JP6431799B2 - Wireless communication system, wireless communication program, and wireless connection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, a wireless communication program, and a wireless connection method, and more particularly, for example, a wireless communication system that includes a server device and a plurality of client terminals and performs wireless communication between the server device and the plurality of client terminals. The present invention relates to a wireless communication program and a wireless connection method.

  In recent years, the use of electronic blackboards equipped with a large display with a touch panel has been spreading in conferences and educational sites. There is also known a wireless communication system in which an electronic blackboard and a plurality of mobile terminals (such as notebook PCs and tablet terminals) used by conference participants and students are linked in a wireless LAN environment. In such a wireless communication system, it is common to use an electronic blackboard as a host (server), a plurality of mobile terminals as client terminals, and wirelessly connect them via an access point device.

  For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a wireless communication system and conference support software that perform screen sharing, operation, and file transmission / reception between an electronic blackboard and a plurality of mobile terminals. ing.

“Touch Display Link Version 2.0 Instruction Manual”, [online], November 2014, Sharp Corporation, [searched February 9, 2015], Internet <URL: http://www.sharp.co .jp / business / lcd-display / lineup / touchdisplaylink_feature.html>

  When a large number of client terminals are wirelessly connected to a server, for example, when a large number of people gather in one conference room, a large number of client terminals hang from one access point device. As a result, the access point device becomes congested, communication between the server device and the client terminal is delayed, and screen sharing is interrupted or screen updating is delayed. In order to eliminate such problems, a plurality of access point devices can be installed in the environment in advance according to the maximum number of client terminals that can be connected. Waste occurs when there are few terminals.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel wireless communication system, wireless communication program, and wireless connection method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication system, a wireless communication program, and a wireless connection method capable of smoothly executing wireless connection between a server and a plurality of client terminals without adding an access point device in advance. Is to provide.

A first invention is a wireless communication system including a server and a plurality of client terminals, wherein the server is connected to the number of client terminals that are wirelessly connected to itself, and is wirelessly connected to itself. Terminal selection means for determining the number to be selected as the first client terminal from the client terminals detected by the connected number detection means and selecting the number of first client terminals to be selected; Attribute setting means for setting an attribute for operating as an access point for each of the first client terminals selected by the means, and for each of the first client terminals selected by the terminal selection means, the remaining Grouping means for grouping second client terminals indicating client terminals; It is a line communication system.

In the first invention, the wireless communication system includes a server and a plurality of client terminals, and these servers and the plurality of client terminals are wirelessly connected via one access point device. The server includes a connected number detection means, a terminal selection means, an attribute setting means, a grouping means, etc., and determines and selects the number to be selected as the first client terminal according to the number of client terminals wirelessly connected to itself. The number of first client terminals to be selected is selected, and each of the first client terminals is operated as an access point. Further, the wireless LAN connection is distributed by grouping the second client terminal, which is a client terminal other than the first client terminal, with each of the first client terminals.

According to the first invention, according to the number of client terminals, a part of the client terminals is converted into an access point to increase the data transmission path. Therefore, the access point device can be prevented from becoming congested, and wireless connection between the server and the plurality of client terminals can be executed smoothly.
The second invention is dependent on the first invention, and the terminal selection means is configured such that the number of client terminals detected by the connected number detection means is equal to the predetermined number of second terminals with respect to one first client terminal. The number of first client terminals is determined so that client terminals are allocated.
A third invention is dependent on the first invention, and the grouping means allocates a predetermined number of second client terminals to one first client terminal to form a group, and the connected number detection means If the number detected by (1) is not a multiple of the predetermined number, the second client terminals are distributed among the groups so that the number of second client terminals is balanced among the groups.

A fourth invention is dependent on any one of the first to third inventions, and the server further includes performance information acquisition means for acquiring performance information of the client terminal from each of the client terminals wirelessly connected to the server. The terminal selection unit selects the first client terminal based on the performance information acquired by the performance information acquisition unit.

In the fourth invention, the server further includes performance information acquisition means, and acquires performance information such as CPU capability from each of the client terminals wirelessly connected to the server. Select preferentially as a client terminal.

According to the fourth invention, even if the first client terminal is operated as an access point, it is possible to prevent the first client terminal from causing a problem such as freezing.

The fifth invention is dependent on any one of the first to fourth inventions, and when the number of connections detected by the number-of-connections-detecting means changes, the terminal selection means changes the number of connections according to the number of connections after the change. One client terminal is additionally selected or deselected, and the attribute setting means performs attribute setting for operating as an access point for the first client terminal additionally selected by the terminal selecting means, or selected by the terminal selecting means The attribute setting for operating as an access point in the released first client terminal is released.

In the fifth invention, when the number of client terminals connected to the server changes, the attribute setting is made so that the first client terminal to be operated as an access point is additionally selected or deselected according to the changed number of connected client terminals. Make changes.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately cope with a change in the number of client terminals during operation of the wireless communication system.

A sixth invention is dependent on any one of the first to fifth inventions, and further includes wireless setting selection means for selecting a wireless setting used in the first client terminal.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication device further includes wireless setting selection means for selecting wireless settings such as a wireless standard and a frequency band used in the first client terminal. For example, the wireless setting in each first client terminal (that is, each group) is selected so as not to overlap with other electronic devices and other first client terminals existing in the environment as much as possible.

According to the sixth aspect , each client terminal can more appropriately perform wireless communication with the server without causing radio wave interference.

The seventh invention is dependent on any one of the first to sixth inventions, and data communication with the server is performed by the first client terminal, and the second client terminal is grouped into the same group by the grouping means. Data communication is performed with the first client terminal.

In the seventh invention, data communication with the server is performed only by the first client terminal, and the second client terminal performs data communication with the first client terminals grouped in the same group. That is, the access destination of the second client terminal is the first client terminal, and the data flow itself is relayed by the first client terminal.

According to the seventh aspect , since the number of client terminals that access the server is reduced, the load on the server can be reduced. Such an effect is particularly significant when file data is distributed from the server to each client terminal.

An eighth invention is a wireless communication system including a server and a plurality of client terminals, the server connection number detecting means for detecting the number of client terminals which are themselves wirelessly connected, is itself a wireless connection Terminal selection means for determining the number to be selected as the first client terminal from the client terminals detected by the connected number detection means and selecting the number of first client terminals to be selected; Attribute setting means for setting attributes for operating as a second server for each of the first client terminals selected by the means, and for each of the first client terminals selected by the terminal selection means, the remaining Grouping means for grouping the second client terminal indicating the client terminal, and between the server A wireless communication system in which data communication is performed by a first client terminal that operates as a second server, and the second client terminal performs data communication with first client terminals that are grouped by the grouping unit. It is.

In the eighth invention, the wireless communication system includes a server and a plurality of client terminals, and these servers and the plurality of client terminals are wirelessly connected via one access point device. The server includes a connected number detection means, a terminal selection means, an attribute setting means, a grouping means, etc., and determines and selects the number to be selected as the first client terminal according to the number of client terminals wirelessly connected to itself. The number of first client terminals to be selected is selected, and each of the first client terminals is operated as a second server. Further, a second client terminal that is a client terminal other than the first client terminal is grouped for each of the first client terminals. Data communication with the server is performed only by the first client terminal, and the second client terminal performs data communication with the first client terminal grouped in the same group. That is, the access destination of the second client terminal is the first client terminal, and the data flow itself is relayed by the first client terminal.

According to the eighth aspect , since the number of client terminals that access the server is reduced, the load on the server can be reduced. Such an effect is particularly significant when file data is distributed from the server to each client terminal.

A ninth aspect of the invention, in a wireless communication system including a server and a plurality of client terminals, when the number of client terminals which are wirelessly connected to the server is the first predetermined number or more, the response to the first predetermined number of 1 The wireless communication system is characterized in that the number of client terminals to be selected is determined, and the number of first client terminals to be selected is operated as an access point.

In a ninth aspect , the wireless communication system includes a server and a plurality of client terminals, and these servers and the plurality of client terminals are wirelessly connected via one access point device. In this wireless communication system, when more than a first predetermined number of client terminals are wirelessly connected to a server, the number to be selected as the first client terminal is determined according to the first predetermined number, and the number to be selected The first client terminal is selected to operate as a wireless LAN access point, thereby distributing the wireless LAN connection.

According to the ninth invention, when the number of client terminal is the first predetermined number or more, increasing the data transmission path to the access point of the base number of the client terminal in response thereto. Therefore, the access point device can be prevented from becoming congested, and wireless connection between the server and the plurality of client terminals can be executed smoothly.

A tenth invention is a wireless communication program executed by a server in a wireless communication system including a server and a plurality of client terminals, the number of connected terminals detecting the number of client terminals wirelessly connected to the server. The number of first client terminals to be selected is determined by determining the number to be selected as the first client terminal according to the number detected by the connected number detection means from the client terminals wirelessly connected to the detection means. A terminal selection unit that selects the first client terminal selected by the terminal selection unit, an attribute setting unit that sets an attribute for operating as an access point, and a first client selected by the terminal selection unit For each terminal, a second client indicating the remaining client terminals. To function as a grouping means for grouping the Ianto terminal, a wireless communication program.

According to the tenth invention, as in the first invention, since a part of the client terminal is converted into an access point and the data transmission path is increased, the wireless connection between the server and the plurality of client terminals is smoothly executed. it can.

An eleventh aspect of the invention is a wireless connection method executed by a server in a wireless communication system including a server and a plurality of client terminals, the step (a) detecting the number of client terminals wirelessly connected to itself. b) From among the client terminals wirelessly connected to itself, the number to be selected as the first client terminal is determined according to the number detected in step (a), and the first client terminal to be selected is selected. (C) setting an attribute to operate as an access point for each of the first client terminals selected in step (b), and (d) the first client selected in step (b) For each terminal, a second client terminal indicating the remaining client terminals is grouped. Comprising the steps of a wireless connection.

According to the eleventh aspect , as in the first aspect, since a part of the client terminal is converted into an access point to increase the data transmission path, the wireless connection between the server and the plurality of client terminals is smoothly executed. it can.

  According to the present invention, according to the total number of client terminals, a part of the client terminals is converted into an access point to increase the data transmission path. Therefore, the access point device can be prevented from becoming congested, and wireless connection between the server and the plurality of client terminals can be executed smoothly.

  The above object, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

It is an illustration figure which shows the initial state of the radio | wireless communications system which is 1st Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the electronic blackboard shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the client terminal shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows typically a mode that the 1st client terminal was selected in the radio | wireless communications system of FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows typically a mode that the 2nd client terminal was grouped with respect to the 1st client terminal in the radio | wireless communications system of FIG. FIG. 2 is an illustrative view schematically showing a state in which the first client terminal functions as an access point in the wireless communication system of FIG. 1. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the memory map of RAM of the electronic blackboard shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of a terminal function table. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the memory map of RAM of the client terminal shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the radio | wireless communication process which CPU of the electronic blackboard shown in FIG. 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the radio | wireless communication process which CPU of the client terminal shown in FIG. 3 performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the radio | wireless communication process which CPU of an electronic blackboard performs in the radio | wireless communications system which is 2nd Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows typically the access destination of the radio | wireless communication in the radio | wireless communications system which is 3rd Example of this invention.

[First embodiment]
Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an electronic blackboard system including an electronic blackboard 12, a plurality of client terminals 14, and an access point device 16 for a wireless LAN. Or it is applied to the environment where a plurality of users gather, such as an education field. In the wireless communication system 10, the electronic blackboard 12 and the plurality of client terminals 14 are wirelessly connected via one access point device 16. Then, between the electronic blackboard 12 functioning as a server and the plurality of client terminals 14, screen sharing or operation is performed, and files are transmitted and received.

  The electronic blackboard 12 is also referred to as an interactive whiteboard (IWB), and includes a large display 22 having a touch panel 20 provided on a display surface, and a control device (computer) 24 for controlling them. The display 22 of the electronic blackboard 12 is arranged at a position such as a wall near a conference participant or student in a conference room or classroom. Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the electronic blackboard 12 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 is a general-purpose computer and includes a CPU 30. A RAM 32, HDD 34, touch panel control circuit 36, display control circuit 38, wireless communication circuit 40, and the like are connected to the CPU 30 via a bus 44. The touch panel 20 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 36, and the display 22 is connected to the display control circuit 38.

  The control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 may be built in a housing that holds the touch panel 20 and the display 22, or may be provided separately from the housing (that is, an external computer). May be).

  The CPU 30 governs overall control of the electronic blackboard 12 and overall control of the wireless communication system 10. The RAM 32 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 30. The HDD 34 is a non-volatile memory that stores a control program such as an operating system of the electronic blackboard 12 and various application software, and stores various data used in the electronic blackboard 12 and the wireless communication system 10. For example, the control program stored in the HDD 34 includes a screen sharing program (for example, “Touch Display Link”, which is conference support software manufactured by Sharp Corporation) for sharing a screen with another computer in a wireless LAN environment. included.

  The CPU 30 writes (stores) the control program and data read from the HDD 34 in the RAM 32 and executes control of each part constituting the electronic blackboard 12 according to the control program stored in the RAM 32. However, instead of the HDD 34, other nonvolatile memory such as ROM or flash memory may be provided.

  The touch panel control circuit 36 applies necessary voltage and the like to the touch panel 20, detects a touch operation (touch input) within the touch effective range of the touch panel 20, and outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch operation to the CPU 30. Output to. The CPU 30 generates image data such as handwritten characters or figures drawn by the user based on the touch coordinate data input from the touch panel control circuit 36, or determines which function button the user touched. .

  The touch panel 20 is a general-purpose touch panel provided on the display surface of the display 22, and an arbitrary system such as a capacitance system, an electromagnetic induction system, a resistance film system, and an infrared system can be used. In the first embodiment, a capacitive touch panel is used as the touch panel 20. The user operates the touch panel 20 with an electronic pen or a fingertip. The electronic blackboard 12 may be provided with a hardware key such as an operation panel, or a hardware keyboard or the like, as other input means, in addition to the touch panel 20.

  The display control circuit 38 includes a GPU and a VRAM. Under the instruction of the CPU 30, the GPU uses the drawing data 74a and the image generation data 74b (see FIG. 7) stored in the RAM 32 to generate display image data to be displayed on the display 22 in the VRAM, and generates the generated display. The image data is output to the display 22. Therefore, for example, an image such as a character or a graphic input by the user by a touch operation is displayed on the display 22.

  As the display 22, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be used.

  The wireless communication circuit 40 performs wireless communication using radio waves with the client terminal 14 via the access point device 16 connected by wire or wirelessly. That is, the radio communication circuit 40 modulates communication data to the client terminal 14 into a radio signal (radio wave signal) and transmits it from the antenna, and receives a radio signal from the client terminal 14 by the same antenna and converts it into communication data. Demodulate.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the client terminal 14 is a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, and includes a display 52 provided with a touch panel 50 on a display surface. Basically, the client terminal 14 is assumed to be a terminal that a conference participant or student brings into the conference room or classroom. However, the client terminal 14 may include not only a portable mobile terminal but also a stationary terminal. In addition, the client terminal 14 does not necessarily include the touch panel 50, and may include only other input means such as a keyboard, a touch pad, or a mouse.

  Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the client terminal 14 will be described. However, since the display 52 is substantially the same as the configuration of the electronic blackboard 12 except that the display 52 is not large, overlapping description will be omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the client terminal 14 includes a CPU 54 that governs overall control of the client terminal 14. A RAM 56, HDD 58, touch panel control circuit 60, display control circuit 62, communication circuit 64, and the like are connected to the CPU 54 via a bus 66. A touch panel 50 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 60, and a display 52 is connected to the display control circuit 62. The CPU 54 writes a control program such as an operating system and various application software read from the HDD 58 and data to the RAM 56, and executes control of each part constituting the client terminal 14 according to the control program stored in the RAM 56.

  For example, the control program stored in the HDD 58 includes a screen sharing program for screen sharing with other computers in a wireless LAN environment.

  The control program stored in the HDD 58 includes an AP program for operating as an access point (AP). That is, the client terminal 14 has a Soft AP function for operating as a wireless LAN access point. However, not all the client terminals 14 that are wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12 are necessarily required to have the Soft AP function.

  In such a wireless communication system 10, the electronic blackboard 12 and the plurality of client terminals 14 are wirelessly connected via the access point device 16 as described above. Then, by using a screen sharing program or the like, screen sharing or operation, or file transmission / reception is performed between the electronic blackboard 12 and the plurality of client terminals 14 by wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method or the like. Or do.

  Hereinafter, basic functions of the screen sharing program will be described. However, since the screen sharing program is a known technique, only a brief description will be given here. In the wireless communication system 10, the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 is a server (host), and each client terminal 14 is a client.

  When starting the screen sharing program, the electronic blackboard 12 (control device 24) starts the screen sharing program as a host. On the other hand, in each client terminal 14, a screen sharing program is started as a client. At this time, if each client terminal 14 designates a connection destination host (that is, the electronic blackboard 12) and makes a connection request, various authentication processes necessary for establishing a wireless connection are executed, and the electronic blackboard 12 and each client A wireless connection via the access point device 16 is established with the terminal 14.

  When an operation related to screen sharing is performed in a state where a wireless connection is established between the electronic blackboard 12 and each client terminal 14, processing corresponding to the operation is executed. For example, when a screen operation of the display 22 is performed on the electronic blackboard 12 as a host, the screen information (screen sharing data) is transmitted (transmitted) to each client terminal 14 through the wireless LAN via the access point device 16. As a result, the screen is shared and displayed on the display 52 of each client terminal 14. The transmitted screen information is stored in each client terminal 14. Here, the screen information refers to image data displayed on a screen such as presentation software and image data such as handwritten characters and figures drawn on the screen by the user.

  In the screen sharing program, screen information such as characters written on the screen of the display 52 in each client terminal 14 can be reflected on the display 22 of the electronic blackboard 12 or can be reflected on the display 22 of the electronic blackboard 12. Instead, it can be displayed only on the display 52 of the written client terminal 14. As for the former function, for example, a school teacher gives an arithmetic problem on the electronic blackboard 12, a student writes an answer to the problem on the client terminal 14, and the written answer is reflected on the display 22 of the electronic blackboard 12. Used when teachers and other students check. The latter function is used when, for example, the student saves the contents written on the electronic blackboard 12 on the electronic blackboard 12 together with the memorandum on the client terminal 14.

  Furthermore, in the screen sharing program, not only screen sharing but also file sharing in which file data is distributed from the electronic blackboard 12 to each client terminal 14 is possible.

  Here, when a large number of client terminals 14 are wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12 (control device 24), the access point device 16 becomes congested, and communication between the electronic blackboard 12 and the client terminals 14 becomes slow. , Screen sharing may be interrupted or screen update may be delayed.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, when a large number of client terminals 14 are wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12, several client terminals 14 are selected and operated as wireless LAN access points. Distribute wireless LAN connections. That is, the access point device 16 is prevented from becoming congested by making the client terminal 14 an access point and increasing the data transmission path.

  Of the client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12, the client terminal 14 that operates as an access point is referred to as “first client terminal 14a”, and the remaining client terminals 14 that are not operated as access points are referred to as “first client terminal 14a”. 2 client terminal 14b ". However, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, they are collectively described as “client terminal 14”.

  Specifically, when the total number of client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 20 or more), the CPU 30 of the electronic blackboard 12 determines a predetermined number according to the total number. The number of client terminals 14 is selected as the first client terminal 14a, and the remaining client terminals 14 are set as the second client terminals 14b.

  The ratio between the number of first client terminals 14a and the number of second client terminals 14b is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 1: 4 to 6. In the first embodiment, the number of first client terminals 14a is determined so that five second client terminals 14b are allocated to one first client terminal 14a. If the total number of client terminals 14 is not a multiple of 6, adjustment may be made by reducing the number of second client terminals 14b.

  For example, when 50 client terminals 14 are wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12 as shown in FIG. 1, the number of first client terminals 14a is determined to be 9 as shown in FIG. , Nine first client terminals 14a are selected (selected) from among the fifty client terminals 14. The remaining 41 client terminals 14 are defined as second client terminals 14b. In FIG. 4, for easy understanding, the items selected by the first client terminal 14 a are marked with a circle.

  The first client terminal 14a may be randomly selected from the client terminals 14, but in the first embodiment, the client terminal 14 having high performance as a computer is selected as the first client terminal 14a. Some client terminals 14 have insufficient performance to operate as an access point. When a low-performance client terminal 14 is operated as an access point, the client terminal 14 freezes, etc. This is because there is a risk of malfunction.

  Specifically, each client terminal 14 extracts and stores its performance information. The control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 instructs each client terminal 14 to transmit the performance information of the client terminal 14 itself, and collects and stores the performance information from each client terminal 14. Here, the performance information of the client terminal 14 includes information such as CPU capability, CPU usage rate, memory capacity (RAM), and memory usage rate determined from the type of mounted CPU and the speed of the number of clocks (see FIG. 8).

  First, the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 preferentially selects the client terminal 14 having a high CPU capability as the first client terminal 14a. As the CPU capability, a value that is uniquely quantified based on the type of the mounted CPU (CPU 54) or the like may be used, or an evaluation value obtained by an existing performance evaluation tool (for example, an experience index of Windows (registered trademark)) may be used. It may be used. Even if the CPU capability is high, the capability is reduced when other tasks are being executed, so the CPU usage rate is also taken into consideration. For example, when the CPU usage rate is 10%, the CPU capability multiplied by the unused rate of 90% is used as the actual CPU capability. Then, the first client terminal 14a is selected in order from the actual client terminal 14 having a high CPU capability. Note that the client terminal 14 having a CPU usage rate of 80% or more is likely to be defective when converted to an AP, and is therefore excluded from the candidates for the first client terminal 14a.

  If there is a client terminal 14 having the same CPU capability, the one with a large capacity of the mounted memory (RAM 56) is preferentially selected. In this case as well, the memory usage rate should be considered. That is, if the memory capacity multiplied by the memory unused rate is used as the actual memory capacity, and the CPU capacity is the same, the client terminal 14 having the larger actual memory capacity is used as the first client terminal 14a. select.

  In addition, the performance information of the client terminal 14 includes information on the presence / absence of the AP function and information regarding AP approval. Client terminals 14 that do not have an AP function, that is, in which an AP program is not installed, are excluded from candidates for the first client terminal 14a even if the CPU capability is high. In the first embodiment, the user of each client terminal 14 can select whether or not to approve the use of the client terminal 14 as an access point. The client terminal 14 that is not approved for AP conversion (AP conversion is rejected) is excluded from candidates for the first client terminal 14a even if the CPU capability is high. For example, when the state in which AP conversion is permitted is set as an initial state and the user refuses to AP his / her own client terminal 14, the setting is changed to the state to be rejected by the user performing an input operation. To be done. However, the electronic blackboard 12 may forcibly select the first client terminal 14a regardless of the user's approval or disapproval.

  When the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 selects a predetermined number of the first client terminals 14a, then, as shown in FIG. 5, the second client terminal 14b is grouped for each of the first client terminals 14a. (Grouping) In the first embodiment, five second client terminals 14b are allocated to one first client terminal 14a to form nine groups. At this time, if the total number of client terminals 14 is not a multiple of 6, that is, if the second client terminal 14b is fractional, the second client terminals 14b are distributed in a balanced manner.

  Note that the performance information of the client terminals 14 (see FIG. 8) includes information related to wireless LAN standards (wireless compatible standards) that can be used by each client terminal 14, and is grouped into the same group. The client terminal 14 is configured to share at least one available wireless LAN standard.

  When the grouping of the second client terminal 14b with respect to each first client terminal 14a is completed, the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 transmits setting information to each client terminal 14. Specifically, setting information including an instruction (command) to turn on the AP function is transmitted to the first client terminal 14a so as to access the first client terminal 14a. Set the attribute to operate as a point. In addition, as setting information, information (grouping information) of the second client terminal 14b grouped into the same group as the first client terminal 14a, information on wireless setting, and the like are also transmitted.

  The wireless setting information transmitted to the first client terminal 14a is used in wireless communication between the first client terminal 14a and the electronic blackboard 12, and with the second client terminal 14b grouped in the same group. It includes information such as wireless LAN standards and frequency bands. The wireless settings in the first client terminals 14a may be the same, but are set so as not to overlap as much as possible. For example, the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 detects (acquires) the frequency and intensity of radio waves existing in the environment of the wireless communication system 10, and communication radio waves and leaked radio waves of other electronic devices in the environment Extract wireless LAN standards and frequency bands that do not cause jamming. Then, from the extracted wireless LAN standards and frequency bands, the wireless LAN standards and frequency bands used by each first client terminal 14a are selected so that they do not overlap as much as possible. 1 is transmitted to the client terminal 14a. Thus, the first client terminals 14a can perform wireless communication without causing radio wave interference with each other. However, the wireless LAN standard selected in each first client terminal 14a is a wireless LAN standard that can be used in common by all client terminals 14 grouped in the same group.

  On the other hand, for the second client terminal 14b, the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 indicates that it is the second client terminal 14b, and the first client terminal 14a grouped in the same group as the second client terminal 14b. Setting information including information (grouping information) and wireless setting information with the first client terminal 14a grouped into the same group is transmitted. The setting information transmitted from the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 is stored in each client terminal 14.

  Each client terminal 14 to which the setting information is transmitted from the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 operates based on the setting information. Specifically, the CPU 54 of each first client terminal 14a sets an AP flag 84d (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, on based on an instruction to turn on the AP function from the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12. Then, an AP program (application software) for operating the first client terminal 14a as an access point is activated. In each second client terminal 14b, the AP flag 84d remains off.

  Further, between the first client terminal 14a and each second client terminal 14b grouped in the same group, the CPU 54 of each client terminal 14 executes various authentication processes necessary for establishing a wireless connection. When this authentication process is completed, a wireless connection according to the wireless setting transmitted from the electronic blackboard 12 is established between the first client terminal 14a and each second client terminal 14b grouped into the same group. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, each of the second client terminals 14b performs wireless communication with the electronic blackboard 12 via the first client terminals 14a and the access point device 16 grouped in the same group. It becomes possible to execute. The first client terminal 14 a functions as an access point, and performs wireless communication with the electronic blackboard 12 via the access point device 16.

  As described above, by operating a part of the plurality of client terminals 14 (first client terminal 14a) as an access point, each first client terminal is not concentrated on one place (access point device 16). 14a. In the above-described example, 50 client terminals 14 connected to one access point device 16 are reduced to nine first client terminals 14a. Therefore, the access point device 16 can be prevented from becoming congested, and wireless connection between the electronic blackboard 12 and the plurality of client terminals 14 can be performed smoothly.

  The operation of the electronic blackboard 12 as described above is realized by the CPU 30 executing a control program stored in the RAM 32 of the control device 24.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the memory map 70 of the RAM 32 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the RAM 32 includes a program storage area 72 and a data storage area 74. The program storage area 72 includes an operation detection program 72a, a display program 72b, a communication program 72c, a screen sharing program 72d, a terminal number detection program 72e, an AP number determination program 72f, a terminal selection program 72g, a terminal grouping program 72h, and a wireless Control programs such as the setting selection program 72i are stored.

  Based on the coordinate data output from the touch panel control circuit 36, the operation detection program 72a detects an operation in which a user is drawing a character or a figure on the touch panel 20 (display surface of the display 22) of the electronic blackboard 12. Or a program for detecting operations on various icons or buttons included in the function button area displayed on the display surface of the display 22 of the electronic blackboard 12. However, the operation detection program 72 a is also a program for detecting an input from a hardware keyboard or mouse connected to the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12 or a hardware operation button provided on the electronic blackboard 12. .

  The display program 72b generates display image data based on the touch coordinate data (drawing data 74a) and the image generation data 74b output from the touch panel control circuit 36, and displays a screen including characters or graphics input by the user. It is a program for displaying on. Further, it is a program for displaying a screen based on the display image data transmitted from the client terminal 14 on the display 22.

  The communication program 72c is a program for communicating with another computer such as the client terminal 14 via the wireless LAN via the access point device 16.

  The screen sharing program 72d is a screen sharing program for the host, and is a program for sharing and operating screens with the client terminal 14 and for transmitting and receiving files.

  The terminal number detection program 72e is a program for detecting the number of client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to itself (the electronic blackboard 12).

  The AP number determination program 72f is a program for determining the number of first client terminals 14a to be operated as an access point based on the number of client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to the AP.

  The terminal selection program 72g is a program for selecting the first client terminals 14a for the number determined by the AP number determination program 72f from the client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to the terminal selection program 72g. In the first embodiment, the terminal selection program 72g collects performance information of each client terminal 14. Then, the client terminal 14 having high performance as a computer is selected as the first client terminal 14a, and the remaining client terminals 14 are selected as the second client terminals 14b.

  The terminal grouping program 72h is a program for grouping the second client terminal 14b with respect to each of the first client terminals 14a.

  The wireless setting selection program 72i is a program for selecting wireless settings such as a wireless LAN standard and frequency band used by each first client terminal 14a, that is, used by each group of client terminals 14. For example, the wireless setting selection program 72i extracts wireless LAN standards and frequency bands that do not overlap with communication radio waves of other electronic devices existing in the environment of the wireless communication system 10. Then, the wireless settings used by the first client terminals 14a are selected from the extracted wireless LAN standards and frequency bands so that the wireless settings used by the first client terminals 14a do not overlap as much as possible.

  The data storage area 74 stores data such as drawing data 74a, image generation data 74b, terminal performance data 74c, and AP number setting data 74d.

  The drawing data 74a is time-series data of touch coordinates detected according to the operation detection program 72a. For example, the drawing data 74a is touch coordinate data for characters and figures input by handwriting by the user using the touch panel 20, and manages a point by a tap or a line by a drag (slide) for each point or line.

  The image generation data 74 b is data such as polygon data or texture data for generating display image data corresponding to various screens displayed on the display 22. The image generation data 74b includes image data for various icons (buttons).

  The terminal performance data 74c is data on performance information of each client terminal 14 collected from each client terminal 14 according to the terminal selection program 72g and used when selecting the first client terminal 14a. FIG. 8 shows an example of a terminal performance table according to the terminal performance data 74c.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the terminal performance table, CPU capacity, CPU usage rate, memory capacity, memory usage rate, wireless compatibility standard, presence / absence of AP function, AP approval, etc. are associated with the terminal ID. be written.

  In the terminal ID column, identification information of the client terminal 14 is described. For example, the MAC address of the client terminal 14 can be used as the terminal ID. However, in FIG. 8, for simplicity, the terminal ID is represented by a three-digit number.

  In the CPU capability column, the basic capability level of the CPU 54 determined from the type of the CPU 54 and the speed of the number of clocks is described. In FIG. 8, as an example, the basic ability that is uniquely quantified based on the type of the CPU 54 and the like is shown. Here, the larger the numerical value, the higher the basic ability. In the CPU usage rate column, the ratio of the currently used CPU capacity is described. The above-described terminal selection program 72g preferentially selects the client terminal 14 having a high actual CPU capability (that is, CPU capability × (100−CPU usage rate)) in consideration of the CPU usage rate as the first client terminal 14a.

  In the column of memory capacity (RAM), the basic capacity (maximum capacity) of the RAM 56 is described. In the memory usage rate column, the ratio of the capacity of the RAM 56 currently used is described. When the actual CPU capability is the same, the above-described terminal selection program 72g selects the client terminal 14 having a large memory capacity (that is, memory capability × (100−memory usage rate)) that can be used at present considering the memory usage rate. The client terminal 14a is preferentially selected.

  In the wireless compatible standard column, a wireless LAN standard that the client terminal 14 supports, that is, an available wireless LAN is described. In FIG. 8, “11a / g / n” indicates that it corresponds to three standards of IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11g, and IEEE802.11n, and “11a / g” indicates IEEE802.11. 11a and IEEE802.11g are supported.

  In the column of presence / absence of the AP function, information regarding the presence / absence of the AP function, that is, whether the AP program is installed is described. Also, in the AP approval column, information on whether or not the user approves the use as an access point, that is, whether the AP is permitted or denied is described. The The above-described terminal selection program 72g excludes the client terminal 14 that does not have the AP function or does not have the AP approval from the candidates for the first client terminal 14a, and the client terminal 14 that has the AP function and has the AP approval. The first client terminal 14a is selected from the list. That is, the client terminal 14 that does not have the AP function or does not have the AP approval is selected as the second client terminal 14b.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the AP number setting data stored in the data storage area 74 is data regarding how many client terminals 14 the first client terminal 14 a is set, that is, the number of first client terminals 14 a. This is data on the ratio with the number of second client terminals 14b.

  The data storage area 74 stores other data necessary for the execution of each control program, and is provided with a timer (counter) or a register necessary for the execution of each control program.

  The operation of the client terminal 14 as described above is realized by the CPU 54 executing the control program stored in the RAM 56 shown in FIG. In addition, about the content similar to the electronic blackboard 12, the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the memory map 80 of the RAM 56. As shown in FIG. 9, the RAM 56 includes a program storage area 82 and a data storage area 84. The program storage area 82 stores control programs such as an operation detection program 82a, a display program 82b, a communication program 82c, a screen sharing program 82d, an application program 82e, and a performance information acquisition program 82f.

  Based on the coordinate data output from the touch panel control circuit 60, the operation detection program 82a detects an operation in which a user is drawing a character or a graphic on the touch panel 50 of the client terminal 14, or displays the display on the client terminal 14. This is a program for detecting operations on various icons or buttons included in the function button area displayed on the display screen 52.

  The display program 82b generates display image data based on the touch coordinate data (drawing data 84a) output from the touch panel control circuit 60 and the image generation data 84b, and displays a screen including characters or graphics input by the user on the display 52. It is a program for displaying on. Further, it is a program for displaying a screen based on the display image data transmitted from the electronic blackboard 12 on the display 52.

  The communication program 82 c is a program for communicating with another computer such as the electronic blackboard 12 via the access point device 16 by wireless LAN. After being selected as the second client terminal 14b, the communication program 82c is a program for communicating with the electronic blackboard 12 via the wireless LAN via the first client terminal 14a and the access point device 16.

  The screen sharing program 82d is a client screen sharing program for sharing or operating a screen with the electronic blackboard 12 that is the host of the screen sharing program, and for transmitting and receiving files. It is a program.

  The AP program 82e is a program for operating itself as a wireless LAN access point.

  The performance information acquisition program 82f is its own performance information, that is, information such as its own terminal ID, CPU capability, CPU usage rate, memory capacity, memory usage rate, wireless compatible standard, presence / absence of AP function, and AP approval. It is a program for extracting.

  The data storage area 84 stores data such as drawing data 84a, image generation data 84b, performance data 84c, and AP flag 84d.

  The drawing data 84a is time-series data of touch coordinates detected according to the operation detection program 82a. The image generation data 84b is data such as polygon data or texture data for generating display image data corresponding to various screens displayed on the display 52.

  The performance data 84c is data about its own performance information such as the terminal ID and CPU capability acquired by the performance information acquisition program 82f.

  The AP flag 84d is a flag for determining whether it is the first client terminal 14a or the second client terminal 14b, that is, a flag for determining whether to activate the AP function. The AP flag 84d is switched on / off in accordance with an instruction from the control device 24 of the electronic blackboard 12.

  Next, wireless communication processing executed in the wireless communication system 10 as described above will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a wireless communication process on the server (host) side executed by the CPU 30 of the electronic blackboard 12. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of wireless communication processing on the client terminal side executed by the CPU 54 of each client terminal 14.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 30 of the electronic blackboard 12 starts the server side wireless communication process when the host screen sharing program is activated. First, in step S1, the number of connected client terminals 14 is detected. That is, the CPU 30 detects the number of client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to itself via the access point device 16.

  In the next step S3, it is determined whether or not the number of connected client terminals 14 detected in step S1 is a predetermined number (for example, 20) or more. If “NO” in the step S 3, that is, if the number of connected client terminals 14 is less than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to a step S 17 as it is and wirelessly connected to each client terminal 14 via the access point device 16. Through communication, screen sharing processing such as screen sharing or operation, or file transmission / reception is performed. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S3, that is, if the number of connected client terminals 14 is equal to or larger than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to a step S5.

  In step S5, the number of first client terminals 14a (second predetermined number) to be operated as an access point is determined based on the total number (first predetermined number) of connected client terminals 14. For example, the CPU 30 calculates the number of first client terminals 14a at a ratio of one first client terminal 14a per six client terminals 14.

  In the next step S7, the performance information of the connected client terminal 14 is acquired. For example, the CPU 30 transmits a request signal (performance inquiry) for transmitting performance information to each connected client terminal 14 and collects performance information transmitted from each client terminal 14 accordingly.

  In subsequent step S9, the first client terminals 14a corresponding to the number determined in step S5 are selected based on the performance information of each client terminal 14 acquired in step S7. For example, the CPU 30 sets the second predetermined number of client terminals 14 having a high CPU capability among the client terminals 14 having the AP function and approval of the AP function as the first client terminals 14 a, and the remaining client terminals 14. Are selected as the second client terminal 14b.

  In subsequent step S11, the grouping of the first client terminal 14a and the second client terminal 14b is determined. For example, the CPU 30 performs grouping so that five second client terminals 14b are in the same group with respect to one first client terminal 14a.

  In step S13, setting information is transmitted to the first client terminal 14a. That is, the CPU 30 transmits an instruction to turn on the AP function, information on the second client terminal 14b grouped in the same group, wireless settings such as a frequency to be used, and the like to the first client terminal 14a. In step S15, setting information is transmitted to the second client terminal 14b. That is, the CPU 30 transmits information on the first client terminal 14a grouped into the same group, wireless settings such as a frequency to be used, and the like to the second client terminal 14b.

  Through the processing in steps S13 and S15, as shown in FIG. 11 described later, the first client terminal 14a operates as an access point. In addition, processing for establishing a wireless connection between the first client terminal 14a and the second client terminal 14b grouped into the same group is executed. That is, each of the second client terminals 14b performs wireless communication with the electronic blackboard 12 via the first client terminals 14a and the access point device 16 grouped into the same group.

  When the processes of step S13 and step S15 are completed, the process proceeds to step S17 to perform a screen sharing process and the like. That is, the CPU 30 communicates with each first client terminal 14a by wireless communication via the access point device 16 and with each second client terminal 14b, the first client terminal 14a and the access point device 16. Through screen-sharing processing, such as screen sharing or operation, and file transmission / reception are performed by wireless communication via.

  In step S19, it is determined whether there is an end command. That is, the CPU 30 determines whether or not an end command for ending the host screen sharing program has been input by the user (operator of the electronic blackboard 12). If “NO” in the step S19, that is, if there is no end command, the process returns to the step S17 to continue the screen sharing process.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S19, that is, if there is an end command, the process proceeds to a step S21, and an instruction to turn off the AP function is transmitted to the first client terminal 14a. finish. That is, when the screen sharing program is terminated at the end of the conference, the AP function of the first client terminal 14a is turned off.

  Next, processing on each client terminal 14 side will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 54 of each client terminal 14 starts wireless communication processing on the client terminal side when the screen sharing program for the client terminal is activated. First, in step S31, data about its own performance information such as the terminal ID and CPU capability is extracted and stored in the RAM 56 or the like.

  In the next step S33, it is determined whether or not there is a performance inquiry from the server (electronic blackboard 12). If “NO” in the step S 33, that is, if there is no performance inquiry from the electronic blackboard 12, the process proceeds to the step S 45 as it is, and the screen is shared with the electronic blackboard 12 through the wireless communication via the access point device 16. Or perform screen sharing processing such as operations, and send and receive files. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S33, that is, if there is a performance inquiry from the electronic blackboard 12, the process proceeds to a step S35. In this step S35, its own performance information is transmitted to the electronic blackboard 12.

  In a succeeding step S37, it is determined whether or not the setting information as the first client terminal 14a is received from the electronic blackboard 12. That is, the CPU 54 determines whether or not setting information including an instruction to turn on the AP function has been received from the electronic blackboard 12.

  If “YES” in the step S37, that is, if the setting information from the electronic blackboard 12 is for the first client terminal 14a, the process proceeds to a step S39. In step S39, the AP function is turned on based on the setting information received in step S37, that is, the AP flag 84d is turned on, and the application program is started. In addition, a wireless connection is established with each second client terminal 14b grouped into the same group.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S37, that is, if the setting information from the electronic blackboard 12 is not as the first client terminal 14a, the process proceeds to a step S41. In step S41, it is determined whether setting information as the second client terminal 14b is received from the electronic blackboard 12.

  If “NO” in the step S41, that is, if the setting information from the electronic blackboard 12 is not as the second client terminal 14b, the process proceeds to a step S45. If “YES” in the step S41, that is, if the setting information from the electronic blackboard 12 is the second client terminal 14b, the process proceeds to a step S43. In this step S43, based on the setting information received in step S37, a wireless connection is established with each first client terminal 14a grouped into the same group.

  When the wireless connection is established between the first client terminal 14a and the second client terminal 14b grouped in the same group by the process of step S39 or step S43, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the first client terminal 14a operates as an access point and performs wireless communication with the electronic blackboard 12 via the access point device 16 to perform screen sharing processing such as screen sharing or operation. And send / receive files. Further, the second client terminal 14b performs wireless communication with the electronic blackboard 12 via the first client terminal 14a and the access point device 16, and performs screen sharing processing such as screen sharing or operation, Send and receive.

  In step S47, it is determined whether there is an end command. That is, the CPU 54 determines whether or not an end command for ending the screen sharing program for the client terminal has been input by the user (the operator of the client terminal 14). If “NO” in the step S47, that is, if there is no end command, the process returns to the step S45 to continue the screen sharing process. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S47, that is, if there is an end command, the entire process is ended.

  According to the first embodiment, according to the total number of client terminals 14 connected to the electronic blackboard 12, a part of the client terminals 14 is converted into access points to increase the number of access points (that is, data transmission paths). The access point device 16 can be prevented from becoming congested, and wireless connection between the electronic blackboard 12 and the plurality of client terminals 14 can be performed smoothly.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, since the client terminal 14 having high performance as a computer is preferentially selected as the first client terminal 14a, even if the first client terminal 14a is converted into an access point, the first client terminal 14a It is possible to prevent problems such as freezing.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the wireless settings in each first client terminal 14a (that is, each group) are selected so as not to overlap with other electronic devices and other first client terminals 14a as much as possible. Each client terminal 14 can more appropriately wirelessly communicate with the electronic blackboard 12 without causing radio wave interference.

[Second Embodiment]
When the number of client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to the server (electronic blackboard 12) changes, the wireless communication system 10 according to the second embodiment operates as an access point according to the number of connected terminals after the change. The point that one client terminal 14a is added or reduced is different from the first embodiment described above. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the wireless communication system 10 of the first embodiment, and therefore, contents different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

  Briefly, in the first embodiment described above, when the screen sharing program is started, first, the number of connected client terminals 14 is detected, and thereafter the number of connected client terminals 14 does not change. As a result, screen sharing processing was executed. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the number of connected client terminals 14 is detected every predetermined time (that is, always monitored) while the screen sharing program is activated. Then, when the number of connected client terminals 14 changes, the attribute setting is changed so that the first client terminal 14a is additionally selected or deselected according to the changed number of connected terminals. At this time, it is preferable that the grouping of the first client terminal 14a and the second client terminal 14b that has already been formed be changed to a minimum.

  For example, when the number of client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12 is increased (added), the second client terminal 14b is less than a predetermined number as shown in FIG. ) When there is a group, the newly connected wirelessly connected client terminal 14 is grouped as a second client terminal 14b in the group having the space. On the other hand, when the number of client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12 is increased and there is no group in which the second client terminals 14b are less than the predetermined number, for example, all of the second client terminals 14b Thus, the attribute having the highest performance as the computer is changed (added and selected) as the first client terminal 14a. Then, the newly connected client terminal 14 forms a new group with the additionally selected first client terminal 14a.

  Further, for example, when the number of client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12 is reduced (disconnected) and the reduced client terminal 14 is the first client terminal 14a, Among all the second client terminals 14b, the one having the highest performance as a computer is additionally selected as the first client terminal 14a. Then, each second client terminal 14b wirelessly connected to the reduced first client terminal 14a forms a new group with the additionally selected first client terminal 14a.

  Further, for example, when the number of client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12 is reduced and the reduced client terminals 14 are the second client terminals 14b of a predetermined number or more, all Among the first client terminals 14a, the attribute setting of the first client terminal 14a having the lowest performance as a computer is canceled (deselected) as the first client terminal 14a, and the attribute is changed to the second client terminal 14b. Then, each second client terminal 14b that is wirelessly connected to the first client terminal 14a that has been deselected is grouped as a second client terminal 14b in a group that has a vacancy. On the other hand, when the number of client terminals 14 wirelessly connected to the electronic blackboard 12 is reduced and the reduced client terminals 14 are the second client terminals 14b having a number less than the predetermined number, for example, the second Only the number of client terminals 14b is reduced, and other group configurations are not changed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of server-side wireless communication processing executed by the CPU 30 of the electronic blackboard 12 in the wireless communication system 10 according to the second embodiment.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 30 of the electronic blackboard 12 executes the process of step S51 following step S19 of FIG. That is, if “NO” in the step S19, the CPU 30 determines whether or not there is a change in the number of connected client terminals 14 in a step S51. If “NO” in the step S51, that is, if there is no change in the number of connected client terminals 14, the process returns to the step S17 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S51, that is, if there is a change in the number of connected client terminals 14, the process returns to the step S5. In the processing of subsequent steps S5 to S15, the selection of the first client terminal 14a and the grouping of the first client terminal 14a and the second client terminal 14b may be performed again from 1, but as described above, The grouping of the first client terminal 14a and the second client terminal 14b that has already been formed is made such that the change is minimized.

  According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a part of the client terminal 14 is converted into an access point according to the total number of client terminals 14 connected to the electronic blackboard 12, and the data transmission path is set. Therefore, the access point device 16 can be prevented from becoming congested, and wireless connection between the electronic blackboard 12 and the plurality of client terminals 14 can be executed smoothly.

  In addition, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to appropriately cope with a change in the number of client terminals 14 during operation of the wireless communication system 10.

[Third embodiment]
The wireless communication system 10 of the third embodiment is different from the above-described first embodiment in that the access destination of the second client terminal 14b is not the electronic blackboard 12 but the first client terminal 14a. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the wireless communication system 10 of the first embodiment, and therefore, contents different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

  In brief, in the first embodiment described above, the access destination of the second client terminal 14b is the electronic blackboard 12 via the first client terminal 14a and the access point device 16. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the access destination of the second client terminal 14b is the first client terminal 14a. At this time, the first client terminal 14a functions as a second server, and the data flow itself is relayed by the first client terminal 14a. In other words, data communication with the electronic blackboard 12 is performed only by the first client terminal 14a, and the second client terminal 14b performs data communication with the first client terminal 14a grouped in the same group.

  According to the third embodiment, the load on the control device 24 (server) of the electronic blackboard 12 can be reduced by reducing the number of client terminals 14 accessing the electronic blackboard 12 itself. Such an effect is particularly significant when file data is distributed from the electronic blackboard 12 to each client terminal 14.

  Here, when the first client terminal 14a functions as the second server as in the third embodiment, the first client terminal 14a does not necessarily have to operate as an access point, and the first client terminal 14a The AP function may remain off. In this case, the CPU 30 of the electronic blackboard 12 performs attribute setting for operating the first client terminal 14a as the second server, instead of setting the attribute for operating the first client terminal 14a as the access point.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an electronic blackboard system including an electronic blackboard is shown as an example of the wireless communication system. However, the wireless communication system according to the present invention does not necessarily include an electronic blackboard. That is, the server in this wireless communication system is not limited to the computer provided in the electronic blackboard, and may be a general-purpose personal computer that does not include a large display or a touch panel.

  Furthermore, the specific numerical values, screen configurations, and the like given in the above-described embodiments are examples, and can be appropriately changed according to actual products.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Wireless communication system 12 ... Electronic blackboard 14 ... Client terminal 14a ... 1st client terminal 14b ... 2nd client terminal 16 ... Access point apparatus 24 ... Control apparatus (server) of an electronic blackboard

Claims (11)

A wireless communication system including a server and a plurality of client terminals,
The server
Connected number detecting means for detecting the number of client terminals wirelessly connected to itself;
The number of the first clients to be selected is determined from among the client terminals wirelessly connected to itself by determining the number to be selected as the first client terminal according to the number detected by the connected number detecting means. A terminal selection means for selecting a terminal;
Attribute setting means for setting an attribute for operating as an access point for each of the first client terminals selected by the terminal selection means, and each of the first client terminals selected by the terminal selection means On the other hand, a wireless communication system comprising grouping means for grouping second client terminals indicating remaining client terminals. The terminal selection means is configured so that a predetermined number of the second client terminals are assigned to a single first client terminal by the number of client terminals detected by the connected number detection means. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the number of one client terminal is determined. The grouping means allocates a predetermined number of the second client terminals to the first client terminal to form a group, and the number detected by the connected number detection means is the predetermined number. 2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the second client terminals are distributed among the groups so that the number of the second client terminals is balanced among the groups when the number is not a multiple of. The server
Further comprising performance information acquisition means for acquiring performance information of the client terminal from each of the client terminals wirelessly connected to itself;
4. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal selection unit selects the first client terminal based on the performance information acquired by the performance information acquisition unit. 5. The terminal selection means, when the number of connections detected by the connection number detection means has changed, according to the number of connections after the change, additionally select or deselect the first client terminal,
The attribute setting means performs attribute setting for causing the first client terminal additionally selected by the terminal selection means to operate as the access point, or the first selection canceled by the terminal selection means The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein an attribute setting for operating as an access point in a client terminal is canceled. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, further comprising wireless setting selection means for selecting a wireless setting to be used in the first client terminal. Data communication with the server is performed by the first client terminal,
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the second client terminal performs data communication with the first client terminal grouped into the same group by the grouping unit. A wireless communication system including a server and a plurality of client terminals,
The server
Connected number detecting means for detecting the number of client terminals wirelessly connected to itself;
The number of the first clients to be selected is determined from among the client terminals wirelessly connected to itself by determining the number to be selected as the first client terminal according to the number detected by the connected number detecting means. A terminal selection means for selecting a terminal;
Attribute setting means for setting an attribute to operate as a second server for each of the first client terminals selected by the terminal selection means;
Grouping means for grouping second client terminals indicating remaining client terminals for each of the first client terminals selected by the terminal selection means;
Data communication with the server is performed by the first client terminal operating as the second server,
The wireless communication system, wherein the second client terminal performs data communication with the first client terminal grouped into the same group by the grouping unit. In a wireless communication system including a server and a plurality of client terminals,
When the number of the client terminals that are wirelessly connected to the server is equal to or greater than a first predetermined number, the number to be selected as the first client terminal is determined according to the first predetermined number, A wireless communication system, wherein the first client terminal is operated as an access point. A wireless communication program executed by the server in a wireless communication system including a server and a plurality of client terminals, the server comprising:
Connected number detecting means for detecting the number of client terminals wirelessly connected to itself;
The number of the first clients to be selected is determined from among the client terminals wirelessly connected to itself by determining the number to be selected as the first client terminal according to the number detected by the connected number detecting means. A terminal selection means for selecting a terminal;
Attribute setting means for setting an attribute for operating as an access point for each of the first client terminals selected by the terminal selection means, and each of the first client terminals selected by the terminal selection means On the other hand, a wireless communication program that functions as grouping means for grouping second client terminals indicating remaining client terminals. A wireless connection method executed by the server in a wireless communication system including a server and a plurality of client terminals,
(A) detecting the number of client terminals wirelessly connected to itself;
(B) determining the number to be selected as the first client terminal from the client terminals wirelessly connected to itself according to the number detected in the step (a), and determining the number of the number to be selected Selecting one client terminal;
(C) setting an attribute to operate as an access point for each of the first client terminals selected in step (b); and (d) the first selected in step (b). A wireless connection method including a step of grouping second client terminals indicating remaining client terminals with respect to each of client terminals.

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