the antenna unit 17 to the north of the access point 2 to 58 dBm. Also, the radio wave intensity control unit 221 sets the maximum value of the radio wave intensity of the radio waves output by the antenna unit 17 to the east of the access point 2 to 40 dBm.

[0058] Then, in step S24, the communication control unit 220 outputs radio waves from the radio wave output unit 211 based on the output angle and radio wave intensity determined in steps S22 and S23. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the radio wave output unit 211 outputs radio waves for the first network NT231 identified by SSID231 such that the maximum radio wave intensity is 58 dBm within a range of 20 m in a northward direction from the access point 2. Also, for example, the radio wave output unit 211 outputs radio waves for the second network NT232 identified by SSID232 such that the maximum radio wave intensity is 40 dBm within a range of 30 m in a eastward direction from the access point 2 (see Fig. 10).

[0059] In this way, the communication control unit 220 performs output control processing for each network when the wireless communication unit 210 performs wireless communication via the first network NT231 and the second network NT232, each of which is identified by the SSID 231, 232. Specifically, the communication control unit 220 directs the direction of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit 210 in the first network NT231 to the north, and directs the direction of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit 210 in the second network NT232 to the east.

[0060] Furthermore, the communication control unit 220 sets the maximum value of the strength of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit 210 in the first network NT 231 to 58 dBm, and sets the maximum value of the strength of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit 210 in the second network NT 232 to 40 dBm. In this embodiment, one of the SSIDs 231 and 232 is the first network identifier, and the other is the second network identifier.

[0061] The wireless communication unit 210 can perform wireless communication via a wireless communication network different from the first network NT231 and the second network NT232. The communication control unit 220 can control the direction of radio waves output by the wireless communication network different from the first network NT231 and the second network NT232 to the same direction as either one of the first network NT231 and the second network NT232, or to a different direction from the first network NT231 and the second network NT232. In addition, the SSID of the wireless communication network different from the first network NT231 and the second network NT232 may be the same SSID as either one of the first network NT231 and the second network NT232, or may be a different SSID from the first network NT231 and the second network NT232.

[0062] In step S24, the communication control unit 220 may control the direction and intensity of radio waves when the radio wave output unit 211 transmits a management frame. The management frame corresponds to information elements such as, for example, "Beacon frame: a frame that notifies network information", "Probe Request frame: a frame that requests network information", "Probe Response frame: a response to a Probe Request", "Association Request frame: a frame that requests a connection", "Association Response frame: a response to an Association Request", "Authentication frame: a frame that authenticates the other party", and "Action frame: a frame for general additional functions".

[0063] Furthermore, spatial information including previously measured information such as the layout and volume of the living space RM and the measurement status of radio wave intensity may be input to the access point 2, and output control processing such as that described in Figure 7 may be performed.

[0064] As described above, in this embodiment, the radio waves output from the access point 2 to the living space RM can be changed according to the direction and size of the rooms included in the living space RM. In addition, by receiving location information from the floor plan measurement device 3 and controlling the direction and strength of the radio waves output from the access point 2 based on the radio wave strength at the time of receiving the location information, it becomes possible to build a wireless LAN environment using the access point 2 with the inner walls of the living space RM as boundaries.

[0065] By doing this, in this embodiment, the influence of unauthorized connections, radio interference, and the like caused by factors external to the living space RM (e.g., wireless communication devices and wireless LAN environments outside the living space RM) on the wireless LAN provided by access point 2 can be suppressed.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by controlling the direction and intensity of radio waves when transmitting a management frame, it is possible to make management frames such as beacons output from the access point 2 invisible from outside the living space RM. In this way, it is possible to further improve security against unauthorized connections to the access point 2.

[0067] 3. Second embodiment In the first embodiment, a configuration in which the direction and strength of radio waves output to the living space RM in which the access point 2 is installed are changed is described. In contrast, in the second embodiment, a configuration in which the direction and strength of radio waves received by the access point 2 are controlled based on position information of a wireless communication terminal installed in the living space RM in which the access point 2 is installed is described. Note that the configurations of the access point 2 and the floor plan measuring device 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0068] <3.1. Communication status with wireless communication terminals in the target space> First, the communication status with the wireless communication terminals installed in the living space RM will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the installation status of the wireless communication terminals 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, and 59 in the living space RM. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating information received by the access point 2 from the wireless communication terminals 51, 52, 57, 58, and 59.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 12, in addition to the access point 2 and the floor plan measuring device 3, wireless communication terminals 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, and 59 are installed in the living space RM. The wireless communication terminals 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 are lighting appliances such as so-called smart light bulbs that can wirelessly communicate with the access point 2. The wireless communication terminal 57 is a washing machine that can wirelessly communicate with the access point 2 and can perform an operation based on a signal received via wireless communication. The wireless communication terminal 58 is a speaker that can wirelessly communicate with the access point 2 and can perform an operation based on a signal received via wireless communication. The wireless communication terminal 59 is a so-called smart lock that can wirelessly communicate with the access point 2 and can perform an operation based on a signal received via wireless communication. The wireless communication terminals 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, and 59 transmit their respective position information to the access point 2 by wirelessly communicating with the access point 2.

[0070] 13 illustrates location information received by the access point 2 from the wireless communication terminals 51, 52, 57, 58, and 59, and the radio wave intensity at the time when the location information is received. The information received by the access point 2 from the wireless communication terminal 51 includes location information indicating that the wireless communication terminal 51 is located 20 m away in the north direction from the access point 2, and information indicating that the radio wave intensity in the communication with the wireless communication terminal 51 was "58 dBm." The information received by the access point 2 from the wireless communication terminal 52 includes location information indicating that the wireless communication terminal 52 is located 5 m away in the northeast direction from the access point 2, and information indicating that the radio wave intensity in the communication with the wireless communication terminal 52 was "30 dBm."

[0071] Moreover, the information received by the access point 2 from the wireless communication terminal 57 includes location information indicating that the wireless communication terminal 57 is located 30 m east of the access point 2, and information indicating that the radio wave strength in the communication with the wireless communication terminal 57 was "50 dBm." Moreover, the information received by the access point 2 from the wireless communication terminal 58 includes location information indicating that the wireless communication terminal 58 is located 5 m northwest of the access point 2, and information indicating that the radio wave strength in the communication with the wireless communication terminal 58 was "25 dBm." Moreover, the information received by the access point 2 from the wireless communication terminal 59 includes location information indicating that the wireless communication terminal 59 is located 5 m southwest of the access point 2, and information indicating that the radio wave strength in the communication with the wireless communication terminal 59 was "20 dBm."

[0072] In the access point 2, a reception control process is performed to control the direction and radio wave strength of the radio waves received by the wireless communication unit 210 based on the location information received from the wireless communication terminals 51, 52, 57, 58, and 59 and the radio wave strength at the time the location information was received.

[0073] <3.2. Reception control process flow> Next, the flow of the reception control process performed by the access point 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reception control process.

[0074] Upon receiving the position information from the wireless communication terminals 51-59, in step S21, the spatial information generation unit 223 (access point 2) generates spatial information regarding the living space RM based on the position information received from the wireless communication terminals 51-59. The spatial information generation unit 223 generates spatial information regarding the living space RM based on the position information (see FIG. 13) received by the access point 2 from the floor plan measurement device 3 (see FIG. 9) and the wireless communication terminals 51-59.

[0075] Based on these pieces of information, the spatial information generating unit 223 generates, as spatial information, information indicating that for the Western-style room in the living space RM, communication with the wireless communication terminal 51 is possible within a range of 20 m in a northerly direction from the access point 2 by setting the radio wave intensity to 58 dBm. In addition, the spatial information generating unit 223 generates, as spatial information, information indicating that for the dining room in the living space RM, communication with the wireless communication terminal 52 is possible within a range of 5 m in a northeasterly direction from the access point 2 by setting the radio wave intensity to 30 dBm. In addition, the spatial information generating unit 223 generates, as spatial information, information indicating that for the laundry space in the living space RM, communication with the wireless communication terminal 57 is possible within a range of 30 m in an easterly direction from the access point 2 by setting the radio wave intensity to 50 dBm.

[0076] Furthermore, the spatial information generating unit 223 generates, as the spatial information, information indicating that for the living room of the residential space RM, communication with the wireless communication terminal 58 is possible within a range of 5 m in a northwest direction from the access point 2 by setting the radio wave intensity to 25 dBm. Furthermore, the spatial information generating unit 223 generates, as the spatial information, information indicating that for the entrance of the residential space RM, communication with the wireless communication terminal 59 is possible within a range of 5 m in a southwest direction from the access point 2 by setting the radio wave intensity to 20 dBm. Note that this spatial information may be generated in advance based on the product information and installation positions of the wireless communication terminals 51 to 59, and stored in the access point 2.

[0077] Next, in step S32, angle control unit 222 determines the reception angle of the radio waves received by wireless communication unit 210 based on the spatial information. Specifically, angle control unit 222 determines the reception angle when radio wave receiving unit 212 receives radio waves so that antenna unit 17 receives radio waves from the north, northeast, east, northwest, and southwest sides of access point 2.

[0078] Next, in step S33, the radio wave intensity control unit 221 determines the radio wave intensity of the radio wave received by the wireless communication unit 210 based on the spatial information. Specifically, the radio wave intensity control unit 221 sets the maximum value of the radio wave intensity of the radio wave received by the antenna unit 17 on the north side of the access point 2 to 58 dBm. The radio wave intensity control unit 221 also sets the maximum value of the radio wave intensity of the radio wave received by the antenna unit 17 on the northeast side of the access point 2 to 30 dBm. The radio wave intensity control unit 221 also sets the maximum value of the radio wave intensity of the radio wave received by the antenna unit 17 on the east side of the access point 2 to 50 dBm. The radio wave intensity control unit 221 also sets the maximum value of the radio wave intensity of the radio wave received by the antenna unit 17 on the northwest side of the access point 2 to 25 dBm. The radio wave intensity control unit 221 also sets the maximum value of the radio wave intensity of the radio wave received by the antenna unit 17 on the southwest side of the access point 2 to 20 dBm.

[0079] As described above, in this embodiment, the direction and strength of radio waves that the access point 2 can receive can be controlled according to the communication status with the wireless communication terminals 51-59 installed in the living space RM. A threshold value may be set for the radio wave strength of radio waves that the access point 2 can receive, based on the radio wave strength in communication with the wireless communication terminals 51-59. In this way, it is possible to more reliably block access requests from terminals outside the living space RM from the same direction as the direction in which the wireless communication terminals 51-59 are installed. Furthermore, the communication control unit 220 may be configured to control the direction and strength of radio waves when receiving a management frame.

[0080] <4. Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. The first and second embodiments described above are specific embodiments, while the second embodiment is a more generalized embodiment. According to the third embodiment described below, the same technical effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be achieved.

[0081] 15 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication control device 2A according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The communication control device 2A includes a wireless communication unit 210A and a communication control unit 220A. The wireless communication unit 210A performs wireless communication. The communication control unit 220A executes an output control process to control the direction and intensity of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit 210A based on spatial information of a target space to which the wireless communication unit 210A outputs radio waves.

[0082] 16 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication system 1000A according to the third embodiment. The communication system 1000A includes a communication control device 2A and an information processing device 3A capable of wireless communication with the communication control device 2A.

[0083] -Relationship with the first and second embodiments As an example, the communication control device 2A according to the third embodiment may execute the operation of the access point 2 according to the first and second embodiments. Similarly, as an example, the communication system 1000A according to the third embodiment may be configured similarly to the communication systems according to the first and second embodiments. In the above case, the explanation of the first and second embodiments is also applicable to the third embodiment. Note that the third embodiment is not limited to the above examples. In the third embodiment, the communication system 1000A may include multiple information processing devices 3A.

[0084] <5. Other embodiments> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are merely examples and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0085] For example, the steps in the processes described herein do not necessarily have to be performed chronologically according to the order depicted in the flowcharts. For example, the steps in the processes may be performed in an order different from that depicted in the flowcharts, or may be performed in parallel. Also, some of the steps in the processes may be deleted, and additional steps may be added to the processes.

[0086] Also, a device may be provided that includes the components of access point 2 described in this specification (for example, components equivalent to wireless communication unit 210 and communication control unit 220). Also, a method including processing of the above components may be provided, or a program for causing a processor to execute the processing of the above components may be provided. Also, a non-transitory computer readable medium on which the program is recorded may be provided. Naturally, such devices, modules, methods, programs, and non-transitory computer readable mediums are also included in the present invention.

[0087] A part or all of the above-described embodiments may be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0088] (Appendix 1) a wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication; and a communication control unit that performs an output control process to control a direction and intensity of the radio waves output by the wireless communication unit based on spatial information related to a target space to which the wireless communication unit outputs the radio waves. Communications control device.

[0089] (Appendix 2) The communication control unit performing a reception control process for controlling a direction and an intensity of radio waves received by the wireless communication unit based on the spatial information; 2. A communication control device as described in claim 1.

[0090] (Appendix 3) The spatial information is The information is information that identifies the target space based on position information of a wireless communication terminal that is present in the target space. 3. A communication control device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0091] (Appendix 4) The location information is The information includes information indicating a receiving direction of a signal received from the wireless communication terminal, The spatial information is The information includes information indicating a signal strength in communication between the wireless communication unit and the wireless communication terminal, The communication control unit In the output control process, a maximum value of the strength of the radio wave output from the wireless communication unit in the receiving direction is set to a signal strength in communication with the wireless communication terminal. 4. A communication control device as claimed in claim 3.

[0092] (Appendix 5) The location information is The information includes information indicating a receiving direction of a signal received from the wireless communication terminal, The spatial information is The information includes information indicating a signal strength in communication with the wireless communication terminal, The communication control unit In the reception control process, a maximum value of the strength of the radio wave received by the wireless communication unit from the reception direction is set as a signal strength in communication with the wireless communication terminal. 4. A communication control device as claimed in claim 3.

[0093] (Appendix 6) the wireless communication unit performs wireless communication via a plurality of wireless access networks; the plurality of radio access networks includes a first wireless network identified by a first network identifier and a second wireless network identified by a second network identifier different from the first network identifier; In the output control process, the communication control unit a direction of radio waves outputted from the wireless communication unit in the first wireless network is set to a direction different from that in the second wireless network; 6. A communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0094] (Appendix 7) The communication control unit In the output control process, the wireless communication unit controls a direction and intensity of an output of a management frame. 7. A communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0095] (Appendix 8) A communication control device according to any one of appendix 1 to 7, An information processing device capable of wireless communication with the communication control device, Communication systems.

[0096] (Appendix 9) The information processing device includes: A moving mechanism; a space information generation unit that generates the space information based on a history of movement in the target space, The communication control unit performing the output control process based on the spatial information generated by the information processing device; 9. The communication system of claim 8.

[0097] (Appendix 10) and performing an output control process for controlling a direction and intensity of radio waves output by the wireless communication unit based on spatial information related to a target space to which the wireless communication unit performs wireless communication and outputs radio waves. Communications control method. [Industrial Applicability]

[0098] It is possible to suppress radio interference and unauthorized connections caused by factors external to the space in which the wireless communication network is constructed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 2. Access Points 2A Communication control device 3. Floor plan measuring device 3A Information processing equipment 6 Network 17 Antenna section 40 Moving mechanism 51~59 Wireless communication terminals 200 Controller 210, 210A Wireless communication unit 211 Radio wave output unit 212 Radio wave receiving unit 220, 220A Communication control unit 221 Radio wave intensity control section 222 Angle control section 223 Spatial information generation unit 230 Storage section 300 Controller 310 Wireless Communication Department 320 Location information generation unit 330 Movement control section 340 Spatial information generation section 1000, 1000A Communication Systems

Claims

1. A communication control device, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a position measurement device that moves in a target space and measures position information; a spatial information acquisition unit that acquires spatial information obtained from position information of the position measurement device and a value of radio wave intensity of the wireless communication at a position corresponding to the position information, the spatial information indicating radio wave intensity output in wireless communication from the wireless communication unit in a direction toward the position up to a distance from the wireless communication unit to the position, and indicating that wireless communication is possible between the wireless communication unit and a wireless communication terminal present at the position; a communication control unit that performs an output control process to control a direction and intensity of radio waves output by the wireless communication unit in wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal based on the spatial information, The spatial information is information indicating a relationship between a direction from the wireless communication unit to the position in the layout of the target space in which the communication control device is installed and the output radio wave intensity. Communications control device.

2. The communication control unit performing a reception control process for controlling a direction and an intensity of radio waves received by the wireless communication unit based on the spatial information; The communication control device according to claim 1 .

3. the wireless communication unit performs wireless communication via a plurality of wireless access networks; the plurality of radio access networks includes a first wireless network identified by a first network identifier and a second wireless network identified by a second network identifier different from the first network identifier; In the output control process, the communication control unit a direction of radio waves outputted from the wireless communication unit is set to a first direction in the first wireless network and a second direction different from the first direction in the second wireless network; The communication control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The communication control unit In the output control process, the wireless communication unit controls a direction and intensity of an output of a management frame. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The wireless communication unit receives the spatial information from the position measurement device, The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the spatial information acquisition unit acquires the spatial information from the wireless communication unit.

6. A communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The position measuring device, Communication systems.

7. the position measurement device includes a space information generation unit that generates the space information based on a history of movement in the target space; a spatial information transmission unit that transmits the spatial information to the communication control device; 7. The communication system according to claim 6.

8. A communication control method executed by a communication control device, comprising: Using the wireless communication unit, wireless communication is performed with a position measurement device that moves in a target space and measures position information; acquiring spatial information obtained from position information of the position measurement device and a value of radio wave intensity of the wireless communication at a position corresponding to the position information, the spatial information indicating radio wave intensity output in wireless communication from the wireless communication unit in a direction toward the position up to a distance from the wireless communication unit to the position, and indicating that wireless communication is possible between the wireless communication unit and a wireless communication terminal present at the position; performing an output control process for controlling a direction and an intensity of radio waves output by the wireless communication unit in wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal based on the spatial information; The spatial information is information indicating a relationship between a direction from the wireless communication unit to the position in the layout of the target space in which the communication control device is installed and the output radio wave intensity. Communications control method.

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