JP7017605B2 - Information processing device, information processing device control method, information processing device control program, wireless communication device, wireless communication device control method, and wireless communication device control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method for the information processing device, a control program for the information processing device, a wireless communication device, a control method for the wireless communication device, and a control program for the wireless communication device, in particular, gas, water, and electricity. It relates to an information processing device and the like related to a smart meter that reads the amount of usage such as.

Conventionally, a remote data collection system that collects and relays data such as meter values indicating the amount of electricity, water, gas, etc. used in each household using a wireless network and transmits it to a data collection center such as a remote meter reading center. Exists (eg, Patent Document 1). In recent years, with the spread of IoT (Internet of Things), FAN (Field Area Network), which is a system that collects meter reading data and controls meters by forming a network with multiple smart meters in the field, and FAN collect it. Development of a smart utility system using a WAN (Wide Area Network) that transmits the data to a remote server is underway (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-21080

"Wi-SUN FAN solution in smart city", [Online], Nissin Systems, [Search on March 28, 2018], Internet <URL: http://www.co-nss.co.jp/solution/ sol-wisun_fan.html ＞

In FAN, the information of each meter can be transmitted by using multi-hop communication between a plurality of meters, and the information transmitted between the lower meters is collected by the upper gateway (GW) and is collected by the server via the WAN. Will be sent to. By equipping the meter with a gateway function, a highly versatile operation is being attempted that enables FAN and WAN only with a meter installed in each home without using a dedicated gateway device. That is, one meter enables communication between gas meters (function as a slave unit) and wide area network communication (function as a master unit).

Here, when constructing the FAN, it is necessary to appropriately select a communication path in consideration of the surrounding environment such as a wall around the meter and a shield such as a car, which may affect the communication quality of wireless communication. Also, if a new meter is installed in the field where the existing FAN is built, it is necessary to update the FAN to incorporate the new meter. The technique described in Patent Document 1 does not mention the construction of a FAN in consideration of the surrounding environment of the meter or the renewal of the FAN.

Therefore, the present invention relates to an information processing device capable of constructing and updating a communication network between meters in consideration of the surrounding environment of the meter, a control method of the information processing device, a control program of the information processing device, a wireless communication device, and a wireless communication device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control method of the above and a control program of a wireless communication device.

The information processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a device including at least information on the position of a plurality of wireless communication devices that can operate in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operate in any of the operation modes. The acquisition unit for acquiring information is associated with at least one provisional group including the first wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode and the second wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode based on the information regarding the position. Setting information regarding the configuration of the provisional group is transmitted to the selection unit that selects the wireless communication device of 2 and the wireless communication device selected by the selection unit, and the setting information is transmitted from each wireless communication device to which the setting information is transmitted. A communication unit that receives response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the above, and one including a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device from a plurality of wireless communication terminals included in at least the provisional group according to the response information. The communication unit includes a setting unit for setting a confirmation group, and the communication unit directly executes communication with the first wireless communication device included in one confirmation group and with the second wireless communication device. , At least communication via the first wireless communication device can be performed.

In the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the acquisition unit further acquires the administrator information regarding the administrator of the plurality of wireless communication devices as the device information, and the selection unit is the administrator based on the administrator information. It is possible to select the same wireless communication device.

In the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit specifies, as setting information, a wireless communication device that operates as a first wireless communication device and a wireless communication device that operates as a second wireless communication device. Can be transmitted to the wireless communication device, and information regarding the operation mode of the wireless communication device can be received as response information.

In the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit transmits information regarding the priority of the connection destination when functioning as the second operation mode as setting information to the wireless communication apparatus, and as response information. , You can receive information about whether or not the setting is possible based on the priority.

In the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the selection unit may select a wireless communication device that cannot operate in the operation mode specified in the setting information as the wireless communication device associated with another provisional group. can.

In the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the setting of the confirmation group by the setting unit can be performed when new device information is acquired by the acquisition unit.

In the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the acquisition unit further acquires information on the first communication strength in communication with the first wireless communication device included in the determination group as device information, and is a setting unit. Can set a new definite group if the first communication strength satisfies a predetermined condition.

In the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the acquisition unit further acquires information on the second communication strength in the communication between the second wireless communication devices included in the determination group as the device information, and the setting unit: When there is communication in which the second communication strength satisfies a predetermined condition, a new confirmed group can be set.

In the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the setting unit sets the confirmation group by the acquisition unit as device information of at least one of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device included in the confirmation group. It can be done when the change information about the change of the operation mode of is obtained.

The control method of the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention relates to at least the position of a plurality of wireless communication devices that can operate in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operate in either operation mode. A provisional group that includes an acquisition step to acquire device information, including information, and a first wireless communication device operating in a first operating mode and a second wireless communication device operating in a second operating mode based on location information. The setting information regarding the configuration of the provisional group is transmitted to the selection step for selecting at least two wireless communication devices to be associated as, and the wireless communication device selected by the selection step, and each wireless communication device to which the setting information is transmitted is transmitted. From the communication step for receiving the response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information, and the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device from at least a plurality of wireless communication terminals included in the provisional group according to the response information. Including a setting step for setting one confirmed group including, and a communication step, the communication step directly executes communication with the first wireless communication device included in the one confirmed group, and the second wireless communication device. Communicate with and from at least via the first wireless communication device.

The control program of the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention is capable of operating the information processing device in the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and is a plurality of wireless communication devices operating in any of the operation modes. The acquisition function for acquiring at least the device information including the position information, and the first wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode and the second wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode based on the position information. Setting information regarding the configuration of the provisional group is transmitted to the selection function for selecting at least two wireless communication devices to be associated as one provisional group including, and the wireless communication device selected by the selection function, and the setting information is transmitted. From each wireless communication device, a communication function for receiving response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information, and depending on the response information, at least from a plurality of wireless communication terminals included in the provisional group, the first wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device. The setting function for setting one confirmed group including two wireless communication devices is realized, and the communication function directly executes communication with the first wireless communication device included in one confirmed group. , Communicate with the second wireless communication device via at least the first wireless communication device.

The wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a wireless communication device that can operate in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operates in either operation mode, and when operating in the first operation mode, A second operation mode is executed by directly executing the first communication with the information processing device and the second communication with another wireless communication device using a method different from the first communication. A communication unit that executes a second communication with another wireless communication device during operation is provided, and the communication unit is a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device that operate in the first operation mode from the information processing device. It receives the setting information regarding the configuration of one provisional group including the second wireless communication device operating in the operation mode, and transmits the response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information to the information processing device.

The method for controlling a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for controlling a wireless communication device that can operate in a first operation mode and a second operation mode and operates in either operation mode, and is a wireless communication. When operating in the first operation mode, the device uses a method different from the first communication directly with the information processing device and with another wireless communication device. The second communication is executed, and when the operation is performed in the second operation mode, the second communication is executed with another wireless communication device, and the information processing device operates in the first operation mode. Receives setting information regarding the configuration of one provisional group including one wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, and transmits response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information to the information processing device. Includes steps to do.

The control program of the wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a control program of the wireless communication device that can operate in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operates in either operation mode, and is a wireless communication. When the device is operated in the first operation mode, the first communication is directly performed with the information processing device, and the device uses a method different from the first communication with another wireless communication device. The communication function of executing the second communication and executing the second communication with another wireless communication device when operating in the second operation mode is realized, and the communication function is the first operation from the information processing device. The setting information regarding the configuration of one provisional group including the first wireless communication device operating in the mode and the second wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode is received, and the response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information is received. Send to the information processing device.

According to the present invention, an information processing device capable of constructing and updating a communication network between meters in consideration of the surrounding environment of the meter, a control method of the information processing device, a control program of the information processing device, a wireless communication device, and a wireless communication device. And a control program of a wireless communication device can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the server (information processing apparatus) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the wireless communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) and (b) are diagrams illustrating a group configuration of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the wireless communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information table of the wireless communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) and (b) are diagrams illustrating a group configuration of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a hardware block diagram which shows an example of the computer which realizes the function of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 500 is a system for collecting information from meters installed in each home, company, facility, etc., and for remotely controlling the meters. The measurement target measured by the meter is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, gas (city gas, LP gas), water, oil, electricity, or the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, the meter is not supplied with electric power from the outside and is driven by a storage battery provided inside, and the driving period thereof is finite.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 500 includes a server (information processing device) 100, a meter 300 provided with a wireless communication device 200, and a network 400. As shown in the figure, the wireless communication device 200 may be connected to an outer input / output I / O of the meter 300 (not shown) and provided outside the meter 300 as a separate wireless communication device. Further, the wireless communication device 200 may be incorporated in the meter 300, for example, as a communication board. In the communication system 500, the FAN 10 is configured by a plurality of wireless communication devices 200, and in the example of the figure, the FAN 10A is configured by the wireless communication devices 200Aa, 200Ab, 200Ac and 200Ad, and the FAN10A is configured by the wireless communication devices 200Ba, 200Bb, 200Bc and 200Bd. , FAN10B is configured. Here, FAN10A and FAN10B may be distinguished by different areas or by different meter managers. In the latter case, the areas may overlap (details will be described later). From this point onward, unless it is necessary to make a distinction, the alphabetic characters in the reference numerals will be omitted. Further, the number of wireless communication devices included in each FAN is not limited to the number shown in the figure.

In each FAN 10, the wireless communication device 200a functions as a gateway (master unit: first wireless communication device), and the other wireless communication devices 200b to 200d function as slave units (second wireless communication device). .. Each wireless communication device 200 can operate as both a master unit and a slave unit. The wireless communication device 200a, which is a master unit, can directly communicate with the server 100 via the network 400 by using the first communication method. Here, the first communication method is, for example, a communication method such as LTE, LTE-Advanced, 4th generation (4G), 5th generation (5G), CDMA and the like. The first communication method is, for example, a wireless communication method for IoT such as Category M, Category M1, NB-IoT (Narrow Band IoT), and is a communication method that extends LTE. The first communication method is not limited to these examples. The slave units 200b to 200d perform communication (data transmission) with other slave units and the master unit using the second communication method. The first communication method is, for example, a communication method (public radio) that requires a license under the Radio Law. Here, the second communication method is, for example, a specific low power wireless system that communicates using the 920 MHz band. The specific low-power wireless system that communicates using the 920 MHz band is, for example, a communication system based on the Wi-SUN communication standard or a communication of a wireless communication standard that operates on IEEE802.154 such as Zigbee (registered trademark). It is a method. The second communication method is not limited to the 920 MHz band, and may be any communication band. The second communication method is, for example, a communication method that does not require a license under the Radio Law. For example, the frequency bands of radio waves used for communication differ between the first communication method and the second communication method.

The server 100 has a function of configuring and updating a fan based on the installation location of each meter 300 and the manager (business operator). Here, "update" refers to changing the communication path between the wireless communication devices 200 in the existing FAN, or configuring a FAN in which the wireless communication device 200 is newly incorporated. The server 100 also has a function as an IoT-PF (platform) that processes the information of each meter 300 transmitted from each wireless communication device 200 and passes necessary data to the administrator of the meter (not shown). The information of each meter 300 is a measured value (meter reading value) of the measurement target, and indicates the amount used in a predetermined period of the measurement target (for example, one day, one week, one month, etc.) and the remaining amount of the measurement target. It may be data. Further, the information of each meter 300 may be data representing an abnormality of the measurement target (for example, a gas leak or the like). Although two servers 100 are shown in the figure, the present invention is not limited to these. The server 100 may be any device as long as it can realize the functions described in each embodiment, and may be, for example, a server device, a computer (not limited to, for example, a desktop, a laptop, etc.). Tablets, etc.), communication platforms, etc. may be included.

Here, the necessity of FAN will be described exemplary. As described above, FAN is a system that forms a network with a plurality of smart meters in a field to collect meter reading data and control the meters. Multi-hop communication between wireless communication devices in FAN makes it possible to transmit information from a meter installed in a place where WAN radio waves are difficult to reach to IoT-PF. As described above, since the storage battery of the meter is finite, each wireless communication device is not supplied with electric power from the outside, and the drive period is finite. However, the master unit has a standby power for receiving polling from the IoT-PF and a transmission power for transmitting the meter reading values of the plurality of slave units connected to the own unit and the own unit to the IoT-PF. It is necessary and has the feature that the power consumption is larger than that of the slave unit.

Here, in the present embodiment, since each wireless communication device constituting the FAN can operate as both a master unit and a slave unit, by rotating the role of the master unit in the FAN, the battery in the FAN is used. Expected to smooth consumption. Therefore, forming a FAN between wireless communication devices is not only from the viewpoint of communication environment, but also from the viewpoint of power consumption as compared with the case where each wireless communication device communicates with IoT-PF by WAN. It is advantageous.

The description of FIG. 1 will be continued. The network 400 may include a wireless network or a wired network. Specifically, the network 400 includes wireless LAN (WLAN), wide area network (WAN), ISDNs (integrated service digital networks), wireless LANs, LTE (long term evolution), LTE-Advanced, and so on. 4th generation (4G), 5th generation (5G), CDMA (code division multiple access) and the like. The network 400 is not limited to these examples, and the network 400 is not limited to these examples, for example, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), an optical line, an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber LINE) line, and a satellite. It may be a communication network or the like, or any network. Further, the network 400 may be a combination of these. Further, the network 400 may include a plurality of different networks in which these examples are combined. For example, the network 400 may include a wireless network by LTE and a wired network such as an intranet which is a closed network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a server 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication I / F unit 120, an input / output I / F unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

First, the storage unit 140 is typically realized by various recording media such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and flash memory, and various programs required for the server 100 to operate and various programs. It has a function to store data. Further, the storage unit 140 stores information (device information) regarding the wireless communication device 200 and the meter 300 constituting each FAN, which is information about each fan communicating with the server 100. FIG. 7 shows an example of a table of FAN information stored in the storage unit 140. As shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 140 has a device ID that is an identifier that can uniquely identify each wireless communication device 200, designation of a master unit / slave unit for each wireless communication device 200, and each wireless communication device 200. Identification of location information, a meter ID that is an identifier that can uniquely identify the meter 300, a meter administrator ID related to the administrator of the meter 300, a network ID required for the first communication method, and a FAN including a wireless communication device 200. The network ID and the like required for the second communication method for using the above are stored. The information stored in the storage unit 140 is not limited to the information shown in the figure and the above-mentioned information. The network ID required for the first communication method is, for example, an IP address or a telephone number. The network ID required for the second communication method is, for example, a FAN network ID.

The control unit 110 is a processor having a function of controlling each part of the server 100 by a code or an instruction in the program. The control unit 110 includes a communication control unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, a selection unit 113, a setting unit 114, a determination unit 115, and an input / output control unit 116. The communication control unit 111 controls communication via the communication I / F unit 120. The communication I / F unit 120 is an interface connected to a communication device (not shown) such as an antenna. The communication I / F unit 120 has a function of communicating data with an external device such as a wireless communication device 200 via a communication line of a mobile communication network. The input / output control unit 116 controls the connection to a display device (display or the like) or an input / output device (keyboard, touch panel, etc.) (not shown) via the input / output I / F unit 130. The determination unit 115 performs various determination processes.

The acquisition unit 112 acquires device information including at least position information of a plurality of wireless communication devices 200 that can operate in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operate in either operation mode. Information about the location may be entered by the installer of the meter 300 via a predetermined application. For example, when the installer installs the meter 300, the installation location of the meter 300 may be transmitted to the server 100 by an operation on the map information application activated by the tablet or smartphone. Alternatively, the GPS (Global Positioning System) information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 215 provided in the wireless communication device 200 may be transmitted to the server 100.

Since it is preferable that the FAN is configured by the administrator for the same meter 300, the acquisition unit 112 is the administrator regarding the administrator associated with the information transmitted from the plurality of wireless communication devices 200 as the device information. You may get the information. Here, the information transmitted from the wireless communication device 200 is the information of the meter 300 described above, and the administrator information regarding the administrator associated with the information transmitted from the wireless communication device 200 is the information of the meter 300. Information about the manager (management company). The administrator information may be, for example, an identifier that can uniquely identify the administrator of the meter 300. The administrator information can be transmitted from a wireless terminal such as a tablet or a smartphone owned by the administrator as appropriate when the meter is installed or when the administrator of the existing meter is changed. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) representing a device ID that can uniquely identify the meter 300 is assigned to the meter 300, and the administrator can read the QR code with a wireless terminal and transmit it to the server 100. You may. As a result, the association between the meter 300 and the administrator is transmitted to the server 100 and stored in the storage unit 140.

Further, since the communication quality in the FAN is affected by the surrounding environment of the wireless communication device 200, it is preferable to appropriately update the FAN according to the change in the surrounding environment. The acquisition unit 112 further acquires, as device information, information regarding the first communication strength in the communication between the server 100 and the wireless communication device (master unit: first wireless communication device) 200 operating in the first operation mode. You may. Further, the acquisition unit 112 may acquire information regarding the second communication strength in communication between wireless communication devices (slave unit: second wireless communication device) operating in the second operation mode as device information.

The selection unit 113 is a provisional group including a first wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode and a second wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode based on the information regarding the position acquired by the acquisition unit 112. Select at least two wireless communication devices to be associated with. This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4A shows that the wireless communication devices 200a to 200e having close physical positions are selected by the selection unit 113 and associated with each other as the provisional group 11 based on the information regarding the position. The selection unit 113 can select the wireless communication device 200 based on the condition that, for example, 20 wireless communication devices of the business operator A within a radius of 2 km in a certain area are selected. The selection unit 113 also selects a wireless communication device that functions as a first wireless communication device (master unit) and a wireless communication device that functions as a second wireless communication device (slave unit) in the provisional group 11. Here, the master unit can be selected according to the conditions that the communication quality is good, the installation time is new, and the distance from other wireless communication devices is short. Further, it is assumed that the information for establishing the communication with each wireless communication device 200 is provided to the server 100 in advance by the installer or the administrator. The information for establishing communication may be, for example, information such as a network ID, USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) of the wireless communication device 200, eSIM (embedded SIM), and the like.

The communication control unit 111 transmits setting information regarding the configuration of the provisional group, including the designation of the master unit and the slave unit, to each wireless communication device 200 selected as the provisional group 11 by the selection unit 113. The number of hops (designation of the slave unit to be connected) in multi-hop communication is also transmitted to the slave unit. For example, in FIG. 4, the setting information transmitted to the wireless communication device 200a includes (1) designated information for making the wireless communication devices 200b to 200e function as a slave unit, and (2) connecting as a slave unit. Information about the connection destination of the wireless communication devices 200b to 200e to be connected is included. Further, the setting information transmitted to the wireless communication device 200b includes at least (1) designated information for functioning as a slave unit to which the wireless communication device 200a is connected to the upper stage, and (2) connection to the lower stage of the own device. Information about the wireless communication device 200d, which is a slave unit to be used, is included. The setting information is transmitted from the server 100 to each wireless communication device 200 by using the first communication method. Here, in the example of FIG. 4A, a shield (for example, a wall or the like) 50 exists around the wireless communication device 200e, which is good with other wireless communication devices 200 included in the provisional group 11. It is assumed that the communication path cannot be established. However, since the surrounding environment of the wireless communication device 200e cannot be grasped only by the information about the position, the selection unit 113 selects the wireless communication device 200e as the provisional group 11.

Here, when each wireless communication device 200 receives the setting information from the server 100, it tries to make a setting based on the setting information. For example, each wireless communication device 200 transmits, for example, a predetermined beacon signal to a slave unit designated to be connected to its own device, and waits for a response. The slave unit that has received the beacon signal transmits a response signal to the upper wireless communication device 200 to which the slave unit is connected. The wireless communication device 200 designated as the master unit receives a response signal from the slave unit connected to the lower stage of the own device. Then, after a lapse of a certain period of time, the communication control unit 111 receives response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information from each wireless communication device 200. The response information may be transmitted from each wireless communication device 200 using the first communication method, or may be transmitted using the first communication method via the newly configured FAN master unit. May be good. Here, the wireless communication device 200e cannot receive the beacon signal from the other wireless communication device 200 in the provisional group 11, or even if it can receive it, the radio wave intensity is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value and constitutes the FAN. Suppose that the conditions are not met. Therefore, the response signal from the wireless communication device 200e is information indicating "No" with respect to the setting information.

The setting unit 114 sets one confirmed group including the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device from at least a plurality of wireless communication terminals included in the provisional group according to the response information. In the example of FIG. 4B, the regular FAN 12 is configured by the wireless communication devices 200a to 200d. Information about the FAN 12 is stored in the storage unit 140. Then, the communication control unit 111 executes direct communication with the first wireless communication device (master unit) 200a included in the confirmation group FAN12, and communicates with the second wireless communication device (slave unit) 200b to 200d. Communication is executed between them via the first wireless communication device (master unit) 200a.

It should be noted that the number of hops (designation of the slave unit to be connected) in the multi-hop communication included in the setting information may include a plurality of conditions to which a predetermined priority is given. For example, in FIG. 4, as setting information transmitted to the wireless communication device 200d, (1) designated information for making the wireless communication device 200b function as a slave unit to be connected to the upper stage, and (2) wireless communication device 200c. The designated information for functioning as a slave unit as the connection destination in the upper row may be transmitted in the order of priority of the above (1) and (2). The wireless communication device 200d first tries to establish a communication path to the wireless communication device 200b as a connection destination, and the communication path is not established (no response from the wireless communication device 200b, communication quality is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, etc.). ), An attempt is made to establish a communication path with the wireless communication device 200c as the connection destination. As the priority, for example, the wireless communication device 200 having a short distance from the wireless communication device 200d may be prioritized. Alternatively, the strength of the radio wave of the second communication method may be reflected in the priority. When the communication path is established, the communication control unit 111 receives the information of the wireless communication device of the connection destination as the response information from the wireless communication device 200d. If the communication path is not established with any of the wireless communication devices, the response information of "No" is received for the setting information.

In this way, since information about candidates for a plurality of communication paths is transmitted to the wireless communication device 200 that functions as a slave unit, it is possible to set an appropriate route according to the surrounding environment of the wireless communication device 200. Become.

The wireless communication device 200e not included in the FAN 12 may be selected as a provisional group 13 with another wireless communication device, and may be set to be included in another FAN by the above processing. Alternatively, the wireless communication device 200e not included in the FAN 12 may be set to directly communicate with the IoT-PF by using the first communication method without forming a FAN. The wireless communication device 200, which could not be set based on the setting information, may try the setting based on the setting information (establishment of the communication circuit) again at predetermined intervals. Then, when the number of trials exceeds a predetermined number, it may be included in another FAN.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the FAN is provisionally configured based on the position information of the wireless communication device 200, the FAN configuration is determined based on the response information, and an appropriate FAN configuration is obtained. Be explored. Therefore, the FAN can be configured in consideration of the actual surrounding environment. Further, the wireless communication device 200 that is not incorporated in one FAN may be controlled to be incorporated in another FAN. Therefore, it is possible to construct an efficient communication network without surplus the installed meters.

The selection unit 113 may select the wireless communication device 200 having the same administrator as the wireless communication device associated with the provisional group based on the above-mentioned administrator information. Therefore, for example, in FIG. 4A, even if there is a wireless communication device (not shown) that can be included in the provisional group 11 due to the physical distance, it may not be selected as the provisional group 11. .. This makes it possible to provide an appropriate fan for each administrator.

As described above, the setting information includes information for designating the wireless communication device that operates as the first wireless communication device and the wireless communication device that operates as the second wireless communication device. The communication control unit 111 receives information on the operation mode of the own device (whether it operates as the first operation mode or the second operation mode) as response information from each wireless communication device that has received the setting information. You may. In other words, the response information is information indicating whether or not the operation mode specified by the setting information can be realized. This makes it possible to appropriately select a wireless communication device that functions as a master unit or a slave unit in actually configuring the FAN.

Next, the wireless communication device 200 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless communication device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the wireless communication device 200 includes a control unit 210, a communication I / F unit 220, an input / output I / F unit 230, and a storage unit 240.

The storage unit 240 is typically realized by various recording media such as HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and flash memory, and various programs required for operating the wireless communication device 200 and various programs. It has a function to store data. The storage unit 240 stores, for example, a driver program, an operating system program, an application program, data, and the like used for various processes in the control unit 210. For example, the storage unit 240 stores, as a driver program, a communication driver program that executes a wireless communication system of the IEEE802.11 standard or a wireless communication system of mobile communication (cellular communication). Further, the storage unit 240 stores a connection control program or the like that authenticates with the wireless communication method of the IEEE802.11 standard or the wireless communication method of mobile communication (cellular communication). Further, the storage unit 240 may store various information for connecting to the access point of the wireless LAN. Further, the storage unit 240 stores information about the meter and its own device (for example, meter ID, wireless communication device ID, position information, administrator information, network ID, USIM, eSIM, etc.), and performs predetermined processing. Temporary data related to (communication history, meter reading value by meter, FAN configuration data, etc.) may be temporarily stored.

The control unit 210 has a function for executing a predetermined function by a code or an instruction in the program, and is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). Further, the control unit 210 may be, for example, a microprocessor, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or the like. The control unit 210 is not limited to these examples. The control unit 210 includes a communication control unit 211, an acquisition unit 212, a determination unit 216, and an input / output control unit 217.

The communication control unit 211 controls communication with another wireless communication device or the server 100 via the communication I / F unit 220, and performs, for example, digital processing for transmitting and receiving data. The communication I / F unit 220 is a communication interface capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from another wireless communication device 200 or a server 100 via a network 400. The communication I / F unit 220 is, for example, a communication interface capable of wireless communication, and has a function of communicating via a wireless LAN access point and a function of communicating via a wireless communication network such as LTE or CDMA. It may be included. Here, the communication I / F unit 220 includes a first communication unit 221 and a second communication unit 222. The first communication unit 221 and the second communication unit 222 are communication interfaces for communication using the above-mentioned first communication method and second communication method, respectively.

The input / output control unit 217 controls communication with the meter 300 via the input / output I / F unit 230. For example, when the meter 300 is a gas meter, the input / output I / F unit 230 is an interface of N line or U bus, which is an original communication standard, and an interface corresponding to U bus air, which is a communication method between gas meters. Is. When the wireless communication device 200 is realized as a communication board, it can be installed by incorporating it into an existing gas meter by providing the above interface. The meter 300 is not limited to gas, and the input / output I / F unit 230 may be an interface for incorporating into a meter such as water supply.

The acquisition unit 212 includes a communication quality acquisition unit 213, a battery remaining amount acquisition unit 214, and a position information acquisition unit 215. The communication quality acquisition unit 213 acquires information on the communication quality between the own device and another wireless communication device 200 or the server 100. The information regarding communication quality may be information regarding received radio wave strength, transmission / reception delay, and the like. That is, the communication quality acquisition unit 213 can acquire the radio wave strength related to the first communication and the radio wave strength related to the second communication, respectively. The battery remaining amount acquisition unit 214 acquires information on the battery remaining amount of a battery (not shown) that supplies power to the wireless communication device 200. The remaining battery level may be obtained from the voltage, temperature, or the like, from the communication history of the wireless communication device 200, or the like, or may be obtained by maintenance and inspection by the administrator. The position information acquisition unit 215 acquires information (position information) regarding the installation position of the wireless communication device 200. The position information may be acquired by acquiring the latitude or longitude from the GPS signal, or by inputting the address by the administrator at the time of installation.

Next, the process of the server 100 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the acquisition unit 112 acquires device information including information about the position of each wireless communication device 200 (step S11). The selection unit 113 selects at least two wireless communication devices 200 to be associated as a provisional group (step S12). The processing after step S12 may be performed each time the device information is acquired by the acquisition unit 112, or the wireless communication device newly constituting the FAN corresponding to the device information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. It may be performed when the number of 200 becomes a predetermined number or more. The predetermined number may be freely set by the administrator of the meter. The communication control unit 111 transmits the setting information to the wireless communication device 200 selected by the selection unit 113 (step S13). Then, the response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information is received from the wireless communication device 200 (step S14). The setting unit 114 sets a confirmation group constituting the FAN according to the response information (step S15). The information that the setting is completed by the setting unit 114 is transmitted to each wireless communication device included in the FAN. After that, the server 100 directly executes communication with the wireless communication device (master unit) 200 in the first operation mode, and at least in the first operation mode with the wireless communication device 200 in the second operation mode. Communication via the wireless communication device (master unit) 200 is executed (step S16).

Here, the processing of the wireless communication device 200 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The communication control unit 211 receives the setting information from the server 100 (step S21). The determination unit 216 determines whether or not the setting based on the setting information is possible (step S22). The determination unit 216 determines whether or not the setting based on the operation mode of the own device 200 and the designation of the connection destination included in the setting information is possible. That is, communication is executed in the specified operation mode, and an attempt is made to establish a communication path with the connection destination. When the setting based on the setting information is possible (step S22: YES), the operation mode corresponding to the setting information is executed (step S23). When the setting based on the setting information is not possible (step S22: NO), the operation mode possible by the own device is executed (step S24). After that, the communication control unit 211 transmits the response information to the server 100 (step S25). The "operation mode possible by the own device" described in step S24 is not a master unit or a slave unit, and may be a third mode. Further, if the result is NO in step S22, the wireless communication device 200 may transmit the response information to the effect that the setting based on the setting information is impossible without executing the operation of step S24 to the server 100. good. Alternatively, if NO in step S22, the wireless communication device 200 indicates response information (for example, the radio field strength of the first communication method or the radio wave strength of the second communication method) to suggest a possible execution mode. Information etc.) may be transmitted to the server 100.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the FAN is provisionally configured based on the position information and the administrator information of the wireless communication device 200, and the FAN configuration is determined based on the response information. Therefore, the FAN can be configured in consideration of the actual surrounding environment.

It should be noted that the setting unit 114 sets new device information by the acquisition unit 112 for the setting of the confirmation group configured as FAN (that is, a series of processes by the selection unit, the communication control unit, and the setting unit among the above-mentioned functional units). It may be done when it is obtained. This will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8A, it is assumed that when the FAN 12 is configured and operated, a meter equipped with a wireless communication device 200f is newly installed. In this case, the acquisition unit 112 acquires the device information of the wireless communication device 200f, and the selection unit 113 selects the wireless communication devices 200a to 200d and the wireless communication device 200f as one provisional group. The selection unit 113 selects a wireless communication device to function as a master unit from the wireless communication devices 200a to 200f, and generates setting information for setting a multi-hop communication circuit having the master unit as the apex. The generated setting information is transmitted to each wireless communication device 200a to 200f, and each wireless communication device 200a to 200f attempts to establish a communication path based on the setting information, and transmits response information regarding the constructed FAN 14 to the server 100. do. In the example of FIG. 8B, the FAN 14 using the wireless communication device 200f as a new master unit is constructed. Then, the storage unit 140 stores information about the new FAN 14.

Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the existing FAN configuration is updated with the participation of a new meter. At that time, since the FAN is tentatively assembled and the FAN is constructed in consideration of the surrounding environment of the meter, it is possible to prevent the power consumption by the circuit having low communication quality.

When new device information is acquired by the acquisition unit 112, the provisional group does not necessarily have to include all the wireless communication devices constituting the existing FAN, and the new wireless communication device 200f and the existing FAN A provisional group may be formed with some wireless communication devices constituting the above.

Further, when new device information is acquired by the acquisition unit 112, the server 100 may use only the added new wireless communication device 200f as a provisional member. For example, the server 100 transmits setting information for functioning as a slave unit only to the wireless communication device 200f. The wireless communication device 200f can try to establish communication according to the setting information transmitted from the server 100 and return the response information to the server 100. If the establishment of communication fails, the first communication method (WAN) may be set to directly communicate with the server 100, or a process for incorporating into another FAN may be tried.

Here, the criteria for selecting which wireless communication device is selected as the next master unit when the master unit is replaced in FAN will be described. Regardless of the remaining battery level, each wireless communication device 200 is replaced 10 years after its installation. Therefore, as the selection criteria for the master unit, select the next master unit by considering not only the battery level, signal strength, and communication frequency, but also "how many years will the wireless communication device reach 10 years". do. That is, the server 100 selects the master unit based on the remaining battery level, the radio wave strength, the communication frequency, and the number of years since installation. For example, when there are two master unit candidates whose battery level, radio wave strength, and communication frequency are almost equal to each other, the server 100 preferentially selects the wireless communication device 200, which has been installed for a long time, as the master unit. You may.

A specific example will be described. First, it is assumed that there are two wireless communication devices 200G and 200H as candidates for the next master unit, and there is no difference in radio field strength and communication frequency between the two. The wireless communication device 200G is "1 year old (9 years remaining) and 90% remaining battery power", and the wireless communication device 200H is "8 years old (2 years remaining) and 50% remaining battery power". When the remaining battery level is used as a reference, the wireless communication device 200G having a remaining battery level of 90% can be selected as the next master unit. However, the wireless communication device 200H is replaced in the remaining two years, and the phenomenon of consuming all 50% of the battery in the remaining two years is unlikely to occur. On the other hand, the wireless communication device 200G has a long remaining life, and there is a possibility that the radio wave strength will be weakened in the future and a large amount of power will be required for communication. Therefore, when the wireless communication device 200H is selected as the master unit rather than the wireless communication device 200G, the electric power of the entire FAN can be used efficiently.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and modifications based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and a plurality of means, steps, etc. can be combined or divided into one. .. Further, the configurations shown in the above embodiments may be appropriately combined. For example, each component described as being provided in the server 100 may be distributed and realized by a plurality of servers. Further, the process described as the function of the server 100 may be performed by the wireless communication device 200. On the contrary, the processing that is supposed to be performed by the wireless communication device 200 may be performed by the server 100.

Specifically, the remaining battery level of the meter 300, the communication quality of the wireless communication device 200, and the like may be determined by the server 100. Further, the master unit that collects the information of the slave unit may determine the remaining battery level, the communication quality, and the like.

Although one embodiment of the invention according to the present invention has been described, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above description, the mode in which the information about the FAN is stored in the storage unit 140 of the server 100 or the storage unit 240 of the wireless communication device 200 has been described, but the various information is different from the server 100 and the wireless communication device 200. It may be stored as a database in the memory of.

Further, in the above description, the mode in which the multi-hop communication in the FAN is performed in a tree structure has been described, but a mesh structure may be used. Further, the update of the FAN may be performed by a change in the communication quality of the communication path or a change in the operation mode of the wireless communication device 200 as a trigger. Further, the number of wireless communication devices 200 included in the FAN may be updated (divided) with the trigger of reaching the upper limit of the number of individuals constituting the FAN. Furthermore, it may be triggered when the administrator of the meter is changed.

Here, a case where the FAN is updated triggered by a change in the communication quality of the communication path will be described. For example, when the FAN 10A shown in FIG. 1 is configured and operated, the communication quality of the communication path of the wireless communication device 200Aa, which is the master unit, is, for example, the installation of a shield, a decrease in the remaining battery level, or a failure of the device. It is assumed that it has deteriorated due to such factors. This can be detected by, for example, the server 100 from the radio wave strength, device information, and the like. In this case, as described above, the server 100 performs a process of replacing the master unit in the FAN 10A (that is, a process of selecting the master unit based on the remaining battery level, the radio wave strength, the communication frequency, and the number of years since installation). It can be carried out. Alternatively, the selection unit 113 of the server 100 selects a wireless communication device included in the FAN 10A and another wireless communication device that is close in distance as a provisional group, and selects a wireless communication device that functions as a master unit as described above. Then, the setting information for setting the multi-hop communication circuit having the master unit as the apex may be generated. Alternatively, it may be tried whether or not the wireless communication device included in the FAN 10A can be incorporated into another FAN (for example, the FAN 10B in FIG. 1), and if possible, the wireless communication device may be incorporated into the FAN 10B. Although the communication quality of the master unit has been described above, the same processing may be performed for the communication quality of the slave unit. For example, when the communication quality of the upper slave unit deteriorates, the FAN may be updated so that the lower slave unit connected to the slave unit is connected to another slave unit.

It should be noted that the change in the communication quality of the communication path includes not only the deterioration but also the improvement. For example, it is possible that the communication quality of a wireless communication device that could not operate as a master unit due to the presence of a shield such as a wall may be improved by removing the shield. In this case, the server 100 can configure a FAN that operates the wireless communication device as a master unit, or can update the FAN to which the wireless communication device belongs.

Further, a case where the FAN is updated triggered by the change in the operation mode of the wireless communication device 200 will be described. For example, the administrator may switch the wireless communication device that was functioning as a slave unit to the master unit, or switch the wireless communication device that was functioning as the master unit to the slave unit. In this case, when the server 100 receives the information regarding the change of the operation mode of the wireless communication device, the server 100 can update the FAN or configure a new FAN by the above-mentioned processing.

Each functional unit of the server 100 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) or a dedicated circuit formed in an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)) or the like, or may be realized by a CPU (Central). It may be realized by software using a Processing Unit). Further, each functional unit may be realized by one or a plurality of integrated circuits, and the functions of the plurality of functional units may be realized by one integrated circuit.

FIG. 9 shows a hardware configuration showing an example of a computer 20 capable of realizing the server 100 in the present embodiment. When each functional part of the server 100 is realized by software, the server 100 has a CPU 24 that executes an instruction of a program that is software that realizes each function, and the above program and various data are readablely recorded by a computer (or CPU). It is provided with a ROM (Read Only Memory) 26 or a storage device (these are referred to as "recording media") 27, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 25 for developing the above program, and the like. Then, the computer 20 (or CPU 24) reads the program from the recording medium and executes it, thereby achieving the object of the present invention. That is, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention has the communication control unit 111, the acquisition unit 112, the selection unit 113, the setting unit 114, the determination unit 115, and the input / output unit by executing the program loaded on the RAM 25 by the CPU 24. It functions as a control unit 116. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium”, for example, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. Further, the program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) capable of transmitting the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the above program is embodied by electronic transmission.

The above program is, for example, a script language such as ActionScript, JavaScript (registered trademark), Python, Ruby, C language, C ++, C #, Objective-C, Swift, Java (registered trademark), or other object-oriented programming language. It can be implemented using a markup language such as HTML5.

100 server (information processing device)
200 Wireless communication device 300 Meter 400 Network 500 Communication system 10 FAN
11,13 Provisional group FAN
12 Confirmed group FAN
110 Control unit 111 Communication control unit 112 Acquisition unit 113 Selection unit 114 Setting unit 115 Judgment unit 116 Input / output control unit 120 Communication I / F unit 130 Input / output I / F unit 140 Storage unit 50 Shield 210 Control unit 211 Communication control unit 212 Acquisition unit 213 Communication quality acquisition unit 214 Battery level acquisition unit 215 Location information acquisition unit 216 Judgment unit 217 Input / output control unit 220 Communication I / F unit 221 First communication unit 222 Second communication unit 230 Input / output I / F unit 240 storage

Claims (22)

Select at least two wireless communication devices from a plurality of wireless communication devices that can operate as a wireless communication master unit and a wireless communication slave unit, and the wireless communication master unit and the wireless communication slave unit are used. The control unit that sets the provisional group including
To the wireless communication device selected by the control unit, setting information related to the configuration of the provisional group , including at least information about the wireless communication device to be connected, is transmitted, and the wireless communication device to which the setting information is transmitted is transmitted. A communication unit that receives response information regarding the possibility of setting based on the setting information from the communication device, and
Equipped with
The control unit sets a definite group including a wireless communication device that has transmitted response information that setting based on the setting information is possible among a plurality of wireless communication devices included in the provisional group, and sets the provisional group. Of the plurality of wireless communication devices included, another provisional group including the wireless communication device that has transmitted the response information that the setting based on the setting information is not possible is set.
Information processing equipment. The communication unit directly executes communication with the wireless communication master unit included in the confirmed group, and via at least the wireless communication master unit with the wireless communication slave unit included in the confirmed group. To execute communication,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The communication unit transmits information specifying the wireless communication device that operates as the wireless communication master unit and the wireless communication device that operates as the wireless communication slave unit as the setting information to the wireless communication device. As the response information, information regarding which of the wireless communication devices operates is received.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. As the setting information, the communication unit transmits information regarding the priority of the connection destination of the wireless communication device operating as the wireless communication slave unit to the wireless communication device, and the response information is based on the priority. Receive information about the availability of settings,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The control unit includes another provisional group including a wireless communication device that has transmitted response information indicating that the operation cannot be performed in the operation specified in the setting information among the plurality of wireless communication devices included in the provisional group. Set,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The communication unit receives device information about the wireless communication device from the wireless communication device, and receives device information about the wireless communication device.
The control unit sets the provisional group based on the device information.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The device information includes position information regarding the position of the wireless communication device.
The control unit sets the provisional group based on the position information.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. The device information includes administrator information about the administrator associated with the information transmitted from the wireless communication device.
The control unit sets the provisional group based on the administrator information.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7. The control unit sets up the provisional group that includes at least two wireless communication devices that transmit the administrator information to which the administrator is the same.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 8. The device information includes information regarding a first communication strength in communication with the wireless communication master unit included in the confirmation group.
The control unit sets the determination group when the first communication strength satisfies a predetermined condition.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9. The device information includes information regarding a second communication strength in communication between the wireless communication slave units included in the confirmation group.
The control unit sets the determination group when there is communication in which the second communication strength satisfies a predetermined condition.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10. The device information includes change information regarding a change in the operation of at least one of the wireless communication master unit and the wireless communication slave unit included in the confirmation group.
The control unit sets the confirmation group when the change information is acquired.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11. The communication unit receives device information from the newly installed wireless communication device and receives device information.
The control unit sets a new provisional group when receiving device information from the newly installed wireless communication device.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Select at least two wireless communication devices from a plurality of wireless communication devices that can operate as a wireless communication master unit and a wireless communication slave unit, and use the wireless communication master unit and the wireless communication slave unit . Steps to set up a provisional group, including
A step of transmitting setting information related to the configuration of the provisional group, including at least information about the wireless communication device to be connected to, to the wireless communication device included in the provisional group.
A step of receiving response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information from the wireless communication device to which the setting information is transmitted, and
A step of setting a confirmed group including a wireless communication device that has transmitted response information that the setting is possible based on the setting information among a plurality of wireless communication devices included in the provisional group.
A step of setting another provisional group including a wireless communication device that has transmitted response information that the setting based on the setting information is not possible among a plurality of wireless communication devices included in the provisional group.
Control methods, including. Executes communication directly with the wireless communication master unit included in the confirmed group, and executes communication with at least the wireless communication master unit with the wireless communication slave unit included in the confirmed group. The control method according to claim 14, further comprising a step. For information processing equipment
Select at least two wireless communication devices from a plurality of wireless communication devices that can operate as a wireless communication master unit and a wireless communication slave unit, and use the wireless communication master unit and the wireless communication slave unit . Have a provisional group set up, including
To the wireless communication device included in the provisional group, setting information relating to the configuration of the provisional group , including at least information regarding the wireless communication device to be connected, is transmitted, and the wireless communication to which the setting information is transmitted is transmitted. Receive response information from the device regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information.
Among the plurality of wireless communication devices included in the provisional group, a confirmed group including the wireless communication device that has transmitted the response information that the setting based on the setting information is possible is set.
Among the plurality of wireless communication devices included in the provisional group, another provisional group including the wireless communication device that has transmitted the response information that the setting based on the setting information is not possible is set.
A control program that executes a function. Directly execute communication with the wireless communication master unit included in the confirmation group,
The control program according to claim 16, further executing a function of executing communication with the wireless communication slave unit included in the determination group via at least the wireless communication master unit . A wireless communication device that can operate as a wireless communication master unit and a wireless communication slave unit and operates on either of them.
When operating as the wireless communication master unit, a second communication using a method different from the first communication directly with the information processing device and with another wireless communication device is used. A communication unit that executes the second communication with another wireless communication device when operating as the wireless communication slave unit is provided.
The communication unit
From the information processing device, setting information regarding the configuration of one provisional group including the wireless communication master unit and the wireless communication slave unit is received.
Response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus.
Receives configuration information regarding the configuration of other provisional groups based on the response information.
Wireless communication device. It is a control method of a wireless communication device that can operate as a wireless communication master unit and a wireless communication slave unit and operates on either of them.
When the wireless communication device operates as the wireless communication master unit , the first communication is directly executed with the information processing device, which is different from the first communication with other wireless communication devices. The step of executing the second communication using the method,
When the wireless communication device operates as the wireless communication slave unit, the step of executing the second communication with another wireless communication device and the step of executing the second communication.
A step of receiving setting information regarding the configuration of a provisional group including the wireless communication master unit and the wireless communication slave unit from the information processing device, and
A step of transmitting response information regarding whether or not a setting is possible based on the setting information to the information processing apparatus, and
A step of receiving setting information regarding the configuration of another provisional group from the information processing apparatus based on the response information, and
Control methods, including. A control program for a wireless communication device that can operate as a wireless communication master unit and a wireless communication slave unit and operates on either of them.
To the wireless communication device
When operating as the wireless communication master unit, a method different from the first communication is used directly with the information processing device and with another wireless communication device. Execute the second communication,
When operating as the wireless communication slave unit , the second communication is executed with another wireless communication device.
From the information processing device, setting information regarding the configuration of the provisional group including the wireless communication master unit and the wireless communication slave unit is received.
The response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus.
Receive setting information regarding the configuration of another provisional group based on the response information from the information processing device.
A control program that executes a function. Multiple wireless communication devices that can operate as a wireless communication master unit and a wireless communication slave unit and operate on either side,
A control device that selects at least two wireless communication devices from the plurality of wireless communication devices and sets a provisional group including the wireless communication master unit and the wireless communication slave unit .
The setting information regarding the configuration of the provisional group is transmitted to the wireless communication device selected by the control device, and the response information regarding whether or not the setting is possible based on the setting information is received from the wireless communication device to which the setting information is transmitted. Communication device and
Equipped with
The control device sets a definite group including a wireless communication device that has transmitted response information that can be set based on the setting information among a plurality of wireless communication devices included in the provisional group, and is included in the provisional group. To set another provisional group including a wireless communication device that has transmitted response information that cannot be set based on the setting information among a plurality of wireless communication devices.
Information processing system. The communication device directly executes communication with the wireless communication master unit included in the confirmation group, and communicates with the wireless communication slave unit at least via the wireless communication master unit . Execute,
The information processing system according to claim 21.

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