JP2001320783A - Setting information change method of radio receiver for control - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a setting information change method of a radio receiver for control, by which setting of an ID cord and a frequency can be changed quickly and easily by a serviceman. SOLUTION: Relating to a transmitter, the power source is turned on in S2, a 'crawling' switch is continued to be depressed for a specified time in S6, it becomes in a setting change mode in S8, ID data are transmitted to a receiver in S10, and when transmitted for predetermined time, it becomes in a usual operation mode. Relation to a receiver, the power source is turned on, the setting change mode is obtained in S21, receiving sensitivity gets down in S23 and the setting mode is maintained during performing all channel scans in S24, S30 and S31 and when the ID data are received in S25, the ID cord data and the frequency are rewriten and stored to become in the usual operation mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for changing setting information of a control radio receiver used in a system such as a telemeter and a telemeter of industrial equipment such as an on-board crane, a control radio transmitter, and a control radio receiver. It is about. The setting information is, for example, a device identification code or a frequency for controlling the controlled device by the operating device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a commercial telecontrol system,
A device identification code (hereinafter referred to as an ID code) unique to each system so that the device to be controlled does not malfunction by receiving radio waves from other telecontrol systems used nearby.
Is used to identify the control target device. The controlled devices targeted by the commercial telecontrol system include a vehicle-mounted crane, an overhead crane, a ski lift, and a power sprayer with a hose winding power. The wireless transmitter of each system transmits a control signal accompanied by a preset ID code, and the control wireless receiver transmits the ID code included in the control signal to the preset ID code in the control wireless receiver. Check with code. If the two match, as a result of the comparison, the control target device can be controlled by the control signal, so that interference or interference with other telecontrol systems does not occur.

The frequencies to be used are set in advance in the control radio transmitter and the control radio receiver. If the frequencies of the transceivers do not match, the control target device operates even if the ID codes match. do not do. In a commercial telecontrol / telemeter system using specific low power, a frequency (40 channels can be used) within a designated frequency band is set for each system including a pair of transmitter and receiver, and transmission / reception is performed. The device searches for an empty channel from among the frequencies of the 40 channels and performs transmission and reception.

[0004] The ID code and frequency of the transmitter and the receiver described above are controlled by the manufacturer and set before shipment from the factory. If the user can freely set and change the ID code and frequency, it may cause troubles such as interference and cause an accident. Since there is a possibility of connection, the user is prevented from changing the settings to prevent an accident. For example, when shipping to the market, the ID code and frequency are set to be different for each transceiver.
D code and frequency are determined. However, in one telecontrol system, the transmitter and the receiver are always 1
There is a one-to-one relationship, and breaking or losing one will render the entire telecontrol system unusable. In particular, the transmitter is easily lost or damaged due to its portability. In such a case, even if the transmitter is repaired or the transmitter is ordered separately, it takes several weeks to arrive and the telecontrol system cannot be used until it arrives.

At present, replacement and repair are performed with a set of transceivers. However, portable transmitters are easy to replace and repair, but receivers built into industrial equipment are not easy to remove, so telecontrol is only required if a service person prepares a new transmitter. It is desirable to be able to continue working on the system. This requires that the ID code and frequency of the transmitter or receiver can be matched at the site where the user is using the transceiver. At that time, one setting is changed, and as a result, the ID code and frequency of both the transmitter and the receiver need only match.

As a method of changing the setting, there is a method of providing a dip (DIP) switch on the circuit board and switching the ID code. There are two methods: a case where the setting change from outside the case is not considered; In some cases, the settings can be changed. Further, there is a method of providing a jumper line to switch an ID code and a frequency group. However, if you open the case, there is a risk of foreign matter entering.If you open the window to set from outside the case,
The case structure is complicated by waterproof measures, etc., basically,
Once set, the cost of a DIP switch that is hardly used is wasted, and when a jumper wire is used, there is a problem that a soldering iron is required for the change and the work is troublesome.

In addition, in such a setting change method, the user can freely change the setting, and there is a possibility that the user can switch the ID code and frequency of the transceiver, and the following problems occur. (1) In spite of the necessity of setting the same code in the transmitter / receiver pair, setting may be made without understanding by the user, which may result in a complaint. (2) If the setting of the transceiver is different, the device does not operate. If the setting of the transceiver is switched to a different setting even if the setting of the transceiver is the same, the ID code and the frequency group after the switching are used nearby. If the system becomes the same as another system, there is a possibility that other unintended devices may move due to interference or interference. As described above, if the user can change the setting, not only a trouble such as interference, but also an accident may occur in the worst case.

On the other hand, an electrically erasable and rewritable EEPROM (Electrically Erase) is available.
enable Programmable Read
When using only memory, the setting must be changed by connecting a dedicated setting jig to a connector provided on the board and rewriting the data in the EEPROM. Therefore, since a dedicated jig is required, the setting content is less likely to be changed by the user. However, as in the case of the above-described DIP switch, it is not preferable to open the case of the transmitter or the receiver or to make the case with a window opened in order to connect the setting jig to the connector.
There is a problem that it is necessary to have them returned to the factory once. Further, there is another problem that the setting of the ID code of the transceiver cannot be confirmed unless it is confirmed by a jig.

Therefore, the present applicant has proposed a system in which the user cannot freely change the ID code and the frequency, but the serviceman can continue the operation of the telecontrol system only by preparing a new transmitter (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-108).
-285666). In this system, the setting of the collation ID code of the wireless receiver can be easily and quickly changed by the service person in accordance with the ID code of the wireless transmitter, and there is a possibility that the ID code may be changed by some users. It is a method of changing the setting information of a small number of control radio receivers, a control radio transmitter, and a control radio receiver.

This system uses a prescribed frequency (channel) and performs carrier sense in accordance with the rules of a commercial telecontrol / telemeter system. If a radio wave is detected, the power is automatically turned off, and the radio wave must be detected. If the process proceeds, the setting change mode unique data is transmitted to the receiver at a specified frequency, and the receiver determines whether or not the setting change mode unique data is received at a specified frequency from the alternative transmitter, By rewriting the collation ID code and the frequency group set in the EEPROM of the receiver by the ID code and the frequency group received from the alternative transmitter,
In the normal operation mode, the control signal from the alternative transmitter is waited for. However, the frequency used is fixed, and if the frequency is used, rewriting cannot be performed.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in a commercial telecontrol / telemeter system using specified low power, a signal from a transmitter is used for a receiver. It is possible to change the ID code and frequency to the transmitter ID and frequency,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a specific low-power telecontrol / telemeter apparatus and method capable of using any of the available 40 channels.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a control wireless transmitter for transmitting a control signal accompanied by an ID code changes a collation ID code and a frequency setting of a control wireless receiver. A method for changing setting information of a control wireless receiver, wherein the control wireless transmitter performs a predetermined operation to set at least the ID in a setting change mode.
Transmitting a code and setting the control wireless receiver to a setting change mode, receiving at least the ID code and changing settings of the collation ID code and frequency. This is an information change method.

A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the setting change mode of the control wireless receiver is only during scanning of all channels, and the third aspect of the present invention is that the control transmitter transmits The apparatus is set to a setting change mode after confirming that a predetermined frequency channel of the apparatus is a free channel, and the invention of claim 4 is characterized in that the reception sensitivity is reduced in the setting change mode.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control radio transmitter 10 (also referred to as an operation unit or a called station) according to the present invention. In the figure, 11 is a transmitting antenna, 12
Is an RF unit (high frequency unit), and 13 is an encoder unit (CP
U) and 14 are EEPROMs; 15 is an operation unit having operation switches (not shown) for controlling the controlled device;
Reference numeral 16 denotes a power control unit, and 17 denotes a battery.

In a normal control mode, the power control unit 1
When the power switch 6 is turned on, a voltage is supplied from the battery 17 to each section. When a specific operation switch of the operation unit 15 is pressed, the encoder unit 13 outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation switch to the RF unit 12. The operation unit 15 is appropriately provided with a monitor lamp and the like for displaying an operation state. At this time, a predetermined ID code and frequency stored in the EEPROM 14 are read out and output to the RF unit 12. The function of the encoder unit 13 is realized by, for example, a CPU. The RF unit 12 modulates a carrier with a control signal accompanied by an ID code and transmits the modulated signal from the transmitting antenna 11 to the receiver.

The ID code and frequency are stored in the EEPROM 1
4 is set in advance, but in the product completed state with the case closed, the setting cannot be changed for safety. To perform these settings or change settings at the factory, a setting jig (not shown) is required. Open the case and connect this setting jig to the connector (not shown) provided on the board. , The EEPROM 1 via the encoder unit 13
4, the ID code and frequency data are written together with the production number (serial number), production information, call name, special function information, and the like. In this way, an accident due to interference is prevented by preventing any product having the same ID code and frequency.

The transmitter 10 of the present invention can change the setting of the receiver. The mode for changing the setting of the receiver is hereinafter referred to as “setting change mode”. For example, this setting change mode is set only when a specific switch of the operation unit 15 is pressed for a certain period of time or longer, and the EEPR
The ID code and frequency preset in the OM 14 are repeatedly transmitted in a predetermined format for a predetermined time, and the setting of the ID code and frequency for verification in the receiver is changed.

FIG. 2 shows a control radio receiver 20 according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a control output device or a calling station. In the figure, 21 is a receiving antenna, 22 is an RF unit, 23 is a decoder unit (CPU), 24 is EEPR
OM, 25 is a relay output unit, 26 is an input / output connector, 2
Reference numeral 7 denotes a power supply unit, and reference numeral 30 denotes a controlled device that is controlled by a control signal output from the receiver.

From the control target device 30 to the input / output connector 26
When a voltage is supplied to the power supply unit 27 via the power supply, the voltage is supplied to each unit of the receiver 20. In normal control mode,
When a control signal is received from the receiving antenna 21, the RF unit 2
The signal is demodulated at 2. The decoder unit 23 decodes a control target, a control state, and the like from the demodulated control signal and outputs the decoded control signal to the relay output unit 25. The decoder unit 23 has, for example, a CP
U implements that function.

The output of the relay output unit 25 controls a motor, an engine, and the like of a controlled device via an input / output connector 26. However, in the decoder unit 23, the ID code of the transmitter 10 included in the received control signal is stored in the EEPROM 24.
Is matched with the ID code of the receiver 20 set in the. Only when they match, the control signal information is output to the relay output unit 25 to enable the control operation. In the relay output unit 25, a device that indicates a control state such as a monitor lamp can be appropriately provided. Further, an external signal input from the input / output connector 26 can be processed and output to the decoder unit 23.

The ID code and frequency for verification are stored in the EEPROM along with the serial number, production information, special function information, etc.
It is set in advance to 24, but in the finished product state with the case closed, the setting cannot normally be changed for safety. To perform these settings or change the settings at the factory, open the case, connect a setting jig (not shown) to a connector (not shown) provided inside the receiver 20, and connect it via the decoder unit 23. Then, the ID code for device identification and the data of the frequency are written into the EEPROM 24 together with the serial number and the like.

In the setting change mode, the receiver 20 of the present invention, even when incorporated in the controlled device,
The setting information can be changed only within a predetermined period after the power is turned on, and the setting data in the EEPROM 24 can be rewritten according to the setting information from the transmitter 10. In the setting change mode, ID code and frequency information are received from the transmitter 10 and transmitted to the EEPR through the decoder unit 23.
The setting of the ID code and frequency for verification set in the OM 24 is changed.

In this setting change mode, R
The setting change information cannot be received unless the transmitter 10 in FIG. 1 is sufficiently close to the receiver 20 by controlling the reception sensitivity of the F unit 22 to be lower than that in the normal control mode of the controlled device 30. To do. By reducing the receiving sensitivity in this way, it is possible to prevent the setting information from being inadvertently changed by a transmitter of a nearby telecontrol system or the like.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart on the transmitter side and the receiver side for explaining the setting information changing method of the control radio receiver according to the present invention, and shows the procedure of the setting change mode.
The following description is made on the assumption that the user's transmitter becomes unavailable and the service person goes to the user and can use an alternative transmitter (hereinafter, referred to as an alternative transmitter).

In the present invention, three preconditions for starting the setting change mode are provided so as not to change the setting by mistake. The first condition is that a specific operation is continued for a long time, which cannot be a normal operation. Condition 2 is to reduce the receiving sensitivity of the receiver. The third condition is that the setting change mode of the receiver is a short time until scanning of all channels is completed. Details will be described below.

When the user loses or damages the transmitter, the service person goes to the site with the alternative transmitter, and the substitute transmitter and the receiver at the site attached to the controlled device become one set. Perform setting work. This alternative transmitter can be exactly the same as a normal transmitter. The setting values of the ID code and the frequency are unique to this alternative transmitter, and do not need to match those of the receiver.

First, an alternative transmitter (hereinafter simply referred to as “transmitter”)
That. The operation on the side) will be described. The flow on the left side of FIG. 3 shows the processing of the transmitter. Turn on the transmitter. In the case of this embodiment, the power of the transmitter is turned on by pressing any switch (step S1) (step S2). In step S3, the frequency f (a) stored in the EEPROM is called, and carrier sensing is performed (step S4).

In step S5, the transmitter performs carrier sense for detecting whether or not the stored frequency f (a) is being used elsewhere in accordance with the rules of the specific low power telecontrol telemeter system. When it is detected that the stored frequency f (a) is being used by another user, the process proceeds to step S15, and the setting change mode ends. If it is found that the frequency f (a) is not used elsewhere, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not a particular switch has been continuously depressed for a specific time or more. If it has been continued, the process proceeds to step S7, and if it has not been continuously depressed. If it is determined, step S1
Proceeding to 5, the setting change mode ends. This step is the condition 1 for entering the setting change mode described above.
It is. In the case of this embodiment, the “slow speed” switch is set to 3
It is set so that when the button is continuously pressed for 0 second or more, the setting change mode is entered.

The specific switch may be any switch. For example, if the transmitter is provided with a power switch, the power switch may be a specific switch, and the time for which the switch is continuously pressed may be reduced. The setting value is not limited to 30 seconds, and may be set to a time longer than a normal operation cannot do. In addition, the "slow speed" switch means that the controlled device in the case of the present embodiment is a crane, and when operating the crane, when operating the crane at half or less the normal operating speed. The switch to use.

In step S6, the low speed switch is set to 3
If it is determined that the button has been pressed for more than 0 seconds,
Proceeding to step S7, carrier sense is executed again. The execution of the carrier sense in step S7 is not essential, but is desirably executed in order to secure security. Further, the execution of the carrier sense in step S5 may be omitted and only the execution of the carrier sense in step S7 may be performed. If the frequency f (a) is detected in step S7, the process proceeds to step S15, the setting change mode ends, and if the frequency f (a) is not detected, the frequency f (a) is determined to be an empty channel. ,
Proceeding to step S8, the setting change mode is started.

When the transmitter performs carrier sense and confirms that the frequency f (a) stored in the transmitter is an empty channel, the receiver determines the frequency transmitted by the transmitter. It is only necessary to receive and determine. This is an indispensable operation because the present invention aims to match the ID code of the receiver with the ID code of the transmitter, on the assumption that the ID code of the transmitter is unique and does not exist elsewhere. There is also a premise that the transmitter side is independent of the frequency used.

When the setting change mode is started, in step S9, the transmitter calls the ID code data stored in the EEPROM, and proceeds to step S10 to transmit the ID code data at the frequency f (a) to the receiver. Send to

The transmission of the ID code data in step S10 satisfies one of two conditions, that is, when one of the switches in step S11 is operated and when 10 seconds have elapsed from the start of the setting change mode in step S12. Then, the process proceeds to step S13, in which the transmission of the ID code data is stopped, the process proceeds to step 14, the setting change mode ends, the process proceeds to step S15, and the next mode is set.
This mode is a carrier sense step for performing the called mode or the normal operation mode.

Next, the operation of the receiver will be described with reference to the flow on the right side of FIG. In step S20, when the power is turned on, in the case of the receiver, immediately step S2
At 1, the setting change mode starts. When the setting change mode starts, the process proceeds to step S22, where the EEP of the receiver is set.
The previously used frequency f (j) stored in the ROM is called, and the process proceeds to step S23, where the frequency f (j) is transmitted from the transmitter.
The reception of (j) is awaited, and the reception sensitivity of the RF unit of the receiver is reduced as compared with the case of the normal control mode, and the process proceeds to step S24. Reducing the reception sensitivity of the RF unit is condition 2 described above, and the setting change information cannot be received unless the transmitter is sufficiently close to the receiver. By reducing the receiving sensitivity in this way, it is possible to prevent the setting information from being inadvertently changed by a transmitter of a nearby telecontrol system or the like.

In step S24, it is determined whether or not the ID code data has been received at the frequency f (j) waiting for reception. If the ID code data has not been received, the process proceeds to step S30.
In step S30, it is determined whether or not all channels (40 channels) have been scanned. When scanning of all channels is completed, the process proceeds to step S28. If scanning of all channels is not completed in step S30, step S30 is performed.
Proceeding to step 31, call the frequency f (j + 1) of the number next to the channel number of frequency f (j), return to step S23, wait for reception of frequency f (j + 1), and step S23.
Proceed to 24.

This process is continued until the output frequency f (a) of the operating device that emits the transmission radio wave in proximity is received. When the output frequency f (a) is received, the process proceeds to step S25, or the reception is performed even if all channels (40 channels) are scanned. If not, step S
At 30, all-channel scanning is determined, and the process proceeds to step S28, where the setting change mode ends. The third condition is that the all-channel scan, that is, the scan of 40 channels is performed only once and the setting change mode is ended if nothing is received. By doing so, the setting change mode can be ended in a short time, and malfunction can be prevented.

Upon receiving the frequency f (a) from the transmitter, in step S25, the ID code data stored in the EEPROM is changed and rewritten, the frequency is also rewritten to f (a), stored, and the process proceeds to step S26. Proceed,
The completion of storage is rewritten to the ID code data of the transmitter and the frequency f (a) and the completion of storage is notified by voice or optical display, and the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the ID of the transmitter
This is a step for waiting for the code data transmission time (up to 10 seconds). When the reception of the frequency f (a) from the transmitter stops, the setting change mode ends at the same time as the transmitter, and the process proceeds to step S29, where the next step is performed. The operation mode is set.

As described above, when the power is turned on, the receiver enters the setting change mode only for the time to scan all the channels (40 channels) once, and waits for reception of the frequency channel of the transmitter. When the setting is completed, the setting change mode is automatically ended, the mode is changed to the normal mode, and the operation data from the transmitter is awaited. The substitute transmitter and the receiver in the setting change mode transmit and receive special setting change mode data, do not accept normal operation data, and do not output a control signal from the receiver during this time. When receiving the setting change mode data, the receiver
The ID code and frequency stored in M are rewritten to the same one as the alternative transmitter. Further, since the receiving sensitivity of the receiver is reduced, there is almost no possibility of malfunction.

Thereafter, the damaged transmitter is repaired at the factory, and if the transmitter is used again by the user,
According to the procedure described with reference to FIG. 3, the set values may be changed using the repaired transmitter so that the initial ID code and the reception frequency become the same. If the original transmitter is lost, provide a new transmitter with a different ID code and reception frequency from the original manufacturer so that the original transmitter cannot be used even if found. Is desirable. Although it is possible for the user to continue using the alternative transmitter as it is, it is better to supply the user with a repaired transmitter or a new transmitter from the factory again, and to store the serial number and other information in the EEPROM 14 of FIG. It is desirable in that it can be written to.

As described above, the serviceman can continue the operation of the telecontrol system only by preparing a new transmitter. When changing the setting of the ID code and the receiving frequency of the receiver, the case of the receiver does not need to be opened and no jig is required, so that service maintenance is easy and there is no possibility of foreign matter being mixed. In addition, this setting change mode is possible only when both the transmitter and the receiver take a special procedure, and the time is limited, so that it is safe.

In the above description, an example in which the transmitter is lost or damaged has been described. However, if the receiver is damaged, the receiver is replaced with an alternative receiver, and the rewriting process is performed using the ID of the transmitter in the same manner. By doing so, the work of the telecontrol system can be continued.

In the above description, only one example of the condition for setting the ID change mode for the transmitter and the receiver is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the security is ensured without being changed carelessly. What is necessary is just to satisfy the above three conditions. For example, on the transmitter side, when a power switch is pressed, a predetermined number of operation switches are continuously pressed for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of operation switches are sequentially pressed to change a plurality of predetermined operation switches. The ID change mode can be set on condition that the switches are operated in a predetermined order. Further, the condition that the power switch is in the pressed state may not be a condition, and only the condition that the above-described operation is performed while the power is on may be used.
Further, the receiver side is set to the setting change mode only during one all-channel scan, but it is also possible to perform two all-channel scans if the above three conditions are satisfied. is there.

The method for changing the setting information of the control wireless receiver of the present invention can be used in a wireless control device of industrial equipment such as a vehicle-mounted crane, an overhead crane, a ski lift, and a power sprayer with a hose winding power. it can. Further, the present invention can be used in a technical field in which transmission / reception of system information such as an ID code is required between a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a device that only partially changes the configuration by partially omitting the configuration of the present invention, and a device that wirelessly exchanges system information such as an ID code.

[0046]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a service person can change setting information in a short time and easily with only a normal control radio transmitter and radio receiver. There is an effect that there is no possibility that the setting is changed by the user. There is no need to open the receiver case and no jigs. If the transmitter is lost or damaged, the receiver may be incorporated in the control target device at all. Simply providing a replacement for the lost or damaged wireless transmitter or wireless receiver will not hinder the user's work. Since the manufacturer can manage the ID code and the frequency, products having the same ID can be eliminated, and an effect of preventing an accident due to interference can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control wireless transmitter according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control wireless receiver according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control wireless receiver and a setting information changing method of the control wireless receiver according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 control wireless transmitter, 11 transmitting antenna, 12
RF unit (high frequency unit), 13 encoder unit (CPU),
14 EEPROM, 15 operation section, 16 power supply control section, 17 battery, 20 control radio receiver, 21 reception antenna, 22 RF section, 23 decoder section (CP
U), 24 EEPROM, 25 relay output section, 26
I / O connector, 27 power supply, 30 controlled equipment

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Junji Komuro 629 Oshiba, Mobara-shi, Chiba Futaba Electronics Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tomoyoshi Matsumoto 629 Oshiba, Mobara-shi, Chiba Futaba Electronics Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masahiro Tanaka 629 Oshiba, Mobara-shi, Chiba Futaba Electronics Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5K048 AA06 BA35 CA13 DB01 DC01 EA16 EA23 EB02 EB03 EB06 GB08 GC03 HA04 HA06 HA37

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A method for changing setting information of a control wireless receiver for changing a setting of a verification device identification code and a frequency of a control wireless receiver by a control wireless transmitter for transmitting a control signal accompanied by a device identification code. By performing a predetermined operation on the control wireless transmitter, at least the device identification code is transmitted in a setting change mode, and at least the device identification code is received in the control wireless receiver in a setting change mode. And changing the setting of the verification device identification code and the frequency by changing the setting information of the control wireless receiver. 2. The method for changing setting information of a control wireless receiver according to claim 1, wherein the setting change mode of the control wireless receiver is only during scanning of all channels. 3. The control wireless reception according to claim 1, wherein the control transmitter confirms that a predetermined frequency channel of the transmitter is a free channel and enters a setting change mode. How to change machine setting information. 4. The method for changing setting information of a control wireless receiver according to claim 1, wherein the receiving sensitivity is reduced in the setting change mode.