Information processing device and alert notification method

Abstract

This information processing device comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires topology information including information about a connection destination communication device of a communication device constituting a network; a second acquisition unit that acquires a condition for notifying an alert indicating that the communication device or the network is in a specific state, and a notification destination of the alert; a determination unit that determines whether the topology information corresponds to the condition; and a notification unit that transmits the alert to the notification destination when the topology information corresponds to the condition.

Description

Information processing device and alert notification method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and an alert notification method.

[0002] Multi-hop communication using power line communication (PLC) has been known in the past. In such multi-hop communication, in a communication network (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a network (NW)) consisting of multiple communication terminals, communication signals are relayed between communication terminals to communicate with terminals that cannot directly communicate with the communication terminal.

[0003] In such a communication network, there is a technique for detecting a slave unit that is experiencing communication problems based on the communication quality of a transmission path (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a technology in which a center device has a communication status table for each slave device that stores the slave device's reception level, transmission level, and number of times the same message has been resent, and monitors the reception level, transmission level, and number of times the same message has been resent for each slave device, and determines that a slave device that has been in a state that meets a predetermined threshold condition (for example, the reception level or transmission level is below the threshold, or the number of times the same message has been sent is above the threshold) for a predetermined period of time is experiencing communication problems.

[0005] JP 2019-54324 A

[0006] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 identifies a handset that meets a fixed condition of "experiencing poor communication." However, a mechanism that can identify a communication network or a communication terminal in a certain state by setting conditions more flexibly, rather than using such a fixed condition, is desired.

[0007] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure contribute to providing an information processing device and an alert notification method that can appropriately identify and notify that a communication network or a communication terminal that constitutes the communication network is in a specific state.

[0008] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit that acquires topology information including information indicating a communication device to which a communication device that constitutes a network is connected, a second acquisition unit that acquires conditions for notifying an alert indicating that the communication device or the network is in a specific state and a notification destination for the alert, a determination unit that determines whether the topology information satisfies the conditions, and a notification unit that sends the alert to the notification destination if the topology information satisfies the conditions.

[0009] In an alert notification method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing device acquires topology information including information indicating a communication device to which a communication device constituting a network is connected, acquires conditions for notifying an alert indicating that the communication device or the network is in a specific state and a notification destination for the alert, determines whether the topology information satisfies the conditions, and, if the topology information satisfies the conditions, sends the alert to the notification destination.

[0010] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately identify and notify that a communication network or a communication terminal that constitutes the communication network is in a specific state.

[0012] Further advantages and benefits of one embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features.

[0013] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a remote monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a CPU of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a management server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a CPU of a management server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen including statistical information on transmission path quality and information on alert notification conditions; 7 is a diagram showing an example of a topology change; 8 is a diagram showing an example of a topology change; 9 is a diagram showing an example of a topology change; 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation of a terminal that is a slave device; 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation of a terminal that is a master device;

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0015] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0016] (Embodiment) <Configuration of Remote Monitoring System> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a remote monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the remote monitoring system 1 includes a terminal network 10 (communication network, network), a management server 20, an administrator device 30, and a network 40. The terminal network 10, the management server 20, and the administrator device 30 are communicatively connected via the network 40. The network 40 may be a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a mobile communication network, or a combination thereof.

[0017] The terminal network 10 may constitute a communication system. Such a communication system may be, for example, a PLC system. Note that the terms communication system and communication network may be interchangeable.

[0018] The terminal network 10 includes, for example, a plurality of terminals (for example, the terminal 100 shown in the figure). １ ~100 ３ However, the number of terminals constituting the terminal network 10 is not limited to three, and it goes without saying that any number may be used (however, some networks may have a maximum number stipulated). １ ~100 ３ When there is no need to distinguish between the terminals 100 and 100a, these terminals are referred to as terminals 100. The plurality of terminals 100 may include a parent terminal and a child terminal. In the illustrated example, the parent terminal is the terminal 100. １ The slave may be the terminal 100. ２ , 100 ３ The parent device (terminal 100) １ ) has a configuration that allows it to be connected to a management server 20 (information processing device) via a network 40.

[0019] Each terminal 100 that is a slave (i.e., other than the parent terminal) transmits (e.g., periodically) to the parent terminal information indicating the network topology of the terminal 100 (hereinafter also referred to as topology information) and the transmission path quality (hereinafter also referred to as transmission path state) of the transmission path (route) over which the terminal 100 communicates.

[0020] The parent terminal 100 integrates or aggregates information indicating the network topology of its own terminal 100 and the transmission path quality of the transmission path over which its own terminal 100 communicates, and information indicating the network topology and the transmission path quality transmitted by each of the child terminals 100, and transmits these (for example, periodically) to the management server 20. Hereinafter, the information indicating the network topology of the terminal 100 and the transmission path quality of the transmission path over which the terminal 100 communicates may also be referred to as terminal network (NW) information, terminal NW information, NW information, etc.

[0021] These parent devices and child devices may be collectively referred to as communication terminals or simply terminals, communication nodes or simply nodes, communication equipment or simply equipment, communication devices or simply devices, communication terminals or simply terminals, etc. Furthermore, the parent device may be referred to as a master terminal, parent terminal, master, root, root terminal, etc., and the child device may be referred to as an end terminal, child terminal, terminal, etc.

[0022] In the terminal network 10, each terminal performs multi-hop communication using a PLC that uses a power line as a communication line and superimposes a signal on the power line.

[0023] In multi-hop communication, for example, multiple terminals are connected within a system, and a relay transmission network is constructed up to a specified number (also called the number of hops), with a parent terminal at the top. Within the system, a relay terminal is automatically selected depending on the state of the transmission path between the terminals, and communication data is relayed between the parent terminal and the child terminal. In this way, in a multi-hop communication system, multi-hops (or a topology) are formed, and multi-hop communication is performed.

[0024] In a multi-hop communication system, each terminal evaluates the communication quality with its neighboring terminal (or nearby terminal), and after evaluating the communication quality, a parent device sets an appropriate relay route. Unicast (UC) frames are then relayed along the relay route set by the parent device. Regarding broadcast frames, the target frame is delivered to all terminals. Therefore, after a broadcast frame transmitted from a certain terminal is received by the parent device and all relay terminals, these terminals forward the target frame to other terminals by broadcasting it again.

[0025] The management server 20 may be, for example, a cloud server installed in a cloud environment. The management server 20 is connected to a master device (e.g., a terminal 100) in the terminal network 10 via the network 40. １ ) and the administrator device 30.

[0026] The management server 20 collects the NW information transmitted by the parent device and stores the collected NW information (for example, in a storage device included in the management server 20). The stored NW information will be described later.

[0027] The management server 20 transmits statistical information on network information, including the quality of the transmission path over which the terminal 100 communicates, and information on alert notification conditions to the administrator device 30, thereby causing (controlling) a setting screen including this information to be displayed on a display device (display unit) provided in the administrator device 30.

[0028] The management server 20 receives information indicating the alert notification conditions and the notification destination from the administrator device 30, and registers the received information indicating the alert notification conditions and the notification destination by storing the received information indicating the alert notification conditions and the notification destination.

[0029] The management server 20 determines whether or not the NW information of the registered terminal 100 satisfies the alert notification conditions. In other words, the management server 20 determines whether or not the alert notification conditions are met based on the NW information of the registered terminal 100. If the NW information of the terminal 100 satisfies the alert notification conditions, the management server 20 notifies the administrator of the alert by sending an alert by email to the alert notification destination.

[0030] The administrator device 30 is a device used by an administrator who manages the remote monitoring system 1 or the terminal network 10. The administrator device 30 may also be referred to as a device associated with the administrator of the remote monitoring system 1 or the terminal network 10. The administrator device 30 may be a device such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet, or the like.

[0031] The administrator device 30 receives the statistical information of the NW information and the information on the alert notification conditions transmitted by the management server 20, and displays a setting screen including these. The displayed statistical information of the NW information and the information on the alert notification conditions will be described later.

[0032] The administrator device 30 accepts information indicating the alert notification conditions and notification destinations input by the administrator on the displayed setting screen, and transmits this information to the management server 20 .

[0033] The administrator device 30 receives and displays the alert sent by the management server 20 .

[0034] In the following description, the term "frame" may be appropriately replaced with terms such as "packet," "message," and "signal."

[0035] <Configuration of Terminal> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 100 according to this embodiment.

[0036] For example, the master device and slave devices in the terminal network 10 may have the configuration of the terminal 100 shown in FIG.

[0037] 2, the terminal 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a storage device 202, a communication device 203, and a device interface device 204. The terminal 100 may include other components in addition to those described above.

[0038] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the terminal 100. The CPU 201 realizes various functions of the terminal 100 (including the processes described below) by loading predetermined programs stored in, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like included in the storage device 202 into a random access memory (RAM) or the like included in the storage device 202 and executing the programs. The programs executed by the CPU 201 may be pre-stored in the storage device 202, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet or stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a memory card.

[0039] The storage device 202 is a non-transitory storage medium and includes non-volatile memory such as an HDD, SSD, or ROM (Read Only Memory), electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and volatile memory such as RAM. The storage device 202 stores information (e.g., information in a table format) regarding communication paths, topology information, and terminals with which communication is possible (e.g., other terminals with which direct communication is possible). The storage device 202 also stores programs such as control programs for operating the terminal 100, data required to execute these programs, identification information of the terminal 100, and other information / data processed (processed) by the terminal 100 (e.g., the CPU 201).

[0040] When terminal 100 is a parent device, the storage device 202 stores, for example, a communication path data table for registering all communication paths between terminals established within the network, and a topology table for recording information (link information) about adjacent terminals with which each terminal can directly communicate.

[0041] Furthermore, when the terminal 100 is a sub-device, the memory device 202 stores, for example, information indicating terminals with which the terminal 100 can communicate (e.g., adjacent terminals) and the communication quality between the terminal 100 and the adjacent terminals.

[0042] The communication device 203 is a communication interface device for communicating with other terminals 100. The communication device 203 may be a communication interface device for a PLC.

[0043] The device interface device 204 is an interface device for transmitting and receiving (input / output) data between a control device or an electronic device connected to the terminal 100. The device interface device 204 may be, for example, a communication interface device that complies with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0044] The above-described hardware configuration of the terminal 100 is merely an example, and the terminal 100 according to the present disclosure may be realized by any other appropriate hardware configuration.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the CPU 201 according to this embodiment.

[0046] The CPU 201 includes a packet analysis unit 301 , an authentication processing unit 302 , a transmission path estimation unit 303 , a topology management unit 304 , a NW information communication control unit 305 , and a packet generation unit 306 .

[0047] The CPU 201 may receive at least one of a hello packet (H packet) (which may also be referred to as a hello message or a hello signal), an authentication packet, a synchronization packet, a transmission path estimation packet, and a normal packet. The H packet is simultaneously broadcast from one terminal to all connected terminals prior to an authentication process performed in a communication system (communication network). In addition, H packets are periodically transmitted or broadcast by each terminal to adjacent terminals to update route information (such H packets may also be referred to as periodic signals). The H packet may refer to a packet that notifies the presence of the terminal. For example, the H packet may include identification information of a parent device in the network, information about the sender of the H packet, information about adjacent terminals of the terminal, information about the communication quality of the link, etc. The authentication packet is a packet transmitted and received during the authentication process. The synchronization packet is a packet used for time synchronization, such as a Sync packet or a Follow Up packet. The normal packet may be, for example, sensor data acquired by a sensor. Furthermore, the packet for transmission path estimation is a packet used when estimating a transmission path, and may include a signal (for example, a reference signal or a pilot signal) known to both the transmitting and receiving terminals.

[0048] The packet analysis unit 301 analyzes the data structures of various input packets (H packets, authentication packets, synchronization packets, transmission path estimation packets, and normal packets) to determine the packet type, and allocates the packet to a destination based on the determination result. For example, if the packet analysis unit 301 determines that the input packet is a transmission path estimation packet, it outputs the transmission path estimation packet to the transmission path estimation unit 303. Also, for example, if the packet analysis unit 301 determines that the input packet is an authentication packet, it outputs the authentication packet to the authentication processing unit 302. For example, if the packet analysis unit 301 determines that the input packet is a normal packet, it outputs the normal packet to the topology management unit 304.

[0049] The authentication processing unit 302 executes authentication processing with the terminal that is the sender of the authentication packet, using the authentication packet input from the packet analysis unit 301. The authentication processing unit 302 outputs to the topology management unit 304 an authentication packet that is a packet generated during the authentication processing, or a response to an authentication packet sent from another terminal.

[0050] The transmission channel estimation unit 303 performs channel estimation (CE) between the terminal that is the source of the packet and the own terminal, using the packet for transmission channel estimation input from the packet analysis unit 301. The transmission channel estimation unit 303 calculates the physical (PHY) speed of the transmission channel as the transmission channel estimation result. Alternatively, the transmission channel estimation unit 303 may calculate a CINR (Carrier to Interference and Noise Ratio) characteristic, a noise characteristic, or the like as the transmission channel estimation result. The transmission channel estimation unit 303 outputs the transmission channel estimation result to the NW information communication control unit 305.

[0051] The topology management unit 304 manages (acquires or calculates) topology information indicating the topology generated by the parent device (i.e., the terminals constituting the communication system and their connection configuration), and distributes and outputs various packets to destinations (e.g., packet generation unit 306) based on the topology information. The topology information is stored in the topology management unit 304 of each terminal or in the storage device 202. The topology management unit 304 also stores in the topology management unit 304 or the storage device 202 not only the topology information but also information regarding the above-mentioned communication paths, terminals with which communication is possible (e.g., other terminals with which direct communication is possible), its own terminal, etc. The topology management unit 304 of the parent device generates (forms) a topology based on H packets transmitted from each of one or more terminals that are the subject of authentication processing, and provides topology information indicating the topology to other terminals.

[0052] Based on topology information and the like stored in the topology management unit 304 or the storage device 202 and the transmission path estimation result, the NW information communication control unit 305 outputs information indicating the terminal 100, which is the communication partner (connection destination), and related information (topology information), as well as the transmission path estimation result (transmission path quality) of the transmission path between the terminal 100, which is the communication partner, to the packet generation unit 306 as NW information of the terminal 100. The NW information communication control unit 305 causes the packet generation unit 306 to transmit NW information to the terminal 100, which is the parent device, periodically (for example, every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, etc.). The NW information transmitted from the terminal 100 located at a lower position in the multi-hop network is relayed to the terminal 100 located at a higher position, and is finally transferred to the terminal 100, which is the parent device.

[0053] The packet generation unit 306 generates and outputs packets for data communication, H packets, etc. to other terminals as destinations based on the authentication packets or normal packets input from the topology management unit 304, or information input from the NW information communication control unit 305.

[0054] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 20 according to this embodiment. The management server 20 may be realized by a computing device (calculator, computer) such as a server device or an information processing device.

[0055] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the management server 20 may include a CPU 401, a storage device 402, a communication device 403, and a user interface (UI) device 404.

[0056] The programs or instructions that realize the functions and processes of the management server 20 described above and below may be downloaded from some external device (e.g., a server) via a network, etc. Furthermore, such programs or instructions may be provided from a removable storage medium such as a CD-ROM or flash memory.

[0057] The CPU 401 executes the functions and processes of the management server 20 described above and below in accordance with programs or instructions stored in the storage device 402, and data such as parameters used to execute the programs or instructions.

[0058] The storage device 402 may be implemented by RAM, flash memory, a hard disk drive, or the like, and stores installed programs or instructions as well as files, data, and the like used in executing the programs or instructions. The storage device 402 may also include a non-transitory storage medium.

[0059] The storage device 402 stores all of the NW information collected from the parent terminal 100. The storage device 402 also stores alert notification conditions and notification destinations.

[0060] 15 is a diagram showing an example of NW information accumulated and stored in the management server 20. For example, the NW information is stored in a data table 1500 stored in the storage device 402 of the management server 20.

[0061] 15, the NW information may include the number of hops of the terminal 100, the terminal type, the uplink / downlink connection destination, the data arrival rate to the parent device, the data type, and the uplink / downlink threshold speed. Here, uplink may mean the direction from a lower-positioned terminal 100 (large number of hops) to a higher-positioned terminal (small number of hops) in a multi-hop network, and downlink may mean the direction from a higher-positioned terminal 100 to a lower-positioned terminal 100 in a multi-hop network.

[0062] The number of hops indicates the number of relays from the parent terminal 100 to the terminal 100 in question, and in this embodiment, the number of hops for the parent terminal is set to one.

[0063] The device type indicates whether the terminal 100 is a fixed (stationary) or mobile terminal.

[0064] The upstream / downstream destination indicates the upstream destination terminal 100 and / or the downstream destination terminal 100 of the terminal 100 in question.

[0065] The data arrival rate to the parent device indicates the upstream data arrival rate and the downstream data arrival rate between the parent device and the parent device during a predetermined period of time.

[0066] The data type indicates the type of data (control signal, image, sensor value, etc.) acquired by the terminal 100. Note that the data type here may be the type of data typically acquired by the terminal 100. In other words, even if the data type is "image," the terminal 100 may acquire other data (control signal, sensor value, etc.).

[0067] The upload / download threshold speed is one of the alert notification conditions and may be automatically determined by the parent device or management server 20 according to the type of data flowing through the terminal network 10. For example, the upload / download threshold speed for a data type with a relatively large amount of data (e.g., images) may be set to a higher value than the upload / download threshold speed for a data type with a relatively small amount of data (e.g., sensor values). Or vice versa. Furthermore, the upload / download threshold speed may be automatically determined by the parent device or management server 20 according to the number of hops of the terminal 100. For example, a terminal with a small number of hops (i.e., a terminal located at a higher position) may be set to a higher upload / download threshold speed than a terminal with a large number of hops (i.e., a terminal located at a lower position). Or vice versa. Furthermore, the upload / download threshold speed may be automatically determined by the parent device or management server 20 according to the device type of the terminal 100. For example, a fixed-type terminal may be set to a higher upload / download threshold speed than a mobile-type terminal. Or vice versa. The upload / download threshold speeds may be changed by an administrator (for example, via a setting screen described later). The upload / download threshold speeds may be stored in a data table for alert notification conditions, rather than as network information.

[0068] Although not shown, the data table 1500 also stores the transmission path quality (physical speed, etc.) of the transmission path through which the terminal 100 communicates.

[0069] The communication device 403 may be realized by various communication circuits that execute communication processing with external devices and communication networks such as the Internet, LAN, and VPN.

[0070] The UI device 404 may be composed of input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone, etc., output devices such as a display, speaker, headset, printer, etc., and input / output devices such as a haptic device, touch panel, etc., and realizes an interface between the user and the management server 20. For example, the user operates the management server 20 by operating a GUI displayed on a display or touch panel using a keyboard, mouse, etc.

[0071] The above-described hardware configuration of the management server 20 is merely an example, and the management server 20 according to the present disclosure may be realized by any other appropriate hardware configuration.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the CPU 401 according to this embodiment.

[0073] The CPU 401 includes an alert-related information display control unit 501 (corresponding to the "display control unit"), an alert-related information acquisition unit 502 (corresponding to the "first acquisition unit" and the "second acquisition unit"), an alert notification determination unit 503 (corresponding to the "determination unit"), and an alert notification unit 504 (corresponding to the "notification unit").

[0074] The alert-related information display control unit 501 transmits statistical information on the network information of the terminal 100 and information on alert notification conditions to the administrator device 30 via the communication device 403, and thereby causes (controls) a setting screen including this information to be displayed on a display device (display unit) provided in the administrator device 30.

[0075] The alert-related information acquisition unit 502 acquires information indicating the alert notification conditions, which are conditions for issuing an alert indicating that the terminal 100 or the terminal network 10 is in a specific state (such as an abnormal state, an unstable state, or a state in the vicinity of some device), and the alert notification destination, which is the destination of the alert, from the administrator device 30 via the communication device 403. The alert-related information acquisition unit 502 registers the information indicating the alert notification conditions and the notification destination by storing the acquired information indicating the alert notification conditions and the notification destination in the storage device 402.

[0076] The alert-related information acquisition unit 502 acquires the entire NW information by receiving the entire NW information from the parent terminal 100 via the communication device 403. The alert-related information acquisition unit 502 registers the entire NW information by storing the entire acquired NW information in the storage device 402. When the alert-related information acquisition unit 502 has received (acquired) the entire NW information, it outputs a message to that effect to the alert notification determination unit 503.

[0077] The alert notification determination unit 503 determines whether the network information of the registered terminal 100 satisfies the alert notification conditions. In other words, the alert notification determination unit 503 determines whether the alert notification conditions are met based on the network information of the registered terminal 100. If the network information of the terminal 100 satisfies the alert notification conditions, the alert notification determination unit 503 determines to notify the terminal 100 of an alert, and if the network information of the terminal 100 does not satisfy the alert notification conditions, the alert notification determination unit 503 determines not to notify the terminal 100 of an alert. The alert notification determination unit 503 outputs the result of the determination to the alert notification unit 504.

[0078] When the alert notification determination unit 503 makes an alert notification determination based on a topology change, the alert notification determination unit 503 may make the alert notification determination at the time when the alert-related information acquisition unit 502 receives (acquires) topology information (network information) from the parent terminal 100.

[0079] When the alert notification determination unit 503 makes an alert notification determination based on the transmission path quality, the alert notification determination unit 503 may make the alert notification determination at the time when the alert-related information acquisition unit 502 receives (acquires) the transmission path quality (network information) from the parent terminal 100.

[0080] The alert notification unit 504 accepts as input the judgment result output by the alert notification judgment unit 503, and if the accepted judgment result is to notify the terminal 100 of an alert, notifies the administrator of the alert by sending the alert by email to the alert notification destination via the communication device 403.

[0081] <Configuration of Administrator Device> Although not shown, the administrator device 30 may have the same hardware configuration as the management server 20 .

[0082] The administrator device 30 receives statistical information on the network information of the terminal 100 and information on alert notification conditions sent by the management server 20, and displays a setting screen including this information on a display device (display unit) provided in the administrator device 30.

[0083] The administrator device 30 accepts input (information indicating alert notification conditions and notification destinations) by the administrator on the settings screen displayed on the display unit, and transmits the accepted information indicating the alert notification conditions and notification destinations to the management server 20.

[0084] <Statistical Information and Alert Notification Conditions> Next, the statistical information of the transmission path quality and information on the alert notification conditions displayed on the display unit of the administrator device 30 will be described.

[0085] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen related to statistical information on transmission path quality (NW information) and alert notification conditions, which is displayed on the display unit of the administrator device 30. The display of the setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 is controlled by the alert-related information display control unit 501 so that it is displayed on the display unit of the administrator device 30.

[0086] The setting screen 600 includes a statistical information area 601 and a condition area 602 .

[0087] In the statistical information area 601, statistical information of the NW information of the terminal 100 accumulated and stored in the management server 20 is displayed.

[0088] For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , a frequency distribution of physical speeds may be displayed as statistical information of NW information. Note that the "display period" shown in FIG. 6 represents the target display period immediately preceding the physical speed displayed in the statistical information area 601, and the "display target" shown in FIG. 6 represents the display target terminal that calculated the physical speed displayed in the statistical information area 601. In the example shown, the display period is the previous four hours, and the display targets are all terminals 100 in the terminal network 10. Each of "T1" to "T4" represents a terminal 100, and the rectangle surrounding each of "T1" to "T4" represents the average physical speed over one hour. Therefore, in the example shown, four rectangles for four hours are present for each of "T1" to "T4."

[0089] The condition area 602 displays information about alert notification conditions.

[0090] For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the following items may be displayed and set as alert notification conditions: "target," "frequency," "threshold," and "notification destination." The administrator can use an input device included in the administrator device 30 to set the items shown in FIG. 6 (by selecting, entering characters, etc.). For example, the "target" shown in FIG. 6 represents the target terminal to which an alert notification is issued. For example, the "frequency" shown in FIG. 6 represents the future period and the degree to which a condition related to the "threshold" shown in FIG. 6 must occur before an alert notification is issued. For example, the "threshold" shown in FIG. 6 represents one or more values ​​compared with the transmission path quality, and an alert is issued depending on the magnitude relationship or inclusion relationship between the transmission path quality and the value(s). For example, the "notification destination" shown in FIG. 6 represents the destination to which the alert notification is sent. The notification destinations ("Administrator A" and "Administrator C") shown in FIG. 6 are associated with email addresses, and the alert notification is actually sent to the email addresses.

[0091] Furthermore, in the case of an alert notification based on transmission path quality, the administrator may be able to set an upper limit and lower limit of the transmission path quality (e.g., physical speed), an allowable fluctuation period, etc. as an alert notification condition ("threshold value"). For example, if the transmission path quality is not within a range defined by the upper and lower limits and / or the fluctuation period of the transmission path quality is shorter than the allowable fluctuation period, an alert may be issued to that effect. Furthermore, for example, if there is no upper limit for the transmission path quality and the lower limit is set to the lowest, an alert may be issued to notify that the terminal 100 is no longer recognized (has left the terminal network 10 or disappeared from the topology).

[0092] Furthermore, in the case of an alert notification based on a topology change, the administrator may be able to set, as the alert notification conditions, all topology changes, the rate of change in a certain period of time, an increase or decrease in the number of terminals 100 (i.e., a new terminal 100 joining the terminal network 10 or a terminal 100 leaving the terminal network 10), etc. Then, when such a topology change occurs, a notification to that effect may be sent as an alert.

[0093] The alert notification conditions shown in FIG. 6 are merely examples, and other items may be added, or some of the items shown in FIG. 6 may be removed.

[0094] In this way, the management server 20 displays past statistical information and alert condition settings on a single screen. This allows the administrator to input alert conditions while viewing past statistical information, making it possible to easily and appropriately set alert notification conditions. For example, if there are many alerts notified, the administrator can view past statistical information and avoid conditions that result in frequent alert notifications. Conversely, if there are few alerts notified, the administrator can view past statistical information and set conditions that result in more frequent alert notifications.

[0095] <Use Case> Hereinafter, an example use case to which the present disclosure is applied will be described.

[0096] [Use Case 1: Alert Based on Transmission Line Quality] For example, an alert based on transmission line quality may be utilized in a door phone system for an apartment building. For example, in this system, video of a visitor needs to be streamed to a door phone handset installed in a facility manager's office or in the corresponding resident's home. Therefore, if a minimum required physical speed (threshold, lower limit) cannot be ensured, an alert indicating this may be sent to the facility manager or a service technician. In the former case, this alert may trigger a call to a service technician.

[0097] [Use Case 2: Alert Based on Topology Change] For example, in a building (e.g., a factory) where various terminals 100 are installed, an alert based on a topology change may be utilized as a control trigger for an in-building (e.g., factory) transfer robot incorporating the terminal 100. As an example, when an in-building transfer robot arrives at a certain point (i.e., when a topology change occurs), an elevator may be moved to that point. This elevator movement may be triggered by an alert corresponding to the topology change being notified to an administrator, or may be triggered by the topology change itself. As another example, when multiple robots are operating simultaneously, in order to avoid a collision at a certain point, one robot may be allowed to pass that point only after another robot has passed that point.

[0098] 7A is a diagram showing an example of a topology change in use case 2. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the terminal network 10 includes a terminal 100 as a master terminal. １ and the terminal 100 which is a slave device. ２ ~100 ６ and the slave unit 100 ３ is installed near the elevator, and the slave unit 100 ４ , 100 ５ is installed in the hallway, and the handset 100 ６ As shown in (a) of FIG. 7A, at a certain point in time, the slave unit 100 ６ is the child device 100 ５However, when the robot moves, the slave unit 100 ６ is child unit 100 ４ The topology changes from time to time, for example, the slave device 100 becomes subordinate to the slave device 100. ６ is child unit 100 ３ When the slave unit 100 becomes subordinate to the slave unit 100 (when the slave unit 100 arrives at the elevator point), a predetermined topology change occurs. ６ is a specific slave unit 100 ３ When the elevator is connected to the elevator point, the elevator moves to the elevator point.

[0099] [Use Case 3: Alerts Based on Topology Changes] For example, alerts based on topology changes may be utilized to optimize an underwater multi-hop network in which various terminals 100 are arranged. For example, in underwater resource exploration or coastal construction, in a multi-hop network constructed using terminals 100, if the number of relay drones incorporating terminals 100 decreases due to a communication failure (i.e., if a topology change occurs), this can trigger automatic movement of a spare relay drone incorporating terminal 100 to function as a replacement for the failed relay drone.

[0100] 7B is a diagram showing an example of a topology change in use case 3. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the terminal network 10 includes a terminal 100 as a master terminal. １ and the terminal 100 which is a slave device. ２ ~100 ４ and the terminal 100 which is a slave device. ２ ~100 ４ As shown in (a) of FIG. 7B, at a certain point in time, the slave unit 100 ２ is the parent unit 100 １ and the slave unit 100 ３ is the child device 100 ２ and the slave unit 100 ４ is the child device 100 ３ After that, as time passes, as shown in (b) of FIG. 7B, the topology is under the control of the slave device 100. ２ Due to a failure of the slave unit 100２ When this topology change occurs, the slave device 100 will no longer be recognized. ２ A spare underwater drone can be sent to the location.

[0101] [Use Case 4: Alert Based on Topology Change] For example, an alert based on a topology change may be utilized to detect an abnormality in fixed equipment (such as a commercial air conditioner, a solar panel, or a fire alarm) incorporating the terminal 100. For example, in a large, fixed device with few transmission path fluctuation factors, the disconnection of the terminal 100 from the network may be determined to be an abnormality, and an alert indicating the abnormality based on this determination may be notified to a device administrator or a service technician. In the former case, the alert may trigger a call to a service technician.

[0102] 7C is a diagram showing an example of a topology change in use case 4. In the example shown in FIG. 7C, the terminal network 10 includes a parent terminal 100. １ and the terminal 100 which is a slave device. ２ ~100 ４ and the terminal 100 which is a slave device. ２ ~100 ４ As shown in (a) of FIG. 7C, at a certain point in time, the slave unit 100 ２ is the parent unit 100 １ and the slave unit 100 ３ is the child device 100 ２ and the slave unit 100 ４ is the child device 100 ３ In this way, all of the equipment installed at the time of construction, such as air conditioners, was grasped at the time of construction. After that, as time passed, as shown in (b) of FIG. 7C, the slave unit 100 ４ Due to a failure of the slave unit 100 ３ Sub-unit 100 under the control of ４ If a topology change occurs in which the number of devices is no longer recognized, it is determined that the number of devices is no longer the number that was recognized at the time of installation, and an abnormality is detected, allowing a service technician to be called.

[0103] [Use Case 5: Alert Based on Topology Change] For example, in a terminal network 10 in which various terminals 100 are arranged, an alert based on a topology change may be utilized when the topology changes significantly compared to the original topology (e.g., at the time of construction) or when the original topology and another topology alternate repeatedly. In such cases, the cause may be an environmental factor (e.g., the influence of noise, etc.) or a sign of equipment failure. Therefore, in such cases, an alert may be sent to a device administrator or a service technician. In the former case, the alert may trigger a call to a service technician.

[0104] 7D is a diagram showing an example of a topology change in use case 5. In the example shown in FIG. 7D, the terminal network 10 initially includes a parent terminal 100. １ and the terminal 100 which is a slave device. ２ ~100 ６ and then the base unit 100 １ and handset 100 ２ ~100 ５ and the terminal 100 which is a slave device. ７ As shown in (a) of FIG. 7D, during construction, the slave unit 100 ２ is the parent unit 100 １ and the slave unit 100 ３ , 100 ４ , 100 ５ is the child device 100 ２ and the slave unit 100 ６ is the child device 100 ２ On the other hand, at a certain point in time, as shown in (b) of FIG. 7D, the first topology was under the control of the slave device 100. ３ However, the parent unit 100 ４ and the slave unit 100 ７ However, handset 100 ５ and the slave unit 100 ６The topology changes significantly, resulting in a second topology in which the first topology is no longer recognized. In such a case, a service technician can be called. For example, the service technician can fix the topology by fixing the slave device or replace a device that shows signs of failure. Alternatively, a service technician can be called if the topology changes significantly over a certain period of time, such as changing from the first topology to the second topology, back to the first topology, and back to the second topology.

[0105] <Operation of Remote Monitoring System> An example of the operation of the remote monitoring system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0106] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the slave terminal 100. The process shown in Fig. 8 may be executed by the terminal 100 periodically, such as every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, or every minute.

[0107] In step S101, the terminal 100 calculates topology information and transmission path quality.

[0108] In step S102, the terminal 100 transmits the calculated topology information and transmission path quality to the parent terminal 100. The topology information and transmission path quality transmitted from the lower terminal 100 in the multi-hop network are relayed to the higher terminal 100, and finally transferred to the parent terminal 100. Then, the flow ends.

[0109] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the parent terminal 100. The process shown in FIG. 9 may be executed by the terminal 100 periodically, such as every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, or every minute.

[0110] In step S201, the terminal 100 receives topology information and transmission path quality from a slave terminal 100. The topology information and transmission path quality are received from all slave terminals included in the terminal network 10.

[0111] In step S202, the terminal 100 integrates the topology information and the transmission path quality (NW information) received from all the slave devices.

[0112] In step S203, the terminal 100 transmits the entire integrated NW information to the management server 20. Then, the flow ends.

[0113] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server 20. The process shown in Fig. 10 relates to alert-related information.

[0114] In step S301, the management server 20 transmits statistical information on the NW information and information on the alert notification conditions to the administrator device 30, thereby causing the display unit of the administrator device 30 to display a setting screen related to the alert notification conditions.

[0115] In step S302, the management server 20 receives the alert notification conditions and notification destinations from the administrator device 30 in response to inputs made by the administrator on the setting screen.

[0116] In step S303, the management server 20 registers the received alert notification conditions and notification destinations by storing the received alert notification conditions and notification destinations in the storage device 402. Then, the flow ends.

[0117] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server 20. The process shown in FIG. 11 relates to NW information.

[0118] In step S401, the management server 20 receives all of the NW information from the terminal 100, which is the parent device.

[0119] In step S402, the management server 20 stores the entire received NW information in the storage device 402. Then, the flow ends.

[0120] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server 20. The process shown in Fig. 12 relates to alert notification.

[0121] In step S501, the management server 20 determines whether the NW information of the terminal 100 satisfies the alert notification condition.

[0122] If the alert notification conditions are not met (step S501; NO), the flow ends.

[0123] On the other hand, if the alert notification condition is met (step S501; YES), the management server 20 issues an alert in step S502, and the flow then ends.

[0124] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server 20. The process shown in Fig. 13 relates to alert notification, which is a more specific version of the process shown in Fig. 12, in which an alert notification determination is made based on transmission path quality and topology changes. In the example shown in Fig. 12, an alert notification determination based on topology changes is performed with priority. It is assumed that N=1 is set before the process shown in Fig. 11 starts.

[0125] In step S601, the management server 20 acquires the latest NW information of the Nth terminal 100 from, for example, the table shown in FIG.

[0126] In step S602, the management server 20 determines whether the Nth terminal is a mobile unit based on the NW information (for example, the "Terminal Type" field in the table shown in FIG. 15).

[0127] If it is a moving object (step S602; YES), the flow proceeds to step S604.

[0128] On the other hand, if the object is not a moving object (step S602; NO), in step S603, it is determined based on the NW information whether or not a topology change set as an alert notification condition has occurred.

[0129] If a topology change has occurred (step S603; YES), in step S606, the management server 20 records that the Nth terminal 100 is in a specific state, and the flow proceeds to step S607.

[0130] On the other hand, if no topology change has occurred (step S603; NO), in step S604, the management server 20 determines, based on the NW information, whether the transmission path quality is equal to or less than the threshold set as the alert notification condition.

[0131] If the transmission path quality is equal to or less than the threshold (step S604; YES), in step S606, the management server 20 records that the Nth terminal 100 is in a specific state, and the flow proceeds to step S607.

[0132] On the other hand, if the transmission path quality is not equal to or less than the threshold (step S604; NO), in step S605, the management server 20 records that the Nth terminal 100 is not in a specific state, and the flow proceeds to step S607.

[0133] In step S607, the management server 20 determines whether or not the alert notification determination for all terminals 100 has been completed.

[0134] If the alert notification determination has not been completed for all terminals 100 (step S607; NO), in step S608, the management server 20 determines to set N=N+1 (to perform an alert notification determination for the N+1th terminal 100). Then, the flow returns to step S601.

[0135] When the alert notification determination for all terminals 100 has been completed (step S607; YES), in step S609, the management server 20 determines whether or not there is a terminal 100 recorded as being in a specific state.

[0136] If there is no terminal 100 recorded as being in a specific state (step S609; NO), the management server 20 does not issue an alert and the flow ends.

[0137] On the other hand, if there is a terminal 100 recorded as being in a specific state (step S609; YES), in step S610 the management server 20 notifies (by email) the alert notification destination with an alert indicating the contents of the alert notification condition.

[0138] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server 20. The process shown in Fig. 14 relates to alert notification, which is a more specific version of the process shown in Fig. 12, in which an alert notification determination is made regarding a topology change. Note that the process shown in Fig. 14 is the same as the process shown in Fig. 13 except that step S604 is removed, and one of the branches in step S602 simply proceeds to the end of the process, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0139] In response to the alert notification (step S610) shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the administrator who received the alert notification can perform settings on various setting screens displayed on the display unit of the administrator device 30, such as lowering the threshold for transmission path quality (e.g., physical speed) and / or fixing the topology (such as changing the device type shown in FIG. 15 from "mobile" to "fixed"). This can prevent alerts from being issued too frequently. Alternatively, conversely, by performing settings such as raising the threshold for transmission path quality, alerts can be issued more frequently.

[0140] <Modifications> Examples of alert notification determination are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. For example, in the process shown in FIG. 13, an alert notification determination based on a topology change may not be performed, and only an alert notification determination based on transmission path quality may be performed. That is, step S603 may be omitted from the process shown in FIG. 13. Also, in the process shown in FIG. 13, an alert notification determination based on transmission path quality may be performed preferentially. That is, step S603 and step S604 may be interchanged. Also, in the process shown in FIG. 13, both an alert notification determination based on a topology change and an alert notification determination based on transmission path quality may be performed, and if it is determined that an alert should be notified in both alert notification determinations, the terminal 100 may be recorded as being in a specific state.

[0141] Although the above-described example has been described in which the alert-related information acquisition unit 502 acquires both topology information and transmission path quality as NW information, it may acquire only one of the topology information and transmission path quality.

[0142] Furthermore, the communication system of the above-described embodiment is not limited to a multi-hop communication system, but may be another communication system including a plurality of terminals 100.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the functional units of the CPU 201 and the CPU 401 may be integrated with other functional units as appropriate, or may be divided into two or more sub-functional units.

[0144] In the above-described embodiment, the order of steps shown in the flowcharts and the like is not limited to that shown in the drawings.

[0145] According to the above-described embodiment, the management server 20 acquires topology information including information indicating the destination terminals 100 of the terminals 100 that make up the terminal network 10, and acquires alert notification conditions, which are conditions for issuing an alert indicating that the terminal 100 or the terminal network 10 is in a specific state, and alert notification destinations, which are destinations for sending the alert. The management server 20 also determines whether the topology information satisfies the alert notification conditions, and if the topology information satisfies the alert notification conditions, sends an alert to the alert notification destination. In this way, it is possible to appropriately identify and notify that the terminal 100 or the terminal network 10 is in a specific state based on the topology information including information indicating the destination terminals 100 of the terminal 100.

[0146] Summary of the embodiment An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit that acquires topology information including information indicating a communication device to which a communication device constituting a network is connected, a second acquisition unit that acquires a condition for notifying an alert indicating that the communication device or the network is in a specific state and a notification destination of the alert, a determination unit that determines whether the topology information satisfies the condition, and a notification unit that sends the alert to the notification destination if the topology information satisfies the condition.

[0147] In this information processing device, the condition is that a new communication device joins the network or that a communication device leaves the network.

[0148] In this information processing device, the condition is that the communication device connects to a specific communication device in the network.

[0149] In this information processing device, the first acquisition unit further acquires the transmission path quality of the transmission path through which the communication device communicates, and if the topology information does not meet the condition, the determination unit determines whether the transmission path quality meets the condition, and if the transmission path quality meets the condition, the notification unit sends the alert to the notification destination.

[0150] The information processing device further includes a display control unit that displays the topology information, the statistical information on the transmission path quality, and information on the conditions on a display unit of a device associated with the network manager.

[0151] In this information processing device, the condition is that the transmission path quality is equal to or less than a threshold value.

[0152] In this information processing device, the transmission path quality is the physical speed of the transmission path.

[0153] In this information processing device, the condition is that the transmission path quality is not within a predetermined range.

[0154] In an alert notification method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing device acquires topology information including information indicating a communication device to which a communication device constituting a network is connected, acquires conditions for notifying an alert indicating that the communication device or the network is in a specific state and a notification destination for the alert, determines whether the topology information satisfies the conditions, and, if the topology information satisfies the conditions, sends the alert to the notification destination.

[0155] In the above-described embodiments, the notation "... part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuitry", "... assembly", "... device", "... unit", or "... module".

[0156] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0157] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may also be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0158] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0159] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility.

[0160] The present disclosure may be implemented in any type of apparatus, device, or system (collectively referred to as a communications apparatus) that has a communications function. The communications apparatus may include a radio transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The radio transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, or both functions. The radio transceiver (transmitter and receiver) may include a radio frequency (RF) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or the like. Non-limiting examples of communication devices include telephones (e.g., cell phones, smartphones), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, notebooks), cameras (e.g., digital still / video cameras), digital players (e.g., digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, communication-enabled vehicles or mobile transportation (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships), and combinations of the above devices.

[0161] The communication devices are not limited to portable or mobile devices, but also include any kind of non-portable or fixed equipment, devices, and systems, such as smart home devices (such as home appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or measuring devices, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0162] Communications include data communications via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, communication satellite systems, and the like, as well as data communications via combinations of these.

[0163] A communications apparatus also includes devices such as controllers and sensors connected or coupled to a communications device that performs the communications functions described in this disclosure, such as controllers and sensors that generate control and data signals used by the communications device to perform the communications functions of the communications apparatus.

[0164] The communication apparatus also includes infrastructure facilities, such as base stations, access points, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls the various apparatuses listed above, but are not limited to these.

[0165] The disclosures of the specification, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-119091, filed on July 21, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0166] An embodiment of the present disclosure is useful in a communication system including multiple terminals.

[0167] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Remote monitoring system 10 Terminal network 100 Terminal 201 CPU 202 Storage device 203 Communication device 204 Equipment interface device 301 Packet analysis unit 302 Authentication processing unit 303 Transmission path estimation unit 304 Topology management unit 305 NW information communication control unit 306 Packet generation unit 20 Management server 401 CPU 402 Storage device 403 Communication device 404 UI ​​device 501 Alert-related information display control unit 502 Alert-related information acquisition unit 503 Alert notification determination unit 504 Alert notification unit

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires topology information including information indicating a communication device to which a communication device that constitutes a network is connected; a second acquisition unit that acquires a condition for notifying an alert indicating that the communication device or the network is in a specific state and a notification destination of the alert; a determination unit that determines whether the topology information meets the condition; and a notification unit that sends the alert to the notification destination if the topology information meets the condition.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the condition is that a new communication device joins the network or that a communication device leaves the network.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the condition is that the communication device connects to a specific communication device in the network.

4. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit further acquires the transmission path quality of the transmission path through which the communication device communicates, and if the topology information does not meet the condition, the determination unit determines whether the transmission path quality meets the condition, and if the transmission path quality meets the condition, the notification unit sends the alert to the notification destination.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, further comprising a display control unit that displays information regarding said conditions together with said topology information and said statistical information on said transmission line quality on a display unit of a device associated with an administrator of said network.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the condition is that the transmission path quality is equal to or less than a threshold value.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the transmission path quality is a physical speed of the transmission path.

8. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the condition is that the transmission path quality is not within a predetermined range.

9. An alert notification method, in which an information processing device acquires topology information including information indicating a communication device to which a communication device that constitutes a network is connected, acquires conditions for notifying an alert indicating that the communication device or the network is in a specific state and a notification destination of the alert, determines whether or not the topology information satisfies the conditions, and if the topology information satisfies the conditions, sends the alert to the notification destination.

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