JP5459379B1 - Server device, client device, and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a technology capable of extending the operating time of a wireless module while effectively utilizing the remaining battery capacity of the wireless module.
A server device 100 in a communication system having a plurality of client devices 200 and a server device 100, wherein a remaining battery level determination unit 123 for determining a remaining battery level of the plurality of client devices 200, and a remaining battery level If it is determined that there are first client devices that are less than the first threshold, the first client device is instructed to reduce transmission power, and any second client device other than the first client device Includes an instruction unit 124 for instructing to shift to the transfer mode.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a server device, a client device, and a communication system.

  Conventionally, in order to generally improve communication quality, there is a technique called transmission power control for controlling transmission power in accordance with a propagation environment. In such transmission power control, a wireless module having a poor propagation environment is controlled to increase transmission power in order to improve communication quality. As a result of the transmission power control, for example, when a radio wave from a close position is strong, a so-called perspective problem that a signal from a distant position cannot be separated can be solved. However, increasing the transmission power increases the power consumption.

  On the other hand, in order to reduce power consumption and improve operating time, there is a sleep method in which the power supply system of the wireless module is reduced as much as possible during a time period when transmission is not performed. For example, a technique related to a wireless sensor that shifts to a sleep state after transmission and wakes up by a timer has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, a technique for shifting from a sleep state to transmission processing if there is an abnormality in the data measurement result has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2). Further, a technique has been proposed that shifts to a sleep state after transmission and starts when receiving a start signal by a receiving means (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2008-52414 A JP 2006-306202 A JP 2001-227218 A

  However, in order to improve the operation time, it may not be sufficient to introduce a sleep state. For example, when a communication system including a wireless module driven by a battery is assumed, the battery replacement time must be designed in consideration of the wireless module that loses power the earliest in the communication system.

  However, not all radio modules have the same propagation environment. For example, a radio module with a poor propagation environment consumes more power due to measures such as increasing transmission power. Therefore, although it is necessary to design the battery replacement time in accordance with a wireless module having a poor propagation environment, the battery is replaced in a state where the remaining battery level of the wireless module having a good propagation environment remains.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to increase the operating time of the wireless module while effectively utilizing the remaining battery power of the wireless module. To provide technology.

In order to solve the above problem, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device in a communication system having a plurality of client devices and a server device, the battery remaining amount determining which the remaining battery power of the plurality of client devices is determined. When the amount determining unit and the remaining battery level determining unit determine that there is a first client device having a remaining battery level less than a first threshold, the first client device is instructed to reduce transmission power And any second client device other than the first client device includes an instruction unit for instructing to shift to the transfer mode, and the transfer mode is directed to another client device or a server device. Is intercepted as an intercept packet, and when the transmission timing of the client device that has transitioned to the transfer mode is reached, In this mode, the packet is transmitted as a composite packet with its own transmission packet added to the packet. A server device is provided that is identified as a client device .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device in a communication system having a plurality of client devices and a server device, and a remaining battery level determination unit that determines a remaining battery level of the plurality of client devices; If the battery remaining amount determining unit determines that there is a first client device with a remaining battery amount less than a first threshold, the first client device is instructed to reduce transmission power, and the first Any second client device other than the client device includes an instruction unit that instructs to shift to the transfer mode, and the instruction unit has the smallest distance from the first client device. Is provided as the second client device .

When the remaining battery level of the client device having the shortest distance from the first client device is lower than the second threshold, the instruction unit determines that the distance from the first client device to the client device is next to the first client device. A small client device may be identified as the second client device. In addition, when the server device determines that the received packet from the second client device is the combined packet and the received packet is the combined packet, And a packet separation unit that separates the intercepted packet from the combined packet.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a client device in a communication system having a plurality of client devices and a server device, and a remaining battery level notification unit that notifies the server device of the remaining battery level of the own device; When the server device determines that there is a first client device having a remaining battery level less than a first threshold, and the server device is a second one other than the first client device. A state changing unit that transitions to the transfer mode when the client device is selected, and the transfer mode intercepts a packet destined for another client device or server device as an intercept packet, and enters the transfer mode. When it is the transmission timing of the transitioned client device, its own transmission packet is added to the intercepted packet A mode for transmitting the formed packet, battery level when the client device is greater than the second threshold value exists, the client device is identified as the second client device, the client device is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system having a plurality of client devices and a server device, wherein the server device determines a remaining battery level of the plurality of client devices. And when the battery remaining amount determining unit determines that there is a first client device having a remaining battery amount less than a first threshold, the first client device is instructed to reduce transmission power, and Any second client device other than the first client device includes an instruction unit that instructs to change to the transfer mode, and the transfer mode is a packet destined for another client device or a server device. Is intercepted as an intercept packet, and when the transmission timing of the client device that has transitioned to the transfer mode is reached, In this mode, the instruction unit identifies the client device as the second client device when there is a client device having a remaining battery level greater than the second threshold. , the first client device, and the battery remaining amount notifying section that notifies the battery remaining amount of the first client device to the server device, and a state changing unit to reduce the transmission power based on the instruction by the server device, The second client device includes a battery remaining amount notification unit that notifies the server device of the remaining battery amount of the second client device, and a state change that makes a transition to the transfer mode based on an instruction from the server device. A communication system, comprising: a communication unit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to extend the operating time of the wireless module while effectively utilizing the remaining battery level of the wireless module.

1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the server apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the client apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the quality measurement control packet transmitted by the server apparatus based on the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the quality measurement response packet transmitted by the client apparatus concerning the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the battery remaining charge confirmation control packet transmitted by the server apparatus which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the battery remaining charge confirmation response packet transmitted by the client apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the transmission power control packet transmitted by the server apparatus based on the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the transmission power response packet transmitted by the client apparatus concerning the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st data packet transmitted by the server apparatus based on the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 2nd data packet transmitted by the client apparatus concerning the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the apparatus management information managed by the server apparatus which concerns on the embodiment. It is a state transition diagram of the client device according to the embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of the sleep mode of the client apparatus which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of the transfer mode of the client apparatus concerning the embodiment. It is the figure which simplified the block diagram of the communication system which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the apparatus management information (initial state) managed by the server apparatus which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the apparatus management information (in operation) managed by the server apparatus which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the apparatus management information (after state change) managed by the server apparatus which concerns on the embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process which registers communication quality with the communication system which concerns on the embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of the process which sets transmission power with the communication system which concerns on the embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of the process which changes the state of a client apparatus with the communication system which concerns on the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the change process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement after the change process in the server apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  First, a communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a server device 100 and a plurality of client devices 200. The server device 100 can communicate with each of the plurality of client devices 200 by wireless signals. Here, FIG. 1 shows a plurality of client devices 200 as client devices 200A to 200N, but the number of client devices 200 is not particularly limited as long as it is a plurality.

  In addition, the communication system 10 includes one server device 100, but may include a plurality of server devices 100. In that case, each of the plurality of client devices 200 may be able to communicate with the plurality of server devices 100. Further, communication may be possible between the client devices 200 (for example, between the client device 200A and the client device 200B).

  Here, in particular, a case will be described in which server device 100 functions as an AP (Access Point) in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and each of a plurality of client devices 200 functions as an ST (Station Terminal) in the wireless LAN. The network through which the server apparatus 100 and the plurality of client apparatuses 200 can communicate is not particularly limited.

  The server apparatus 100 determines the remaining battery level of each of the plurality of client apparatuses 200, and instructs one of the plurality of client apparatuses 200 to reduce the transmission power based on the determination result. Further, the server apparatus 100 instructs any of the remaining client apparatuses 200 to change the mode. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the mode is changed from the sleep mode to the transfer mode. These modes will be described in detail later.

  Next, the functional configuration of the server apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the server apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The server device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes at least a battery remaining capacity determination unit 123 and an instruction unit 124.

  In addition, the server device 100 includes a communication quality acquisition unit 121, a transmission power control unit 122, a packet determination unit 125, a packet separation unit 126, a packet processing unit 127, a reception unit 110, a transmission unit 130, and an external interface 140 as necessary. , A storage unit 150, a power source 160, and the like. The control unit 120 includes a communication quality acquisition unit 121, a transmission power control unit 122, a remaining battery level determination unit 123, an instruction unit 124, a packet determination unit 125, a packet separation unit 126, a packet separation unit 126, and a packet processing unit 127. Is.

  The remaining battery level determination unit 123 has a function of determining the remaining battery level of the plurality of client devices 200. For example, the remaining battery level determination unit 123 determines the remaining battery level notified from the plurality of client devices 200. The method for determining the remaining battery level is not particularly limited. For example, the remaining battery level determining unit 123 may include a client device 200 (hereinafter referred to as “first”) having a remaining battery level that is less than a first threshold among the plurality of client devices 200. It may also be determined whether or not there is a client device. The first threshold value may be determined in advance.

  The remaining battery level determination unit 123 can determine the remaining battery level of each of the plurality of client devices 200 received by the receiving unit 110. The remaining battery level of each of the plurality of client devices 200 is received by, for example, a remaining battery level confirmation response packet as a response to the remaining battery level confirmation control packet transmitted from the server device 100. The configuration of the remaining battery level confirmation control packet will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. The configuration of the remaining battery level confirmation response packet will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  The remaining battery level confirmation control packet is generated by the control unit 120 based on, for example, a remaining battery level confirmation instruction from the remaining battery level determination unit 123. The battery remaining amount confirmation instruction from the battery remaining amount determination unit 123 is given to the control unit 120 at every predetermined timing, for example. The timing at which the battery remaining amount confirmation instruction from the battery remaining amount determination unit 123 is given is particularly It is not limited.

  For example, when the battery remaining amount confirmation response packet is received by the receiving unit 110 and output to the control unit 120, information (for example, packet type, transmission source address, destination address) included in the battery remaining amount confirmation response packet is output. , The remaining battery level, etc.) are output to the remaining battery level determination unit 123 by the control unit 120. For example, the remaining battery level determination unit 123 can recognize that the information included in the remaining battery level confirmation response packet is output from the control unit 120 based on the packet type, and is included in the remaining battery level confirmation response packet. The remaining battery level of each of the plurality of client devices 200 can be acquired based on the transmission source address and the remaining battery level.

  The remaining battery level determination unit 123 stores the combination of the transmission source address and the remaining battery level included in the remaining battery level confirmation response packet as a combination of the client device identification information and the remaining battery level, by the storage unit 150. It can also be set in the device management information 152. In this way, the remaining battery level determination unit 123 can grasp the remaining battery level for each client device 200 by referring to the device management information 152. The configuration of the device management information 152 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  When the battery remaining amount determining unit 123 determines that there is a first client device having a remaining battery level less than the first threshold value among the plurality of client devices 200, the instruction unit 124 instructs the first client device. To instruct the transmission power to be reduced. In addition, the instruction unit 124 makes a transition to the transfer mode for any one of the plurality of client devices 200 other than the first client device 200 (hereinafter, also referred to as “second client device”). To instruct.

  Here, the transfer mode refers to an intercepted packet when a packet destined for the client apparatus 200 or the server apparatus 100 other than the client apparatus 200 that has transitioned to the transfer mode is intercepted as the transmission packet, and the transmission timing thereof is reached. Is a mode for transmitting a composite packet in which is added to its own transmission packet. For example, the second client device instructed to transition to the transfer mode by the instruction unit 124 transitions from the sleep mode to the transfer mode. Note that the own transmission packet may be a second data packet described below, or may be another packet (such as a control packet).

  Information for controlling the transmission power to be lowered can be transmitted by a transmission power control packet, for example. The configuration of the transmission power control packet will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. The response to the transmission power control packet is received by the receiving unit 110 as a transmission power response packet, for example. The configuration of the transmission power response packet will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The transmission power control packet is generated by the control unit 120 based on a transmission power control instruction from the instruction unit 124, for example. For example, the transmission power control instruction from the instruction unit 124 is given to the control unit 120 when the transmission power needs to be changed, but the timing at which the transmission power control instruction from the instruction unit 124 is given is particularly limited. It is not something.

  For example, when the transmission power response packet is received by the reception unit 110 and output to the control unit 120, information (for example, packet type, transmission source address, destination address, etc.) included in the transmission power response packet is controlled. The data is output to the instruction unit 124 by the unit 120. For example, the instruction unit 124 can recognize that the information included in the transmission power response packet is output from the control unit 120 based on the packet type.

  Further, the instruction unit 124 can identify the client device 200 that is the transmission source of the transmission power response packet received by the reception unit 110, based on the transmission source address included in the transmission power response packet. For example, the instruction unit 124 transmits the transmission power response packet transmission source client device 200 set in the device management information 152 based on the transmission power after the change of the identified transmission power response packet transmission source client device 200. The power can be updated.

  If the server apparatus 100 includes the battery remaining amount determination unit 123 and the instruction unit 124 described above, the battery level of the first client device that has become smaller than the first threshold value. By reducing the transmission power, the operating time of the first client device can be extended. Furthermore, by changing the mode of the second client device to the transfer mode, the remaining battery level of the second client device can be effectively utilized.

  Here, the instruction unit 124 may select the second client device by any method. For example, the instruction unit 124 may specify the client device 200 as the second client device when there is a client device 200 whose remaining battery capacity is greater than the second threshold. This is because it is assumed that the client devices 200 having more than the second threshold have a remaining battery level necessary for operating in the transfer mode. The second threshold value may be determined in advance.

  In addition, a method other than the method considering the relationship between the second threshold value and the remaining battery level may be employed. For example, the instruction unit 124 may identify the client device 200 with the largest remaining battery level as the second client device. In this case, the instruction unit 124 can identify the client device 200 having the largest remaining battery level as the second client device regardless of whether or not the client devices 200 having more than the second threshold value appear.

  Further, the instruction unit 124 may identify the client device 200 having the shortest distance from the first client device as the second client device. In addition, the instruction unit 124 may further consider the remaining battery level of the client device 200 having the shortest distance from the first client device. That is, when the remaining battery level of the client device 200 having the shortest distance from the first client device is lower than the second threshold value, the instruction unit 124 determines whether the client device 200 is connected to the first client device next to the client device 200. The client device 200 having a small distance may be specified as the second client device.

  The distance to the first client device may be grasped in any way. For example, when the storage unit 150 stores in advance the distance between the server device 100 and each of the plurality of client devices 200, the instruction unit 124 may acquire the distance from the storage unit 150. Alternatively, the instruction unit 124 may estimate the distance between the server device 100 and each of the plurality of client devices 200 based on the communication quality of each of the plurality of client devices 200.

  For example, the receiving unit 110 can demodulate radio waves received from the air and output the demodulated signals to the control unit 120 as packets. For example, the receiving unit 110 can receive a packet from another client device 200. For example, the receiving unit 110 can receive a packet from the server device 100.

  For example, the transmission unit 130 can modulate the packet given from the control unit 120 and transmit the modulated packet as a radio wave in the air. For example, the transmission unit 130 can transmit a packet to another client device 200. For example, the transmission unit 130 can transmit a packet to the server device 100.

  The storage unit 150 can store communication quality between each of the plurality of client devices 200 and the server device 100. For example, the storage unit 150 stores, as device management information 152, a combination of client identification information, which is identification information for identifying each of the plurality of client devices 200, communication quality, transmission power, remaining battery level, and mode. It is possible to leave.

  The communication quality acquisition unit 121 acquires the communication quality between each of the plurality of client devices 200 and the server device 100. These communication qualities can be acquired by a quality measurement response packet as a response to the quality measurement control packet transmitted from the server device 100, for example. The configuration of the quality measurement control packet will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. The configuration of the quality measurement response packet will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The quality measurement control packet is generated by the control unit 120 based on a quality measurement instruction from the communication quality acquisition unit 121, for example. For example, the quality measurement instruction from the communication quality acquisition unit 121 is given to the control unit 120 before the operation of the communication system 10, but the timing at which the quality measurement instruction from the communication quality acquisition unit 121 is given is particularly limited. is not. For example, the quality measurement instruction from the communication quality acquisition unit 121 may be given to the control unit 120 at every predetermined timing.

  For example, when the quality measurement response packet is received by the receiving unit 110 and output to the control unit 120, information (for example, packet type, transmission source address, destination address, etc.) included in the quality measurement response packet is controlled. The data is output to the communication quality acquisition unit 121 by the unit 120. For example, the communication quality acquisition unit 121 can recognize that the information included in the quality measurement response packet is output from the control unit 120 based on the packet type, and the transmission source included in the quality measurement response packet. The client device 200 that is the transmission source of the quality measurement response packet received by the receiving unit 110 can be specified by the address.

  The communication quality acquisition unit 121 can identify the client device 200 that is the transmission source of the quality measurement response packet received by the reception unit 110, based on the transmission source address included in the quality measurement response packet. For example, if the reception quality when the reception unit 110 receives a quality measurement response packet can be measured, the communication quality acquisition unit 121 can acquire a value corresponding to the reception power as the communication quality.

  For example, the communication quality acquisition unit 121 can increase the communication quality as the received power increases. Further, for example, if the reception unit 110 can measure the rate of failure to receive the quality measurement response packet as an error occurrence rate, the communication quality acquisition unit 121 can acquire a value corresponding to the error occurrence rate as the communication quality. . For example, the communication quality acquisition unit 121 can lower the communication quality as the error occurrence rate is higher.

  The transmission power control unit 122 calculates the transmission power of each of the plurality of client devices 200 based on the communication quality of each of the plurality of client devices 200 acquired by the communication quality acquisition unit 121. In addition, the transmission power control unit 122 controls each transmission power of the plurality of client devices 200 to be the calculated transmission power. For example, the transmission power control unit 122 can control the transmission power by transmitting the above transmission power control packet to the client device 200.

  In addition, the transmission unit 130 can transmit the first data packet to each of the plurality of client devices 200. The configuration of the first data packet will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. For example, the first data packet is generated by the control unit 120 based on a packet transmission instruction from the external interface 140. The packet transmission instruction from the external interface 140 is given to the control unit 120 when, for example, a predetermined signal is input from the external device 300 to the external interface 140. The timing at which the predetermined signal from the external interface 140 is given is There is no particular limitation.

  The external device 300 is configured by, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a sensor, or the like, and has a function of detecting some signal from the outside, for example. When the server device 100 is incorporated in a device corresponding to, for example, ATM (Automated Teller Machine), the external device 300 has a function of detecting, for example, banknotes and coins received from a customer. In that case, the external device 300 gives a predetermined signal to the control unit 120 via the external interface 140 every time a bill or a coin is detected.

  The control unit 120 includes data based on a predetermined signal in the first data packet, and transmits the data to the client device 200 via the transmission unit 130. The client device 200 that has received the first data packet can perform, for example, a process of updating the customer balance based on this data, a depositing process of cash, or the like.

  For example, when the second data packet is received by the receiving unit 110 and output to the control unit 120, information included in the second data packet (for example, packet type, transmission source address, destination address, data, etc.) Is acquired by the control unit 120. For example, the control unit 120 can grasp that the information included in the second data packet is acquired based on the packet type.

  The packet processing unit 127 can execute a predetermined process on the data included in the second data packet. The control unit 120 can also output a result obtained by executing predetermined processing by the packet processing unit 127 to the external device 300. Here, as described above, when the client device 200 is in the transfer mode, the client device 200 intercepts a packet destined for the client device 200 or the server device 100 other than the client device 200 as an intercepted packet, and reaches its own transmission timing. Then, a composite packet in which the intercept packet is added to its own transmission packet is transmitted. Therefore, the received packet received by the receiving unit 110 may be a composite packet.

  Therefore, prior to processing by the packet processing unit 127, the packet determination unit 125 may determine whether or not the received packet is a combined packet. Further, when it is determined that the received packet is a combined packet, the packet separation unit 126 may separate the intercept packet from the combined packet. Then, when the received packet is a combined packet, the packet processing unit 127 may perform processing on each of the intercepted packet and the transmitted packet. On the other hand, when the received packet from the second client device is not a composite packet, the packet processing unit 127 may perform processing on the received packet.

  Note that the destination of the intercept packet may be the server device 100 or the client device 200. Therefore, when the destination of the intercept packet is the server apparatus 100, the packet processing unit 127 may process the intercept packet by itself. On the other hand, when the destination of the intercept packet is the client device 200, the intercept packet may be transferred to the client device 200.

  The packet determination method by the packet determination unit 125 is not particularly limited. For example, the packet determination unit 125 receives a packet when the received packet size is different between a case where the received packet is a combined packet and a case where the received packet is not a combined packet. What is necessary is just to determine whether a received packet is a synthetic | combination packet with the size of a packet. Alternatively, when one or more sets of data and ID (for example, ID for identifying whether or not the data is the data of its own transmission packet) can be set in the packet, the packet determination unit 125 sets the received packet When one set is set, it may be determined that the packet is not a combined packet, and when a plurality of sets are set, it may be determined that the packet is a combined packet.

  The power supply 160 has a function of supplying power to each block in the server device 100. The power supply 160 may be constituted by a battery, and may be able to acquire power from another device.

  Next, the functional configuration of the client apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes at least a battery remaining amount notification unit 221 and a state change unit 223.

  In addition, the client device 200 includes a transmission power setting unit 222, a state determination unit 225, a packet synthesis unit 226, a packet output unit 227, an external interface 240, a storage unit 250, a battery 260, an intercept packet storage memory 270, and the like as necessary. Is provided. The control unit 220 includes a battery remaining amount notification unit 221, a transmission power setting unit 222, a state change unit 223, a state determination unit 225, a packet synthesis unit 226, and a packet output unit 227.

  The battery 260 has a function of supplying power to each block in the client device 200, and may be a primary battery, a secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The intercept packet storage memory 270 is a memory for temporarily storing an intercept packet when a packet destined for the client apparatus 200 or the server apparatus 100 other than itself is intercepted as an intercept packet in the transfer mode.

  For example, the receiving unit 210 can demodulate radio waves received from the air and output the demodulated signals to the control unit 220 as packets. For example, the receiving unit 210 can receive a packet from another client device 200. For example, the receiving unit 210 can receive a packet from the server device 100.

  For example, the transmission unit 230 can modulate a packet given from the control unit 220 and transmit the modulated packet as a radio wave in the air. For example, the transmission unit 230 can transmit a packet to another client device 200. For example, the transmission unit 130 can transmit a packet to the server device 100.

  The remaining amount of the battery 260 can be acquired by the control unit 220 and stored in the storage unit 250 as the remaining battery amount 251, for example. In this way, the remaining battery level 251 can be acquired from the storage unit 250 as necessary. The remaining amount of the battery 260 is transmitted by, for example, a battery remaining amount confirmation response packet as a response to the battery remaining amount confirmation control packet transmitted from the server device 100.

  The battery remaining amount confirmation response packet is generated by the control unit 220 each time the battery remaining amount confirmation control packet is received by the receiving unit 210, for example. For example, when the battery remaining amount confirmation control packet is received by the receiving unit 210 and output to the control unit 220, information (for example, packet type, transmission source address, destination address) included in the battery remaining amount confirmation control packet is output. Etc.) is output to the remaining battery level notification unit 221 by the control unit 220. The battery remaining amount notification unit 221 can recognize that the information included in the battery remaining amount confirmation control packet is output from the control unit 220 by, for example, the packet type, and is included in the battery remaining amount confirmation control packet. The return address of the remaining battery level can be acquired from the transmitted source address. The battery remaining amount notification unit 221 can acquire the battery remaining amount 251 from the storage unit 250 and output it to the control unit 220, for example.

  The control unit 220 can generate a remaining battery level confirmation response packet including the remaining battery level 251 output from the remaining battery level notification unit 221, and can output the generated remaining battery level confirmation response packet to the transmission unit 230. . The transmission unit 230 can transmit the battery remaining amount confirmation response packet output from the control unit 220 to the destination server device 100.

  When the server device 100 determines that there is a first client device having a remaining battery level less than the first threshold by the server device 100, the state change unit 223 is any device other than the first client device. When the second client device is selected, the mode is changed to the transfer mode based on an instruction from the server device 100. As described above, the first client device reduces the transmission power according to the instruction from the server device 100. As described above, various methods can be applied as the second client device specifying method.

  If the client device 200 includes the battery remaining amount notification unit 221 and the transmission power setting unit 222 described as described above, the battery remaining amount becomes smaller than the first threshold value. By reducing the transmission power of the client device, the operating time of the first client device can be extended. Furthermore, by changing the mode of the second client device to the transfer mode, the remaining battery level of the second client device can be effectively utilized.

  The controller 220 can also generate a quality measurement response packet. The quality measurement response packet is generated by the control unit 220 every time the quality measurement control packet is received by the reception unit 210, for example. For example, when the quality measurement control packet is received by the reception unit 210 and output to the control unit 220, information (for example, packet type, transmission source address, destination address, etc.) included in the quality measurement control packet is controlled. Acquired by the unit 220.

  For example, the control unit 220 can grasp that the information included in the quality measurement control packet has been acquired based on the packet type, and can determine the communication quality based on the transmission source address included in the quality measurement control packet. The reply destination can be acquired. The control unit 220 can generate a quality measurement response packet and output the generated quality measurement response packet to the transmission unit 230. The transmission unit 230 can transmit the quality measurement response packet output from the control unit 220 to the destination server device 100.

  The control unit 220 can also generate a transmission power response packet. The transmission power response packet is generated by the control unit 220 every time a transmission power control packet is received by the reception unit 210, for example. For example, when the transmission power control packet is received by the reception unit 210 and output to the control unit 220, information included in the transmission power control packet (for example, packet type, transmission source address, destination address, transmission power, etc.) ) Is output to the transmission power setting unit 222 by the control unit 220.

  The transmission power setting unit 222 can recognize that the information included in the transmission power control packet is output from the control unit 220 based on, for example, the packet type, and the transmission source included in the transmission power control packet. The return destination of the transmission power response packet can be acquired from the address. Also, the transmission power setting unit 222 can grasp whether the power used for transmitting the packet needs to be increased or decreased based on the transmission power included in the transmission power control packet. . The transmission power setting unit 222 can store the transmission power included in the transmission power control packet in the storage unit 250.

  The control unit 220 can generate a transmission power response packet and output the generated transmission power response packet to the transmission unit 230. The transmission unit 230 can transmit the transmission power response packet output from the control unit 220 to the destination server device 100.

  In addition, the transmission unit 230 can transmit the second data packet to the server device 100. At that time, the second data packet is transmitted using power corresponding to the magnitude of the transmission power stored in the storage unit 250. The configuration of the second data packet will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. The second data packet is generated by the control unit 220 based on a packet transmission instruction from the external interface 240, for example. The packet transmission instruction from the external interface 240 is given to the control unit 220 when, for example, a predetermined signal is input from the external device 400 to the external interface 240. The timing at which the predetermined signal from the external interface 240 is given is There is no particular limitation.

  The external device 400 is configured by, for example, a PC or a sensor, and has a function of detecting some signal from the outside, for example. For example, when the client device 200 is incorporated in a device corresponding to ATM, the external device 400 has a function of detecting, for example, banknotes and coins dispensed by a customer. In that case, the external device 400 gives a predetermined signal to the control unit 220 via the external interface 240 every time a bill or a coin is detected.

  The packet output unit 227 includes data based on a predetermined signal in the second data packet and transmits the data to the server device 100 via the transmission unit 230. The server apparatus 100 that has received the second data packet can perform, for example, a process of updating the customer balance based on this data, a cash withdrawal process, or the like.

  Here, as described above, when the client device 200 is in the transfer mode, the client device 200 intercepts a packet destined for the client device 200 or the server device 100 other than the client device 200 as an intercepted packet, and reaches its own transmission timing. Then, a composite packet in which the intercept packet is added to its own transmission packet is transmitted. Therefore, the packet transmitted from the packet output unit 227 via the transmission unit 230 may be a composite packet.

  Therefore, prior to processing by the packet output unit 227, the state determination unit 225 may determine whether or not its own mode is the transfer mode. Further, when it is determined that the own mode is the transfer mode, the packet synthesis unit 226 generates a synthesized packet by adding the intercept packet to the own transmission packet. There may be one or more intercepted packets. The packet output unit 227 may transmit the combined packet via the transmission unit 130 when the mode of the packet output unit 227 is the transfer mode. On the other hand, when its own mode is the sleep mode, the packet output unit 227 may transmit its own transmission packet via the transmission unit 130.

  When the first data packet is received by the receiving unit 210 and output to the control unit 220, for example, information included in the first data packet (for example, packet type, transmission source address, destination address, data, etc.) Is acquired by the control unit 220. For example, the control unit 220 can grasp that the information included in the first data packet has been acquired based on the packet type, and perform predetermined processing on the data included in the first data packet. Can be executed. The control unit 220 can also output a result obtained by executing a predetermined process to the external device 400.

  Next, the configuration of the quality measurement control packet transmitted by the server apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a quality measurement control packet transmitted by the server apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the quality measurement control packet transmitted to the client device 200 by the server device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control field, a packet type, a source address, a destination address, and the like. The control field corresponds to various control information used for communication between the server device 100 and the client device 200. The packet type corresponds to information for identifying the quality measurement control packet. As the packet type of the quality measurement control packet, for example, “1” can be used, but it is not particularly limited.

  The transmission source address corresponds to an address for identifying the transmission source device of the quality measurement control packet. As the source address of the quality measurement control packet, for example, the address of the server device 100 can be used. The destination address corresponds to an address for identifying the destination device of the quality measurement control packet. As the destination address of the quality measurement control packet, for example, the address of the client device 200 that is the destination of the quality measurement control packet can be used.

  Next, the configuration of the quality measurement response packet transmitted by the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a quality measurement response packet transmitted by the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the quality measurement response packet transmitted to the server apparatus 100 by the client apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control field, a packet type, a source address, a destination address, and the like. The control field corresponds to various control information used for communication between the server device 100 and the client device 200. The packet type corresponds to information for identifying a quality measurement response packet. As the packet type of the quality measurement response packet, for example, “2” can be used, but it is not particularly limited.

  The transmission source address corresponds to an address for identifying the transmission source device of the quality measurement response packet. As the source address of the quality measurement response packet, for example, the address of the client device 200 can be used. The destination address corresponds to an address for identifying the destination device of the quality measurement response packet. As the destination address of the quality measurement response packet, for example, the address of the server apparatus 100 that is the destination of the quality measurement response packet can be used.

  Next, the configuration of the remaining battery level confirmation control packet transmitted by the server device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a remaining battery level confirmation control packet transmitted by the server apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the remaining battery level confirmation control packet transmitted to the client device 200 by the server device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control field, a packet type, a source address, a destination address, and the like. The The control field corresponds to various control information used for communication between the server device 100 and the client device 200. The packet type corresponds to information for identifying the battery remaining amount confirmation control packet. As the packet type of the battery remaining amount confirmation control packet, for example, “3” can be used, but it is not particularly limited.

  The transmission source address corresponds to an address for identifying the transmission source device of the battery remaining amount confirmation control packet. For example, the address of the server device 100 can be used as the transmission source address of the battery remaining amount confirmation control packet. The destination address corresponds to an address for identifying the destination device of the remaining battery level confirmation control packet. As the destination address of the remaining battery level confirmation control packet, for example, the address of the client device 200 that is the destination of the remaining battery level confirmation control packet can be used.

  Next, the configuration of the remaining battery level confirmation response packet transmitted by the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a battery remaining amount confirmation response packet transmitted by the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the battery remaining amount confirmation response packet transmitted to the server device 100 by the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control field, a packet type, a transmission source address, a destination address, and a remaining battery amount. Etc. The control field corresponds to various control information used for communication between the server device 100 and the client device 200. The packet type corresponds to information for identifying the battery remaining amount confirmation response packet. For example, “4” can be used as the packet type of the battery remaining amount confirmation response packet, but it is not particularly limited.

  The transmission source address corresponds to an address for identifying the transmission source device of the remaining battery level confirmation response packet. For example, the address of the client device 200 can be used as the transmission source address of the battery remaining amount confirmation response packet. The destination address corresponds to an address for identifying the destination device of the remaining battery level confirmation response packet. As the destination address of the remaining battery level confirmation response packet, for example, the address of the server device 100 that is the destination of the remaining battery level confirmation response packet can be used.

  The battery remaining amount corresponds to the remaining amount of the battery 260 of the client device 200 that is the transmission source of the battery remaining amount confirmation response packet.

  Next, the configuration of a transmission power control packet transmitted by the server apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission power control packet transmitted by the server apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the transmission power control packet transmitted to the client apparatus 200 by the server apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control field, a packet type, a transmission source address, a destination address, transmission power, and the like. Is done. The control field corresponds to various control information used for communication between the server device 100 and the client device 200. The packet type corresponds to information for identifying a transmission power control packet. As the packet type of the transmission power control packet, for example, “5” can be used, but is not particularly limited.

  The transmission source address corresponds to an address for identifying the transmission source device of the transmission power control packet. As the source address of the transmission power control packet, for example, the address of the server device 100 can be used. The destination address corresponds to an address for identifying the destination device of the transmission power control packet. As the destination address of the transmission power control packet, for example, the address of the client device 200 that is the destination of the transmission power control packet can be used.

  The transmission power corresponds to information for identifying the power used when transmitting the packet of the client apparatus 200 that is the destination of the transmission power control packet. Based on this transmission power, the client device 200 can appropriately change the power used during packet transmission. The transmission power may be set to the transmission power after the change, may be set to the difference between the transmission power before and after the change, and simply indicates that the transmission power is increased or the transmission power is decreased. Information may be set.

  Next, the configuration of a transmission power response packet transmitted by the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission power response packet transmitted by the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the transmission power response packet transmitted to the server apparatus 100 by the client apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control field, a packet type, a source address, a destination address, and the like. The control field corresponds to various control information used for communication between the server device 100 and the client device 200. The packet type corresponds to information for identifying a transmission power response packet. As the packet type of the transmission power response packet, for example, “6” can be used, but it is not particularly limited.

  The transmission source address corresponds to an address for identifying the transmission source device of the transmission power response packet. As the transmission source address of the transmission power response packet, for example, the address of the client device 200 can be used. The destination address corresponds to an address for identifying the destination device of the transmission power response packet. As the destination address of the transmission power response packet, for example, the address of the server apparatus 100 that is the destination of the transmission power response packet can be used.

  Next, the configuration of the first data packet transmitted by the server apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the first data packet transmitted by the server apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first data packet transmitted to the client device 200 by the server device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control field, a packet type, a source address, a destination address, data, and the like. The The control field corresponds to various control information used for communication between the server device 100 and the client device 200. The packet type corresponds to information for identifying the first data packet. As the packet type of the first data packet, for example, “7” can be used, but it is not particularly limited.

  The transmission source address corresponds to an address for identifying the transmission source device of the first data packet. As the source address of the first data packet, for example, the address of the server device 100 can be used. The destination address corresponds to an address for identifying the destination device of the first data packet. As the destination address of the first data packet, for example, the address of the client device 200 that is the destination of the first data packet can be used.

  The data is set by the control unit 120 of the server device 100, for example. The control unit 220 of the client device 200 can execute a predetermined process on this data. This data is mainly used by each application of the server apparatus 100 and the client apparatus 200.

  Next, the configuration of the second data packet transmitted by the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a second data packet transmitted by the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the second data packet transmitted to the server apparatus 100 by the client apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control field, a packet type, a transmission source address, a destination address, data, and the like. The The control field corresponds to various control information used for communication between the server device 100 and the client device 200. The packet type corresponds to information for identifying the second data packet. As the packet type of the second data packet, for example, “8” can be used, but it is not particularly limited.

  The transmission source address corresponds to an address for identifying the transmission source device of the second data packet. As the source address of the second data packet, for example, the address of the client device 200 can be used. The destination address corresponds to an address for identifying the destination device of the second data packet. As the destination address of the second data packet, for example, the address of the server device 100 that is the destination of the second data packet can be used.

  The data is set by the control unit 220 of the client device 200, for example. The packet processing unit 127 of the server apparatus 100 can execute a predetermined process on this data. This data is mainly used by each application of the server apparatus 100 and the client apparatus 200.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of the device management information 152 managed by the server device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the device management information 152 is configured by associating client device identification information for identifying a client device, communication quality, transmission power, remaining battery level, and mode. Although specific values are set in the device management information 152 shown in FIG. 12, the values set in the device management information 152 are not limited to the values shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a state transition diagram of the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the client device 200 continues in the task waiting state T1 as long as it is waiting for a task in the task waiting state T1. When the task arrives in the task waiting state T1 (when a task start packet is received from the server device 100), the client device 200 transitions to the transmission state T2.

  In the transmission state T2, the client device 200 transitions to the transfer mode state T3 when the own mode is the transfer mode, and transitions to the sleep mode state T4 when the own mode is the sleep mode. It should be noted that in the task waiting state T1, it is possible to always receive the task and wait for the task start packet to be received from the server device 100, or from the server device 100 while repeating the sleep state and the receivable state. You may wait for reception of a task start packet. Further, the mode of the client device 200 may be determined by an instruction from the server device 100, for example.

  The client device 200 sets a timer in the transfer mode state T3, and continues the transfer mode state T3 as long as the transfer mode continues. Further, the client apparatus 200 returns to the transmission state T2 when the timer ends in the transfer mode state T3 and when the task is executed. In addition, when the task is completed, the client device 200 transitions to a task waiting state T1. The task duration time may be determined in advance or may be described in the task start packet.

  On the other hand, the client device 200 sets a timer in the sleep mode state T4 and continues the sleep mode state T4 as long as the sleep mode continues. Further, the client device 200 returns to the transmission state T2 when the timer ends in the sleep mode state T4 and the task is executed. In addition, when the task is completed, the client device 200 transitions to a task waiting state T1.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an operation in the sleep mode of the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the sleep mode, the client device 200 repeats transmission processing and sleep during task execution from task start to task end. The transmission process corresponds to, for example, a process of periodically transmitting its own transmission packet. However, the transmission timing of its own transmission packet may not be regular.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation in the transfer mode of the client device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, in the transfer mode itself, the client device 200 repeats the transmission process and the reception process at the time of task execution from the task start to the task end. The transmission process corresponds to, for example, a process of periodically transmitting its own transmission packet. However, the transmission timing of its own transmission packet may not be regular.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 15, in the reception process, a packet destined for the client device 200 or the server device 100 other than itself is intercepted as an intercept packet. The intercepted packet is temporarily stored in the intercepted packet storage memory 270, for example. In addition, when the client device 200 has reached its own transmission timing, the client device 200 transmits a combined packet in which the intercept packet is added to its own transmission packet. In the example shown in FIG. 15, four intercept packets are added to its own transmission packet, but the number of intercept packets is not particularly limited.

  FIG. 16 is a simplified diagram of the configuration of the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the simplified communication system 10 includes client apparatuses 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> C as examples of the client apparatus 200. The following description will be made with reference to FIGS. 17 to 24 with reference to a simplified communication system 10 as shown in FIG.

  First, before the communication system 10 operates, the server apparatus 100 measures the communication quality of the client apparatus 200. As described above, the communication quality is expressed by a numerical value, for example. Here, for convenience, the communication quality is indicated by a numerical value from “5” to “100”, and “100” indicates the highest communication quality. However, the communication quality value is any value. There may be.

  When confirming the communication quality, the server device 100 instructs each of the client devices 200A to 200C to confirm the communication quality. First, the server apparatus 100 transmits a quality measurement control packet to each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C. Each of the client devices 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> C that has received the quality measurement control packet returns a quality measurement response packet to the server device 100.

  When the server apparatus 100 receives the quality measurement response packet from each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C, the server apparatus 100 acquires a value corresponding to the received power when the quality measurement response packet is received as the communication quality of each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C. To do. Alternatively, when the quality measurement response packet is continuously transmitted from each of the client devices 200A to 200C to the server device 100, the server device 100 generates an error indicating a rate at which the quality measurement response packet cannot be normally received. It is good also as measuring as a rate and acquiring the value according to the error occurrence rate as communication quality.

  When the server apparatus 100 acquires the communication quality of each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C, the server apparatus 100 can register the acquired communication quality of each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C in the storage unit 150. For example, the server apparatus 100 registers the information in the storage unit 150 as the apparatus management information 152A illustrated in FIG.

  Next, the server apparatus 100 calculates transmission power corresponding to the communication quality, and controls the transmission power of each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C so as to perform packet transmission with the calculated transmission power. Referring to FIG. 17, the transmission power of the client device 200A (client device identification information “1”) is “10 dBm”, and the transmission power of the client device 200B (client device identification information “2”) is “100 dBm”. Yes, the transmission power of the client device 200C (client device identification information “3”) is “50 dBm”. That is, the transmission power is controlled to be lower as the communication quality is higher.

  Here, it is assumed that the communication system 10 is operated and communication between the server device 100 and each of the client devices 200A to 200C is started. During communication, the server apparatus 100 transmits a battery remaining amount confirmation control packet to each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C, and each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C stores the remaining battery capacity stored in the storage unit 250. The amount 251 is acquired, and the battery remaining amount 251 is notified to the server device 100 by a battery remaining amount confirmation response packet. Thereby, the server apparatus 100 can confirm the battery remaining amount of each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C at predetermined time intervals, for example.

  If the communication is continued, the amount of traffic generated by each of the client devices 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> C is different. Therefore, it is assumed that the consumption amount of the battery 260 is different for each client device 200 and the battery remaining amount 251 is different for each client device 200. . As in the device management information 152B illustrated in FIG. 18, for example, the remaining battery level 251 of the client device 200B (client device identification information “2”) is “10”, which is greater than the first threshold (for example, “20”). Suppose that there are fewer. For example, it is assumed that it is essential that all of the client devices 200A to 200C operate in order for the communication system 10 to continue operation. In such a case, it is necessary to suppress consumption of the battery 260 of the client device 200B in order to give priority to continuing the operation by the communication system 10.

  Therefore, the server device 100 can suppress the consumption of the battery 260 of the client device 200B by controlling the transmission power of the client device 200B to be lowered. At this time, the server apparatus 100 transmits a transmission power control packet to the client apparatus 200B, and instructs the client apparatus 200 to lower the transmission power. The client device 200B reduces the power used for data transmission and returns a transmission power response packet to the server device 100. At this time, when returning the transmission power response packet to the server device 100, the client device 200B makes a reply with the transmission power before changing the transmission power, and lowers the transmission power after returning the transmission power response packet. Also good. When the server apparatus 100 receives the transmission power response packet from the client apparatus 200B, the server apparatus 100 updates the transmission power, for example, as the apparatus management information 152C illustrated in FIG.

  When the power used by the client device 200B for data transmission is lowered, it is assumed that the communication quality is lowered. Therefore, the server device 100 changes the mode of either the client device 200A or the client device 200C to the transfer mode. Here, since the remaining battery level of the client device 200A is greater than the second threshold (for example, “80”), the server device 100 changes the mode of the client device 200A from the sleep mode to the transfer mode. However, as described above, the method for specifying the client device 200A to be changed to the transfer mode is not limited to such a method.

  As a result, the client device 200A receives the intercept packet after transitioning to the transfer mode, and transmits a combined packet obtained by combining the intercept packet and its own transmission packet. Power consumption is expected to increase. However, since the battery level of the client device 200A is sufficient, even if it is controlled to reduce the transmission power of the client device 200B, it is possible to compensate for a decrease in communication quality by the client device 200B.

  Next, the flow of processing for registering communication quality by the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing for registering communication quality by the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 20, first, the server apparatus 100 generates a quality measurement control packet (step S101). The server device 100 transmits the generated packet (quality measurement control packet) to the client devices 200A to 200C (steps S102A to S102C). When each of the client devices 200A to 200C receives the generated packet (quality measurement control packet) from the server device 100 (steps S103A to S103C), the client devices 200A to 200C generate a quality measurement response packet (steps S104A to S104C). Each of the client devices 200A to 200C transmits a generated packet (quality measurement response packet) to the server device 100 (steps S105A to S105C).

  When the server apparatus 100 receives the generated packet (quality measurement response packet) from each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C (steps S106A to S106C), the client apparatus 200A receives the client based on the quality measurement response packet received from each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C. The communication quality of each of the devices 200A to 200C is calculated, and the communication quality is registered in the storage unit 150 (step S107). The server apparatus 100 calculates the transmission power of each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C based on the communication quality (Step S108).

  Next, a flow of processing for setting transmission power by the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing for setting transmission power by the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 21, first, the server apparatus 100 generates a transmission power control packet based on the calculated transmission power (step S201). The server apparatus 100 transmits the generated packet (transmission power control packet) to the client apparatuses 200A to 200C (Steps S202A to S202C). Each of the client devices 200A to 200C receives the generated packet (transmission power control packet) from the server device 100 (steps S203A to S203C), and sets the transmission power based on the transmission power set in the transmission power control packet. To do.

  Subsequently, each of the client devices 200A to 200C generates a transmission power response packet (steps S204A to S204C). Each of the client devices 200A to 200C transmits a generated packet (transmission power response packet) to the server device 100 (steps S205A to S205C). When the server apparatus 100 receives the generated packet (transmission power response packet) from each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C (steps S206A to S206C), the server apparatus 100 updates the transmission power of the apparatus management information 152.

  Next, a processing flow for changing the state of the client device 200 by the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing for changing the state of the client device 200 by the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 22, first, the server apparatus 100 generates a battery remaining amount confirmation control packet (step S301). The server device 100 transmits a generated packet (battery remaining amount confirmation control packet) to the client devices 200A to 200C (steps S302A to S302C). When each of the client devices 200A to 200C receives the generated packet (battery remaining amount confirmation control packet) from the server device 100 (steps S303A to S303C), each of the client devices 200A to 200C generates a remaining battery amount confirmation response packet (steps S304A to S304C). Each of the client devices 200A to 200C transmits a generated packet (battery remaining amount confirmation response packet) to the server device 100 (steps S305A to S305C).

  When the server apparatus 100 receives the generated packet (battery remaining amount confirmation response packet) from each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C (steps S306A to S306C), the server apparatus 100 uses the remaining battery amount confirmation response packet received from each of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C. The notified remaining battery level is registered in the device management information 152 (step S307). The server apparatus 100 performs a process of changing any state of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C (step S308) based on the remaining battery levels of the client apparatuses 200A to 200C. Such change processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, details of the change processing method shown in FIG. 22 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing details of the change processing shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 23, first, the battery remaining amount determination unit 123 of the server device 100 refers to the device management information 152 and includes the client devices 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> C in which the remaining battery amount is less than the first threshold value. It is determined whether or not one client device exists (step S3081). When it is determined that there is no first client device having a remaining battery level less than the first threshold in the client devices 200A to 200C (“No” in step S3081), the instruction unit 124 performs the change process. finish.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a first client device having a remaining battery level less than the first threshold value among the client devices 200A to 200C (“Yes” in step S3081), the instruction unit 124 performs step S3082. Proceed to Subsequently, the instruction unit 124 instructs the first client device to reduce the transmission power (step S3082). The first client device decreases the transmission power according to the instruction.

  Subsequently, the instruction unit 124 refers to the device management information 152 and instructs any second client device other than the first client device to shift to the transfer mode (step S3083). As described above, how to specify the second client device is not particularly limited. The second client device changes its mode to the transfer mode in accordance with the instruction. Thereafter, the server apparatus 100 ends the change process.

  Next, details of the operation after the change process in the server apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing details of the operation after the change processing in the server apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 24, first, the packet determining unit 125 acquires a received packet (step S401), and the acquired received packet is a transmission packet of the transmission source of the received packet and an intercepted packet intercepted by the transmission source. It is determined whether the packet is a combined packet (step S402). The method for determining whether or not the received packet is a composite packet is not particularly limited as described above.

  Subsequently, when it is determined that the received packet is a combined packet (“Yes” in step S402), the packet separation unit 126 separates the intercept packet from the combined packet (step S404), and the packet processing unit 127 transmits The packet and the intercepted packet are processed (step S405). On the other hand, when it is determined that the received packet is not a combined packet (“No” in step S402), the packet processing unit 127 processes the received packet (step S403).

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to extend the operating time of the first client device by reducing the transmission power of the first client device whose remaining battery level is less than the first threshold. . Furthermore, by changing the mode of the second client device to the transfer mode, it is possible to effectively utilize the remaining battery level of the second client device to compensate for the deterioration in communication quality of the first client device. Become. By transferring the interception packet by the second client device as described above, it is possible to improve the robustness of the entire communication system.

  Note that each function of the device described in the above embodiment is actually a ROM (Read) in which a control program describing a processing procedure for realizing an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) that realizes these functions is stored. This is achieved by reading a control program from a storage medium such as an Only Memory (RAM) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and interpreting and executing the program. For example, in the server device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, each function of the control unit 120 is actually achieved by the CPU executing a program describing a processing procedure for realizing these functions. Further, for example, in the client device 200 according to the above-described embodiment, each function of the control unit 220 is actually achieved by the CPU executing a program describing a processing procedure for realizing these functions.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the present specification, the steps described in the sequence diagram are not necessarily processed in time series in addition to the processes performed in time series in the described order, but in parallel or individually. Also includes processing to be performed. Further, it goes without saying that the order can be appropriately changed even in the steps processed in time series.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Communication system 100 Server apparatus 110 Receiving part 120 Control part 121 Communication quality acquisition part 122 Transmission power control part 123 Battery remaining charge judgment part 124 Instruction part 125 Packet judgment part 126 Packet separation part 127 Packet processing part 130 Transmission part 140 External interface 150 Storage unit 152 (152A, 152B, 152C) Device management information 160 Power supply 200 (200A, 200B, 200C) Client device 210 Receiving unit 220 Control unit 221 Battery remaining amount notification unit 222 Transmission power setting unit 223 State change unit 225 State determination unit 226 packet composition unit 227 packet output unit 230 transmission unit 240 external interface 250 storage unit 260 battery 270 intercept packet storage memory 300 external device 400 external device

Claims (6)

A server device in a communication system having a plurality of client devices and server devices,
A battery remaining capacity determining unit that determines the remaining battery capacity of the plurality of client devices;
If the battery remaining amount determining unit determines that there is a first client device with a remaining battery amount less than a first threshold, the first client device is instructed to reduce transmission power, and the first An instruction unit for instructing any second client device other than the client device to transition to the transfer mode;
Equipped with a,
The transfer mode is
When a packet addressed to another client device or server device is intercepted as an intercept packet, and when it becomes the transmission timing of the client device transitioned to the transfer mode, as a composite packet in which the transmission packet is added to the intercept packet The mode to send,
The instruction unit includes:
If there is a client device with a remaining battery level greater than the second threshold, the client device is identified as the second client device;
Server device. A server device in a communication system having a plurality of client devices and server devices,
A battery remaining capacity determining unit that determines the remaining battery capacity of the plurality of client devices;
If the battery remaining amount determining unit determines that there is a first client device with a remaining battery amount less than a first threshold, the first client device is instructed to reduce transmission power, and the first An instruction unit for instructing any second client device other than the client device to transition to the transfer mode;
With
The instruction unit includes:
A client device having the smallest distance from the first client device is identified as the second client device ;
Servers apparatus.   The instruction unit includes:
  When the remaining battery level of the client device having the shortest distance from the first client device is lower than the second threshold, the client device having the smallest distance from the first client device next to the client device is Identify as a second client device,
  The server device according to claim 2. The server device
A packet determination unit that determines whether or not a received packet from the second client device is the combined packet;
When it is determined that the received packet is the combined packet, a packet separator that separates the intercept packet from the combined packet;
Further comprising
The server device according to claim 1 . A client device in a communication system having a plurality of client devices and a server device,
A battery remaining amount notification unit for notifying the server device of the battery remaining amount of its own device;
When it is determined by the server device that there is a first client device with a remaining battery level less than a first threshold, and the server device is the second one of the devices other than the first client device. When selected as a client device, a state change unit that transitions to the transfer mode;
Equipped with a,
The transfer mode is
When a packet addressed to another client device or server device is intercepted as an intercept packet, and when it becomes the transmission timing of the client device transitioned to the transfer mode, as a composite packet in which the transmission packet is added to the intercept packet The mode to send,
If there is a client device having a remaining battery level greater than the second threshold, the client device is identified as the second client device.
Client device. A communication system having a plurality of client devices and server devices,
The server device
A battery remaining capacity determining unit that determines the remaining battery capacity of the plurality of client devices;
If the battery remaining amount determining unit determines that there is a first client device with a remaining battery amount less than a first threshold, the first client device is instructed to reduce transmission power, and the first An instruction unit for instructing any second client device other than the client device to transition to the transfer mode;
With
The transfer mode is
When a packet addressed to another client device or server device is intercepted as an intercept packet, and when it becomes the transmission timing of the client device transitioned to the transfer mode, as a composite packet in which the transmission packet is added to the intercept packet The mode to send,
The instruction unit includes:
If there is a client device having a remaining battery level greater than the second threshold, the client device is identified as the second client device,
The first client device is:
A battery remaining amount notification unit for notifying the server device of the remaining battery level of the first client device;
A state changing unit for reducing transmission power based on an instruction from the server device;
With
The second client device is
A battery remaining amount notification unit for notifying the server device of the remaining battery level of the second client device;
A state changing unit that transitions to a transfer mode based on an instruction from the server device;
A communication system comprising:

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