JP2002335588A - Facility equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To disable an illegal replacement of a radio unit installed outdoor and to sense and deal with the illegal replacement in a radio remote controller or an automatic metering system of facility equipment. SOLUTION: The facility equipment comprises an equipment body 1, the radio unit 2 having the function of receiving a radio signal, and the remote controller 3 having the function of transmitting the radio signal. The equipment remotely operates the body 1 from the controller 3 via the unit 2 by using a radio wave. The equipment further comprises a disconnection sensor 17 for sensing the disconnection of a signal line connecting the unit 2 to the body 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to equipment for remote control and remote data collection using radio waves.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In equipment, remote operation and remote data collection have conventionally been of a wired type using a transmission line. However, the following advantages have led to a shift to wireless communication in recent years.

(1) There is no need to lay information transmission lines, and installation work is simple.

(2) Maintenance of transmission lines such as disconnection is easy.

(3) A system that can be installed anywhere can be newly realized by using wireless communication.

[0006] Because of these advantages, it is necessary to promote the use of wireless communication in existing equipment. As the means, a wireless circuit, an interface circuit of the wireless circuit and the device body are integrated into a wireless unit,
There is a configuration in which this is connected to an existing device body to perform wireless communication.

For example, an example of a remote control device will be described. A configuration described in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 5-39400 is known as a device in which a wireless circuit unit is used as a unit by using wireless communication as a remote controller (hereinafter, a remote controller) of the gas water heater.

Hereinafter, a wireless remote controller will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 101 is the main body of the gas water heater,
Reference numeral 109 denotes a remote controller for issuing an operation command signal to the main body 101 of the gas water heater to perform hot water supply / heating and switching operation of hot water temperature to each facility. Here, the main body 101 and the remote controller 1
09 is connected by wireless communication to perform remote control. The remote control 109 includes a command unit 110 for generating an operation command signal, a display unit 111 for displaying the content of an operation confirmation signal transmitted after the water heater main unit 101 having received the operation command signal performs a predetermined operation, and an operation command A wireless transmission / reception unit 112 for transmitting a signal and receiving an operation confirmation signal is built in a portable case. The remote control 109 is installed by selecting an appropriate place in the room. Meanwhile, the main body 1 of the water heater
In response to this, an operation unit 113 that receives a wireless operation command signal and controls switching of hot water supply, heating, and hot water supply to each facility and an operation confirmation signal of the operation unit 113 are output to 01. A response unit 114 and a wireless transmission / reception unit 115 for receiving an operation command signal and transmitting an operation confirmation signal are provided. The transmission / reception unit 115 is used as a wireless unit 116 in the space of the main body 101 of the water heater, or on the main body or the main body. 101
, Which is a control circuit in the main body 101 installed near the
13. Electrically connect to the response unit 114 with a signal line. With this, the user can handle the remote controller 109 from the room and perform wireless selection of heating and hot water supply and switching of the hot water supply temperature, so that no work is required to lead the signal line of the remote controller into the room.

Here, the following effects can be obtained by connecting the wireless unit 116 in which the wireless circuit unit is unitized to the gas heater main body 101.

(1) Wireless communication is easy. Main equipment such as a water heater has a wired remote controller. Here, the wireless unit can easily change the remote control of the equipment from the wired type to the wireless type. That is, the conventional device main body is provided with a signal line terminal for remote control by connecting to a wired remote controller. Here, by adopting a configuration in which the wireless unit and the device main body are connected using the signal line terminal for the wired remote controller, a device compatible with the conventional wired remote controller can be easily changed to a wireless remote controller. This makes it possible to increase the number of product types by adding a wireless unit to a conventional model without newly developing and producing a model compatible with a wireless remote controller in a manufacturer. For the user, the range of selection of the wireless device is widened, and the user can purchase the device at low cost. In addition, there is an advantage that existing wireless devices can be easily changed from a wired remote control to a wireless remote control by simply adding a wireless unit to the device body. In particular, the effect is extremely large for equipment such as equipment that is expensive and cannot be easily replaced by a new one, and that requires time-consuming construction for removing and replacing existing equipment.

(2) It is easy to apply for an inspection of a wireless device.
Some devices that use wireless access undergo certification and registration.
The wireless unit can increase this efficiency. That is, if only the wireless circuit is separated into a wireless unit and the wireless unit is retrofitted to the device body, verification and registration of the wireless device may be received by the wireless communication unit alone. On the other hand, if the device itself and the wireless circuit are integrated, even if the wireless circuit included is the same, if the type of the device itself is different, it is necessary to receive a certification and register each time. There was trouble, time, and expense. That is,
By making the wireless circuit independent as a wireless unit, even if the device to which it is attached for one test and registration is different, no new test or registration is required. Also, for the user, the range of choices becomes wider because the number of products increases in a short time,
It can be purchased cheaply.

(3) The influence of the radio circuit on other circuits can be prevented. High frequencies are emitted from wireless circuits, which can adversely affect other electrical circuits. When the device main body includes a wireless circuit, there is a possibility that the distance between the wireless circuit and another electric circuit is not sufficient, or a high frequency wraps around in the device main body, causing the other electric circuit to malfunction. On the other hand, since the wireless unit can be freely selected in an installation position by using the wireless circuit unit as a separate housing, the wireless unit can be installed at a distance between the wireless circuit and the electric circuit. That is, in the wireless unit, it is easy to install the wireless circuit unit so as not to adversely affect other electric circuits.

(4) The wireless antenna can be installed at an optimum position. If a wireless antenna is included in the wireless unit, the wireless unit connects to the signal line terminal of the device with a signal line of a certain length, so the wireless antenna attached to the wireless unit must be on the device or on the device. On the wall near the main body, it is possible to select and install a place where the reception sensitivity is the best and a place where the radio wave is radiated most efficiently. On the other hand, when the wireless circuit is included in the device body, the antenna is often integrated with the device body. In this case, selecting and installing an antenna position is limited.

Alternatively, to avoid this, a long high-frequency signal line may be connected to the antenna. However, the high-frequency signal from the antenna is weak, and making the high-frequency signal line longer attenuates the high-frequency signal. In addition, since leakage of a high-frequency signal adversely affects other electric circuits, it is necessary to make the high-frequency signal line thick and shield it from being affected by surroundings. In this regard, the wireless unit amplifies the high-frequency signal, converts it to a low-frequency signal, and outputs the low-frequency signal to the signal line. Therefore, there is no need to pay attention to the signal line.

(5) The replacement of the wireless unit is easy.
Since the wireless unit has a main unit function and a wireless communication function separated from each other, it is possible to easily cope with replacement of only the main unit or change of the wireless communication function. The change of the wireless communication function means that the surrounding wireless environment changes after the installation and, for example, the frequency used wirelessly is changed. in this case,
Even a major change, such as replacing the entire wireless circuit, can be easily dealt with because only the wireless unit needs to be replaced, with less time, effort and cost.

From the above, it is very effective to make the wireless communication unit a unit type. It is naturally effective to apply this to a remote data collection device such as an automatic meter reading system for various meters such as gas, electricity, and water.
This will be described below. As an example in which wireless communication is used for an automatic meter reading system, a configuration described in JP-A-64-7200 is known.

Hereinafter, the wireless automatic meter reading system will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 201 is a needle detector, 204
Is a meter, which wirelessly connects the meter reader 201 and the meter 204 to collect meter reading data of the meter 204 from the meter 204 to the meter reader 201. A meter reading request signal is wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit 203 of the meter reader 201. When this is received by the receiving unit 205 of the meter 204, the meter 2
The measurement value stored in the measurement value storage unit 207 storing the value measured by the measurement unit 206 in 04 is wirelessly transmitted to the meter reader 201 via the transmission unit 208. The meter reader 201 receives the measured value by the receiving unit 209, displays the measured value on the data display unit 210, and stores and prints the data on the data storage unit 211. Meter readers carry the meter reader 201 to collect meter reading data, or connect the meter reader 201 to a communication line such as a telephone line to collect the meter data.

In such a wireless automatic meter reading system as well, it is effective to make the wireless circuit unit a unit type, instead of being integrated with a meter reader and a meter. The reason for this is that these meters are very popular, and the time, labor, and cost of making each one a wireless type are regarded as important. A large-sized meter in which a meter and a wireless circuit are integrated cannot be installed in a space where a conventional meter is installed, but may be installed by separating a wireless unit from the meter. Further, in the wireless unit, the mounting position of the wireless unit can be determined in consideration of the installation condition of the antenna.

As described above, wireless communication using a wireless unit is effective in collecting meter reading data of a remote controller of an apparatus and various meters.

[0020]

As described above, a wireless unit effective for wireless communication is manufactured so as to simplify its installation and facilitate installation work. However, the simplicity of the attachment also simplifies the removal, i.e. the replacement of the radio unit.

The problem that occurs when the replacement of the wireless unit is facilitated will be described first with reference to the case of the wireless remote controller and the water heater.
0 will be specifically described. At home A, the water heater 301 and the wireless unit 302 are installed outdoors, and these are operated by the wireless remote controller 303 from indoors. Similarly, at home B, the same type of water heater 304 and wireless unit 305 are installed outdoors,
This is operated with the wireless remote controller 306 from indoors.

The radio wave used for wireless communication between the wireless unit 302 and the wireless remote controller 303 at the home A and the radio wave used for wireless communication between the wireless unit 305 and the wireless remote controller 306 at the home B have the same frequency. In order to avoid interference, wireless communication uses a unique identification code (hereinafter referred to as a wireless ID) for identification. The wireless remote controllers 303 and 306 each add a unique wireless ID to the transmission signal, and the wireless communication units 302 and 305 confirm that the wireless ID of the reception signal matches the wireless ID of the other party to communicate with. And processing. The wireless ID of the other party to be communicated with is registered at the time of installation and cannot be changed without permission. In this way, the wireless communication is stipulated by law to prevent interference. However, here, the wireless units 302, 3
When the hot water heater 05 is removed and replaced with the hot water heater 301 in the home A and the hot water heater 304 in the home B, the hot water heater 304 in the home B can be operated from the wireless remote controller 303 in the home A.

In particular, the wireless unit is installed outdoors and can be attached and detached by a third party without permission. For example, a recent water heater can automatically boil water in a bath, and it is conceivable to boil a bath using a wireless remote controller in B's house while A's house is away. The above is an example of the remote control of the water heater, and various dangers may occur when a third party operates the device connected to the wireless unit.

Next, the case of a wireless automatic meter reading system for a meter will be specifically described with reference to FIG. At home A, meter 401
The wireless unit 402 is connected to the data collection terminal 403, and the wireless unit 404 is connected to the data collection terminal 403. The meter reading value of the meter 401 is transmitted to the data collection terminal 403, and the data collection terminal 403 transfers the data to the meter reading center via the telephone line 409. Similarly, at home B, the wireless unit 40
6 and the wireless unit 408 connected to the data collection terminal 407, and the meter reading of the meter 405 is read.
And the data collection terminal 407 transfers the data to the meter reading center via the telephone line 410.

As in the case of the wireless remote controller, the wireless ID is checked, and no interference occurs in wireless communication. But,
When the wireless unit 402 attached to the home A is detached and attached to the data collection terminal 407 at the home B, the meter 401 at the home A and the data collection terminal 407 at the home B communicate. As a result, the telephone line of the house B is used for the automatic meter reading of the house A, and the house B is charged for the use of the telephone line. Alternatively, it may happen that the meter reading value of the house A is transferred to the center as the data of the house B and the usage charge is charged to the house B. Since both the meter and the data collection terminal are often installed outdoors like a water heater,
The wireless unit connected to it can be exchanged by a third party. As described above, in the case of the meter reading values of various meters, it is expected that a crime relating to money will be committed by an unauthorized replacement of the wireless unit.

In the automatic meter reading system, the meter reading center communicates with the meter via a telephone line and a wireless unit.
Some devices have a safety function such as operating a meter, a breaker connected thereto, and a shutoff valve in an emergency. However, the safety function does not operate satisfactorily when the wireless unit is replaced without permission and another meter different from the target meter is connected. In the conventional wired automatic meter reading system, since the meter reader and the meter are directly connected by a signal line, if the meter of another house and the data collection terminal of the house are connected, it can be judged from the appearance. Therefore, there was little need to consider connecting the meter of another house and the data collection terminal of the house with mischief. However, in the wireless type, since there is no signal line to the meter and the connection status is invisible, it cannot be judged from the appearance. In addition, the wireless advantage that the wireless transmission output is large and the wireless unit can be easily connected to a meter several tens of meters away from the data collection terminal only by replacing the wireless unit is disadvantageous.

[0027] The above-mentioned problem concerning the identification code cannot be avoided when the radio circuit unit is unitized as a radio communication unit. It is required that the identification code used for wireless communication be registered in the wireless unit, and the wireless identification code is always replaced when the wireless unit is replaced.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. In a wireless remote controller or an automatic meter reading system of equipment, an unauthorized replacement of a wireless unit installed outdoors can be prevented, and it is detected that the wireless unit has been replaced. The purpose is to easily deal with this.

[0029]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a radio unit connected to a device by wire and having a function of transmitting and receiving radio signals, and a communication having a function of receiving and transmitting the radio signals. Comprising a device, in a wireless system that communicates with the device through the wireless unit from the communication device using wireless, the device or the wireless unit, the wired connection that electrically connects the device and the wireless unit In a wireless system that detects that a signal line is disconnected and outputs an abnormal signal, the device or the wireless unit detects that a signal line that electrically connects the device and the wireless unit is disconnected. Outputs an abnormal signal.

At this time, the communication device is for remotely controlling the device, and when it is detected that a signal line for electrically connecting the device and the wireless unit is disconnected, the operation of the device is performed. Is restricted or the operation is set to a predetermined state.

Also, at this time, a wireless system in which the communication device measures specific data, transmits the measured data, and collects the data with a remote device, or the device measures the specific data and transmits the measured data, A wireless system that collects data with a remote communication device, and when the disconnection of a signal line that electrically connects the device and the wireless unit is detected, at least information on the date and time of the disconnection detection is included in the collected data. Add.

[0032]

In a device provided with a disconnection detecting section for detecting a disconnection of a signal line connecting the wireless unit and the device main body, the disconnection is detected and notified, and after the signal line is disconnected, the operation of the device main body is performed. Limit the operation or set the operation of the device body to a predetermined state.

Also, the identification code of the wireless unit or data collection device to be connected is compared with the identification code from the connected wireless unit or data collection device. Or information on the date and time of the mismatch detection is added at least.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 is a facility equipment main body, 2 is a wireless unit having a wireless signal receiving function, and 3 is a remote control having a wireless signal transmitting function. Operate remotely. Remote control 3
An operation unit 4 that outputs a signal for instructing operation of each of the device main bodies 1, and a wireless transmission unit 5 that receives a signal for operating from the operation unit 4, modulates the signal into a wireless operation signal 9, and outputs the signal. The wireless unit 2 is installed on the device main body 1 or in the vicinity of the device main body 1 by a fixing means 6, and is connected to the device main body 1 by a signal line 7 and a terminal 8. The wireless unit 2 has a wireless receiving unit 11 that receives a wireless operation signal 9 from the remote controller 3, decodes the signal into an operation signal 10, and outputs the operation signal 10. The device body 1 is the device body 1
And a control unit 12 for controlling the operation unit 13. The control unit 12 receives the operation signal 10 from the wireless unit 2 and controls the operation unit 13 of the device body 1. Here, in order to prevent the wireless unit 2 from being detached, the signal line 7 and the terminal 8 connecting the wireless unit 2 and the device main body 1 are configured to require a special tool (special tool) for removal. For example, there is a case in which the housing is sealed using screws or bolts of a special shape so that it cannot be modified with a wireless device. In the case of the wireless unit 2, the terminal 8 is covered with a cover using screws or bolts of a special shape. cover. If a person who does not have a special tool attempts to remove the wireless unit 2, the structure is such that the parts and the cover must be destroyed. Alternatively, regarding the fixing means 6 for fixing the wireless unit 2 to the device main body 1 or an object in the periphery thereof,
A structure that cannot be removed using screws or bolts that require special tools for removal. Since a person without a special tool cannot remove the wireless unit 2, if a new wireless unit is illegally installed, more wireless units than one should have in one unit will be installed. It turns out that it is not. The terminal to which the signal line is attached may be on the wireless unit side or on the device body side.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This is equipment that remotely controls the apparatus main body through a wireless unit from an indoor remote controller using radio waves, and those having the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 have the same functions. Here, the wireless unit 2 has a first identification code storage unit 14 that stores an identification code specifying itself and outputs the identification code to the control unit 12. The identification code storage unit 14 is, for example, a ROM chip, and is a storage unit that cannot be changed once set at a factory. The device main body 1 has a second identification code storage unit 15 that stores an identification code of a wireless unit to be connected and outputs the identification code to the control unit 12. This is a storage means that can be rewritten later, such as an EEPROM, and may be written in the EEPROM at the factory when the device body and the wireless unit are shipped as a set, or installed in the factory when shipped separately. You may write it on site. When the wireless unit is replaced due to a failure or the like, this value is changed at the site and a new wireless unit is connected. Alternatively, a configuration in which the storage means itself can be replaced even with a non-rewritable ROM may be adopted. The control unit 12 of the device body 1 includes an identification code from the second identification code storage unit 15 which is an identification code of the wireless unit 2 to be connected, and a first identification code which is an identification code of the connected wireless unit 2. The operation of each of the device main bodies 1 is controlled so that the identification code from the code storage unit 14 can be compared and the remote operation can be performed when they match. When they do not match, an abnormal signal is output to the notifying unit 16 to notify. The notification unit may be a method of notifying the user by sound or light or a method of notifying a specific trader by communication such as a telephone line. When the identification codes do not match, the control unit 12 does not accept an operation signal from the remote controller to prevent a tampering operation due to unauthorized replacement of the wireless unit, and makes remote operation impossible. Alternatively, the control unit restricts each operation of the device main body 1 in order to prevent the device from being completely unusable for the user. For example, in the case of a gas water heater, operations involving danger such as not performing hot water supply are limited, and other operations that do not involve danger can be remotely controlled. Alternatively, the operation of the device main body 1 is controlled to a specific state. The specific state is a state in which the operation of the apparatus main body 1 is not stopped and an operation predetermined on the safe side is performed. For example, in the case of a gas water heater, the temperature of hot water is fixed at a low temperature. In this case, hot water can be supplied even when the remote controller cannot be used. As described above, there is an effect that the user does not feel inconvenience as much as possible after the abnormality is detected until the cause is clarified.

The above-described identification code matching processing may be performed only when a wireless operation signal is received from the remote controller 3, or may be performed periodically regardless of the wireless operation signal. The identification code coincidence confirmation processing may be performed on the wireless unit side instead of the configuration performed on the device body side. In this way, the number of circuit components required on the device main body side in relation to the processing of the identification code is reduced, and it is not necessary to make a significant change to the conventional model. By attaching the notification unit to the wireless unit, an optimum notification method can be selected depending on the installation location of the device. For example, a wireless unit having a transmission function can wirelessly transmit a notification signal to notify a remote location. An embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 as a configuration performed on the wireless unit side. Radio unit 2 from indoor remote controller 3 using radio waves
1 is a facility device for remotely controlling the device body 1 through
Those having the same numbers as have the same functions. The device body 1
It has a second identification code storage unit 15 that stores an identification code identifying itself and outputs it to the wireless reception unit 11. The wireless unit 2 includes a first identification code storage unit 14 that stores an identification code of a device main body to be connected and outputs the identification code to the wireless control unit 26, and a wireless reception unit 11 that decodes the wireless operation signal 9 into an operation signal. . The wireless control unit 18 of the wireless unit 2 controls the receiving operation of the wireless receiving unit 11, and the identification code from the second identification code storage unit 15, which is the identification code of the wireless unit to be connected, The wireless receiving unit 11 decodes the wireless operation signal 9 so that the unit can be remotely operated when the identification code from the first identification code storage unit 14, which is the unit identification code, is compared and matched. When they do not match, an abnormal signal is output to the notifying unit 16 to notify. When the identification codes do not match, the wireless control unit 18 controls the wireless receiving unit 11 to prevent the tampering operation due to the unauthorized replacement of the wireless unit, and controls the wireless operation signal 9 from the remote controller 3.
Without decrypting it, making remote operation impossible. Alternatively, the wireless control unit 18 outputs an operation signal for restricting each operation of the device main body 1 to the control unit 12 of the device main body 1 in order to prevent the device from being completely unusable for the user. Alternatively, an operation signal for controlling the operation of the device main body to a specific state is output. An operation signal for restricting each operation of the device main body, an operation signal for setting a specific state, may be obtained by editing an operation signal obtained by decoding the received wireless operation signal 9, and outputting the edited signal.
A predetermined operation signal may be output. In this case, hot water can be supplied even when the remote controller cannot be used. The user is to avoid inconvenience as much as possible after the abnormality is detected until the cause is clarified.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Radio unit 2 from indoor remote controller 3 using radio waves
1 is a facility device for remotely controlling the device body 1 through
Those having the same numbers as have the same functions. Here, the device main body 1 includes a disconnection detecting unit 17 that detects that the signal line 7 connecting the wireless unit 2 and the device main unit 1 is disconnected and outputs an abnormal signal to the control unit 12. This is wireless unit 2
When replacing the device, the signal line 7 connecting the wireless unit 2 and the device body 1 is disconnected from the terminal 8 or the signal line 7
This is to check the work of cutting. As a method of disconnection detection, if a constant voltage is always applied to the signal line 7 from the wireless unit 2 side, the disconnection is detected when the voltage drops below a certain level on the device body 1 side. Alternatively, signals may be exchanged between the wireless unit 2 and the device body 1 periodically to confirm that the signal line 7 is connected. For example, the disconnection detecting unit 17 of the device main body 1
Sends a connection confirmation signal to the wireless receiving unit 11 of the wireless unit 2 via the signal line 7 periodically every several minutes. Wireless receiver 1
1 receives this and returns an acknowledgment signal via the signal line 7. If the acknowledgment signal does not return, the disconnection detecting unit 17 determines that the signal line 7 is disconnected and outputs an abnormal signal to the notifying unit 16 to notify it. Even when the disconnection is temporary and returns to normal after a while, there is a possibility that the wireless unit was exchanged illegally during this time. Therefore, there is a disconnection and the disconnection detection unit 1
After the abnormal signal is output even once from the control unit 7, the control unit 12 prevents the tampering operation due to the unauthorized replacement of the wireless unit.
Does not accept an operation signal from the wireless unit 2 and disables remote operation. Alternatively, if there is an operation signal, the operation signal is basically accepted, but the operation with some danger is restricted. Control to a specific state. These have the effect of enabling the user to use the device body as much as possible even when the signal line is disconnected.

The disconnection detection processing may be performed by the wireless unit instead of by the apparatus itself. In this way, the number of circuit components required on the device body side in the disconnection detection processing is reduced, and it is not necessary to make a significant change to the conventional model. By attaching the notification unit to the wireless unit, it is possible to select an optimal notification method depending on the installation location of the device, which enables notification by wireless communication. However, in a configuration in which the operating power of the disconnection detecting unit 17 is supplied from the device main body, the abnormality determination processing does not operate if the disconnection detecting unit 17 is removed from the device main body. An embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Equipment that remotely controls the apparatus main body 1 through a wireless unit 2 from an indoor remote controller 3 using radio waves, and those having the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 have the same functions. Here, the wireless unit 2 detects that the signal line 7 connecting the wireless unit 2 and the device main body 1 is disconnected, and notifies the notification unit 1.
6 is provided with a disconnection detecting unit 17 that outputs an abnormal signal. In order to prevent a tampering operation due to unauthorized replacement of the wireless unit after such a disconnection, the wireless control unit 26 controls the wireless receiving unit 11 and does not accept the wireless operation signal 9 from the remote controller. Is impossible. Alternatively, in order to prevent the device from being completely unusable to the user, the wireless control unit 26 receives the wireless operation signal 9 or sends an operation signal for limiting each operation of the device body even without the wireless operation signal 9. Output to the control unit 12 of the device body. Alternatively, an operation signal for controlling the operation of the device main body to a specific state is output. The operation signal for restricting each operation of the device body and the operation signal for setting a specific state may be obtained by editing an operation signal obtained by decoding the received wireless operation signal 9 or outputting the operation signal in advance. May be output. In this way, even if the remote controller cannot be used, the user is prevented from feeling inconvenience as far as possible after the abnormality is detected until the cause is clarified.

In the above, the equipment for remotely controlling the main body of the equipment through a wireless unit from an indoor remote controller using radio waves has been described. Next, an automatic meter reading system that collects data from a remote data measuring device (meter) with a data collecting device (meter reading device) using radio waves also prevents unauthorized replacement of wireless units installed outdoors. A method for detecting that an unauthorized exchange has been performed and coping with this will be described. Here, the difference between the automatic meter reading system and the remote control of the equipment is that if the wireless unit is exchanged incorrectly, the data collection is stopped immediately and error data is not collected, so that the error data can be corrected later. It is to collect. Therefore, first, the fact that unauthorized replacement of the wireless unit has been performed is promptly detected, and data collection is stopped. The data collection center is immediately notified via a telephone line or a local service provider is notified via a wireless line. It is desired that error data be collected separately even after the illegal exchange is performed so that the data can be corrected later. Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a data collection system will be described.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 21 is a data collection device, 2 is a wireless unit having a function of receiving a wireless signal, 23 is a data measuring device having a function of transmitting a wireless signal, and transmitted from the remote data measuring device 23 to the wireless unit 2 using radio waves. Data is collected by the data collection device 21. The data measurement device 23 includes a measurement unit 24 that measures data, and a wireless transmission unit 5 that receives data from the measurement unit 24, modulates the data into a wireless data signal 29, and outputs the wireless data signal 29. The wireless unit 2 is installed on or near the data collection device 21 so that the signal line 7 and the terminal 8
And a wireless receiving unit 11 that receives the wireless data signal 29 from the data measuring device 23, decodes it into a data signal 30, and outputs the data signal 30. The data collection device 21 includes a collection unit 32 that receives a data signal 30 from the wireless unit 2 and collects data, and a storage unit / transfer unit 33 that stores and transfers data.

Here, the wireless unit 2 and the data collection device 2
1 is effective in the same manner as the above-described embodiment of the remote controller and the device main body. For example, the signal line 7 and the terminal 8 cannot be removed from the terminal unless they have a special tool, so that the terminal 8 is covered with a cover using screws or bolts of a special shape, or the radio unit is a data collection device or a data collection device. Fixing means 6 for fixing to an object at the periphery of
Is attached using screws or bolts with special shapes.

Although not shown, FIG.
Similarly to the above, the device connected to the wireless unit performs the identification code matching process. The wireless unit includes a first identification code storage unit that stores an identification code identifying itself and outputs the identification code to the control unit. The data collection device includes a second identification code storage unit that stores the identification code of the wireless unit to be connected and outputs the identification code to the control unit, and the control unit identifies the identification code to be connected and the identification from the connected wireless unit. Data is stored / transferred and data is collected when they match with the code.
If they do not match, an abnormal signal is output and the notifying unit notifies. If they do not match, the data collection may be stopped, but the control unit edits a part of the data signal and continues collection in order to enable correction of the collected data later.

For example, the information is collected by adding information indicating that the identification code does not match, is collected by adding the date and time when the mismatch is detected, and is the identification code of the currently connected wireless unit. And data including the identification code sent from the identification code storage unit. If data is collected by matching the identification code of the wireless unit, it is possible to later check which data measuring device has sent the data, and the collected data can be used. The identification code matching check process may be performed only when a wireless data signal is received from the data measuring device, or may be performed periodically regardless of the wireless signal.

Alternatively, as in the case of FIG. 3, the wireless unit side may perform the identification code matching process. The data collection device includes a second identification code storage unit that stores an identification code identifying itself and outputs the identification code to the wireless control unit. The wireless unit includes a first identification code storage unit that stores the identification code of the data collection device to be connected and outputs the identification code to the wireless control unit. Then, the wireless control unit of the wireless unit compares the identification code stored in the first identification code storage unit with the identification code from the connected data collection device, and matches the wireless data signal with the data signal when they match. And outputs it to a data collection device to collect data. If they do not match, an abnormal signal is output and the notifying unit notifies. If they do not match, the data collection may be stopped without outputting to the data collection device.However, even when they do not match so that the data can be corrected later, the wireless control unit may edit a part of the data signal and edit the data collection device. To the control unit to continue data collection. For example, data is collected including the identification code of the first identification code storage unit indicating the wireless unit itself, which is collected by adding information notifying that the identification codes do not match. If data is collected by matching the identification code of the wireless unit, it is possible to later check which data measuring device has sent the data, and the collected data can be used.

Further, similarly to FIG. 4, disconnection of a signal line connecting the wireless unit and the data collection device may be detected.
The data collection device includes a disconnection detecting unit that detects that the signal line has been disconnected and outputs an abnormal signal, and notifies the reporting unit when there is a disconnection. After the disconnection detection, the data collection may be stopped, but if a data signal is sent from the wireless unit to enable the data to be corrected later, the control unit of the data collection device partially edits the data signal. Output to the storage / transfer unit to continue data collection. For example, information indicating that there is a disconnection is added to continue the collection, the date and time when the disconnection is detected is added and collected, and data is collected including an identification code indicating a wireless unit.

Alternatively, the disconnection of the signal line may be detected on the wireless unit side as in FIG. The wireless unit includes a disconnection detection unit that detects that a signal line connecting the wireless unit and the data collection device has been disconnected and outputs an abnormal signal, and notifies the notification unit when there is a disconnection. After the disconnection, the data collection may be stopped, but if a wireless data signal is sent from the data measuring device to enable the data to be corrected later, the wireless control unit decodes the received wireless operation signal. Edit and output to a data collection device to continue data collection. For example, information indicating that there is a disconnection is output to the data collection device, the date and time at which the disconnection is detected is output, and an identification code indicating the wireless unit itself is output.

In a configuration in which the wireless unit is attached to the data measuring device, unauthorized replacement of the wireless unit installed outdoors is prevented, and the fact that the unauthorized replacement is detected is dealt with. An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7 for an automatic meter reading system in which data is collected by a data collection device through a wireless unit from a remote data measurement device using radio waves. 23 is a data measuring device,
22 is a wireless unit having a wireless signal transmission function, 21
Is a data collection device having a function of receiving a wireless signal, which collects data from a remote data measurement device through a wireless unit using a radio wave. Data measurement equipment 23
Is a measuring unit 24 that measures data and outputs a data signal
And a control unit 27 for controlling the measurement unit 24. The wireless unit 22 is installed on or near the data measuring device 23 and is connected to the data measuring device 23 via the signal line 7 and the terminal 8. The wireless unit 22 includes a wireless transmitting unit 30 that receives a data signal from the measuring unit 24 of the data measuring device 23, modulates the data signal into a wireless data signal 29, and outputs the wireless data signal 29. The data collection device 21 receives a wireless data signal 29, decodes the signal, and outputs a signal, and the storage / transfer unit 3 that receives a signal from the wireless reception unit 25 and stores or transfers data.
3 and a control unit 32 for controlling the storage / transfer unit 33.

Here, in the connection between the wireless unit 22 and the data measuring device 23, the same method as in the above-described embodiment is effective. For example, the terminal 8 may be covered with a cover using screws or bolts of a special shape so that the signal line 7 and the terminal 8 cannot be removed from the terminal unless a regular contractor is used.
The fixing means 6 for fixing the wireless unit 22 to the data measuring device 23 or an object at the periphery thereof is attached by using screws or bolts of a special shape.

Although not shown, FIG.
In the same manner as described above, the identification code coincidence confirmation processing may be performed on the device side to which the wireless unit is connected. The wireless unit includes a first identification code storage unit that stores an identification code identifying itself and outputs the identification code to the control unit of the data measuring device. The data measurement device includes a second identification code storage unit that stores the identification code of the wireless unit to be connected and outputs the identification code to the measurement unit. And
The control unit compares the identification code stored in the second identification code storage unit with the identification code from the connected wireless unit, and outputs a data signal when they match, and performs data collection. If they do not match, an abnormal signal is output and the notifying unit notifies. If they do not match, the data measurement may be stopped, but even if they do not match, the control unit edits part of the measured data and outputs it to the wireless unit to continue the measurement even if the data does not match so that the data can be corrected later. For example, adding information indicating that the identification code does not match the measurement data, adding the date and time when the mismatch was detected, or sent from the first identification code storage unit of the currently connected wireless unit. The identification code of the second identification code storage unit, which is the identification code of the data measuring device itself, is included. If data is collected by matching the identification code of the wireless unit and the identification code of the data measuring device, it is possible to later check which data measuring device has sent the data, and the collected data can be used.

Alternatively, as in the case of FIG. 3, the identification check of the identification code may be performed on the wireless unit side. The data measurement device includes a second identification code storage unit that stores and outputs an identification code identifying itself. The wireless unit includes a wireless control unit that controls a wireless transmission unit, and a first identification code storage unit that stores an identification code of a data measurement device to be connected and outputs the identification code to the wireless control unit. Then, the wireless control unit compares the identification code stored in the first identification code storage unit with the identification code from the connected data measuring device, and modulates the data signal into a wireless data signal when they match. Output and collect data. If they do not match, an abnormal signal is output and the notifying unit notifies. If they do not match, data measurement may be stopped, but even if they do not match, the wireless control unit edits a part of the data signal, modulates it to a wireless data signal, and outputs radio waves even if the data does not match so that data can be corrected later I do. For example, to add information indicating that the identification code does not match the measurement data, to add the date and time when the mismatch was detected, and to identify the identification code of the first identification code storage unit that is the identification code of the wireless unit itself. Include the identification code from the second identification code storage of the currently connected data measurement device.

Further, similarly to FIG. 4, disconnection of a signal line connecting the wireless unit and the data measuring device may be detected.
The data measuring device includes a disconnection detecting unit that detects that the signal line has been disconnected and outputs an abnormal signal, and notifies the reporting unit when there is a disconnection. After the disconnection, data measurement may be stopped, but the control unit of the data measuring device edits a part of the measured data and outputs it to the wireless unit to collect data even when the data does not match to allow the data to be corrected later. to continue. For example, information indicating that there is a disconnection is output to the wireless unit, the date and time at which the disconnection is detected is output, and an identification code indicating a data measuring device is output.

Alternatively, the disconnection of the signal line may be detected on the wireless unit side as in FIG. The wireless unit includes a disconnection detecting unit that detects disconnection of a signal line connecting the wireless unit and the data measurement device and outputs an abnormal signal, and notifies the reporting unit when there is a disconnection. After the disconnection, data collection may be stopped, but if a data signal is sent from a data measurement device that allows data to be corrected later, the wireless transmission unit edits the data signal from the data measurement device and edits the data signal. The data is modulated and output as a wireless data signal to continue data collection. For example, a wireless data signal is transmitted with information indicating that there is a disconnection, a date and time when a disconnection is detected is transmitted, and an identification code indicating the wireless unit itself is transmitted.

As described above, the unauthorized exchange is detected by the identification code and the disconnection detection. However, in order to distinguish it from replacement of a legitimate wireless unit such as failure replacement, a procedure to re-store the identification code of the other party to be connected, a procedure to disable the disconnection detection function, or a disconnection occurred due to regular replacement It is necessary for the control unit to have a procedure for recording this.

These procedures may be performed wirelessly through a wireless unit. For example, it is easy to send the identification code using a radio signal to store the identification code of the other party to be connected. Note that the identification code for confirming the wireless unit and the device to which it is connected may be the same as the identification code (wireless ID) used in wireless communication.
Referring to FIG. 2, when connected to a legitimate partner, the wireless ID received by the wireless receiving unit from the wireless remote controller, the identification code stored in the first storage unit, and the second storage unit on the device body side And the identification code stored in. Some wireless devices must store the wireless ID when applying for the inspection of the wireless device, but the first storage unit can also serve as the storage unit for storing the wireless ID. Alternatively, when the wireless ID is too long, a part of the wireless ID,
A code generated from the wireless ID may be used. That is, in the ID registration of the communication partner, the received wireless ID of the wireless remote controller is stored in the wireless unit as the wireless communication partner, and the identification code obtained from the wireless ID is stored in the first storage unit as the identification code of the wireless unit. The information is stored in the second storage unit of the device main body as the identification code of the wireless unit to be connected. With this configuration, when the wireless ID of the wireless communication partner is registered as the initial setting, the identification codes of the wireless unit and the connected device can be registered at the same time.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a wireless unit installed outdoors from being illegally replaced in a wireless remote controller or an automatic meter reading system of facility equipment, and to prevent the wireless unit from being replaced illegally. It is possible to detect and limit the control of the device main body, stop the data collection, or record the fact that the illegal exchange has been performed, and continue the data collection.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of equipment, a remote controller, and a wireless unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of equipment, a remote controller, and a wireless unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of equipment, a remote controller, and a wireless unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of equipment, a remote controller, and a wireless unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of equipment, a remote controller, and a wireless unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a data collection device, a data measurement device, and a wireless unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a data collection device, a data measurement device, and a wireless unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of equipment, a remote controller, and a wireless unit in a conventional example.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a data collection device and a data measurement device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of equipment, a remote controller, and a wireless unit in a conventional example.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a data collection device, a data measurement device, and a wireless unit in a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 device main body 2 wireless unit 3 remote controller 5 wireless transmitting unit 6 fixing means 7 signal line 8 terminal 11 wireless receiving unit 12 control unit 14 first storage unit 15 second storage unit 16 notification unit 17 disconnection detection unit 18 wireless control unit 21 Data collection equipment 23 Data measurement equipment

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 12, 2002 (2002.6.1
2)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0029

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0029]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a wireless unit which is connected to a device body by wire and has a function of receiving a wireless signal, and a function of transmitting the wireless signal. A facility device that includes a remote controller and operates the device main body from the remote controller through the wireless unit using radio waves ;
The main body or the wireless unit is a facility device that detects that the wired signal line that electrically connects the device main body and the wireless unit is disconnected and outputs an abnormal signal, The device body or the wireless unit detects that a signal line that electrically connects the device body and the wireless unit is disconnected, and outputs an abnormal signal.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0030

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

At this time, the remote controller performs remote control of the device main body , and detects that the signal line for electrically connecting the device main body and the wireless unit is disconnected. Restricts the operation of the device main body or sets the operation to a predetermined state.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0031

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

At this time, the data measuring device measures specific data and transmits the measured data to the remote data.
Collected a equipment to data collected by the equipment, the Day
When it is detected that a signal line that electrically connects the data measuring device or the data collection device and the wireless unit is disconnected, at least information on the date and time of the disconnection detection is added to the collected data.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0032

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0032]

In a device provided with a disconnection detecting section for detecting a disconnection of a signal line connecting the wireless unit and the device main body, the disconnection is detected and notified, and after the signal line is disconnected, the operation of the device main body is performed. Limit the operation or set the operation of the device body to a predetermined state.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0033

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, a data measuring device or a data collecting device
The signal line that electrically connects the device and the wireless unit is disconnected.
When it is detected that the
At least information on the date and time of departure is added.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Yoshiyuki Yokoamishiro 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5C087 BB18 CC05 DD33 EE07 FF02 FF16 5K048 BA14 BA36 DB01 DC01 EB02 EB10 EB13 FB11 HA02

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a device main body installed in a building; a wireless unit connected to the device main body by wire and having a function of receiving a wireless signal; and a remote controller having a function of transmitting the wireless signal. In a facility device that operates the device main body from the remote controller through the wireless unit, the disconnection detection unit included in the wireless unit or the device main body is a wired signal that electrically connects the wireless unit and the device main body. An equipment device comprising: a notifying unit that detects that a wire is disconnected, outputs an abnormal signal, and receives the abnormal signal to notify the abnormality. 2. A control unit of the device main unit connected to the wireless unit by wire controls the operation of the device main unit, and after receiving an abnormal signal from the disconnection detecting unit, restricts the operation operation of the device main unit. 2. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the equipment main body is set to a predetermined state. 3. 3. An operation unit for controlling the operation of the wireless unit connected to the device main unit by wire, and after receiving an abnormal signal from the disconnection detecting unit, an operation for restricting the operation operation of the device main unit. 2. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein a signal is output to the equipment main body, or an operation signal for setting a driving operation of the equipment main body to a predetermined state is output to the equipment main body. 3. 4. A data collection device, a wireless unit connected to the data collection device by wire and having a function of receiving a wireless signal, and a data measurement device having a function of transmitting the wireless signal. In equipment that collects measurement data with the data collection device from the data measurement device through the wireless unit, the disconnection detection unit of the wireless unit or the data collection device electrically connects the wireless unit and the data collection device. An equipment device comprising: a notifying unit that detects that the connected wired signal line is disconnected, outputs an abnormal signal, and receives the abnormal signal to notify the abnormality. 5. A control unit of the data collection device connected to the wireless unit by wire controls the operation of the data collection device,
The system according to claim 4, wherein when receiving or after receiving the abnormal signal from the disconnection detecting unit, the measurement data from the wireless unit is collected including the date and time of the disconnection detection. Equipment. 6. A control unit of a wireless unit connected to the data collection device by wire controls the operation of the wireless unit, and receives or receives an abnormal signal from the disconnection detection unit from the data measurement device when receiving the abnormal signal. 5. The equipment according to claim 4, wherein the measured data includes the date and time of disconnection detection and outputs the data to the data collection device. 7. A data measuring device, a wireless unit connected to the data measuring device by wire and having a function of transmitting a wireless signal, and a data collecting device having a function of receiving a wireless signal. In equipment that collects measurement data from a measurement device by the data collection device through the wireless unit, a disconnection detection unit included in the wireless unit or the data measurement device electrically connects the wireless unit and the data measurement device. A device which detects that the wired signal line connected to the device is disconnected and outputs an abnormal signal, and receives the abnormal signal and notifies the abnormality. 8. A control unit of the data measuring device connected to the wireless unit by wire controls the operation of the data measuring device,
8. The equipment according to claim 7, wherein when receiving or after receiving an abnormal signal from the disconnection detecting unit, measurement data including a date and time of disconnection detection is output to the wireless unit. 9. A control unit of a wireless unit connected to the data measuring device by wire controls the operation of the wireless unit, and receives or receives an abnormal signal from the disconnection detecting unit from the data measuring device. 8. The equipment according to claim 7, wherein the measured data includes the date and time of disconnection detection and is modulated and output as a radio wave.