Identification device and identification method

Abstract

An identifying device (10) is connected to a first communication device and a second communication device that perform time synchronization through transmission and reception of a time synchronization signal in accordance with one profile of a plurality of profiles and identifies the profile to be used at at least the first communication device of the first communication device and the second communication device. The identifying device (10) includes identifying units (12U, 12L) that identify the profile to be used at the first communication device on the basis of information related to the transmission and reception of a time synchronization signal in accordance with one profile of a plurality of profiles and a time synchronization method, the information being contained in the time synchronization signal obtained from the first communication device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an identification device and an identification method. [Background technology]

[0002] One known method for time synchronization between communication devices on a network is the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). In PTP, a Grand Master Clones (GMC) as a higher-level device and Clients as lower-level devices are connected via a network, and the Clients synchronize their internal time with the reference time distributed from the GMC. Specifically, the GMC receives a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal to obtain the reference time. By transmitting and receiving a signal (time synchronization signal) between the GMC and the Clients, the Clients synchronize their internal time with the reference time distributed from the GMC.

[0003] PTP has multiple methods (profiles) that differ in the required parameters and time information formats depending on the industry and application in which it is used. When different profiles are required for different clients, currently, as shown in Figure 16, a separate network is provided for each client, and time synchronization is performed for each network by sending and receiving time synchronization signals between the GMC and client. However, in the future, it is expected that time synchronization with multiple clients will be performed via a single network using a GMC that can support multiple profiles, as shown in Figure 17. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] IEEE Standard for a Precision Clock Synchronization Protocol for Networked Measurement and Control Systems, IEEE Std 158-2019 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As shown in FIG. 17, when multiple profiles are supported, it is necessary to identify the profile used by the communication device facing the network.

[0006] In PTP, a value called "profileIdentifier" is set as information for identifying each profile. PTP also specifies a mechanism for a communication device to request a profileIdentifier using a management message and for returning a profileIdentifier in response to the request. Using this mechanism makes it possible to identify the profile used by a communication device. However, because the mechanism using management messages is optional for each profile, or because it is considered a feature requiring further study, it may not be implemented in all commercially available devices.

[0007] In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an identification device and an identification method that can identify a profile used in a communication device regardless of the implementation status of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the identification device of the present disclosure is connected to a first communication device and a second communication device that perform time synchronization by transmitting and receiving a time synchronization signal according to one of a plurality of profiles, and identifies the profile used by at least the first communication device among the first communication device and the second communication device, and is equipped with an identification unit that identifies the profile to be used by the first communication device based on information regarding the transmission and reception of the time synchronization signal according to one of the plurality of profiles and the method of the time synchronization, which is included in the time synchronization signal acquired from the first communication device.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, the identification method of the present disclosure is an identification method using an identification device that is connected to a first communication device and a second communication device that perform time synchronization by sending and receiving a time synchronization signal according to one of a plurality of profiles, and identifies the profile used by at least the first communication device among the first communication device and the second communication device, and includes a step of acquiring the time synchronization signal from the first communication device, and a step of identifying the profile used by the first communication device based on information contained in the acquired time synchronization signal regarding the sending and receiving of a time synchronization signal according to one of the plurality of profiles and the method of the time synchronization. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the identification device and identification method of the present disclosure, it is possible to identify a profile used in a communication device regardless of the implementation status of the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram illustrating time synchronization by PTP (E2E) to which an identification device according to the present disclosure is applied. FIG. [Figure 1B] 1 is a diagram for explaining time synchronization by PTP (P2P) to which an identification device according to the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 2]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a PTP-based time synchronization system to which an identification device according to the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 3A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an identification device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary configuration of the identification device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another exemplary configuration of the identification device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating multiple profiles in PTP. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of classification of a plurality of profiles. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a master and a client when adjusting a communication rate between the master and the client at the start of communication in PTP (E2E). [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a master and a client when the communication rate is not adjusted between the master and the client at the start of communication in PTP (E2E). [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the master and the client when the communication rate is not adjusted between the master and the client at the start of communication in PTP (E2E). [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a master and a client when adjusting a communication rate between the master and the client at the start of communication in PTP (P2P). [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a master and a client when the communication rate is not adjusted between the master and the client at the start of communication in PTP (E2E). [Figure 9A] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12L in the case of L2 / lower-level device / passive. [Figure 9B] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12L in the case of L3 / lower device / passive. [Figure 9C] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12U in the case of L2 / higher-level device / passive. [Figure 9D] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12U in the case of L3 / higher-level device / passive. [Figure 10A] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12L in the case of L2 / lower device / active. [Figure 10B] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12L in the case of L3 / lower device / active. [Figure 10C] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12U in the case of L2 / higher-level device / active. [Figure 10D] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12U in the case of L3 / higher-level device / active. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an identification device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an identification device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an identification device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary configuration of an identification device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an identification device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining current time synchronization using PTP. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining assumed time synchronization by PTP. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (First embodiment) First, we will explain time synchronization using PTP, to which the identification device and identification method according to the present disclosure are applied. Time synchronization using PTP includes the E2E (End-to-End) method and the P2P (Peer-to-Peer) method. Below, we will explain the E2E time synchronization (PTP(E2E)) and the P2P time synchronization (PTP(P2P)).

[0014] FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining time synchronization by PTP (E2E).

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1A, in PTP, time synchronization is achieved by transmitting and receiving time synchronization signals between a Master as a higher-level device and a Client as a lower-level device. The Master has a function (Master function) of acquiring a reference time and distributing the acquired reference time to a lower-level device for synchronization. The Master is, for example, the GMC described above. The Client has a function (Client function) of synchronizing its internal device time with the reference time distributed from the Master.

[0016] At time T1, the Master sends a Sync message (hereinafter simply referred to as "Sync"). The Master includes time T1, which is the time at which Sync was sent, in Sync. This allows the Client to know the time T1 at which Sync was sent by the Master. When the Client receives Sync sent from the Master at time T2, it sends a Delay_req message (hereinafter simply referred to as "Delay_req") to the Master at time T3. When the Master receives Delay_req at time T4, it sends a Delay_resp message (hereinafter simply referred to as "Delay_resp") to the Client. The Master includes time T4, which is the time at which Delay_req was received, in Delay_resp. This allows the Client to know the time T4 at which Delay_req was received by the Master.

[0017] The transmission delay time from the Master to the Client is D1, the transmission delay time from the Client to the Master is D2, and the delay time between the Master and the Client is D. If D=D1=D2, the Client can calculate the delay time D using the following formula. D=((T4-T3)+(T2-T1)) / 2

[0018] Based on the calculated delay time D, the client can calculate the time difference Δt between the master and the client using the following formula: Δt=T2-(T1+D)

[0019] The client can synchronize the internal time of the device with the reference time distributed from the master by correcting the internal time of the device based on the calculated time difference Δt.

[0020] Next, we will explain time synchronization using PTP (P2P).

[0021] FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining time synchronization by PTP (P2P).

[0022] At time t1, the Client sends a Pdelay_req message (hereinafter simply referred to as "Pdelay_req"). When the Master receives the Pdelay_req sent from the Client at time t2, it sends a Pdelay_resp message (hereinafter simply referred to as "Pdelay_resp") to the Client at time t3. The Master includes in the Pdelay_resp the difference (t3-t2) between time t3, which is the time when the Pdelay_resp was sent, and time t2, which is the time when the Pdelay_req was received. The Client receives the Pdelay_resp at time t4. After sending the Pdelay_resp, the Master sends a Sync at time t5. The Master includes time t5, which is the time when the Sync was sent, in the Sync. The Client receives the Sync sent from the Master at time t6.

[0023] The response time from when the client sends Pdelay_req until it receives Pdelay_resp is d1, and the response processing time from when the master receives Pdelay_req until it sends Pdelay_resp is d2 (= t3 - t2). If D = D1 = D2, the client can calculate the delay time D using the following formula. D=(d1-d2) / 2=((t4-t1)-(t3-t2)) / 2

[0024] Based on the calculated delay time D, the client can calculate the time difference Δt between the master and the client using the following formula: Δt=t6-(t5+D)

[0025] The client can synchronize the internal time of the device with the reference time distributed from the master by correcting the internal time of the device based on the calculated time difference Δt.

[0026] Next, an overview of the identification device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PTP-based time synchronization system to which the identification device 10 according to this embodiment is applied. The identification devices 10 shown in Fig. 2 are provided opposite each other, and identify the profile used in at least one of communication devices 1 and 2 (first communication device and second communication device) performing time synchronization by transmitting and receiving a time synchronization signal corresponding to one of multiple profiles defined by PTP.

[0027] In the time synchronization system shown in Fig. 2, communication device 1 acquires a reference time and distributes it to communication device 2. Furthermore, communication device 2 synchronizes its internal time with the reference time distributed from communication device 1. That is, in Fig. 2, communication device 1 is a higher-level device having a Master function, and communication device 2 is a lower-level device having a Client function. The identification device 10 according to this embodiment identifies a profile used by at least one of communication devices (first communication device) out of communication device 1 and communication device 2.

[0028] 3A, 3B, and 3C are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the identification device 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the identification device 10 when identifying profiles used by communication device 1, which is a higher-level device, and communication device 2, which is a lower-level device. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the identification device 10 when identifying a profile used by communication device 1, which is a higher-level device. Fig. 3C is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the identification device 10 when identifying a profile used by communication device 2, which is a lower-level device.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3A, the identification device 10 according to this embodiment includes a communication interface 11, an identification unit 12U, an identification unit 12L, and a signal transmission unit 13.

[0030] The communication interface 11 acquires various signals for time synchronization (time synchronization signals) transmitted and received between the communication devices 1 and 2 via a network. The communication interface 11, for example, acquires the time synchronization signals by snooping the time synchronization signals transmitted and received between the communication devices 1 and 2. The communication interface 11 also transmits time synchronization signals output from a signal transmission unit 13 (described later) to the communication devices 1 and 2, and acquires time synchronization signals transmitted from the communication devices 1 and 2 in response to the transmission of the time synchronization signals. The communication interface 11 outputs the acquired time synchronization signals to the identification unit 12U or the identification unit 12L. Specifically, the communication interface 11 outputs the time synchronization signal acquired from the communication device 1, which is a higher-level device, to the identification unit 12U, and outputs the time synchronization signal acquired from the communication device 2, which is a lower-level device, to the identification unit 12L.

[0031] The identification unit 12U identifies the profile used by the communication device 1 based on information included in the time synchronization signal acquired from the communication device 1, which is a higher-level device, via the communication interface 11. The profile used by the communication device 1 is a profile related to the transmission of the time synchronization signal in the direction from the communication device 1 to the communication device 2. Here, the identification unit 12U identifies the profile based on information included in the time synchronization signal, related to the transmission and reception of the time synchronization signal and the time synchronization method corresponding to each of the multiple profiles. Unlike the profileIdentifier exchanged using the management message described above, this information is information that is always included in the time synchronization signal exchanged between the master and the client to perform time synchronization. By using this information, the identification unit 12U can identify the profile used by the communication device 1 regardless of the implementation of the device.

[0032] The identification unit 12L identifies the profile used by the communication device 2 based on information included in the time synchronization signal acquired from the communication device 2, which is a lower-level device, via the communication interface 11. The profile used by the communication device 2 is a profile related to the transmission of the time synchronization signal in the direction from the communication device 2 to the communication device 1. Here, the identification unit 12L identifies the profile based on information included in the time synchronization signal, which information relates to the transmission and reception of the time synchronization signal and the time synchronization method corresponding to each of the multiple profiles. Unlike the profileIdentifier exchanged using the management message described above, this information is information that is always included in the time synchronization signal exchanged between the master and client in order to perform time synchronization. By using this information, the identification unit 12L can identify the profile used by the communication device 2 regardless of the implementation of the device.

[0033] The signal transmitting unit 13, under the control of the identifying unit 12U and the identifying unit 12L, transmits a time synchronization signal (first time synchronization signal) to the communication devices 1 and 2 via the communication interface 11. The identifying unit 12U and the identifying unit 12L receive a time synchronization signal (second time synchronization signal) transmitted from the communication devices 1 and 2 in response to the transmission of the time synchronization signal (first time synchronization signal) by the signal transmitting unit 13, and thereby identify the profile to be used by the communication devices 1 and 2 based on information contained in the received time synchronization signal.

[0034] In addition, when the identification device 10 identifies only the profile used by the communication device 1, which is the higher-level device, the identification device 10 only needs to include the communication interface 11, the identification unit 12U, and the signal transmission unit 13, as shown in FIG. 3B. That is, the identification device 10 does not need to include the identification unit 12L. In addition, when the identification device 10 identifies only the profile used by the communication device 2, which is the lower-level device, the identification device 10 only needs to include the communication interface 11, the identification unit 12L, and the signal transmission unit 13, as shown in FIG. 3C. That is, the identification device 10 does not need to include the identification unit 12U. In addition, in this embodiment, the identification unit 12U that identifies the profile used by the communication device 1, which is the higher-level device, and the identification unit 12L that identifies the profile used by the communication device 2, which is the lower-level device, are described separately, but this is not limiting. The identification device 10 may also include a single identification unit that can identify the profiles used by each of the communication devices 1 and 2.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification device 10 according to this embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining a communication method by the identification device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0036] The identification units 12U and 12L acquire the time synchronization signals from the communication devices 1 and 2 via the communication interface 11 (step S11). As will be described in detail later, the identification units 12U and 12L passively or actively acquire the time synchronization signals from the communication devices 1 and 2.

[0037] The identification units 12U and 12L identify the profile to be used by the communication devices 1 and 2 based on information about the transmission and reception of the time synchronization signal and the time synchronization method according to one of the multiple profiles, which information is included in the acquired time synchronization signal (step S12).

[0038] Unlike the profileIdentifier exchanged using the management message described above, information regarding the transmission and reception of time synchronization signals according to the profile and the method of time synchronization is information that is always included in the time synchronization signals exchanged between the Master and the Client in order to perform time synchronization. By using such information, the communication method according to this embodiment makes it possible to identify the profile used by the communication devices 1 and 2 regardless of the implementation of the devices.

[0039] Next, a description will be given of details of the identification of profiles used by the communication devices 1 and 2 by the identification device 10 according to this embodiment. First, an example of multiple profiles that are candidates for use by the communication devices 1 and 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] Candidate profiles include, for example, the default profile specified in IEEE1588-2008, telecom profiles (G.8265.1 profile, G.8275.1 profile, G.8275.2 profile) customized for communication by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization sector (ITU-T), a power profile for controlling smart grids or power systems, an industrial profile (IEEE802.1 AS profile) for autonomous driving, a video profile (SMPTE2059-2 profile) used for video Internet Protocol (IP) communication, and an enterprise profile for finance, as shown in Fig. 5. Note that in the SMPTE2059-2 profile in Fig. 5, multicast is set as the communication method and E2E is set as the PTP method, but the present invention is not limited to this, and unicast / E2E, unicast / P2P, or multicast / P2P may also be set.

[0041] In the following, the Default profile, G.8275.1 profile, G.8275.2 profile, Power profile, IEEE802.1 AS profile, and SMPTE2059-2 profile are considered to be candidate profiles to be used by communication devices 1 and 2. For simplicity of description, the Default profile will be represented as "D", the G.8275.1 profile as "T1", the G.8275.2 profile as "T2", the Power profile as "P", the IEEE802.1 AS profile as "AS", and the SMPTE2059-2 profile as "S". An example of identifying the profile to be used by communication devices 1 and 2 from these six profiles will be described below.

[0042] 6, the six profiles described above can be classified based on whether the communication layer is L2 or L3 (L2 / L3), whether the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a unicast address or a multicast address (Uni / Multi), whether the communication rate is adjusted between the communication devices 1 and 2 when the destination address is a unicast address (presence or absence of unicast negotiation), and the time synchronization method (E2E / P2P).The identification unit 12 uses these classifications to identify the profiles to be used by the communication devices 1 and 2.

[0043] Information relating to the transmission and reception of time synchronization signals, such as information indicating whether the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a unicast address or a multicast address and information indicating whether the communication rate is adjusted between the communication devices 1 and 2, can be ascertained from the time synchronization signal transmitted and received between the communication devices 1 and 2. Information relating to the time synchronization method, such as whether the time synchronization method is E2E or P2P, can be ascertained from the time synchronization signal transmitted and received between the communication devices 1 and 2. By using such information, the identification device 10 according to this embodiment can identify the profiles used by the communication devices 1 and 2, regardless of the implementation of the devices.

[0044] The following will specifically describe how the identifying units 12U and 12L identify the profiles used in the communication devices 1 and 2.

[0045] As described above, the identification device 10 may identify a profile used by the communication device 2, which is a lower-level device, or may identify a profile used by the communication device 1, which is a higher-level device. Furthermore, the operations of the communication devices 1 and 2 differ depending on whether the PTP method is E2E or P2P and whether the communication rate is adjusted between the communication devices 1 and 2. As described above, the identification units 12U and 12L identify the profiles used by the communication devices 1 and 2 using information included in the time synchronization signal transmitted and received between the communication devices 1 and 2. Here, the time synchronization signal used by the identification units 12U and 12L to identify the profile differs depending on the target for which the profile is to be identified and the operation of the communication devices 1 and 2. Therefore, first, examples of time synchronization signals used to identify the profile depending on the target for which the profile is to be identified and the operation of the communication devices 1 and 2 will be described.

[0046] 7A, 7B, and 7C are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the Master and Client at the start of communication in PTP (E2E). FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the Master and Client when the communication rate is adjusted between the Master and Client. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the Master and Client when the communication rate is not adjusted between the Master and Client (when communication is started at a preset communication rate). FIG. 7C is a diagram showing another example of the operation of the Master and Client when the communication rate is not adjusted between the Master and Client (when communication is started at a preset communication rate).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7A, when adjusting the communication rate between the Master and the Client, the Client sends a request (Signaling (request)) for adjusting the communication rate. The Master sends an acknowledgement (Signaling (acknowledge)) to the request from the Client, and then sends an allocation communication grant (Signaling (grant)). After that, the Master sends an Announce to notify quality information such as time synchronization accuracy, and then sends a Sync. In response to the Sync from the Master, the Client sends a Delay_req to the Master. The operation shown in FIG. 7A is the operation when a unicast address is set as the destination address and unicast negotiation is performed.

[0048] FIG. 7B shows the case where the Client starts communication autonomously. In this case, the Client sends a Delay_req to the Master. On the other hand, FIG. 7C shows the case where the Client does not start communication autonomously. In this case, the Master sends an Announce message (hereinafter simply referred to as "Announce") and then sends a Sync. In response to the Sync from the Master, the Client sends a Delay_req to the Master. The operations shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C are the operations when a unicast address is set as the destination address and unicast negotiation is not performed, and when a multicast address is set as the destination address.

[0049] In FIG. 7A, the identification unit 12L can identify the profile used by the communication device 2 by using a signaling (request) that is a time synchronization signal that is first transmitted from the communication device 2 that is a client.

[0050] In FIG. 7B, the identification unit 12L can identify the profile used by the communication device 2 by using Delay_req, which is the time synchronization signal that is first transmitted from the communication device 2 that is a client.

[0051] 7C, no time synchronization signal is transmitted from the communication device 2, which is a client. Therefore, the identification unit 12L actively acquires the time synchronization signal from the communication device 2, and can identify the profile used by the communication device 2 using the acquired time synchronization signal.

[0052] 7A, the communication device 1, which is the Master, does not transmit a time synchronization signal unless the communication device 2, which is the Client, transmits a signaling. Therefore, the identification unit 12U can actively acquire the time synchronization signal from the communication device 1 and identify the profile used by the communication device 1 using the acquired time synchronization signal.

[0053] In addition, in FIG. 7C, the identification unit 12U can identify the profile used by the communication device 1 by using the time synchronization signal Announce or Sync that is transmitted first from the communication device 1 that is the Master.

[0054] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing an example of the operation of a Master and a Client at the start of communication in PTP (P2P). Fig. 8A is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a Master and a Client when, after communication has started between the Master and the Client, the communication rate is adjusted in response to a request from the Client. Fig. 8B is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a Master and a Client when, after communication has started between the Master and the Client, communication continues at a preset communication rate.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 8A, the Master transmits an Announce and then a Sync. Although not shown in Fig. 8A for simplicity, upon receiving the Announce and Sync, the Client transmits a Pdelay_req to the Master. This initiates communication between the Master and the Client. After communication has started, if the Client transmits a request (Signaling (request)) to change the communication rate, the communication rate is changed in accordance with the request. On the other hand, if the communication rate is not changed, the Master repeatedly transmits an Announce and a Sync, and the Client repeatedly transmits a Pdelay_req, as shown in Fig. 8B.

[0056] In FIG. 8A, the identification unit 12L can identify the profile used by the communication device 2 by using a signaling (request) that is a time synchronization signal that is first transmitted from the communication device 2 that is a client.

[0057] In FIG. 8B, the identification unit 12L can identify the profile used by the communication device 2 using Pdelay_req, which is a time synchronization signal that is first transmitted from the communication device 2 that is a client.

[0058] 8A and 8B, the identification unit 12U can identify the profile used by the communication device 1 by using the time synchronization signal Announce or Sync that is first received from the communication device 1 that is the Master.

[0059] In the following, regarding the specific operation of profile identification by the identification units 12U and 12L, it will be described by dividing it into each case of whether the communication layer is L2 or L3, whether the target of profile identification is the upper device (communication device 1) or the lower device (communication device 2), and whether the identification device 10 passively acquires or actively acquires the time synchronization signal used for profile identification. Note that passively acquiring the time synchronization signal means that the identification device 10 receives the time synchronization signal transmitted from the communication devices 1 and 2 without any action from the identification device 10. On the other hand, actively acquiring the time synchronization signal means that the identification device 10 transmits a time synchronization signal (first time synchronization signal) to the communication devices 1 and 2, and receives the time synchronization signal (second time synchronization signal) transmitted from the communication devices 1 and 2 in response to the time synchronization signal.

[0060] Also, in the following, for the sake of simplifying the description, the combination of the communication layer, the target of profile identification, and the method of acquiring the time synchronization signal (passive or active) will be expressed as "communication layer / profile identification target / passive or active". For example, when the communication layer is L2, the target of profile identification is the lower device, and the identification device 10 passively acquires the time synchronization signal used for profile identification, it is expressed as "L2 / lower device / passive".

[0061] <In the case of L2 / lower device / passive> FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12L in the case of L2 / lower device / passive. The profiles to be identified in FIG. 9A are D (unicast (unicast negotiation enable / disable) / multicast, E2E / P2P), T1, A, P.

[0062] The identification unit 12L connects to the network where communication between the communication devices 1 and 2 occurs at L2 (step S101). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the identification device 10 already knows whether the communication devices 1 and 2 communicate at L2 or L3.

[0063] The identification unit 12L determines whether or not a time synchronization signal (for example, Signaling shown in Figure 7A or Delay_req shown in Figure 7B, but not limited to these) transmitted from the lower device to the higher device via the communication interface 11 has been received (step S102).

[0064] If it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the lower device to the upper device has not been received (step S102: No), the identification unit 12L proceeds to processing for the L2 / lower device / active case, which will be described later.

[0065] If it is determined that a time synchronization signal transmitted from a lower device to a higher device has been received (step S102: Yes), the identification unit 12L determines whether the destination address of the received time synchronization signal is a multicast address (step S103).

[0066] If it is determined that the destination address of the time synchronization signal is not a multicast address (the destination address is a unicast address) (step S103: No), the identification unit 12L determines whether unicast negotiation is enabled (whether unicast negotiation is present) (step S104). Specifically, the identification unit 12L determines whether a time synchronization signal including a REQUESTUNICAST_TRASMISSION TLV has been received. If the identification unit 12L has received a time synchronization signal including a REQUESTUNICAST_TRASMISSION TLV, it determines that unicast negotiation is enabled. If the identification unit 12L has not received a time synchronization signal including a REQUESTUNICAST_TRASMISSION TLV, it determines that unicast negotiation is disabled.

[0067] If it is determined that unicast negotiation is enabled (step S104: Yes), the identification unit 12L determines whether the time synchronization method is P2P (step S105). Specifically, the identification unit 12L determines whether the message Type of the REQUESTUNICAST_TRASMISSION TLV included in the received time synchronization signal includes Pdelay_resp. If the identification unit 12L determines that the message Type of the REQUESTUNICAST_TRASMISSION TLV includes Pdelay_resp, it determines that the time synchronization method is P2P. Furthermore, if the identification unit 12L determines that the message Type of the REQUESTUNICAST_TRASMISSION TLV does not include Pdelay_resp (includes Delay_resp), it determines that the time synchronization method is E2E.

[0068] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is P2P (step S105: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used in the lower device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, P2P) (step S106), and ends the process.

[0069] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is not P2P (it is E2E) (step S105: No), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile to be used by the lower-level device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E) (step S107) and terminates the processing.

[0070] If it is determined that unicast negotiation is not enabled (step S104: No), the identification unit 12L determines whether the time synchronization method is P2P or not (step S108). Specifically, the identification unit 12L determines whether a Pdelay_request message has been received from a lower-level device. If the identification unit 12L determines that a Pdelay_request message has been received, it determines that the time synchronization method is P2P. If the identification unit 12L determines that a Pdelay_request message has not been received, it determines that the time synchronization method is E2E.

[0071] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is P2P (step S108: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower-level device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, P2P) (step S109), and ends the process.

[0072] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is not P2P (it is E2E) (step S108: No), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile to be used by the lower-level device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, E2E) (step S110) and terminates the processing.

[0073] If it is determined that the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a multicast address (step S103: Yes), the identification unit 12L determines whether the time synchronization method is P2P or not (step S111). The identification unit 12L determines whether the time synchronization method is P2P or not by the same process as in step S108.

[0074] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is P2P (step S111: Yes), the identification unit 12L determines whether the profile used in the lower device is AS (step S112). Specifically, the identification unit 12L determines whether the time synchronization signal received from the lower device includes a Message interval request or a gPTP-capable TLV.

[0075] If it is determined that the time synchronization signal includes a Message interval request or a gPTP-capable TLV (step S112: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower-level device is AS (step S113) and terminates the processing.

[0076] If it is determined that the time synchronization signal does not include a Message interval request and a gPTP-capable TLV (step S112: No), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile to be used by the lower-level device is D (multicast, P2P) (step S114) and terminates the processing.

[0077] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is not P2P (it is E2E) (step S111: No), the identification unit 12L determines whether the profile used by the lower device is T1 (step S115). Specifically, the identification unit 12L determines whether the time synchronization signal received from the lower device includes a Delay_request message and whether the reception interval is less than 1 second.

[0078] If it is determined that the time synchronization signal includes a Delay_request message and that the reception interval is less than one second (step S115: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower-level device is T1 (step S116) and terminates the processing.

[0079] When it is determined that the time synchronization signal does not include a Delay_request message or, even if it includes a Delay_request message, the reception interval thereof is 1 second or more (step S115: No), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower-level device is D (multicast, E2E) (step S117) and ends the process.

[0080] <When the lower-level device is passive in L3> FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12L when the lower-level device is passive in L3. The profiles to be identified in FIG. 9B are D (unicast (unicast negotiation enable / disable) / multicast, E2E / P2P), T2 (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E), S (unicast (unicast negotiation disable) / multicast, E2E / P2P).

[0081] The identification unit 12L connects to the network through which communication is performed between the communication devices 1 and 2 at L3 (step S201).

[0082] The identification unit 12L determines whether it has received a time synchronization signal transmitted from the lower-level device to the upper-level device via the communication interface 11 (for example, Signaling shown in FIG. 7A or Delay_req shown in FIG. 7B, but not limited thereto) (step S202).

[0083] When it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the lower-level device to the upper-level device has not been received (step S202: No), the identification unit 12L proceeds to the process for the case where the lower-level device is active in L3, which will be described later.

[0084] When it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the lower-level device to the upper-level device has been received (step S202: Yes), the identification unit 12L determines whether the destination address of the received time synchronization signal is a multicast address (step S203).

[0085] If it is determined that the destination address of the time synchronization signal is not a multicast address (the destination address is a unicast address) (step S203: No), the identification unit 12L determines whether unicast negotiation is enabled (whether unicast negotiation is present) (step S204). The identification unit 12L determines whether unicast negotiation is enabled, for example, by the same process as in step S104.

[0086] If it is determined that unicast negotiation is enabled (step S204: Yes), the identification unit 12L determines whether the time synchronization method is P2P or not (step 205). The identification unit 12L determines whether the time synchronization method is P2P or not, for example, by the same process as in step S105.

[0087] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is P2P (step S205: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used in the lower device is D or S (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, P2P) (step S206), and ends the process.

[0088] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is not P2P (it is E2E) (step S205: No), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile to be used by the lower-level device is D, S (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E) or T2 (step S207), and terminates the processing.

[0089] If it is determined that unicast negotiation is not enabled (step S204: No), the identification unit 12L determines whether the time synchronization method is P2P (step S208). The identification unit 12L determines whether the time synchronization method is P2P by the same process as in step S108.

[0090] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is P2P (step S208: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used in the lower device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, P2P) (step S209), and ends the process.

[0091] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is not P2P (it is E2E) (step S208: No), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile to be used by the lower-level device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, E2E) (step S210) and terminates the processing.

[0092] If it is determined that the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a multicast address (step S203: Yes), the identification unit 12L determines whether the method of time synchronization by PTP is P2P (step S211). The identification unit 12L determines whether the method of time synchronization is P2P by the same process as in step S208.

[0093] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is not P2P (it is E2E) (step S211: No), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower device is D or S (multicast, E2E) (step S212) and terminates the processing.

[0094] If it is determined that the time synchronization method is P2P (step S211: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used in the lower device is D or S (multicast, P2P) (step S213), and ends the process.

[0095] In FIG. 9B, in steps S206, S212, and S213, it is impossible to identify whether the profile used by the lower device is D or S. Also, in FIG. 9B, in step S207, it is impossible to identify whether the profile used by the lower device is D or S or T2. However, when the identification device 10 actively acquires the time synchronization signal, which will be described later, by combining the method of identifying whether the profile used by the lower device is S or not, the identification unit 12L can identify whether the profile used by the lower device is S or not.

[0096] <L2 / Upper device / Passive case> FIG. 9C is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12U in the case of L2 / upper device / passive. The profiles to be identified in FIG. 9C are D (unicast (unicast negotiation enable / disable) / multicast, E2E / P2P), T1 (multicast, E2E), A (multicast, E2E), and P (multicast, E2E).

[0097] The identification unit 12U connects to the network in which communication between communication devices 1 and 2 at L2 is performed (step S301).

[0098] The identification unit 12U determines whether it has received the time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device via the communication interface 11 (step S302).

[0099] If it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device has not been received (step S302: No), the identification unit 12U proceeds to the processing in the case of L2 / upper device / active, which will be described later.

[0100] If it is determined that a time synchronization signal transmitted from a higher-level device to a lower-level device has been received (step S302: Yes), the identification unit 12U determines whether the destination address of the received time synchronization signal is a unicast address and whether unicast negotiation is enabled (step S303).

[0101] If it is determined that the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a unicast address and that unicast negotiation is enabled (step S303: Yes), the identification unit 12U identifies that the profile to be used in the higher-level device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, P2P) or D (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E) (step S304), and terminates the processing.

[0102] If it is determined that the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a multicast address, or that the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a unicast address but unicast negotiation is disabled (step S303: No), the identification unit 12U determines whether the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a multicast address (step S305).

[0103] If it is determined that the destination address is not a multicast address (step S305: No), the identification unit 12U identifies that the profile to be used in the upper device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, P2P) or D (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, E2E) (step S306), and terminates the processing.

[0104] If it is determined that the destination address is a multicast address (step S305: Yes), the identification unit 12U determines whether the profile used in the higher-level device is P (step S307). Specifically, the identification unit 12U determines whether the Announce transmitted from the higher-level device includes an IEEE_C37_238 TLV.

[0105] If it is determined that the Announce contains an IEEE_C37_238 TLV (step S307: Yes), the identifying unit 12U identifies that the profile used in the higher-level device is P (step S308), and ends the process.

[0106] If it is determined that the Announce does not include an IEEE_C37_238 TLV (step S307: No), the identification unit 12U determines whether the profile used by the upper device is AS (step S309). Specifically, the identification unit 12U determines whether it receives a follow_up message including a Follow_Up information TLV with organizationId of 00-80-C2 from the upper device. The follow_up message is a time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device when completing information that cannot be transmitted by Sync in AS.

[0107] If it is determined that a follow_up message including a Follow_Up information TLV with organizationId of 00-80-C2 has been received (step S309: Yes), the identification unit 12U identifies that the profile used in the higher-level device is AS (step S310) and terminates the processing.

[0108] When it is determined that a follow-up message including a Follow_Up information TLV with organizationId 00-80-C2 is not received (step S309: No), the identification unit 12U identifies that the profile used by the upper device is D (multicast, P2P), D (multicast, E2E), or T1 (step S311), and ends the process.

[0109] <L3 / Upper device / Passive case> Figure 9D is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12U in the case of L3 / upper device / passive. The profiles to be identified in Figure 9D are D (unicast (unicast negotiation enable / disable) / multicast, E2E / P2P), T2 (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E), S (unicast, (unicast negotiation disable) / multicast, E2E / P2P).

[0110] The identification unit 12U connects to the network in which communication between communication devices 1 and 2 in L3 is performed (step S401).

[0111] The identification unit 12U determines whether it has received a time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device via the communication interface 11 (step S402).

[0112] When it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device has not been received (step S402: No), the identification unit 12U proceeds to the process in the case of L3 / upper device / active, which will be described later.

[0113] When it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device has been received (step S402: Yes), the identification unit 12U determines whether the destination address of the received time synchronization signal is a unicast address and whether unicast negotiation is enabled (step S403).

[0114] If it is determined that the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a unicast address and that unicast negotiation is enabled (step S403: Yes), the identification unit 12U identifies that the profile to be used in the higher-level device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, P2P), D (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E), or T2 (step S404), and terminates the processing.

[0115] If it is determined that the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a multicast address, or that the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a unicast address but unicast negotiation is disabled (step S403: No), the identification unit 12U determines whether the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a multicast address (step S405).

[0116] If it is determined that the destination address is a multicast address (step S405: Yes), the identification unit 12U determines whether the profile used in the upper device is S (step S406). Specifically, the identification unit 12U determines whether a management message including a Synchronization Metadata TLV has been received from the upper device. In SMPTE, the management message is transmitted from the upper device to transmit profile-specific information separately from an Announce.

[0117] If it is determined that a management message including a Synchronization Metadata TLV has not been received (step S406: No), the identification unit 12U identifies that the profile used by the higher-level device is D (multicast, P2P) or D (multicast, E2E) (step S407), and terminates the processing.

[0118] When it is determined that a management message including Synchronization Metadata TLV has been received (step S406: Yes), the identification unit 12U identifies that the profile used by the upper device is S (multicast, P2P) or S (multicast, E2E) (step S408), and ends the process.

[0119] When it is determined that the destination address is not a multicast address (step S405: No), the identification unit 12U determines whether the profile used by the upper device is S (step S409). The identification unit 12U determines whether the profile used by the upper device is S by the same process as in step S406.

[0120] When it is determined that a management message including Synchronization Metadata TLV has not been received (step S409: No), the identification unit 12U identifies that the profile used by the upper device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, P2P) or D (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, E2E) (step S410), and ends the process. <#

[0121] When it is determined that a management message including Synchronization Metadata TLV has been received (step S406: Yes), the identification unit 12U identifies that the profile used by the upper device is S (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, P2P) or S (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, E2E) (step S411), and ends the process.

[0122] <In the case of L2 / lower device / active> 10A is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12L in the case of L2 / lower device / active. The profiles to be identified in FIG. 10A are D (unicast (unicast negotiation disable) / multicast, E2E) and T1 (multicast, E2E).

[0123] The identification unit 12L connects to a network in which L2 communication is performed between the communication devices 1 and 2 (step S501).

[0124] The identification unit 12L determines whether or not a time synchronization signal transmitted from the lower device to the upper device via the communication interface 11 has been received (step S502).

[0125] If it is determined that a time synchronization signal transmitted from a lower device to a higher device has been received (step S502: Yes), the identification unit 12L proceeds to the processing for the L2 / lower device / passive case described with reference to Figure 9A.

[0126] If it is determined that a time synchronization signal has not been received from the lower device (step S502: No), the identification unit 12L determines whether the profile used by the lower device is T1 (step S503). Specifically, the identification unit 12L causes the signal transmission unit 13 to transmit Announce and Sync messages (first time synchronization signals) to a multicast address at transmission intervals of less than one second, and in response thereto, determines whether a Delay_req message has been received from the lower device.

[0127] If it is determined that a Delay_req message has been received from the lower device (step S503: Yes), the identifying unit 12L determines that the profile used by the lower device is T1 (step S504), and ends the process.

[0128] When it is determined that the Delay_req message has not been received from the lower device (step S503: No), the identification unit 12L determines whether the profile used by the lower device is D (multicast) (step S505). Specifically, the identification unit 12L causes the signal transmission unit 13 to transmit the Announce and Sync messages (the first time synchronization signal) to the multicast address at a transmission interval of less than 1 second, and determines whether the Delay_req message has been received from the lower device in response to this.

[0129] When it is determined that the Delay_req message has been received from the lower device (step S505: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower device is D (multicast, E2E) (step S506), and ends the process.

[0130] When it is determined that the Delay_req message has not been received from the lower device (step S505: No), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, E2E) (step S507), and ends the process.

[0131] <In the case of the L3 lower device / active> FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12L in the case of the L3 lower device / active. The profiles to be identified in FIG. 10B are D (unicast (unicast negotiation disable) / multicast, E2E), S (unicast (unicast negotiation disable) / multicast, E2E).

[0132] The identification unit 12L connects to the network in which communication between the communication devices 1 and 2 at L3 is performed (step S601).

[0133] The identification unit 12L determines whether or not a time synchronization signal transmitted from the lower device to the upper device via the communication interface 11 has been received (step S602).

[0134] If it is determined that a time synchronization signal transmitted from a lower device to a higher device has been received (step S602: Yes), the identification unit 12L proceeds to the processing for the L3 / lower device / passive case described with reference to Figure 9B.

[0135] When it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the lower device to the upper device has not been received (step S602: No), the identification unit 12L determines whether the profile used by the lower device is S (multicast) (step S603). Specifically, the identification unit 12L causes the signal transmission unit 13 to transmit a Management message requesting parameter setting to a multicast address, and determines whether the setting request has been accepted. More specifically, the identification unit 12L causes the signal transmission unit 13 to transmit a Management message (first time synchronization signal) whose action field is COMMAND and whose TLV is Synchronization Metadata TLV to the multicast address. Then, the identification unit 12L determines whether a Management message whose action field is ACKNOWLEDGE and whose TLV is Synchronization Metadata TLV has been received from the lower device.

[0136] If it is determined that a Management message whose actionField is ACKNOWLEDGE and whose TLV is Synchronization Metadata TLV has been received from a lower-level device (step S603: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower-level device is S (multicast, E2E) (step S604) and terminates the processing.

[0137] When it is determined that a Management message whose action field is ACKNOWLEDGE and whose TLV is Synchronization Metadata TLV has not been received from the lower device (step S603: No), the identification unit 12L determines whether the profile used by the lower device is S (unicast) (step S605). Specifically, the identification unit 12L causes the signal transmission unit 13 to transmit a Management message requesting parameter setting to a unicast address, and determines whether the setting request has been accepted. More specifically, the identification unit 12L causes the signal transmission unit 13 to transmit a Management message (first time synchronization signal) whose action field is COMMAND and whose TLV is Synchronization Metadata TLV to the lower device (communication device 2). Then, the identification unit 12L determines whether a Management message (second time synchronization signal) whose action field is ACKNOWLEDGE and whose TLV is Synchronization Metadata TLV has been received from the lower device.

[0138] If it is determined that a Management message whose actionField is ACKNOWLEDGE and whose TLV is Synchronization Metadata TLV has been received from a lower-level device (step S605: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower-level device is S (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, E2E) (step S606) and terminates the processing.

[0139] When it is determined that a Management message in which the actionField is ACKNOWLEDGE and the TLV is a Synchronization Metadata TLV has not been received from the lower device (step S605: No), the identification unit 12L determines whether the profile used by the lower device is D (multicast) (step S607). Specifically, the identification unit 12L causes the signal transmission unit 13 to transmit Announce and Sync (the first time synchronization signal) to a unicast address, and determines whether Delay_req (the second time synchronization signal) is received in response thereto.

[0140] When it is determined that Delay_req has been received (step S607: Yes), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower device is D (multicast, E2E) (step S608), and ends the process.

[0141] When it is determined that Delay_req has not been received (step S607: No), the identification unit 12L identifies that the profile used by the lower device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation disable, E2E) (step S609), and ends the process.

[0142] <In the case of the L2 / upper device / active> FIG. 10C is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12U in the case of the L_{2} / upper device / active. The profile to be identified in FIG. 10C is D (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E).

[0143] The identification unit 12U connects to the network in which communication between communication devices 1 and 2 at L_{2} is performed (step S701).

[0144] The identification unit 12U determines whether it has received a time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device via the communication interface 11 (step S702).

[0145] When it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device has been received (step S702: Yes), the identification unit 12U proceeds to the process in the case of L2 / upper device / passive, which was described with reference to FIG. 9C.

[0146] When it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device has not been received (step S702: No), the identification unit 12U determines that the profile used in the upper device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E) (step S703), and ends the process.

[0147] <In the case of L3 / upper device / active> FIG. 10D is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification unit 12U in the case of L3 / upper device / active. The profiles to be identified in FIG. 10D are D (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E) and T2 (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E).

[0148] The identification unit 12U connects to the network in which communication between communication devices 1 and 2 in L3 is performed (step S801).

[0149] The identification unit 12U determines whether it has received the time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device via the communication interface 11 (step S802).

[0150] When it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device has been received (step S802: Yes), the identification unit 12U proceeds to the process in the case of L3 / upper device / passive, which was described with reference to FIG. 9D.

[0151] If it is determined that the time synchronization signal transmitted from the upper device to the lower device has not been received (step S802: No), the identification unit 12U determines that the profile used by the upper device is D (unicast, unicast negotiation enable, E2E) or T2 (step S803), and terminates the processing.

[0152] 9A to 10D, the identification device 10 has been described separately as a case where it passively acquires the time synchronization signal from the communication devices 1 and 2 (receiving the time synchronization signal transmitted from the communication devices 1 and 2 without any action from the identification device 10) and a case where it actively acquires the time synchronization signal from the communication devices 1 and 2 (transmitting a time synchronization signal (first time synchronization signal) from the identification device 10 and receiving a time synchronization signal (second time synchronization signal) transmitted from the communication devices 1 and 2 in response to that time synchronization signal), but this is not limited to this.

[0153] The identification device 10 may combine passive acquisition of a time synchronization signal with active acquisition of a time synchronization signal. For example, if the identification device 10 does not receive a time synchronization signal for a predetermined period of time or longer due to some reason, the identification device 10 may switch from passive acquisition of a time synchronization signal to active acquisition of a time synchronization signal. That is, if the identification device 10 does not receive a time synchronization signal from the communication devices 1 and 2 when passively acquiring a time synchronization signal, the identification device 10 may transmit a time synchronization signal (first time synchronization signal) to the communication devices 1 and 2, receive a time synchronization signal (second time synchronization signal) transmitted from the communication devices 1 and 2 in response to the time synchronization signal, and identify the profile used by the communication devices 1 and 2 based on information contained in the received time synchronization signal.

[0154] Thus, the identification device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with an identification unit 12 that identifies the profile to be used in the communication devices 1 and 2 based on information regarding the transmission and reception of the time synchronization signal and the time synchronization method corresponding to one of multiple profiles, contained in the time synchronization signal acquired from the communication devices 1 and 2.

[0155] Information regarding the transmission and reception of time synchronization signals and the time synchronization method according to a single profile is information that is always included in the time synchronization signals transmitted and received for time synchronization between the communication devices 1 and 2. By using such information, the identification device 10 according to this embodiment can identify the profile used by the communication devices 1 and 2 regardless of the implementation of the device.

[0156] (Second embodiment) Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a recognition device 10a according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 11, the same components as those in Fig. 3A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0157] 11, the identification device 10a according to this embodiment includes a communication interface 11, an identification unit 12U, an identification unit 12L, a signal transmission unit 13, and a notification unit 14. The identification device 10a according to this embodiment differs from the identification device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the notification unit 14 is added.

[0158] The notification unit 14 receives an input of the results of the identification of the profiles used by the communication devices 1 and 2 by the identification units 12U and 12L. The notification unit 14 notifies the outside of the results of the identification of the profiles used by the communication devices 1 and 2 by the identification units 12U and 12L. The notification unit 14 notifies, for example, the operating system 3 that manages the identification device 10a of the results of the identification of the profiles used by the identification units 12U and 12L to the operating system 3 that manages the identification device 10a. The notification unit 14 may also notify the results of the identification of the profiles used by the communication devices 1 and 2 by displaying on a display device included in the identification device 10a or a display device connected to the identification device 10a via a wired or wireless connection. The notification unit 14 may also notify the results of the identification of the profiles used by the communication devices 1 and 2 by, for example, audio output.

[0159] 11 shows an example in which the notification unit 14 is added to the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 3A, but the present invention is not limited to this. The notification unit 14 may also be added to the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 3B or the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 3C.

[0160] According to the identification device 10a of this embodiment, the results of identifying the profiles used by the communication devices 1 and 2 can be notified to the outside.

[0161] (Third embodiment) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a recognition device 10b according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 12, the same components as those in Fig. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0162] 12, the identification device 10b according to this embodiment includes a communication interface 11, an identification unit 12U, an identification unit 12L, a signal transmission unit 13, a notification unit 14, and a determination unit 15. The identification device 10b according to this embodiment differs from the identification device 10a according to the second embodiment in that the determination unit 15 is added.

[0163] The determination unit 15 receives the results of the identification of profiles to be used by the communication devices 1 and 2 by the identification units 12U and 12L. The determination unit 15 determines whether the profile identified by the identification unit 12U to be used by the communication device 1 matches the profile identified by the identification unit 12L to be used by the communication device 2. The determination unit 15 outputs the result of the determination to the notification unit 14. As a result, the determination result of the determination unit 15 is notified to the outside (for example, the operating system 3).

[0164] According to the identification device 10b of this embodiment, when a mismatch occurs between the profiles used by the communication devices 1 and 2, the mismatch can be notified to the outside.

[0165] 12 shows an example in which the determination unit 15 is added to the identification device 10a shown in FIG. 11 (the notification unit 14 and the determination unit 15 are added to the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 3A), but the present invention is not limited to this. The notification unit 14 and the determination unit 15 may be added to the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 3B or the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 3C.

[0166] 12 has been described using an example in which the determination unit 15 determines whether the profile identified to be used in the communication device 1 matches the profile identified to be used in the communication device 2. However, this is not limiting. For example, the identification units 12U and 12L may continuously identify the profiles used in the communication devices 1 and 2, and the determination unit 15 may determine whether the profile used in the communication device 1 changes and whether the profile used in the communication device 2 changes. That is, the determination unit 15 may determine whether the profile used in the communication device 1 has changed based on a past profile of the communication device 1 and a current profile of the communication device 1 identified by the identification unit 12U. The determination unit 15 may also determine whether the profile used in the communication device 2 has changed based on a past profile of the communication device 2 and a current profile of the communication device 2 identified by the identification unit 12L. This makes it possible to detect a change in the profile used in the communication devices 1 and 2 when a setting change in the communication devices 1 and 2 during operation changes the profile used in the communication devices 1 and 2, or when a profile error occurs due to a software error in the devices.

[0167] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a recognition device 10c according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 13, the same components as those in Fig. 3B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0168] 13, the identification device 10c according to this embodiment includes a communication interface 11, an identification unit 12Uc, a signal transmission unit 13, and a setting storage unit 16. The identification device 10c according to this embodiment differs from the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 3B in that the setting storage unit 16 is added and the identification unit 12U is changed to an identification unit 12Uc.

[0169] The setting storage unit 16 stores settings required for the communication device 2 for time synchronization between the communication devices 1 and 2, for each of a plurality of candidate profiles to be used when the communication devices 1 and 2 perform time synchronization. The settings for the communication device 2 include, for example, a message transmission cycle, a domain number, and a priority.

[0170] The identification unit 12Uc identifies the profile to be used in the communication device 1 in the same manner as the identification unit 12U. The identification unit 12Uc reads out settings corresponding to the identified profile from the setting storage unit 16 and sets the settings in the communication device 2. In this way, the identification unit 12a instructs the communication device 2 (second communication device) to set the settings according to the profile identified to be used in the communication device 1 (first communication device).

[0171] This allows the corresponding communication device to be automatically configured according to the identified profile, thereby reducing the workload involved in identifying the profile to be used and configuring the device to correspond to the identified profile when installing or replacing a device.

[0172] In addition, in FIG. 13, the identification device 10c has been described using an example in which, compared to the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 3B, the identification unit 12U has been changed to an identification unit 12Uc and a setting memory unit 16 has been added, but this is not limited to this.

[0173] 3C, the identification device 10c may have a configuration in which the identification unit 12L is changed to an identification unit 12Lc and a setting storage unit 16 is added. In this case, the setting storage unit 16 stores settings required for the communication device 1 so that the communication devices 1 and 2 can perform time synchronization for each of a plurality of profiles that are candidates for use when the communication devices 1 and 2 perform time synchronization. The identification unit 12L reads from the setting storage unit 16 the settings of the communication device 1 that correspond to the profile identified to be used by the communication device 2, and instructs the communication device 1 of the read settings.

[0174] 14, the identification device 10c may include a communication interface 11, an identification unit 12Uc, an identification unit 12Lc, a signal transmission unit 13, a determination unit 15, and a setting storage unit 16.

[0175] Assume that the determination unit 15 determines that the profile identified to be used in communication device 1 does not match the profile identified to be used in communication device 2. In this case, for example, when the identification unit 12Uc determines that the profile identified to be used in communication device 1 is correct, it reads out the settings of communication device 2 corresponding to the profile identified to be used in communication device 1 from the setting storage unit 16 and sets them in communication device 2. Furthermore, when the identification unit 12Lc determines that the profile identified to be used in communication device 2 is correct, it reads out the settings of communication device 1 corresponding to the profile identified to be used in communication device 2 from the setting storage unit 16 and sets them in communication device 1.

[0176] 13 and 14, an example has been described in which the identification device 10c includes a setting storage unit 16 that stores settings necessary for the communication devices 1 and 2 to perform time synchronization, but this is not limiting. The settings necessary for the communication devices 1 and 2 to perform time synchronization may be stored in an external memory connectable to the identification device 10c. Furthermore, the settings necessary for the communication devices 1 and 2 to perform time synchronization may be stored in an external device such as a server device connected to the identification device 10c via a network.

[0177] Next, the hardware configuration of the identification devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0178] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the identification devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c according to the present disclosure. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of the identification devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c when the identification devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c are configured by a computer capable of executing program instructions. Here, the computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a workstation, a personal computer (PC), an electronic notepad, or the like. The program instructions may be program code, code segments, or the like for performing necessary tasks.

[0179] 15, the identification devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c each include a processor 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a storage 24, an input unit 25, a display unit 26, and a communication interface (I / F) 27. Each component is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 29. The processor 21 is specifically a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an SoC (System on a Chip), and may be configured by a plurality of processors of the same type or different types.

[0180] The processor 21 is a control unit that controls each component and performs various arithmetic processing. That is, the processor 21 reads a program from the ROM 22 or the storage 24 and executes the program using the RAM 23 as a work area. The processor 21 controls each component and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 22 or the storage 24. In this embodiment, the ROM 22 or the storage 24 stores a program for causing a computer to operate as the identification devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c according to the present disclosure. The program is read and executed by the processor 21, thereby realizing each component of the above-described identification devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c.

[0181] The program may be provided in a form stored on a non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. The program may also be provided in a form downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0182] The ROM 22 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 23 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 24 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including the operating system and various data.

[0183] The input unit 25 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used to input various types of information.

[0184] The display unit 26 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The display unit 26 may function as the input unit 25 by adopting a touch panel system.

[0185] The communication interface 27 is an interface for communicating with other devices (for example, the communication devices 1 and 2).

[0186] A computer can be suitably used to function as each of the above-described identification devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c. Such a computer can be realized by storing a program describing the processing content for realizing the functions of each of the identification devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c in the memory of the computer and having the processor of the computer read and execute the program. In other words, the program can cause the computer to function as the above-described identification devices 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c. The program can also be recorded on a non-transitory storage medium. The program can also be provided via a network.

[0187] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0188] [Additional note 1] An identification device connected to a first communication device and a second communication device that perform time synchronization by transmitting and receiving a time synchronization signal according to one of a plurality of profiles, and that identifies a profile used by at least the first communication device of the first communication device and the second communication device, Memory and a control unit connected to the memory; Equipped with The control unit An identification device that identifies a profile to be used by the first communication device based on information regarding the transmission and reception of a time synchronization signal corresponding to one of the multiple profiles and the method of the time synchronization, which information is included in the time synchronization signal acquired from the first communication device.

[0189] [Additional note 2] In the identification device according to Supplementary Item 1, The control unit receives the time synchronization signal transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device, and identifies the profile to be used in the first communication device based on information contained in the received time synchronization signal.

[0190] [Additional note 3] In the identification device according to Supplementary Item 1, The control unit transmits a first time synchronization signal to the first communication device, receives a second time synchronization signal transmitted from the first communication device in response to the first time synchronization signal, and identifies a profile to be used by the first communication device based on information contained in the received second time synchronization signal.

[0191] [Additional note 4] In the identification device according to Supplementary Item 1, The control unit further identifying a profile to be used by the second communication device based on information regarding settings for performing time synchronization according to one of the plurality of profiles, the information being included in the time synchronization signal acquired from the second communication device; An identification device that determines whether a profile identified for use with the first communication device matches a profile identified for use with the second communication device.

[0192] [Additional note 5] In the identification device according to Supplementary Item 4, The control unit notifies an external device of the determination result of the determination unit.

[0193] [Additional note 6] In the identification device according to Supplementary Item 1, The control unit notifies an external device of a profile identified for at least one of the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0194] [Additional note 7] In the identification device according to Supplementary Item 1, The control unit instructs the second communication device to perform settings according to the profile identified as being used in the first communication device.

[0195] [Additional note 8] The identification device according to claim 4, When it is determined that the profile identified to be used in the first communication device does not match the profile identified to be used in the second communication device, the control unit instructs the other of the first communication device and the second communication device to use settings corresponding to the profile identified to be used in one of the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0196] [Additional note 9] An identification method using an identification device that is connected to a first communication device and a second communication device that perform time synchronization by transmitting and receiving a time synchronization signal according to one of a plurality of profiles, and identifies a profile used by at least the first communication device of the first communication device and the second communication device, acquiring the time synchronization signal from the first communication device; An identification method for identifying a profile to be used in the first communication device based on information regarding the transmission and reception of a time synchronization signal corresponding to one of the multiple profiles and the method of the time synchronization, which information is included in the acquired time synchronization signal.

[0197] 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 interpreted as being limited by the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, multiple building blocks shown in the block diagrams of the embodiments can be combined into one, or one building block can be divided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1,2 Communication equipment 10,10a,10b,10c identification device 11 Communication Interface 12U,12L,12Uc,12Lc identification part 13 Time synchronization unit 14 Notification Department 15 Judgment section 16 Setting memory section 21 processors 22 ROM 23 RAM 24 Storage 25 Input section 26 Display section 27 Communication I / F 29 Bus

Claims

1. An identification device connected to a first communication device and a second communication device that perform time synchronization by transmitting and receiving a time synchronization signal according to one of a plurality of profiles, and that identifies a profile used by at least the first communication device of the first communication device and the second communication device, An identification device comprising an identification unit that identifies a profile to be used in the first communication device based on information regarding the transmission and reception of a time synchronization signal corresponding to one of the multiple profiles and the method of the time synchronization, which information is always included in the time synchronization signal acquired from the first communication device.

2. 2. The identification device according to claim 1, An identification device in which the identification unit receives the time synchronization signal transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device, and identifies a profile to be used in the first communication device based on information contained in the received time synchronization signal.

3. 2. The identification device according to claim 1, An identification device, wherein the identification unit transmits a first time synchronization signal to the first communication device, receives a second time synchronization signal transmitted from the first communication device in response to the first time synchronization signal, and identifies a profile to be used in the first communication device based on information contained in the received second time synchronization signal.

4. 2. The identification device according to claim 1, the identification unit further identifies a profile to be used in the second communication device based on information regarding settings for performing time synchronization according to one of the multiple profiles, the information being included in the time synchronization signal acquired from the second communication device; An identification device further comprising a determination unit that determines whether a profile identified by the identification unit to be used in the first communication device matches a profile identified by the identification unit to be used in the second communication device.

5. 5. The identification device according to claim 4, The identification device further comprises a notification unit that notifies an external device of a determination result of the determination unit.

6. 2. The identification device according to claim 1, The identification device further comprises a notification unit that notifies an external device of the profile identified by the identification unit for at least one of the first communication device and the second communication device.

7. 2. The identification device according to claim 1, The identification unit instructs the second communication device to perform settings according to the profile identified as being used in the first communication device.

8. The identification device according to claim 4, an identification unit that, when the determination unit determines that the profile identified to be used in the first communication device does not match the profile identified to be used in the second communication device, instructs the other of the first communication device and the second communication device to use settings corresponding to the profile identified to be used in one of the first communication device and the second communication device.

9. An identification method using an identification device that is connected to a first communication device and a second communication device that perform time synchronization by transmitting and receiving a time synchronization signal according to one of a plurality of profiles, and identifies a profile used by at least the first communication device of the first communication device and the second communication device, acquiring the time synchronization signal from the first communication device; and identifying a profile to be used in the first communication device based on information regarding the transmission and reception of a time synchronization signal corresponding to one of the multiple profiles and the method of the time synchronization, which information is always included in the acquired time synchronization signal.

10. In the identification device according to claim 1, The information includes information indicating whether a destination address of the time synchronization signal is a unicast address or a multicast address, information indicating whether a communication rate is adjusted between the first communication device and the second communication device when the destination address is a unicast address, and information indicating a method of the time synchronization; The identification unit identifies the profile to be used in the first communication device by combining information indicating whether the destination address of the time synchronization signal is a unicast address or a multicast address, information indicating whether to adjust the communication rate between the first communication device and the second communication device when the destination address is a unicast address, and information indicating the time synchronization method.

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