Data communication program, data communication system, and data communication method

Abstract

To construct a network using a mobile phone device in hand when an existing communication infrastructure (Internet) does not function.SOLUTION: A mobile phone device (400) is provided with a distance determination device (460) that determines the distance to another party for data transmission and reception, and the mobile phone device selects the most appropriate method from a plurality of prepared wireless communication methods in advance, according to the distance, and communicates with the other party according to that method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data communication program installed in a portable wireless communication device, a data communication system using the portable wireless communication device installed with the data communication program, and a data communication method executed in the data communication system.

Background Art

[0002] In modern data communication, data communication using a communication infrastructure represented by the Internet provided by a communication carrier is mainstream. For example, there are many systems that use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) described later alone.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, or emergencies such as conflicts with other countries, communication infrastructure may be damaged, making data communication impossible. Currently, however, there are very few means of communication to be secured in such emergencies. This invention has been made in view of the current situation, and aims to provide a data communication program, a data communication system, and a data communication method that enable the construction of a communication network in a short time without relying on existing communication infrastructure, even when existing communication infrastructure is destroyed and becomes non-functional during emergencies such as natural disasters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides a data communication program to be installed in a portable wireless communication device (400), wherein the portable wireless communication device (400) includes a data transmission / reception device (410) that transmits and receives data according to a wireless communication method selected from first to N (N is an integer of 2 or more) wireless communication methods depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400) and the data transmission / reception partner, a distance determination device (460) that determines the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400) and the data transmission / reception partner, the data communication program, and a first wireless communication method that causes the first to N wireless communication methods to be executed. The device comprises a program to the Nth program and a storage device (422) for storing the program, and the data communication program, when the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400) and the other party, as determined by the distance determination device (460), is greater than the maximum communication distance of the first to Nth wireless communication method M (where M is an integer between 1 and (N-1)) and less than the maximum communication distance of the (M+1) wireless communication method, selects the (M+1) wireless communication method and transmits and receives data with the other party via the data transmission / reception device (410) using the (M+1) wireless communication method. The data communication program performs the following actions: it scans the area around the portable wireless communication device, performs a detection action to detect other portable wireless communication devices within the scan range, performs a communication path calculation action to calculate the optimal communication path to the other portable wireless communication devices, and performs a communication path establishment action to establish a communication path between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication devices; and constructs a mesh network by continuously performing the detection action, the communication path calculation action and the communication path establishment action between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication devices. We provide a program for data communication.

[0006] Preferably, the first to N wireless communication methods include at least one of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), WDS (Wireless Distribution System), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band). The aforementioned data preferably includes the current location of the portable wireless communication device (400). stomach.

[0007] The data communication program preferably performs the communication path update operation (S290) after the construction of the mesh network (400X) to optimize the communication path. The data communication program preferably determines the urgency of the communication and, if it determines that the communication is highly urgent, prioritizes its execution. The present invention further provides a mobile phone device (400) comprising: a data transmission / reception device (410) that transmits and receives data according to a wireless communication method selected from a first to N (N is an integer of 2 or more) wireless communication methods depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400) and the data transmission / reception partner; a distance determination device (460) that determines the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400) and the data transmission / reception partner; and a storage device (422) that stores first to N programs for executing the first to N wireless communication methods, wherein the storage device (422) further stores the above-mentioned data communication programs.

[0008] The present invention further provides a data communication method for transmitting and receiving data between portable wireless communication devices, between access points, and between a portable wireless communication device and an access point, wherein the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the other portable wireless communication device (400B) is greater than the maximum communication range of the first to N wireless communication methods (M being an integer between 1 and (N-1)) and less than the maximum communication range of the (M+1) wireless communication method, the (M+1) wireless communication method is selected, and the data is transmitted using the (M+1) wireless communication method. Portable wireless communication device (400A) If data is transmitted and received between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) via the above, and the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) exceeds the maximum communication distance in the first to N wireless communication methods, and the portable wireless communication device and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) are located within the same access point (500), then if the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the access point (500) is greater than the maximum communication distance of the first to N wireless communication methods M (where M is an integer between 1 and (N-1)) and less than the maximum communication distance of the (M+1) wireless communication method, then data is transmitted between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the access point (500) via the (M+1) wireless communication method. The present invention provides a data communication method that performs a first communication to transmit and receive data, and performs data transmission and reception between the access point (500) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) in the same manner as the first communication, and if the portable wireless communication device (400A) is located within the first access point (500A) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) is located within the second access point (500B), then performs data transmission and reception between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the first access point (500A) in the same manner as the first communication, and performs data transmission and reception between the first access point (500A) and the second access point (500B), and also performs data transmission and reception between the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) and the second access point (500B) in the same manner as the first communication. The symbols in parentheses are included to indicate the correspondence with the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0009] The present invention further provides a data communication method for transmitting and receiving data between portable wireless communication devices, between access points, and between a portable wireless communication device and an access point, wherein the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the other portable wireless communication device (400B) is greater than the maximum communication range of the first M (M is an integer between 1 and (N-1)) wireless communication method among the first to N wireless communication methods, and less than the maximum communication range of the (M+1) wireless communication method, then the (M+1) wireless communication method is selected, and If data is transmitted and received between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) via the data transmission / reception device (410) using the wireless communication method of (M+1), and the distance between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) exceeds the maximum communication distance in the first to N wireless communication methods, and the portable wireless communication device and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) are located within the same access point (500), then the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the access point (500) If the distance between the access point (500) and the access point (500) is greater than the maximum communication range of the first to Nth wireless communication methods, and less than the maximum communication range of the (M+1)th wireless communication method, then a first communication is performed using the (M+1) wireless communication method to transmit and receive data between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the access point (500), and in the same manner as the first communication, the access point (500) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (4 Data transmission and reception is performed between (00B) and (00B), and if the portable wireless communication device (400A) is located within the first access point (500A) and the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) is located within the second access point (500B), data transmission and reception are performed between the portable wireless communication device (400A) and the first access point (500A) in the same manner as the first communication, and data transmission and reception are performed between the first access point (500A) and the second access point (500B), in the same manner as the first communication,The present invention provides a data communication method for transmitting and receiving data between the other party's portable wireless communication device (400B) and the second access point (500B). The symbols in parentheses are included to indicate the correspondence with the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the data communication program, data communication system, and data communication method of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Even if existing communication infrastructure (the internet) is damaged and becomes dysfunctional during a disaster, it is possible to construct an independent communication network separate from the existing communication infrastructure, thereby resolving the frequent communication failures that occur during disasters. This enables rapid information sharing and exchange among disaster victims, as well as ensuring effective communication between rescue teams and disaster victims. (2) Without requiring any special equipment, it is possible to immediately establish a new network using only mobile phones and other portable wireless communication devices that disaster victims possess, and it can also respond to earthquakes and other natural disasters that occur unexpectedly. (3) It is possible to obtain one's own location information without relying on GPS. For example, in times of emergency, GPS satellites are the first to be destroyed, so being able to obtain one's own location information without relying on GPS is extremely useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a mobile phone device equipped with a data communication program according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone device. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the initial communication state between two mobile phone devices. [Figure 4]It is a schematic diagram showing a second communication state between two mobile phone devices. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing a third communication state between two mobile phone devices. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart of an example of a method for constructing a mesh network. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing a process of constructing a mesh network. [Figure 8] It is a conceptual diagram showing a cooperation situation between a mesh network according to a third embodiment of the present invention and the Internet.

Mode for Carrying out the Invention

[0012] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a data communication program installed in a portable wireless communication device. A typical portable wireless communication device is a mobile phone device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a mobile phone device 400 installed with a data communication program according to this embodiment. The portable phone device 400 includes, for example, a communication unit 410, a control unit 420, an external memory 430, an input / output unit 440, an antenna 450, a distance determination device 460 for determining the distance between the portable phone device 400 and the partner for data transmission and reception, and a battery (not shown) for supplying power to these respective parts. The communication unit 410 is connected to the antenna 450 and performs wireless data transmission and reception with other mobile phone devices and other wireless communication devices via the antenna 450. The communication unit 410 includes a wireless reception unit 411, a wireless transmission unit 412, and a switching switch 413.

[0013] The wireless reception unit 411 demodulates the data received from other mobile phone devices or other wireless communication devices and sends it to the control unit 420. The wireless transmission unit 412 modulates the data output from the control unit 420 and transmits it to other mobile phone devices or other wireless communication devices via the antenna 450. The switching switch 413 receives a signal from the control unit 420 and performs transmission and reception switching according to the signal. The control unit 420 includes a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 421, a first memory 422 composed of a ROM, a second memory 423 composed of a RAM, an input interface 424 for transferring various commands and data input to the control unit 420 to the central processing unit 421, an output interface 425 for outputting the processing results executed by the central processing unit 421 to the outside, and a bus 426 that connects the central processing unit 421 to each of the first memory 422, the second memory 423, the input interface 424, and the output interface 425.

[0014] The first memory 422 stores various control programs executed by the central processing unit 421 and other non-rewritable data. The second memory 423 stores various data and parameters and provides an operating area for the central processing unit 421. That is, it stores the data temporarily required when the central processing unit 421 executes various control programs. The central processing unit 421 reads a program from the first memory 422 and executes the program. That is, the central processing unit 421 operates according to the program stored in the first memory 422. In this embodiment, a data communication program according to this embodiment is stored in the first memory 422, and the central processing unit 421 executes the method described later according to this data communication program. The input / output unit 440 includes an operation unit 441, a display 442, and a speaker 443.

[0015] The control unit 441 consists of, for example, a numeric keypad, and various data are input to the mobile phone device 400 via the control unit 441. The display 442 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays the results of calculations performed by the control unit 420 and other data on the screen. Voice data transmitted from other mobile phone devices is output through speaker 443. The external memory 430 is memory for the control unit 420, and the results of calculations performed by the control unit 420 and other data are stored in the external memory 430. The distance determination device 460 determines the distance between the mobile phone device 400 and the data transmission / reception partner, for example, as follows:

[0016] The distance determination device 460 measures the distance between the mobile phone device 400 and other mobile phone devices in its vicinity, for example, using Bluetooth technology. Specifically, in Bluetooth, the strength of the signal returned from other nearby mobile phone devices is measured, and the relative distance between mobile phone device 400 and other mobile phone devices is estimated using a signal strength indicator such as RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). The central processing unit 421 selects one wireless communication method from among N wireless communication methods, from the first to the Nth (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2), according to the distance between the mobile phone device 400 and the other party's mobile phone device, and transmits and receives data according to the selected wireless communication method. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone device 400. The operation of the mobile phone device 400 will be explained below in accordance with Figures 1 and 2. The central processing unit 421 reads the data communication program according to this embodiment stored in the first memory 422 and starts the data communication program (step S110).

[0017] For example, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are types of wireless communication methods, but their communication range, data capacity, and power consumption differ depending on the standard. Table 1 shows the specifications for each Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standard. (Table 1) JPEG0007842415000001.jpg66165

[0018] The first memory 422 stores first to N programs for causing the mobile phone device 400 to execute N wireless communication methods, selected from these wireless communication methods and various other wireless communication methods in order of increasing communication range (N being an integer of 2 or more). Table 2 shows the maximum communication range for the first to Nth wireless communication methods. (Table 2) JPEG0007842415000002.jpg58106 In Table 2, the maximum communication range increases from D1 towards DN, with D1 being the smallest and DN being the largest. That is, D1 <D2<D3<··<DNである。

[0019] The central processing unit 421 reads the distance between the mobile phone device 400 and the other party's mobile phone device, which is calculated by the distance determination device 460 and stored in the first memory 422 (step S120). Next, the central processing unit 421 determines whether the read distance is less than or equal to the minimum communication range D1 of the first wireless communication method (step S130). If the read distance is less than or equal to the communication range D1 (YES in step S130), the central processing unit 421 reads the first program from the first memory 422 and executes the first program. As a result, the first wireless communication method is executed (step S140), and the mobile phone device 400 becomes ready to communicate with the other mobile phone device (step S170). If the read distance exceeds the communication range D1 (NO in step S130), it is determined whether the read distance is less than or equal to the communication range D2 of the second wireless communication method, which is the next smallest communication range after D1 (step S150).

[0020] If the read distance is less than or equal to the communication range D2 (YES in step S150), the central processing unit 421 reads the second program from the first memory 422 and executes the second program. As a result, the second wireless communication method is executed (step S160), and the mobile phone device 400 becomes ready to communicate with the other mobile phone device (step S170). If the read distance exceeds the communication range D2 (NO in step S150), it is determined whether the read distance is less than or equal to the communication range D3 of the third wireless communication method, which is the next smallest after the communication range D2 (step S150). In this way, the read distance is repeatedly compared with the communication range DM (M=2,3,...,N) of the Mth wireless communication method (step S150), a wireless communication method with a longer communication range than the read distance is found, and by executing that wireless communication method (step S160), communication between the mobile phone device 400 and the other party's mobile phone device is made possible (step S170).

[0021] As described above, the data communication program according to this embodiment makes it possible to establish a communication network with the other party's mobile phone device independently of existing communication infrastructure, even when the Internet or other existing communication infrastructure is not functioning. Furthermore, since the communication network with the other party's mobile phone is established automatically based on the distance to the other party's mobile phone, the owner of the mobile phone can communicate with the other party's mobile phone (P2P communication) without having to perform any complex settings. According to the data communication program of this embodiment, communication is possible even when existing communication infrastructure is damaged due to natural disasters or other causes, thus greatly contributing to emergency actions such as checking on the safety of individuals and contacting rescue teams. In this embodiment, the distance determination device 460 is configured to measure the distance between the mobile phone device 400 and other mobile phone devices in its vicinity using Bluetooth technology, but it is also possible to configure the distance determination device 460 to measure the distance to other mobile phone devices by other methods.

[0022] Because the signal strength of reply signals from other mobile phone devices tends to fluctuate depending on the environment at the time, it can be difficult to improve the accuracy of the distance (or the location) between you and other mobile phone devices. To improve the accuracy of distance or position measurement, it is possible to use a technique called UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), for example. According to UWB, the distance between devices is measured with high precision using pulses with a very short time width. Unlike conventional wireless communication, which continuously emits signals, UWB utilizes short pulses, allowing for the measurement of the distance to the other party's mobile phone device at a specific moment in time. Specifically, in UWB, a short pulse signal transmitted from the other party's mobile phone device is captured, and the distance to the other party's mobile phone device is calculated based on the time of arrival (ToA) and time of flight (ToF).

[0023] It is also possible to perform distance measurement using the distance determination device 460 using other methods. For example, it is possible to determine the location of the other party's mobile phone using signals from GPS satellites and then calculate the distance between your device and theirs based on that location. GPS is particularly effective for location determination outdoors. Alternatively, it is possible to determine the location of the other party's mobile phone device by using location information from a nearby Wi-Fi network. Since GPS signals are weaker indoors, using Wi-Fi can improve the accuracy of indoor location determination. Furthermore, it is possible to accurately pinpoint the location of the other party's mobile phone device over short distances by utilizing beacon technology using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). These technologies can be used individually or in combination to improve the accuracy of location and distance measurement in various environments. For example, in environments where Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available, using them in conjunction with GPS allows for more accurate location and distance measurement both indoors and outdoors.

[0024] (Second Embodiment) The data communication program according to the first embodiment enables wireless communication (P2P communication) between mobile phone devices. However, if the other mobile phone device is far away, the multiple wireless communication methods provided on one's own mobile phone device may not be sufficient to cover the entire area. The data communication program according to the second embodiment addresses such situations. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the first communication state between two mobile phone devices, 400A and 400B. If the distance L1 between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B is less than or equal to the maximum communication range (DN in the first embodiment) of the multiple wireless communication methods installed in each of the mobile phone devices 400A and 400B, then communication (P2P communication) can be performed between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B in the same manner as in the first embodiment. For example, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) can be used as the wireless communication method for this P2P communication.

[0025] Bluetooth has two standards: the older method is called Bluetooth Classic, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a communication method specifically designed for low power consumption. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the second communication state between two mobile phone devices, 400A and 400B. In the situation shown in Figure 4, the distance between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B is L2, and the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B are within the communication range of the same access point 500. Furthermore, the distance L2 exceeds the maximum communication range (DN in the first embodiment) of the multiple wireless communication methods installed in the mobile phone devices 400A and 400B. For this reason, communication according to the first embodiment cannot be performed between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B, but communication according to the first embodiment is possible between each of the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B and the access point 500.

[0026] The mobile phone device 400A communicates with the access point 500 according to the first embodiment. For example, it communicates using Wi-Fi Direct®. The mobile phone device 400B also communicates with the access point 500 in accordance with the first embodiment. For example, it communicates using Wi-Fi Direct®. Wi-Fi Direct is a communication method that enables communication between two devices without the need for a wireless LAN router. In this way, by having the access point 500 act as a relay station, it is possible to construct a communication network between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B even if the distance L2 between them is such that communication according to the first embodiment is impossible. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a third communication state between two mobile phone devices, 400A and 400B.

[0027] As in Figure 4, the distance between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B is assumed to be L2. Also, unlike in Figure 4, one mobile phone device 400A is within the communication range of the first access point 500A, and the other mobile phone device 400B is within the communication range of the second access point 500B. Communication according to the first embodiment cannot be performed between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B, but communication according to the first embodiment is possible between mobile phone device 400A and the first access point 500A, and between mobile phone device 400B and the second access point 500B. The mobile phone device 400A communicates with the first access point 500A according to the first embodiment (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct). Similarly, the mobile phone device 400B communicates with the second access point 500B according to the first embodiment (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0028] Communication between the first access point 500A and the second access point 500B is conducted according to a long-distance wireless communication method (for example, WDS (Wireless Distribution System)). WDS (Wireless Distribution System) is a communication method that enables wireless communication by wirelessly connecting wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) access points (APs) to each other. Thus, even if the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B are far apart and not within the same access point's coverage area, communication between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B is possible via the two access points 500A and 500B. According to the data communication program of this embodiment, an appropriate wireless communication method is selected depending on the distance between the two mobile phone devices 400A and 400B and whether or not they are within the same access point range, making it possible to construct a communication network that does not depend on existing communication infrastructure.

[0029] In the first and second embodiments, the mobile phone device 400 can be equipped with an on / off switch for the data communication program. After installing the data communication program in the mobile phone device 400, if the switch is turned on, the data communication program will start operating automatically, and communication with the other party's mobile phone device will be established without any operation by the user of the mobile phone device 400. The functions of the data communication program according to the first and second embodiments are assumed to be implemented in the mobile phone device 400, and therefore data transmission and reception are limited to data on the mobile phone device 400. However, when the functions of the data communication program are incorporated into the OS (Operating System) of the mobile phone device 400, all data present on the OS becomes subject to transmission and reception.

[0030] In communications according to the first and second embodiments, it is possible to restrict the recipient's mobile phone device in advance in order to increase the security level. For example, it is possible to restrict communication to accounts of people with whom the user has a close relationship, or to accounts of groups to which the user belongs (such as their workplace). The mobile phone device 400 equipped with the data communication program according to the first and second embodiments can be used in a variety of situations as follows. In times of disaster, this technology allows for communication with those around you without requiring a connection to existing communication infrastructure (the internet), enabling information sharing and other forms of mutual cooperation. In particular, it facilitates contact with nearby rescue teams, providing a vital lifeline in emergencies. Furthermore, since the mobile phone device 400 can connect to multiple mobile phone devices simultaneously, it enables rapid and wide-area communication during disasters.

[0031] For example, during outdoor activities such as mountain climbing or camping, one may enter areas where existing communication infrastructure (the internet) does not allow mobile phone signals to reach. Even in such cases, it is possible to contact people nearby who are within the communication range according to the first or second embodiment, share information to prevent getting lost, and request rescue. In areas where existing communication infrastructure is not established, it is possible to build an independent communication network even when workers are working far apart from each other on vast construction sites or farms. In addition, it can be applied to communication between automobiles and other ground-based mobile devices, between drones and other flying devices, and between industrial robots.

[0032] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, bidirectional communication between two mobile phone devices was illustrated, but it is possible to extend the communication direction radially and continuously from a single mobile phone device. For example, by linking multiple mobile phone devices in a continuous manner, a mesh network can be constructed, and information can be continuously transmitted from one mobile phone device to one or more subsequent mobile phone devices, thereby spreading that information to a large number of mobile phone devices. Generally, existing mesh networks rely on a fixed network topology, which limits the communication capabilities between devices, especially in high-density environments, leading to reduced network reliability and communication speed. Therefore, this embodiment employs a dynamic network topology to optimize network reliability and communication speed, providing a mesh network that enables efficient data sharing. Each mobile phone and other portable wireless communication device automatically selects a data transmission route and updates it as needed. This allows for the real-time construction of optimal communication routes in response to the movement of each portable wireless communication device and changes in the network environment.

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how to construct a mesh network, and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the process of constructing a mesh network. The following explanation will describe an example of how to construct a mesh network with reference to Figures 6 and 7. As shown in Figure 7(A), assume that there are multiple mobile phone devices 401 in the vicinity of mobile phone device 400. The mobile phone device 400 automatically detects the presence of other mobile phone devices 400A in its vicinity as follows: For example, the mobile phone device 400 periodically scans its surroundings (step S210) and detects a mobile phone device 401 that has newly entered the scan range. Furthermore, it measures the connection strength between itself and the newly detected mobile phone device 401 (step S220). The mobile phone device 400 also acquires the relative location information of the newly detected mobile phone device 401, for example, using a communication method such as UWB (Ultra-Wide Band). Next, the mobile phone device 400 calculates the optimal communication path to the mobile phone device 401 based on the connection strength and the amount of data transmitted and received (step S230).

[0034] Specifically, the mobile phone device 400 analyzes the connection quality (strength, stability) and current data transfer needs in the control unit 420, and dynamically selects the most efficient data transfer path based on these conditions. That is, it selects one or more mobile phone devices 400A that are capable of transmitting data most efficiently from among several mobile phone devices 401 in the vicinity, and forms a communication path (P2P connection) 300 with the mobile phone device 400A according to the first or second embodiment (step S240). As shown in Figure 7(B), each of the mobile phone devices 400A that has established a communication path with the mobile phone device 400 (only one mobile phone device 400A is shown in Figure 7(B)) performs steps S210-S230 in the same manner to establish a communication path 301 with one or more mobile phone devices 400B (step S240).

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(C), each mobile phone device 400B similarly establishes a communication path 302 with one or more mobile phone devices 400C. As each new mobile phone device establishes a communication path in this manner, and then successively establishes a communication path with the next mobile phone device, a mesh network 400X is constructed with mobile phone device 400 as the starting point. Through this constructed mesh network 400X, mobile phone device 400 can establish communication paths with one or more mobile phone devices 410 located in remote locations. Each of the mobile phone devices 400, 400A, 400B, 400C, etc. determines whether the communication to be made is of high urgency or not (step S250). For example, rescue requests and medical information are determined to be high-priority communications (YES in step S250), and data packets of those communications are assigned a priority (step S260).

[0036] The determination of the level of urgency is made by the owner of the mobile phone device 400. For example, the mobile phone device 400 is equipped with a button to indicate an emergency, and the owner can designate it as an emergency call by pressing this button. Alternatively, the same designation can be made by clicking the emergency indicator icon displayed on the user interface. Alternatively, if a person with official authority, such as a firefighter, paramedic, police officer, or Self-Defense Forces officer, determines that it is an emergency, it is possible to set all communications by such persons to be emergency communications. For communications that are not of high urgency (NO in step S250), a normal priority lower than the priority is assigned (step S270). Next, routing is performed on each mobile phone device, taking into account limited resources such as battery life and bandwidth (step S280).

[0037] In particular, to minimize the impact of mobile phone devices that are inactive at night, the frequency of using mobile phone devices 400, 400A, 400B, 400C, etc., with low battery levels as relay points will be minimized. Even after routing (step S280) has been performed, the network status changes depending on the movement of each mobile phone device and the surrounding environment (weather, etc.). Therefore, each mobile phone device re-evaluates the available connection options and performs communication path updates to optimize the communication route (step S290). If the optimal communication path changes due to the communication path update process, the entire communication path will be reconstructed according to the new communication path. This communication path update process ensures that the network is always maintained in an optimal state, guaranteeing reliable communication. Furthermore, due to fluctuations in network density and the mobility of individual mobile phone devices, failures may occur in already established communication paths. For this reason, multiple alternative routes are prepared in advance for critical communication paths (step S300), and if a failure occurs in the communication path currently in use, the user is switched to an alternative route to mitigate the risk of a single point of failure.

[0038] In the mesh network described above, even if a specific mobile phone becomes unable to communicate for its own reasons, other mobile phone devices recalculate (reconstruct) the optimal communication path excluding the unresponsive mobile phone. Therefore, even if some mobile phone devices in the mesh network become unable to communicate, communication within the mesh network is maintained. A single mobile phone device can belong to multiple independent mesh networks. Therefore, belonging to multiple mesh networks can be useful, for example, in remote medical support activities, facilitating real-time information sharing among medical teams and coordination of rescue operations. The mesh network described above is a system that functions independently, but it can also be used in conjunction with other systems.

[0039] For example, communication networks (the internet) in disaster-stricken areas may become completely offline, or they may become partially offline; that is, it is conceivable that internet access may be available in some areas of the disaster zone. In such cases, combining the mesh network described above with internet connectivity would enable communication over a wider area and information sharing among a larger number of disaster victims. As shown in Figure 7(C), in a mesh network, each mobile phone device 400, 400A, 400B, 400C, etc. is connected to one or more other mobile phone devices, and data is transmitted from the starting mobile phone device 400 to the remote mobile phone device 410 via mobile phone devices 400A, 400B, 400C, etc. Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the collaboration between the mesh network and the internet according to this embodiment.

[0040] In some areas, internet connectivity is available, so one of the mobile phone devices 400D, which makes up the mesh network 400X, can connect to the internet 550. In addition, another mobile phone device 400E, which is not part of the mesh network 400X, can also connect to the internet 550. Thus, if internet connectivity is available locally, the mobile phone device 400D and, by extension, the mesh network 400X and the mobile phone device 400E can be interconnected via the internet 550. For example, if mobile phone device 400D (mesh network 400X) is located in a geographically isolated disaster area, and mobile phone device 400E is located in an unaffected area such as a city center far from the disaster area, even if it is impossible to extend mesh network 400X to mobile phone device 400E, it is possible to extend mesh network 400X to a point where it can connect to the internet (the location of mobile phone device 400D), and by using the locally operating internet 550, it is possible to make communication possible between the disaster area and the unaffected area, enabling the transmission of disaster information and rapid rescue requests.

[0041] In this embodiment, the determination of the urgency of communication was made by the owner of the mobile phone device 400 themselves, or by whether the owner of the mobile phone device 400 was a person with official authority. However, it is also possible to equip the mobile phone device 400 with an emergency mode function that automatically determines whether or not it is an emergency, as described below. (1) For example, the current location of the mobile phone device 400 is determined via the distance determination device 460 using UWB or other means. If the current location is within an area covered by a disaster warning issued at that time, all communications from the mobile phone device 400 are automatically set as emergency communications. In this way, the mobile phone device 400 can be set to emergency mode in real time by utilizing public information.

[0042] (2) For example, the mobile phone device 400 may be equipped with devices such as an accelerometer and a gyroscope to detect its own physical movement. These devices may detect vibrations caused by earthquakes or other natural disasters, and if the vibrations exceed a predetermined threshold, the emergency mode may be automatically activated. (3) The system analyzes the audio data acquired through the microphone of the mobile phone device 400, and if the audio is one of the sounds specific to an emergency, such as an alarm siren, the sound of a building collapsing, or the screams of many people, it can automatically activate emergency mode. (4) If emergency information is obtained in real time via the internet or API, emergency mode can be automatically activated. These methods can be used individually or in combination. A program for setting the mobile phone device 400 to emergency mode is stored in the first memory 422 as part of the data communication program according to the first embodiment, and when the data communication program is started, the emergency mode setting program is also kept running.

[0043] (Fourth embodiment) In the second and third embodiments described above, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), and WDS (Wireless Distribution System) were given as examples of wireless communication methods. However, in addition to these, a wireless communication method using the aforementioned UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) can also be selected. UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) means ultra-wideband, and UWB wireless communication refers to a wireless communication method that utilizes an ultra-wideband frequency bandwidth. A key feature of UWB wireless communication is that it enables highly accurate positioning and distance measurement. For example, it is used in smartphones (for example, iPhone® 11 and later models) and smart keys in luxury cars for the purpose of preventing loss or theft. In this embodiment, the first memory 422 of the mobile phone device 400 stores a program for performing UWB wireless communication, and the mobile phone device 400 is also equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0044] By combining GPS and UWB, it is possible to share highly accurate location information in real time. In particular, during disasters, rescue teams can quickly pinpoint the location of victims, and location information can also be shared in daily life. When a mobile phone device 400 containing a program for performing UWB wireless communication transmits data to another mobile phone device, the location information of the mobile phone device 400 is transmitted simultaneously along with the data. According to UWB, it is possible to measure the precise distance between two mobile phones and the direction of the other phone, enabling precise positioning down to the centimeter. Because UWB interferes less with other radio signals, it can provide highly accurate location information even indoors or in environments with weak GPS signals. By using UWB with these characteristics, two-way communication between rescue teams and evacuees during disasters can be established, enabling accurate distribution of evacuation orders, immediate reception of SOS signals from evacuees, and real-time sharing of important location information. For example, in the event of a rescue accident in a remote mountainous area where cell phone signals cannot reach, UWB offers higher positional accuracy than GPS. Therefore, if both the person in distress and the searchers can use UWB functionality, it is possible to shorten the time required for rescue. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 400, 400A, 400B, 400C, 400D, 400E Mobile Phone Devices 460 Distance determination device 400X Mesh Network 300, 301, 302 communication paths 500, 500A, 500B access points 550 Internet

Claims

1. A data communication program to be installed in a portable wireless communication device, The aforementioned portable wireless communication device, A data transmission and reception device that transmits and receives data according to a wireless communication method selected from the first to N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) wireless communication methods, depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the data transmission and reception partner, A distance determination device that determines the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the data transmission / reception partner, A storage device that stores the data communication program and the first to Nth programs for executing the first to Nth wireless communication methods, It is equipped with, The aforementioned data communication program is: If the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other party, as determined by the distance determination device, is greater than the maximum communication range of the first to N wireless communication methods (where M is an integer between 1 and (N-1)) and less than the maximum communication range of the (M+1) wireless communication method, then the (M+1) wireless communication method is selected, and data is transmitted and received with the other party via the data transmission / reception device using the (M+1) wireless communication method. The aforementioned data communication program is: Perform a detection operation that scans the area around the portable wireless communication device and detects other portable wireless communication devices within the scan range. Perform a communication path calculation operation to calculate the optimal communication path for the aforementioned other portable wireless communication device. Perform a communication path establishment action to establish a communication path with the aforementioned other portable wireless communication device, A data communication program characterized by constructing a mesh network by continuously performing the detection, communication path calculation, and communication path establishment actions between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device.

2. The data communication program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first to N wireless communication methods include at least one of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), WDS (Wireless Distribution System), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band).

3. The data communication program according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned data includes the current location of the portable wireless communication device.

4. The data communication program according to claim 1, characterized in that it performs a communication path update operation after the construction of the mesh network and optimizes the communication path.

5. The data communication program according to claim 1, characterized in that it determines the urgency of the communication and, when it is determined to be highly urgent, prioritizes the execution of that communication.

6. A data transmission and reception device that transmits and receives data according to a wireless communication method selected from the first to N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) wireless communication methods, depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the data transmission and reception partner, A distance determination device that determines the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the data transmission / reception partner, A storage device that stores the first to the Nth programs for executing the first to the Nth wireless communication methods, Equipped with, The mobile phone device further stores a data communication program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in the storage device.

7. A data communication system that transmits and receives data between portable wireless communication devices, between access points, and between portable wireless communication devices and access points, The aforementioned portable wireless communication device, A data transmission and reception device that transmits and receives data according to a wireless communication method selected from the first to N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) wireless communication methods, depending on the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the portable wireless communication device of the data transmission and reception partner, A distance determination device for determining the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other party's portable wireless communication device, A storage device that stores the first to the Nth programs for executing the first to the Nth wireless communication methods, It is equipped with, The aforementioned data communication system is If the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other party's portable wireless communication device, as determined by the distance determination device, is greater than the maximum communication range of the first to Nth wireless communication methods (where M is an integer between 1 and (N-1)) and less than the maximum communication range of the (M+1) wireless communication method, then the (M+1) wireless communication method is selected, and data is transmitted and received with the other party's portable wireless communication device via the data transmission / reception device using the (M+1) wireless communication method. If the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other party's portable wireless communication device, as determined by the distance determination device, exceeds the maximum communication distance in the first to N wireless communication methods, and the portable wireless communication device and the other party's portable wireless communication device are located within the same access point, then if the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the access point, as determined by the distance determination device, is greater than the maximum communication distance of the M wireless communication method (where M is an integer between 1 and (N-1)) and less than the maximum communication distance of the (M+1) wireless communication method, then a first communication is performed using the (M+1) wireless communication method to transmit and receive data between the portable wireless communication device and the access point via the data transmission / reception device, and data transmission and reception are performed between the access point and the other party's portable wireless communication device in the same manner as the first communication. If the portable wireless communication device is located within the first access point and the other party's portable wireless communication device is located within the second access point, data transmission and reception between the portable wireless communication device and the first access point shall be performed in the same manner as in the first communication. Data transmission and reception are performed between the first access point and the second access point. A data communication system that transmits and receives data between the other party's portable wireless communication device and the second access point in the same manner as the first communication described above.

8. The data communication system according to claim 7, characterized in that the first to N wireless communication methods include at least one of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), WDS (Wireless Distribution System), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band).

9. The data communication system according to claim 7, characterized in that the data includes the current location of the portable wireless communication device.

10. The portable wireless communication device is Perform a detection operation that scans the area around the portable wireless communication device and detects other portable wireless communication devices within the scan range. Perform a communication path calculation operation to calculate the optimal communication path for the aforementioned other portable wireless communication device. Perform a communication path establishment action to establish a communication path with the aforementioned other portable wireless communication device, The data communication system according to claim 7, characterized in that a mesh network is constructed by continuously performing the detection operation, the communication path calculation operation, and the communication path establishment operation between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device.

11. The data communication system according to claim 10, characterized in that the portable wireless communication device performs communication path update work after the construction of the mesh network and optimizes the communication path.

12. The data communication system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the portable wireless communication device is a mobile phone device.

13. A data communication method for transmitting and receiving data between portable wireless communication devices, between access points, and between portable wireless communication devices and access points, If the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other party's portable wireless communication device is greater than the maximum communication range of the first to Nth wireless communication methods (where M is an integer between 1 and (N-1)) and less than the maximum communication range of the (M+1) wireless communication method, then the (M+1) wireless communication method is selected, and data is transmitted and received between the portable wireless communication device and the other party's portable wireless communication device via the (M+1) wireless communication method. If the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the other party's portable wireless communication device exceeds the maximum communication distance in the first to N wireless communication methods, and the portable wireless communication device and the other party's portable wireless communication device are located within the same access point, then if the distance between the portable wireless communication device and the access point is greater than the maximum communication distance of the M wireless communication method (where M is an integer between 1 and (N-1)) in the first to N wireless communication methods, and less than the maximum communication distance of the (M+1) wireless communication method, then a first communication is performed using the (M+1) wireless communication method to transmit and receive data between the portable wireless communication device and the access point, and in the same manner as the first communication, data is transmitted and received between the access point and the other party's portable wireless communication device. If the portable wireless communication device is located within the first access point and the other party's portable wireless communication device is located within the second access point, data transmission and reception between the portable wireless communication device and the first access point shall be performed in the same manner as in the first communication. Data transmission and reception are performed between the first access point and the second access point. A data communication method that transmits and receives data between the other party's portable wireless communication device and the second access point in the same manner as the first communication described above.

14. The data communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that the first to N wireless communication methods include at least one of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), WDS (Wireless Distribution System), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band).

15. Perform a detection operation that scans the area around the portable wireless communication device and detects other portable wireless communication devices within the scan range. Perform a communication path calculation operation to calculate the optimal communication path for the aforementioned other portable wireless communication device. Perform a communication path establishment action to establish a communication path with the aforementioned other portable wireless communication device, The data communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that a mesh network is constructed by continuously performing the detection operation, the communication path calculation operation, and the communication path establishment operation between the portable wireless communication device and the other portable wireless communication device.

16. The data communication method according to claim 15, characterized in that after constructing the mesh network, the communication path is updated to optimize the communication route.

17. The data communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that it determines the urgency of a communication and, when it is determined to be highly urgent, prioritizes the execution of that communication.

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