Transmitting device, communication system, transmitting method and program

Abstract

To provide a communication technique capable of suppressing power consumption while maintaining reliability.SOLUTION: A transmission device that communicates information with one or more receiving devices includes a communication parameter for performing information communication, a communication history information storage unit that stores communication history information in which a radio wave transmitted using the communication parameter when information is transmitted to the receiving device and a deterioration rate which is a value based on the radio wave received from the receiving device are associated with each other, a computing unit that computes the communication parameter for communicating with the receiving device on the basis of the stored communication history information, and an output unit that outputs the calculated communication parameter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In a conventional wireless communication system having a transmitting device and a receiving device, when transmitting information from the transmitting device to the receiving device, there has been a method of wireless communication using multiple channels with different frequencies. In such a wireless communication system, there is a technology that, when wireless communication interference is detected, prevents unnecessary power consumption by not using the detected channel (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-157429 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The conventional techniques described above sacrifice reliability by not using channels where wireless communication interference is detected. In other words, the conventional techniques may be able to reduce power consumption as a result of a trade-off with reliability. However, it is not easy to reduce power consumption while maintaining reliability using such techniques.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication technology that can reduce power consumption while maintaining reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A transmitting device according to one aspect of the present invention is a transmitting device that performs information communication with one or more receiving devices, and includes: a communication history information storage unit that stores communication history information in which communication parameters for performing the information communication are associated with a deterioration rate, which is a value based on radio waves transmitted using the communication parameters when transmitting information to the receiving device and radio waves received from the receiving device; a calculation unit that calculates the communication parameters when communicating with the receiving device based on the stored communication history information; and an output unit that outputs the calculated communication parameters. and a wireless communication unit that performs the information communication with the receiving device based on the communication parameters output by the output unit, the communication parameters including a first transmission interval, the wireless communication unit transmits a signal to the receiving device based on the first transmission interval, the wireless communication unit completes information transmission processing to the receiving device within a transmission time that is a time from when the wireless communication unit starts generating a signal to when the wireless communication unit finishes transmitting the signal, and the calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters to reduce the transmission time when the receiving device continuously and stably receives the information transmitted by the wireless communication unit. .

[0030] In addition, in a transmitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication unit repeatedly performs a transmission process from the time the system is started up until the end of the expected operating life, and the calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to reduce the total time required for the information transmission process when the receiving device continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit.

[0031] In addition, in a transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication parameters include the second transmission interval and the number of transmissions, and the wireless communication unit transmits first data, which is an encoded version of the same data, based on the first transmission interval until a specific number of transmissions is reached, and then transmits second data, which is different from the first data, based on the second transmission interval.

[0032] In addition, in a transmitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to reduce the number of transmissions when the receiving device continuously and stably receives information sent by the wireless communication unit.

[0033] In addition, in a transmitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to increase the second transmission interval when the receiving device continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit.

[0034] In addition, in a transmitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to increase the second transmission interval when information sent by the wireless communication unit is not received continuously by the receiving device.

[0035] In addition, in a transmitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to reduce the first transmission interval when the receiving device continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit.

[0036] In addition, in the transmitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the second transmission interval is a time interval based on a random value.

[0037] In the transmitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the first transmission interval is a time interval based on a random value.

[0038] In addition, in the transmitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the communication parameters include a strength of a wireless signal in the information communication performed with the receiving device.

[0039] In addition, in a transmitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to reduce the intensity when the receiving device continuously and stably receives information sent by the wireless communication unit.

[0040] In addition, a communication system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises any one of the transmitting devices described above and a receiving device that performs the information communication between the transmitting device and the receiving device, the receiving device having a receiving side communication history information storage unit that stores the communication history information, and the receiving device and the transmitting device share the communication history information.

[0041] A transmission method according to one aspect of the present invention is a transmission method for performing information communication with one or more receiving devices, and includes a communication history information storage step of storing communication history information in which communication parameters for performing the information communication are associated with a deterioration rate, which is a value based on radio waves transmitted using the communication parameters when transmitting information to the receiving device and radio waves received from the receiving device; a calculation step of calculating the communication parameters when communicating with the receiving device based on the stored communication history information; and an output step of outputting the calculated communication parameters. and further comprising a wireless communication step of performing the information communication with the receiving device based on the communication parameters output by the output step, the communication parameters including a first transmission interval, the wireless communication step transmitting a signal to the receiving device based on the first transmission interval, the wireless communication step completing information transmission processing to the receiving device within a transmission time which is the time from when signal generation starts to when transmission is completed, and the calculation step adjusting the communication parameters so as to reduce the transmission time when the receiving device continuously and stably receives the information transmitted by the wireless communication step. .

[0042] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer that performs information communication with one or more receiving devices to execute a communication history information storage step of storing communication history information in which communication parameters for the information communication are associated with a deterioration rate that is a value based on radio waves transmitted using the communication parameters when transmitting information to the receiving device and radio waves received from the receiving device; a calculation step of calculating the communication parameters when communicating with the receiving device based on the stored communication history information; and an output step of outputting the calculated communication parameters. The method further includes a wireless communication step of performing the information communication with the receiving device based on the communication parameters output by the output step, the communication parameters including a first transmission interval, the wireless communication step transmitting a signal to the receiving device based on the first transmission interval, the wireless communication step completing information transmission processing to the receiving device within a transmission time which is a time from when signal generation starts to when transmission is completed, and the calculation step adjusting the communication parameters so as to reduce the transmission time when the receiving device continuously and stably receives the information transmitted by the wireless communication step. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0043] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication technique that can reduce power consumption while maintaining reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of information communication in the communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a transmission device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication history information according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a series of operations of a transmission device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining search and utilization of communication parameters according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of timing of data transmitted by a transmitting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of communication history information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of using a parameter identifier according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of weighting communication history information according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a case where one transmission device exclusively uses guideline information according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example in which guideline information according to the embodiment is shared by a plurality of transmission devices; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] [Communication Systems] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the following embodiments.

[0046] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment, and a communication system 1 will be described with reference to the diagram. The communication system 1 includes a transmitting device 20 and a receiving device 30. The transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 communicate information with each other. The communication system 1 may include a plurality of transmitting devices 20 and a plurality of receiving devices 30. In this case, each transmitting device 20 communicates information with one or more receiving devices 30. With reference to the same figure, an example of the communication system 1 will be described, in which one transmitting device 20 and a plurality of receiving devices 30 are included. Specifically, an example of the receiving device 30 will be described, in which receiving devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 are included.

[0047] The transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 communicate information with each other by short-range wireless communication using NFC (Near Field Communication). In the following description, an example of the case where the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 communicate information by wireless communication conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, particularly wireless communication conforming to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard, will be described as an example of short-range wireless communication. The short-distance wireless communication in this embodiment is not limited to the example of BLE, and various communication methods can be adopted. For example, the short-distance wireless communication may be Wi-Fi (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), TransferJet (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), etc. Alternatively, the wireless communication is not limited to short distances, and may be LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), etc.

[0048] When the communication system 1 performs information communication by wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard, the transmitting device 20 may be a peripheral, and the receiving device 30 may be a central. The transmitting device 20, which is a peripheral, transmits transmission information IS without identifying the receiving device 30. When the receiving device 30 located near the transmitting device 20 receives the transmission information IS, it transmits reception information IR. The information communication performed between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 may be a communication method in which multiple communication channels are defined within a predetermined frequency band. For example, the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 may exchange information using advertisement packets in wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard.

[0049] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information communication in the communication system according to the embodiment. With reference to the diagram, an example of information communication between a transmitting device 20 and a receiving device 30 included in the communication system 1 will be described. The transmitting device 20 transmits the transmission information IS based on the communication parameters calculated by the algorithm 231. The communication parameters may be, for example, a frequency band used for communication, a signal transmission interval or number of transmissions, or transmission power.

[0050] The transmitting device 20 includes a control unit 21 and a wireless communication unit 22 . The wireless communication unit 22 controls radio waves to be transmitted from the antenna 221 based on communication parameters acquired from the control unit 21. The wireless communication unit 22 also outputs information based on the radio waves received by the antenna 221 to the control unit 21.

[0051] The control unit 21 includes an algorithm 231 and calculates communication parameters. By using the algorithm 231, the control unit 21 calculates communication parameters based on communication history information 233. The control unit 21 updates the calculated communication parameters as guideline information 232 as needed. The control unit 21 outputs the calculated communication parameters to the wireless communication unit 22. Furthermore, the control unit 21 acquires information about radio waves received by the antenna 221 from the wireless communication unit 22. The control unit 21 updates the guideline information 232 based on the deterioration rate included in the acquired information about radio waves.

[0052] The degradation rate is a value indicating the degree of degradation of communication quality, and may be calculated, for example, based on whether or not the transmission information IS transmitted by the transmitting device 20 reaches any of the receiving devices 30. In other words, the degradation rate may be a value indicating whether or not communication between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 is successful. In this case, the degradation rate may be a binary value. When the degradation rate is a binary value, the control unit 21 calculates it based on a control signal (e.g., an ACK signal) or the like that is returned when the receiving device 30 correctly receives the transmission information IS. As another embodiment of the control signal, the presence or absence of a scan response request in response to a BLE advertising packet may be used as the deterioration rate, or the presence or absence of a connection request from the central (i.e., the receiving device 30) may be used as the deterioration rate. The receiving device 30 may notify whether it has correctly received the transmission information IS using a different communication means rather than via wireless communication. If the receiving device 30 has correctly received the transmission information IS, the control unit 21 sets the deterioration rate to a low value. If the receiving device 30 has correctly received the transmission information IS, the control unit 21 may set the deterioration rate to 0 (zero).

[0053] In another embodiment, the deterioration rate may be based on information about the strength of radio waves included in the radio waves received by the antenna 221 from the receiving device 30. The information about the strength of radio waves may be, for example, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI). In this case, the receiving device 30 includes a radio wave strength measurement unit (not shown) that measures the radio wave strength when receiving the transmission information IS. The receiving device 30 transmits the measured radio wave strength to the transmitting device 20 as reception information IR. The control unit 21 sets a higher deterioration rate as the radio wave strength included in the received reception information IR decreases. In other words, a smaller deterioration rate indicates that the radio waves transmitted to the receiving device 30 have not deteriorated.

[0054] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the deterioration rate may be calculated from the error rate when the receiving device 30 receives information encoded with an error detection code or an error correction code. In this case, the control unit 31 included in the receiving device 30 calculates the error rate of the transmission information IS acquired from the transmitting device 20. The receiving device 30 transmits the calculated error rate to the transmitting device 20 as reception information IR. The control unit 21 included in the transmitting device 20 sets the deterioration rate higher as the error rate included in the received reception information IR is higher. In other words, the signal transmitted to the receiving device 30 based on the output communication parameters is coded using a coding method with an error detection function, and the degradation rate is based on the error rate when the signal received from the receiving device 30 is decoded.

[0055] The receiving device 30 includes a control unit 31 and a wireless communication unit 32 . The wireless communication unit 32 receives radio waves from the transmitting device 20 via the antenna 321. The control unit 31 calculates the radio wave strength (RSSI) and error rate of the received radio waves based on the information of the received radio waves input from the wireless communication unit 32. The wireless communication unit 32 outputs the radio wave strength, error rate, etc. calculated by the control unit 31 as reception information IR.

[0056] Here, the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 may have the same device configuration. That is, in the communication system 1, a device that behaves as a transmitter at a certain point in time is referred to as the transmitting device 20, and a device that receives radio waves transmitted by the transmitting device 20 is referred to as the receiving device 30. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30, they are also referred to as the communication device 10.

[0057] [Functional configuration of the transmitter] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a transmission device according to an embodiment. The functional configuration of the transmission device 20 will be described with reference to the same figure. Components already described in the description of the communication system 1 may be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof may be omitted. The transmission device 20 includes a control unit 21 and a wireless communication unit 22. The transmission device 20 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a storage device such as a read only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), etc., which are connected via a bus, and functions as a device including the control unit 21 and the wireless communication unit 22 by executing a transmission program. The control unit 21 includes a communication history information storage unit 211 , a calculation unit 212 , an output unit 213 , and a storage control unit 215 .

[0058] All or part of the functions of the transmitting device 20 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The transmission program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The transmission program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0059] The communication history information storage unit 211 stores the communication history information IH. The communication history information IH is information in which communication parameters PM for performing information communication are associated with a deterioration rate D when the information communication is performed using the communication parameters PM. The deterioration rate D is a value based on the radio waves transmitted using the communication parameters PM when transmitting information to the receiving device 30 and the radio waves received from the receiving device 30. For example, the deterioration rate D may be defined as deterioration rate D = (radio wave strength of received radio waves / radio wave strength of transmitted radio waves). The communication history information storage unit 211 may include a volatile random access memory (RAM) or a non-volatile read only memory (ROM).

[0060] Here, the communication history information IH stored in the communication history information storage unit 211 will be described with reference to the drawing. 4 is a diagram showing an example of communication history information according to the embodiment. The communication history information IH will be described with reference to the diagram. As shown in the diagram, the communication history information storage unit 211 associates communication parameters PM with deterioration rates D and stores them as communication history information IH. In the example shown in the diagram, specifically, the communication parameter PM1 and the deterioration rate D1 are associated and stored as communication history information IH-1, and the communication parameter PM2 and the deterioration rate D2 are associated and stored as communication history information IH-2. The calculation unit 212 determines communication parameters based on the accumulated communication parameters PM and the results of information communication performed using the communication parameters PM. The results of information communication are, for example, a deterioration rate D.

[0061] Returning to FIG. 3 , the calculation unit 212 calculates communication parameters PM to be used when communicating with the receiving device 30, based on the communication history information IH stored in the communication history information storage unit 211. Specifically, the calculation unit 212 calculates the communication parameters PM using a machine learning algorithm. The machine learning algorithm may be a reinforcement learning algorithm that uses state information, such as Q-learning or deep reinforcement learning. When the machine learning algorithm is a reinforcement learning algorithm, the machine learning algorithm uses the deterioration rate D as a reward and learns the communication parameters PM that maximize the reward. Here, the machine learning algorithm may be a trained model that has been trained in advance. At the time of the first operation, the machine learning algorithm may be untrained, and when the machine learning algorithm is untrained, the result may be determined by a random number. The machine learning algorithm is trained based on the communication history information IH. The communication history information IH is information in which the communication parameters PM output by the output unit 213 are associated with the deterioration rate D obtained as a result of information communication using the communication parameters PM. That is, the calculation unit 212 is trained based on the deterioration rate D obtained as a result of information communication using the communication parameters PM output by the output unit 213. The calculation unit 212 outputs parameter information IP including the calculated communication parameters PM to the output unit 213.

[0062] The output unit 213 outputs parameter information IP including the communication parameters PM calculated by the calculation unit 212 to the wireless communication unit 22. The wireless communication unit 22 communicates information with the receiving device 30 based on the communication parameters PM included in the parameter information IP output by the output unit 213.

[0063] The storage control unit 215 acquires degradation information ID including a degradation rate D from the wireless communication unit 22. The storage control unit 215 associates the acquired degradation information ID with the communication parameters PM and stores the associated degradation information ID as communication history information IH in the communication history information storage unit 211. The storage control unit 215 acquires parameter information IP from at least one of the output unit 213 and the wireless communication unit 22, generates communication history information IH by associating the communication parameters PM included in the acquired parameter information IP with the degradation rate D, and stores the generated communication history information IH in the communication history information storage unit 211.

[0064] [Transmitter operation sequence] 5 is a diagram illustrating a series of operations of the transmission device according to the embodiment. An example of the operation of the transmission device 20 will be described with reference to the same figure. The transmission device 20 is provided with an algorithm 231. The communication history information 233 is an example of the communication history information IH stored in the communication history information storage unit 211.

[0065] The algorithm 231 accumulates communication history information 233 based on the communication parameters PM used by the transmitting device 20 for communication. The communication history information 233 associates a communication parameter identifier (parameter identifier) ​​PMID that identifies the communication parameter PM, a deterioration rate D, and a time. The time is the time when information communication was performed using the communication parameter PM identified by the parameter identifier PMID, or the time when the deterioration rate D was obtained as a result of the information communication. The algorithm 231 searches for communication parameters PM that can transmit information efficiently while suppressing power consumption. Specifically, the algorithm 231 repeats a "search" operation to learn suitable communication parameters and a "use" operation to perform communication using the communication parameters PM determined in the search, thereby deriving optimal communication parameters at the time of information communication.

[0066] 6 is a diagram for explaining the search and utilization of communication parameters according to the embodiment. With reference to the diagram, the "search" and "utilization" of the algorithm 231 will be explained. "Parameter A" and "parameter B" are examples of communication parameters PM. That is, in the example described with reference to the same figure, the communication parameters PM have two parameters. The change in each parameter over time is shown with the horizontal axis representing time. "Communication" indicates whether the algorithm 231 is performing "exploration" or "utilization" with the horizontal axis representing time. "Exploration" is shown with a solid rectangle, and "utilization" is shown with a hollow rectangle.

[0067] time t 11 At time t, the algorithm 231 performs a "search." The algorithm 231 determines the value of parameter A to be "A1" and the value of parameter B to be "B1." 11 From time t 12 The transmitting device 20 performs information communication using the determined communication parameters PM from time t 11 From time t 12 This is how we make use of it. time t 12 In this case, the algorithm 231 calculates the time t 11 From time t 12 As a result of "utilizing" the communication parameters PM over a period of time, the algorithm 231 "searches" for more suitable communication parameters PM based on the accumulated communication history information IH. As a result of the search, the algorithm 231 changes the value of parameter A from "A1" to "A2" and the value of parameter B from "B1" to "B2". At time t 12 From time t 13 During this period, the transmitting device 20 performs information communication using the determined communication parameters PM.

[0068] time t 13 In this case, the algorithm 231 calculates the time t 11 From time t 12 , and time t 12 From time t 13 As a result of "utilizing" the communication parameters PM over a period of time, the algorithm 231 "searches" for more suitable communication parameters PM based on the accumulated communication history information IH. As a result of the search, the algorithm 231 changes the value of parameter A from "A2" to "A3" and the value of parameter B from "B2" to "B3". At time t 13From time t 14 During this period, the transmitting device 20 performs information communication using the determined communication parameters PM.

[0069] As described above, the algorithm 231 repeats "search" and "utilization" to derive suitable communication parameters PM, and performs information communication based on the derived communication parameters PM. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the timing of the "search" is time t 11 , time t 12 , time t 13 , and time t 14 , is a predetermined timing determined by the algorithm 231. The timing for performing the "search" may be irregular, as in this example, or may be regular.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 5, the algorithm 231 will be described. Specifically, the algorithm 231 is a machine learning algorithm. More specifically, the algorithm 231 may be a MAB (Multi Armed Bandit) algorithm or the like. That is, the calculation unit 212 may learn using the MAB algorithm (Multi Armed Bandit algorithm). By using the MAB algorithm, the transmitting device 20 can reliably transmit information to the receiving device 30 with low power consumption.

[0071] [MAB algorithm] The MAB algorithm will be described below. The MAB algorithm is used to solve the problem of maximizing rewards within a limited number of attempts when there are multiple slot machines with unknown reward probabilities. In order to determine suitable communication parameters PM using this MAB algorithm, the reward amount must be set taking into consideration the trade-off between the power consumption required for transmission and whether or not the receiving device 30 has correctly received information. The transmitting device 20 acquires the amount of power required for communication using a predetermined method. The transmitting device 20 may measure the amount of power actually consumed, for example, by including a power meter (not shown). Alternatively, the transmitting device 20 may store a power consumption correspondence table (not shown) in which communication parameters PM are associated with estimated amounts of power consumption, and acquire the amount of power by referring to the power consumption correspondence table.

[0072] Since lower power consumption is more preferable, it is desirable to decrease the amount of reward as power consumption increases. By decreasing the amount of reward as power consumption increases, algorithm 231, which is the MAB algorithm, determines communication parameters PM so as to reduce power consumption, thereby making it possible to suppress the amount of power required for transmission. Since a lower degradation rate D means that information was transmitted with higher quality (i.e., more reliably), it is desirable to increase the amount of reward as the degradation rate D decreases.

[0073] The algorithm 231 constructs the communication history information IH using the calculated deterioration rate D. For example, the communication history information IH may be time-series data of the deterioration rate D. The algorithm 231 determines suitable communication parameters PM based on the communication history information IH, which is time-series data of the deterioration rate D. The communication history information IH may be a single value calculated based on the deterioration rate D accumulated in the past.

[0074] As another example, instead of storing the communication history information IH in the transmitting device 20, the communication history information IH may be acquired from another device. The other device may be, for example, the receiving device 30. That is, in another example, the receiving device 30 stores the communication history information IH instead of the transmitting device 20. In this case, the receiving device 30 may count the number of times it has successfully received information from the transmitting device 20 without any dropouts, and estimate the deterioration rate based on the counted number. In this case, the receiving device 30 transmits the communication history information IH to the transmitting device 20 at a predetermined timing.

[0075] In the communication history information IH shown in FIG. 5, the larger the value of the time, the more recent the information. That is, the larger the value is, such as time 1, time 2, time 3, ..., time N, the more recent the information. In the example shown in the same figure, since the deterioration rate D was sufficiently small at time 1 and time 2, the algorithm 231 changes the communication parameters PM at time 3 and tries them (i.e., performs a search). The communication history information IH is added and updated (i.e., accumulated) every time a new communication parameter PM is applied. The algorithm 231 updates the guideline information 232 based on the accumulated communication history information 233.

[0076] The guideline information 232 includes information required to determine how to set the communication parameters PM. The algorithm 231 determines the communication parameters PM based on the updated guideline information 232, and performs communication using the determined communication parameters PM.

[0077] The algorithm 231 learns the communication history of the transmitting device 20 based on the communication history information IH, and updates the guideline information 232 for determining the communication parameters PM. The above-mentioned MAB algorithm or the like is used for "learning" and "updating the guideline." The "updating the guideline" may be performed every time the transmitting device 20 transmits information, i.e., every time the communication history information IH is updated, or may be performed after a predetermined amount of communication history information IH has been accumulated.

[0078] Furthermore, when the communication parameters PM have multiple parameters as their components and each parameter is composed of discrete values, the algorithm 231 can select one from all possible combinations of the communication parameters PM. That is, the algorithm 231 calculates the communication parameters PM by selecting one combination from among the combinations of multiple components included in the communication parameters PM. Specifically, a case will be described in which the communication parameter PM has components x, y, and z. For example, if the component x is a ternary value of x1, x2, and x3, the component y is a binary value of y1 and y2, and the component z is a ternary value of z1, z2, and z3, the algorithm can determine the communication parameter PM by selecting one from 18 (3 x 2 x 3) combinations. With this configuration, the algorithm 231 can easily select an optimal communication parameter PM consisting of multiple components.

[0079] Here, when the combination of communication parameters PM is somewhat complicated, the algorithm 231 can use the UCB (Upper Confidence Bound) 1 algorithm. In this case, the calculation unit 212 performs learning using the UCB1 algorithm. Furthermore, if it is necessary to operate on a microcomputer with low specifications, a lighter TOW (Tug of War) algorithm can be used as the algorithm 231. In this case, the calculation unit 212 is trained using the TOW algorithm. The UCB1 algorithm referred to here includes the UCB1 algorithm and the UCB1-tuned algorithm.

[0080] [Communication parameters] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the timing of data transmitted by a transmitting device according to an embodiment. Specific components of the communication parameters PM will be described with reference to the diagram. In this example, the communication parameters PM have, as their components, a "communication channel," a "first transmission interval SI1," a "second transmission interval SI2," a "number of transmissions ST," and a "transmission power." In the example shown in the diagram, three channels, 37ch (2402 MHz), 38ch (2426 MHz), and 39ch (2480 MHz), which are advertising channels used for BLE advertising, are used as "communication channels." In the diagram, the horizontal axis shows the time axis, which indicates the change over time in data transmitted on each channel.

[0081] time t 21 From time t 22 During the period T 21 indicates the period required to transmit data A. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 22 21 In this example, data A is output to channel 37, then data A is output to channel 38, and then data A is output to channel 39. After outputting data A to each channel, wireless communication unit 22 waits a first transmission interval SI1, and then outputs data A to each channel again. This is repeated until the predetermined number of transmissions ST is reached. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the number of transmissions ST is 4, so the same data is output four times for each channel. That is, the communication parameters PM include a first transmission interval SI1, and the wireless communication unit 22 transmits a signal to the receiving device 30 based on the first transmission interval SI1.

[0082] Here, the first transmission interval SI1 is the interval at which the same data is sent to each channel. According to BLE, advertisement processing is performed for each of the multiple advertising channels, and is performed separately for, for example, the three advertising channels 37, 38, and 39. Here, each channel may interfere with other radio waves present in space. If interference occurs on all three channels, or if the receiving device 30 is not ready to receive, a situation may occur in which the information transmitted by the transmitting device 20 does not reach the receiving device 30. To prepare for such a situation, packets in which the same data is encoded are periodically transmitted multiple times. Note that the case where the receiving device is not ready to receive means that the BLE receiving side (central) performs the receiving operation intermittently to reduce power consumption, for example.

[0083] The wireless communication unit 22 receives a 21 After the second transmission interval SI2 has elapsed since the data A started to be output at time t23 From time t 24 In this example, the wireless communication unit 22 outputs data B to channels 37, 38, and 39. The second sending interval SI2 is the interval between when data is updated and when it is newly transmitted.

[0084] Here, the wireless communication unit 22 completes the process of transmitting information to the receiving device 30 within the transmission time, which is the time from when the signal generation starts to when the transmission is completed. The calculation unit 212 may adjust the communication parameters PM to reduce the transmission time when the receiving device 30 continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22. In this case, the calculation unit 212 may adjust the communication parameters PM to reduce the transmission time based on information included in the received information IR received from the receiving device 30.

[0085] Note that whether the receiving device 30 has continuously and stably received the information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22 may be determined by the receiving device 30 or by the transmitting device 20. When the transmitting device 20 determines this, the determination may be based on whether or not there has been received information IR in response to the transmitted information IS.

[0086] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 22 repeatedly performs a transmission process from the time the system is started up until the end of the expected operating life. The system is, for example, a system that operates the transmitting device 20, and the time of system start-up may be when the transmitting device 20 is powered on. The time when the transmitting device 20 is powered on may be when the power is first turned on before shipping from the factory, or when the power is first turned on after shipping from the factory.

[0087] In this case, the calculation unit 212 adjusts the communication parameters PM so as to reduce the total time required for the information transmission process when the receiving device 30 continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22. The calculation unit 212 may adjust the communication parameters PM so as to reduce the total time required for the information transmission process, based on information included in the received information IR received from the receiving device 30.

[0088] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 22 transmits first data (data A) obtained by encoding the same data at a first transmission interval SI1 until a specific number of transmissions ST is reached, and then transmits second data (data B) different from the first data at a second transmission interval SI2. Furthermore, third, fourth, ..., nth (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 1) different data may be continuously transmitted at the second transmission interval SI2. In this case, the communication parameters PM include a second transmission interval SI2 and a transmission count ST.

[0089] Furthermore, the calculation unit 212 adjusts the communication parameters PM so as to decrease the number of transmissions ST when the receiving device 30 continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22. The calculation unit 212 may adjust the communication parameters PM so as to decrease the number of transmissions ST based on information included in the reception information IR received from the receiving device 30.

[0090] If the communication parameters PM include the second transmission interval SI2, the calculation unit 212 may adjust the communication parameters PM so as to increase the second transmission interval SI2 when the receiving device 30 continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22. Furthermore, the calculation unit 212 may adjust the communication parameters PM so as to increase the second transmission interval SI2 when the receiving device 30 does not continuously receive information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22. Furthermore, when the communication environment improves and data can be stably received, the second transmission interval SI2 may be decreased or restored to its original value. By decreasing the second transmission interval SI2 or restoring it to its original value, the time required to connect to the receiving device 30 can be shortened, thereby enabling a stable connection. The second transmission interval SI2 may be decreased when urgent data is being transmitted, thereby reducing power consumption when transmitting normal data and enabling urgent data to be transmitted to the receiving device 30 without delay.

[0091] [Channel Mask] Next, a channel mask, which is an example of a communication parameter PM, will be described. A channel mask is a communication parameter for determining a channel to be used when a communication method in which multiple channels are defined within a usable band is used. When a communication method in which multiple channels are defined within a usable band is used, the communication parameter PM may include a channel mask for determining a channel to be used.

[0092] In other words, the channel specified by the channel mask may be a channel not used for communication. Specifically, when the communication method in this embodiment is advertising defined in the BLE standard, the communication channel may be an advertising channel defined in the BLE standard. The advertising may be connection-enabled advertising. The deterioration rate D may be a value calculated based on whether a connection request has been responded to. The calculation unit 212 determines the communication parameters PM so that the deterioration rate D decreases when communication is performed with the receiving device 30 of a specific party via a channel mask included in the calculated communication parameters PM.

[0093] For example, BLE advertising processing is performed separately for three advertising channels: 37, 38, and 39. In this case, if channel 38 is masked, advertising processing is performed using channels 37 and 39, and if channels 38 and 39 are masked, advertising processing is performed using channel 37. Naturally, the fewer channels used, the less power required for transmission, but on the other hand, there is a trade-off in that the probability of information not being transmitted due to interference increases.

[0094] If the environment in which the transmitting device 20 is located is a communication environment with little interference, the number of channels used should be minimized by the channel mask, and limited to channels with the lowest probability of interference. On the other hand, if the environment in which the transmitting device 20 is located is a communication environment with a lot of interference, more channels should be used even at the expense of power consumption. Although the transmitting device 20 cannot know the state of the communication environment in advance, by "utilizing" and "searching" for the channel mask, it can adapt to the communication environment in which it is located and select an appropriate channel mask that transmits information with low power consumption.

[0095] Here, as a simplified procedure, it is preferable to adjust the channel mask so that more channels are used for information communication when the deterioration rate D increases. Also, when the deterioration rate D is considered to be sufficiently small, it is preferable to reduce the number of channels used for communication and suppress power consumption. These are contradictory concepts, and it is preferable for algorithm 231 to update the channel mask appropriately, taking into account the trade-off between reliable information transmission and power consumption.

[0096] For example, advertising may accept a scan request. In this case, a central receiving an advertising packet can send a scan request, and the degradation rate D is calculated based on whether the scan request is responded to. Also, when a transmitting device 20 communicates with multiple receiving devices 30, the degradation rate D may be calculated based on the number of times a specific receiving device 30 receives the advertising packet.

[0097] [Transmission interval and number of times] Next, the first transmission interval SI1, the number of transmissions ST, and the second transmission interval SI2, which are examples of the communication parameters PM, will be described in more detail. The first transmission interval SI1 is the time interval for transmitting the same data. This reduces the probability of interference by dispersing (adding redundancy to) the transmission of information over time. However, it is not realistic to simply define a procedure based on the degradation rate. For example, it is desirable to lengthen the time interval when continuous interference occurs over a relatively long period of time. On the other hand, it is desirable to shorten the time interval when interference occurs frequently in bursts (condensed into a short period of time). Since it is difficult to predict in advance the degree of interference that depends on the time of such a communication environment, the transmitting device 20 derives suitable communication parameters PM using "utilization" and "search."

[0098] It is desirable to increase the number of transmissions ST when the deterioration rate D increases, and decrease it when the deterioration rate D is considered to be sufficiently small. This is because reducing the number of transmissions ST reduces the required power. Considering the first transmission interval SI1 and the number of transmissions ST together, it is desirable to reduce power consumption by shortening the time required to complete transmission of the same data (required transmission time, e.g., first transmission interval SI1 × number of transmissions ST). This is because a control unit (not shown, a microcontroller, integrated circuit, or other electronic circuit) must continue operating for the next transmission process during the required transmission time, and power consumption increases as the required transmission time increases.

[0099] Therefore, it is desirable to increase the required transmission time when the deterioration rate D increases, and to decrease it when the deterioration rate D is deemed to be sufficiently small. Because the required transmission time is determined by the first transmission interval SI1 and the number of transmissions ST, the algorithm 231 adjusts these values ​​independently.

[0100] When the receiving device 30 receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22 continuously and stably, the calculation unit 212 may adjust the communication parameter PM so as to decrease the first transmission interval SI1.

[0101] The second transmission interval SI2 is the interval at which updated information is newly transmitted. For example, if the information is not updated frequently and the deterioration rate D is considered to be sufficiently small, it is desirable to increase the second transmission interval SI2. The second transmission interval SI2 also affects the power consumption from the start to end of operation of the device.

[0102] When it is assumed that the receiving device 30, which is the device to which information is to be transmitted, is not within the communication range of the transmitting device 20, it is desirable to increase the second transmission interval SI2 in order to prevent frequent unnecessary information transmission. This occurs, for example, when communication is interrupted even when all channels are used and the transmission power is sufficiently high. The number of channels and transmission power should be maintained as they are in case the receiving device 30, which is the communication partner, recovers, but the frequency of presence confirmation should be reduced.

[0103] The above-mentioned time elements (first transmission interval SI1, number of transmissions ST, and second transmission interval SI2) do not necessarily have to be used with values ​​that exactly match the values ​​determined by algorithm 231. For example, the values ​​determined by algorithm 231 may be used as communication intervals with a certain degree of latitude. In other words, the first transmission interval SI1, number of transmissions ST, and second transmission interval SI2 may be time intervals based on random values. For example, time intervals based on random values ​​may be realized by adding or subtracting a random value to or from the determined values. The method of using a time interval based on a random value is useful for preventing interference caused by matching intervals when multiple devices use the method of communication system 1. For example, if device A's transmission interval is 400 ms (milliseconds) and device B's transmission interval is also 400 ms, interference may continue because the timing is matching. Even in such a case, interference can be avoided by determining the time interval based on a random value.

[0104] [Transmission power] When the transmission power is included in the communication parameters PM, it is desirable to increase the radio wave strength when the deterioration rate D increases, and decrease the radio wave strength when the deterioration rate D is deemed sufficiently small. This is because the required power can be reduced by adjusting the radio wave strength according to the communication environment.

[0105] Although the components of the transmitting device 20 have been described as the communication parameters PM, the components of the receiving device 30 may also be used as communication parameters. The components of the receiving device 30 may be, for example, the ON duty ratio of the communication unit of the receiving device 30, the number of stages in a multistage amplifier, the response speed of a reply to a received packet, etc.

[0106] [Modification of communication history information] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of communication history information according to an embodiment. The communication history information IHA will be described with reference to the same figure. The communication history information IHA is a modified example of the communication history information IH. The same components as those in the communication history information IH are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted. The communication history information IHA differs from the communication history information IH in that it further includes a parameter identifier PMID and includes, as communication parameters PM, a channel mask CM, a first transmission interval SI1, a transmission count ST, a second transmission interval SI2, and power consumption PC.

[0107] The communication history information IHA is stored in the communication history information storage unit 211, and the calculation unit 212 calculates the communication parameters PM based on the communication history information IHA stored in the communication history information storage unit 211. The power consumption PC is the power consumption resulting from transmitting radio waves using the communication parameters PM included in the communication history information IHA. The communication history information IHA is associated with a deterioration rate D when the communication parameters PM are used. That is, the calculation unit 212 calculates the communication parameters PM based on the power consumption PC resulting from transmitting radio waves using the communication parameters PM included in the communication history information IHA and the corresponding deterioration rate D. More specifically, the calculation unit 212 calculates the communication parameters PM so as to reduce the power consumption PC.

[0108] The communication history information IHA includes the communication parameters PM, which are a channel mask CM, a first transmission interval SI1, a number of transmissions ST, a second transmission interval SI2, and power consumption PC, so that the transmitting device 20 can communicate more accurately using suitable communication parameters PM, taking into account the trade-off between communication reliability and power consumption.

[0109] Here, since the communication history information IHA has a parameter identifier PMID, it is possible to thoroughly consider all possible combinations of values ​​for each communication parameter PM. Furthermore, since the communication history information IHA has a parameter identifier PMID, the algorithm 231 can easily find suitable parameters.

[0110] [Example of using parameter identifiers] 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a case where a parameter identifier according to the embodiment is used. The parameter identifier PMID will be explained with reference to the same figure. In the explanation of the same figure, an example will be explained in which the communication parameters PM include a communication parameter PM1 and a communication parameter PM2.

[0111] The communication parameter PM1 can take on discrete values ​​such as "PM1-1," "PM1-2," and "PM1-3." The communication parameter PM2 can take on discrete values ​​such as "PM2-1," "PM2-2," and "PM2-3." In this case, there are nine possible combinations of the communication parameters PM, and therefore there are nine possible parameter identifiers PMID: "#11," "#12," ..., "#33." The algorithm 231 identifies the communication parameters PM by the parameter identifier PMID, allowing the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 to easily communicate the communication parameters PM to be used with each other.

[0112] As another example, the communication parameters PM may include the strength of a radio signal in information communication performed with the receiving device 30. The strength of the radio signal may be, for example, RSSI. In this case, when the receiving device 30 receives information sent by the wireless communication unit 22 continuously and stably, the calculation unit 212 may adjust the communication parameters PM so as to reduce the intensity.

[0113] [Example of weighting communication history information] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of weighting communication history information according to an embodiment. The communication history information IHB will be explained with reference to the same figure. The communication history information IHB is a modified example of the communication history information IHA. Components similar to those in the communication history information IHA are given similar reference numerals and explanations thereof may be omitted. The communication history information IHB differs from the communication history information IHA in that weights and sending times are further associated with each other.

[0114] The communication history information IHB is stored in the communication history information storage unit 211, and the calculation unit 212 calculates the communication parameters PM based on the communication history information IHB stored in the communication history information storage unit 211. The sending time is the time when communication is performed using the communication parameters PM, or the time when the deterioration rate D is obtained as a result of the communication. That is, the communication history information storage unit 211 stores multiple pieces of communication history information IH with different sending times. The weight is a value expressed as a percentage when the algorithm 231 uses the weight in calculations. For example, it is desirable that newer information indicating the recent communication environment be weighted more heavily. In other words, the calculation unit 212 performs calculations by weighting more heavily the newer the information among the multiple pieces of communication history information IH. As an extreme example, if the latest communication history information IH is weighted at 100%, the value used in the calculation by the algorithm 231 will be equal to the deterioration rate D of the latest communication history information IH.

[0115] [Guideline information and communication history information] Next, the relationship between the guideline information 232 and the communication history information 233 and the transmitting device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0116] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a case where one transmitting device exclusively holds the guideline information according to the embodiment. With reference to the same figure, an example of a case where the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 communicate information one-to-one will be described. When a transmitting device 20 and a receiving device 30 communicate information one-to-one, the multiple transmitting devices 20 communicate information based on their own guideline information 232. The guideline information 232 is derived by an algorithm 231 based on communication history information 233 stored as a result of each transmitting device 20 communicating information. In other words, when a transmitting device 20 and a receiving device 30 communicate information one-to-one, each transmitting device 20 has its own unique guideline information 232 and communication history information 233.

[0117] 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a case where guideline information according to the embodiment is shared by a plurality of transmitting devices. With reference to the same figure, an example of a case where a transmitting device 20 and a receiving device 30 communicate information in a many-to-many manner will be described. The case where information is communicated in a many-to-many manner may be, for example, a multi-hop communication device. Alternatively, it may be a many-to-one communication system in which information is communicated between a plurality of transmitting devices 20 and one receiving device 30.

[0118] 12, a case where a plurality of transmitting devices 20 communicate with one receiving device 30 will be described. Specifically, an example where transmitting device 20-1, transmitting device 20-2, and transmitting device 20-3 communicate with the receiving device 30 will be described. The transmitting devices 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 communicate information based on guideline information 232S. The guideline information 232S is derived by an algorithm 231 based on communication history information 233 stored as a result of the transmitting devices 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 communicating information. That is, when a plurality of transmitting devices 20 communicate with a receiving device 30 in a many-to-one manner or in a many-to-many manner, the plurality of transmitting devices 20 communicate information based on one guideline information 232.

[0119] When each transmitting device 20 or multiple transmitting devices 20 communicate with multiple receiving devices 30, the calculation unit 212 provided in the transmitting device 20 calculates communication parameters PM based on multiple communication history information IH obtained as a result of communicating with the multiple receiving devices 30.

[0120] As another example, the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 may share the communication history information IH. In this case, the receiving device 30 may be provided with a receiving-side communication history information storage unit that stores the communication history information IH, instead of or in addition to the communication history information storage unit 211 provided in the transmitting device 20, whereby the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 included in the communication system 1 share the communication history information IH.

[0121] Although an example of the case where the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 communicate information via wireless communication has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this example of wireless communication. The transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 may also communicate information via wired communication. When the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 communicate information via wired communication, the communication parameters may include a communication interval, a transmission power, and, if the communication is multiplexed, a channel. In this case, information can be transmitted with minimal power consumption while avoiding interference from other devices connected via the same line. Examples of wired communication include one-to-multiple and many-to-multiple wired communication methods such as bus connection, star connection, and mesh connection. More specifically, communication methods such as the Internet, I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and CAN (Controller Area Network) may be used.

[0122] [Summary of the embodiment] According to the embodiment described above, the transmitting device 20 includes the communication history information storage unit 211, which associates the communication parameters PM with the degradation rate D and stores them as communication history information IH, the calculation unit 212 which calculates the communication parameters PM for use in communication with the receiving device 30 based on the stored communication history information IH, and the output unit 213 which performs information communication with the receiving device 30 based on the calculated communication parameters PM. Therefore, according to the transmitting device 20, information communication can be performed based on suitable communication parameters PM calculated based on the accumulated communication history information IH, and therefore power consumption can be reduced while maintaining reliability.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 uses a machine learning algorithm to learn based on the deterioration rate D obtained as a result of communicating information using the communication parameters PM output by the output unit 213. Therefore, by including the calculation unit 212, the transmission device 20 does not simply select communication parameters but repeats utilization and search. Therefore, according to the transmission device 20, by repeating utilization and search, even if the surrounding environment in which the transmission device 20 is placed changes, it is possible to communicate information while maintaining reliability and suppressing power consumption.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 performs learning using an MAB algorithm (multi-armed bandit algorithm). Therefore, the transmission device 20 can be made lighter, smaller, and have a longer life.

[0125] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 calculates the communication parameters PM based on the power consumption PC resulting from transmitting radio waves using the communication parameters PM and the corresponding deterioration rate D. The calculation unit 212 calculates suitable communication parameters PM based on the deterioration rate D. Therefore, the calculation unit 212 does not select communication parameters PM with an excessive margin of error. Therefore, the transmission device 20 can achieve a trade-off between the reliability of information transmission and the power consumption PC.

[0126] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 calculates the communication parameters PM that reduce the power consumption PC. Therefore, according to the transmission device 20, it is possible to suppress the power consumption required for information communication and to determine parameters suitable for transmitting information.

[0127] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 performs learning using the UCB1 algorithm. Therefore, according to the transmission device 20, learning can proceed even for a combination of communication parameters PM that is somewhat complicated.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 performs learning using a lightweight TOW algorithm. Therefore, according to the transmission device 20, even a microcomputer with low specifications can operate the algorithm 231.

[0129] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 calculates the communication parameters PM based on a plurality of pieces of communication history information IH obtained as a result of communicating with a plurality of receiving devices 30. By taking into consideration the deterioration rate D communicated between the transmitting device 20 and the plurality of receiving devices 30, the transmitting device 20 can communicate information using the communication parameters PM that ensure stable delivery of information to the receiving device 30, which is the communication partner.

[0130] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the deterioration rate D is a binary value. Therefore, the transmission device 20 can simplify the process for calculating the deterioration rate D and determining the communication parameters PM.

[0131] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the degradation rate D indicates whether or not the information communication between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 is successful. Therefore, the transmitting device 20 can determine the communication parameters by simple calculation.

[0132] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the degradation rate D is based on information about the strength of radio waves contained in the radio waves received from the receiving device 30. The information about the strength of radio waves is, for example, RSSI. Therefore, the transmitting device 20 can treat the degradation rate D as a multi-value. Because the transmitting device 20 can treat the degradation rate D as a multi-value, it can determine the communication parameter PM based on more information. For example, when there is a possibility that communication has not been established due to slightly weak radio wave strength, the transmitting device 20 can perform processing involving a "degree," such as ensuring stable information delivery, by setting the communication parameter PM to slightly increase the communication strength.

[0133] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the transmitting device 20 transmits a signal coded using a coding method with an error detection function to the receiving device 30 based on the communication parameters PM. The degradation rate D is based on the error rate when the signal received from the receiving device 30 is decoded. In other words, the transmitting device 20 uses the error rate of the received signal as the degradation rate D. Therefore, the transmitting device 20 can use the corruption state of the packet as a basis for judgment. The corruption state of the packet may be a binary value indicating whether or not it is corrupted, or may be a multi-value indicating the degree of corruption.

[0134] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the communication history information storage unit 211 stores multiple pieces of communication history information IH, and the calculation unit 212 performs calculations by weighting more recent pieces of communication history information IH more heavily. Therefore, even when the environment changes, the transmitting device 20 can quickly communicate using communication parameters PM suitable for the new environment. Therefore, the transmitting device 20 can communicate information with maintained reliability.

[0135] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the communication history information IH is associated with a parameter identifier PMID that identifies the communication parameters PM. The calculation unit 212 determines the communication parameters PM based on the accumulated communication parameters PM and the results of information communication performed using the communication parameters PM. According to this embodiment, the communication history information IH is managed in association with the parameter identifier PMID, so that the communication parameters PM can be easily identified. For example, the transmitting device 20 transmits the parameter identifier PMID to the receiving device 30, thereby enabling the receiving device 30 to identify the communication parameters PM used in the information communication. Therefore, the progress of the search can be grasped in devices other than the transmitting device 20, and the guideline information can be updated in devices other than the transmitting device 20.

[0136] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the communication parameters PM include multiple components. In this case, the calculation unit 212 calculates the communication parameters PM by selecting one combination from the combinations of the multiple components included in the communication parameters PM. Therefore, according to the transmitting device 20, even if the communication parameters PM include multiple elements, the algorithm can be simplified to one that selects one from multiple combinations, thereby reducing the size of the algorithm 231.

[0137] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the information communication between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 is a communication method in which multiple communication channels are defined within a predetermined frequency band. The communication parameters PM include a channel mask CM. The channel mask CM is one or more channels included in the communication channels and identifies channels that are not used for the information communication between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30. Therefore, according to the transmitting device 20, since the communication parameters PM include the communication channels, channels unnecessary for information transmission can be avoided. For example, if interference always occurs on a specific channel, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed while maintaining communication reliability by masking the channel.

[0138] Here, when information communication between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 is wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard, wireless signals may be transmitted via channel 3, which is the advertisement channel. In this case, there are cases where wireless transmissions that do not contribute to information transmission occur, such as (1) unnecessary wireless transmissions when the receiving device 30 is not located outside the transmission range, (2) frequent interference occurs on some channels due to interference with devices near the transmitting device 20, resulting in unnecessary communication via those channels, and (3) transmissions are transmitted more frequently or for longer periods of time than necessary, even though the information will arrive reliably, due to reasons such as the short distance between the communication devices 10. When the transmitting device 20 is battery-powered, unnecessary power consumption directly shortens battery life. Therefore, there is a demand for suppressing unnecessary power consumption. According to this embodiment, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed by masking unnecessary channels, thereby extending the battery life.

[0139] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the smaller the degradation rate D, the less degradation of the radio waves transmitted to the receiving device 30. The calculation unit 212 determines the communication parameters PM so that the degradation rate D decreases when communication is performed with the receiving device 30, which is a specific partner, via the channel mask CM included in the calculated communication parameters PM. Therefore, by selecting the channel mask CM so as to reduce the degradation rate D, the transmitting device 20 can derive suitable communication parameters PM that can transmit information to the partner.

[0140] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, information communication between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 is wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard. BLE has low power consumption, so the transmitting device 20 can reduce power consumption by performing wireless communication conforming to BLE. Furthermore, by performing wireless communication conforming to BLE, the transmitting device 20 can perform information communication with the receiving device 30 that also conforms to BLE.

[0141] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the information communication performed between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 is advertising defined in the BLE standard. Furthermore, the communication channel is an advertising channel defined in the BLE standard. According to the transmitting device 20, by masking the advertising channel, it is possible to transmit a BLE advertising packet to the surrounding receiving device 30 (central) with the minimum necessary power consumption.

[0142] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the advertising is connection-enabled advertising. The deterioration rate D is a value calculated based on whether a connection request has been responded to. That is, the transmitting device 20 determines that a packet has arrived when a connection request has been responded to from the receiving device 30. Therefore, the transmitting device 20 can easily calculate the deterioration rate D.

[0143] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, advertising refers to advertising that accepts a scan request. In this case, the degradation rate D is calculated based on whether or not the scan request has been responded to. That is, the transmitting device 20 determines that a packet has arrived when the receiving device 30 has responded to the scan request. Therefore, the transmitting device 20 can easily calculate the degradation rate D.

[0144] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the deterioration rate D is calculated based on the number of advertising packets received by one or more specific receiving devices 30. Specifically, the receiving device 30 counts the number of packets received from the transmitting device 20 and feeds back the counted number of packets to the transmitting device 20. The transmitting device 20 collectively updates the guideline information based on the number of fed-back packets. Therefore, by having the receiving device 30 take on part of the calculation process of the deterioration rate D, the scale of the transmitting device 20 can be reduced. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the transmitting device 20 can be made smaller. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, because the receiving device 30 takes on part of the calculation process of the deterioration rate D, the power consumption of the transmitting device 20 can be suppressed, that is, the life of the transmitting device 20 can be extended.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the transmitting device 20 includes a wireless communication unit 22, and thereby performs information communication with the receiving device 30 based on the communication parameters PM. Here, the communication parameters PM include a first transmission interval SI1. The wireless communication unit 22 transmits a signal to the receiving device 30 based on the first transmission interval SI1. Therefore, the transmitting device 20 controls the density of the transmission signal by controlling the first transmission interval SI1. By controlling the density of the transmission signal, the transmitting device 20 can avoid interference with radio waves transmitted by other communication devices 10.

[0146] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the wireless communication unit 22 completes the information transmission process to the receiving device within the transmission time. The transmission time is the time from when the generation of a signal begins to when the transmission is completed. Furthermore, the calculation unit 212 adjusts the communication parameter PM to reduce the transmission time when the receiving device 30 continuously and stably receives the information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22. According to this embodiment, by reducing the transmission time when the information reaches the receiving device 30 stably, it is possible to prevent excess power consumption.

[0147] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the wireless communication unit 22 repeatedly performs a transmission process from the time the system is started up until the end of the expected operating life. When the receiving device 30 continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22, the calculation unit 212 adjusts the communication parameters PM so as to reduce the total time required for the information transmission process. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when information arrives stably, the transmission time can be reduced, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption.

[0148] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the communication parameters PM include a second transmission interval SI2 and a transmission count ST. The wireless communication unit 22 transmits first data, which is the same encoded data, based on the first transmission interval SI1 until a specific transmission count ST is reached. After transmitting the first data, the wireless communication unit 22 transmits second data, which is different from the first data, based on the second transmission interval SI2. That is, the transmitting device 20 includes each time element required for communication in the communication parameters PM. By using the communication parameters PM including each time element, the transmitting device 20 can control the density of transmission and avoid interference. Furthermore, the transmitting device 20 can reduce power consumption.

[0149] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 adjusts the communication parameter PM to reduce the number of transmissions ST when the receiving device 30 continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22. Therefore, the transmitting device 20 can suppress unnecessary signal transmission by reducing the number of transmissions ST.

[0150] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 adjusts the communication parameter PM to increase the second transmission interval SI2 when the receiving device 30 continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22. By increasing the second transmission interval SI2, the signal transmission interval becomes longer, thereby making it possible to suppress unnecessary signal transmission. In other words, it is possible to suppress power consumption.

[0151] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 adjusts the communication parameter PM to increase the second transmission interval SI2 when information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22 is not continuously received by the receiving device 30. Here, when signals transmitted by the transmitting device 20 are not continuously received by the receiving device 30 (i.e., when communication is interrupted), there is a possibility that the other receiving device 30 does not exist. Therefore, when there is a possibility that the other party does not exist, the transmitting device 20 increases the second transmission interval SI2, thereby increasing the second transmission interval SI2 and suppressing unnecessary signal transmission. In other words, according to this embodiment, the transmitting device 20 can suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0152] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 adjusts the communication parameter PM to decrease the first transmission interval SI1 when the receiving device 30 continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the transmitting device 20 can suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0153] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the second transmission interval SI2 is a time interval based on a random value. In other words, the wireless communication unit 22 uses a value obtained by fluctuating the second transmission interval SI2 determined by the algorithm 231 by a random time. By using the second transmission interval SI2 fluctuated by a random time, the wireless communication unit 22 can avoid the transmission intervals of multiple transmitting devices 20 from completely matching each other, which would otherwise cause long-term interference.

[0154] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the first transmission interval SI1 is a time interval based on a random value. In other words, the wireless communication unit 22 uses a value obtained by fluctuating the first transmission interval SI1 determined by the algorithm 231 by a random time. By using the first transmission interval SI1 fluctuated by a random time, the wireless communication unit 22 can avoid the transmission intervals of multiple transmitting devices 20 from completely matching each other, which would otherwise cause long-term interference.

[0155] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the communication parameters PM include the strength of the wireless signal in the information communication performed between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30. Since the communication parameters PM include the strength of the wireless signal, the transmitting device 20 can transmit information with appropriate power consumption according to the transmission distance.

[0156] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the calculation unit 212 adjusts the communication parameters PM to reduce the strength of the wireless signal when the receiving device 30 continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22. By adjusting the communication parameters PM to reduce the strength of the wireless signal, the transmitting device 20 can avoid unnecessary power consumption.

[0157] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the communication system 1 includes the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30 that communicates information with the transmitting device 20. The receiving device 30 includes a receiving-side communication history information storage unit that stores communication history information IH, and the receiving device 30 and the transmitting device 20 share the communication history information IH. In this case, the receiving device 30 updates the guideline information and feeds it back to the receiving device 30 at an appropriate timing. Therefore, according to the communication system 1, the transmitting device 20 does not need to store the communication environment history IH, and the transmitting device 20 can be further miniaturized and have a longer lifespan.

[0158] Note that the functions of each device and each unit of the communication system 1 in the above-described embodiment, in whole or in part, may be realized by recording a program for realizing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, and reading and executing the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0159] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage units such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines when transmitting programs over networks like the Internet or communication lines like telephone lines, or devices that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within computer systems that serve as servers or clients in such cases. Furthermore, the above-mentioned programs may be programs that realize some of the aforementioned functions, or may be programs that can realize the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already stored in the computer system.

[0160] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 1...communication system, 10...communication device, 20...transmitting device, 30...receiving device, 21...controller, 211...communication history information storage unit, 212...calculating unit, 213...output unit, 215...storage control unit, 22...wireless communication unit, 221...antenna, 231...algorithm, 232...guideline information, 233...communication history information, 31...controller, 32...wireless communication unit, 321...antenna, IS...transmission information, IR...reception information, IH...communication history information, IP...parameter information, ID...degradation information, PM...communication parameter, D...degradation rate, SI1...first transmission interval, SI2...second transmission interval, ST...number of transmissions

Claims

1. A transmitting device that communicates information with one or more receiving devices, a communication history information storage unit that stores communication history information in which communication parameters for performing the information communication are associated with a deterioration rate, which is a value based on radio waves transmitted using the communication parameters when transmitting information to the receiving device and radio waves received from the receiving device; a calculation unit that calculates the communication parameters when communicating with the receiving device based on the stored communication history information; an output unit that outputs the calculated communication parameters; Equipped with a wireless communication unit that performs the information communication with the receiving device based on the communication parameters output by the output unit, the communication parameters include a first sending interval; the wireless communication unit transmits a signal to the receiving device based on the first transmission interval; the wireless communication unit completes the information transmission process to the receiving device within a transmission time, which is the time from when the signal generation starts to when the signal transmission ends, The calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to reduce the transmission time when the receiving device continuously and stably receives the information transmitted by the wireless communication unit. Transmitting device.

2. the wireless communication unit repeatedly performs a transmission process from the time the system is started until the expected operating life of the system is reached; The calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to reduce a total time required for the information transmission process when the receiving device continuously and stably receives the information transmitted by the wireless communication unit. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

3. the communication parameters include a second transmission interval and a number of transmissions; The wireless communication unit transmits first data, which is the same data encoded, based on the first transmission interval until a specific number of transmissions is reached, and then transmits second data, which is different from the first data, based on the second transmission interval.

3. The transmitting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to reduce the number of transmissions when the receiving device continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit. The transmitting device according to claim 3 .

5. The calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to increase the second transmission interval when the receiving device continuously and stably receives the information transmitted by the wireless communication unit.

5. The transmitting device according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to increase the second transmission interval when the information transmitted by the wireless communication unit is not continuously received by the receiving device. The transmitting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters so as to reduce the first transmission interval when the receiving device continuously and stably receives the information transmitted by the wireless communication unit. The transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The second sending interval is a time interval based on a random value. The transmitting device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

9. The first sending interval is a time interval based on a random value. The transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The communication parameters include a strength of a wireless signal in the information communication performed with the receiving device. The transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The calculation unit adjusts the communication parameters to reduce the intensity when the receiving device continuously and stably receives information transmitted by the wireless communication unit. The transmitting device according to claim 10.

12. The transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; the receiving device performing the information communication with the transmitting device, the receiving device includes a receiving-side communication history information storage unit that stores the communication history information; The receiving device and the transmitting device share the communication history information. Communication system.

13. A transmission method for communicating information with one or more receiving devices, comprising: a communication history information storage step of storing communication history information in which communication parameters for performing the information communication are associated with a deterioration rate, which is a value based on radio waves transmitted using the communication parameters when transmitting information to the receiving device and radio waves received from the receiving device; a calculation step of calculating the communication parameters when communicating with the receiving device based on the stored communication history information; an output step of outputting the calculated communication parameters; and a wireless communication step of performing the information communication with the receiving device based on the communication parameters output in the output step, the communication parameters include a first sending interval; the wireless communication step includes transmitting a signal to the receiving device based on the first transmission interval; the wireless communication step completes the information transmission process to the receiving device within a transmission time, which is the time from when the signal generation starts to when the signal transmission ends; The calculation step adjusts the communication parameters so as to reduce the transmission time when the receiving device continuously and stably receives the information transmitted by the wireless communication step. Sending method.

14. A computer that communicates information with one or more receiving devices, a communication history information storage step of storing communication history information in which communication parameters for performing the information communication are associated with a deterioration rate, which is a value based on radio waves transmitted using the communication parameters when transmitting information to the receiving device and radio waves received from the receiving device; a calculation step of calculating the communication parameters when communicating with the receiving device based on the stored communication history information; an output step of outputting the calculated communication parameters; Execute a wireless communication step of performing the information communication with the receiving device based on the communication parameters output in the output step, the communication parameters include a first sending interval; the wireless communication step includes transmitting a signal to the receiving device based on the first transmission interval; the wireless communication step completes the information transmission process to the receiving device within a transmission time, which is the time from when the signal generation starts to when the signal transmission ends; The calculation step adjusts the communication parameters so as to reduce the transmission time when the receiving device continuously and stably receives the information transmitted by the wireless communication step. program.

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