Communication System and Control Method

Abstract

A communication system (1) according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of communication devices (10) and a control device (20). The communication devices (10) are each provided with: a communication means configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium; an identifying means for performing a scan using the communication means to identify one or a plurality of connection counterpart candidates; and a connection establishing means for establishing connection with the one or a plurality of connection counterpart candidates identified by the identifying means. The control device (20) is provided with a control means for controlling a meshed network composed of the plurality of communication devices (10) connecting to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, a control device, and a control method for a communication system of a mesh network that communicates using a directional communication medium.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of communication networks, communication technologies capable of achieving high capacity and low latency are required. As one of such communication technologies, development of communication technologies using directional communication media such as millimeter waves and light in the visible light band has been carried out. In addition, development of a system for controlling a plurality of communication terminals forming a communication network by a control device has also been carried out. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical access system in which a plurality of accommodation stations are connected by an optical path and the network is controlled by a control device. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a wireless communication system in which a hopping node, which is a communication device that performs millimeter wave wireless communication, connects to a connection destination based on information on the connection destination notified from a communication management device that manages the hopping node.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since a directional communication medium has a large frequency, it can be expected to realize high-capacity and low-latency communication. On the other hand, because it has directivity, it is vulnerable to the influence of obstacles and interference.

[0005] In order to ensure the robustness of communication while using a directional communication medium, it is preferable to adopt a configuration that can perform adaptive changes including joining a node to a network or changing the node position. However, even if the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are used, such a configuration cannot be realized.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an example of its object is to provide a technique for realizing a robust communication network using a directional communication medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices. Each of the plurality of communication devices includes one or a plurality of communication means configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, a specifying means for specifying one or a plurality of connection partner candidates by executing a scan using the one or a plurality of communication means, and a connection establishing means for establishing a connection with the one or a plurality of connection partner candidates specified by the specifying means. The control device includes a control means for controlling the plurality of communication devices.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] 〔Exemplary Embodiment 1〕 The first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for the exemplary embodiments described later.

[0011] (Configuration of Communication System 1) The configuration of the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of communication devices 10 and a control device 20.

[0012] The plurality of communication devices 10 can form a mesh-type network. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the mesh-type network includes a first communication device 10-1, a second communication device 10-2, a third communication device 10-3, and a fourth communication device 10-4, and these communication devices are connected to each other to form the network. Note that the configuration example shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example. A configuration including five or more communication devices may be used, or a configuration including three or fewer communication devices may be used. The first communication device 10-1, the second communication device 10-2, the third communication device 10-3, and the fourth communication device 10-4 shown in FIG. 1 have the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, one communication device will be taken as an example and described as the communication device 10.

[0013] (Communication Device 10) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an identification unit 12, and a connection establishment unit 13. The communication unit 11, the identification unit 12, and the connection establishment unit 13 are examples of the communication means, the identification means, and the connection establishment means in the claims.

[0014] The communication unit 11 is configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium. The number of communication units 11 included in the communication device 10 does not limit this exemplary embodiment, and the communication device 10 can be configured to include one or a plurality of communication units 11.

[0015] Each communication unit 11 is configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium as described above. Here, the specific configuration of the communication unit 11 does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, it includes a transmission unit that transmits a directional communication medium and a reception unit that receives a directional communication medium. The communication unit 11 may be configured to include an integrated transceiver unit that transmits and receives a directional communication medium.

[0016] Also, a specific example of the directional communication medium used by the communication unit 11 for communication does not limit the exemplary embodiment, but as an example, an electromagnetic wave in the high-frequency region having a frequency of generally 10 GHz or higher can be cited. The electromagnetic waves in the frequency region may include millimeter waves, sub-millimeter waves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, and the like.

[0017] As an example, the communication unit 11 is used for communication as the above-described directional communication medium by directing the electromagnetic wave in the above frequency region within a predetermined angular range. Here, the specific configuration for the communication unit 11 to direct the electromagnetic wave in the above frequency region does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the communication unit 11 · A beamforming antenna that directs millimeter waves or sub-millimeter waves within a predetermined angular range and transmits them · A collimator that collimates infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light · A laser oscillator that generates a laser of infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light and the like can be configured to include.

[0018] By directing and transmitting the electromagnetic waves in the above frequency band, which is the communication medium, by the communication unit 11, the energy density of the communication medium increases, so that communication can be performed with a more distant communication partner using the communication medium.

[0019] (Specific unit 12) The specific unit 12 identifies one or more candidate connection partners by scanning using the communication unit 11. In other words, the specific unit 12 identifies one or more candidate connection partners by transmitting or receiving a scan beam using the communication unit 11.

[0020] Here, in the scan using the communication unit 11, a scan using the above-described directive communication medium is executed. Further, the scan in this exemplary embodiment refers to, for example, a search executed to identify one or more candidate connection partners. The term "scan" does not intend to define a specific scan order or the like.

[0021] Further, the scan using the communication unit 11 by the specific unit 12 includes · Transmitting a scan beam from the communication unit 11 to the scan range · Transmitting a scan beam from the communication unit 11 to the scan range and receiving a response beam that is a response to the scan beam, and · Receiving a scan beam transmitted from another device by the communication unit 11 · Receiving a scan beam transmitted from another device by the communication unit 11 and transmitting a response beam that is a response to the scan beam at least any one of which is included.

[0022] The scan by the specific unit 12 includes, as an example, searching for connection partner candidates whose positions are not known in advance. More specifically, as an example, the scan by the specific unit 12 includes searching for connection partner candidates whose directions starting from the communication device 10 are not known in advance. In other words, it includes searching for connection partner candidates for which at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle starting from the communication device 10 is not known in advance.

[0023] When searching for one or more connection partner candidates whose positions are not known in advance as described above, the specific unit 12 identifies the positions of the one or more connection partner candidates by scanning using the communication unit 11. More specifically, as an example, the specific unit 12 identifies the direction starting from the communication device 10 for the one or more connection partner candidates by scanning using the communication unit 11. In other words, the specific unit 12 identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle starting from the communication device 10 for the one or more connection partner candidates by scanning using the communication unit 11.

[0024] Also, the one or more connection partner candidates identified by the specific unit 12 are not limited to the communication devices included in the scan range of the scan using the communication unit 11. The specific unit 12 can also identify, as a connection partner candidate, a communication device that is not included in the scan range but is identified by the response signal by referring to the response signal from the communication devices included in the scan range of the scan using the communication unit 11.

[0025] As an example, by referring to the response signal from communication device A included in the scan range of the scan using the communication unit 11, communication device B whose position is identified by the response signal and is not included in the scan range can also be identified as a connection partner candidate.

[0026] (Connection establishment unit 13) The connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification unit 12. Here, for the establishment of the connection by the connection establishment unit 13, among the one or more communication units 11 provided in the communication device 10, the same communication unit as the one or more communication units 11 used by the identification unit 12 for scanning may be used, or a communication unit that is partially or entirely different from the one or more communication units 11 used by the identification unit 12 for scanning may be used.

[0027] In any case, the connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification unit 12 by using a directional communication medium through one or more communication units 11 provided in the communication device 10.

[0028] The specific connection establishment process by the connection establishment unit 13 does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, the following process A is included.

[0029] (Process A): For the connection partner candidate identified by the identification unit 12, the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 transmits a directional communication medium.

[0030] Also, in addition to the above process A, the connection establishment process may include the following process B.

[0031] (Process B): As a response to the transmission in Process A, the connection partner candidate transmits a directional communication medium to the communication device 10, and the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 receives the directional communication medium.

[0032] Also, in Process A, the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 may be configured to transmit connection start information for starting a connection according to a specific protocol to the connection partner candidate by using a directional communication medium, and in Process B, the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 may be configured to receive connection acceptance information according to a specific protocol from the connection partner candidate by using a directional communication medium.

[0033] Further, the connection start information may include identification information for identifying the communication device 10 from other devices, and the connection approval information may include identification information for identifying a connection partner candidate from other devices.

[0034] Furthermore, the connection establishment process may include the following processes C and D in addition to the above processes A and B.

[0035] (Process C): The connection start information transmitted by the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 using a directional communication medium in Process A is referred to by the connection partner candidate, and the connection partner candidate registers the identification information of the communication device 10 in the storage unit provided in the connection partner candidate.

[0036] (Process D): The connection approval information received by the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 using a directional communication medium in Process B is referred to by the communication device 10, and the communication device 10 registers the identification information of the connection partner candidate in the storage unit provided therein.

[0037] Furthermore, the connection establishment process may include at least one of the following processes E and F in addition to the above processes A, B, C, and D.

[0038] (Process E): The connection partner candidate transmits the identification information of the communication device 10 registered in Process C to the control device 20.

[0039] (Process F): The communication device 10 transmits the identification information of the connection partner candidate registered in Process D to the control device 20.

[0040] (Control device 20) The control device 20 controls a plurality of communication devices 10.

[0041] The control of the plurality of communication devices 10 by the control device 20 is, for example, performed by exchanging signals, information, instructions, etc. between the control device 20 and the communication devices 10 via a wired or wireless local area network or global network, or a combination thereof. These networks may include the mesh network of the communication system 1.

[0042] Although not limiting this exemplary embodiment, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the control device 20 is connected to the mesh network via the second communication device 10-2 and controls the plurality of communication devices 10 via the mesh network. In addition to controlling the plurality of communication devices 10 via the mesh network, the control device 20 may also control the plurality of communication devices 10 via another communication path.

[0043] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the control device 20 includes a control unit 21. The control unit 21 is an example of the control means in the claims.

[0044] (Control unit 21) The control unit 21 controls the plurality of communication devices 10.

[0045] As an example, the control unit 21 refers to the information managed by the above-described control unit 21 and · Monitors each communication device 10 (especially boundary terminals) · Controls the line connection between the communication devices 10 · Updates the communication path (including updating the priority of the communication path) and so on.

[0046] Although not limiting this exemplary embodiment, as an example, the purposes of controlling the plurality of communication devices 10 include · Assisting the connection of a new communication device 10 to the mesh network · Reconnecting a disconnected line · Updating the communication path to prevent deterioration or disconnection of the communication quality of the line and so on.

[0047] Although not limiting the illustrated embodiments, as an example, the control unit 21 controls a plurality of communication devices 10 based on the following information. · Network status regarding backbone links and access links · Related information regarding each communication device 10 (location information, load status, number of established connections, number of identified connection partner candidates, connection status of involved connections, etc.) · Reference information (weather information, sensor information, etc.)

[0048] The control unit 21 may acquire this information from, for example, each communication device 10 or an external device (not shown).

[0049] Here, the access link mainly refers to a connection path used for data exchange between edge terminals included in the communication system 1. The backbone link mainly refers to a connection path used for data exchange between communication devices other than edge terminals included in the communication system 1. In some cases, a backbone link may function as an access link depending on the situation.

[0050] Although not limiting the illustrated embodiments, as an example, the control unit 21 controls a plurality of communication devices 10 at the following timings. · The timing when a new communication device 10 performs a scan for connection to a mesh network · The timing when the connection status between communication devices 10 in the mesh network changes · The timing when deterioration or disconnection of the line quality between communication devices 10 in the mesh network is predicted

[0051] The control unit 21 may detect these timings by, for example, monitoring each communication device 10. Further, the control unit 21 may control a plurality of communication devices 10 based on the monitoring results of each communication device 10 in a timely manner instead of at specific timings.

[0052] (Effect by Communication System 1) As described above, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of communication devices (for example, the first communication device 10-1, the second communication device 10-2, the third communication device 10-3, and the fourth communication device) and a control device 20. The communication device 10 · One or more communication units 11 configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, · A specifying unit 12 that specifies one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using one or more communication units 11, · A connection establishment unit 13 that establishes a connection with one or more connection partner candidates specified by the specifying unit 12 and the control device 20 includes · A control unit 21 that controls a mesh network formed by connecting a plurality of communication devices 10 to each other and adopts a configuration including this.

[0053] According to the communication system 1 configured as described above, each communication device 10 can be specified by performing a scan using the communication unit 11 even for a connection partner candidate whose position is not known in advance. And communication can be established with the specified connection partner candidate.

[0054] Generally, while a directional communication medium can achieve high-capacity and low-latency communication, on the other hand, because it has directivity, it is vulnerable to the influence of obstacles and interference. According to the communication device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment, in a network using a directional communication medium, it is possible to perform adaptive changes including addition of communication devices and change of positions, etc., so that it is possible to configure a network that is less affected by obstacles and interference.

[0055] In addition, the control device 20 can improve the stability of the network by controlling a plurality of communication devices 10.

[0056] That is, according to the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0057] (Effect of the control device 20) Moreover, the control device 20 according to this exemplary embodiment is a control device 20 that controls a plurality of communication devices 10 capable of forming a mesh network. Each of the plurality of communication devices is configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, and includes one or a plurality of communication means, and a specifying means for specifying one or a plurality of connection partner candidates by performing a scan using the one or a plurality of communication means, and a connection establishing means for establishing a connection with the one or a plurality of connection partner candidates specified by the specifying means. The control device employs a configuration including a control means for controlling the plurality of communication devices.

[0058] According to the control device 20 configured as described above, control is performed on a plurality of communication devices 10 capable of forming a mesh network. Each of the plurality of communication devices 10 can be specified by performing a scan using the communication unit 11 even for a connection partner candidate whose position is not known in advance. And each of the plurality of communication devices 10 can establish communication with the specified connection partner candidate. The control device 20 can improve the stability of the mesh network by controlling such a plurality of communication devices 10.

[0059] Therefore, according to the control device 20 according to this exemplary embodiment, similar to the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0060] (Control method of the communication system 1) A control method for the communication system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the control method for the communication system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control method for the communication system 1 includes steps S12 and S13 executed by the communication device 10, and step S21 executed by the control device 20. Note that as described above, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of communication devices 10 capable of forming a mesh network and a control device 20 that controls the plurality of communication devices 10.

[0061] (Step S12) First, in step S12, the specifying unit 12 specifies one or more connection partner candidates by executing a scan using the communication unit 11. Here, in the scan using the communication unit 11, a scan using the above-described directional communication medium is executed. Since the specific processing content by the specifying unit 12 has been described above, the description is omitted here.

[0062] (Step S13) Subsequently, in step S13, the connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more connection partner candidates specified by the specifying unit 12. Here, for the establishment of the connection by the connection establishment unit 13, among the one or more communication units 11 provided in the communication device 10, the same communication unit as the one or more communication units 11 used by the specifying unit 12 for the scan may be used, or a communication unit that is partially or entirely different from the one or more communication units 11 used by the specifying unit 12 for the scan may be used. Since the specific processing content by the connection establishment unit 13 has been described above, the description is omitted here.

[0063] (Step S21) Step S21 is performed before, after, or in parallel with steps S12 and S13. In step S21, the control unit 21 controls the plurality of communication devices 10. Since the specific processing content by the control unit 21 has been described above, the description is omitted here.

[0064] (Effect of the control method for the communication system 1) As described above, the control method of the communication system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes each of the plurality of communication devices 10 identifying one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using a directional communication medium (S12), establishing a connection with the identified one or more connection partner candidates (S13), and the control device 20 performing control regarding the plurality of communication devices 10 (S21).

[0065] According to the control method of the communication system 1 configured as described above, even a connection partner candidate whose position is not known in advance can be identified by each of the plurality of communication devices 10 by performing a scan using the communication unit 11. Then, communication can be established between each of the plurality of communication devices 10 and the identified connection partner candidates. And by the control device 20 performing control regarding the plurality of communication devices 10, the stability of the mesh-type network can be improved.

[0066] Therefore, according to the control method of the communication system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, similar to the communication system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0067] 〔Exemplary Embodiment 2〕 The second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same functions as those described in the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0068] (Configuration Example of Communication System) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the communication system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the communication system 1 includes a control device 200 and a plurality of communication devices (in FIG. 3, communication devices 100-0 to 100-8). The configurations of these communication devices 100-0 to 100-8 have the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, one communication device will be taken up and described as the communication device 100.

[0069] In FIG. 3, the dotted line indicates an established connection. Also in FIG. 3, the symbol “Cxy” (where x and y are numbers) indicates a connection established between communication device 100-x and communication device 100-y. For example, C12 indicates a connection established between communication device 100-1 and communication device 100-2.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, each communication device included in communication system 1 constitutes a mesh network having communication paths stretched in a mesh-like pattern.

[0071] Note that in FIG. 3, any one of communication devices 100-0 to 100-8 may be configured to function as an edge terminal, or communication system 1 may be configured to include one or more edge terminals connected to any one of the communication devices in addition to the communication devices shown in FIG. 4.

[0072] In this specification, an edge terminal refers to a terminal that is the end of an access link in the mesh-type network of communication system 1. As an example, examples of edge terminals include communication terminals connected to other networks different from communication system 1 and user terminals used by users.

[0073] (Configuration of Communication Device 100) The configuration of communication device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of communication device 100.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, communication device 100 includes a first communication unit 110, a second communication unit 120, a control unit 130, a memory 140, and a storage unit 150. Here, the first communication unit 110 is an example of implementation of the communication means in the claims.

[0075] (First Communication Unit 110) The first communication unit 110 is configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium. As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first communication unit 110 is composed of a plurality of communication units such as communication unit 110-1, communication unit 110-2, ···

[0076] Each of the communication units 110-1, 110-2, ··· is configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium as described above. Here, the specific configuration of each of the communication units 110-1, 110-2, ··· does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, it includes a transmission unit that transmits a directional communication medium and a reception unit that receives a directional communication medium. Each of the communication units 110-1, 110-2, ··· may be configured to include an integrated transmission and reception unit that transmits and receives a directional communication medium.

[0077] Also, a specific example of the directional communication medium used by the first communication unit 110 for communication does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, similar to Exemplary Embodiment 1, electromagnetic waves in the high-frequency region having a frequency of generally 10 GHz or more can be cited. The electromagnetic waves in this frequency region may include millimeter waves, sub-millimeter waves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, etc.

[0078] The first communication unit 110, as an example, is used for communication as the above-described directional communication medium by directing the electromagnetic waves in the above frequency region within a predetermined angle range. Here, the specific configuration for the first communication unit 110 to direct the electromagnetic waves in the above frequency region does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, each of the communication units 110-1, 110-2, ··· constituting the first communication unit 110, similar to Exemplary Embodiment 1, · A beamforming antenna that directs millimeter waves or sub-millimeter waves within a predetermined angle range and transmits them · A collimator that collimates infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light · A laser oscillator that generates a laser of infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light and so on can be configured to be provided.

[0079] Also, the individual communication units 110-1, 110-2, ··· that make up the first communication unit 110 may be oriented to target different ranges. For example, communication unit 110-1 may target the range of azimuth angles from 0° to 90° for transmission and reception, communication unit 110-2 may target the range of azimuth angles from 90° to 180° for transmission and reception, communication unit 110-3 may target the range of azimuth angles from 180° to 270° for transmission and reception, and communication unit 110-4 may be oriented to target the range of azimuth angles from 270° to 360° for transmission and reception.

[0080] (Second communication unit 120) The second communication unit 120 is configured to communicate using a communication medium other than the directional communication medium used by the first communication unit 110 for communication. As an example, the second communication unit 120 communicates with other devices via a wired or wireless local area network or global network, etc. As an example, the second communication unit 120 may communicate with the control device 200.

[0081] (Control unit 130) As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a communication management unit 132, and a storage management unit 133. The communication management unit 132 is an example of the specific means and connection establishment means in the claims.

[0082] (Acquisition unit 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires related information related to the communication partner by the first communication unit 110. Here, the communication partners by the first communication unit 110 include · One or more connection partner candidates identified by scanning using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132 described later · Among the identified one or more connection partner candidates, the connection partners whose connections are established by the communication management unit 132 at least any one of which is included.

[0083] The related information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 will be described later.

[0084] (Communication management unit 132) The communication management unit 132 manages communication processing using the first communication unit 110. As an example, the communication management unit 132 · Scanning using the first communication unit 110 · Establishment of a connection using the first communication unit 110 · Disconnection of a connection using the first communication unit 110 · Switching of a connection using the first communication unit 110 and performs processes such as these. Specific examples of processing by the communication management unit 132 will be described later.

[0085] (Memory management unit 133) The memory management unit 133 manages memory processing to the memory unit 150. As an example, the memory management unit 133 stores the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 in the memory unit 150. Also, the memory management unit 133 reads out various information stored in the memory unit 150 and provides it to each part of the control unit 130.

[0086] (Flow from scanning to connection establishment) Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the flow of processing from the execution of scanning using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132 to connection establishment will be described.

[0087] (Example 1 of the flow from scanning to connection establishment) FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of the flow of processing from scanning using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132 to connection establishment. This example is a case where the communication device 100 first transmits a scan beam and establishes a connection with a connection partner candidate existing within the scan target range.

[0088] (Step S101-1) In step S101-1, the communication management unit 132 uses the first communication unit 110 to transmit a scan beam targeting a predetermined scan range. The transmitted scan beam reaches connection partner candidates existing in the scan range.

[0089] (Step S101-2) In step S101-2, the connection partner candidate existing in the above scan range returns a response beam toward the communication device 100 as a response to the scan beam. The returned response beam reaches the communication device 100.

[0090] Note that the specific configuration for the connection partner candidate to return the response beam does not limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the connection partner candidate may include a corner cube reflector, reflect the scan beam by the corner cube reflector, and return the reflected scan beam toward the communication device 100 as a response beam. As another example, the connection partner candidate may include a receiving device that receives the scan beam and a transmitting device that transmits a response beam in the received direction.

[0091] (Step S102-1) In step S102-1, the communication management unit 132 identifies the communication partner candidate with reference to the response beam received from the connection partner candidate.

[0092] As an example, the communication management unit 132 identifies the position of the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received response beam. More specifically, the communication management unit 132 identifies the direction of the connection partner candidate as seen from the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received response beam. In other words, the communication management unit 132 identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the connection partner candidate as seen from the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received response beam.

[0093] (Step S103-1) In step S103-1, the communication management unit 132 transmits a connection request beam to the connection partner candidate identified in step S102-1. The connection request beam may include, as an example, information indicating a request for connection and identification information for identifying the communication device 100 from other devices. Further, the connection request beam may include related information managed by the memory management unit 133, including related information regarding the communication device 100 and other communication devices.

[0094] (Step S102-2) In step S102-2, the connection partner candidate receives the connection request beam transmitted in step S103-1. Also, the connection partner candidate identifies the communication device 100 with reference to the connection request beam transmitted in step S103-1. As an example, the connection partner candidate identifies the position of the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received connection request beam. More specifically, the connection partner candidate identifies the direction of the communication device 100 as seen from the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received connection request beam. In other words, the connection partner candidate identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the communication device 100 as seen from the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received connection request beam.

[0095] (Step S103-2) In step S103-2, the connection partner candidate transmits an acceptance beam for connection to the communication device 100. The acceptance beam for connection may be configured to include information indicating acceptance of the connection and identification information for identifying the connection partner candidate from other devices. Also, the acceptance beam for connection may be configured to include related information regarding the connection partner candidate and other communication devices.

[0096] (Step S104-1) In step S104-1, the communication management unit 132 receives the acceptance beam for connection transmitted in step S103-2.

[0097] (Step S105-1) In step S105-1, the memory management unit 133 refers to the acceptance beam for connection received in step S104-1 and registers the connection partner candidate as the connection partner. As an example, the memory management unit 133 stores the identification information of the connection partner candidate included in the acceptance beam for connection in the memory unit. By this step as an example, the connection from the communication device 100 to the connection partner candidate is established.

[0098] (Step S104-2) In step S104-2, the connection partner candidate refers to the connection request beam received in step S102-2 and registers the communication device 100 as a connection partner. As an example, the connection partner candidate stores the identification information of the communication device 100 included in the connection request beam in a storage unit provided in the connection partner candidate. By this step as an example, a connection from the connection partner candidate to the communication device 100 is established.

[0099] (Example 2 of the flow from scan to connection establishment) FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the processing flow from scan to connection establishment using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132. This example is a case where first, a connection partner candidate transmits a scan beam and establishes a connection with the communication device 100 existing within the scan target range.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 6, the processing of the flow from scan to connection establishment according to this example is obtained by swapping the communication device 100 and the connection partner candidate in the connection process between the communication device 100 and the connection partner candidate described with reference to FIG. 5. Since the processing in each step shown in FIG. 6 is obvious by referring to FIG. 5, detailed description is omitted here.

[0101] (Example 3 of the flow from scan to connection establishment) FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of the processing flow from scan to connection establishment using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132. This example is a case where first, the communication device 100 transmits a scan beam and establishes a connection with a connection partner candidate existing within the scan target range.

[0102] (Step S121-1) In step S121-1, the communication management unit 132 uses the first communication unit 110 to transmit a scan beam targeting a predetermined scan range. The transmitted scan beam reaches a connection partner candidate existing in the scan range.

[0103] In this step, the transmitted scan beam may, for example, include identification information for identifying the communication device 100 from other devices, together with information indicating a request for connection. Further, the scan beam may include related information managed by the memory management unit 133, including related information regarding the communication device 100 and other communication devices.

[0104] (Step S121-2) In step S121-2, the connection partner candidate refers to the scan beam transmitted in step S121-1 to identify the communication device 100. As an example, the connection partner candidate identifies the position of the communication device 100 based on the direction of the scan beam transmitted in step S121-1. More specifically, the connection partner candidate identifies the direction of the communication device 100 as seen from the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received scan beam. In other words, the connection partner candidate identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the communication device 100 as seen from the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the received scan beam.

[0105] Also, in this step, the connection partner candidate may be configured to further refer to the identification information of the communication device 100 included in the scan beam to identify the communication device 100.

[0106] (Step S122-2) In step S122-2, the connection partner candidate transmits a response beam to the communication device 100 as a response to the scan beam transmitted in S121-2. The transmitted response beam reaches the communication device 100.

[0107] In the response beam transmitted in this step, for example, it may be configured to include identification information for identifying the connection partner candidate from other devices, together with information indicating acceptance of the connection. Further, the response beam may include related information managed by the connection partner candidate, including related information regarding the connection partner candidate and other communication devices.

[0108] (Step S122-1) In step S122-1, the communication management unit 132 identifies candidate connection partners with reference to the response beam transmitted in step S122-2.

[0109] As an example, the communication management unit 132 identifies the position of the candidate connection partner based on the direction of the received response beam. More specifically, the communication management unit 132 identifies the direction of the candidate connection partner as seen from the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received response beam. In other words, the communication management unit 132 identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the candidate connection partner as seen from the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received response beam.

[0110] Also, in this step, the communication management unit 132 may be configured to identify the candidate connection partner by further referring to the identification information of the candidate connection partner included in the response beam.

[0111] (Step S123-1) In step S123-1, the memory management unit 133 refers to the above-mentioned response beam received from the candidate connection partner and registers the candidate connection partner as a connection partner. As an example, the memory management unit 133 stores the identification information of the candidate connection partner included in the response beam in the memory unit. By this step as an example, the connection from the communication device 100 to the candidate connection partner is established.

[0112] (Step S123-2) In step S123-2, the candidate connection partner refers to the scan beam received from the communication device 100 and registers the communication device 100 as a connection partner. As an example, the candidate connection partner stores the identification information of the communication device 100 included in the scan beam in the memory unit provided in the candidate connection partner. By this step as an example, the connection from the candidate connection partner to the communication device 100 is established.

[0113] (Example 4 of the flow from scan to connection establishment) FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a fourth example of the processing flow from scanning using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132 to connection establishment. This example is a case where a connection partner candidate first transmits a scan beam and establishes a connection with a communication device 100 existing within the scan target range.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 8, the processing of the flow from scanning to connection establishment according to this example is a result of swapping the communication device 100 and the connection partner candidate in the connection processing between the communication device 100 and the connection partner candidate described with reference to FIG. 7. Since the processing in each step shown in FIG. 8 is obvious with reference to FIG. 7, detailed description is omitted here.

[0115] The examples of the processing flow from scanning to connection establishment have been described above, but the above examples do not limit the present embodiment.

[0116] For example, in the second example described above, the communication device 100 may establish a connection with a connection partner candidate (conveniently referred to as connection partner candidate B) different from the connection partner candidate (conveniently referred to as connection partner candidate A) that transmitted the scan beam. In such a case, as an example, the communication device 100 may refer to the relevant information included in the connection request beam transmitted in step S113-2 to identify connection partner candidate B and establish a connection with the identified connection partner candidate B.

[0117] Similarly, in the fourth example described above, the communication device 100 may establish a connection with a connection partner candidate (conveniently referred to as connection partner candidate B) different from the connection partner candidate (conveniently referred to as connection partner candidate A) that transmitted the scan beam. In such a case, as an example, the communication device 100 may refer to the relevant information included in the scan beam transmitted in step S131-2 to identify connection partner candidate B and establish a connection with the identified connection partner candidate B.

[0118] (Relevant Information) The acquisition unit 131 included in the communication device 100 acquires, as an example, related information about the device that is the communication partner of the communication device 100, and the storage management unit 133 included in the communication device 100 stores and manages the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 in the storage unit 150. Here, the communication partners of the communication device 100 include at least any one of one or more connection partner candidates identified by the communication management unit 132 and one or more connection partners for which connection establishment has been completed by the communication management unit 132.

[0119] Further, the storage management unit 133 can be configured to store and manage the related information related to the communication device 100 in the storage unit 150.

[0120] Hereinafter, one of a plurality of communication devices will be denoted as communication device A, and the content of the related information of the communication device A when communication devices B, C, and D exist as communication partners of the communication device A will be described. The communication devices A, B, C, and D are each, as an example, any one of the communication devices 100-0 to 100-8 shown in FIG. 3.

[0121] First, the related information of the communication device A includes · the location information of the communication device A, and · the load status of the communication device A · the number of established connections in which the communication device A is involved, · the number of identified connection partner candidates in which the communication device A is involved, · the connection status of the connections in which the communication device A is involved · the number of hops from the communication device A to the connection reference point and includes at least any one of them.

[0122] Here, a specific example of the location information of the communication device A is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, it may be coordinate information given by a predetermined location identification system such as GPS, or location identification information such as an address pre-given in the target communication area, or information indicating the direction of the communication device A as seen from the communication devices around the communication device A.

[0123] Furthermore, the specific indicators of the load status of communication device A are not intended to limit this exemplary embodiment. As an example, it may be information indicating the operating rate of a processor such as a control unit included in communication device A, or information indicating the operating rate of a specific task by the processor such as a control unit included in communication device A.

[0124] In addition, the connections in which communication device A is involved include at least either a connection starting or ending with communication device A or a connection passing through communication device A. Therefore, in the case of the above-described example, the connections in which communication device A is involved include at least either the connection between communication device A and communication device B, the connection between communication device A and communication device C, or the connection between communication device A and communication device D.

[0125] In addition, the connection status of the connections in which the above-described communication partner A is involved includes · The line quality of the connections in which communication device A is involved, and · The number of disconnections of the connections in which communication device A is involved includes at least either of them.

[0126] Here, the specific indicators regarding the line quality of the connections in which communication device A is involved are not intended to limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, they include any indicator such as the delay of communication by the connection and the loss rate of information in the communication by the connection.

[0127] In addition, the specific indicators regarding the number of disconnections of the connections in which communication device A is involved are not intended to limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, they include an indicator regarding the number of disconnections per unit time of the communication by the connection.

[0128] In addition, the related information of communication device A may include a configuration including · Information regarding the influence from the environment on the connections in which communication device A is involved is included.

[0129] Here, the information regarding the influence from the environment on the connections in which communication device A is involved includes, as an example, ·Degree of influence of sunlight on the connection between communication device A and communication device B ·Degree of influence of sunlight on the connection between communication device A and communication device C ·Degree of influence of sunlight on the connection between communication device A and communication device D includes at least any one of them.

[0130] Also, the degree of influence of sunlight on a certain connection can be expressed, for example, by the angle of the sun direction with respect to the direction along the certain connection. For example, when the angle between the direction along the certain connection and the sun direction is close to 90°, the information regarding the influence indicates that the influence of sunlight on the connection is relatively small. Also, for example, when the angle between the direction along the certain connection and the sun direction is close to 0°, the information regarding the influence indicates that the influence of sunlight on the connection is relatively large.

[0131] Also, as another example, the information regarding the influence from the environment on the connection involving communication device A may be configured to include information indicating the influence of reflection and absorption on the directional communication medium used by the communication unit of communication device A. For example, when the directional communication medium used by the communication unit of communication device A propagates in the air, it may be configured to include information such as the transparency of the air and information about buildings near the propagation path.

[0132] (Configuration of the control device) The configuration of the control device 200 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 200. As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 200 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a control unit 210, a memory 220, a storage unit 230, and a communication unit 240.

[0133] (Control unit 210) As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 210 includes an acquisition unit 211, a communication management unit 212, a memory management unit 213, and an instruction unit 214. The acquisition unit 211 is an example of an implementation of the acquisition means in the claims. The memory management unit 213 is an example of an implementation of the memory means in the claims.

[0134] (Acquisition unit 211) The acquisition unit 211 acquires the related information related to each communication device 100 from each communication device 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the acquisition unit 211 acquires the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 of the control unit 130 included in each communication device 100.

[0135] The related information related to each communication device 100 may include at least any one of the following related information as exemplified above. · Location information of the communication device 100 · Load status of the communication device 100 · Number of established connections in which the communication device 100 is involved · Connection status of the connections in which the communication device 100 is involved · Line quality of the connections in which the communication device 100 is involved · Number of interruptions of the connections in which the communication device 100 is involved · Information regarding the influence from the environment on the connections in which the communication device 100 is involved. · Scans from other communication devices 100 to the communication device 100

[0136] Here, the connection status of the connections in which the communication device 100 is involved includes · Connection status of the access link in which the communication device 100 is involved · Connection status of the backbone link in which the communication device 100 is involved is included.

[0137] In addition, the information regarding the influence from the environment on the connections in which the communication device 100 is involved includes · Influence of sunlight on the connections in which the communication device 100 is involved · Influence of reflected light on the connections in which the communication device 100 is involved is included.

[0138] In addition, the acquisition unit 211 may further acquire reference information such as · Weather information · Sensor information.

[0139] As an example, the acquisition unit 211 may acquire weather information from a server device that provides external weather information. Further, the acquisition unit 211 may acquire sensor information from an external field sensor. As the field sensor, generally any field sensor that senses the environment can be used. For example, it may be a sensor that senses the amount of sunlight, atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc.

[0140] (Communication management unit 212) The communication management unit 212 manages communication processing using the communication unit 240 and performs transmission and reception management between the communication devices 100-0 to 100-8.

[0141] As an example, the communication management unit 212 may set a communication path. When communication is performed from the first communication device 100 to the second communication device 100, the communication management unit 212 refers to the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 211, sets the communication path from the first communication device 100 to the second communication device 100, and instructs each communication device 100.

[0142] Further, the communication management unit 212 assigns a priority to one or a plurality of communication paths included in the mesh network by referring to the related information related to the communication device 100 involved in the communication path, and re-sets the communication path from the first communication device 100 to the second communication device 100 to a communication path with a higher priority. The communication management unit 212 may perform control related to the communication path to which the priority is assigned according to the priority.

[0143] As another example, the communication management unit 212 may monitor at least one of the plurality of communication devices 100 by referring to the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 211. That is, the communication management unit 212 refers to the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 and detects at least one of the plurality of communication devices 100 or an event that has occurred in the connection in which the communication device 100 is involved.

[0144] Events detected by the communication management unit 212 include · Degradation of line quality · Disconnection of the line ·Detection of scan by the new communication device 100 ·Establishment of a new connection and the like.

[0145] Then, according to the monitoring result, the communication management unit 212 ·Scan using the communication device 100 ·Establishment of a connection using the communication device 100 ·Disconnection of a connection using the communication device 100 ·Switching of a connection using the communication device 100 ·Update of the communication path and other processes to each communication device 100.

[0146] As an example, when the communication management unit 212 detects deterioration of the line quality, it may update the communication path so as to bypass the deteriorated line, or when it detects disconnection of the line, it may instruct the communication device 100 to perform a scan for reconnection and establishment of a connection.

[0147] As another example, when detecting detection of a scan by a new communication device 100 or establishment of a new connection, it may instruct the communication device 100 to update the communication path, disconnect, switch, etc. so as to optimize the mesh network including the new communication device 100.

[0148] (Memory management unit 213) The memory management unit 213 manages the storage process to the memory unit 230. The memory management unit 213 stores the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 in the memory unit 230. Also, the memory management unit 213 reads out various information stored in the memory unit 230 and provides it to each part of the control unit 210.

[0149] In addition to accumulating the acquired related information, the memory management unit 213 stores the reference information and correlation information described later in the memory unit 230.

[0150] (Instruction unit 214) Based on the processing result of the communication management unit 212, the instruction unit 214 generates instruction information for controlling the communication devices 100-0 to 100-8.

[0151] (Memory unit 230) The memory unit 230 stores the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 211.

[0152] In addition, the memory unit 230 further stores reference information.

[0153] In addition, the memory unit 230 further stores correlation information. The correlation information is information indicating the correlation between the above-mentioned reference information and the related information of each communication device 100, particularly, the line quality of each communication device 100, the number of disconnections within a specified time, and the like.

[0154] (Communication unit 240) The communication unit 240 is configured to communicate using a communication medium other than the directional communication medium used by the first communication unit 110 (FIG. 4) of each individual communication device for mutual communication, and communicates with the second communication unit 120 (FIG. 4) of each individual communication device. As the communication form of the communication unit 240, communication via a wired or wireless local area network or global network, etc. can be adopted.

[0155] (Processing example of the control device) Hereinafter, a specific processing example (flow of the control method) by the control device 200 related to the communication system 1 will be described.

[0156] (Processing example 1 of the control device) As an example, the control unit 210 may monitor at least one of the plurality of communication devices 100 with reference to the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 211, and perform control of the line connection according to the monitoring result.

[0157] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state where a new terminal is about to be connected to the mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0158] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the communication device 100-A is attempting to connect to a mesh network composed of communication devices 100-0 to 100-8.

[0159] At this time, the communication management unit 212 may assign priorities to the connection partner candidates identified by the communication management unit 132 of the new terminal (communication device 100-A) by referring to the relevant information related to each connection partner candidate, and control the connection by the communication management unit 132 of the communication device 100-A.

[0160] In one example, when adding the new terminal (communication device 100-A) to the mesh network, the communication management unit 212 performs a connection simulation. As an example of the simulation, the communication management unit 212 may refer to the line quality of the connection among the relevant information and lower the priority of the route with poor line quality. Then, the communication device 100-A is instructed to make a connection with a high priority (for example, a connection with the communication device 100-0). The instruction may be included in the scan information transmitted from the communication device 100-0 to the communication device 100-A. Thereby, when establishing a connection with the new terminal, a connection can be established through a route with good line quality, and a smooth connection can be realized.

[0161] Also, as another example of the simulation, the communication management unit 212 may set a priority setting according to the time for a connection that is more susceptible to the influence of sunlight over time. Thereby, when establishing a connection with the new terminal (communication device), a line suitable for the connection can be selected, and a smooth connection can be realized.

[0162] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0163] In the example shown in FIG. 11, another network controlled by the control device 200A is connected to the mesh network composed of the communication devices 100-0 to 100-8. Also, the communication device 100-A is attempting to connect to the mesh network composed of the communication devices 100-0 to 100-8. Note that the other network is not particularly limited and may be an existing optical fiber network or the like.

[0164] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the communication devices 100-3, 100-6, and 100-7 are boundary terminals existing at the boundary with another network (B network). The communication management unit 212 may focus on monitoring such boundary terminals. This is because the communication devices performing boundary connections are likely to have an increased traffic load.

[0165] As an example, when adding a new terminal (communication device 100-A) to the mesh network, the communication management unit 212 performs a simulation of the load increase of the boundary terminals. For example, the communication management unit 212 estimates the increase in the communication volume with another network due to the addition of the communication device 100-A, and estimates the increase in the load on the boundary terminals due to the increase in the communication volume. Based on the increase in the load on the boundary terminals, the communication management unit 212 may determine the necessity of adding boundary terminals connected to other networks and the change of the connection path, and instruct each communication device 100.

[0166] (Example of the processing of the control device 2) As an example, the control unit 210 may acquire a connection request from a new terminal attempting to newly connect to the mesh network and control the connection of the new terminal.

[0167] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state where a new terminal is attempting to connect to the mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0168] The new terminal 100-A that attempts to newly connect to the mesh network uses an existing line CA different from the mesh network to notify the control device 200 of a connection request including the terminal coordinates of the new terminal 100-A. As a result, the acquisition unit 211 of the control device 200 acquires the connection request including the terminal coordinates.

[0169] Subsequently, based on the related information and the like stored in the storage unit 230, the communication management unit 212 identifies at least one communication device 100 (for example, communication device 100-0) within the mesh network to be connected to the new terminal. As an example, based on the related information and the like, the communication management unit 212 identifies the communication device 100-0 located adjacent to the new terminal 100-A.

[0170] Subsequently, the instruction unit 214 instructs the identified communication device 100 (for example, communication device 100-0) to make a connection. As an example, the instruction unit 214 instructs the identified communication device 100 including the terminal coordinates of the new terminal 100-A.

[0171] Subsequently, the communication device 100 that has received the instruction of the connection request transmits a scan beam S0A in the direction of the new terminal with reference to the terminal coordinates of the new terminal 100-A.

[0172] Subsequently, the new terminal 100-A receives the scan beam S0A, returns a response beam, and establishes a connection with the communication device 100.

[0173] (Effect of this processing example) According to the communication system of this exemplary embodiment, when adding a new terminal to the mesh network, the control device 200 can be notified of the terminal coordinates of the new terminal and a scan beam can be transmitted in the direction of the new terminal. As a result, the search range of the scan can be narrowed, and the search can be completed in a short time.

[0174] (Processing example 3 of the control device) As an example, the control unit 210 acquires a request from the communication device 100 that has received a scan signal from a new terminal attempting to newly connect to the mesh network, and updates the communication path.

[0175] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0176] A new terminal (communication device 100-A) attempting to newly connect to the mesh network transmits a scan beam S0A within a predetermined range.

[0177] The communication devices 100 (communication devices 100-0 and 100-8) that have received the scan beam S0A transmit communication device request information to the control device 200. As a result, the acquisition unit 211 acquires the request information.

[0178] Subsequently, the communication management unit 212 updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network according to the request information. As an example, the communication management unit 212 acquires related information regarding the new terminal 100-A from the new terminal 100-A and refers to it in combination with the related information stored in the storage unit 230, thereby optimizing one or more communication paths included in the mesh network formed by the group of communication devices used for data transmission of the communication device 100-A which is a new terminal. Optimizing the communication path means that in a mesh network, when each communication device holds a selection of multiple communication paths, even if all communication devices can be connected and disconnection due to a failure or the like occurs, a robust management and switching are performed to form a communication path that enables data transmission of users connected to the access network.

[0179] (Effect by this processing example) According to the communication system of this exemplary embodiment, when adding a new terminal to the mesh network, the terminal coordinates of the new terminal can be notified to the control device 200, and optimal routing formation can be realized.

[0180] (Processing Example 4 of the Control Device) As an example, the control unit 210 may manage, for each of one or more communication devices 100 included in the mesh-type network, the number of connections that can be established and the number of established connections.

[0181] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which a new terminal is about to be connected to a mesh-type network controlled by the control device 200.

[0182] The communication management unit 212, for each of one or more communication devices included in the mesh-type network, · the number of connections that can be established, and · the number of established connections manages.

[0183] The number of connections that can be established is the total number (maximum number) of lines that can be established but are not yet established plus the number of established lines. The number of connections that can be established is also the number of connection candidate partners identified by the communication management unit 132 of the communication device 100. The number of established connections is the number of established lines.

[0184] In this exemplary embodiment, the communication management unit 212 updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh-type network so that, for each of one or more communication devices included in the mesh-type network, the number of established connections is equal to or less than the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the maximum number of connections that can be established. For example, when all the connections that can be established in each communication device 100 are established and are being used as communication paths, the communication management unit 212 updates so that one or more communication paths do not pass through the communication device 100, thereby controlling the number of established connections to be equal to or less than the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the maximum number of connections that can be established.

[0185] In one example, the communication management unit 212 assigns priorities to one or more communication paths included in a mesh network with reference to the related information associated with the communication devices involved in the communication paths. The priorities are relatively assigned based on the strength of the connection, the presence or absence of alternative communication paths, and the number of such paths. The information on the priorities associated with each communication path is stored in the storage unit 230 as reference information.

[0186] In one example, when updating the communication path, the communication management unit 212 may perform routing using the communication path with a higher priority so that the number of established connections is equal to or less than the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the maximum number of connections that can be established.

[0187] As a result, while maintaining the mesh network, as shown in FIG. 14, the transmission of the scan beam to the new terminal 100-A that is about to be newly connected to the mesh network can be performed using the available lines.

[0188] Also, in one example, when a new terminal 100-A is about to be connected to a mesh network and the number of established connections of the communication device 100 to which the new terminal 100-A is about to be connected is the maximum number of connections that can be established, the communication management unit 212 may perform a process of disconnecting the connection of one or more communication paths included in the mesh network that have a relatively low priority. As a result, the number of established connections can be made equal to or less than the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the maximum number of connections that can be established. The communication management unit 212 instructs the communication devices constituting the communication path to be disconnected via the instruction unit 214 to disconnect the connection of the communication path with a relatively low priority.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 14 for explanation, the communication management unit 212, for example, for the communication device 100 · The number (maximum number) of connections that can be established is "4" · The established connections are "4" (circuits C07, C05, C06, C08 of established connections between the communication devices 100-7, 100-5, 100-6, 100-8) It is specified as such. By specifying in this way, the communication management unit 212 refers to the reference information in the storage unit 230, compares the priorities of each line C07, C05, C06, C08, and identifies the line that is a relatively low-priority communication path. In FIG. 14, the line C07 is identified as a communication path with a relatively low priority.

[0190] Subsequently, the communication management unit 212 instructs the communication device 100-0 constituting the line C07 to disconnect the connection of the line C07 via the instruction unit 214.

[0191] Due to this disconnection, the communication device 100-0 · The number of connectable connections (maximum number) is "4" · The number of established connections is "3" and a connection that can be established but has not been established occurs, which means a so-called free line.

[0192] By generating a free line in this way, as shown in FIG. 14, the transmission of the scan beam to the new terminal 100-A that attempts to newly connect to the mesh network is performed using that free line.

[0193] As a result, in order to provide one or more free spaces in the established connection lines of each communication device, even when the connection is interrupted, a free line can be newly used to ensure the connection. Therefore, a robust mesh network can be realized.

[0194] Also, in one example, a new terminal 100-A is attempting to connect to a mesh-type network. When the number of established connections of the communication device 100 to which the new terminal 100-A is attempting to connect is the maximum number of connections that can be established, the communication management unit 212 may notify the administrator of the mesh-type network or the like that an additional new terminal (relay terminal) should be added so as to increase the maximum number of connections that can be established for one or more communication devices 100 included in the mesh-type network. As an example, the communication management unit 212 may simulate at which position the relay terminal should be additionally arranged and notify the result.

[0195] Thereby, each communication device 100 can execute a scan and increase the maximum number of connections that can be established. Thereby, the number of established connections can be made to be less than or equal to the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the maximum number of connections that can be established.

[0196] For example, for the communication device 100-0, the communication management unit 212 · sets the number (maximum number) of connections that can be established to "3" · and the number of established connections is "3" When managing, the communication device 100-0 is instructed to re-scan. As a result, the number of connection lines that can be established but have not been established in the communication device 100-0 becomes "1". The communication management unit 212 instructs the communication device 100-0 to establish a connection with the new communication device 100-A using the "1" connection. circuit

[0197] Thereby, even when an established connection is interrupted due to a failure or the like, reconnection becomes possible, and a robust mesh-type network can be formed.

[0198] (Processing Example 5 of the Control Device) As an example, when one or more connections included in an established connection are disconnected, the control unit 210 may instruct one or more communication devices 100 involved in the disconnected connection to re-establish the connection.

[0199] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which a line is disconnected in the mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0200] In one example, the communication management unit 212 manages the number of established connections of each communication device forming the mesh network. · The number of established connections and manages it.

[0201] By the communication management unit 212 managing the number of established connections, it can also manage whether one or more connections included in the established connections have been disconnected. Therefore, when one or more connections included in the established connections are disconnected, the communication management unit 212 instructs one or more communication devices involved in the disconnected connection to re - establish the connection. The instruction to the communication device itself is performed by the instruction unit 214.

[0202] In this way, the communication management unit 212 instructs one or more communication devices involved in the disconnected connection to re - establish the connection. Therefore, the communication management unit 212 manages the communication paths so that each communication device can always be connected by two or more communication paths.

[0203] As an example, the communication management unit 212 manages such that the communication device 100 - 6 is connected by the first system of circuits C13 and C36 and the second system of circuits C12, C25, C05, and C06.

[0204] In this state, when the communication management unit 212 identifies that the circuit C36 has been interrupted, it instructs the communication device 100 - 6 to transmit the scan beam S63 using the second system to attempt to reconnect the circuit C36. When instructing the communication device 100 - 6 to transmit the scan beam S63, the communication management unit 212 sends the terminal coordinate information of the communication device 100 - 3 to the communication device 100 - 6. In this way, by specifying the terminal coordinate information of the communication device, re - connection is made possible even when the connection is interrupted.

[0205] In addition to the case where only one connection is interrupted, there may also be a case where a plurality of connections within a certain range are interrupted. In such a case as well, the communication management unit 212 can issue an instruction for reconnection.

[0206] In FIG. 15, when the communication management unit 212 identifies that the circuits C06, C89, C910, C011, and C1011 are disconnected, the communication management unit 212 calculates a connectable communication path by referring to the related information.

[0207] Based on the calculation result, the communication management unit 212 sends a connection instruction to the communication device (for example, communication device 100-0) in which the communication path is secured via the instruction unit 214.

[0208] The communication device 100-0 that has received the connection instruction transmits a scan beam S09 to the communication device 100-9 to attempt a connection. The communication management unit 212 manages the terminal coordinates of each communication device. Thereby, even when a disconnection occurs, a scan beam can be transmitted toward the communication device to be reconnected.

[0209] Also, while transmitting the scan beam S09 from the communication device 100-0 to the communication device 100-9, a scan beam may be transmitted from the communication device 100-0 to the communication device 100-11 as well.

[0210] When reconnection with the communication device 100-9 becomes possible, a scan beam is transmitted from the communication device 100-9 toward the communication device 100-10 to reconnect the circuit C910.

[0211] As described above, according to the control device of this exemplary embodiment, since reconnection can be performed for one or a plurality of communication devices involved in the disconnected connection, a robust mesh network can be realized.

[0212] (Processing Example 6 of the Control Device) As an example, the control unit 210 may acquire related information related to the communication device from one or more communication devices included in the mesh network, acquire reference information different from the related information, calculate the correlation between the related information and the reference information, and accumulate correlation information indicating the calculated correlation.

[0213] As an example, the acquisition unit 211 of the control unit 210 acquires related information.

[0214] The related information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 is · the line quality of the connection in which the communication device is involved, and · the number of disconnections of the connection in which the communication device is involved and may include at least any one of them.

[0215] Also, the acquisition unit 211 of the control unit 210 acquires reference information different from the related information.

[0216] The reference information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 is · weather information · sensor information acquired by one or more external sensors 300 and may include at least any one of them. The weather information is acquired by the acquisition unit 211 via a communication means different from the mesh network. As an example, the sensor 300 can use a general field sensor for sensing the environment, but may also sense, for example, the amount of sunlight, atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc. The sensor 300 sends sensor information to the control device 200 via the mesh network.

[0217] Also, as an example, the storage management unit 213 of the control unit 210 calculates the correlation between the related information and the reference information. The correlation information is stored by the storage management unit 213 in the storage unit 230.

[0218] The method by which the memory management unit 213 calculates the correlation between the related information and the reference information is not particularly limited. For example, the memory management unit 213 can be configured to calculate the correlation between the related information and the reference information using algorithms such as regression analysis, support vector machine, and principal component analysis.

[0219] By referring to the reference information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 and the correlation information stored by the memory management unit 213, the communication management unit 212 can predict various related information and perform an update (change) of the communication path based on the prediction result. The communication management unit 212 may predict the temporal periodicity, etc. of the related information.

[0220] For example, the communication management unit 212 · the line quality of the connections in which each communication device 100 is involved, and · the number of disconnections of the connections in which each communication device 100 is involved By referring to the correlation information between the related information, which is at least any one of these, and the reference information, the communication management unit 212 predicts the related information and may perform an update (change) of the communication path so as not to include the communication device 100 or connection in which a deterioration in line quality or an increase in the number of disconnections is predicted. Additionally, the communication management unit 212 may perform an update (change) of the communication path based on the prediction result of related information such as the load status of each communication device 100 That is, the communication management unit 212 is an example of one realization of the update means in the claims.

[0221] As an example, the communication management unit 212 refers to the correlation information and predicts a decrease in line quality or a disconnection of the line.

[0222] As an example, for the communication management unit 212, with respect to the communication device 100-0 for example, it refers to the correlation information and predicts a decrease in line quality or a disconnection of the line. As an example, based on the predicted result, a risk level (if the risk level is high, it indicates a high risk of disconnection) is assigned. As an example, in FIG. 16, regarding the plurality of lines C05, C06, C08 established with the communication device 100-0, for example, when the irradiation direction of sunlight is parallel to the direction of the communication medium, there is a high risk of communication disconnection. When constructing the risk level based on this, the line C06 between the communication device 100-0 and the communication device 100-6 is predicted to have the highest risk level. Next, the line C08 between the communication device 100-0 and the communication device 100-8 has a high risk level, and the line C05 between the communication device 100-0 and the communication device 100-5 is predicted to have the lowest risk level. Based on this prediction result, the communication management unit 212 updates (changes) the communication path to prioritize the communication path using the circuit C05.

[0223] Also, in this exemplary embodiment, as an example, the communication management unit 212 refers to the prediction result and updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network, and for each of the one or more communication devices included in the mesh network, · The number of established connections is managed.

[0224] As an example, the instruction unit 214 instructs one or more communication devices involved in the disconnected connection to re-establish the connection. At this time, the instruction unit 214 · Reference information · Correlation information · Prediction result refers to at least any one of them and instructs the re-establishment of the connection.

[0225] Also, as an example, the communication management unit 212 refers to the correlation information and determines the timing of reconnecting the disconnected communication path. The timing is the timing of transmitting the scan beam.

[0226] (Effect by this processing example) According to the communication system of the present exemplary embodiment, since a communication path to be preferentially connected is set, the sustainability of communication can be improved, and a robust mesh network can be realized.

[0227] 〔Example of Realization by Software〕 Some or all of the functions of the communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 100, 100-0 to 100-11, 100-A may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or may be realized by software.

[0228] In the latter case, the communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 100, 100-0 to 100-8, 100-A are realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program that is software for realizing each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in FIG. 17. Computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. A program P for operating computer C as communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 100, 100-0 to 100-8, 100-A is recorded in memory C2. In computer C, processor C1 reads and executes program P from memory C2, whereby each function of communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 100, 100-0 to 100-8, 100-A is realized.

[0229] As the processor C1, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPU (Floating point number Processing Unit), PPU (Physics Processing Unit), microcontroller, or a combination thereof can be used. As the memory C2, for example, a flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof can be used.

[0230] Note that the computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and temporarily storing various data. Also, the computer C may further include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. Also, the computer C may further include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, display, and printer.

[0231] Also, the program P can be recorded on a non-transitory tangible recording medium M readable by the computer C. As such a recording medium M, for example, a tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuit can be used. The computer C can obtain the program P via such a recording medium M. Also, the program P can be transmitted via a transmission medium. As such a transmission medium, for example, a communication network or broadcast wave can be used. The computer C can also obtain the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0232] 〔Supplementary Note 1〕 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0233] [Supplementary Note 2] Some or all of the above-described embodiments may also be described as follows. However, the present invention is not limited to the aspects described below.

[0234] (Supplementary Note 1) A communication system including a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh-type network and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices. Each of the plurality of communication devices One or more communication means configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, Specifying means for specifying one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using the one or more communication means, Connection establishment means for establishing a connection with one or more connection partner candidates specified by the specifying means Including, The control device Control means for controlling the plurality of communication devices A communication system provided with.

[0235] According to the above configuration, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0236] (Supplementary Note 2) The control means Obtaining means for obtaining related information related to at least one of the plurality of communication devices from the at least one communication device, Storage means for storing the related information obtained by the obtaining means The communication system according to Supplementary Note 1, comprising.

[0237] According to the above configuration, the control means can control the communication network by referring to the related information related to the communication device.

[0238] (Appendix 3) The control means by referring to the related information obtained by the acquisition means, monitors at least one of the plurality of communication devices, and controls the connection in the mesh network The communication system according to Appendix 2, which performs at least any one of the above.

[0239] According to the above configuration, in a mesh network, the connection and disconnection between communication devices can be controlled.

[0240] (Appendix 4) The related information related to the communication device includes the connection status of the access link, and the connection status of the backbone link The communication system according to Appendix 2 or 3, which includes at least any one of the above.

[0241] According to the above configuration, based on the connection status of the access link and the connection status of the backbone link, the connection and disconnection between communication devices can be controlled.

[0242] (Appendix 5) The related information related to the communication device includes the location information of the communication device, and the load status of the communication device The communication system according to any one of Appendices 2 to 4, which includes at least any one of the above.

[0243] According to the above configuration, based on at least any one of the location information of the communication device and the load status of the communication device, the connection and disconnection between communication devices can be controlled.

[0244] (Appendix 6) The related information related to the communication device includes The number of established connections in which the communication apparatus is involved, and the connection status of the connections in which the communication apparatus is involved, A communication system according to any one of Appendices 2 to 5, including at least any one of them.

[0245] According to the above configuration, the connection and disconnection between communication apparatuses can be controlled based on at least any one of the number of established connections in which the communication apparatus is involved and the connection status of the connections in which the communication apparatus is involved.

[0246] (Appendix 7) The connection status of the connections in which the communication apparatus is involved includes the line quality of the connections in which the communication apparatus is involved, and the number of interruptions of the connections in which the communication apparatus is involved A communication system according to Appendix 6, including at least any one of them.

[0247] According to the above configuration, the connection and disconnection between communication apparatuses can be controlled based on at least any one of the line quality of the connections in which the communication apparatus is involved and the number of interruptions of the connections in which the communication apparatus is involved.

[0248] (Appendix 8) The related information related to the communication apparatus includes information regarding the influence from the environment on the connections in which the communication apparatus is involved A communication system according to any one of Appendices 2 to 7, including it.

[0249] According to the above configuration, the connection and disconnection between communication apparatuses can be controlled based on the information regarding the influence from the environment on the connections in which the communication apparatus is involved.

[0250] (Appendix 9) The information regarding the influence from the environment on the connections in which the communication apparatus is involved includes information regarding the influence of sunlight on the connections A system according to Appendix 8, including the information communication system.

[0251] According to the above configuration, based on the influence of sunlight on the connection, the connection and disconnection between communication devices can be controlled.

[0252] (Appendix 10) The control means assigns priorities to one or more communication paths included in the mesh network by referring to the relevant information related to the communication devices involved in the communication path, and performs control on the communication path to which the priority is assigned according to the priority, as described in any one of Appendices 2 to 9 communication system.

[0253] According to the above configuration, the communication path can be controlled based on the priority assigned by referring to the relevant information.

[0254] (Appendix 11) The control means includes monitoring means for monitoring a boundary terminal that is a communication device connecting another network and the mesh network among the plurality of communication devices and is the system according to any one of Appendices 2 to 10 communication system.

[0255] According to the above configuration, by monitoring boundary terminals where the traffic load is likely to increase, it is possible to control the necessity of adding boundary terminals and the communication paths to be connected.

[0256] (Appendix 12) The control means assigns priorities to the communication partner candidates specified by the specifying means by referring to the relevant information related to each communication partner candidate, and controls the connection by the connection establishment means according to the priority , the communication system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 10 .

[0257] (Appendix 13) A control device that controls a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, each of the plurality of communication devices One or more communication means configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, identifying means for identifying one or more connection partner candidates by executing a scan using the one or more communication means, connection establishment means for establishing a connection with one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identifying means and the control device includes control means for controlling the plurality of communication devices A control device provided with.

[0258] According to the above configuration, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0259] (Appendix 14) A control method for a communication system including a plurality of communication devices capable of configuring a mesh network and a control device for controlling the plurality of communication devices, each of the plurality of communication devices identifies one or more connection partner candidates by executing a scan using one or more communication means configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, and establishes a connection with the identified one or more connection partner candidates, and the control device controls the plurality of communication devices A control method for a communication system including.

[0260] According to the above configuration, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0261] [Appendix Item 3] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-061073 filed on March 31, 2021, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

Explanation of Signs

[0262] 1 Communication system 10, 10-1 to 10-4 Communication device 11 Communication unit (communication means) 12 Specific unit (specific means) 13 Connection establishment unit (connection establishment means) 20 Control device 21 Control unit 100-0 to 100-11, 100-A Communication device 131 Acquisition unit 132 Communication management unit (specific means, connection establishment means) 133 Memory management unit 150 Memory unit 110-1, 110-2 First communication unit (communication means) 120 Second communication unit 200 Control device 211 Acquisition unit (acquisition means, related information acquisition means, connection request acquisition means, request acquisition means) 212 Communication management unit (memory means) 213 Memory management unit (memory means) 214 Instruction unit 230 Memory unit

Claims

1. A communication system including a plurality of communication devices capable of configuring a mesh-type network and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, wherein each of the plurality of communication devices includes a plurality of communication means configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving a directional communication medium, identifying means for identifying one or more connection partner candidates by executing a scan using the plurality of communication means, connection establishment means for establishing a connection with one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identifying means, wherein each of the plurality of communication means is arranged to target a range of different azimuth angles for transmission and reception of the directional communication medium, and the control device includes control means for controlling the plurality of communication devices.

2. The identifying means identifies the direction of the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the response beam received as a response to the scan, and the connection establishment means transmits a connection request beam to the connection partner candidate whose direction has been identified. The communication system according to claim 1.

3. The control means includes acquisition means for acquiring related information related to at least one of the plurality of communication devices from the at least one communication device, and the control means performs at least one of monitoring at least one of the plurality of communication devices and controlling connections in the mesh-type network with reference to the related information acquired by the acquisition means. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The related information related to the communication device includes at least one of the connection status of the access link and the connection status of the backbone link. The communication system according to claim 3.

5. The related information related to the communication device includes at least one of the position information of the communication device and the load status of the communication device. The communication system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The related information related to the communication device includes information regarding the influence from the environment on the connection in which the communication device is involved. The communication system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The control means assigns a priority to one or more communication paths included in the mesh-type network with reference to related information related to the communication devices involved in the communication path, and performs control regarding the communication path to which the priority has been assigned according to the priority. The communication system according to any one of claims 3 to 6. ​ ​ ​ ​

8. The control means includes: monitoring means for monitoring a boundary terminal which is a communication device among the plurality of communication devices and connects the other network and the mesh network; The communication system according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

9. The control means: assigns priorities to communication partner candidates specified by the specifying means by referring to related information related to each communication partner candidate; controls connection by the connection establishing means according to the priorities. The communication system according to any one of claims 3 to 8.

10. A control method executed by a communication device capable of configuring a mesh network, wherein the communication device is configured to be able to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, and is provided with a plurality of communication means arranged so that a range of azimuth angles different from those of other communication means is the target of transmission and reception of the directional communication medium, performs a scan using the plurality of communication means, identifies the direction of the connection partner candidate based on the direction of the response beam received from the connection partner candidate as a response to the scan, transmits a connection request beam to the connection partner candidate whose direction has been identified, and establishes a connection with the connection partner candidate.

Images