Information processing device, information management device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

An information processing device (4) according to the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition unit (401) that acquires an existing gate control list; and a gate control list generation unit (402) that determines that an earliest vacant time slot after a time slot (TS) obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot (TS) of a (i-1)th communication device (3(i-1)) is an estimate time slot, calculates a total delay jitter that is the sum total of a cumulative value of delay jitter and a delay jitter in a case where an ith communication device transmits a frame in the estimate time slot, determines that the estimate time slot is a time slot (TS) in which the ith communication device (3i) transmits frames using a new flow if the total delay jitter is assessed to be equal to or less than a permissible value of jitter, and generates a new gate control list indicating that the ith communication device (3i) transmits frames in the time slot (TS).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information management device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Time Aware Shaper (TAS) is a known technology in which a communication device outputs frames via a network according to a Gate Control List (GCL) (see Non-Patent Document 1). By using TAS, frame output is deterministically controlled.

[0003] As shown in Fig. 10, the GCL is composed of a plurality of time slots TS arranged in chronological order. Each time slot TS has a predetermined time that divides the communication time of the communication device 3 into fixed intervals. The GCL indicates whether or not a frame is transmitted in each time slot TS. Fig. 10 shows an example of a GCL in which a plurality of communication devices 9A, 9B, and 9C transmit frames in sequence, and the predetermined time of each time slot TS is 1 μs, with a propagation delay of 1 μs.

[0004] 10 stipulates that communication device 9A transmits a frame in time slot TS "0," that communication device 9B receiving the frame transmits a frame in time slot TS "1," and that communication device 9C receiving the frame transmits a frame in time slot TS "2." In this example, frames are transmitted from communication device 9A at a cycle of 4 μs, and the GCL stipulates that communication device 9A transmits a frame in time slot TS "4," that communication device 9B receiving the frame transmits a frame in time slot TS "5," and that communication device 9C receiving the frame transmits a frame in time slot TS "6." Note that in FIG. 10 , the time slots TS from which communication device 9A, communication device 9B, and communication device 9C transmit frames are hatched. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] “802.1Qbv - Enhancements for Scheduled Traffic”, [online], [Retrieved August 29, 2022], Internet<URL:https: / / www.ieee802.org / 1 / pages / 802.1bv.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when multiple communication devices 9A, 9B, and 9C transmit frames using multiple flows with different cycles, congestion may occur in the communication interface of one or more of the communication devices 9A, 9B, and 9C. Specifically, Fig. 11A shows an example in which multiple communication devices 9A, 9B, and 9C transmit frames using a first flow at a cycle of 4 μs and a second flow at a cycle of 3 μs.

[0007] 11A, the GCL specifies that, according to the first flow, communication device 9A transmits a frame in time slot TS "0," communication device 9B that receives the frame transmits a frame in time slot TS "1," and communication device 9C that receives the frame further transmits a frame in time slot TS "2." Furthermore, because frames are transmitted at a cycle of 4 μs in the first flow, the GCL specifies that, according to the first flow, communication device 9A transmits a frame in time slot TS "4," communication device 9B that receives the frame transmits a frame in time slot TS "5," and communication device 9C that receives the frame further transmits a frame in time slot TS "6."

[0008] 11A, the GCL specifies that, according to the second flow, communication device 9A transmits a frame in time slot TS "1," communication device 9B that receives the frame transmits a frame in time slot TS "2," and communication device 9C that receives the frame further transmits a frame in time slot TS "3." Furthermore, because frames are transmitted at a cycle of 3 μs in the second flow, the GCL specifies that, according to the second flow, communication device 9A transmits a frame in time slot TS "4," communication device 9B that receives the frame transmits a frame in time slot TS "5," and communication device 9C that receives the frame further transmits a frame in time slot TS "6."

[0009] In this way, congestion is expected to occur in the frame transmission in time slot TS "4" of communication device 9A, the frame transmission in time slot TS "5" of communication device 9B, and the frame transmission in time slot TS "6" of communication device 9C. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11B, the GCL changes the time slot TS in which each of communication devices 9A, 9B, and 9C transmits frames of the first flow to a later time slot TS. In this case, delay fluctuation occurs in the transmission of frames of the first flow.

[0010] 12A, when a frame is transmitted from another communication device 91 to communication device 9C, which is one of the plurality of communication devices 9, via a different communication network, congestion is expected to occur in time slot TS "6" between the transmission of the frame by communication device 9C and the transmission of a frame received by communication device 9C from communication device 9B. Therefore, in order to avoid congestion, in GCL, as shown in FIG. 12B, the TS in which communication device 9C transmits the frame received from communication device 9B is changed to a later time slot TS. In this case, delay fluctuation also occurs in the transmission of the frame received from communication device 9B.

[0011] In consideration of such circumstances, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information management device, an information processing method, and a program that can reduce delays and suppress a decrease in accommodation efficiency in communications between multiple communication devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires an existing gate control list indicating a transmission schedule of frames according to an existing flow from at least an i-th communication device (i is an integer of 2 or more) that transmits the frame in the i-th order among a plurality of communication devices that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver, and an acquisition unit that determines, as an estimation time slot, an empty time slot that is not specified as a time slot for transmitting a frame in the existing gate control list and that is the earliest time slot after a time slot obtained by adding a propagation delay to a time slot of an (i-1)-th communication device that transmits the frame to the i-th communication device, and ... for transmitting the frame among the plurality of communication devices. a gate control list generation unit that calculates a total delay variation, which is the sum of a cumulative value of delay variation when each of the first communication device to the (i-1)th communication device that transmits the frame transmits the frame and a delay variation when the i-th communication device transmits the frame in the estimation time slot, determines whether the total delay variation is equal to or less than a fluctuation tolerance, and if it is determined that the total delay variation is equal to or less than the fluctuation tolerance, determines the estimation time slot as a time slot in which the i-th communication device will transmit the frame by a new flow, and generates a new gate control list indicating that the i-th communication device will transmit the frame in that time slot.

[0013] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, the information management device disclosed herein stores an existing gate control list indicating a frame transmission schedule according to an existing flow, obtained from at least the i-th communication device (i is an integer greater than or equal to 2) that transmits the frame in the i-th order among a plurality of communication devices that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver; a delay variation tolerance value set based on the end-to-end delay that is permissible in transmitting a frame from the transmitter to the receiver; and a delay variation that is the time from the time slot in which the (i-1)th communication device, which transmits a frame in the (i-1)th order among the plurality of communication devices, transmits a frame, plus a propagation delay, to the time slot in which the i-th communication device transmits the frame.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problem, an information processing method according to the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by an information processing device, and includes the steps of: acquiring an existing gate control list indicating a transmission schedule of frames according to an existing flow from at least an i-th communication device (i is an integer of 2 or more) that transmits the frame in the i-th order (i is an integer of 2 or more) among a plurality of communication devices that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver; determining, as an estimation time slot, the earliest available time slot that is not specified as a time slot for transmitting a frame in the existing gate control list and that is subsequent to a time slot obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot of the (i-1)-th communication device that transmits the frame to the i-th communication device; The method includes the steps of: calculating a total delay variation, which is the sum of the cumulative value of delay variation when each of the communication devices, from the first communication device that transmits the frame first to the (i-1)th communication device, transmits the frame; and the delay variation when the i-th communication device transmits the frame in the estimation time slot; determining whether the total delay variation is equal to or less than a fluctuation tolerance; if it is determined that the total delay variation is equal to or less than the fluctuation tolerance, determining the estimation time slot as the time slot in which the i-th communication device will transmit the frame using a new flow; and generating a new gate control list indicating that the i-th communication device will transmit the frame in that time slot.

[0015] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to the present disclosure causes a computer to operate as the above-described information processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the information processing device, information management device, information processing method, and program disclosed herein, it is possible to reduce delays and suppress a decrease in accommodation efficiency in communications between multiple communication devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating an example of the communication device illustrated in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating an example of the information processing device illustrated in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram for explaining a process of determining a time slot by the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device shown in FIG. [Figure 6A] 2 is a part of a flowchart showing a detailed example of the operation of the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6B] 2 is the remaining part of the flowchart showing a detailed example of the operation of the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of determining a time slot by another information processing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of the information processing system shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing device illustrated in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a GCL. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a GCL. [Figure 11B] 11B is an example of a GCL that eliminates the congestion that occurs in the GCL shown in FIG. 11A. [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a GCL. [Figure 12B] 12B is an example of a GCL that eliminates the congestion that occurs in the GCL shown in FIG. 12A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The overall configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0019] The information processing system 100 includes a transmitter 1, a receiver 2, a plurality of communication devices 3, and an information processing device 4. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the plurality of communication devices 3 are four communication devices 31, 32, 33, and 34, but the number of communication devices 3 is not limited.

[0020] <Configuration of communication device> 2, a plurality of communication devices 3 sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter 1 to a receiver 2. The communication devices 3 execute communication using TAS technology in the TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) standard. Each communication device 3 includes a receiving unit 301, a frame storage unit 302, a list storage unit 303, a control unit 304, and a transmitting unit 305. The communication devices 3 are network nodes such as switches and routers.

[0021] The receiving unit 301 and the transmitting unit 305 are configured by a communication interface. The communication interface may use standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The frame storage unit 302 and the list storage unit 303 are configured by memory. The buffer memory and memory may be a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM). The control unit 304 is configured by a controller. The controller may be configured by dedicated hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor, or a combination of both.

[0022] The receiving unit 301 receives frames transmitted from the transmitter 1. The receiving unit 301 of the communication device 31 receives frames from the transmitter 1, and the receiving unit 301 of the communication device 32 receives frames from the communication device 31. Similarly, the receiving unit 301 of the communication device 3i (i=2 to N (N is an integer of 2 or more)) receives frames from the communication device 3(i-1).

[0023] Frame storage unit 302 stores frames received by receiving unit 301. The frames stored in frame storage unit 302 are transmitted under the control of control unit 304 based on the GCL. Therefore, frame storage unit 302 functions as a queue that stores frames until they are transmitted by control unit 304.

[0024] The list storage unit 303 stores a GCL. Specifically, the list storage unit 303 stores an existing gate control list (existing GCL) that indicates a transmission schedule of frames by an existing flow. Furthermore, when the information processing device 4 generates a new gate control list (new GCL) that indicates a transmission schedule of frames by a new flow, the list storage unit 303 stores the new GCL.

[0025] The control unit 304 controls the transmitting unit 305 to transmit the frames stored in the list storage unit 303 based on the GCL stored in the list storage unit 303 .

[0026] The transmitting unit 305 transmits the frames stored in the frame storage unit 302 under the control of the control unit 304 .

[0027] <Configuration of information processing device> 3, the information processing device 4 includes an acquisition unit 401, a gate control list generation unit (GCL generation unit) 402, a design information storage unit (information management device) 403, and an output unit 404. Note that the design information storage unit 403 may be provided as an information management device separately from the information processing device 4.

[0028] The acquisition unit 401 is configured by an input interface. The input interface may include a communication interface. The GCL generation unit 402 is configured by a controller. The design information storage unit 403 is configured by a memory. The output unit 404 is configured by an output interface. The output interface may include a communication interface.

[0029] The acquisition unit 401 acquires an existing GCL indicating a frame transmission schedule according to an existing flow from at least a communication device 3i (ith communication device) (i is an integer equal to or greater than 2 (i=2 to N)) that transmits a frame for the i-th time among the multiple communication devices 3. In the example of the information processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the acquisition unit 401 acquires the existing GCL of each of the multiple communication devices 3. Each of the existing GCLs acquired from the multiple communication devices 3 indicates whether or not the respective communication device 3 will transmit a frame in each time slot TS according to the existing flow. The acquisition unit 401 may receive the existing GCL from each of the multiple communication devices 3 via a network, or may accept input of the existing GCL of each of the multiple communication devices 3 stored in any storage medium via an input interface.

[0030] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the existing GCL of communication device 31 indicates that communication device 31 will transmit frames using an existing flow from time slot TS "4" to time slot TS "10" and from time slot TS "12" to time slot TS "14" (the dotted portions of communication device 31 in Fig. 4). Furthermore, the existing GCL of communication device 32 indicates that communication device 32 will transmit frames using an existing flow from time slot TS "1", time slot TS "2", time slot TS "5" to time slot TS "11", time slot TS "16", and time slot TS "17" (the dotted portions of communication device 32 in Fig. 4). Furthermore, the existing GCL of communication device 33 indicates that communication device 32 will transmit frames using an existing flow from time slot TS "3", time slot TS "7" to time slot TS "13", and time slot TS "15" to time slot TS "17" (the dotted portions of communication device 33 in Fig. 4).

[0031] The GCL generation unit 402 determines a time slot TS in which each of the multiple communication devices 3 will transmit frames, based on the existing GCL of each of the multiple communication devices 3, so that the total delay variation, which is the sum of the delay variation in the transmission of frames by the new flow, is equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance. Then, the GCL generation unit 402 generates a new GCL indicating that the communication device 3 will transmit frames in the determined time slot TS. The delay variation tolerance is a value determined based on the end-to-end delay that is tolerated in the transmission of frames from the transmitter 1 to the receiver 2, and can be a value equal to or less than the end-to-end delay.

[0032] The GCL generation unit 402 generates a time slot TS in which the communication device 31, which is the first communication device to transmit a frame first among the plurality of communication devices, transmits a frame for the first time according to a new flow. 11 , and the time slot TS for transmitting the frame for the kth time (k is an integer equal to or greater than 2). 1kFurthermore, the GCL generation unit 402 determines the time slot TS in which the ith communication device 3i, which is to transmit a frame for the first time among the plurality of communication devices, transmits a frame for the first time according to the new flow. i1 , and the time slot TS for transmitting the kth frame. ik The process by which the GCL generating unit 402 determines the time slot TS will be described in detail later.

[0033] The design information storage unit 403 stores an existing GCL indicating a transmission schedule of frames according to an existing flow, acquired from at least the communication device 3i among the plurality of communication devices 3 that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted by the transmitter 1 to the receiver 2. The design information storage unit 403 also stores a delay variation tolerance value set based on an end-to-end delay that is permissible in transmitting frames from the transmitter 1 to the receiver 2. The design information storage unit 403 also stores a delay variation J ik The delay fluctuation J is memorized. ik is the time from the time slot TS in which communication device 3(i-1) of the multiple communication devices 3 transmits a frame plus a propagation delay to the time slot TS in which communication device 3i transmits a frame.

[0034] The output unit 404 outputs the new GCL for each of the plurality of communication devices 3 to the corresponding communication device 3 under the control of the GCL generation unit 402 .

[0035] <Determining the time slot for the first frame transmission by each communication device> (Time slot for first frame transmission by communication device 31) First, the GCL generation unit 402 selects, from among the free time slots in the existing GCL of the communication device 31, a time slot TS in which the communication device 31 will transmit a frame for the first time according to a new flow. 11 An empty time slot is a time slot TS in which no frame is specified to be transmitted in the existing GCL. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the GCL generation unit 402 determines the time slot TS in which a frame is to be transmitted for the first time.11 is determined to be time slot TS "3".

[0036] (Time slot for first frame transmission by communication device 32) The GCL generation unit 402 generates the time slot TS of the communication device 31. 11 The earliest available time slot after the time slot TS, which is obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot TS, is determined as the time slot for estimation.

[0037] For example, the GCL generation unit 402 generates a delay variation J 21 is set to 0, and the time slot TS 11 2. Propagation delay and delay fluctuation 21 The GCL generating unit 402 determines whether the time slot TS obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot. 21 If it is determined that the time slot is not free, the delay variation J 21 Add one time slot TS to the time slot TS again. 11 , propagation delay and delay fluctuation J 21 The GCL generating unit 402 determines whether the time slot TS obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot. 11 , propagation delay and delay fluctuation J 21 If it is determined that the time slot TS obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot, the time slot TS is determined to be the time slot for estimation.

[0038] Then, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the cumulative value of the delay fluctuation (total delay fluctuation Jsum 11 ) and the delay fluctuation and J when the communication device 32 transmits a frame in the estimation time slot. 21 The total delay variation Jsum is the sum of 21 The total delay variation Jsum when the communication device 31 transmits a frame for the first time is calculated. 11 is 0, so the total delay fluctuation Jsum 11 is 0. Therefore, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum 21Delay fluctuation J 21 Then, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum 21 is equal to or less than the fluctuation tolerance.

[0039] The GCL generation unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum 21 is determined to be equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance, the estimation time slot is set to the time slot TS 21 Furthermore, the GCL generating unit 402 determines the total delay variation Jsum 21 If it is determined that the delay variation is greater than the delay variation tolerance, it is determined not to generate a new GCL.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 4, as described above, the GCL generation unit 402 generates a time slot TS in which the communication device 31 transmits frames of a new flow. 11 Therefore, the GCL generating unit 402 determines the delay variation J 21 is set to 0, and the propagation delay is set to 1 μs and the delay fluctuation is set to J for time slot TS “3”. 21 In this example, GCL generation unit 402 determines that time slot TS "4" is an empty time slot, and therefore determines that the time slot for estimation is time slot TS "4."

[0041] Then, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the cumulative value of the delay fluctuation (total delay fluctuation Jsum 11 ) is 0 μs, and the communication device 32 transmits a frame for the first time in the estimation time slot (TS “4”). 21 Since the total delay variation is 0 μs, the GCL generation unit 402 determines that the total delay variation of 0 μs is equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance of 2 μs, and sets the time slot TS “4” that is the estimation time slot as the time slot TS “5” in which the communication device 32 transmits a frame. 21 It is decided that:

[0042] (Time slot for first frame transmission by communication device 3i) Similarly, the GCL generation unit 402 generates the time slot TS of the communication device 3(i-1). (i-1)1 The earliest available time slot after the time slot TS obtained by adding the propagation delay to the time slot TS is determined as the time slot for estimation.

[0043] For example, the GCL generation unit 402 generates a delay variation J i1 is set to 0, and the time slot TS (i-1)1 2. Propagation delay and delay fluctuation i1 If the GCL generating unit 402 determines that the time slot TS is not an empty time slot, it determines whether the delay variation J i1 Add one time slot TS to the time slot TS again. i1 2. Propagation delay and delay fluctuation i1 The GCL generating unit 402 determines whether the time slot TS obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot. (i-1)1 2. Propagation delay and delay fluctuation i1 If it is determined that the time slot TS obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot, the time slot TS is determined to be the time slot for estimation.

[0044] Then, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the cumulative value of delay fluctuation (total delay fluctuation Jsum (i-1)1 ) and the delay variation J when the communication device 3i transmits a frame in the estimation time slot. i1 The total delay variation Jsum is the sum of i1 The GCL generation unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum i1 The GCL generation unit 402 determines whether the total delay variation Jsum i1 is determined to be equal to or less than the delay fluctuation tolerance, the estimation time slot is set to the time slot TS i1Furthermore, the GCL generation unit 402 determines the delay variation J when the communication device 3i transmits a frame in the estimation time slot. i1 If it is determined that the delay variation is greater than the delay variation tolerance, it is determined not to generate a new GCL.

[0045] <Determining the time slot for the second frame transmission by each communication device> (Time slot for second frame transmission by communication device 31) The GCL generation unit 402 determines the time slot TS in which the communication device 31 transmits frames for the second time and thereafter, based on the frame transmission period of the new flow and the existing GCL.

[0046] Specifically, first, the GCL generating unit 402 generates a time slot TS in which the communication device 31 transmits a frame for the first time. 11 The earliest available time slot after the time slot TS obtained by adding one time period to the time slot TS is determined as the time slot for estimation.

[0047] For example, the GCL generation unit 402 generates a delay variation J 12 is set to 0, and the time slot TS 11 , 1x period and delay fluctuation J 12 If the GCL generating unit 402 determines that the time slot TS obtained by adding the delay variation J is not an empty time slot, the GCL generating unit 402 determines whether the time slot TS obtained by adding the delay variation J is an empty time slot. 12 Add one time slot TS to the time slot TS again. 11 , 1x period and delay fluctuation J 12 The GCL generation unit 402 determines whether the time slot TS obtained by adding the period and the delay variation J is an empty time slot. 12 If it is determined that the time slot TS obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot, the time slot TS is determined to be the time slot for estimation.

[0048] Then, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the cumulative value of the delay fluctuation (total delay fluctuation Jsum 11 ) and the delay variation J when the communication device 31 transmits a frame for the second time in the estimation time slot. 12 The total delay variation Jsum is the sum of 12 Calculate the total delay fluctuation Jsum 11 is 0, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum 12 Delay fluctuation J 12 Then, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum 12 The GCL generation unit 402 determines whether the total delay variation Jsum 12 is determined to be equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance, the estimation time slot is set to the time slot TS 12 The GCL generation unit 402 determines the total delay variation Jsum 12 If it is determined that the delay variation is greater than the delay variation tolerance, it is determined not to generate a new GCL.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the GCL generation unit 402 generates a delay variation J 12 is set to 0, and the time slot TS 11 The time slot TS "3" has a period of 1x 7 μs and a delay fluctuation of J 12 The GCL generating unit 402 determines whether the time slot TS "10" to which the delay variation J is added is an empty time slot. 12 Add one time slot TS to the time slot TS again. 11 , 1x period and delay fluctuation J 12 GCL generation section 402 determines whether time slot TS "11" obtained by adding these is an empty time slot. GCL generation section 402 determines that time slot TS "11" is an empty time slot, and therefore determines time slot TS "11" to be the time slot for estimation.

[0050] Then, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the cumulative value of the delay fluctuation (total delay fluctuation Jsum 11 ) and the delay fluctuation J when the communication device 31 transmits a frame in the estimation time slot (TS “11”) for the second time. 12 The total delay fluctuation Jsum is the sum of 1 μs 12 Then, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay fluctuation Jsum 12 The GCL generating unit 402 determines whether the total delay variation Jsum 12 In order to determine that 1 μs is equal to or less than 2 μs, which is the delay fluctuation tolerance, the estimation time slot (TS “11”) is set to the time slot TS 12 It is decided that:

[0051] (Time slot for second frame transmission by communication device 32) The GCL generation unit 402 generates the time slot TS of the communication device 31. 12 The earliest available time slot after the time slot TS, which is obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot TS, is determined as the time slot for estimation.

[0052] Then, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the cumulative value of the delay fluctuation (total delay fluctuation Jsum 12 ) and the delay variation J when the communication device 32 transmits a frame in the estimation time slot. 22 The total delay variation Jsum is the sum of 22 Furthermore, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum 22 The GCL generation unit 402 determines whether the total delay fluctuation Jsum 22 is determined to be equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance, the estimation time slot is set to the time slot TS 22 The GCL generation unit 402 determines the total delay variation Jsum 22If it is determined that the delay variation is greater than the delay variation tolerance, it is determined not to generate a new GCL.

[0053] The GCL generating unit 402 generates the time slot TS 22 The detailed method for determining the time slot TS 21 as well as the detailed method for determining

[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 4, as described above, the GCL generation unit 402 generates the time slot TS 12 Therefore, the GCL generating unit 402 determines the delay variation J 22 is set to 0, and the propagation delay is set to 1 μs and the delay fluctuation is set to J for the time slot TS “11”. 22 It is determined whether the time slot TS "12" obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot. In this example, GCL generation unit 402 determines that time slot TS "12" is an empty time slot, and therefore determines that the estimation time slot is time slot TS "12".

[0055] Then, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum when the communication device 31 transmits the frame for the second time. 12 is 1 μs, and the delay variation J when the communication device 32 transmits a frame for the second time in the estimation time slot “12” is 22 is 0 μs, so the total delay fluctuation is Jsum 22 Therefore, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum 22 The communication device 32 determines that the delay variation tolerance of 1 μs is equal to or less than 2 μs, and sets the estimation time slot (TS “12”) as the time slot TS 22 It is decided that:

[0056] (Time slot for second frame transmission by communication device 3i) Similarly, the GCL generation unit 402 generates the time slot TS of the communication device 3(i-1) that transmits a frame to the communication device 3i among the plurality of communication devices 3. (i-1)2The earliest available time slot after the time slot TS, which is obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot TS, is determined as the time slot for estimation.

[0057] Then, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the cumulative value of the delay fluctuation (total delay fluctuation Jsum (i-1)2 ) and the delay variation J when the communication device 3i transmits a frame for the second time in the estimation time slot. i2 The total delay variation Jsum is the sum of i2 Then, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum i2 The GCL generation unit 402 determines whether the total delay fluctuation Jsum i2 is determined to be equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance, the estimation time slot is set to the time slot TS i2 The GCL generation unit 402 determines the total delay variation Jsum i2 If it is determined that the delay variation is greater than the delay variation tolerance, it is determined not to generate a new GCL.

[0058] It should be noted that the GCL generating unit 402 generates the time slot TS i2 The detailed method for determining the time slot TS 21 as well as the detailed method for determining

[0059] <Determination of the time slot for the kth frame transmission by each communication device> (Time slot of k-th frame transmission by communication device 31) The GCL generation unit 402 generates a time slot TS in which the communication device 31 transmits a frame for the first time. 11 The earliest time slot TS after the time slot obtained by adding (k-1) times the period to , is the time slot TS in which the communication device 31 transmits the frame for the kth time. 1k It is decided that:

[0060] For example, the GCL generation unit 402 generates a delay variation J 1k is set to 0, and the time slot TS1(k―1) Then, (k-1) times the period and delay fluctuation J 1k If the GCL generating unit 402 determines that the time slot TS is not an empty time slot, it determines whether the delay variation J 1k Add the time for one time slot TS to the time slot TS and then add the time for one time slot TS again. 1(k―1) Then, (k-1) times the period and delay fluctuation J 1k The GCL generating unit 402 determines whether the time slot TS obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot. 1(k―1) Then, (k-1) times the period and delay fluctuation J 1k If it is determined that the time slot TS obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot, the time slot TS is determined to be the time slot for estimation.

[0061] Then, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the cumulative value of delay (total delay fluctuation Jsum 1(k-1) ) and the delay variation J when the communication device 31 transmits a frame in the estimation time slot for the kth time. 1k The total delay variation Jsum is the sum of 1k Then, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum 1k The GCL generation unit 402 determines whether the total delay variation Jsum 1k is determined to be equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance, the estimation time slot is set to the time slot TS 1k Furthermore, the GCL generating unit 402 determines the total delay variation Jsum 1k If it is determined that the delay variation is greater than the delay variation tolerance, it is determined not to generate a new GCL.

[0062] (time slot of k-th frame transmission by communication device 3i) The GCL generation unit 402 generates the time slot TS of the communication device 3(i-1). (i-1)kThe earliest available time slot after the time slot TS, which is obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot TS, is determined as the time slot for estimation.

[0063] For example, the GCL generation unit 402 generates a delay variation J ik is set to 0, and the time slot TS (i-1)k 2. Propagation delay and delay fluctuation ik If the GCL generating unit 402 determines that the time slot TS is not an empty time slot, it determines whether the delay variation J ik The GCL generating unit 402 adds one time slot TS to the time slot TS and again determines whether the time slot TS is an empty time slot. (i-1)k 2. Propagation delay and delay fluctuation 21 If it is determined that the time slot TS obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot, the time slot TS is determined to be the time slot for estimation.

[0064] Then, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the cumulative value of delay fluctuation (total delay fluctuation Jsum (i-1)k ) and the delay variation J when the communication device 3i transmits a frame in the estimation time slot. ik The total delay variation Jsum is the sum of ik The delay fluctuation J of the communication device 3i is calculated. ik is the time from the time slot in which communication device 3(i-1) transmits a frame plus a propagation delay to the time slot in which communication device 3i transmits a frame.

[0065] Then, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum ik The GCL generation unit 402 determines whether the total delay variation Jsum ik is determined to be equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance, the estimation time slot is set to the time slot TS ikFurthermore, the GCL generating unit 402 determines the total delay variation Jsum ik If it is determined that the delay variation is greater than the delay variation tolerance, it is determined not to generate a new GCL.

[0066] Furthermore, the GCL generation unit 402 determines whether the communication device 3i is to receive the time slot TS ik Furthermore, the GCL generation unit 402 controls the output unit 404 to output the new GCL to the communication device 3i. Furthermore, as described above, when it is determined not to generate a new GCL, the GCL generation unit 402 may cause the output unit 404 to output information indicating that a new GCL will not be generated, or may cause the output unit 404 to output information indicating that a new GCL will not be generated, and may cause the time slot TS 11 may be changed to a different time slot TS and the subsequent processing may be repeated.

[0067] <Operation of information processing device> Here, the operation of the information processing device 4 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 4 according to this embodiment. The operation of the information processing device 4 described with reference to Fig. 5 corresponds to an example of an information processing method executed by the information processing device 4 according to this embodiment. The flowchart in this example is a flowchart for the case where a plurality of communication devices 3 determine a time slot TS in which to transmit a frame for the kth time.

[0068] In step S101, the acquisition unit 401 acquires an existing GCL indicating a transmission schedule of frames according to an existing flow from at least a communication device 3i among the plurality of communication devices 3 that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted by the transmitter 1 to the receiver 2. In this example, the acquisition unit 401 acquires an existing GCL from each of the plurality of communication devices 3.

[0069] In step S102, the GCL generation unit 402 generates a time slot TS for transmitting the kth frame in the communication device 31. 1k As described above, when k=1, the GCL generation unit 402 determines an arbitrary free slot as a time slot TS1k (TS 11 ) In addition, when k≧2, the GCL generation unit 402 sets the time slot TS 1(k-1) Based on the time slot TS 1k Determine.

[0070] In step S103, the GCL generating unit 402 sets i=2.

[0071] In step S104, the GCL generation unit 402 generates a time slot TS 1 for transmitting a frame from a communication device 3(i-1) among the plurality of communication devices 3 that is to transmit a frame to a communication device 3i according to the new flow. (i-1)k The earliest available time slot after the time slot TS obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot TS, which is not specified as a time slot for transmitting frames in the existing GCL, is determined as the time slot for estimation.

[0072] In step S105, the GCL generation unit 402 calculates the cumulative value of delay fluctuation (total delay fluctuation Jsum (i―1)k ) and the delay variation J when the communication device 3i transmits a frame in the estimation time slot. ik The total delay variation Jsum is the sum of ik Calculate.

[0073] In step S106, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum ik is equal to or less than the delay fluctuation tolerance.

[0074] In step S106, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum ik If it is determined that is greater than the delay fluctuation tolerance, the process returns to step S102 and repeats the process.

[0075] In step S106, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum ikis determined to be equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance, in step S107, the estimation time slot is set to the time slot TS ik It is decided that:

[0076] In step S108, the GCL generating unit 402 sets i=i+1.

[0077] In step S109, the GCL generating unit 402 determines whether i≦N.

[0078] If it is determined in step S109 that i≦N is not satisfied, the GCL generating unit 402 returns to S104 and repeats the process.

[0079] If it is determined in step S109 that i≦N, then in step S110, the GCL generation unit 402 determines whether the communication device 3i is in the time slot TS ik Each GCL generates a new GCL indicating that it will send a frame.

[0080] In step S111, the output unit 404, under the control of the GCL generation unit 402, outputs each new GCL to the corresponding communication device 3.

[0081] Next, details of the operation of the information processing device 4 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 4 according to this embodiment. The operation of the information processing device 4 described with reference to Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B corresponds to an example of an information processing method executed by the information processing device 4 according to this embodiment.

[0082] 6A, in step S21, the acquisition unit 401 acquires an existing GCL from at least the communication device 3i among the plurality of communication devices 3. In this example, the acquisition unit 401 acquires the existing GCL of each of the plurality of communication devices 3.

[0083] In step S22, the GCL generating unit 402 generates a time slot TS for transmitting the first frame in the communication device 31. 11 Specifically, the GCL generation unit 402 determines the time slot TS 1 for transmitting the frame for the first time from among the available time slots in the existing GCL of the communication device 31. 11 Determine.

[0084] In step S23, the GCL generating unit 402 sets i=2, k=1, and calculates the total delay variation Jsum ik Set =0.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 6B, in step S31, the GCL generating unit 402 generates a delay variation J ik Set =0.

[0086] In step S32, the GCL generating unit 402 generates the time slot TS (i-1)k , propagation delay and delay fluctuation J ik It is determined whether the time slot TS obtained by adding the above is an empty time slot.

[0087] In step S32, the time slot TS (i-1)k , propagation delay and delay fluctuation J ik If it is determined that the time slot TS obtained by adding the delay variation J is not an empty time slot, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the delay variation J in step S33. ik =J ik Set it to +1.

[0088] In step S34, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum ik =Jsum ik +J ik Set it as follows.

[0089] In step S35, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum ik is equal to or less than the delay fluctuation tolerance.

[0090] In step S35, the total delay fluctuation Jsum ik If it is determined that is equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance, the GCL generating unit 402 returns to step S32 and repeats the process.

[0091] In step S35, the total delay fluctuation Jsum ik If it is determined that is greater than the delay variation tolerance, the GCL generating unit 402 returns to step S22 and repeats the process.

[0092] In step S32, the time slot TS (i-1)k 2. Propagation delay and delay fluctuation ik If it is determined that the time slot TS obtained by adding (i-1)k 2. Propagation delay and delay fluctuation ik The time slot TS obtained by adding ik It is decided that:

[0093] In step S37, the GCL generating unit 402 sets i=i+1.

[0094] In step S38, the GCL generating unit 402 determines whether i≦N.

[0095] If it is determined in step S38 that i≦N, the GCL generating unit 402 returns to step S31 and repeats the process.

[0096] If it is determined in step S38 that i≦N is not satisfied, then in step S39, the GCL generating unit 402 sets i=1 and k=k+1.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 6A, in step S41, the GCL generating unit 402 generates a delay variation J ik Set =0 and Jsum ik =Jsum i(k-1) Set it as follows.

[0098] In step S42, the GCL generation unit 402 generates the time slot TS i(k-1) Then, (k-1) times the period and delay fluctuation J ik It is determined whether or not a time slot TS obtained by adding

[0099] In step S42, the time slot TS 1i1 Then, (k-1) times the period and delay fluctuation J ik If it is determined that there is no time slot TS obtained by adding the above, the GCL generating unit 402 ends the process.

[0100] In step S42, the time slot TS i(k-1) Then, (k-1) times the period and delay fluctuation J ik If it is determined that a time slot TS obtained by adding the above is present, then in step S42, GCL generating unit 402 determines whether or not this time slot TS is an empty time slot.

[0101] In step S43, the time slot TS i(k-1) Then, (k-1) times the period and delay fluctuation J ik If it is determined that the time slot TS obtained by adding the delay variation J is not an empty time slot, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the delay variation J in step S44. ik =J ik Set it to +1.

[0102] In step S45, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum ik =Jsum ik +J ik Set it as follows.

[0103] In step S46, the GCL generating unit 402 calculates the total delay variation Jsum ik is equal to or greater than the delay fluctuation tolerance.

[0104] In step S46, the total delay fluctuation Jsum ik If it is determined that is equal to or less than the delay variation tolerance, the GCL generating unit 402 returns to step S42 and repeats the process.

[0105] In step S46, the total delay fluctuation Jsum ik If it is determined that is greater than the delay variation tolerance, the GCL generating unit 402 returns to step S22 and repeats the process.

[0106] If it is determined in step S43 that the time slot TS is an empty time slot, then in step S47, the GCL generation unit 402 i(k-1) Then, (k-1) times the period and delay fluctuation J ik The time slot TS obtained by adding the above is the time slot TS in which the communication device 3i transmits the frame for the kth time. ik 6B, the GCL generating unit 402 returns to step S31 and repeats the process.

[0107] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the information processing device 4 includes an acquisition unit 401 that acquires an existing GCL indicating a frame transmission schedule for an existing flow from at least the ith communication device 3i (i is an integer of 2 or more) that transmits a frame in the ith order among a plurality of communication devices that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver, and an acquisition unit 402 that determines the earliest available time slot after the time slot TS obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot TS of the communication device 3(i-1) that transmits a frame to the communication device 3i, which is not specified as a time slot for transmitting a frame in the existing GCL, as an estimation time slot, and The communication device 401 includes a GCL generation unit 402 that calculates a total delay fluctuation, which is the sum of the cumulative value of delay fluctuation when each of the communication devices 3, from communication device 31 to communication device 3(i-1), transmits a frame and the delay fluctuation when communication device 3i transmits a frame in the estimation time slot, determines whether the total delay fluctuation is equal to or less than the fluctuation tolerance, and if it determines that the total delay fluctuation is equal to or less than the fluctuation tolerance, determines the estimation time slot as the time slot TS from which communication device 3i will transmit a frame by a new flow, and generates a new GCL indicating that communication device 3i will transmit a frame in that time slot TS.

[0108] As a result, the information processing device 4 of this embodiment can transmit frames more efficiently than an information processing device that generates a GCL for each of multiple communication devices 3 without considering the GCLs of the other communication devices, for example, as shown in Fig. 7. Accordingly, the information processing device 4 can reduce the overall delay in communication from the transmitter 1 to the receiver.

[0109] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the information processing device sets a predetermined number of valid time slots TS (three time slots TS indicated by dashed lines in the example of FIG. 7) that are time slots TS from which communication device 31 may transmit a frame for the second time, and determines an empty time slot from among the valid time slots TS as the time slot TS from which the frame will be transmitted for the second time. Furthermore, the information processing device sets a predetermined number of time slots TS from the next valid time slot TS of communication device 31 as valid time slots TS of communication device 32, and determines an empty time slot from among the valid time slots TS as the time slot TS from which the frame will be transmitted for the second time. Therefore, communication device 32 will transmit frames from time slot TS "13" onwards. Furthermore, the information processing device sets a predetermined number of time slots TS from the next valid time slot TS of communication device 32 as valid time slots TS of communication device 32, and determines an empty time slot from among the valid time slots TS as the time slot TS from which the frame will be transmitted for the second time. Therefore, communication device 32 will transmit frames from time slot TS "16" onwards.

[0110] 7, if the information processing device generates a GCL for each of a plurality of communication devices 3 without considering the GCLs of the other communication devices 3, the number of time slots TS in which frames are not transmitted increases, reducing the accommodation efficiency, and delay fluctuation increases in proportion to the number of communication devices transmitting frames (number of hops). Therefore, in end-to-end communication from the transmitter 1 to the receiver 2, delay fluctuation becomes larger than necessary, making it difficult to achieve low-latency communication.

[0111] On the other hand, if the time slots TS for transmitting frames are determined so as to reduce delay fluctuations, the frame transmission schedule in the GCL becomes too congested, making it difficult to generate a GCL that does not cause congestion.

[0112] In view of the above, the information processing device 4 of this embodiment uses the TS and delay fluctuation of a communication device that transmits a frame before the communication device 3 when determining the TS to transmit a frame from each communication device 3. Therefore, the information processing device 4 can suppress the occurrence of congestion while increasing transmission efficiency and suppressing delay fluctuation.

[0113] <Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 4 determines a new GCL for each of the plurality of communication devices 3, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the information processing system 100-1 may include a plurality of information processing devices 4-1 corresponding to each of the plurality of communication devices 3. In such a configuration, the information processing device 4-1 determines the GCL for the corresponding communication device 3i. A specific method for the information processing device 4-1 to determine the GCL for the corresponding communication device 3i is the same as the above-described method for the information processing device to determine the GCL for the communication device 3i. At this time, the information processing device 4-1 determines the existing GCL for the communication device 3i, the time slot TS in which the communication device 3(i-1) transmits a frame, and the total delay variation Jsum (i-1)k As described above, the GCL of the communication device 3i is determined using the above.

[0114] <Program> The information processing device 4 described above can be realized by a computer 501. A program for causing the information processing device 4 to function as the information processing device 4 described above may be provided. The program may be stored in a storage medium or provided via a network. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a computer 501 functioning as the information processing device 4. A computer functioning as the information processing device 4 may also have a similar configuration to the computer 501. Here, the computer 501 may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a workstation, a PC (Personal Computer), an electronic notepad, or the like. The program instructions may be program code, code segments, or the like for executing necessary tasks.

[0115] 9, a computer 501 includes a processor 510, a read-only memory (ROM) 520, a random access memory (RAM) 530, a storage 540, an input unit 550, an output unit 560, and a communication interface (I / F) 570. Each component is communicably connected to one another via a bus 580. The processor 510 is specifically a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a system on a chip (SoC), or the like, and may be configured by a plurality of processors of the same type or different types.

[0116] The processor 510 controls each component and executes various types of arithmetic processing. That is, the processor 510 reads a program from the ROM 520 or the storage 540 and executes the program using the RAM 530 as a work area. The processor 510 controls each component and executes various types of arithmetic processing in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 520 or the storage 540. In the above-described embodiment, the program according to the present disclosure is stored in the ROM 520 or the storage 540.

[0117] The program may be stored in a storage medium readable by the computer 501. Using such a storage medium, the program can be installed in the computer 501. Here, the storage medium on which the program is stored may be a non-transitory storage medium. The non-transitory storage medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Furthermore, the program may be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0118] The ROM 520 stores various programs and frames. The RAM 530 temporarily stores programs or frames as a working area. The storage 540 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including the operating system and various frames.

[0119] The input unit 550 includes one or more input interfaces that receive a user's input operation and acquire information based on the user's operation. For example, the input unit 550 is a pointing device, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0120] The output unit 560 includes one or more output interfaces that output information. For example, the output unit 560 is a display that outputs information as a video or a speaker that outputs information as an audio, but is not limited to these. Note that if the output unit 560 is a touch panel display, it also functions as the input unit 550.

[0121] The communication interface (I / F) 570 is an interface for communicating with an external device.

[0122] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments. [Additional note 1] an input interface and a controller; the input interface acquires an existing gate control list indicating a transmission schedule of frames according to an existing flow from at least an i-th communication device (i is an integer equal to or greater than 2) that transmits the frame in an i-th order among a plurality of communication devices that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver; The controller Determine the earliest available time slot after the time slot obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot of the (i-1)th communication device that transmits the frame to the i communication device, which is not specified as a time slot for transmitting a frame in the existing gate control list, as the estimation time slot; calculating a total delay variation which is the sum of a cumulative value of delay variation when each of the plurality of communication devices, from a first communication device that transmits the frame first to an (i-1)th communication device, transmits the frame, and a delay variation when the i-th communication device transmits the frame in the estimation time slot; determining whether the total delay fluctuation is equal to or less than a fluctuation tolerance; If it is determined that the total delay variation is equal to or less than the variation tolerance, the estimation time slot is determined as a time slot in which the i-th communication device transmits the frame by a new flow; an information processing device that generates a new gate control list indicating that the i-th communication device will transmit the frame in the time slot; [Additional note 2] The information processing device described in Appendix 1, wherein the controller determines the time slot in which the first communication device will transmit the frame for the second time or later based on the period of transmission of the frame in the new flow and the existing gate control list. [Additional note 3] The information processing device described in Appendix 2, wherein the controller determines that the earliest available time slot after the time slot in which the first communication device transmits the frame for the (k-1)th time (k is an integer greater than or equal to 2) plus (k-1) times the period is to be the time slot in which the first communication device transmits the frame for the kth time. [Additional note 4] An information processing device described in any one of appendix 1 to 3, wherein the delay fluctuation of the i-th communication device is the time from the time slot in which the (i-1)-th communication device transmits a frame plus the propagation delay to the time slot in which the i-th communication device transmits the frame. [Additional note 5] an existing gate control list indicating a transmission schedule of frames according to an existing flow, acquired from at least an i-th communication device (i is an integer of 2 or more) that transmits frames in an i-th order among a plurality of communication devices that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver; a delay variation tolerance value set based on an end-to-end delay allowed in transmitting frames from the transmitter to the receiver; a delay fluctuation, which is the time from a time slot obtained by adding a propagation delay to a time slot in which an (i-1)th communication device, which transmits a frame (i-1)th among the plurality of communication devices, transmits a frame, to a time slot in which the i-th communication device transmits a frame; An information management device that stores the above. [Additional note 6] An information processing method executed by an information processing device, acquire an existing gate control list indicating a transmission schedule of frames according to an existing flow from at least an i-th communication device (i is an integer equal to or greater than 2) that transmits frames in an i-th order among a plurality of communication devices that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver; Determine the earliest available time slot after the time slot obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot of the (i-1)th communication device that transmits the frame to the i communication device, which is not specified as a time slot for transmitting a frame in the existing gate control list, as the estimation time slot; calculating a total delay variation which is the sum of a cumulative value of delay variation when each of the plurality of communication devices, from a first communication device that transmits the frame first to an (i-1)th communication device, transmits the frame, and a delay variation when the i-th communication device transmits the frame in the estimation time slot; determining whether the total delay fluctuation is equal to or less than a fluctuation tolerance; If it is determined that the total delay variation is equal to or less than the variation tolerance, the estimation time slot is determined as a time slot in which the i-th communication device transmits the frame by a new flow; An information processing method, comprising: generating a new gate control list indicating that the i-th communication device will transmit the frame in the time slot. [Additional note 7] A non-transitory storage medium storing a program executable by a computer, the non-transitory storage medium storing a program that causes the computer to operate as an information processing device described in any one of appendix 1 to 4.

[0123] All publications, patent applications, and technologies mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, and technology was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0124] Although the above-described embodiments have been described as typical examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and substitutions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the above-described embodiments, and various modifications or alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1 transmitter 2 Receiver 3, 31, 3i communication equipment 4, 4-1 Information processing equipment 100, 100-1 Information Processing Systems 301 Receiving unit 302 Frame memory unit 303 List storage unit 304 Control Unit 305 Transmission Unit 401 Acquisition Department 402 Gate Control List Generation Unit (GCL Generation Unit) 403 Design information storage unit (information management device) 404 Output Section 501 Computer 510 processor 520 ROM 530 RAM 540 Storage 550 Input section 560 Output Section 570 Communication Interface 580 Bus

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires an existing gate control list indicating a transmission schedule of frames according to an existing flow from at least an i-th communication device (i is an integer of 2 or more) that transmits a frame in an i-th order among a plurality of communication devices that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver; Determine the earliest available time slot after the time slot obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot of the (i-1)th communication device that transmits the frame to the i communication device, which is not specified as a time slot for transmitting a frame in the existing gate control list, as the estimation time slot; calculating a total delay variation which is the sum of the cumulative value of delay variation when each of the plurality of communication devices, from a first communication device that transmits the frame first to an (i-1)th communication device, transmits the frame, and the delay variation when the i-th communication device transmits the frame in the estimation time slot; determining whether the total delay fluctuation is equal to or less than a fluctuation tolerance; If it is determined that the total delay variation is equal to or less than the variation tolerance, the estimation time slot is determined as a time slot in which the i-th communication device transmits the frame by a new flow; a gate control list generating unit that generates a new gate control list indicating that the i-th communication device is to transmit the frame in the time slot; An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the gate control list generation unit determines a time slot in which the first communication device transmits the frame for the second or subsequent time based on a period for transmitting the frame in the new flow and the existing gate control list.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the gate control list generation unit determines that the earliest available time slot after the time slot in which the first communication device transmits the frame for the (k-1)th time (k is an integer greater than or equal to 2) plus (k-1) times the period is the time slot in which the first communication device transmits the frame for the kth time.

4. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the delay fluctuation of the i-th communication device is the time from the time slot in which the (i-1)-th communication device transmits a frame plus the propagation delay to the time slot in which the i-th communication device transmits the frame.

5. an existing gate control list indicating a transmission schedule of frames according to an existing flow, acquired from at least an i-th communication device (i is an integer of 2 or more) that transmits frames in an i-th order among a plurality of communication devices that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver; a delay variation tolerance value set based on an end-to-end delay allowed in transmitting frames from the transmitter to the receiver; a delay fluctuation, which is the time from a time slot obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot in which the (i-1)th communication device, which transmits a frame (i-1)th of the plurality of communication devices, transmits a frame, to a time slot in which the i communication device transmits a frame; An information management device that stores the above.

6. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, a step of acquiring an existing gate control list indicating a transmission schedule of frames according to an existing flow from at least an i-th communication device (i is an integer of 2 or more) that transmits frames in an i-th order among a plurality of communication devices that sequentially receive and transmit frames transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver; determining, as an estimation time slot, the earliest available time slot after the time slot obtained by adding a propagation delay to the time slot of the (i-1)th communication device that transmits the frame to the i communication device, which is not specified as a time slot for transmitting a frame in the existing gate control list; a step of calculating a total delay fluctuation which is the sum of a cumulative value of delay fluctuation when each of the plurality of communication devices, from a first communication device that transmits the frame first to an (i-1)th communication device, transmits the frame, and a delay fluctuation when the i-th communication device transmits a frame in the estimation time slot; determining whether the total delay fluctuation is equal to or less than a fluctuation tolerance; determining, when it is determined that the total delay variation is equal to or less than the variation tolerance, that the estimation time slot is a time slot in which the i-th communication device transmits the frame by a new flow; generating a new gate control list indicating that the i-th communication device will transmit the frame in the time slot; An information processing method, including:

7. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images