Communication system, control device, and method for controlling a communication system

Abstract

To provide a robust communication network.SOLUTION: A communication system includes a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, and a control device. The control device includes control means for controlling the plurality of communication devices. The control means includes request acquisition means for acquiring a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal attempting to newly connect to the mesh network, and update means for updating one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to the request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0005] In order to ensure communication robustness while using a directional communication medium, it is preferable to have a configuration that allows for adaptive changes, including node joining to the network and changes in node location. However, even using the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, such a configuration cannot be realized.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one example of its objective is to provide a technology for realizing a robust communication network using a directional communication medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, each of the plurality of communication devices including one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, an identification means that identifies one or more candidate connection partners by performing a scan using the one or more communication means, and a connection establishment means that establishes a connection with the one or more candidate connection partners identified by the identification means, the control device includes a control means that controls the plurality of communication devices, the control means includes a request acquisition means that acquires a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal that intends to connect to the mesh network, and an update means that updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to the request.

[0008] A method for controlling a communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a communication system including a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, wherein each of the plurality of communication devices performs a scan using one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium to identify one or more candidate connection partners, establish a connection with the identified one or more candidate connection partners, and the control device controls the plurality of communication devices, wherein the control device controls the plurality of communication devices by including the control device obtaining a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal that intends to connect to the mesh network, and updating one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to the request. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the flow of a communication method according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example configuration of a communication system according to exemplary embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example configuration of a communication system according to exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device according to exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 7]This figure shows an example configuration of a communication system according to exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device according to exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 9] This sequence diagram shows a first example of the processing flow from scanning to connection establishment in a communication system according to exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 10] This sequence diagram shows a second example of the processing flow from scanning to connection establishment in a communication system according to exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This sequence diagram shows a third example of the processing flow from scanning to connection establishment in a communication system according to exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 12] This sequence diagram shows a fourth example of the processing flow from scanning to connection establishment in a communication system according to exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network in exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure illustrates an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network in exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure illustrates an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network in exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 17] This figure illustrates an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network in exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 18] This figure illustrates an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network in exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 19]This is a diagram for explaining an example of a state where a line is cut in the mesh-type network in Exemplary Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a diagram for explaining an example of a state where a line is cut in the mesh-type network in Exemplary Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computer, which is an example of a communication device according to each exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] 〔Exemplary Embodiment 1〕 The first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form of the exemplary embodiments described later.

[0012] (Configuration of Communication System 1) The configuration of the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of communication devices 10 and a control device 20.

[0013] The plurality of communication devices 10 can form a mesh-type network. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the mesh-type network includes the first communication device 10-1, the second communication device 10-2, the third communication device 10-3, and the fourth communication device 10-4, and these communication devices are connected to each other to form the network. Note that the configuration example shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example. A configuration including five or more communication devices may be used, or a configuration including three or fewer communication devices may be used. The first communication device 10-1, the second communication device 10-2, the third communication device 10-3, and the fourth communication device 10-4 shown in FIG. 1 have the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, one communication device will be taken up and described as the communication device 10.

[0014] (Communication Device 10) As shown in Figure 1, the communication device 10 comprises a communication unit 11, a specification unit 12, and a connection establishment unit 13. The communication unit 11, specification unit 12, and connection establishment unit 13 are examples of the communication means, specification means, and connection establishment means as defined in the claims.

[0015] The communication unit 11 is configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium. The number of communication units 11 in the communication device 10 is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, and the communication device 10 can be configured to have one or more communication units 11.

[0016] Each communication unit 11 is configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium as described above. Here, the specific configuration of the communication unit 11 is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. For example, it includes a transmitting unit that transmits a directional communication medium and a receiving unit that receives a directional communication medium. The communication unit 11 may also be configured to include an integrated transmitting and receiving unit that transmits and receives a directional communication medium.

[0017] Furthermore, specific examples of directional communication media used by the communication unit 11 for communication are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. As an example, electromagnetic waves in the high-frequency range having a frequency of approximately 10 GHz or higher can be cited. Electromagnetic waves in this frequency range may include millimeter waves, submillimeter waves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, etc.

[0018] As an example, the communication unit 11 is used for communication as a directional communication medium by directing and transmitting electromagnetic waves in the above frequency range within a predetermined angular range. Here, the specific configuration for the communication unit 11 to direct the electromagnetic waves in the above frequency range is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the communication unit 11, • Beamforming antennas that direct and transmit millimeter waves and submillimeter waves within a predetermined angular range. • Collimator that collimates infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light. • Laser oscillators that generate infrared, visible, or ultraviolet lasers. The configuration can include the following:

[0019] By directing and transmitting electromagnetic waves in the above frequency range, which are the communication medium, the energy density of the communication medium increases, making it possible to communicate with a communication partner at a greater distance using the communication medium.

[0020] (Specific part 12) The identification unit 12 identifies one or more potential connection partners by scanning using the communication unit 11. In other words, the identification unit 12 identifies one or more potential connection partners by transmitting or receiving a scan beam using the communication unit 11.

[0021] In this example, the scan using the communication unit 11 performs a scan using the directional communication medium described above. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, "scan" refers to a search performed to identify one or more potential connection partners, for example. The term "scan" is not intended to prescribe a specific scan order or anything like that.

[0022] Furthermore, the scanning performed by the specific unit 12 using the communication unit 11 includes: • The communication unit 11 emits a scan beam within the scan range. • The communication unit 11 transmits a scan beam within the scan range and receives a response beam which is a response to the scan beam, and • The communication unit 11 receives a scan beam transmitted from another device. The communication unit 11 receives a scan beam transmitted from another device and transmits a response beam as a response to that scan beam. It includes at least one of the following.

[0023] The scan performed by the identification unit 12 includes, as an example, the search for potential connection partners whose location is not known in advance. More specifically, as an example, the scan performed by the identification unit 12 includes the search for potential connection partners whose direction relative to the communication device 10 is not known in advance. In other words, it includes the search for potential connection partners whose azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle relative to the communication device 10 are not known in advance.

[0024] As described above, when searching for one or more potential connection partners whose locations are not known in advance, the identification unit 12 identifies the location of the one or more potential connection partners by scanning using the communication unit 11. More specifically, as an example, the identification unit 12 identifies the direction of the one or more potential connection partners relative to the communication device 10 by scanning using the communication unit 11. In other words, the identification unit 12 identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle relative to the communication device 10 relative to the one or more potential connection partners by scanning using the communication unit 11.

[0025] Furthermore, the one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification unit 12 are not limited to communication devices that were included in the scan range of the scan using the communication unit 11. The identification unit 12 can also refer to the response signals from communication devices that were included in the scan range of the scan using the communication unit 11 and identify communication devices that are outside the scan range but are identified by the response signals as connection partner candidates.

[0026] As an example, by referring to the response signal from communication device A that was included in the scan range of the scan using the communication unit 11, it is also possible to identify a communication device B whose location is determined by the response signal but which is outside the scan range as a candidate for connection partner.

[0027] (Connection establishment unit 13) The connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the identification unit 12. Here, the connection establishment unit 13 may use the same communication unit 11 that the identification unit 12 used for scanning from among the one or more communication units 11 provided by the communication device 10, or it may use some or all of the communication units that are different from the one or more communication units 11 that the identification unit 12 used for scanning.

[0028] In any case, the connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the identification unit 12 using one or more communication units 11 provided by the communication device 10, with a directional communication medium.

[0029] The specific connection establishment process performed by the connection establishment unit 13 is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, it includes the following process A.

[0030] (Process A): The communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 transmits a directional communication medium to the candidate connection partner identified by the identification unit 12. Furthermore, the connection establishment process described above may include the following process B in addition to process A.

[0031] (Process B): In response to the transmission in Process A, the candidate connection partner transmits a directional communication medium to the communication device 10, and the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 receives the directional communication medium. Furthermore, in process A, the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 may be configured to transmit connection initiation information in accordance with a specific protocol to a candidate connection partner via a directional communication medium, or in process B, the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 may be configured to receive connection acknowledgment information in accordance with a specific protocol from a candidate connection partner via a directional communication medium.

[0032] Furthermore, the connection initiation information may be configured to include identification information for identifying the communication device 10 from other devices, and the connection acceptance information may be configured to include identification information for identifying the connection partner candidate from other devices.

[0033] Furthermore, the connection establishment process may include, in addition to processes A and B, the following processes C and D.

[0034] (Process C): In Process A, the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 transmits connection start information via a directional communication medium, which the candidate connection partner refers to, and the candidate connection partner registers the identification information of the communication device 10 in the storage unit provided by the candidate connection partner. (Process D): In process B, the communication unit 11 of the communication device 10 receives connection confirmation information via a directional communication medium, the communication device 10 refers to this information and registers the identification information of the candidate connection partner in its own storage unit. Furthermore, the connection establishment process may include, in addition to processes A, B, C, and D, at least one of the following processes E and F.

[0035] (Process E): The candidate connection partner transmits the identification information of the communication device 10 registered in Process C to the control device 20. (Process F): The communication device 10 transmits the identification information of the candidate connection partner registered in process D to the control device 20. (Control device 20) The control device 20 performs control over the multiple communication devices 10.

[0036] Control of multiple communication devices 10 by the control device 20 is performed, for example, by exchanging signals, information, instructions, etc., between the control device 20 and the communication devices 10 via a wired or wireless local area network or global network, or a combination thereof. These networks may include a mesh network of the communication system 1.

[0037] Although not limiting to this exemplary embodiment, in the example shown in Figure 1, the control device 20 is connected to a mesh network via a second communication device 10-2 and controls multiple communication devices 10 via the mesh network. In addition to controlling multiple communication devices 10 via the mesh network, the control device 20 may also control multiple communication devices 10 via a different communication path.

[0038] Furthermore, the control device 20 includes a control unit 21, as shown in Figure 1. The control unit 21 is one example of a control means as described in the claims.

[0039] (Control Unit 21) The control unit 21 performs control over the multiple communication devices 10.

[0040] As an example, the control unit 21 refers to the information managed by the control unit 21 as described above, • Monitoring of each communication device 10 (especially boundary terminals) • Control of line connections between communication devices 10 • Updating communication paths (including updating communication path priorities) These are some of the things that are done.

[0041] While not limiting to this exemplary embodiment, as an example, the purpose of controlling the multiple communication devices 10 is as follows: • Support for connecting the new communication device 10 to a mesh network. • Reconnecting a disconnected line • Updating communication paths to prevent deterioration or disconnection of communication quality. These are some examples.

[0042] Although not limiting to this exemplary embodiment, as an example, the control unit 21 performs control over the multiple communication devices 10 based on the following information. • Network status regarding backbone links and access links • Relevant information regarding each communication device 10 (location information, load status, number of established connections, number of identified candidate connection partners, connection status of involved connections, etc.) • Reference information (weather information, sensor information, etc.) The control unit 21 may acquire this information, for example, from each communication device 10 or an external device (not shown).

[0043] Here, an access link primarily refers to a connection path used for data exchange between edge terminals included in communication system 1. A backbone link, on the other hand, primarily refers to a connection path used for data exchange between communication devices other than edge terminals included in communication system 1. Even a backbone link may function as an access link depending on the situation.

[0044] Although not limiting to this exemplary embodiment, as an example, the control unit 21 performs control over the multiple communication devices 10 at the following timings. • Timing of when the new communication device 10 performs a scan for connection to the mesh network. • Timing when the connection status between communication devices 10 within the mesh network changes • Timing when deterioration of line quality or disconnection between communication devices 10 within the mesh network is predicted. The control unit 21 may detect these timings, for example, by monitoring each communication device 10. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may perform control over the multiple communication devices 10 based on the monitoring results of each communication device 10, rather than at specific timings.

[0045] (Effects of communication system 1) As described above, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of communication devices (for example, a first communication device 10-1, a second communication device 10-2, a third communication device 10-3, and a fourth communication device) and a control device 20. The communication device 10 is • One or more communication units 11 configured to transmit and receive directional communication media, A specific unit 12 identifies one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using one or more communication units 11, The connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the identification unit 12. The control device 20 is equipped with, • Control unit 21 that controls a mesh network formed by multiple communication devices 10 being connected to each other. It employs a configuration that includes the following features.

[0046] With the communication system 1 configured as described above, each communication device 10 can identify potential connection partners whose locations are not known in advance by performing a scan using the communication unit 11. Then, it can establish communication with the identified potential connection partners.

[0047] Generally, directional communication media can achieve high-capacity and low-latency communication, but because they are directional, they are susceptible to interference from obstacles and disturbances. According to the communication device 10 of this exemplary embodiment, adaptive changes, including the addition and relocation of communication devices, can be made in a network using a directional communication medium, making it possible to configure a network that is less susceptible to interference from obstacles and disturbances.

[0048] Furthermore, the control device 20 can improve network stability by controlling multiple communication devices 10.

[0049] In other words, according to the communication system 1 of this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0050] (Effects of the control device 20) Furthermore, the control device 20 according to this exemplary embodiment is a control device 20 that controls a plurality of communication devices 10 capable of forming a mesh network, wherein each of the plurality of communication devices includes one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, one or more identification means that identifies one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using the one or more communication means, and connection establishment means that establishes a connection with the one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification means, and the control device is configured to include control means that control the plurality of communication devices.

[0051] The control device 20 configured as described above controls multiple communication devices 10 capable of forming a mesh network. Each of the multiple communication devices 10 can be identified by performing a scan using the communication unit 11, even if the location of the connection partner candidate is not known in advance. Each of the multiple communication devices 10 can then establish communication with the identified connection partner candidate. By controlling such multiple communication devices 10, the control device 20 can improve the stability of the mesh network.

[0052] Therefore, the control device 20 according to this exemplary embodiment can realize a robust communication network using a directional communication medium, similar to the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0053] (Control method for communication system 1) The control method for the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the control method for the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the control method for the communication system 1 includes steps S12 and S13 performed by the communication device 10, and step S21 performed by the control device 20. As described above, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of communication devices 10 capable of forming a mesh network, and a control device 20 that performs control over the plurality of communication devices 10.

[0054] (Step S12) First, in step S12, the identification unit 12 identifies one or more candidate connection partners by performing a scan using the communication unit 11. Here, the scan using the communication unit 11 performs a scan using the directional communication medium described above. The specific processing details by the identification unit 12 have been described above, so they will not be explained here.

[0055] (Step S13) Next, in step S13, the connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the identification unit 12. Here, the connection establishment unit 13 may use the same communication unit 11 that the identification unit 12 used for scanning from among the one or more communication units 11 provided by the communication device 10, or it may use some or all of the communication units that the identification unit 12 used for scanning. The specific processing details by the connection establishment unit 13 have been described above, so they will not be explained here.

[0056] (Step S21) Step S21 is performed before, after, or in parallel with steps S12 and S13. In step S21, the control unit 21 performs control over the multiple communication devices 10. The specific processing details by the control unit 21 have been described above and will not be explained here.

[0057] (Effects of the control method of communication system 1) As described above, the control method for the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes each of the multiple communication devices 10 identifying one or more candidate connection partners by performing a scan using a directional communication medium (S12), establishing a connection with the identified one or more candidate connection partners (S13), and the control device 20 performing control over the multiple communication devices 10 (S21).

[0058] According to the control method for the communication system 1 configured as described above, each of the multiple communication devices 10 can identify potential connection partners whose locations are not known in advance by performing a scan using the communication unit 11. Then, each of the multiple communication devices 10 can establish communication with the identified potential connection partners. Furthermore, the control device 20 can improve the stability of the mesh network by controlling the multiple communication devices 10.

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

[0060] [Exemplary Embodiment 2] A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same function as those described in Exemplary Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0061] (Configuration of Communication System 1) The configuration of the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 1. As shown in Figure 3, the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of communication devices 10 and a control device 20A.

[0062] (Communication device 10) The first communication device 10-1, the second communication device 10-2, the third communication device 10-3, and the fourth communication device 10-4 shown in Figure 3 are the same as the first communication device 10-1, the second communication device 10-2, the third communication device 10-3, and the fourth communication device 10-4 shown in Figure 1.

[0063] (Control device 20A) The control device 20A performs control over the multiple communication devices 10.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the control device 20A includes a control unit 21A. The control unit 21A is one example of a control means as described in the claims.

[0065] (Control Unit 21A) The control unit 21A performs control over the multiple communication devices 10.

[0066] As an example, the control unit 21A refers to the information managed by the control unit 21 described above, • Monitoring of each communication device 10 (especially boundary terminals) • Control of line connections between communication devices 10 • Updating communication paths (including updating communication path priorities) These are some of the things that are done.

[0067] While not limiting to this exemplary embodiment, as an example, the purpose of controlling the multiple communication devices 10 is as follows: • Support for connecting the new communication device 10 to a mesh network. • Reconnecting a disconnected line • Updating communication paths to prevent deterioration or disconnection of communication quality. These are some examples.

[0068] The control unit 21A includes a related information acquisition unit 22, a connection request acquisition unit 23, a determination unit 24, and an instruction unit 25. The related information acquisition unit 22, the connection request acquisition unit 23, the determination unit 24, and the instruction unit 25 are examples of implementations of the related information acquisition means, connection request acquisition means, determination means, and instruction means within the scope of the claims.

[0069] (Related Information Acquisition Unit 22) The related information acquisition unit 22 acquires related information from one or more communication devices 10 included in the mesh network, relating to the communication device 10.

[0070] (Connection request acquisition unit 23) The connection request acquisition unit 23 acquires a connection request from a new terminal 10-A that intends to connect to the mesh network. In this exemplary embodiment, the connection request is acquired by the connection request acquisition unit 23 from the new terminal 10-A using an existing line. In this exemplary embodiment, the connection request includes location information of the new terminal 10-A.

[0071] (Decision Section 24) The decision unit 24 refers to the relevant information to determine the communication device 10 to connect to the new terminal 10-A. In this exemplary embodiment, the decision unit 24 refers to the relevant information acquired by the aforementioned relevant information acquisition unit 22 and the location information of the new terminal 10-A included in the connection request.

[0072] (Instruction section 25) The instruction unit 25 instructs the communication device 10, determined by the decision unit 24, to perform a scan to the new terminal 10-A. In this exemplary embodiment, the instruction unit 25 also instructs the communication device 10, determined by the decision unit 24, on the direction of the scan beam.

[0073] (Effects of communication system 1) As described above, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of communication devices (for example, a first communication device 10-1, a second communication device 10-2, a third communication device 10-3, and a fourth communication device) and a control device 20A. The communication device 10 is • One or more communication units 11 configured to transmit and receive directional communication media, A specific unit 12 identifies one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using one or more communication units 11, The connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the identification unit 12. The control device 20A is equipped with, • Control unit 21A that controls a mesh network formed by multiple communication devices 10 being connected to each other. The control unit 21A is equipped with, • A related information acquisition unit 22 that acquires related information related to one or more communication devices 10 included in the mesh network, A connection request acquisition unit 23 acquires a connection request from a new terminal 10-A that intends to connect to the aforementioned mesh network, A determination unit 24 determines the communication device to be connected to the new terminal 10-A by referring to the aforementioned related information, The instruction unit 25 instructs the communication device 10 determined by the determination unit 24 to perform a scan to the new terminal 10-A. It employs a configuration that includes the following features.

[0074] With the communication system 1 configured as described above, each communication device 10 can identify potential connection partners whose locations are not known in advance by performing a scan using the communication unit 11. Then, it can establish communication with the identified potential connection partners.

[0075] Generally, directional communication media can achieve high-capacity and low-latency communication, but because they are directional, they are susceptible to interference from obstacles and disturbances. According to the communication device 10 of this exemplary embodiment, adaptive changes, including the addition and relocation of communication devices, can be made in a network using a directional communication medium, making it possible to configure a network that is less susceptible to interference from obstacles and disturbances.

[0076] Furthermore, the control device 20A can improve network stability by controlling multiple communication devices 10. According to the control device 20A of this exemplary embodiment, based on a connection request from a new terminal that intends to connect to the mesh network, it can determine which communication device to connect to the new terminal and establish communication between the communication device and the new terminal.

[0077] In other words, according to the communication system 1 of this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0078] (Effects of control device 20A) Furthermore, the control device 20A according to this exemplary embodiment includes control means for controlling a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, each of the plurality of communication devices includes one or more communication means configured to send and receive a directional communication medium, an identification means for identifying one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using the one or more communication means, and a connection establishment means for establishing a connection with the one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification means, and the control means adopts a configuration that includes related information acquisition means for acquiring related information related to the communication devices from one or more communication devices included in the mesh network, a connection request acquisition means for acquiring a connection request from a new terminal that intends to newly connect to the mesh network, a determination means for determining a communication device to connect to the new terminal by referring to the related information, and an instruction means for instructing the communication device determined by the determination means to perform a scan to the new terminal.

[0079] The control device 20A configured as described above controls multiple communication devices 10 capable of forming a mesh network. Each of the multiple communication devices 10 can identify a potential connection partner whose location is not known in advance by performing a scan using the communication unit 11. Each of the multiple communication devices 10 can then establish communication with the identified potential connection partner. By controlling such multiple communication devices 10, the control device 20A can improve the stability of the mesh network.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the control device 20A of this exemplary embodiment, based on a connection request from a new terminal that intends to connect to the mesh network, it is possible to determine which communication device should connect to the new terminal and establish communication between the communication device and the new terminal.

[0081] Therefore, according to the control device 20A of this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized, similar to the communication system 1 of this exemplary embodiment.

[0082] (Control method for communication system 1) The control method for the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the control method for the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the control method for the communication system 1 includes steps S12 and S13 performed by the communication device 10, and step S21A performed by the control device 20A.

[0083] (Steps S12 and S13) Steps S12 and S13 performed by the communication device 10 are as described in the exemplary embodiment 1 above.

[0084] (Step S21A) Step S21A is performed before, after, or in parallel with steps S12 and S13. In step S21A, the control unit 21A performs control over the multiple communication devices 10. Step S21A includes steps S21A-1, S21A-2, S21A-3, and S21A-4.

[0085] (Step S21A-1) First, in step S21A-1, the related information acquisition unit 22 acquires related information from one or more communication devices 10 included in the mesh network, relating to the communication device 10.

[0086] (Step S21A-2) Next, in step S21A-2, the connection request acquisition unit 23 acquires a connection request from a new terminal 10-A (Figure 3) that intends to connect to the mesh network.

[0087] (Step S21A-3) Next, in step S21A-3, the determination unit 24 refers to the relevant information and determines the communication device 10 to be connected to the new terminal 10-A.

[0088] (Step S21A-4) Next, in step S21A-4, the instruction unit 25 instructs the selected communication device 10 to perform a scan to the new terminal 10-A.

[0089] (Effects of the control method of communication system 1) As described above, the control method for the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes each of the multiple communication devices 10 identifying one or more candidate connection partners by performing a scan using a directional communication medium (S12), establishing a connection with the identified one or more candidate connection partners (S13), and the control device 20A performing control over the multiple communication devices 10 (S21A). Furthermore, the control device 20A performing control over the multiple communication devices 10 (S21A) includes the control device 20A acquiring relevant information related to one or more communication devices included in the mesh network (S21A-1), acquiring a connection request from a new terminal that intends to connect to the mesh network (S21A-2), deciding which communication device should connect to the new terminal by referring to the relevant information (S21A-3), and instructing the decided communication device to perform a scan for the new terminal (S21A-4).

[0090] According to the control method for the communication system 1 configured as described above, each of the multiple communication devices 10 can identify potential connection partners whose locations are not known in advance by performing a scan using the communication unit 11. Then, each of the multiple communication devices 10 can establish communication with the identified potential connection partners. Furthermore, the control device 20A can improve the stability of the mesh network by controlling the multiple communication devices 10. In addition, the control device 20A can determine which communication device should connect to a new terminal based on a connection request from a new terminal that wants to connect to the mesh network, and establish communication between that communication device and the new terminal.

[0091] Therefore, according to the control method of the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized, similar to the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0092] [Exemplary Embodiment 3] A third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same function as those described in Exemplary Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] (Configuration of Communication System 1) The configuration of the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 1. As shown in Figure 5, the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of communication devices 10 and a control device 20B.

[0094] (Communication device 10) The first communication device 10-1, the second communication device 10-2, the third communication device 10-3, and the fourth communication device 10-4 shown in Figure 5 are the same as the first communication device 10-1, the second communication device 10-2, the third communication device 10-3, and the fourth communication device 10-4 shown in Figure 1.

[0095] (Control device 20B) The control device 20B performs control over the multiple communication devices 10.

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the control device 20B includes a control unit 21B. The control unit 21B is one example of a control means as described in the claims.

[0097] (Control Unit 21B) The control unit 21B performs control over the multiple communication devices 10.

[0098] As an example, the control unit 21B refers to the information managed by the control unit 21 described above, • Monitoring of each communication device 10 (especially boundary terminals) • Control of line connections between communication devices 10 • Updating communication paths (including updating communication path priorities) These are some of the things that are done.

[0099] While not limiting to this exemplary embodiment, as an example, the purpose of controlling the multiple communication devices 10 is as follows: • Support for connecting the new communication device 10 to a mesh network. • Reconnecting a disconnected line • Updating communication paths to prevent deterioration or disconnection of communication quality. These are some examples.

[0100] The control unit 21B includes a request acquisition unit 26 and an update unit 27. The request acquisition unit 26 and the update unit 27 are examples of the request acquisition means and update means described in the claims.

[0101] (Request acquisition section 26) The request acquisition unit 26 acquires requests from communication devices that have received scan signals from a new terminal 10-A attempting to connect to the mesh network. In this exemplary embodiment, the request acquisition unit 26 acquires request signals from one or more communication devices that have received scan beams transmitted by the new terminal 10-A.

[0102] (Updated part 27) The update unit 27 updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to a request. In this exemplary embodiment, the update unit 27 updates the communication paths based on the request signal acquired by the request acquisition unit 26 and related information. Specifically, similar to the control unit 21 in the exemplary embodiment 1 described above, • Updating communication paths (including updating communication path priorities) Execute this.

[0103] As an example, the update unit 27 updates the communication path based on the following information. • Network status regarding backbone links and access links • Relevant information regarding each communication device 10 (location information, load status, number of established connections, number of identified candidate connection partners, connection status of involved connections, etc.) As an example, the update unit 27 updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network formed by the group of communication devices used for data transmission of the new terminal 10-A to optimize them.

[0104] (Effects of communication system 1) As described above, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of communication devices (for example, a first communication device 10-1, a second communication device 10-2, a third communication device 10-3, and a fourth communication device) and a control device 20B. The communication device 10 is • One or more communication units 11 configured to transmit and receive directional communication media, A specific unit 12 identifies one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using one or more communication units 11, The connection establishment unit 13 establishes a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the identification unit 12. The control device 20B is equipped with, • Control unit 21B that controls a mesh network formed by multiple communication devices 10 being connected to each other. The control unit 21B is equipped with, - A request acquisition unit 26 that acquires a request from a communication device 10 that has received a scan signal from a new terminal 10-A that is attempting to connect to the mesh network, and - An update unit 27 that updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to the request. It employs a configuration that includes the following features.

[0105] With the communication system 1 configured as described above, each communication device 10 can identify potential connection partners whose locations are not known in advance by performing a scan using the communication unit 11. Then, it can establish communication with the identified potential connection partners.

[0106] Generally, directional communication media can achieve high-capacity and low-latency communication, but because they are directional, they are susceptible to interference from obstacles and disturbances. According to the communication device 10 of this exemplary embodiment, adaptive changes, including the addition and relocation of communication devices, can be made in a network using a directional communication medium, making it possible to configure a network that is less susceptible to interference from obstacles and disturbances.

[0107] Furthermore, the control device 20B can improve network stability by controlling multiple communication devices 10. According to the control device 20B of this exemplary embodiment, communication paths can be updated in response to requests from communication devices 10 that have received scan signals from new terminals 10-A. For example, one or more communication paths included in the mesh network through which the new terminal 10-A has passed can be optimized.

[0108] In other words, according to the communication system 1 of this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0109] (Effects of control device 20B) Furthermore, the control device 20B according to this exemplary embodiment includes control means for controlling a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, each of the plurality of communication devices includes one or more communication means configured to send and receive a directional communication medium, identification means for identifying one or more connection partner candidates by performing a scan using the one or more communication means, and connection establishment means for establishing a connection with the one or more connection partner candidates identified by the identification means, and the control means adopts a configuration that includes request acquisition means for acquiring a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal that intends to newly connect to the mesh network, and update means for updating one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to the request.

[0110] The control device 20B configured as described above controls multiple communication devices 10 capable of forming a mesh network. Each of the multiple communication devices 10 can identify potential connection partners whose locations are not known in advance by performing a scan using the communication unit 11. Each of the multiple communication devices 10 can then establish communication with the identified potential connection partner. By controlling such multiple communication devices 10, the control device 20B can improve the stability of the mesh network.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the control device 20B of this exemplary embodiment, communication paths can be updated based on a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal that is attempting to connect to the mesh network.

[0112] Therefore, according to the control device 20B of this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized, similar to the communication system 1 of this exemplary embodiment.

[0113] (Control method for communication system 1) The control method for the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control method for the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the control method for the communication system 1 includes steps S12 and S13 performed by the communication device 10, and step S21B performed by the control device 20B.

[0114] (Steps S12 and S13) Steps S12 and S13 performed by the communication device 10 are as described in the exemplary embodiment 1 above.

[0115] (Step S21B) Step S21A is performed before, after, or in parallel with steps S12 and S13. In step S21B, the control unit 21B performs control over the multiple communication devices 10. Step S21B includes steps S21B-1 and S21B-2.

[0116] (Step S21B-1) First, in step S21B-1, the request acquisition unit 26 acquires a request from the communication device 10 that has received a scan signal from a new terminal 10-A that intends to connect to the mesh network. In this exemplary embodiment, the new terminal that intends to connect to the mesh network transmits communication device request information to the control device 20B. As a result, the request acquisition unit 26 acquires the request information.

[0117] (Step S21B-2) Next, in step S21B-2, the update unit 27 updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to a request. In this exemplary embodiment, the update unit 27 updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to request information acquired by the request acquisition unit 26. As an example, the request information includes relevant information about the new terminal 10-A. The update unit 27 updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network through which the new terminal 10-A has passed, optimizing them by referring to the relevant information about the new terminal 10-A.

[0118] (Effects of the control method of communication system 1) As described above, the control method for the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes each of the multiple communication devices 10 identifying one or more candidate connection partners by performing a scan using a directional communication medium (S12), establishing a connection with the identified one or more candidate connection partners (S13), and the control device 20B performing control over the multiple communication devices 10 (S21B). Furthermore, the control device 20B performing control over the multiple communication devices 10 (S21B) includes the control device 20B obtaining a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal that intends to connect to the mesh network (S21B-1), and updating one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to the request (S21B-2).

[0119] According to the control method for the communication system 1 configured as described above, each of the multiple communication devices 10 can identify potential connection partners whose locations are not known in advance by performing a scan using the communication unit 11. Then, each of the multiple communication devices 10 can establish communication with the identified potential connection partners. Furthermore, the control device 20B can improve the stability of the mesh network by controlling the multiple communication devices 10. In addition, the control device 20B can update one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal.

[0120] Therefore, according to the control method of the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized, similar to the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0121] [Exemplary Embodiment 4] A fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same function as those described in Exemplary Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0122] (Example of a communication system configuration) Figure 7 shows an example configuration of the communication system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 7, the communication system 1 comprises a control device 200 and a plurality of communication devices (communication devices 100-0 to 100-8 in Figure 7). The configurations of these communication devices 100-0 to 100-8 are similar. Therefore, in the following description, we will focus on one communication device and refer to it as communication device 100.

[0123] In Figure 7, the dotted lines indicate established connections. Also in Figure 7, the designation "Cxy" (where x and y are numbers) refers to a connection established between communication device 100-x and communication device 100-y. For example, C12 refers to a connection established between communication device 100-1 and communication device 100-2.

[0124] As shown in Figure 7, each communication device in communication system 1 constitutes a mesh network with communication paths spread out in a grid pattern.

[0125] In addition, in Figure 7, any of the communication devices 100-0 to 100-8 may be configured to function as an edge terminal, or the communication system 1 may be configured to include one or more edge terminals connected to any of the communication devices shown in Figure 8.

[0126] In this specification, an edge terminal refers to a terminal that is the end of an access link in the mesh network of communication system 1. Examples of edge terminals include communication terminals that connect to other networks different from communication system 1, and user terminals used by users.

[0127] (Configuration of communication device 100) The configuration of the communication device 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 100.

[0128] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 100 comprises a first communication unit 110, a second communication unit 120, a control unit 130, a memory 140, and a storage unit 150. Here, the first communication unit 110 is one example of a communication means as defined in the claims.

[0129] (First Communications Section 110) The first communication unit 110 is configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the first communication unit 110 is composed of multiple communication units such as communication unit 110-1, communication unit 110-2, ...

[0130] Each communication unit 110-1, 110-2, ... is configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium as described above. Here, the specific configuration of each communication unit 110-1, 110-2, ... is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, it includes a transmitting unit that transmits a directional communication medium and a receiving unit that receives a directional communication medium. Each communication unit 110-1, 110-2, ... may also be configured to include an integrated transmitting and receiving unit that transmits and receives a directional communication medium.

[0131] Furthermore, while the specific examples of the directional communication medium used by the first communication unit 110 for communication are not limited to the exemplary embodiments, one example is electromagnetic waves in the high-frequency range having a frequency of approximately 10 GHz or higher, similar to the exemplary embodiment 1. Electromagnetic waves in this frequency range may include millimeter waves, submillimeter waves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, etc.

[0132] The first communication unit 110, for example, is used for communication as a directional communication medium by directing and transmitting electromagnetic waves in the above frequency range within a predetermined angular range. Here, the specific configuration for directing the electromagnetic waves in the above frequency range by the first communication unit 110 is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. For example, the individual communication units 110-1, 110-2, ... constituting the first communication unit 110 are the same as in exemplary embodiment 1. • Beamforming antennas that direct and transmit millimeter waves and submillimeter waves within a predetermined angular range. • Collimator that collimates infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light. • Laser oscillators that generate infrared, visible, or ultraviolet lasers. The configuration can include the following:

[0133] Furthermore, the individual communication units 110-1, 110-2, ... constituting the first communication unit 110 may be oriented to target different ranges from one another. For example, communication unit 110-1 may be oriented to transmit and receive signals in the azimuth angle range of 0° to 90°, communication unit 110-2 may be oriented to transmit and receive signals in the azimuth angle range of 90° to 180°, communication unit 110-3 may be oriented to transmit and receive signals in the azimuth angle range of 180° to 270°, and communication unit 110-4 may be oriented to transmit and receive signals in the azimuth angle range of 270° to 360°.

[0134] (Second Communications Section 120) The second communication unit 120 is configured to communicate using a communication medium other than the directional communication medium used by the first communication unit 110. For example, the second communication unit 120 communicates with other devices via a wired or wireless local area network or global network. For example, the second communication unit 120 may communicate with the control device 200.

[0135] (Control unit 130) As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a communication management unit 132, and a storage management unit 133. The communication management unit 132 is one example of the identification means and connection establishment means in the claims.

[0136] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires relevant information related to the communication partner of the first communication unit 110. Here, the communication partner of the first communication unit 110 is: • One or more candidate connection partners identified by scanning using the first communication unit 110, as described later by the communication management unit 132. • Of the one or more identified candidate partners, the partner with whom the connection was established by the communication management unit 132 It includes at least one of the following.

[0137] The related information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 will be described later.

[0138] (Communications Management Department 132) The communication management unit 132 manages the communication processing using the first communication unit 110. For example, the communication management unit 132: • Scanning using the first communication unit 110 • Establishment of connection using the first communication unit 110 • Disconnection of the connection using the first communication unit 110 • Switching of connections using the first communication unit 110 These are some of the processes performed. Specific examples of processing by the communication management unit 132 will be described later.

[0139] (Storage Management Department 133) The memory management unit 133 manages the storage process to the memory unit 150. For example, the memory management unit 133 stores relevant information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 in the memory unit 150. The memory management unit 133 also reads various types of information stored in the memory unit 150 and provides them to the various parts of the control unit 130.

[0140] (The process from scanning to establishing a connection) Next, referring to Figures 9 to 12, the processing flow from the scan performed by the communication management unit 132 using the first communication unit 110 to the establishment of the connection will be explained.

[0141] (Example 1 of the process from scanning to establishing a connection) Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of the processing flow from scanning using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132 to establishing a connection. In this example, the communication device 100 first emits a scan beam and establishes a connection with a candidate connection partner that is within the scan range.

[0142] (Step S101-1) In step S101-1, the communication management unit 132 uses the first communication unit 110 to transmit a scan beam targeting a predetermined scan range. The transmitted scan beam reaches potential connection partners that are present within that scan range.

[0143] (Step S101-2) In step S101-2, a candidate connection partner located within the scan range sends a response beam back to the communication device 100 in response to the scan beam. The returned response beam reaches the communication device 100.

[0144] The specific configuration for a candidate partner to send back a response beam is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. For example, the candidate partner may be equipped with a corner cube reflector, which reflects the scan beam and sends the reflected scan beam back to the communication device 100 as a response beam. As another example, the candidate partner may be equipped with a receiving device that receives the scan beam and a transmitting device that sends a response beam in the direction of reception.

[0145] (Step S102-1) In step S102-1, the communication management unit 132 identifies a candidate communication partner by referring to the response beam received from the candidate communication partner.

[0146] As an example, the communication management unit 132 identifies the location of a potential connection partner based on the direction of the received response beam. More specifically, the communication management unit 132 identifies the direction of the potential connection partner as seen from the communication device 100, based on the direction of the received response beam. In other words, the communication management unit 132 identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the potential connection partner as seen from the communication device 100, based on the direction of the received response beam.

[0147] (Step S103-1) In step S103-1, the communication management unit 132 transmits a connection request beam to the candidate connection partner identified in step S102-1. The connection request beam may, for example, include information requesting a connection, as well as identification information to distinguish the communication device 100 from other devices. The connection request beam may also include related information managed by the memory management unit 133, specifically related information concerning the communication device 100 and other communication devices.

[0148] (Step S102-2) In step S102-2, the candidate connection partner receives the connection request beam transmitted in step S103-1. The candidate connection partner also identifies the communication device 100 by referring to the connection request beam transmitted in step S103-1. For example, the candidate connection partner identifies the location of the communication device 100 based on the direction of the received connection request beam. More specifically, the candidate connection partner identifies the direction of the communication device 100 as seen from the candidate connection partner based on the direction of the received connection request beam. In other words, the candidate connection partner identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the communication device 100 as seen from the candidate connection partner based on the direction of the received connection request beam.

[0149] (Step S103-2) In step S103-2, the candidate connection partner transmits a connection acknowledgment beam to the communication device 100. The connection acknowledgment beam may include information indicating that the connection is acknowledged, as well as identification information to distinguish the candidate connection partner from other devices. The connection acknowledgment beam may also include relevant information regarding the candidate connection partner and other communication devices.

[0150] (Step S104-1) In step S104-1, the communication management unit 132 receives the connection confirmation beam transmitted in step S103-2.

[0151] (Step S105-1) In step S105-1, the memory management unit 133 refers to the connection confirmation beam received in step S104-1 and registers the connection partner candidate as a connection partner. For example, the memory management unit 133 stores the identification information of the connection partner candidate included in the connection confirmation beam in the memory unit. For example, this step establishes a connection from the communication device 100 to the connection partner candidate.

[0152] (Step S104-2) In step S104-2, the candidate connection partner refers to the connection request beam received in step S102-2 and registers the communication device 100 as a connection partner. For example, the candidate connection partner stores the identification information of the communication device 100 contained in the connection request beam in a memory unit provided by the candidate connection partner. For example, this step establishes a connection from the candidate connection partner to the communication device 100.

[0153] (Example 2 of the process from scanning to establishing a connection) Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the processing flow from scanning using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132 to establishing a connection. This example shows a case where a candidate connection partner first emits a scan beam and establishes a connection with a communication device 100 that is within the scan range.

[0154] As shown in Figure 10, the process from scanning to connection establishment in this example is the same as the connection process between the communication device 100 and the candidate connection partner described using Figure 9, but with the communication device 100 and the candidate connection partner swapped. The processing at each step shown in Figure 10 is clear from Figure 9, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0155] (Example 3 of the process from scanning to establishing a connection) Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of the processing flow from scanning using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132 to establishing a connection. In this example, the communication device 100 first emits a scan beam and establishes a connection with a candidate connection partner that is within the scan range.

[0156] (Step S121-1) In step S121-1, the communication management unit 132 uses the first communication unit 110 to transmit a scan beam targeting a predetermined scan range. The transmitted scan beam reaches potential connection partners that are present within that scan range.

[0157] In this step, the transmitted scan beam may, for example, include information requesting a connection, as well as identification information to distinguish the communication device 100 from other devices. Furthermore, the scan beam may also include related information managed by the memory management unit 133, specifically related information concerning the communication device 100 and other communication devices.

[0158] (Step S121-2) In step S121-2, the candidate connection partner identifies the communication device 100 by referring to the scan beam transmitted in step S121-1. For example, the candidate connection partner identifies the location of the communication device 100 based on the direction of the scan beam transmitted in step S121-1. More specifically, the candidate connection partner identifies the direction of the communication device 100 as seen from the candidate connection partner based on the direction of the received scan beam. In other words, the candidate connection partner identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the communication device 100 as seen from the candidate connection partner based on the direction of the received scan beam.

[0159] Furthermore, in this step, the candidate connection partner may further refer to the identification information of the communication device 100 included in the scan beam to identify the communication device 100.

[0160] (Step S122-2) In step S122-2, the candidate connection partner transmits a response beam to the communication device 100 in response to the scan beam transmitted in S121-2. The transmitted response beam reaches the communication device 100.

[0161] In this step, the response beam transmitted may, for example, include information indicating acceptance of the connection, as well as identification information to identify the candidate connection partner from other devices. Alternatively, the response beam may include relevant information managed by the candidate connection partner, specifically information relating to the candidate connection partner and other communication devices.

[0162] (Step S122-1) In step S122-1, the communication management unit 132 identifies a candidate connection partner by referring to the response beam transmitted in step S122-2.

[0163] As an example, the communication management unit 132 identifies the location of a potential connection partner based on the direction of the received response beam. More specifically, the communication management unit 132 identifies the direction of the potential connection partner as seen from the communication device 100, based on the direction of the received response beam. In other words, the communication management unit 132 identifies at least one of the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and depression angle of the potential connection partner as seen from the communication device 100, based on the direction of the received response beam.

[0164] Furthermore, in this step, the communication management unit 132 may further refer to the identification information of the candidate connection partner included in the response beam to identify the candidate connection partner.

[0165] (Step S123-1) In step S123-1, the memory management unit 133 refers to the response beam received from the candidate connection partner and registers the candidate connection partner as a connection partner. For example, the memory management unit 133 stores the identification information of the candidate connection partner included in the response beam in the memory unit. For example, this step establishes a connection from the communication device 100 to the candidate connection partner.

[0166] (Step S123-2) In step S123-2, the candidate connection partner refers to the scan beam received from the communication device 100 and registers the communication device 100 as a connection partner. For example, the candidate connection partner stores the identification information of the communication device 100 included in the scan beam in a memory unit provided by the candidate connection partner. For example, this step establishes a connection from the candidate connection partner to the communication device 100.

[0167] (Example 4 of the process from scanning to establishing a connection) Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing a fourth example of the processing flow from scanning using the first communication unit 110 by the communication management unit 132 to establishing a connection. In this example, the candidate connection partner first emits a scan beam and establishes a connection with the communication device 100 located within the scan range.

[0168] As shown in Figure 12, the process from scanning to connection establishment in this example is the same as the connection process between the communication device 100 and the candidate connection partner described using Figure 11, but with the communication device 100 and the candidate connection partner swapped. The processing at each step shown in Figure 12 is clear from Figure 11, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0169] The above describes an example of the processing flow from scanning to connection establishment, but the above example is not limited to this embodiment.

[0170] For example, in the second example described above, the communication device 100 may establish a connection with a different communication partner candidate (for convenience, let's call it communication partner candidate B) than the communication partner candidate that transmitted the scan beam (for convenience, let's call it communication partner candidate A). In such a case, as an example, the communication device 100 may be configured to identify communication partner candidate B by referring to the relevant information contained in the connection request beam transmitted in step S113-2, and then establish a connection with the identified communication partner candidate B.

[0171] Similarly, in the fourth example described above, the communication device 100 may establish a connection with a different communication partner candidate (for convenience, referred to as communication partner candidate B) than the communication partner candidate that transmitted the scan beam (for convenience, referred to as communication partner candidate A). In such a case, as an example, the communication device 100 may be configured to identify communication partner candidate B by referring to the relevant information contained in the scan beam transmitted in step S131-2, and to establish a connection with the identified communication partner candidate B.

[0172] (Related information) The acquisition unit 131 of the communication device 100 acquires relevant information about the communication partner device of the communication device 100, for example, and the memory management unit 133 of the communication device 100 stores and manages the relevant information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 in the memory unit 150. Here, the communication partners of the communication device 100 include at least one or more candidate connection partners identified by the communication management unit 132, and at least one or more connection partners for which a connection has already been established by the communication management unit 132.

[0173] Furthermore, the memory management unit 133 can be configured to also store and manage related information concerning the communication device 100 in the memory unit 150.

[0174] In the following, we will refer to one of several communication devices as communication device A, and explain the contents of the related information for communication device A when communication devices B, C, and D exist as communication partners of communication device A. Communication devices A, B, C, and D are, for example, one of the communication devices 100-0 to 100-8 shown in Figure 7.

[0175] First, the relevant information for communication device A includes: • Location information of communication device A, and • Load status of communication device A • Number of established connections involving communication device A, • Number of identified candidate connection partners involving communication device A, • Connection status of connections involving communication device A • Number of hops from communication device A to the connection reference point It includes at least one of the following.

[0176] Here, the specific examples of location information for communication device A are not limited to this exemplary embodiment. For example, it may be coordinate information assigned by a predetermined location identification system such as GPS, location identification information such as an address assigned in advance within the target communication area, or information indicating the direction of communication device A as seen from surrounding communication devices.

[0177] Furthermore, the specific indicators of the load status of communication device A are not limited to this exemplary embodiment. For example, the indicators may be information showing the utilization rate of the processor, such as the control unit, of communication device A, or information showing the utilization rate of a specific task performed by the processor, such as the control unit, of communication device A.

[0178] Furthermore, connections involving communication device A include at least one of the following: connections originating from or ending at communication device A, and connections passing through communication device A. Therefore, in the example described above, connections involving communication device A include at least one of the following: connections between communication device A and communication device B, connections between communication device A and communication device C, and connections between communication device A and communication device D.

[0179] Furthermore, the connection status of the connection involving the aforementioned communication partner A includes: • The line quality of the connection involving communication device A, and • Number of connection interruptions involving communication device A It includes at least one of the following.

[0180] Here, the specific indicators regarding the line quality of the connection involving communication device A are not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but include, as an example, one of the following indicators: the delay of communication via the connection, and the rate of information loss in communication via the connection.

[0181] Furthermore, while the specific indicators regarding the number of connection interruptions involving communication device A are not limited to this exemplary embodiment, they include, as an example, an indicator regarding the number of disconnections per unit time of communication via said connection.

[0182] Furthermore, the related information for communication device A includes: • Information regarding the environmental impact on connections involving communication device A. A configuration that includes this is also acceptable.

[0183] Here, information regarding the environmental impact on the connection involving communication device A includes, as an example, • The influence of sunlight on the connection between communication device A and communication device B • The influence of sunlight on the connection between communication device A and communication device C • The degree to which sunlight affects the connection between communication device A and communication device D It includes at least one of the following.

[0184] Furthermore, the degree of influence of sunlight on a given connection can be expressed, for example, by the angle of the sun's direction relative to the direction along that connection. For example, if the angle between the direction along that connection and the sun's direction is close to 90°, the information regarding the influence indicates that the influence of sunlight on that connection is relatively small. Conversely, if the angle between the direction along that connection and the sun's direction is close to 0°, the information regarding the influence indicates that the influence of sunlight on that connection is relatively large.

[0185] Furthermore, information regarding the influence of the environment on connections involving communication device A may also include, as another example, information indicating the effects of reflection and absorption on the directional communication medium used by the communication unit of communication device A. For example, if the directional communication medium used by the communication unit of communication device A propagates through the air, the information may include information such as the transparency of the air and information about buildings near the propagation path.

[0186] (Control device configuration) The configuration of the control device 200 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 200. As shown in Figure 13, the control device 200 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a control unit 210, a memory 220, a storage unit 230, and a communication unit 240.

[0187] (Control unit 210) As shown in Figure 13, the control unit 210 includes an acquisition unit 211, a communication management unit 212, a storage management unit 213, and an instruction unit 214. The acquisition unit 211 is one example of an implementation of the acquisition means in the claims. The storage management unit 213 is one example of an implementation of the storage means in the claims.

[0188] (Acquisition section 211) The acquisition unit 211 acquires relevant information related to each communication device 100 from each communication device 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the acquisition unit 211 acquires the relevant information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 of the control unit 130 provided in each communication device 100.

[0189] The relevant information associated with each communication device 100 may include at least one of the following relevant information, as illustrated above. • Location information of communication device 100 • Load status of communication device 100 • Number of established connections involving communication device 100 • Connection status of connections involving communication device 100 • Line quality of connections involving communication device 100 • Number of connection interruptions involving the communication device 100 • Information regarding the environmental impact on connections involving the communication device 100. • Scanning of communication device 100 from other communication devices 100.

[0190] Here, the connection status of the connection involving the communication device 100 is as follows: • Connection status of access links involving communication device 100 • Connection status of the backbone link involving the communication device 100 It includes.

[0191] Furthermore, information regarding the environmental impact on connections involving the communication device 100 includes: • Impact of sunlight on connections involving communication device 100 • Impact of reflected light on connections involving the communication device 100 This contains information about...

[0192] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 211 may acquire the following reference information. Weather information • Sensor information.

[0193] For example, the acquisition unit 211 may acquire weather information from an external weather information server device. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 211 may acquire sensor information from an external field sensor. As the field sensor, any field sensor that senses the environment can be used, but for example, it may be one that senses sunlight, atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc.

[0194] (Communications Management Department 212) The communication management unit 212 manages communication processing using the communication unit 240 and manages transmission and reception between communication devices 100-0 to 100-8.

[0195] As an example, the communication management unit 212 may set up a communication route. When communication is to take place from the first communication device 100 to the second communication device 100, the communication management unit 212 refers to the relevant information acquired by the acquisition unit 211, sets up a communication route from the first communication device 100 to the second communication device 100, and instructs each communication device 100.

[0196] Furthermore, the communication management unit 212 may assign priorities to one or more communication paths included in the mesh network by referring to relevant information related to the communication devices 100 involved in the communication paths, and may perform control over the communication paths to which priority has been assigned according to that priority, such as resetting the communication path from the first communication device 100 to the second communication device 100 to a communication path with a higher priority.

[0197] As another example, the communication management unit 212 may monitor at least one of the multiple communication devices 100 by referring to the relevant information acquired by the acquisition unit 211. That is, the communication management unit 212 refers to the relevant information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 and detects an event occurring in at least one of the multiple communication devices 100, or in a connection involving said communication device 100.

[0198] The events detected by the communications management unit 212 include: • Deterioration of network quality • Disconnection of the line • Detection of scans by the new communication device 100 • Establishing a new connection These are some examples.

[0199] Then, the communications management unit 212, in accordance with the monitoring results, • Scanning using communication device 100 • Establishment of connection using communication device 100 • Disconnection of the connection using the communication device 100 • Switching connections using communication device 100 • Updating communication routes The system instructs each communication device 100 to perform the following processes.

[0200] For example, if the communication management unit 212 detects a deterioration in line quality, it may update the communication path to bypass the deteriorated line, or if it detects a line disconnection, it may instruct the communication device 100 to perform a scan for reconnection and establish a connection.

[0201] As another example, if a scan by a new communication device 100 is detected, or if the establishment of a new connection is detected, the communication device 100 may be instructed to update the communication path, disconnect or switch connections, etc., in order to optimize the mesh network including the new communication device 100.

[0202] (Storage Management Department 213) The memory management unit 213 manages the storage process to the storage unit 230. The memory management unit 213 stores the relevant information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 in the storage unit 230. The memory management unit 213 also reads various types of information stored in the storage unit 230 and provides them to the various parts of the control unit 210.

[0203] In addition to storing the acquired related information, the memory management unit 213 also stores the reference information and correlation information, which will be described later, in the memory unit 230.

[0204] (Instruction section 214) Based on the processing result of the communication management unit 212, the instruction unit 214 generates instruction information for controlling the communication devices 100-0 to 100-8.

[0205] (Memory unit 230) The memory unit 230 stores the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 211.

[0206] Also, the memory unit 230 further stores reference information.

[0207] Also, the memory unit 230 further stores correlation information. The correlation information is information indicating the correlation between the above-mentioned reference information and the related information of each communication device 100, particularly, the line quality of each communication device 100, the number of disconnections within a specified time, and the like.

[0208] (Communication unit 240) The communication unit 240 is configured to communicate using a communication medium other than the directional communication medium used by the first communication unit 110 (FIG. 8) of each communication device for mutual communication, and communicates with the second communication unit 120 (FIG. 8) of each communication device. As the communication form of the communication unit 240, communication via a wired or wireless local area network or global network, etc. can be adopted.

[0209] (Processing example of the control device) Hereinafter, a specific processing example (flow of the control method) by the control device 200 related to the communication system 1 will be described.

[0210] (Processing example 1 of the control device) As an example, the control unit 210 may monitor at least one of the plurality of communication devices 100 by referring to the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 211, and perform control of the line connection according to the monitoring result.

[0211] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which a new terminal is about to be connected to the mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0212] In the example shown in Figure 14, communication device 100-A is attempting to connect to a mesh network composed of communication devices 100-0 to 100-8.

[0213] In this case, the communication management unit 212 may assign a priority to the candidate connection partners identified by the communication management unit 132 of the new terminal (communication device 100-A) by referring to relevant information related to each candidate connection partner, and control the connection by the communication management unit 132 of the communication device 100-A.

[0214] In one example, when adding a new terminal (communication device 100-A) to a mesh network, the communication management unit 212 performs a connection simulation. As an example of the simulation, the communication management unit 212 may refer to the connection line quality among the relevant information and lower the priority of routes with poor line quality. Then, it instructs communication device 100-A to perform a high-priority connection (for example, a connection with communication device 100-0). This instruction may be included in the scan information transmitted from communication device 100-0 to communication device 100-A. As a result, when establishing a connection with a new terminal, a connection can be established via a route with good line quality, enabling a smooth connection.

[0215] Furthermore, as another example of the simulation, the communication management unit 212 may set priority settings according to the time of day for connections that are susceptible to the effects of sunlight depending on the time of day. This makes it possible to select a line suitable for the connection when establishing a connection with a new terminal (communication device) and to achieve a smooth connection.

[0216] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0217] In the example shown in Figure 15, another network controlled by control device 200A is connected to a mesh network composed of communication devices 100-0 to 100-8. Furthermore, communication device 100-A is attempting to connect to the mesh network composed of communication devices 100-0 to 100-8. The other network is not particularly limited and may be an existing optical fiber network, for example.

[0218] In the example shown in Figure 15, communication devices 100-3, 100-6, and 100-7 are boundary terminals located at the boundary with another network (Network B). The communication management unit 212 may focus its monitoring on such boundary terminals because communication devices performing boundary connections are likely to experience high traffic loads.

[0219] For example, when adding a new terminal (communication device 100-A) to a mesh network, the communication management unit 212 simulates the increase in load on boundary terminals. For instance, the communication management unit 212 estimates the increase in communication volume with other networks due to the addition of communication device 100-A, and estimates the increase in load on boundary terminals due to this increase in communication volume. Based on the increase in load on boundary terminals, the communication management unit 212 may determine whether it is necessary to add boundary terminals to connect to other networks or to change the connection path, and may instruct each communication device 100 accordingly.

[0220] (Example of control device processing 2) As an example, the control unit 210 may obtain a connection request from a new terminal that is attempting to connect to the mesh network and control the connection of that new terminal.

[0221] Figure 16 illustrates an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0222] For a new terminal 100-A that attempts to newly connect to a mesh network, using an existing line CA different from the mesh network, it notifies a control device 200 of a connection request including the terminal coordinates of the new terminal 100-A. Thereby, an acquisition unit 211 of the control device 200 acquires the connection request including the terminal coordinates. That is, the acquisition unit 211 is an example of implementation of a connection request acquisition means in the claims.

[0223] Subsequently, based on related information and the like stored in a storage unit 230, a communication management unit 212 identifies at least one communication device 100 (for example, communication device 100-0) within the mesh network to be connected to the new terminal. As an example, based on related information and the like, the communication management unit 212 identifies the communication device 100-0 located adjacent to the new terminal 100-A. That is, the communication management unit 212 is an example of implementation of a determination means in the claims.

[0224] Subsequently, an instruction unit 214 instructs the identified communication device 100 (for example, communication device 100-0) to connect. As an example, the instruction unit 214 instructs the identified communication device 100 including the terminal coordinates of the new terminal 100-A.

[0225] Subsequently, the communication device 100 that has received the instruction of the connection request transmits a scan beam S0A in the direction of the new terminal by referring to the terminal coordinates of the new terminal 100-A.

[0226] Subsequently, the new terminal 100-A receives the scan beam S0A, returns a response beam, and establishes a connection with the communication device 100.

[0227] (Effect by this processing example) According to the communication system of this exemplary embodiment, when adding a new terminal to a mesh network, it is possible to notify the control device 200 of the terminal coordinates of the new terminal and transmit a scan beam in the direction of the new terminal. Thereby, the search range of the scan can be narrowed, and the search can be completed in a short time.

[0228] (Example of control device processing 3) For example, the control unit 210 receives a request from the communication device 100 that has received a scan signal from a new terminal attempting to connect to the mesh network, and updates the communication path.

[0229] Figure 17 illustrates an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0230] A new terminal (communication device 100-A) attempting to connect to a mesh network emits a scan beam S0A within a predetermined range.

[0231] Upon receiving the scan beam S0A, the communication device 100 (communication devices 100-0 and 100-8) transmits communication device request information to the control device 200. The acquisition unit 211 then acquires the request information. In other words, the acquisition unit 211 is one implementation of the request acquisition means described in the claims.

[0232] Next, the communication management unit 212 updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in accordance with the request information. For example, the communication management unit 212 obtains relevant information about the new terminal 100-A from the new terminal 100-A and, by referring to it together with the relevant information stored in the storage unit 230, updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network formed by the group of communication devices used for data transmission of the new terminal, communication device 100-A, to optimize them. Optimizing communication paths means that, in a mesh network where each communication device has the option to select from multiple communication paths, the communication paths are formed in such a way that all communication devices can connect, and even if disconnections occur due to failures, robust management and switching enable data transmission for users connecting to the access network.

[0233] (Effects of this processing example) According to the communication system of this exemplary embodiment, when adding a new terminal to a mesh network, the terminal coordinates of the new terminal can be notified to the control device 200, thereby achieving optimal routing.

[0234] (Example of control device processing 4) As an example, the control unit 210 may manage the number of connections that can be established and the number of established connections for each of the one or more communication devices 100 included in the mesh network.

[0235] Figure 18 illustrates an example of a state in which a new terminal is attempting to connect to a mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0236] The communications management unit 212, for each of the one or more communications devices included in the mesh network, • The number of connections that can be established, and • Number of established connections To manage.

[0237] The number of connectable connections is the sum of the number of lines that can be established but have not yet established communication, and the number of lines that have already established communication (the maximum number). The number of connectable connections is also the number of potential connection partners identified by the communication management unit 132 of the communication device 100. The number of established connections is the number of lines that have already established communication.

[0238] In this exemplary embodiment, the communication management unit 212 updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network for each of the one or more communication devices included in the mesh network so that the number of established connections is less than or equal to the maximum number of connectable connections minus one. For example, if all connectable connections have been established and are being used as communication paths in each communication device 100, the communication management unit 212 updates one or more communication paths so that they do not pass through the communication device 100, thereby controlling the number of established connections to be less than or equal to the maximum number of connectable connections minus one.

[0239] In one example, the communication management unit 212 assigns priority to one or more communication paths included in the mesh network by referring to relevant information related to the communication devices involved in the communication path. Priority is assigned relatively based on factors such as connection strength, the availability of alternative communication paths, and the number of such paths. Priority information associated with each communication path is stored in the storage unit 230 as reference information.

[0240] For example, when updating a communication path, the communication management unit 212 may perform routing using a higher-priority communication path so that the number of established connections is less than or equal to the maximum number of connections that can be established minus 1.

[0241] This allows, while maintaining the mesh network, to use available lines to transmit scan beams to new terminals 100-A that wish to connect to the mesh network, as shown in Figure 18.

[0242] Furthermore, in one example, if a new terminal 100-A is attempting to connect to a mesh network, and the number of established connections to the communication device 100 that the new terminal 100-A is attempting to connect to is equal to the maximum number of connections that can be established, the communication management unit 212 may disconnect one or more communication paths included in the mesh network that have a relatively lower priority. This ensures that the number of established connections is less than or equal to the maximum number of connections that can be established minus one. The communication management unit 212 instructs the communication devices constituting the communication path to be disconnected via the instruction unit 214 to disconnect the communication path with a relatively lower priority.

[0243] Referring to Figure 18, the communication management unit 212, for example, with respect to the communication device 100 • The maximum number of connections that can be established is set to "4". • Established connections are "4" (Circuits C07, C05, C06, C08 are established connections with communication devices 100-7, 100-5, 100-6, 100-8) It is identified as such. Once identified in this way, the communication management unit 212 refers to the reference information in the storage unit 230 to compare the priorities of each line C07, C05, C06, and C08 and identifies the line that is the communication path with a relatively lower priority. In Figure 18, line C07 is identified as the communication path with a relatively lower priority.

[0244] Next, the communication management unit 212, via the instruction unit 214, instructs the communication device 100-0, which constitutes line C07, to disconnect the connection to line C07.

[0245] This disconnection causes communication device 100-0 to, • The maximum number of connections that can be established is set to "4". • The number of established connections is "3". As a result, one connection is generated that is possible to establish but has not yet been established. This connection line represents what is known as an idle line.

[0246] By creating idle lines in this way, as shown in Figure 18, scan beams are transmitted to new terminals 100-A that are attempting to connect to the mesh network using these idle lines.

[0247] This ensures that each communication device has at least one free connection line, allowing it to maintain connectivity even if a connection is interrupted by using a newly available free line. Therefore, a robust mesh network can be realized.

[0248] Furthermore, in one example, if a new terminal 100-A is attempting to connect to a mesh network, and the number of established connections of the communication device 100 that the new terminal 100-A is attempting to connect to is the maximum number of connections that can be established, the communication management unit 212 may notify the administrator of the mesh network that additional new terminals (relay terminals) should be added to increase the maximum number of connections that can be established for one or more communication devices 100 included in the mesh network. For example, the communication management unit 212 may simulate where relay terminals should be added and notify the administrator of the results.

[0249] This allows each communication device 100 to perform a scan and increase the maximum number of connections that can be established. This ensures that the number of established connections is less than or equal to the maximum number of connections that can be established minus 1.

[0250] The communications management unit 212, for example, with respect to the communications device 100-0, • The maximum number of connections that can be established is set to "3". • The number of established connections is "3". If managed in this manner, the communication device 100-0 is instructed to rescan, and as a result, the number of connection lines that can be established but have not yet been established in the communication device 100-0 becomes "1". The communication management unit 212 instructs the communication device 100-0 to use that "1" connection to establish a connection with a new communication device 100-A.

[0251] This allows established connections to be reconnected even if they are interrupted due to failures or other reasons, thus creating a robust mesh network.

[0252] (Example of control device processing 5) As an example, if one or more connections included in an established connection are disconnected, the control unit 210 may instruct one or more communication devices 100 involved in the disconnected connection to re-establish the connection.

[0253] Figure 19 illustrates an example of a situation where a line is disconnected in a mesh network controlled by the control device 200.

[0254] In one example, the communications management unit 212 controls each communications device forming a mesh network. • Number of established connections They manage it.

[0255] The communication management unit 212 manages the number of established connections, and therefore can also manage whether one or more connections included in the established connections have been disconnected. If one or more connections included in the established connections are disconnected, the communication management unit 212 instructs one or more communication devices involved in the disconnected connections to re-establish those connections. The instruction to the communication devices is given by the instruction unit 214.

[0256] In this manner, the communication management unit 212 instructs one or more communication devices involved in the disconnected connection to re-establish the connection. To this end, the communication management unit 212 manages the communication paths so that each communication device can always be connected via two or more communication paths.

[0257] For example, the communication management unit 212 manages the communication device 100-6 so that it is connected to the first system of circuits C13 and C36 and the second system of circuits C12, C25, C05 and C06.

[0258] In this state, when the communication management unit 212 determines that circuit C36 has been interrupted, it uses the second system to instruct the communication device 100-6 to transmit a scan beam S63 and attempt to reconnect circuit C36. When instructing the communication device 100-6 to transmit a scan beam S63, the communication management unit 212 sends the terminal coordinate information of the communication device 100-3 to the communication device 100-6. By specifying the terminal coordinate information of the communication device in this way, reconnection is possible even if the connection is interrupted.

[0259] Furthermore, not only when a single connection is interrupted, but also when multiple connections within a certain range are interrupted, the communication management unit 212 can issue instructions to reconnect in such cases as well.

[0260] In Figure 19, when the communication management unit 212 determines that circuits C06, C89, C910, C011, and C1011 have been disconnected, the communication management unit 212 refers to the relevant information and calculates the available communication paths.

[0261] Based on the calculation result, the communication management unit 212 sends a connection instruction via the instruction unit 214 to a communication device (e.g., communication device 100-0) for which a communication path has been secured.

[0262] Upon receiving a connection instruction, communication device 100-0 transmits a scan beam S09 to communication device 100-9 to attempt a connection. The communication management unit 212 manages the terminal coordinates of each communication device. This allows it to transmit a scan beam towards the communication device to be reconnected even if a disconnection occurs.

[0263] Furthermore, while communication device 100-0 is transmitting scan beam S09 to communication device 100-9, communication device 100-0 may also transmit a scan beam to communication device 100-11.

[0264] When reconnection with communication device 100-9 becomes possible, communication device 100-9 transmits a scan beam towards communication device 100-10 to reconnect circuit C910.

[0265] Thus, the control device of this exemplary embodiment can reconnect to one or more communication devices involved in a disconnected connection, thereby enabling the realization of a robust mesh network.

[0266] (Example of control device processing 6) As an example, the control unit 210 may acquire relevant information related to one or more communication devices included in the mesh network, acquire reference information different from the relevant information, calculate the correlation between the relevant information and the reference information, and store correlation information showing the calculated correlation.

[0267] For example, the acquisition unit 211 of the control unit 210 acquires relevant information.

[0268] The related information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 is: • The line quality of the connection involving the aforementioned communication device, and • Number of times the connection is interrupted in which the communication device is involved. It may include at least one of the following.

[0269] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 211 of the control unit 210 acquires reference information that is different from the related information.

[0270] The reference information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 is: Weather information • Sensor information acquired by one or more external sensors 300 It may include at least one of the following. Weather information is acquired by the acquisition unit 211 via a communication means different from the mesh network. The sensor 300 can be, for example, a general field sensor that senses the environment, but it may also be one that senses, for example, sunlight, atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc. The sensor 300 sends sensor information to the control device 200 via the mesh network.

[0271] As another example, the memory management unit 213 of the control unit 210 calculates the correlation between related information and reference information. The memory management unit 213 stores the correlation information in the memory unit 230.

[0272] The method by which the memory management unit 213 calculates the correlation between related information and reference information is not particularly limited. For example, the memory management unit 213 can be configured to calculate the correlation between related information and reference information using algorithms such as regression analysis, support vector machines, and principal component analysis.

[0273] The communication management unit 212 can predict various related information by referring to the reference information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 and the correlation information stored by the memory management unit 213, and can update (change) the communication path based on the prediction results. The communication management unit 212 may also predict the temporal periodicity of the related information.

[0274] For example, the communications management unit 212 is: • The line quality of the connection involving each communication device 100, and • Number of connection interruptions involving each communication device 100 The communication management unit 212 may predict the relevant information by referring to the correlation information between the relevant information, which is at least one of the above, and the reference information, and update (change) the communication path so as not to include communication devices 100 or connections where deterioration of line quality or an increase in the number of interruptions is predicted. In addition, the communication management unit 212 may update (change) the communication path based on the prediction results of relevant information such as the load status of each communication device 10. In other words, the communication management unit 212 is one example of an implementation of the update means in the claims.

[0275] For example, the communications management unit 212 refers to correlation information to predict a decrease in line quality or a line disconnection.

[0276] For example, the communication management unit 212 predicts a decrease in line quality or a line disconnection for, for example, communication device 100-0 by referring to correlation information. For example, it assigns a risk level (a higher risk level indicates a higher risk of disconnection) based on the prediction result. For example, in Figure 20, regarding the multiple lines C05, C06, and C08 established with communication device 100-0, for example, if the direction of sunlight irradiation and the direction of the communication medium are parallel, the risk of communication disconnection is high. If the risk level is configured based on this, the line C06 between communication device 100-0 and communication device 100-6 is predicted to have the highest risk level. Next, the line C08 between communication device 100-0 and communication device 100-8 is predicted to have a high risk level, and the line C05 between communication device 100-0 and communication device 100-5 is predicted to have the lowest risk level. Based on this prediction result, the communication management unit 212 updates (changes) the communication path to prioritize the communication path using circuit C05.

[0277] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, as an example, the communication management unit 212 updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network by referring to the prediction results, and for each of the one or more communication devices included in the mesh network, • Number of established connections To manage.

[0278] As an example, the instruction unit 214 instructs one or more communication devices involved in the disconnected connection to re-establish the connection. At this time, the instruction unit 214, • Reference Information • Correlation information • Prediction results Refer to at least one of the following to instruct the re-establishment of the connection.

[0279] As another example, the communication management unit 212 refers to correlation information to determine the timing for reconnecting the disconnected communication path. This timing is the timing for transmitting the scan beam.

[0280] (Effects of this processing example) According to the communication system of this exemplary embodiment, by setting a preferred communication path, the persistence of communication can be improved, and a robust mesh network can be realized.

[0281] [Examples of implementation using software] Some or all of the functions of communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 100, 100-0 to 100-11, and 100-A may be implemented by hardware such as integrated circuits (IC chips) or by software.

[0282] In the latter case, the communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 100, 100-0 to 100-8, and 100-A are realized, for example, by a computer that executes instructions for a program, which is software that implements each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 21. Computer C comprises at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. Memory C2 stores a program P that causes computer C to operate as communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 100, 100-0 to 100-8, and 100-A. In computer C, the processor C1 reads program P from memory C2 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of communication devices 10, 10-1 to 10-4, 100, 100-0 to 100-8, and 100-A.

[0283] Processor C1 can include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPU (Floating Point Number Processing Unit), PPU (Physics Processing Unit), microcontroller, or a combination thereof. Memory C2 can include, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof.

[0284] Computer C may also be equipped with RAM (Random Access Memory) for loading program P at runtime and for temporarily storing various data. Furthermore, computer C may be equipped with communication interfaces for sending and receiving data with other devices. Additionally, computer C may be equipped with input / output interfaces for connecting input / output devices such as keyboards, mice, displays, and printers.

[0285] Furthermore, program P can be recorded on a non-temporary, tangible recording medium M that is readable by computer C. Such a recording medium M could be, for example, tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuitry. Computer C can acquire program P via such a recording medium M. Program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium could be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. Computer C can also acquire program P via such a transmission medium.

[0286] [Additional Note 1] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments described above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0287] [Additional Note 2] Some or all of the embodiments described above may also be described as follows. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0288] (Note 1) It includes a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, Each of the aforementioned plurality of communication devices is: One or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, A means for identifying one or more potential connection partners by performing a scan using the one or more communication means described above, Connection establishment means for establishing a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the aforementioned identification means, Includes, The control device is Control means for controlling the plurality of communication devices. Equipped with, The control means is Related information acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication devices included in the mesh network, Connection request acquisition means for acquiring connection requests from new terminals that intend to connect to the aforementioned mesh network, A determination means for determining a communication device to be connected to the new terminal by referring to the aforementioned related information, An instruction means for instructing the communication device determined by the determination means to perform a scan to the new terminal, and A communication system equipped with these features.

[0289] According to the above configuration, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0290] (Note 2) It includes a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, Each of the aforementioned plurality of communication devices is: One or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, A means for identifying one or more potential connection partners by performing a scan using the one or more communication means described above, Connection establishment means for establishing a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the aforementioned identification means, Includes, The control device is Control means for controlling the plurality of communication devices. Equipped with, The control means is A request acquisition means for acquiring a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal that is attempting to connect to the mesh network, In response to the aforementioned request, an update means for updating one or more communication paths included in the mesh network, A communication system equipped with these features.

[0291] According to the above configuration, the control means can control the communication network by referring to relevant information related to the communication device.

[0292] (Note 3) The related information concerning the aforementioned communication device includes: The connection status of the access link, and Backbone link connection status It includes at least one of the following The communication system described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0293] According to the above configuration, it is possible to control the connection and disconnection between communication devices in a mesh network.

[0294] (Note 4) The related information concerning the aforementioned communication device includes: The location information of the aforementioned communication device, and Load status of the aforementioned communication device A communication system described in any of the appendices 1 to 3, which includes at least one of the following.

[0295] According to the above configuration, it is possible to control the connection and disconnection between communication devices in a mesh network.

[0296] (Note 5) The related information concerning the aforementioned communication device includes: The number of established connections involving the aforementioned communication device, and The connection status of the connection involving the aforementioned communication device, A communication system described in any of the appendices 1 to 4, which includes at least one of the following.

[0297] According to the above configuration, it is possible to control the connection and disconnection between communication devices in a mesh network.

[0298] (Note 6) The connection status of the connection involving the aforementioned communication device includes: The line quality of the connection involving the aforementioned communication device, and Number of connection interruptions involving the aforementioned communication device A communication system as described in Appendix 5, which includes at least one of the following.

[0299] According to the above configuration, it is possible to control the connection and disconnection between communication devices in a mesh network.

[0300] (Note 7) The related information concerning the aforementioned communication device includes: Information regarding the influence of the environment on connections involving the aforementioned communication device. A communication system that includes any of the following, as described in Appendix 1 to 6.

[0301] According to the above configuration, routing that takes into account environmental influences can be formed, thereby improving network stability.

[0302] (Note 8) Information regarding the environmental impact on the connection involving the aforementioned communication device includes: Influence of sunlight on the aforementioned connection The communication system described in Appendix 7, which includes information related to the system.

[0303] According to the above configuration, the network's communication path can be controlled to enable communication using routing that is less affected by sunlight. For example, if the direction of sunlight irradiation and the direction of the communication medium are parallel, there is a high risk of communication interruption. Therefore, a risk level is constructed based on this, and the network is controlled to be implemented using communication paths with a low risk level. This improves the stability of the network.

[0304] (Note 9) It includes control means for controlling multiple communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, Each of the aforementioned plurality of communication devices is: One or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, A means for identifying one or more potential connection partners by performing a scan using the one or more communication means described above, Connection establishment means for establishing a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the aforementioned identification means, Includes, The control means is Related information acquisition means for acquiring related information related to one or more communication devices included in the mesh network, Connection request acquisition means for acquiring connection requests from new terminals that intend to connect to the aforementioned mesh network, A determination means for determining a communication device to be connected to the new terminal by referring to the aforementioned related information, An instruction means for instructing the communication device determined by the determination means to perform a scan to the new terminal, and A control device equipped with the following features.

[0305] According to the above configuration, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0306] (Note 10) It includes control means for controlling multiple communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, Each of the aforementioned plurality of communication devices is: One or more communication means configured to transmit and receive a directional communication medium, A means for identifying one or more potential connection partners by performing a scan using the one or more communication means described above, Connection establishment means for establishing a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the aforementioned identification means, Includes, The control means is A request acquisition means for acquiring a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal that is attempting to connect to the mesh network, In response to the aforementioned request, an update means for updating one or more communication paths included in the mesh network, A control device equipped with the following features.

[0307] According to the above configuration, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0308] (Note 11) A control method for a communication system including a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, Each of the aforementioned plurality of communication devices performs a scan using one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive directional communication media, thereby identifying one or more candidate connection partners, and establishing a connection with the identified one or more candidate connection partners, and The control device performs control over the plurality of communication devices. Includes, The control device performs control over the plurality of communication devices, The control device obtains relevant information related to one or more communication devices included in the mesh network, obtains connection requests from new terminals that wish to connect to the mesh network, and, by referring to the relevant information, determines which communication device should connect to the new terminal and instructs the determined communication device to perform a scan for the new terminal. A method for controlling a communication system, including the control of a communication system.

[0309] According to the above configuration, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0310] (Note 12) A control method for a communication system including a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, Each of the aforementioned plurality of communication devices performs a scan using one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive directional communication media, thereby identifying one or more candidate connection partners, and establishing a connection with the identified one or more candidate connection partners, and The control device performs control over the plurality of communication devices. Includes, The control device performs control over the plurality of communication devices, The control device receives a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal attempting to connect to the mesh network, and updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to the request. A method for controlling a communication system, including the control of a communication system.

[0311] According to the above configuration, a robust communication network using a directional communication medium can be realized.

[0312] [Additional Note 3] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-061074, filed on March 31, 2021, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0313] 1. Communication System 10, 10-1 to 10-4 Communication equipment 11. Communications Section (Means of Communication) 12 Specification part (specification means) 13 Connection establishment unit (connection establishment means) 20 Control device 21 Control Unit (Control Means) 22 Related Information Acquisition Unit (Related Information Acquisition Means) 23 Connection request acquisition unit (connection request acquisition means) 24. Decision-making unit (decision-making means) 25 Indication unit (instruction means) 100-0~100-11, 100-A communication device 131 Acquisition Department 132 Communication Management Unit (Specification means, Connection establishment means) 133 Memory Management Department 150 Storage section 110-1, 110-2 First communications unit (communication means) 120 Second Communications Department 200 Control device 210 Control Unit (Control Means) 211 Acquisition unit (acquisition means, related information acquisition means, connection request acquisition means, request acquisition means) 212 Communication management section (determination means, storage means) 213 Memory management unit (storage means) 214 Instruction unit (instruction means) 230 Storage section

Claims

1. It includes a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, Each of the aforementioned plurality of communication devices is: One or more communication means configured to transmit and receive via optical communication, A means for identifying one or more candidate connection partners by performing a scan using the one or more communication means described above, Connection establishing means for establishing a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the aforementioned identification means, Includes, The control device is Control means for controlling the plurality of communication devices. Equipped with, The control means is A request acquisition means for acquiring a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal that is attempting to connect to the mesh network, In response to the aforementioned request, an update means for updating one or more communication paths included in the mesh network, A communication system equipped with these features.

2. The update means updates the communication path based on relevant information related to the communication device. cormorant The communication system according to claim 1.

3. The related information concerning the aforementioned communication device includes: The connection status of the access link, and Backbone link connection status It includes at least one of the following The communication system according to claim 2.

4. The related information concerning the aforementioned communication device includes: The location information of the aforementioned communication device, and Load status of the aforementioned communication device It includes at least one of the following The communication system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The related information concerning the aforementioned communication device includes: The number of established connections involving the aforementioned communication device, and The connection status of the connection involving the aforementioned communication device, It includes at least one of the following A communication system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The connection status of the connection involving the aforementioned communication device includes: The line quality of the connection involving the aforementioned communication device, and Number of connection interruptions involving the aforementioned communication device It includes at least one of the following The communication system according to claim 5.

7. The related information concerning the aforementioned communication device includes: Information regarding the influence of the environment on connections involving the aforementioned communication device. Includes A communication system according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. Information regarding the environmental impact on the connection involving the aforementioned communication device includes: Influence of sunlight on the aforementioned connection This includes information about The communication system according to claim 7.

9. A control method for a communication system including a plurality of communication devices capable of forming a mesh network and a control device that controls the plurality of communication devices, Each of the aforementioned multiple communication devices performs a scan using one or more communication means configured to transmit and receive via optical communication, thereby identifying one or more candidate connection partners, and establishing a connection with the identified one or more candidate connection partners. Furthermore The control device performs control over the plurality of communication devices. Includes, The control device performs control over the plurality of communication devices, The control device acquires a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal attempting to connect to the mesh network, and updates one or more communication paths included in the mesh network in response to the request. A method for controlling a communication system, including the control of a communication system.

10. It includes control means for controlling multiple communication devices capable of forming a mesh network, Each of the aforementioned plurality of communication devices is: One or more communication means configured to transmit and receive via optical communication, A means for identifying one or more candidate connection partners by performing a scan using the one or more communication means described above, Connection establishing means for establishing a connection with one or more candidate connection partners identified by the aforementioned identification means, Includes, The control means is A request acquisition means for acquiring a request from a communication device that has received a scan signal from a new terminal that is attempting to connect to the mesh network, In response to the aforementioned request, an update means for updating one or more communication paths included in the mesh network, A control device equipped with the following features.

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