JP2000101578A - Radio network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate the interference between frequent short-time communication and less frequent long-time communication by making a frequency used by a radio remote control system and the frequency used by radio communication connected to the outside different. SOLUTION: A radio frequency used for the communication of a remote controller 1 or a device 2 to be controlled and an external communication means 21 and the radio frequency (frequency for remote control system) used for the communication of the remote controller 1 and the device 2 to be controlled are discriminated and the different frequencies are allocated. Also, the radio frequency used for the communication of a sensor device 11 or a data gathering device 12 and the external communication means 21 and the radio frequency (frequency for telemeter) used for the communication of the sensor device 11 and the data gathering device 12 are discriminated and the different frequencies are allocated. Also, the frequency for the remote control and the frequency for the telemeter can be the same. In such a manner, the frequency of the radio remote control system and a radio telemeter system and the frequency of the radio communication connected to a communication channel are made different.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wireless remote control system including a remote control device and a controlled device, a wireless telemeter system including a sensor device and a data collection device, and an external communication line with at least one of the devices. And an external communication means for connecting wirelessly to the wireless network system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Consider a wireless network system in a home where there is a wireless remote control system, a wireless telemeter system, and external communication means for wirelessly connecting to the wireless system and communicating with the outside via a telephone line. As shown in FIG. 7, there is a wireless remote control system in which a user 101 transmits a control signal (a) from a wireless remote controller 102 to remotely control a water heater 103 (with a built-in wireless adapter 104). Further, there is a wireless telemeter system in which a room temperature state data signal (b) of a room is transmitted from the room temperature sensor 105 every moment, and the air conditioner 106 receives the data signal and controls the air conditioning in a state that is comfortable for the user 101.

As a fusion form of these wireless remote control system and wireless telemeter system, the wireless remote controller 102 is used as a central remote controller, and the room temperature state data from the room temperature sensor 105 is displayed, and the water heater 103 and the air conditioner 106 are controlled in conjunction therewith. .

If the above-mentioned wireless network system is connected to the outside by combining external communication means such as a telephone line, the usage scene will increase. As shown in FIG. 8, if the room temperature state data signal (c) in the room is transmitted from the room temperature sensor 105 to the external communication means 107 and transmitted to the outside of the home through the communication line 108 and the exchange 109, the user is connected to the telephone line. Can use the public telephone / cellular phone 110 to know the room temperature condition in the home while away from home.
Then, if a control signal from outside the home is received by the external communication means 107 through the communication line 108 and the exchange 109 and transmitted to the water heater 103 or the air conditioner 106, remote control from outside can be performed (d) and (e). The user can control the water heater 101 using the public telephone / mobile phone 109 before returning home to perform hot water filling and cooling / heating operations.

When the water heater 103 or the air conditioner 106 fails, a self-diagnosis data signal indicating the failure state is transmitted from the failed device to the external communication means 107 and transmitted to a specified destination through the communication line 108 and the exchange 109. If
It is possible to automatically notify the manufacturer's equipment repair service center 111.

Further, although not shown, the automatic notification at the time of failure can be replaced with security. Instead of a room temperature sensor, a fire alarm and an emergency notification device are drawn, and the security of notifying a relative or other telephone or mobile phone through external communication means when a fire is detected or an emergency is considered a kind of telemeter system and incorporated in a wireless network system be able to.

Here, the external communication means 107 is generally a connection device for a telephone line, and is a T-NCU (Terminal Network).
rk control unit), telephone equipment and F
A composite device with an AX device and a personal computer is conceivable.

The above is not limited to water heaters and air conditioners. Home appliances such as VTRs and washing machines at home, OA appliances such as copiers and registers in offices and shops, and FAs in factories.
In various places such as devices, there are wireless network systems in which an external communication means is combined with a wireless remote control system / wireless telemeter system.

[0009]

When a network system is configured with a wireless remote control system, a wireless telemeter system, and external communication means, it is necessary to operate efficiently in a limited frequency. .

A multi-channel access system (hereinafter referred to as an MCA system) which operates a plurality of frequencies separately for communication control (one channel) and for data communication (multiple channels), such as a conventional cordless telephone, is effective. . In this method, a communication partner is first called out at a communication control frequency, and thereafter, both the sender and the receiver shift to a predetermined data communication frequency to perform data communication. Therefore, the communication frequency
Even if the communication volume is large, it can be divided and allocated to a plurality of data communication frequencies. Further, by restricting the upper limit of the transmission time for the communication control frequency and restricting the transmission time limit for the data communication frequency, it is possible to prevent the communication control frequency from being monopolized by a specific person.

[0011] Such an MCA system requires that all radio systems using the frequency implement this operation method. For a cordless telephone or the like, the operation method of the communication control frequency and the data communication frequency according to a standard such as the Radio Law. Uses the determined frequency. The MCA method is not necessarily effective if there is a radio system that uses these frequencies without using these operating methods, that is, without using the communication control frequency and the data communication frequency.

[0012] In a frequency where the use of the MCA method is not defined by the standard, it is common to select one frequency from a plurality of frequencies and to call a communication partner and perform data communication at that frequency.

The communication frequency of a wireless system as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is one to several tens of times a day for communication between a water heater and a wireless remote controller, and one for communication between an air conditioner and a temperature sensor.
432 per day with three room temperature sensors as one communication at 0 minute intervals
Estimated times. The communication time is about one second at a time.

On the other hand, the communication between the water heater and the air conditioner and the external communication means is performed once a year by a trouble report service, and the checking of the room temperature and remote control of the air conditioner and the water heater on the go are few times a day. However, the communication time is as long as several tens of seconds to several minutes because of waiting for the time until the other party answers by making a call, transmitting data collectively, and confirming operation after device control.

As described above, the communication frequency and the communication time are different between the communication of the wireless remote control system / wireless telemeter system and the communication of the external communication means.

In such a wireless network system, a method is used in which a vacant frequency is selected from a plurality of frequencies and communication is performed at that frequency. If the number of frequencies is not enough, the frequency is monopolized to those that communicate frequently, such as a water heater and a wireless remote control, an air conditioner and a temperature sensor, and the frequency that can be used for remote control by external communication or communication for failure notification is not readily available. The phenomenon occurs. In the case of remote control, communication cannot be performed easily when the operator is in a hurry, and a communication fee is required. In the case of trouble reporting or security, it is too late to be able to communicate when it is necessary to report immediately. Then, once the remote control or the communication of the failure report by the external communication starts, the communication time is long, and during that time, a phenomenon that the frequency usable for the communication of the remote controller or the sensor does not readily become available occurs. This is a problem caused by interference between a system having a high communication frequency and a short communication time and a system having a low communication frequency and a long communication time because the same frequency is used.

As a cause of the insufficient number of frequencies, there is interference with another adjacent wireless network system. For example, a specific low-power radio wave with a transmission output of 10 mW has a wide radio wave reach of several tens to 100 m.
If one home wireless network system is used, it is said that the number is 100 or more in a residential concentrated area.

The above description has been made with reference to a home water heater and an air conditioner as an example. However, not only at home but also in offices, shops, factories, etc., a wireless remote control system / wireless telemeter system and external communication means exist and a wireless network system is provided. This is an issue to be shared when configuring

[0019]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a wireless remote control system comprising a remote control device and a controlled device, and an externally connected wirelessly connected to at least one of the devices. When wireless communication is performed between the device and the external communication means when the communication traffic between the device and the external communication means is different from the communication traffic of the wireless remote control system in the wireless network system including the communication line and the external communication means communicating with the communication line Is different from the frequency used in the wireless remote control system.

According to the above invention, since the frequency used by the wireless remote control system is different from the frequency used by the wireless communication connected to the outside, the communication frequency is large and the communication time is short, and the communication frequency is small and the communication time is long. There is no interference with communication.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention can be embodied in the form described in each claim.

That is, as in the first aspect of the present invention,
When the communication traffic between the device and the external communication means is different from the communication traffic of the wireless remote control system, the frequency used for wireless communication between each device and the external communication means is different from the frequency used in the wireless remote control system. Then, there is no interference between communication with a high communication frequency and short communication time and communication with a low communication frequency and long communication time.

Further, when the communication traffic between the device and the external communication means is different from the communication traffic of the wireless telemeter system as in the second aspect of the present invention, the frequency at which each device and the external communication means perform wireless communication. Is different from the frequency used in the wireless telemeter system.
Then, there is no interference between communication with a high communication frequency and short communication time and communication with a low communication frequency and long communication time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an identification code for identifying a wireless communication with another wireless network system, and a frequency used in the wireless communication is determined to be different depending on the identification code. is there. And
Since the frequency to be used is determined by the identification code, the probability of using the same frequency as other wireless network systems can be reduced only by assigning the identification code. Further, since the devices constituting one wireless network system have the same identification code, there is no need to notify each device of the frequency to be used.

Further, as in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the frequency used in the wireless communication is determined differently by generating a random number. Since the frequency to be used is randomly determined by a random number, the probability of using the same frequency as in other wireless network systems can be reduced. When a plurality of different wireless network systems interfere with each other using the same frequency, the frequency can be changed by generating a random number again.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the frequency is determined by transmitting and receiving frequency setting data to and from external communication means. Further, since the system installer can manage the frequency allocation of a plurality of wireless network systems, the frequency allocation with less interference can be remotely set for each area.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a wireless network system includes a system setting frequency for communicating a frequency used for communication with each device, and the system setting frequency is a wireless remote control system / wireless system. This is different from the frequency used in the telemeter system and the frequency used for wireless communication between each device and the external communication means. Since the system setting frequency is different from the frequency used in the wireless remote control system / wireless telemeter system and the frequency used for wireless communication between the apparatus and the external communication means, there is no interference with the system setting. This allows for a smooth system setup,
There is an advantage that the reliability of the system setting is enhanced, for example, the system setting is not erroneously performed by the wireless signal of the remote control system.

Further, in the wireless network system according to the present invention, the system setting frequencies are all the same in different wireless network systems. And, since the system setting frequency is the same for all wireless network systems, even if the remote control system frequency is changed, the system setting frequency does not change and the new operating frequency is reliably transmitted to other devices in the system. I can let you know.

Further, as in the invention according to claim 8, the wireless network system is provided with a congestion degree monitoring means for monitoring and notifying the congestion degree of the used frequency and for activating a frequency change program. is there. Then, when the congestion degree is high, the notification or the frequency change is performed, so that it is possible to determine and avoid excessive interference of the frequency to be used.

Further, as in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the congestion degree monitoring means receives the identification code included in the transmission signal and monitors the number of wireless network systems using the same frequency. Since the congestion degree is determined based on how many different wireless network systems share the same frequency, excessive interference due to interference with different wireless network systems can be determined and avoided.

Further, as in the invention according to claim 10, the congestion degree monitoring means performs carrier sense before transmission and monitors the number of times when there is a carrier. Then, since the congestion degree is determined in the used / unused state of the frequency at the time of transmission, excessive interference according to the communication frequency and communication time can be determined and avoided.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a wireless network system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In the figure, a remote control is performed by transmitting and receiving a radio signal 3a from a remote control device 1 to a controlled device 2 as a remote control system. The remote control device 1 is roughly composed of the following three. A key input unit / display unit 4 for receiving a key operation of remote control by a user or displaying the key operation content on a liquid crystal display; a wireless adapter unit 5a for transmitting / receiving a wireless signal 3a to perform wireless communication; and a key input unit / display unit And a remote control unit control unit 6 which instructs the wireless adapter unit 5a to transmit by receiving a key operation signal from the wireless adapter unit 4 or instructs the key input / display unit 4 to display contents by receiving a reception signal from the wireless adapter unit 5a. You.

On the other hand, the controlled device 2 is roughly composed of the following three. A wireless adapter unit 5b for transmitting and receiving the wireless signal 3a to perform wireless communication, a device operating unit 7 for performing device operation of the controlled device 2, and controlling the device operating unit 7 by receiving a reception signal from the wireless adapter unit 5b. A controlled device control unit 8 that receives an operation state signal from the device operation unit 7 and instructs the wireless adapter unit 5b to transmit. The remote control device 1 and the controlled device 2 each include a wireless antenna 9a for efficiently transmitting and receiving the wireless signal 3a.

Sensor device 1 as telemeter system
1 transmits and receives a wireless signal 3b to and from the data collection device 12 to perform remote data collection. The sensor device 11 is roughly composed of the following three. A sensor unit 14 for measuring room temperature and outputting measurement data, a wireless adapter unit 5c for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal 3b to perform wireless communication, and a sensor unit 14
And a sensor device control unit 16 which instructs the wireless adapter unit 5c to transmit upon receipt of the measurement data and receives a reception signal from the wireless adapter unit 5c and instructs the sensor unit 14 to request measurement data.

On the other hand, the data collection device 12 has the following three main features.
It is composed of one. A wireless adapter unit 5d that transmits and receives the wireless signal 3b to perform wireless communication, a storage unit / device operating unit 17 that performs a storage operation of measurement data and a device operation of the data collection device 12, and receives a reception signal from the wireless adapter unit 5d. To control the storage / device operation unit 17 or the storage / device operation unit 17
And a data collection device control unit 18 which receives a measurement data request signal from the controller and instructs the wireless adapter unit 5d to transmit. The sensor device 11 and the data collection device 12 each include a wireless antenna 9b for efficiently transmitting and receiving the wireless signal 3b. Regarding the transmission time of the measurement data, there are a method of periodically sending data from the sensor device 11 to the data collection device 12 and a method of periodically requesting the sensor device 11 from the data collection device 12.

The devices constituting the remote control system and the telemeter system described above transmit and receive the radio signal 3c between the external communication means 21 and perform remote control and data collection from the communication line 22. The external communication means 21 is roughly composed of the following three. A wireless adapter unit 5e for transmitting and receiving the wireless signal 3c to perform wireless communication, an external communication transmitting and receiving unit 23 for transmitting measurement data and receiving a control signal according to the communication protocol of the communication line 22, and receiving a signal from the wireless adapter unit 5e. Receiving the received signal from the external communication transmitting / receiving unit 23, and instructing the wireless adapter unit 5 to transmit.
e) and an external communication means control unit 24 for instructing transmission to the e. The external communication means 21 includes a wireless antenna 9c for efficiently transmitting and receiving the wireless signal 3e.

The operation of the wireless network system having the above configuration and the external communication means combined with the wireless remote control system / wireless telemeter system will be described.

8, a remote control device 1 is a wireless remote controller 102, a controlled device 2 is a water heater 103, a sensor device 4 is a room temperature sensor 105, and a data collection device 12.
Is an air conditioner 106. Also, in FIG.
Is 107.

External communication means 21 is combined with the remote control device 1 and the controlled device 2 which are wireless remote control systems, and the remote control device 1 and the external communication means 21 perform wireless communication (or the controlled device 2 and the external communication means). 21 performs wireless communication), and remotely controls the controlled device 2 such as a water heater from an outside place using the communication line 22. That is, the wireless adapters 5a and 5b add the wireless signal 3c in addition to the wireless signal 3a.
Transmission and reception.

The external communication means 21 is connected to the sensor device 11 and the data collection device 12 which are wireless telemeter systems.
And the sensor device 11 and the external communication unit 21 perform wireless communication (or the data collection device 12 and the external communication unit 21 perform wireless communication), so that the communication line 22 is
Use to collect measurement data such as room temperature on the go. That is, the wireless adapters 5c and 5d transmit and receive the wireless signal 3c in addition to the wireless signal 3b.

Here, the frequencies of the radio signals 3a, 3b and 3c that enhance the frequency use efficiency will be described.

First, the remote control device 1 or the controlled device 2
Radio frequency (hereinafter referred to as a communication line connection frequency) used for communication between the remote control device 1 and the controlled device 2 (hereinafter referred to as a remote control system frequency). Different frequencies are assigned to distinguish them. Also, the sensor device 11 or the data collection device 12
A radio frequency (frequency for communication line connection) used for communication between the communication device and the external communication means 21 and a radio frequency (hereinafter, frequency for telemeter system) used for communication between the sensor device 11 and the data collection device 12 are distinguished. Assign different frequencies. The same frequency may be used for the remote control system frequency and the telemeter frequency.

As described above, since the frequency used by the wireless remote control system or the wireless telemeter system is different from the frequency used by the wireless communication connected to the communication line, both wireless communications do not interfere with each other. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the frequency is monopolized to the frequent communication such as the water heater and the wireless remote controller, the air conditioner and the temperature sensor, and the frequency that can be used for the remote control communication by the external communication is not readily available. Further, once the remote control communication by the external communication starts, the communication time is long, so that the problem that the frequency that can be used for the communication of the remote controller or the sensor during the time is not readily available can be solved.

Next, in order to avoid interference with another adjacent wireless network system, the frequency is changed and assigned to each wireless network system. Table 1 is shown as an example. 0 to
9 shows a number group of 9 and channels of a frequency for a remote control system, a frequency for a telemeter system, and a frequency for communication line connection used in the group. In the number 0 group, one and two channels are used for the remote control system frequency and the telemeter system frequency, and 21 channels are used for the communication line connection frequency. If the number groups are different, no interference occurs because the channels used are different.

[0047]

[Table 1]

Some examples of the number group assignment method will be given. Each wireless network system has an identification code for identifying a wireless communication with another wireless network system. The identification code is, for example, a 12-digit decimal number. Devices constituting one wireless network system have the same identification code, and different wireless network systems are managed so as not to have the same identification code.

Therefore, there is a method in which this identification code is used for a frequency number group used in wireless communication, and for example, the last digit (0 to 9) of the identification code is used for the number group.

In this method, the frequency to be used is determined by the identification code, so that there is no other need. Since all devices constituting one wireless network system have the same identification code, each device necessarily uses the same frequency. The probability that another wireless network system uses the same frequency is 1/10.

As another method, there is a method in which random numbers 0 to 9 are generated to determine a number group. According to this method, the frequency to be used is randomly determined by a random number, so that the probability of using the same frequency as that of another wireless network system can be reduced to 1/10, and that a plurality of wireless network systems use the same frequency and cause much interference. At times, the frequency can be changed by generating a random number again.

There is also a method of determining a group number using a part of a specific number. For example, a serial number of the external communication means, a telephone number of the connected communication line, a support member number of the wireless network system, and the like. Conventionally, the frequency used is determined or changed each time by a system installer on site, but can be remotely controlled using external communication means. According to this method, since a system installer can manage the frequency allocation of a plurality of wireless network systems, a frequency allocation with less interference can be remotely set for each area. Further, it is not necessary to prepare a key for frequency setting in the wireless adapter unit.

Here, the system setting frequencies in Table 1 will be described. This is a frequency used for communication with each device at the time of system setting of the wireless network system. For example, when notifying the use frequency newly determined by a random number in a certain device to other devices in the system as described above,
This is used to notify the other devices in the system of the operating frequency given to the external communication means.

Since the system setting frequency is different from the remote control system frequency, the telemeter system frequency, and the communication line frequency, there is no interference with other adjacent wireless network systems during system setting. This has the advantage that the system settings can be smoothly performed, and the reliability of the system settings is improved, for example, the wireless signals of the remote control system are not received and interpreted as the system settings.

Further, the system setting frequencies are all the same in different wireless network systems, and in Table 1, all 31 channels are used regardless of the number group. This means that even if the frequency for the remote control system is changed, the frequency for system setting does not change and the change in the operating frequency can be reliably notified to other devices in the system. Regarding interference with other adjacent wireless network systems, the probability of interference is small because the communication frequency for setting the system is low,
Communication can be identified using the identification code.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the wireless adapter unit 5 common to the remote control device 1, the controlled device 2, the sensor device 11, the data collection device 12, and the external communication means 21 in FIG.

Interface means 51 for inputting and outputting signals to and from the control unit of each device, identification code storage means 52 for storing identification codes of the wireless network system, and wireless adapter control means 55 for exchanging signals with these to control the wireless adapter A transmission signal transmitting means 56 for generating and outputting a transmission signal for wireless communication based on information from the interface means 51 in accordance with an instruction from the wireless adapter control means 55, and modulating and transmitting a transmission signal from the transmission signal transmitting means 56 Transmitting and receiving means 57, a received signal decoding means 58 for demodulating and decoding a signal received by the transmitting and receiving means 57, and outputting the demodulated signal to the wireless adapter control means 55; Carrier sense means for outputting to means 55, transmission signal sending means 56 and reception signal decoding means 58 9, the wireless adapter unit from the frequency switching means 60 for switching the radio frequency transceiver means 57 receives the frequency setting data from the wireless adapter control unit 55 is configured.

In FIG. 2, the frequency used in the communication is determined differently depending on the system-specific identification code stored in the identification code storage means 52. Since all devices constituting one wireless network system have the same identification code, each device necessarily uses the same frequency.

The operation up to transmission when a signal to be transmitted wirelessly is input from the interface means 51 will be described.
The wireless adapter control unit 55 selects the frequency to be transmitted by looking at the contents of transmission from the interface unit 51 and the communication partner. The frequency to be transmitted is a frequency in which the last digit of the identification code stored in the identification code storage means 52 is referred to the group number in FIG. When the last digit of the identification code is 6, 13 channels or 14 for transmission by the wireless remote control system
The channel is 27 channels for transmission for communication line connection. The wireless adapter control unit 55 outputs the setting data of the selected frequency to the frequency switching unit 60, and the transmission frequency of the transmitting / receiving unit 57 is set by the frequency switching unit 60.

In FIG. 3 showing the transmission signal, the transmission signal is a synchronizing signal 7 for obtaining the reception timing on the receiving side.
1. System address (identification code) 72 for identifying the wireless network system, sender address 73 for identifying the sender in the wireless network system, recipient designation address 74 for identifying the recipient, communication data 75. The sender address and the recipient designation address are about two decimal digits, which is smaller than the system address.

In FIG. 2, the signal to be transmitted wirelessly input from the interface means 51 is transmitted from the wireless adapter control means 55 to the transmission signal transmitting means 56 and is included in the communication data. The identification code and other addresses are stored in the identification code storage means 52 and sent to the transmission signal transmission means 56 by the wireless adapter control means 55. The transmission signal sending means 56 adds a synchronization signal to these, and if necessary, adds an error detection code to generate a transmission signal.

Before transmitting a transmission signal, the carrier sense means 59 checks whether the frequency is being used or not used by another wireless device. If it is determined that there is no carrier and it is not used, the transmission signal transmitting means 56 outputs a transmission signal to the transmission / reception means 57, performs transmission control, and transmits the signal. If it is determined that there is a carrier and it is in use, carrier sensing is continued and transmission is performed after the carrier is exhausted.

Next, the operation from receiving a radio signal to outputting a reception signal to the interface means 51 will be described. When transmission is not performed, the transmission / reception means 57 performs reception standby. The reception frequency is a communication line connection frequency of 27 channels in addition to the 13 and 14 channels of the remote control system frequency and the telemeter system frequency. The standby frequency is changed by the frequency switching unit 60 in order of the frequency of the transmission / reception unit 57, for example, every 100 ms (13 channels → 14 channels → 27 channels → 13 channels.
・).

While waiting for reception, carrier sense means 59
If the carrier is detected by the
To decode the content of the received signal. First, a reception timing is generated by a synchronization signal, and it is confirmed that a system address and a recipient-specified address in the reception signal coincide with their own addresses stored in the identification code storage unit 52. If they match, the communication data is output to the wireless adapter control means 55 as a signal to be received, and the wireless adapter control means 55 outputs the communication data from the interface means 51 and transmits a response signal to the transmission signal sending means 56. Let On the other hand, if there is no carrier or the system address or the recipient address does not match even if there is a carrier, the received signal decoding means 58 determines that the signal is not a signal to be received and does not output communication data to the wireless adapter control means 55.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a wireless adapter unit 5 different from that of FIG. Means having the same functions as those in FIG. 2 are assigned the same numbers and their explanation is omitted.
Random number generating means 53 for generating random numbers from 0 to 9 to determine a number group of frequency allocation, system setting starting means 54 which is a starting switch at the time of system setting, congestion degree monitoring for monitoring the congestion degree of the frequency used. Means 61 and a notifying means 62 for notifying the user that the congestion degree exceeds a predetermined level and the frequency needs to be changed.

In FIG. 4, since the frequency to be used is determined randomly by using a random number, when the congestion degree monitoring means 61 detects that a plurality of wireless network systems use the same frequency and there is a lot of interference, the random number is generated again. To change the frequency.

When changing the frequency, it is necessary to notify each device in the system of the new frequency. At this time, the system setting frequency is used. Therefore, only when the user operates the system setting start-up means 54, the system waits for reception of the system setting frequency. When the frequency is changed, the notification unit 62 prompts the user to start the system setting start unit 54 of each device.

Alternatively, the frequency switching means 60 switches the four channels obtained by adding the system setting frequency to the three channels of the frequency for the remote control system, the frequency for the telemeter system, and the frequency for connecting the communication line every 100 ms to perform the reception standby. Good. Here, the congestion degree monitoring means 61 will be described. There are several ways to monitor congestion.

One is to monitor the number of times a carrier is detected when carrier sensing is performed before transmission. In other words, looking at the probability of waiting for transmission when trying to transmit, this is 3
When the frequency exceeds 0% or 50%, the frequency is congested and it is determined that transmission is not performed smoothly. In this method, the degree of congestion is determined depending on whether transmission has been completed or the transmission has not been completed, so that it is possible to make a determination suited to the actual communication situation.

The flowchart at this time will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the frequency group to be used is determined in advance by random numbers or identification codes. At the time of transmission, the transmission frequency is selected by looking at the transmission contents / transmission partner (step 501), and the number of transmissions is counted (step 50)
2). Carrier sensing is performed to determine whether or not there is a carrier (step 503). If there is no carrier, transmission is performed (step 504). When there is a carrier, the number of transmission waits is counted (step 505), and it is again determined whether or not there is a carrier (step 506). The transmission is performed after waiting for the carrier to run out (step 504). After the transmission, the congestion degree monitoring means checks the ratio between the number of transmission waits and the number of transmissions (step 507), and if this exceeds a predetermined value, notifies that the congestion degree is high (step 508). The user changes the frequency by notification, but at this time, the number of transmissions and the number of transmission waits are reset.

As another method, a transmission signal is received when there is a carrier while waiting for reception, and an identification code (system address) included therein at that time.
Monitor what kind of things are different when you are different from yourself. In other words, looking at how many different wireless network systems share the same frequency,
When exceeding the system, the frequency group determines that many wireless network systems are using and congested. Since this method determines interference with different wireless network systems, the effect of changing the frequency can be expected.

The flowchart at this time will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the frequency group to be used is determined in advance by random numbers or identification codes. At the time of reception, the reception standby frequency is switched and selected (step 601),
Carrier sensing is performed to determine whether or not there is a carrier (step 602). If there is a carrier, bit synchronization is performed (step 603), and it is determined whether or not the received identification code matches its own identification code (step 60).
4). If they match, it is determined whether the received recipient specified address matches its own address (step 605). If they match, reception is performed (step 60).
6). If the identification code received in step 604 does not match its own identification code, the number of cohabiting systems is counted (step 607). Here, the number of cohabiting systems indicates the number of wireless network systems using the same frequency. If the same identification code is received in the past, the number of cohabiting systems is not counted. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of cohabitation systems is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (step 608). If the number is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, it is notified that the congestion degree is large (step 609). The user changes the frequency by notification, but at this time, the number of cohabiting systems is reset.

As described above, the congestion degree monitoring means 61 monitors the congestion degree of the frequency used, and when the congestion degree is large, the frequency used by the random number generation means 53 is changed, and the frequency change is notified by the notification means 62. To the user. By performing at least one of the above two methods, it is possible to determine and report excessive interference of the frequency used.

Further, since the reception standby frequency and the transmission frequency are set to the system setting frequency by the system setting activating means, the changed frequency can be notified to another communication partner. Alternatively, if the system always waits for reception of the system setting frequency, when the congestion degree is high, the congestion degree monitoring unit triggers a frequency change to the random number generation unit and transmits a new frequency at the system setting frequency. It is possible to automatically start a simple frequency change program.

When the frequency assignment is remotely set using the external communication means, the frequency setting data is input from the interface means in the external communication means. This is stored in the wireless adapter control means and instructed to the frequency switching means at the time of transmission and reception.

[0076]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the wireless network system of the present invention, a wireless remote control system comprising a remote control device and its controlled device, and a wireless remote system comprising a sensor device and its data collection device. Frequency utilization efficiency can be improved in a wireless network system in which a telemeter system and an external communication unit that wirelessly connects to at least one of the devices and communicates with an external communication line exist. That is, 1. Since the frequency used by the wireless remote control system is different from the frequency used by the wireless communication connected to the outside, there is no interference between communication having a high communication frequency and short communication time and communication having a low communication frequency and long communication time.

2. Since the frequency used by the wireless telemeter system is different from the frequency used by the wireless communication connected to the outside, there is no interference between communication having a high communication frequency and short communication time and communication having a low communication frequency and long communication time.

3. Since the frequency to be used is determined differently depending on the identification code, the probability of using the same frequency as in other wireless network systems can be reduced only by assigning the identification code. Further, since the devices constituting one wireless network system have the same identification code, there is no need to notify each device of the frequency to be used.

4. Since the frequency to be used is randomly determined by a random number, the probability of using the same frequency as other wireless network systems can be reduced. When a plurality of wireless network systems interfere with each other using the same frequency, a random number can be generated again to change the frequency.

5. Since the frequency setting data can be operated using the communication line, the system installer can manage the frequency allocation of a plurality of wireless network systems, and can remotely set the frequency allocation with less interference for each area.

6. Since the system setting frequency is different from the frequency used in the wireless remote control system / wireless telemeter system and the frequency used for wireless communication between the apparatus and the external communication means, there is no interference with the system setting. This has the advantage that the system setting can be smoothly performed and the reliability of the system setting is improved, for example, the system setting is not mistakenly performed by the wireless signal of the remote control system.

7. Since the system setting frequency is the same for all wireless network systems, the system setting frequency does not change even if the remote control system frequency is changed, and the new operating frequency must be notified to other devices in the system without fail. Can be.

8. When the congestion degree is large, the notification or the frequency change is performed, so that it is possible to determine and avoid excessive interference of the frequency to be used.

9. Since the degree of congestion is determined based on how many different wireless network systems share the same frequency, it is possible to determine and avoid excessive interference due to interference with different wireless network systems.

10. Then, since the congestion degree is determined in the used / unused state of the frequency at the time of transmission, excessive interference according to the communication frequency and communication time can be determined and avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a wireless network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a wireless adapter unit in the system.

FIG. 3 is a format diagram of a transmission signal in the system.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a wireless adapter unit of the wireless network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of monitoring the degree of congestion during transmission in the same system.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of monitoring the congestion degree during reception in the system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a home wireless network system according to a conventional example of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 remote control device 2 controlled device 3 wireless signal 5 wireless adapter unit 11 sensor device 12 data collection device 21 external communication means 52 identification code storage means 53 random number generation means 55 wireless adapter control means 59 carrier sense means 60 frequency switching means 61 congestion Degree monitoring means

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A wireless network comprising: a wireless remote control system including a remote control device and a controlled device; and external communication means for wirelessly connecting to at least one of the devices and communicating with an external communication line. In the system, when communication traffic between the device and the external communication means is different from communication traffic of the wireless remote control system, a frequency used for wireless communication between the device and the external communication means is used in the wireless remote control system. Wireless network system with different frequency. 2. A wireless network system comprising: a wireless telemeter system including a sensor device and a data collection device thereof; and external communication means for wirelessly connecting to at least one of the devices and communicating with an external communication line. In the above, when the communication traffic between the device and the external communication means and the communication traffic of the wireless telemeter system are different, the frequency used for wireless communication between the device and the external communication means is the frequency used in the wireless telemeter system. And different wireless network system. 3. The wireless network system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless network system includes an identification code for identifying wireless communication with another wireless network system, and a frequency used in wireless communication is determined by the identification code. system. 4. The wireless network system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency used in the wireless communication is determined by generating a random number. 5. The wireless network system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless network system determines frequency by transmitting and receiving frequency setting data to be used to and from external communication means. 6. A wireless network system includes a system setting frequency for notifying a frequency used for communication with each device, wherein the system setting frequency includes a frequency used in a wireless remote control system / wireless telemeter system and each frequency. 3. The wireless network system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency is different from a frequency at which wireless communication is performed between the device and the external communication means. 7. The wireless network system according to claim 6, wherein all of the wireless network systems have the same system setting frequency in different wireless network systems. 8. The wireless network system according to claim 1, wherein said wireless network system comprises a congestion degree monitoring means for monitoring and notifying a degree of congestion of a used frequency and activating a frequency change program. 9. The wireless network system according to claim 8, wherein the congestion degree monitoring means receives the identification code included in the transmission signal and monitors the number of wireless network systems using the same frequency. 10. The wireless network system according to claim 8, wherein the congestion degree monitoring means performs carrier sense before transmission and monitors the number of times when there is a carrier.