JP2003208685A

JP2003208685A - Radio communication system, radio meter reading system and slave machine

Info

Publication number: JP2003208685A
Application number: JP2002008224A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Katsumoto Yamaguchi; 勝基山口
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 2002-01-17
Filing date: 2002-01-17
Publication date: 2003-07-25

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio communication system, a radio meter reading system capable of minimizing the influence on the battery life of slave machine and shortening the time required for the communication between a host machine, and a slave machine, and the slave machine. <P>SOLUTION: This radio communication system comprising the slave machine 13 and host machine 11 for radio-transmitting and receiving information, is characterized in that it is provided with the slave machine 13 provided with a first receiving means 43 for intermittently performing a receiving operation at a first interval or a second interval shorter than the first interval, and the host machine 11 provided with a second transmitting means 21 for transmitting first start information or second start information to the slave machine 13, and a second receiving means 31 for receiving the data transmitted from the slave machine 13 after the transmission of the second start information by the second transmitting means 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は無線通信により情報
の送受信を行う無線通信システム、無線検針システムお
よび子機に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wireless communication system for transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication, a wireless meter reading system and a handset.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】家屋等に設置された水道メータやガスメ
ータ等の各種計量器への検針を、検針員の所持するハン
ドヘルドターミナル（以下、ＨＨＴ）により無線で検針
する無線検針システムがある。具体的には、水道メータ
やガスメータ等の各種計量器は無線通信を行う無線通信
装置（以下、子機）と接続されている。また、検針員の
所持するＨＨＴには無線通信装置（以下、親機）が接続
されており、この親機と子機との間で無線通信を行うこ
とにより、家屋等で使用された水道やガスの使用量に関
する情報をＨＨＴに収集する。家屋の設置状況によって
は、複数の計量器並びに子機が近い範囲に集中する場合
がある。そのため、図１に示されるように、検針員の所
持するＨＨＴ並びに親機１１は、複数の家屋に設けられ
た複数の子機１３と順次無線通信を行う。2. Description of the Related Art There is a wireless meter reading system for wirelessly metering meter readings for various measuring instruments such as water meters and gas meters installed in houses and the like by a handheld terminal (hereinafter referred to as HHT) carried by a meter reader. Specifically, various measuring instruments such as a water meter and a gas meter are connected to a wireless communication device (hereinafter, slave unit) that performs wireless communication. Further, a wireless communication device (hereinafter referred to as a base unit) is connected to the HHT possessed by the meter-reader, and by performing wireless communication between the base unit and the handset, the water supply used in a house or the like can be reduced. Collect information on gas usage in HHT. Depending on the installation situation of the house, multiple weighing devices and slave units may be concentrated in a close range. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the HHT carried by the meter-reader and the base unit 11 sequentially perform wireless communication with a plurality of handset units 13 provided in a plurality of houses.

【０００３】次に、親機１１と子機１３との間で行われ
るデータの送受信について図２を参照しながら説明す
る。子機を電池で動作させる場合には、子機の電池寿命
を長くするため受信回路を間欠的に動作させる。具体的
には受信回路を間欠受信間隔に示される間隔で動作させ
る間欠受信方式が採用される。子機はこの間欠的な受信
動作時に親機から送信された連続起動信号を検知する。
ここで、親機の送信する連続起動信号は、通常子機の間
欠受信間隔よりも長く送信される。子機が親機からの連
続起動信号を検知すると通信リンクが確立され、子機は
この通信リンクが確立されるとデータ要求待ち状態とな
り、タイムアウト監視時間Ｔ１内に親機から要求信号が
送信されるのを待つ。この要求信号を子機が検出する
と、親機と子機との間でデータ送受信が行われ、その
後、親機は次の子機との送受信を実行することとする
が、次の子機に対しても連続起動信号の送信を行い、次
にデータ要求を行うようになっている。データ送受信が
終了すると、子機は再び間欠受信間隔で受信動作を行
う。Data transmission / reception between the master 11 and the slave 13 will be described with reference to FIG. When operating the slave unit with a battery, the receiving circuit is operated intermittently in order to extend the battery life of the slave unit. Specifically, an intermittent reception method is adopted in which the receiving circuit is operated at intervals indicated by the intermittent reception interval. The slave unit detects the continuous activation signal transmitted from the master unit during this intermittent receiving operation.
Here, the continuous activation signal transmitted by the master unit is normally transmitted longer than the intermittent reception interval of the slave unit. When the slave unit detects the continuous activation signal from the master unit, the communication link is established, and when the communication link is established, the slave unit waits for data request, and the master unit transmits the request signal within the timeout monitoring time T1. Wait for you. When the slave unit detects this request signal, data transmission / reception is performed between the master unit and the slave unit, and then the master unit executes transmission / reception with the next slave unit. Contrarily, a continuous activation signal is transmitted, and then a data request is made. When the data transmission / reception ends, the child device performs the receiving operation again at the intermittent reception interval.

【０００４】[0004]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上述の
間欠受信方式においては、親機は子機を起動するために
子機の間欠受信間隔以上の長さで連続起動信号を送信す
る必要がある。一方では、データ送受信を含めた通信に
かかる時間を短縮するために子機の間欠受信間隔を短く
すると、子機の電池の寿命が短くなってしまうという問
題点があった。However, in the above-mentioned intermittent reception system, the master unit needs to transmit a continuous activation signal at a length longer than the intermittent reception interval of the slave unit to activate the slave unit. On the other hand, if the intermittent reception interval of the slave unit is shortened in order to shorten the time required for communication including data transmission / reception, the battery life of the slave unit becomes short.

【０００５】そこで本発明は、子機の電池の寿命を極力
短くすることなく、親機と子機との通信にかかる時間を
短縮することが可能な無線通信システム、無線検針シス
テムおよび子機の提供を目的とする。Therefore, the present invention provides a wireless communication system, a wireless meter reading system, and a slave unit that can shorten the time required for communication between the master unit and the slave unit without shortening the battery life of the slave unit as much as possible. For the purpose of provision.

【０００６】[0006]

【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は、上記課題を解
決するために、請求項１に記載の無線通信システムは、
無線により情報を送受信する子機および無線により情報
を送受信する親機から構成される無線通信システムにお
いて、第１の間隔あるいは前記第１の間隔よりも短い第
２の間隔で間欠的に受信動作を行う第１の受信手段と、
この第１の受信手段が前記第１の間隔で間欠的に受信動
作を行っているときに前記親機より送信された情報を受
信し、受信した情報の中に前記子機を起動するための第
１の起動情報が含まれているか否かを判定する判定手段
と、この判定手段により前記第１の受信手段が前記第１
の起動情報を受信していると判定したときに前記第１の
受信手段に対して前記第２の間隔で間欠的に受信動作を
行うよう変更する変更手段と、この変更手段により前記
第２の間隔で間欠的に受信動作を行っているときに前記
親機より第２の起動情報を受信すると前記親機に対して
データ送信を行う第１の送信手段とを備えた子機と、前
記子機に対して前記第１の起動情報あるいは前記第２の
起動情報を送信する第２の送信手段と、この第２の送信
手段による前記第２の起動情報の送信後に前記子機より
送信されたデータを受信する第２の受信手段とを備えた
親機とを具備したことを特徴とする。In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a wireless communication system according to claim 1,
In a wireless communication system composed of a slave unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information and a master unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, a receiving operation is intermittently performed at a first interval or a second interval shorter than the first interval. First receiving means for performing,
The first receiving means receives information transmitted from the master unit while intermittently performing the receiving operation at the first interval, and activates the slave unit in the received information. Determining means for determining whether or not the first activation information is included, and the determining means causes the first receiving means to perform the first
Change means for changing the first receiving means to perform the receiving operation intermittently at the second interval when it is determined that the second start information is received. A slave unit including a first transmitter that transmits data to the master unit when second activation information is received from the master unit while performing intermittent receiving operation at intervals; A second transmission means for transmitting the first activation information or the second activation information to the device, and the second device transmits the second activation information after the second activation information is transmitted from the slave device. A master unit provided with a second receiving unit for receiving data.

【０００７】また、請求項２に記載の無線通信システム
は、無線により情報を送受信する子機および無線により
情報を送受信する親機から構成される無線通信システム
において、間欠的あるいは連続的に受信動作を行う第１
の受信手段と、この第１の受信手段が間欠的に受信動作
を行っているときに前記親機より送信された情報を受信
し、受信した情報の中に前記子機を起動するための第１
の起動情報が含まれているか否かを判定する判定手段
と、この判定手段により前記第１の受信手段が前記第１
の起動情報を受信していると判定したときに前記第１の
受信手段に対して連続的に受信動作を行うよう変更する
変更手段と、この変更手段により連続的に受信動作を行
っているときに前記親機より第２の起動情報を受信する
と前記親機に対してデータ送信を行う第１の送信手段と
を備えた子機と、前記子機に対して前記第１の起動情報
あるいは前記第２の起動情報を送信する第２の送信手段
と、この第２の送信手段による前記第２の起動情報の送
信後に前記子機より送信されたデータを受信する第２の
受信手段とを備えた親機とを具備したことを特徴とす
る。A wireless communication system according to a second aspect of the invention is a wireless communication system composed of a slave unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information and a master unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, and the receiving operation is intermittent or continuous. First to do
Receiving means for receiving the information transmitted from the master unit while the first receiving means intermittently performs the receiving operation, and receiving the information for starting the slave unit in the received information. 1
Determining means for determining whether or not the startup information of the first receiving means is included in the first receiving means.
Change means for changing the first receiving means to continuously perform the receiving operation when it is determined that the start information is received, and when the receiving operation is continuously performed by the changing means. A slave unit having a first transmitting unit that transmits data to the master unit when receiving second activation information from the master unit; and the first activation information or the slave unit to the slave unit. It is provided with second transmitting means for transmitting the second activation information, and second receiving means for receiving the data transmitted from the slave unit after the transmission of the second activation information by the second transmitting means. It is characterized by having a master unit.

【０００８】また、請求項３に記載の無線検針システム
は、無線により情報を送受信する子機、この子機と接続
され電気、水道、ガスのうち少なくとも一つの使用量を
計量する計量器、前記子機と無線により情報を送受信す
る親機、この親機と接続され親機が送受信した情報を記
憶する携帯装置から構成される無線検針システムにおい
て、前記計量器は、電気、水道、ガスのうち少なくとも
一つの使用量を計量する計量手段と、前記子機と接続さ
れ、前記計量手段が計量した情報を前記子機へ通信回線
を介して送信する第１の通信手段とを備え、前記子機
は、前記計量器から送信された情報を通信回線を介して
受信する第２の通信手段と、第１の間隔あるいは前記第
１の間隔よりも短い第２の間隔で間欠的に無線による受
信動作を行う第１の受信手段と、この第１の受信手段が
前記第１の間隔で間欠的に受信動作を行っているときに
前記親機より送信された情報を受信し、受信した情報の
中に前記子機を起動するための第１の起動情報が含まれ
ているか否かを判定する判定手段と、この判定手段によ
り前記受信手段が前記第１の起動情報を受信していると
判定したときに前記第１の受信手段に対して前記第２の
間隔で間欠的に受信動作を行うよう変更する変更手段
と、この変更手段により前記第２の間隔で間欠的に受信
動作を行っているときに前記親機より第２の起動情報を
受信すると前記親機に対して前記第２の通信手段で得ら
れた情報を無線により送信する第１の送信手段とを備
え、前記親機は、前記子機に対して前記第１の起動情報
あるいは前記第２の起動情報を送信する第２の送信手段
と、この第２の送信手段による第２の起動情報の送信後
に前記子機より送信された情報を受信する第２の受信手
段と、この第２の受信手段により得られた情報を通信回
線を介して前記携帯装置へ送信する第３の通信手段とを
備え、前記携帯装置は、前記親機と通信回線を介して情
報を受信する第４の通信手段と、この第４の通信手段に
より前記親機から送信された情報を記憶する記憶手段と
を備えたことを特徴とする。According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless meter reading system, a slave unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information, a weighing instrument connected to the slave unit for weighing at least one of electricity, water, and gas. In a wireless meter reading system composed of a master unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from a slave unit, and a portable device that is connected to the master unit and that stores the information transmitted and received by the master unit, the measuring instrument is one of electricity, water, and gas. The slave unit includes at least one weighing unit for weighing the usage amount, and a first communication unit connected to the slave unit and transmitting information measured by the weighing unit to the slave unit via a communication line. And a second communication means for receiving the information transmitted from the measuring instrument via a communication line, and a wireless receiving operation intermittently at a first interval or a second interval shorter than the first interval. The first to do Receiving means and the information received from the base unit when the first receiving means intermittently performs the receiving operation at the first interval, and the slave unit is included in the received information. Determination means for determining whether or not the first activation information for activation is included, and the first means when the determination means determines that the reception means has received the first activation information. Changing means for changing the receiving means to intermittently perform the receiving operation at the second interval, and the master unit when the receiving operation is intermittently performed at the second interval by the changing means. Further comprising: a first transmission unit that wirelessly transmits the information obtained by the second communication unit to the parent device when the second activation information is received, Transmitting the first activation information or the second activation information The transmitting means, the second receiving means for receiving the information transmitted from the slave unit after transmitting the second activation information by the second transmitting means, and the information obtained by the second receiving means. Third communication means for transmitting to the mobile device via a communication line, the mobile device comprising a fourth communication means for receiving information from the master unit via a communication line, and the fourth communication means. Storage means for storing the information transmitted from the parent machine by the means.

【０００９】また、請求項４に記載の無線検針システム
は、無線により情報を送受信する子機、この子機と接続
され電気、水道、ガスのうち少なくとも一つの使用量を
計量する計量器、前記子機と無線により情報を送受信す
る親機、この親機と接続され親機が送受信した情報を記
憶する携帯装置から構成される無線検針システムにおい
て、前記計量器は、電気、水道、ガスのうち少なくとも
一つの使用量を計量する計量手段と、前記子機と接続さ
れ、前記計量手段が計量した情報を前記子機へ通信回線
を介して送信する第１の通信手段とを備え、前記子機
は、前記計量器から送信された情報を通信回線を介して
受信する第２の通信手段と、間欠的あるいは連続的に受
信動作を行う第１の受信手段と、この第１の受信手段が
間欠的に受信動作を行っているときに前記親機より送信
された情報を受信し、受信した情報の中に前記子機を起
動するための第１の起動情報が含まれているか否かを判
定する判定手段と、この判定手段により前記受信手段が
前記第１の起動情報を受信していると判定したときに前
記第１の受信手段に対して連続的に受信動作を行うよう
変更する変更手段と、この変更手段により連続的に受信
動作を行っているときに前記親機より第２の起動情報を
受信すると前記親機に対して前記第２の通信手段で得ら
れた情報を送信する第１の送信手段とを備え、前記親機
は、前記子機に対して前記第１の起動情報あるいは前記
第２の起動情報を送信する第２の送信手段と、この第２
の送信手段による第２の起動情報の送信後に前記子機よ
り送信された情報を受信する第２の受信手段と、この第
２の受信手段により得られた情報を通信回線を介して前
記携帯装置へ送信する第３の通信手段とを備え、前記携
帯装置は、前記親機と通信回線を介して情報を受信する
第４の通信手段と、この第４の通信手段により前記親機
から送信された情報を記憶する記憶手段とを備えたこと
を特徴とする。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless meter reading system, which is a slave unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information, a weighing instrument connected to the slave unit for weighing at least one of electricity, water and gas. In a wireless meter reading system composed of a master unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from a slave unit, and a portable device that is connected to the master unit and that stores the information transmitted and received by the master unit, the measuring instrument is one of electricity, water, and gas. The slave unit includes at least one weighing unit for weighing the usage amount, and a first communication unit connected to the slave unit and transmitting information measured by the weighing unit to the slave unit via a communication line. Is a second communication means for receiving the information transmitted from the measuring instrument through a communication line, a first receiving means for intermittently or continuously receiving operation, and an intermittent operation of the first receiving means. Receive operation And a determination means for determining whether or not the first information for activating the child device is included in the received information when the information transmitted from the parent device is received. Changing means for changing the first receiving means so as to continuously perform the receiving operation when the determining means determines that the receiving means has received the first activation information, and the changing means. And a first transmission unit that transmits the information obtained by the second communication unit to the master unit when the second activation information is received from the master unit during the continuous reception operation by And a second transmitting unit for transmitting the first activation information or the second activation information to the slave unit, and the second unit.
Second receiving means for receiving the information transmitted from the slave unit after transmitting the second activation information by the transmitting means, and the portable device through the information obtained by the second receiving means via the communication line. And a third communication unit for transmitting the information to the portable device, the portable device including a fourth communication unit for receiving information via the communication line with the master unit, and the fourth communication unit for transmitting the information from the master unit. And storage means for storing the information.

【００１０】また、請求項５に記載の無線通信システム
は、無線により情報を送受信する複数台の子機および無
線により情報を送受信する親機から構成される無線通信
システムにおいて、第１の間隔あるいは前記第１の間隔
よりも短い第２の間隔で間欠的に受信動作を行う第１の
受信手段と、この第１の受信手段が前記第１の間隔で間
欠的に受信動作を行っているときに前記親機より送信さ
れた情報を受信し、受信した情報の中に前記子機を起動
するための第１の起動情報が含まれているか否かを判定
する判定手段と、この判定手段により前記第１の受信手
段が前記第１の起動情報を受信していると判定したとき
に前記第１の受信手段に対して前記第２の間隔で間欠的
に受信動作を行うよう変更する変更手段と、この変更手
段により前記第２の間隔で間欠的に受信動作を行ってい
るときに前記親機より第２の起動情報を受信すると前記
親機に対してデータ送信を行う第１の送信手段とを備え
た複数台の子機と、前記複数台の子機に対して前記第１
の起動情報あるいは前記第２の起動情報を送信する第２
の送信手段と、この第２の送信手段による前記第２の起
動情報の送信後に前記複数台の子機より送信されたデー
タを順次受信する第２の受信手段とを備えた親機とを具
備したことを特徴とする。The wireless communication system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a wireless communication system comprising a plurality of slave units that wirelessly transmit and receive information and a master unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information. First receiving means for intermittently performing a receiving operation at a second interval shorter than the first interval, and the first receiving means for intermittently performing a receiving operation at the first interval. Determining means for receiving information transmitted from the master unit and determining whether the received information includes first activation information for activating the slave unit, and the determining means Change means for changing the first receiving means to perform the receiving operation intermittently at the second interval when it is determined that the first receiving means receives the first activation information. With this changing means, the second A plurality of slave units including a first transmitting unit that transmits data to the master unit when the second activation information is received from the master unit during intermittent reception operation at intervals. , The first for the plurality of slaves
Second activation information or the second activation information is transmitted.
And a second receiver that sequentially receives the data transmitted from the plurality of slaves after the second activation information is transmitted by the second transmitter. It is characterized by having done.

【００１１】また、請求項６に記載の無線検針システム
は、無線により情報を送受信する複数台の子機、この子
機と接続され電気、水道、ガスのうち少なくとも一つの
使用量を計量する複数台の計量器、前記複数台の子機と
無線により情報を送受信する親機、この親機と接続され
親機が送受信した情報を記憶する携帯装置から構成され
る無線検針システムにおいて、前記複数台の計量器は、
電気、水道、ガスのうち少なくとも一つの使用量を計量
する計量手段と、前記子機と接続され、前記計量手段が
計量した情報を前記子機へ通信回線を介して送信する第
１の通信手段とを備え、前記複数台の子機は、前記計量
器から送信された情報を通信回線を介して受信する第２
の通信手段と、第１の間隔あるいは前記第１の間隔より
も短い第２の間隔で間欠的に受信動作を行う第１の受信
手段と、この第１の受信手段が前記第１の間隔で間欠的
に受信動作を行っているときに前記親機より送信された
情報を受信し、受信した情報の中に前記子機を起動する
ための第１の起動情報が含まれているか否かを判定する
判定手段と、この判定手段により前記受信手段が前記第
１の起動情報を受信していると判定したときに前記第１
の受信手段に対して前記第２の間隔で間欠的に受信動作
を行うよう変更する変更手段と、この変更手段により前
記第２の間隔で間欠的に受信動作を行っているときに前
記親機より第２の起動情報を受信すると前記親機に対し
て前記第２の通信手段で得られた情報を送信する第１の
送信手段とを備え、前記親機は、前記複数台の子機に対
して前記第１の起動情報あるいは前記第２の起動情報を
送信する第２の送信手段と、この第２の送信手段による
第２の起動情報の送信後に前記子機より送信された情報
を順次受信する第２の受信手段と、この第２の受信手段
により得られた情報を通信回線を介して前記携帯装置へ
送信する第３の通信手段とを備え、前記携帯装置は、前
記親機と通信回線を介して情報を受信する第４の通信手
段と、この第４の通信手段により前記親機から送信され
た情報を記憶する記憶手段とを備えたことを特徴とす
る。According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless meter reading system in which a plurality of slave units for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information, and a plurality of slave units connected to the slave units for measuring at least one of electricity, water and gas used. In a wireless meter reading system consisting of a weighing machine, a master unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from the plurality of slave units, and a portable device that is connected to the master unit and stores information transmitted and received by the master unit The measuring instrument of
Measuring means for measuring the usage amount of at least one of electricity, water, and gas, and first communication means connected to the slave unit and transmitting information measured by the measuring unit to the slave unit via a communication line. And a plurality of slave units that receive the information transmitted from the weighing instrument via a communication line.
Communication means, first receiving means for intermittently performing a receiving operation at a first interval or at a second interval shorter than the first interval, and the first receiving means at the first interval. Whether the information transmitted from the master unit is received during the intermittent reception operation and whether the received information includes the first activation information for activating the slave unit, Determining means for determining, and the first means when the determining means determines that the receiving means is receiving the first activation information.
Changing means for changing the receiving means to intermittently perform the receiving operation at the second interval, and the master unit when the receiving operation is intermittently performed at the second interval by the changing means. Further comprising: a first transmission unit that transmits the information obtained by the second communication unit to the master unit when the second activation information is received, and the master unit is the plurality of slave units. On the other hand, second transmission means for transmitting the first activation information or the second activation information, and information transmitted from the slave unit after the second activation information is transmitted by the second transmission means. The mobile device includes a second receiving unit for receiving and a third communication unit for transmitting the information obtained by the second receiving unit to the mobile device via a communication line. A fourth communication means for receiving information via a communication line; By Shin means, characterized in that a storage means for storing information transmitted from the base unit.

【００１２】また、請求項７に記載の子機は、無線によ
り情報を送受信する子機および無線により情報を送受信
する親機から構成される無線通信システムに用いられ、
第１の間隔あるいは前記第１の間隔よりも短い第２の間
隔で間欠的に受信動作を行う受信手段と、この受信手段
が前記第１の間隔で間欠的に受信動作を行っているとき
に前記親機より送信された情報を受信し、受信した情報
の中に前記子機を起動するための第１の起動情報が含ま
れているか否かを判定する判定手段と、この判定手段に
より前記受信手段が前記第１の起動情報を受信している
と判定したときに前記受信手段に対して前記第２の間隔
で間欠的に受信動作を行うよう変更する変更手段と、こ
の変更手段により前記第２の間隔で間欠的に受信動作を
行っているときに前記親機より第２の起動情報を受信す
ると前記親機に対してデータ送信を行う送信手段とを備
えたことを特徴とする。A slave unit according to a seventh aspect is used in a wireless communication system composed of a slave unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information and a master unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information.
A receiving unit that intermittently performs a receiving operation at a first interval or a second interval shorter than the first interval; and when the receiving unit intermittently performs a receiving operation at the first interval. Determining means for receiving the information transmitted from the base unit and determining whether or not the received information includes first activation information for activating the slave unit; When the receiving unit determines that the first activation information is received, the changing unit changes the receiving unit to perform the receiving operation intermittently at the second interval, and the changing unit changes the receiving operation. It is characterized by further comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits data to the master unit when the second activation information is received from the master unit during the intermittent receiving operation at the second interval.

【００１３】また、請求項８に記載の子機は、無線によ
り情報を送受信する子機および無線により情報を送受信
する親機から構成される無線通信システムに用いられ、
間欠的あるいは連続的に受信動作を行う受信手段と、こ
の受信手段が間欠的に受信動作を行っているときに前記
親機より送信された情報を受信し、受信した情報の中に
前記子機を起動するための第１の起動情報が含まれてい
るか否かを判定する判定手段と、この判定手段により前
記受信手段が前記第１の起動情報を受信していると判定
したときに前記受信手段に対して連続的に受信動作を行
うよう変更する変更手段と、この変更手段により連続的
に受信動作を行っているときに前記親機より第２の起動
情報を受信すると前記親機に対してデータ送信を行う送
信手段とを備えたことを特徴とする。A slave unit according to claim 8 is used in a wireless communication system composed of a slave unit for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly and a master unit for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly,
Receiving means for performing a receiving operation intermittently or continuously, and information received from the parent device when the receiving means is performing the receiving operation intermittently, and the child device is included in the received information. Determination means for determining whether or not the first activation information for activating the first activation information is included, and the reception means when the determination means determines that the reception means receives the first activation information. Change means for changing the means so that the reception operation is continuously performed, and when the second activation information is received from the master while the reception operation is continuously performed by the changing means, And a transmitting means for transmitting data.

【００１４】[0014]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の第１の実施の形態
について図面を参照しながら説明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

【００１５】図１は本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る無
線通信システムにおける親機１１と複数の子機１３との
関係図である。親機１１は複数の子機１３と無線により
情報を送受信する。FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between a master unit 11 and a plurality of slave units 13 in a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The base unit 11 wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from the plurality of handset units 13.

【００１６】次に親機１１、子機１３、ハンドヘルドタ
ーミナル（以下、ＨＨＴ）１５および計量器１７のそれ
ぞれの機能について図３の機能ブロック図を参照しなが
ら説明する。Next, the functions of the master unit 11, the slave unit 13, the handheld terminal (hereinafter referred to as HHT) 15 and the weighing device 17 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

【００１７】親機１１はガス、水道、電気等の検針を行
う検針員の所持するＨＨＴ１５と接続されており、子機
１３との無線通信により得られた情報をＨＨＴ１５へ送
信する。親機１１は親機１１全体の動作を制御するＣＰ
Ｕ１９、このＣＰＵ１９と接続され子機１３と無線によ
り情報を送受信する無線通信部２１、ＣＰＵ１９と接続
されるとともにＨＨＴ１５と通信回線を介して情報を送
受信する通信Ｉ／Ｆ（インターフェース）２３、ＣＰＵ
１９と接続され親機１１に電源電圧を供給する電源部２
５の各部により構成される。The base unit 11 is connected to the HHT 15 possessed by a meter reader who performs meter reading of gas, water, electricity, etc., and transmits information obtained by wireless communication with the handset 13 to the HHT 15. The base unit 11 is a CP that controls the operation of the base unit 11 as a whole.
U19, a wireless communication unit 21 that is connected to the CPU 19 and wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from the child device 13, a communication I / F (interface) 23 that is connected to the CPU 19 and that transmits and receives information to and from the HHT 15 via a communication line, and a CPU
A power supply unit 2 that is connected to 19 and supplies a power supply voltage to the base unit 11.
5 parts.

【００１８】ＣＰＵ１９は図示しない読出しと書込みが
可能な半導体メモリＲＡＭや、読出し専用のメモリＲＯ
Ｍと接続されている。ＣＰＵ１９はＲＯＭに記録されて
いる動作プログラムを実行することにより親機１１を動
作させ、子機１３との無線通信等により得られた情報
や、動作プログラムのデータ等をＲＡＭに記録する。The CPU 19 is a readable / writable semiconductor memory RAM (not shown) and a read-only memory RO.
It is connected to M. The CPU 19 operates the parent device 11 by executing the operation program recorded in the ROM, and records information obtained by wireless communication with the child device 13 and data of the operation program in the RAM.

【００１９】無線通信部２１は子機１３の無線通信部４
３と無線により情報を送受信するアンテナ等で構成され
る。子機１３との無線通信により得られる情報は、子機
１３と接続された計量器１７が計量したガス、水道、電
気等の使用量に関する情報である。The wireless communication section 21 is the wireless communication section 4 of the handset 13.
3 and an antenna that transmits and receives information wirelessly. The information obtained by wireless communication with the handset 13 is information on the amount of gas, water, electricity, etc. used by the weighing device 17 connected to the handset 13.

【００２０】通信Ｉ／Ｆ２３はＣＰＵ１９と接続され、
ＣＰＵ１９が処理したデータ等を通信回線を介してＨＨ
Ｔ１５へ送信する。また、通信Ｉ／Ｆ２３はＨＨＴ１５
より送信された情報をＣＰＵ１９へ送信する。The communication I / F 23 is connected to the CPU 19,
The data processed by the CPU 19 is sent to HH via the communication line.
Send to T15. The communication I / F 23 is HHT15.
The transmitted information is transmitted to the CPU 19.

【００２１】電源部２５は親機１１の各部に電源電圧を
供給するリチウム電池等で構成される。The power supply unit 25 is composed of a lithium battery or the like for supplying a power supply voltage to each unit of the base unit 11.

【００２２】次にＨＨＴ１５の内部構成について説明す
る。ＨＨＴ１５はＨＨＴ１５全体の動作を制御するＣＰ
Ｕ２７、このＣＰＵ２７と接続されＣＰＵ２７で処理さ
れる各種情報を記憶する記憶部２９、ＣＰＵ２７と接続
され通信回線を介して親機１１と情報を送受信する通信
Ｉ／Ｆ３１、ＣＰＵ２７と接続されＨＨＴ１５の各部へ
電源電圧を供給する電源部３３、ＣＰＵ２７と接続され
ＨＨＴ１５を操作する操作パネル等で構成される操作部
３５、ＣＰＵ２７と接続されＣＰＵ２７で処理される情
報を表示する液晶ディスプレイ（ＬＣＤ）等で構成され
る表示部３７、ＣＰＵ２７と接続されＣＰＵ２７で処理
される情報や、記憶部２９に記憶されている情報を印字
する印字部３９によって構成される。Next, the internal structure of the HHT 15 will be described. The HHT15 is a CP that controls the operation of the entire HHT15.
U27, a storage unit 29 which is connected to the CPU 27 and stores various information processed by the CPU 27, a communication I / F 31 which is connected to the CPU 27 and transmits / receives information to / from the base unit 11 via a communication line, and each unit of the HHT 15 which is connected to the CPU 27 A power supply unit 33 for supplying a power supply voltage to the CPU 27, an operation unit 35 connected to the CPU 27 and configured to operate the HHT 15, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) connected to the CPU 27 for displaying information processed by the CPU 27. The display unit 37 and the printing unit 39 connected to the CPU 27 to print information processed by the CPU 27 and information stored in the storage unit 29.

【００２３】ＣＰＵ２７は図示しない読み出し書込みが
可能な半導体メモリＲＡＭや、読み出し専用のメモリＲ
ＯＭと接続されている。ＣＰＵ２７はＲＯＭに記録され
ている動作プログラムを実行することによりＨＨＴ１５
を動作させ、親機１１との通信で得られた情報や、動作
プログラムのデータ等をＲＡＭに記録する。The CPU 27 is a read / write semiconductor memory RAM (not shown) and a read-only memory R.
It is connected to the OM. The CPU 27 executes the operation program recorded in the ROM to execute the HHT 15
To record the information obtained by communication with the base unit 11 and the data of the operation program in the RAM.

【００２４】記憶部２９はハードディスクやフラッシュ
メモリ等で構成され、ＣＰＵ２７で処理される各種情報
や通信Ｉ／Ｆ３１を介して得られるガス、水道、電気等
の使用量に関する情報を記憶する。The storage unit 29 is composed of a hard disk, a flash memory or the like, and stores various kinds of information processed by the CPU 27 and information on the amount of gas, water, electricity or the like obtained through the communication I / F 31.

【００２５】通信Ｉ／Ｆ３１はＣＰＵ２７と接続される
とともに通信回線を介して親機１１と情報を送受信す
る。具体的には親機１１の無線通信部２１によって受信
された情報をＣＰＵ１９、通信Ｉ／Ｆ２３を介して入力
する。入力された情報はＣＰＵ２７を介して記憶部２９
に記憶される。The communication I / F 31 is connected to the CPU 27 and transmits / receives information to / from the base unit 11 via a communication line. Specifically, the information received by the wireless communication unit 21 of the master device 11 is input via the CPU 19 and the communication I / F 23. The input information is stored in the storage unit 29 via the CPU 27.
Memorized in.

【００２６】電源部３３はリチウム電池で構成され、Ｈ
ＨＴ１５の各部に電源電圧を供給する。The power supply unit 33 is composed of a lithium battery,
A power supply voltage is supplied to each part of the HT 15.

【００２７】操作部３５はＨＨＴ１５を操作するための
各種ボタンで構成される。操作部３５にパーソナルコン
ピュータの入力手段として用いられるキーボードを採用
しても良いが、ＨＨＴ１５本体の小型化のため、必要最
低限のボタン類で構成されることが望ましい。また、表
示部３７をタッチパネルで構成してもよく、携帯性、操
作性が向上する。The operation unit 35 is composed of various buttons for operating the HHT 15. A keyboard used as an input unit of a personal computer may be adopted as the operation unit 35, but it is preferable that the HHT 15 main body is configured with minimum necessary buttons in order to downsize the main body. Further, the display unit 37 may be configured by a touch panel, which improves portability and operability.

【００２８】表示部３７はＣＰＵ２７で処理される各種
情報、記憶部２９に記憶されている情報を表示する液晶
パネルで構成される。また、タッチパネル方式の表示手
段を利用しても良い。The display unit 37 is composed of a liquid crystal panel for displaying various information processed by the CPU 27 and the information stored in the storage unit 29. Alternatively, a touch panel type display means may be used.

【００２９】印字部３９はＣＰＵ２７で処理される情報
を印刷するサーマルヘッド等で構成される。計量器１７
と接続された子機１３との無線通信により検針されたガ
ス等の使用量や家屋の住所等を印刷するために設けられ
ている。The printing unit 39 is composed of a thermal head or the like for printing information processed by the CPU 27. Scale 17
It is provided to print the usage amount of gas and the like, the address of a house, and the like, which are read by wireless communication with the slave unit 13 connected to.

【００３０】次に子機１３の内部構成について説明す
る。子機１３の内部には子機１３全体の動作を制御する
ＣＰＵ４１、ＣＰＵ４１と接続され無線により情報を送
受信する無線通信部４３、ＣＰＵ４１と接続され計量器
１７と通信回線を介して情報を送受信する通信Ｉ／Ｆ４
５、子機１３の各部に電源電圧を供給する電源部４７が
設けられている。Next, the internal structure of the slave 13 will be described. Inside the child device 13, a CPU 41 that controls the operation of the entire child device 13, a wireless communication unit 43 that is connected to the CPU 41 and sends and receives information wirelessly, and a wireless communication unit 43 that is connected to the CPU 41 and sends and receives information to and from the weighing instrument 17 via a communication line. Communication I / F 4
5. A power supply unit 47 that supplies a power supply voltage to each unit of the slave unit 13 is provided.

【００３１】ＣＰＵ４１は図示しない読み出し書込みが
可能な半導体メモリＲＡＭや、読み出し専用のメモリＲ
ＯＭと接続されている。ＣＰＵ４１はこのＲＯＭに記録
されている動作プログラムを実行することにより子機１
３を動作させ、親機１１との無線通信で得られた情報
や、動作プログラムのデータ等をＲＡＭに記録する。The CPU 41 includes a read / write semiconductor memory RAM (not shown) and a read-only memory R.
It is connected to the OM. The CPU 41 executes the operation program recorded in this ROM to execute the cordless handset 1
3 is operated, and the information obtained by wireless communication with the base unit 11 and the data of the operation program are recorded in the RAM.

【００３２】通信Ｉ／Ｆ４５はＣＰＵ４１に接続される
とともに通信回線を介して計量器１７と情報を送受信す
る。具体的に、通信Ｉ／Ｆ４５は計量器１７の計量した
ガス等の使用量に関する情報をＣＰＵ４１へ出力する。The communication I / F 45 is connected to the CPU 41 and transmits / receives information to / from the weighing instrument 17 via a communication line. Specifically, the communication I / F 45 outputs information on the usage amount of the gas or the like measured by the measuring device 17 to the CPU 41.

【００３３】電源部４７はリチウム電池で構成され、子
機１３の各部に電源電圧を供給する。The power supply unit 47 is composed of a lithium battery and supplies a power supply voltage to each unit of the slave unit 13.

【００３４】次に計量器１７の内部構成について説明す
る。計量器１７の内部には計量器１７全体の動作を制御
するＣＰＵ４９、ＣＰＵ４９と接続され子機１３と通信
回線を介して情報を送受信する通信Ｉ／Ｆ５１、ＣＰＵ
４９と接続され家屋等で使用されるガス、水道、電気を
計量する計量部５３、ＣＰＵ４９と接続され計量器１７
の各部に電源電圧を供給する電源部５５が設けられてい
る。Next, the internal structure of the weighing device 17 will be described. Inside the weighing device 17, a CPU 49 for controlling the overall operation of the weighing device 17, a communication I / F 51 connected to the CPU 49 for transmitting and receiving information to and from the slave device 13 via a communication line, and a CPU
A measuring unit 53 connected to the CPU 49 for measuring gas, water and electricity used in a house or the like, and a measuring device 17 connected to the CPU 49.
A power supply unit 55 that supplies a power supply voltage to each unit is provided.

【００３５】ＣＰＵ４９は図示しない読み出し書込みが
可能な半導体メモリであるＲＡＭや、読出し専用のメモ
リであるＲＯＭと接続されている。ＣＰＵ４９はＲＯＭ
に記憶されている動作プログラムを実行することにより
計量器１７を動作させ、計量部５３が計量したガス等の
使用量に関する情報を処理する。The CPU 49 is connected to a RAM, which is a readable / writable semiconductor memory, and a ROM, which is a read-only memory, which are not shown. CPU49 is ROM
The measuring device 17 is operated by executing the operation program stored in, and the information on the usage amount of the gas or the like measured by the measuring unit 53 is processed.

【００３６】通信Ｉ／Ｆ４５はＣＰＵ４９と接続される
とともに通信回線を介して子機１３と情報を送受信す
る。具体的には計量部５３が計量したガスの使用量等の
各種情報を送信する。The communication I / F 45 is connected to the CPU 49 and transmits / receives information to / from the slave 13 via a communication line. Specifically, various information such as the gas usage amount measured by the measuring unit 53 is transmitted.

【００３７】電源部５５はリチウム電池で構成され、計
量器１７の各部に電源電圧を供給する。The power supply unit 55 is composed of a lithium battery and supplies a power supply voltage to each unit of the weighing device 17.

【００３８】次に親機１１と子機１３との間で行われる
無線通信について図４を参照しながら説明する。Next, the wireless communication performed between the master 11 and the slave 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

【００３９】子機１３は通常、間欠受信間隔で受信動作
を行っており、間欠受信間隔は一定に保たれている。こ
の受信動作時に親機１１から送信される特別な起動信号
等を検知（受信）することができる。The handset 13 normally performs the receiving operation at the intermittent reception interval, and the intermittent reception interval is kept constant. It is possible to detect (receive) a special activation signal or the like transmitted from the parent device 11 during this receiving operation.

【００４０】検針員の所持するＨＨＴ１５ならびに親機
１１は、子機１３に対して特別な起動信号を送信し、子
機１３はこの特別な起動信号を検知すると、一定時間、
間欠受信間隔を通常よりも短縮して受信動作を行う。The HHT 15 and the master 11 possessed by the meter-reading staff transmit a special activation signal to the slave 13, and when the slave 13 detects this special activation signal,
The reception operation is performed with the intermittent reception interval shorter than usual.

【００４１】次に、親機１１は子機１３に対して連続起
動信号を送信する。この連続起動信号が子機１３に検知
されると、親機１１から子機１３に対してデータ伝送を
要求する信号を送信する。子機１３がこの信号を受信す
ると、親機１１と子機１３との間でデータ伝送が開始さ
れ、子機１３から親機１１へ電気、水道、ガスといった
検針に関する情報が送信される。Next, the master unit 11 transmits a continuous activation signal to the slave unit 13. When this continuous activation signal is detected by the slave 13, the master 11 transmits a signal requesting data transmission to the slave 13. When the child device 13 receives this signal, data transmission is started between the parent device 11 and the child device 13, and information about meter reading such as electricity, water, and gas is transmitted from the child device 13 to the parent device 11.

【００４２】親機１１と子機１３とのデータ伝送におい
て、子機１３の間欠受信間隔が短くなっているため、親
機１１の送信する連続起動信号がその分だけ早く子機１
３に検知される。このため、親機１１と子機１３とのデ
ータ伝送にかかる時間を短縮することができ、親機１１
の電源部２５への影響を減らすことができる。また、デ
ータ伝送が終了すると、子機１３は再び通常の間欠受信
間隔で受信動作を行うので、子機１３の電池寿命への影
響を少なくすることができる。In the data transmission between the master unit 11 and the slave unit 13, since the intermittent reception interval of the slave unit 13 is short, the continuous activation signal transmitted from the master unit 11 is earlier by that amount.
3 is detected. Therefore, the time required for data transmission between the master device 11 and the slave device 13 can be shortened, and the master device 11
Can reduce the influence on the power supply unit 25. Further, when the data transmission is completed, the slave 13 performs the receiving operation again at the normal intermittent reception interval, so that the battery life of the slave 13 can be less affected.

【００４３】次に親機１１と子機１３との間で行われる
無線通信について、図５のフローチャートを参照しなが
ら説明する。Next, the wireless communication performed between the master 11 and the slave 13 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

【００４４】子機１３は通常時には間欠受信動作を間欠
受信間隔で行うよう設定されている（ＳＴ１０１）。子
機１３は親機１１から送信される特別な起動信号を受信
したか否かを判定し、受信しない限り間欠受信動作を続
ける（ＳＴ１０２）。The handset 13 is normally set to perform the intermittent reception operation at the intermittent reception intervals (ST101). The slave 13 determines whether or not it has received the special activation signal transmitted from the master 11, and continues the intermittent reception operation unless it receives the signal (ST102).

【００４５】まず子機１３を中心とした親機１１と子機
１３間の無線通信に関して説明する。子機１３は親機１
１から特別な起動信号を受信すると間欠受信間隔を通常
より短くして受信動作を行う（ＳＴ１０３）。この間欠
受信間隔は一定時間、例えば３０秒と設定されていれ
ば、３０秒間だけ通常の間欠受信間隔よりも間隔を短く
して受信動作を行う。この短縮された間欠受信間隔によ
る受信動作が開始されてから３０秒が経過したか否かを
判定する（ＳＴ１０４）。この３０秒がまだ経過してい
ないときに、子機１３は親機１１から連続的に送信され
た起動信号を受信したか否かを判定する（ＳＴ１０
５）。子機１３が起動信号を受信すると通信リンクが確
立され、データ要求待ちの状態となり、タイムアウト監
視時間Ｔ１以内に親機１１からのデータ要求があるか否
かを判定する（ＳＴ１０６、ＳＴ１０７）。このタイム
アウト監視時間Ｔ１以内に親機１１からデータ要求があ
った場合、データ伝送が開始される（ＳＴ１０８）。親
機１１と子機１３とのデータ伝送が終了すると子機１３
は再び通常の間欠受信間隔で受信動作を行う（ＳＴ１０
９）。First, the wireless communication between the base unit 11 and the handset 13 centering on the handset 13 will be described. The child machine 13 is the parent machine 1
When a special activation signal is received from 1, the intermittent reception interval is made shorter than usual and the reception operation is performed (ST103). If the intermittent reception interval is set to a fixed time, for example, 30 seconds, the reception operation is performed with the interval being shorter than the normal intermittent reception interval by 30 seconds. It is determined whether 30 seconds have elapsed since the reception operation by the shortened intermittent reception interval was started (ST104). When the 30 seconds have not yet elapsed, the slave 13 determines whether or not it has received the activation signal continuously transmitted from the master 11 (ST10).
5). When the handset 13 receives the activation signal, the communication link is established, the data request is waited, and it is determined whether or not there is a data request from the base 11 within the timeout monitoring time T1 (ST106, ST107). When there is a data request from the base unit 11 within this timeout monitoring time T1, data transmission is started (ST108). When the data transmission between the master unit 11 and the slave unit 13 is completed, the slave unit 13
Performs the receiving operation again at the normal intermittent reception interval (ST10
9).

【００４６】次に親機１１を中心とした親機１１と子機
１３間の無線通信に関して説明する。親機１１は子機１
３に対して特別な起動信号を送信する（ＳＴ１１０）。
この特別な起動信号が子機１３に受信されると、子機１
３は上述したような動作を行う。この特別な起動信号が
送信されてから一定時間が経過すると、親機１１は連続
起動信号を送信する（ＳＴ１１１）。この連続起動信号
を送信してから一定時間が経過すると、親機１１はデー
タ伝送の要求信号を子機１３に対して送信し、データ送
受信を開始する（ＳＴ１１２、ＳＴ１１３）。親機１１
は子機１３から送信されるデータを全て受信したか否か
を判定し、全て受信していれば終了する（ＳＴ１１
４）。Next, the wireless communication between the base unit 11 and the handset 13 centering on the base unit 11 will be described. The base unit 11 is the handset 1
A special activation signal is transmitted to 3 (ST110).
When the special activation signal is received by the child device 13, the child device 1
3 performs the operation as described above. When a certain period of time elapses after this special activation signal is transmitted, master device 11 transmits a continuous activation signal (ST111). When a certain period of time elapses after transmitting the continuous activation signal, the master device 11 transmits a data transmission request signal to the slave device 13 and starts data transmission / reception (ST112, ST113). Base unit 11
Determines whether all the data transmitted from the child device 13 has been received, and if all the data has been received, the process ends (ST11
4).

【００４７】次に本発明の第２の実施の形態について図
６を参照しながら説明する。Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

【００４８】子機１３は通常、間欠受信間隔で受信動作
を行っており、間欠受信間隔は一定に保たれている。ま
ず、検針員はＨＨＴ１５を操作することにより親機１１
を動作させると、親機１１から子機１３に対して特別な
起動信号が送信される。この特別な起動信号を子機１３
が検知すると、子機１３は通常の受信動作を変更し、一
定時間連続して受信動作を行う。The handset 13 normally performs the receiving operation at the intermittent reception interval, and the intermittent reception interval is kept constant. First, the meter-reader operates the HHT 15 to operate the base unit 11
Is operated, a special activation signal is transmitted from the parent device 11 to the child device 13. This special activation signal is sent to the handset 13
Is detected, the slave unit 13 changes the normal reception operation and continuously performs the reception operation for a fixed time.

【００４９】次に、親機１１は子機１３に対して連続起
動信号を送信する。この連続起動信号が子機１３に検知
されると、親機１１から子機１３に対してデータ伝送を
要求する信号を送信する。このデータ伝送を要求する信
号が子機１３により検知されると、親機１１と子機１３
との間でデータ伝送が開始される。Next, the master 11 sends a continuous activation signal to the slave 13. When this continuous activation signal is detected by the slave 13, the master 11 transmits a signal requesting data transmission to the slave 13. When the slave 13 detects the signal requesting the data transmission, the master 11 and the slave 13
Data transmission is started between and.

【００５０】ここで、子機１３では連続して受信動作を
行っているため、親機１１から送信する連続起動信号が
短くて済むので、通信にかかる時間が短縮でき、親機１
１の電源部２５への影響を減らすことができる。また、
データ伝送が終了すると、子機１３は再び通常の間欠受
信間隔で受信動作を行うので、子機１３の電池寿命への
影響を少なくすることができる。Since the slave unit 13 continuously performs the receiving operation, the continuous activation signal transmitted from the master unit 11 can be short, so that the communication time can be shortened and the master unit 1
It is possible to reduce the influence on the power supply unit 25 of No. 1. Also,
When the data transmission is completed, the slave unit 13 performs the receiving operation again at the normal intermittent reception interval, so that the influence on the battery life of the slave unit 13 can be reduced.

【００５１】次に本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る親機
１１と子機１３との間で行われる無線通信について、図
７のフローチャートを参照しながら説明する。Next, the wireless communication performed between the master unit 11 and the slave unit 13 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

【００５２】まず子機１３を中心とした親機１１と子機
１３間の無線通信に関して説明する。子機１３は通常時
には間欠受信動作を間欠受信間隔で行うよう設定されて
いる（ＳＴ２０１）。子機１３は親機１１から送信され
る特別な起動信号を受信したか否かを判定し、受信しな
い限り間欠受信動作を続ける（ＳＴ２０２）。First, the wireless communication between the base unit 11 and the handset 13 centering on the handset 13 will be described. The handset 13 is normally set to perform the intermittent reception operation at the intermittent reception interval (ST201). The slave 13 determines whether or not it has received the special activation signal transmitted from the master 11, and continues the intermittent reception operation unless it receives the signal (ST202).

【００５３】子機１３は親機１１から特別な起動信号を
受信すると連続して受信動作を行う（ＳＴ２０３）。こ
の連続した受信動作は一定時間、例えば３０秒と設定さ
れていれば、３０秒間だけ連続して受信動作を行う。子
機１３はこの連続した受信動作を開始してから３０秒が
経過したか否かを判定する（ＳＴ２０４）。この設定さ
れた３０秒が経過していないときに、子機１３は親機１
１から送信された連続起動信号を検知したか否かを判定
する（ＳＴ２０５）。子機１３が起動信号を受信すると
通信リンクが確立される。この通信リンクの確立に伴
い、子機１３はデータ要求待ちの状態となり、タイムア
ウト監視時間Ｔ１以内に親機からのデータ要求があるか
否かを判定する（ＳＴ２０６、ＳＴ２０７）。このタイ
ムアウト監視時間Ｔ１以内に親機１１からデータ要求が
あった場合、データ伝送が開始される（ＳＴ２０８）。
親機１１と子機１３との間で行われるデータ伝送が終了
すると子機１３は再び間欠受信動作を行う（ＳＴ２０
９）。Upon receiving the special activation signal from the base unit 11, the handset 13 continuously performs the receiving operation (ST203). If the continuous receiving operation is set to a certain time, for example, 30 seconds, the receiving operation is continuously performed for 30 seconds. The handset 13 determines whether 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of this continuous reception operation (ST204). When the set 30 seconds have not elapsed, the child device 13 is the parent device 1
It is determined whether or not the continuous activation signal transmitted from No. 1 is detected (ST205). When the handset 13 receives the activation signal, the communication link is established. With the establishment of this communication link, the slave unit 13 waits for a data request, and determines whether or not there is a data request from the master unit within the timeout monitoring time T1 (ST206, ST207). When there is a data request from the base unit 11 within the timeout monitoring time T1, data transmission is started (ST208).
When the data transmission between the master unit 11 and the slave unit 13 is completed, the slave unit 13 performs the intermittent reception operation again (ST20).
9).

【００５４】次に親機１１を中心とした親機１１と子機
１３間の無線通信に関して説明する。親機１１は子機１
３に対して特別な起動信号を送信する（ＳＴ２１０）。
この特別な起動信号が子機１３に受信されると、子機１
３は上述したような動作を行う。この特別な起動信号が
送信されてから一定時間が経過すると、親機１１は連続
起動信号を送信する（ＳＴ２１１）。この連続起動信号
を送信してから一定時間が経過すると、親機１１はデー
タ伝送の要求信号を子機１３に対して送信し、データ送
受信を開始する（ＳＴ２１２、ＳＴ２１３）。親機１１
は子機１３から送信されるデータを全て受信したか否か
を判定し、全て受信していれば終了する（ＳＴ２１
４）。Next, the wireless communication between the base unit 11 and the handset 13 centering on the base unit 11 will be described. The base unit 11 is the handset 1
A special activation signal is transmitted to 3 (ST210).
When the special activation signal is received by the child device 13, the child device 1
3 performs the operation as described above. When a certain period of time elapses after this special activation signal is transmitted, master device 11 transmits a continuous activation signal (ST211). When a certain period of time elapses after transmitting this continuous activation signal, master device 11 transmits a data transmission request signal to slave device 13 and starts data transmission / reception (ST212, ST213). Base unit 11
Determines whether all the data transmitted from the child device 13 has been received, and if all the data has been received, the process ends (ST21).
4).

【００５５】実際の検針作業では、住宅等の設置状況に
よっては複数台の子機１３が互いに接近していることも
あり、検針員はＨＨＴ１５を操作し、複数台の子機１３
から連続して親機１１に対してデータ受信を行う。In the actual meter reading work, a plurality of slaves 13 may be close to each other depending on the installation condition of a house or the like, and the meter reader operates the HHT 15 to operate the plurality of slaves 13.
Continuously receives data from the base unit 11.

【００５６】以下、本発明の第３の実施の形態につい
て、図８を参照しながら説明する。図８は親機１１と３
台の子機Ａ、Ｂ、Ｃとの間で行われる無線通信の動作を
示す図である。The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. Fig. 8 shows base stations 11 and 3
It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the wireless communication performed between the subunit | mobile_units A, B, and C.

【００５７】親機１１から特別な起動信号を送信するこ
とにより、この起動信号を受信した３台の子機Ａ、Ｂ、
Ｃは一定時間間欠受信間隔を短くして受信動作を行う。
まず、親機１１は子機Ａに対してデータ要求信号を送信
し、子機Ａとのデータ伝送を行う。親機１１と子機Ａと
のデータ伝送が終了すると、子機Ａは通常の間欠受信間
隔で受信動作を行う。親機１１は引き続き子機Ｂとのデ
ータ伝送を開始するが、子機Ｂはすでに間欠受信間隔が
短くなっているため、親機１１側から特別な起動信号を
送信する必要がなく、データ要求信号を送信するのみで
良い。このため、子機Ａとのデータ伝送の終了から、子
機Ｂとのデータ伝送の開始までの時間を短縮することが
可能となる。子機Ｃとのデータ伝送に関しても同様であ
る。ここで、複数台の子機１３と連続してデータ伝送を
する場合、順番が遅い子機１３ほど、間欠受信間隔を短
くして受信動作を行う時間が長くなるが、データ伝送に
かかる時間が１秒未満と短いので、子機１３の電池（電
源部２５）への影響は少ない（図８では説明のため受信
時間とデータ伝送時間を間欠受信間隔に対して誇張して
記載してある）。By transmitting a special activation signal from the master unit 11, the three slave units A, B, which have received this activation signal,
C performs a receiving operation by shortening the intermittent receiving interval for a fixed time.
First, the master device 11 transmits a data request signal to the slave device A to perform data transmission with the slave device A. When the data transmission between the master device 11 and the slave device A is completed, the slave device A performs the receiving operation at the normal intermittent reception interval. The base unit 11 continues to start data transmission with the handset unit B, but since the handset unit B has already shortened the intermittent reception interval, it is not necessary to send a special start signal from the base unit 11 side, and a data request is made. All you need to do is send a signal. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time from the end of the data transmission with the slave A to the start of the data transmission with the slave B. The same applies to data transmission with the child device C. Here, in the case where data transmission is performed continuously with a plurality of slaves 13, the slave 13 having a later order has a shorter intermittent reception interval and a longer time for performing a reception operation. Since it is as short as less than 1 second, it has little effect on the battery (power supply unit 25) of the handset 13 (in FIG. 8, the reception time and the data transmission time are exaggerated with respect to the intermittent reception interval for the sake of explanation) .

【００５８】複数台の子機１３と連続してデータ伝送を
行う場合、１台目の子機１３とのデータ伝送が終了する
と、即座に２台目の子機１３とデータ伝送を開始するこ
とができるので、全ての子機１３とのデータ伝送にかか
る総時間を短縮することが可能となる。When data transmission is continuously performed with a plurality of slaves 13, data transmission with the second slave 13 can be started immediately after the data transmission with the first slave 13 is completed. It is possible to reduce the total time required for data transmission with all the slaves 13.

【００５９】親機１１と子機１３とのデータ伝送にかか
る時間が長い場合、または子機１３の台数が多い場合に
は、子機１３の電池への影響を考慮して、子機１３のデ
ータ伝送の順番を子機１３のＣＰＵ４１により予め設定
しておき、子機１３が間欠受信間隔を短くするタイミン
グをずらすことにより、子機１３の電池への影響を少な
くしてもよい。When it takes a long time to transmit data between the base unit 11 and the handset 13, or when the number of the handset 13 is large, the influence of the handset 13 on the battery is taken into consideration. The order of data transmission may be set in advance by the CPU 41 of the handset 13 and the timing of the handset 13 shortening the intermittent reception interval may be shifted to reduce the influence of the handset 13 on the battery.

【００６０】[0060]

【発明の効果】本発明により、子機の電池寿命の影響
を少なくするとともに、親機と子機との通信にかかる時
間を短縮することが可能な無線通信システム、無線検針
システムおよび子機を提供することができる。According to the present invention, a wireless communication system, a wireless meter reading system, and a slave unit that can reduce the battery life of the slave unit and shorten the time required for communication between the master unit and the slave unit are provided. Can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明の無線通信システムの概略を示す図。FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a wireless communication system of the present invention.

【図２】従来の無線通信システムにおける親機と子機
との動作を示す図。FIG. 2 is a diagram showing operations of a master unit and a slave unit in a conventional wireless communication system.

【図３】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る無線通信シ
ステムの構成を示すブロック図。FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

【図４】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る無線通信シ
ステムの動作を示す図。FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

【図５】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る無線通信シ
ステムの動作を示すフローチャート。FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

【図６】本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る無線通信シ
ステムの動作を示す図。FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation of the wireless communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

【図７】本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る無線通信シ
ステムの動作を示すフローチャート。FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of the wireless communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

【図８】本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る無線通信シ
ステムの動作を示す図。FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation of the wireless communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

１１…無線通信装置（親機）、１３…無線通信装置（子
機）、１５…ハンドヘルドターミナル（ＨＨＴ）、１７
…計量器、１９、２７、４１、４９…ＣＰＵ、２１、４
３…無線通信部、２３、３１、４５、５１…通信Ｉ／
Ｆ、２５、３３、４７、５５…電源部、２９…記憶部、
３５…操作部、３７…表示部、３９…印字部、５３…計
量部11 ... Wireless communication device (master device), 13 ... Wireless communication device (slave device), 15 ... Handheld terminal (HHT), 17
… Measuring instruments, 19, 27, 41, 49… CPUs, 21, 4
3 ... Wireless communication unit, 23, 31, 45, 51 ... Communication I /
F, 25, 33, 47, 55 ... Power supply unit, 29 ... Storage unit,
35 ... Operation part, 37 ... Display part, 39 ... Printing part, 53 ... Measuring part

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Claims

[Claims]

1. A wireless communication system comprising a slave unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information and a master unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, and is intermittent at a first interval or at a second interval shorter than the first interval. First receiving means for performing a receiving operation, and information received from the parent device when the first receiving means intermittently performs a receiving operation at the first interval,
Determination means for determining whether or not the received information includes first activation information for activating the slave unit, and the determination means causes the first receiving means to determine the first activation information. Change means for changing the first receiving means to perform the receiving operation intermittently at the second interval when it is determined that the first receiving means is received, and the changing means intermittently operates at the second interval. And a slave unit including a first transmitting unit that transmits data to the master unit when the second activation information is received from the master unit during a receiving operation. The first activation information or the second
And a second receiving means for receiving the data transmitted from the slave unit after the second transmitting means transmits the second starting information. And a wireless communication system.

2. A wireless communication system comprising a slave unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information and a master unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information, and first receiving means for performing a receiving operation intermittently or continuously, and the first receiving means. No. 1 receiving means receives the information transmitted from the master unit while performing the receiving operation intermittently, and the received information includes the first activation information for activating the slave unit. Determining means for determining whether or not the first starting information is received by the first receiving means when the first receiving means determines that the first receiving information is received by the determining means. Change means for changing to perform the receiving operation,
A slave unit including a first transmission unit that transmits data to the master unit when second activation information is received from the master unit while continuously performing the receiving operation by the changing unit, The first activation information or the second information for the slave unit.
And a second receiving means for receiving the data transmitted from the slave unit after the second transmitting means transmits the second starting information. And a wireless communication system.

3. A slave unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, a weighing instrument that is connected to the slave unit and measures the amount of at least one of electricity, water, and gas used, and a master unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from the slave unit. In the wireless meter reading system configured with a portable device that is connected to the master unit and stores information transmitted / received by the master unit, the meter is a metering unit that measures at least one usage amount of electricity, water, and gas. , Connected to the slave unit,
First communication means for transmitting the information weighed by the weighing means to the slave unit via a communication line, wherein the slave unit receives the information transmitted from the weighing device via the communication line. Two communication means, a first receiving means for intermittently performing a wireless receiving operation at a first interval or a second interval shorter than the first interval, and the first receiving means is the first receiving means. Whether the information transmitted from the master unit is received during the intermittent receiving operation at the interval of 1 and the received information includes the first activation information for activating the slave unit. Determining means for determining whether or not the receiving means receives the first activation information by the determining means, and intermittently at the second interval with respect to the first receiving means. Change means to change the reception operation to Note: When the second activation information is received from the master unit during the intermittent receiving operation at the second interval, the information obtained by the second communication means is wirelessly transmitted to the master unit. And a second transmitting means for transmitting the first activation information or the second activation information to the child device,
The second receiving means for receiving the information transmitted from the slave unit after the transmission of the second activation information by the second transmitting means, and the information obtained by the second receiving means via the communication line. A third communication unit for transmitting to the mobile device, the mobile device including a fourth communication unit for receiving information via a communication line with the master unit, and the master unit by the fourth communication unit. A wireless meter reading system, comprising: a storage unit that stores information transmitted from the wireless meter reading system.

4. A slave unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information, a weighing instrument connected to the slave unit for measuring the amount of at least one of electricity, water and gas used, and a master unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from the slave unit. In the wireless meter reading system configured with a portable device that is connected to the master unit and stores information transmitted / received by the master unit, the meter is a metering unit that measures at least one usage amount of electricity, water, and gas. , Connected to the slave unit,
First communication means for transmitting the information weighed by the weighing means to the slave unit via a communication line, wherein the slave unit receives the information transmitted from the weighing device via the communication line. The second communication means, the first receiving means that performs the receiving operation intermittently or continuously, and the information transmitted from the master unit when the first receiving means performs the receiving operation intermittently. Determination means for determining whether or not the received information includes first activation information for activating the slave unit, and the determination means causes the reception means to determine the first activation information. Change means for changing the first receiving means to continuously perform the receiving operation when it is determined that the first receiving means is receiving, and the parent means when the receiving operation is continuously performed by the changing means. When the second activation information is received from the device, And a first transmitting unit for transmitting the information obtained by the second communication unit, wherein the master unit transmits the first activation information or the second activation information to the slave unit. Second transmitting means for transmitting,
The second receiving means for receiving the information transmitted from the slave unit after the transmission of the second activation information by the second transmitting means, and the information obtained by the second receiving means via the communication line. A third communication unit for transmitting to the mobile device, the mobile device including a fourth communication unit for receiving information via a communication line with the master unit, and the master unit by the fourth communication unit. A wireless meter reading system, comprising: a storage unit that stores information transmitted from the wireless meter reading system.

5. A wireless communication system comprising a plurality of slave units for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information and a master unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information, wherein a first interval or a second interval shorter than the first interval is provided. First receiving means for intermittently receiving operation at intervals, and information received from the master unit when the first receiving means intermittently performs receiving operation at the first interval Then
Determination means for determining whether or not the received information includes first activation information for activating the slave unit, and the determination means causes the first receiving means to determine the first activation information. Change means for changing the first receiving means to perform the receiving operation intermittently at the second interval when it is determined that the first receiving means is received, and the changing means intermittently operates at the second interval. A plurality of slave units including a first transmitting unit that transmits data to the master unit when the second activation information is received from the master unit during the reception operation, Second transmission means for transmitting the first activation information or the second activation information to the slave units, and the plurality of units after the second activation information is transmitted by the second transmission means. A second receiving means for sequentially receiving the data transmitted from the slave unit. A wireless communication system comprising: a main unit provided.

6. A plurality of slave units for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly, a plurality of weighing devices connected to the slave units for weighing at least one of electricity, water and gas, and the plurality of slave units. In a wireless meter reading system composed of a master device that wirelessly transmits and receives information, and a portable device that is connected to this master device and that stores the information transmitted and received by the master device, the plurality of weighing devices are used A plurality of weighing units for weighing at least one of the usage amounts; and a first communication unit connected to the slave unit and transmitting information measured by the weighing unit to the slave units via a communication line, The slave unit of the stand is intermittently provided with a second communication means for receiving the information transmitted from the weighing instrument via a communication line, at a first interval or at a second interval shorter than the first interval. A first receiving means for performing a receiving operation, The first receiving means receives information transmitted from the master unit while intermittently performing the receiving operation at the first interval, and activates the slave unit in the received information. Determination means for determining whether or not the first activation information is included, and the first reception means when the determination means determines that the reception means is receiving the first activation information. On the other hand, a changing unit that changes the reception operation to be intermittently performed at the second interval, and a second unit from the master unit when the receiving operation is intermittently performed at the second interval by the changing unit. A first transmitting unit that transmits the information obtained by the second communication unit to the master unit when receiving the activation information, the master unit including the first transmitting unit for the plurality of slave units. No. 1 activation information or second transmission means for transmitting the second activation information , Second to receive the information transmitted from the handset after transmitting the second activation information by the second transmission means sequentially
And a third communication means for transmitting the information obtained by the second receiving means to the mobile device via a communication line, the mobile device via the communication line with the master unit. A wireless meter-reading system comprising: a fourth communication means for receiving information by means of the communication means; and a storage means for storing the information transmitted from the master unit by the fourth communication means.

7. A first interval or a second interval shorter than the first interval, which is used in a wireless communication system composed of a slave unit which transmits and receives information wirelessly and a master unit which transmits and receives information wirelessly. Receiving means for intermittently performing the receiving operation, and information received from the master unit when the receiving means intermittently performs the receiving operation at the first interval, Determination means for determining whether or not the first activation information for activating the slave unit is included, and the determination means determines that the reception means has received the first activation information. When the receiving means is changed to intermittently perform the receiving operation at the second interval, the changing means is configured to intermittently perform the receiving operation at the second interval. The second activation information from the base unit Handset, characterized in that a transmission means for transmitting data to the base unit to Shin.

8. A receiving unit for use in a wireless communication system comprising a slave unit for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly and a master unit for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly, and performing receiving operation intermittently or continuously, and this receiving unit. Whether or not the information transmitted from the master unit is received while the receiver is performing the receiving operation intermittently and the received information includes the first activation information for activating the slave unit. And a changing means for changing the receiving means so as to continuously perform the receiving operation when the receiving means determines that the receiving means has received the first activation information. And a transmitting unit that transmits data to the master unit when the second activation information is received from the master unit while continuously performing the receiving operation by the changing unit. Machine.