JP2004038583A - Wiring route management system, wiring route locating device used therefor, and id writing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and correctly identify a wiring equipment route. <P>SOLUTION: An IC tag 1 is attached to communication equipment such as hubs H1-H3 or cables C1-C4. The system includes a function for imparting a unique tag ID to the IC tag 1, and transmitting by radio an ID report which indicates the tag ID. An IC tag reader 3 collects the ID reports to be transmitted by each IC tag 1 existing within a prescribed communication range. The IC tag reader 3 also identifies the communication equipment existing within the communication range by referring to information stored in a wiring management database 4 based on the tag IDs indicated in the collected ID reports, and, then, reports it to a user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wiring route management system for specifying a route of wiring equipment in a building premises or a house, and a wiring route searching device and an ID writing device used in the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, wiring equipment laid in a building premises or a house can be frequently changed with improvement of the wiring equipment itself, addition of connected equipment and layout change.
[0003]
However, the above-mentioned wiring facilities are often laid in a place that is not visible, such as under the floor or above the ceiling, in consideration of aesthetics during use. For this reason, it is difficult to change the wiring facility while actually checking the configuration of the wiring facility from the actual thing.
[0004]
Therefore, in order to efficiently operate and maintain the wiring facilities, it is necessary to perform wiring management.
[0005]
For wiring management in a building premises or a house, a method using drawings and a method using wiring management software called Cable Management System (CMS) are known.
[0006]
Various functions are provided in the wiring management software. For example, a database function such as an attribute of equipment, a connection relation between equipment or a construction plan at the time of equipment change, a function of loading a floor plan or a design drawing of equipment from AutoCAD or the like used at the time of design into a database, 2D display and 3D display using captured data, database of connection relationships of equipment automatically in cooperation with sensors attached to members (called patch panels) that terminate multiple cables at one location Or a construction support function that displays the order of connection based on a construction plan registered in a database in advance on an indicator such as an LED attached to a patch panel.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Either of the above methods basically performs management based on the information of the wiring drawing. Wiring drawings used for this management include those to be entered in a floor plan created at the time of design and CAD data stored in a wiring management system or the like. These are basically created based on the drawings determined in the design stage of the equipment.
[0008]
However, the actual construction is not always performed exactly as designed, and a situation may occur in which the wiring drawing differs from the actually constructed equipment. In order to correct this difference generated at the time of construction, it is necessary to correct the wiring drawing according to the equipment type.
[0009]
Also, if the wiring route is changed after the construction at the time of introduction, the wiring drawing and actual equipment will be different. In order to correct this difference, it is necessary to correct the wiring drawing every time the wiring path is changed.
[0010]
Such correction of the wiring drawing is performed manually. When wiring management software is used, it is automated to some extent, but data input must be performed manually. For this reason, the wiring management requires a great deal of trouble.
[0011]
In addition, since most of the corrections of the wiring drawings are manually performed, there is a possibility that a human error such as a correction error or a correction omission may occur. If such a mistake occurs, the wiring path is managed based on a wiring drawing different from the actual equipment.
[0012]
As a result, the management information of the wiring path becomes different from the actual one, and it becomes impossible to correctly grasp the actual wiring path and the connection relation of the equipment at the site where the installation, maintenance, and repair of the equipment are performed. In addition, it is not possible to determine which cables are used and which cables are not used, so that unused wiring is left and occupies a wiring path.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily and accurately specify a route of a wiring facility.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a tag having a function of wirelessly transmitting unique ID information is attached to each of communication equipment constituting a communication network. The ID information of each of these tags is associated with predetermined equipment information for identifying the communication equipment to which the tag is attached, and stored in the equipment information storage means. The first ID receiving means receives ID information wirelessly transmitted from a tag existing within a predetermined first communication range, and stores the received ID information and the ID information in the facility information storage means in association with the ID information. A predetermined notification operation for causing a user to recognize a communication facility existing within the communication range is performed by a notifying unit based on the provided facility information.
[0015]
By taking such means, a tag existing in the first communication range based on the first ID receiving means is detected, and the tag existing in the first communication range is determined based on the correspondence between the tag and the communication equipment. The communication equipment to be used is determined and the user is notified. Therefore, the user can recognize the communication equipment existing in the first communication range based on the notification. For this reason, the user monitors the change of the communication equipment existing in the first communication range while moving the first ID receiving means, thereby visually observing the arrangement state of the communication equipment, that is, the wiring path. It is possible to specify without.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the wiring route management system according to the first embodiment.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the wiring route management system has a plurality of IC tags 1, an IC tag writer 2, an IC tag reader 3, and a wiring management database 4.
[0019]
This wiring route management system is applied to a communication network and is used for managing wiring routes. The wiring route management system in FIG. 1 is an example applied to manage a LAN wiring route. The hubs H1, H2, H3 and the cables C1, C2, C3, C4 are communication facilities constituting a LAN to which the wiring route management system is applied.
[0020]
The IC tag 1 is a small tag in which an IC chip is embedded. This IC tag 1 is attached to communication equipment.
[0021]
The IC tag writer 2 and the IC tag reader 3 perform wireless communication with the IC tag 1. The IC tag writer 2 writes ID information unique to the IC tag 1 (hereinafter, referred to as tag ID). The IC tag reader 3 reads the tag ID from the IC tag 1.
[0022]
The wiring management database 4 stores various information for wiring management. The wiring management database 4 is accessed from the IC tag writer 2 and the IC tag reader 3 as needed.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the IC tag 1.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 2, the IC tag 1 has a transmission / reception unit 11, an IC tag control unit 12, and a power supply unit 13.
[0025]
The transmission / reception unit 11 performs wireless communication with the IC tag writer 2 and the IC tag reader 3.
[0026]
The IC tag control unit 12 mainly includes, for example, a microcomputer. The IC tag control unit 12 functions as a data table unit 12a, a write instruction acquisition unit 12b, a data writing unit 12c, and an ID transmission unit 12d.
[0027]
The data table unit 12a stores the tag ID. The write instruction obtaining unit 12b obtains a write instruction of a tag ID transmitted from the IC tag writer 2 via the transmission / reception unit 11. The data writing unit 12c writes the tag ID indicated in the write instruction to the data table unit 12a in response to the write instruction being obtained by the write instruction obtaining unit 12b. The ID transmission unit 12d reads the tag ID stored in the data table unit 12a in response to the notification request transmitted from the IC tag reader 3 being received by the transmission / reception unit 11, indicates the tag ID, and indicates the ID notification. Is transmitted through the transmission / reception unit 11.
[0028]
The power supply unit 13 generates power for operating the transmitting / receiving unit 11 and the IC tag control unit 12 from power obtained from a secondary battery such as a dry battery. The power supply unit 13 supplies the generated power to the transmission / reception unit 11 and the IC tag control unit 12.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the IC tag writer 2.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 3, the IC tag writer 2 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 21, a database (DB) access unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a writer control unit 25. These components are connected by a bus.
[0031]
The transmission / reception unit 21 performs wireless communication with the IC tag 1.
[0032]
The database access unit 22 accesses the wiring management database 4 via, for example, a network (not shown).
[0033]
The display unit 23 has, for example, an LCD, and displays various information for the user.
[0034]
The input unit 24 has a plurality of keys and the like, and receives an instruction input by a user.
[0035]
The writer control unit 25 mainly includes, for example, a microcomputer. The writer control unit 25 functions as a tag ID generation unit 25a, a write instruction control unit 25b, a facility information acquisition unit 25c, and a facility information registration unit 25d by performing a process based on a program incorporated in advance.
[0036]
The tag ID generation unit 25a generates a unique tag ID to be written in the IC tag 1. The write instruction control unit 25b transmits a write instruction instructing writing of the tag ID generated by the tag ID generation unit 25a to the IC tag 1 via the transmission / reception unit 21. The facility information acquisition unit 25c acquires facility information on the communication facility to which the IC tag 1 on which the tag ID has been written is attached. The equipment information registration unit 25d stores a data record in which the tag ID generated by the tag ID generation unit 25a and the equipment information obtained by the equipment information obtaining unit 25c are associated with each other in the wiring management database 4. Register in the database.
[0037]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the IC tag reader 3.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 4, the IC tag reader 3 has a transmitting / receiving unit 31, a database (DB) access unit 32, a display unit 33, an input unit 34, and a reader control unit 35. These components are connected by a bus.
[0039]
The transmission / reception unit 31 performs wireless communication with the IC tag 1.
[0040]
The database access unit 32 accesses the wiring management database 4 via, for example, a network (not shown).
[0041]
The display unit 33 has, for example, an LCD, and displays various information for the user.
[0042]
The input unit 34 has a plurality of keys and receives an instruction input by a user.
[0043]
The reader control unit 35 mainly includes, for example, a microcomputer. The reader control unit 35 functions as a specific tag ID reading unit 35a, a facility ID designation receiving unit 35b, a tag ID collecting unit 35c, and a search result notification controlling unit 35d by performing a process based on a program that is incorporated in advance.
[0044]
The specific tag ID reading unit 35a reads the tag ID only for the IC tag 1 which is close enough to contact the IC tag reader 3 to read the tag ID. The facility ID designation receiving unit 35b accepts designation of a facility ID given to a communication facility which is a trigger of a route search by a user. The tag ID collection unit 35c collects tag IDs from all IC tags 1 existing within a predetermined search range. Then, the search result notification control unit 35d specifies a communication facility existing within the search range based on the tag ID collected by the tag ID collection unit 35c, and performs processing for notifying the user of the communication facility.
[0045]
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the wiring management database 4.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 5, in the wiring management database 4, a facility ID information database 41, a connection information database 42, a tag ID information database 43, and a floor plan information database 44 are set.
[0047]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the equipment ID information database 41.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 6, the equipment ID information database 41 is a set of data records describing an equipment ID, an equipment type, a model number, a construction date, and special notes.
[0049]
The equipment ID is an ID for uniquely identifying individual communication equipment such as a cable and a connection article (multi-connection is a connection article in the case of bus wiring). The equipment ID is given, for example, by a communication network manager when designing a communication network, for example. The equipment type is information for the user to identify the type of the communication equipment. The model number is a number assigned to the communication facility in advance. The construction date is the date when the communication equipment was connected to the network. The special note is any additional information for the user to specify the communication facility.
[0050]
As described above, the equipment type, model number, construction date, and special items in the data record are information for identifying a certain communication equipment. Therefore, in the following, such information will be collectively referred to as equipment information.
[0051]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the connection information stored in the connection information database 42.
[0052]
The connection information shown in FIG. 7 is information indicating a connection relationship of communication facilities in a communication network in a tree format as a connection relationship of facility IDs.
[0053]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the tag ID information database 43.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 8, the tag ID information database 43 is a set of data records describing tag IDs, equipment IDs, serial numbers, equipment types, model numbers, construction dates, and special notes.
[0055]
The equipment ID, the equipment type, the model number, the construction date, and the special notes are the same information as that shown in the equipment ID information database 41. That is, the tag ID information database 43 has a data record in which a tag ID and a serial number are associated with a data record included in the equipment ID information database 41.
[0056]
The tag ID is an ID given to the IC tag 1 attached to the communication facility specified by other information. The serial number is a number set so that the order of attachment can be specified for a plurality of IC tags 1 attached to the same communication facility.
[0057]
Next, the operation of the wiring route management system configured as described above will be described.
[0058]
First, when constructing or changing a communication network to which this wiring route management system is applied, information on the communication equipment to be constructed is stored in the equipment ID information database 41 and the connection information database 42 based on the design details of the communication network in advance. It is thrown.
[0059]
On the other hand, the constructor performs construction according to the design drawings. It is assumed that the design drawings are output on paper, CAD data at the time of design is displayed on a terminal, or the like. The IC tag writer 2 may have a function as a terminal for displaying the CAD data. The design drawing is the basis for creating information to be input to the facility ID information database 41 and the connection information database 42, and the facility ID of each communication facility is written therein.
[0060]
The installer attaches the IC tag 1 to the communication facility to be installed. At this time, the installer brings the IC tag writer 2 close to the IC tag 1 before attaching to the communication equipment or the IC tag 1 after attaching to the communication equipment, and Instructs writing of ID.
[0061]
Upon receiving this instruction, the writer control unit 25 in the IC tag writer 2 executes a process as shown in FIG.
[0062]
In the process of FIG. 9, first, in step ST1, the writer control unit 25 generates a tag ID so as not to overlap a tag ID already used. Next, in step ST2, the writer control unit 25 transmits a write request indicating the generated tag ID via the transmission / reception unit 21. The communication range of the transmission / reception unit 21 is, for example, about 10 cm. Therefore, the write request transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 21 reaches only the IC tag 1 which is in proximity. Then, in the IC tag 1 to which the write request has arrived, the write request is acquired by the IC tag control unit 12 via the transmission / reception unit 11 and stored in the data table unit 12a.
[0063]
After writing the tag ID into the IC tag 1, the installer specifies the equipment ID of the communication equipment to which the IC tag 1 is to be pasted to the IC tag writer 2. Then, in step ST3, the writer control unit 25 accepts the designation of the equipment ID described above.
[0064]
Next, the writer control unit 25 counts the number of the facility IDs specified in step ST <b> 3 already stored in the tag ID information database 43. Then, in step ST5, the writer control unit 25 adds “1” to the counted number and determines a number obtained as serial number information. That is, with respect to the IC tag 1 that is pasted to a certain communication facility for the first time, “1” is set as its serial number. On the other hand, as for the IC tag 1 to be additionally attached to the communication equipment to which the IC tag 1 has already been attached, a data record including the same equipment ID is stored in the tag ID information database 43 as described later. Since it is registered, the number obtained by adding “1” to the number of IC tags 1 already attached is set as the serial number. If data deletion occurs as necessary, the number of deleted data is stored for each equipment ID. Thereafter, when there is a newly created tag ID data having the same equipment ID as that already deleted, serial number information is created by adding the number of deleted data to the number of equipment IDs.
[0065]
Subsequently, in step ST6, the writer control unit 25 acquires, from the equipment ID information database 41, equipment information related to the equipment ID specified in step ST3. In step ST7, the writer control unit 25 stores the tag ID generated in step ST1, the equipment ID specified in step ST3, the serial number determined in step ST5, and the data record including the equipment information acquired in step ST6 into tag ID information. Register in the database 43.
[0066]
Thus, no data record is registered in the tag ID information database 43 at the beginning of the introduction of this wiring route management system, but the data record is registered every time the processing of FIG. 9 is performed. A database is constructed as shown.
[0067]
By the way, one IC tag 1 is attached to connection equipment such as a hub, a router, an outlet, and a modular jack and one to terminal equipment such as a PC and a workstation, and a UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable, a power cable, or a coaxial cable. It is agreed that a plurality of such cables should be attached at regular intervals (for example, at intervals of about 50 cm). In addition, it is agreed that the IC tag 1 should be attached to the same cable such that the timings at which tag IDs are written are arranged in order from the oldest one along the longitudinal direction.
[0068]
Now, in specifying the wiring route of the communication network constituted by the communication equipment to which the IC tag 1 on which the tag ID is written as described above is attached, the installer uses the IC tag reader 3.
[0069]
First, the installer instructs the IC tag reader 3 to start searching. Upon receiving this instruction, the reader control unit 35 executes a process as shown in FIG.
[0070]
In the process of FIG. 10, the reader control unit 35 first checks in step ST11 whether the reading mode is set. The IC tag reader 3 has a reading mode and a list designation mode. The user can arbitrarily set which of these modes is valid.
[0071]
When confirming that the reading mode is set, the reader control unit 35 sets the communication mode of the transmitting / receiving unit 31 to the individual mode in step ST12. In this individual mode, the transmission / reception unit 31 sets the communication distance to a distance (for example, about 10 cm) that can communicate only with the IC tag 1 that is close enough to contact the IC tag reader 3. Then, the reader control unit 35 transmits an ID notification request via the transmission / reception unit 31 in step ST13. Therefore, the ID notification request reaches only the IC tag 1 to which the IC tag reader 3 is close.
[0072]
When an ID notification request arrives at the IC tag 1, the IC tag control unit 12 reads the tag ID stored in the data table unit 12a, and transmits an ID notification indicating the tag ID via the transmission / reception unit 11.
[0073]
Therefore, in step ST14, the reader control unit 35 receives the ID notification via the transmission / reception unit 31, and extracts the tag ID indicated in the ID notification.
[0074]
In this way, the reader control unit 35 reads the tag ID of the IC tag 1 to which the IC tag reader 3 is close. Then, in step ST15, the reader control unit 35 acquires the facility ID corresponding to the tag ID read in this manner with reference to the tag ID information database 43.
[0075]
Thus, after setting the IC tag reader 3 in the reading mode, the installer instructs the search start in a state where the IC tag reader 3 is brought close to the IC tag 1 attached to the communication facility to be a clue for the route search. Thus, the equipment ID of the communication equipment can be read by the IC tag reader 3.
[0076]
On the other hand, when it is confirmed in step ST11 that the list designation mode is set, in step ST16, the reader control unit 35 acquires the equipment ID information stored in the equipment ID information database. Then, in step ST17, the reader control unit 35 causes the display unit 33 to display a list of communication facilities based on the facility ID information.
[0077]
Subsequently, in step ST18, the reader control unit 35 receives a selection designation of one of the communication facilities displayed in the list. Then, in step ST19, the reader control unit 35 acquires a facility ID related to the communication facility selected and designated above.
[0078]
Thus, if the installer sets the list designation mode, the IC tag reader 3 cannot be brought close to the communication facility serving as a clue for route search, or if there is a communication facility to be found by route search. These communication facilities can be designated by selecting from a list.
[0079]
If the equipment ID has been obtained in step ST15 or step ST19 as described above, subsequently, in step ST20, the reader control unit 35 obtains connection information related to the equipment ID obtained earlier. At this time, the tree structure of the connection information is kept as it is. Subsequently, in step ST21, the reader control unit 35 rewrites the facility ID in the acquired connection information to a tag ID. That is, for each of the facility IDs included in the acquired connection information, the reader control unit 35 specifies a tag ID associated with the facility ID in the tag ID information database 43, and uses the tag ID to identify the facility ID. rewrite. When a plurality of tag IDs are associated with one equipment ID, data of a tree structure in which the plurality of tag IDs are arranged in a line according to the serial number information is created, and the corresponding equipment ID is determined by the data. rewrite. Thereby, the connection tree information of the tag ID is created.
[0080]
Subsequently, in step ST22, the reader control unit 35 creates a tree diagram representing a tree structure in which each tag ID in the connection tree information of the above-described tag ID is replaced with the equipment type and the serial number information, and displays the tree diagram on the display unit 33. To be displayed. That is, the reader control unit 35 acquires the equipment type and the serial number information corresponding to each tag ID from the tag ID information database 43, and replaces this with each tag ID, thereby converting the connection tree information of the equipment type and the serial number information. Obtain and display a tree diagram showing it. Note that, when the installer specifies any of the communication facilities shown in the tree diagram by the input unit 34, the reader control unit 35 uses the facility ID, the serial number information, The display unit 33 displays data such as equipment type, model number, construction date, special instructions, and the like.
[0081]
By looking at this tree diagram, the installer can check the connection state of the communication equipment specified in step ST12 to step ST15 or step ST16 to step ST19.
[0082]
Thereafter, in step ST23, the reader control unit 35 sets the communication mode of the transmission / reception unit 31 to the search mode. In this search mode, the transmission / reception unit 31 sets the search distance (for example, about 1 to 2 m) longer than that in the individual mode as the communication distance. Then, the reader control unit 35 transmits an ID notification request via the transmission / reception unit 31 in step ST24. Therefore, the ID notification request reaches all the IC tags 1 located within the search range having the search distance as a radius.
[0083]
When an ID notification request arrives at the IC tag 1, the IC tag control unit 12 reads the tag ID stored in the data table unit 12a, and transmits an ID notification indicating the tag ID via the transmission / reception unit 11.
[0084]
Therefore, in step ST25, the reader control unit 35 receives the ID notification via the transmission / reception unit 31, and extracts the tag ID indicated in the ID notification. At this time, the IC tag reader 3 may perform one-to-many wireless communication with the plurality of IC tags 1 in some cases. As a multiple access method to cope with this, FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access Access), or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access Access). Such techniques are available.
[0085]
Subsequently, in step ST26, the reader control unit 35 performs a search result notification process based on the extracted tag ID. Specifically, for example, the reader control unit 35 compares the extracted tag ID with the tag ID of each IC tag 1 shown in the tree diagram. Then, the reader control unit 35 can determine the display of the IC tag 1 relating to the matching tag ID in the tree diagram by, for example, inverting or blinking the display color. In addition, audible sounds such as a buzzer will be sent to the installer.
[0086]
Thus, the installer can confirm which of the IC tags 1 shown in the tree diagram actually exists in the current search range by the notification processing of the search result.
[0087]
In step ST27, the reader control unit 35 confirms whether or not a finish instruction has been given by the installer. Then, the reader control unit 35 repeats the processing of steps ST24 to ST27 until it is possible to confirm that the end instruction has been given here.
[0088]
Thus, the installer can search for a route and find a specific facility by checking the notification of the search result by the IC tag reader 3 while moving with the IC tag reader 3.
[0089]
Further, according to the first embodiment, since only the connection relation of the communication equipment is managed, there is no problem even if the arrangement location of the communication equipment or the wiring path is different from the design, and the wiring path can be easily searched later. Is possible.
[0090]
Further, from the detection result of the communication equipment based on the IC tag 1 and the usage state of the communication equipment based on the connection information, it is possible to easily specify the communication equipment that is unused but is left even though it is unused. It is possible. As a result, by removing such communication equipment, useless occupation of the accommodation space of the communication equipment can be eliminated.
[0091]
In addition, when performing maintenance or repair of wiring, the location and route of communication equipment can be reliably specified, so that the work can be completed in a short time and quick failure recovery can be achieved. It becomes.
[0092]
(Second embodiment)
The configuration of the wiring route management system according to the second embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, an IC tag reader 5 described below is used instead of the IC tag reader 3.
[0093]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the IC tag reader 5. The same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0094]
As shown in FIG. 11, the IC tag reader 5 has a database access unit 32, a display unit 33, an input unit 34, a transmission / reception unit 51, an azimuth / distance detection unit 52, and a reader control unit 53. These components are connected by a bus.
[0095]
The transmission / reception unit 51 has an antenna having high directivity and capable of changing the directivity direction. Then, the transmission / reception unit 51 performs wireless communication with the IC tag 1 while changing the directional direction of the antenna.
[0096]
The azimuth / distance detecting unit 52 determines the azimuth where the IC tag 1 that has transmitted the ID notification is based on the directional direction of the antenna when the ID notification transmitted from the IC tag 1 is received by the transmitting / receiving unit 51. To detect. The azimuth / distance detecting unit 52 detects the distance to the IC tag 1 that has transmitted the ID notification based on the response speed of the radio wave.
[0097]
The reader control unit 53 mainly includes, for example, a microcomputer. The reader control unit 53 functions as a tag ID collection unit 53a and a search result notification control unit 53b by performing a process based on a program installed in advance.
[0098]
The tag ID collection unit 53a collects tag IDs from all IC tags 1 existing within a predetermined search range. In collecting the tag ID, the tag ID collection unit 53a also performs control for changing the directivity in the transmission / reception unit 51. Then, the search result notification control unit 53b determines the communication equipment existing in the search range and its position based on the tag ID collected by the tag ID collection unit 53a and the azimuth and distance detected by the azimuth / distance detection unit 52. Identify and perform processing to notify the user.
[0099]
Next, the operation of the wiring route management system configured as described above will be described.
[0100]
The operation during construction of the communication network is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0101]
On the other hand, the installer uses the IC tag reader 5 to specify the wiring route of the communication network constituted by the communication equipment to which the IC tag 1 on which the tag ID is written is attached.
[0102]
First, the installer instructs the IC tag reader 5 to start searching. Upon receiving this instruction, the reader control unit 53 executes a process as shown in FIG.
[0103]
In the process of FIG. 12, the reader control unit 53 first sets the communication mode of the transmission / reception unit 31 to the search mode in step ST31. Then, in step ST32, the reader control unit 53 starts transmission of the ID notification request and causes the transmission / reception unit 51 to start scanning in the directional direction. That is, a state in which an ID notification request is transmitted is set while gradually changing the directivity direction in the transmission / reception unit 51.
[0104]
In this state, in steps ST33 and ST34, the reader control unit 53 waits for one round (360 degrees) of scanning to be completed or for an ID notification to arrive.
[0105]
By the way, when the ID notification transmitted from the IC tag 1 arrives in this state and it is confirmed in step ST34, the reader control unit 53 transmits the ID notification in step ST35 to the transmission / reception unit 51. And extracts the tag ID indicated in the ID notification. In this case, the reader control unit 53 acquires the distance information and the azimuth information detected with respect to the ID notification from the azimuth / distance detection unit 52 in step ST36. Then, in step ST37, the reader control unit 53 adds a data record including the tag ID extracted in step ST35 and the distance information and the direction information acquired in step ST36 to the list. By repeating the processing from step ST35 to step ST37, the tag IDs of the IC tags 1 existing in the search range are collected, and a list of data records obtained by adding distance information and direction information to the tag ID is created. You.
[0106]
In step ST33, the reader control unit 53 stops transmitting the notification request and stops the transmission / reception unit 51 in the directional direction in step ST38. .
[0107]
After that, in step ST39, the reader control unit 53 accesses the tag ID information database 43 and acquires the equipment ID, serial number information, and equipment information for each tag ID shown in the above-mentioned list. Then, in step ST40, the reader control unit 53 generates a list of data records including each tag ID, equipment ID, serial number information, equipment information, distance information, and azimuth information. Next, in step ST41, the reader control unit 53 groups the data records included in the list by those having the same equipment ID, and further sorts the data records in the group based on the serial number information.
[0108]
Subsequently, in step ST42, the reader control unit 53 generates a list of the equipment IDs included in the above list. Then, in step ST43, the reader control unit 53 selects one unselected equipment ID from the above-mentioned equipment ID list. Thereafter, in step ST44, the reader control unit 53 accesses the connection information database 42, acquires and stores the equipment ID immediately before the above-mentioned selected equipment ID in the tree-like information. Next, in step ST45, the reader control unit 53 checks whether or not there is an unselected equipment ID in the equipment ID list. When it is confirmed that there is an unselected equipment ID, the reader control unit 53 repeats the processing of steps ST43 to ST45. As a result, with respect to all the equipment IDs included in the equipment ID list, the equipment ID immediately before the equipment ID is acquired and stored.
[0109]
If it is confirmed in step ST45 that there is no unselected facility ID, the reader control unit 53 connects in step ST46 based on the facility ID immediately before stored and the facility ID included in the facility ID list. Generate tree information. Specifically, the reader control unit 53 compares the facility ID immediately before stored and the facility ID included in the facility ID list, and if there is a match, the relationship is set as a root list in a tree form. Save as data. Further, if the equipment ID immediately before exists in the tree-shaped data, the reader control unit 53 connects the equipment ID as a new node behind the equipment ID. When the immediately preceding facility ID does not match the facility ID in the list, the reader control unit 53 stores the data as new tree-shaped data. In step ST46, the reader control unit 53 performs this operation for all the equipment IDs on the list. After that, if there is data whose nodes match among all the tree-like data, the matching parts are overlapped and the trees are combined. As a result, connection tree information of the equipment ID is generated.
[0110]
Subsequently, in step ST47, the reader control unit 53 converts the connection tree information of the facility ID into connection tree information of the tag ID. That is, each equipment ID in the connection tree information is replaced with a tag ID of the same equipment in the list sorted in step ST41, which is connected in a line in the order of the list.
[0111]
Thereafter, in step ST48, the reader control unit 53 performs a search result notification process based on the information of the list generated in step ST40 and the connection tree information of the tag ID. Specifically, for example, the reader control unit 53 arranges each tag ID included in the list generated in step ST40 in a coordinate system based on the IC tag reader 5 based on the distance information and the azimuth information. An image in which the tag IDs are connected by a straight line in the connection relationship indicated by the connection tree information is generated, and this image is displayed on the display unit 33.
[0112]
In step ST49, the reader control unit 53 checks whether or not an end instruction has been given by the installer. Then, the reader control unit 53 repeats the processing of steps ST33 to ST49 until it is possible to confirm that the end instruction has been given here.
[0113]
Thus, the installer can confirm the connection relation regarding the communication equipment located within the search range by checking the notification of the search result by the IC tag reader 5 while moving with the IC tag reader 5. Thus, effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be achieved.
[0114]
Further, in the second embodiment, the installer can confirm the position of the communication facility located within the search range from the current position as a position relative to the current position. This allows the installer to check the position of the communication facility more easily and in detail.
[0115]
(Third embodiment)
The configuration of the wiring route management system according to the third embodiment is almost the same as that of the second embodiment. However, in the third embodiment, an IC tag reader 6 described below is used instead of the IC tag reader 5.
[0116]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the IC tag reader 6. 4 and 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0117]
As shown in FIG. 13, the IC tag reader 6 includes a database access unit 32, a display unit 33, an input unit 34, a transmission / reception unit 51, an azimuth / distance detection unit 52, a self azimuth detection unit 61, and a reader control unit 62. I have. These components are connected by a bus.
[0118]
The self-orientation detection unit 61 uses a gyro or the like, and detects the orientation of a predetermined reference line in the IC tag reader 6.
[0119]
The reader control unit 62 mainly includes, for example, a microcomputer. The reader control unit 62 functions as a tag ID collection unit 53a and a search result notification control unit 62a by performing a process based on a program that is incorporated in advance.
[0120]
The search result notification control unit 62a is based on the tag ID collected by the tag ID collection unit 53a, the azimuth and distance detected by the azimuth / distance detection unit 52, and the self azimuth detected by the self azimuth detection unit 61. The communication equipment existing within the search range and its position are specified, and processing for notifying the user of the communication equipment is performed.
[0121]
Next, the operation of the wiring route management system configured as described above will be described.
[0122]
The operation during construction of the communication network is the same as in the first embodiment. However, in the floor plan information database 44, for example, CAD data indicating the azimuth of each information is input in advance.
[0123]
Further, the processing of the reader control unit 62 at the time of the search is basically the same as the processing of the reader control unit 53 shown in FIG.
[0124]
The feature of the operation of the third embodiment lies in the details of the search result notifying process of step ST48 in the process of FIG.
[0125]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the search result notifying process.
[0126]
In the process of FIG. 14, the reader control unit 62 first obtains the self-orientation information from the self-orientation detection unit 61 in step ST51. Next, in step ST52, the reader control unit 62 accesses the floor plan information database 44 and acquires floor plan information. Subsequently, in step ST53, the reader control unit 62 extracts the azimuth information of the floor drawing from the floor drawing information, and calculates a deviation amount of the floor drawing azimuth from the self azimuth based on the azimuth information. Then, in step ST54, the reader control unit 62 rotates the floor plan as shown in, for example, FIG. 15 so as to compensate for the calculated shift amount. Further, in step ST55, the reader control unit 62 combines the generated floor plan with the facility drawing generated in the same manner as in the second embodiment and causes the display unit 33 to display the combined floor plan.
[0127]
Thus, the installer confirms the above-mentioned search result notification by the IC tag reader 5 while moving with the IC tag reader 5, thereby confirming the connection relationship regarding the communication equipment located within the search range from the current position. it can. Thus, effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be achieved.
[0128]
Further, in the third embodiment, the installer can specifically confirm the position of the communication facility located within the search range on the floor plan. Thereby, the installer can check the position of the communication facility more easily and in detail than in the second embodiment.
[0129]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the IC tag writer 2 and the IC tag readers 3, 5, and 6 can be realized using a general-purpose personal computer. That is, a wireless unit for communicating with the IC tag is mounted on a general-purpose personal computer, and software for realizing the functions of the writer control unit 25 and the reader control units 35, 53, and 62 on the personal computer is installed. The software for this can be distributed via a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a network such as the Internet.
[0130]
In the above embodiments, the IC tag writer 2 and the IC tag readers 3, 5, or 6 can be realized as a single terminal. In this case, it is possible to mount a wiring management database on this terminal.
[0131]
In each of the above embodiments, the IC tag 1 in which the tag ID is written in advance may be used.
[0132]
In each of the above embodiments, the facility information stored in the tag ID information database 43 may include other information such as a unique name given to each communication facility or a manufacturing date. Alternatively, it may not include each information as shown in FIG. In short, the equipment information may be any information as long as the user (installer) can perform some kind of identification regarding the communication equipment, and the content is arbitrary.
[0133]
In each of the above embodiments, the form of notification of the search result can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the display may be performed in another form such as a list instead of a tree diagram, or the notification operation may be performed in a form other than the visible display such as outputting a voice message. .
[0134]
Also in the first embodiment, it is possible to detect the distance and the azimuth as in the second embodiment and notify the detection result. Further, in that case, it is possible to perform a search result notification process as in the third embodiment.
[0135]
Also in the second embodiment and the third embodiment, if the designation of the communication facility is received and the IC tag 1 corresponding to the designated communication facility is to be displayed as in the first embodiment, It is also possible to make the display identifiable by inverting or blinking the display color.
[0136]
In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0137]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the tag existing in the first communication range based on the first ID receiving means is detected by using the wireless communication, and the tag in the first communication range is detected from the correspondence between the tag and the communication equipment. Since the communication equipment existing in the first communication range is determined and notified to the user, the user can recognize the communication equipment existing in the first communication range based on the notification, and the user can set the first ID receiving means. By monitoring the change of the communication equipment existing in the first communication range while moving, the arrangement state of the communication equipment, that is, the wiring route can be specified without actually viewing the communication equipment. As a result, it is possible to easily and accurately specify the route of the wiring facility.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing an outline of a wiring route management system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the IC tag 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an IC tag writer 2;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the IC tag reader 3.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a wiring management database 4.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a facility ID information database 41.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of connection information stored in a connection information database 42.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a tag ID information database 43.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process of a writer control unit 25;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing of a reader control unit 35;
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the IC tag reader 5.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process of a reader control unit 53;
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the IC tag reader 6.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of processing of a reader control unit 62;
FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a state of a rotated floor plan.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. IC tag
2. Tag writer
3,5,6 ... tag reader
4. Wiring management database
11 ... Transceiver
12: Tag control unit
12a: Data table section
12b Write instruction acquisition unit
12c: Data writing unit
12d ID transmission unit
13 Power supply section
21, 31, 51 ... transmitting / receiving section
22, 32 ... database access unit
23, 33 ... display unit
24, 34 ... input unit
25 Writer control unit
25a: Tag ID generation unit
25b Write instruction control unit
25c: Equipment information acquisition unit
25d: Equipment information registration section
35, 53, 62 ... reader control unit
35a: Specific tag ID reading unit
35b: Equipment ID designation reception unit
35c: Tag ID collection unit
35d: Search result notification control unit
41: Equipment ID information database
42 ... Connection information database
43… Tag ID information database
44… Floor drawing information database
52 azimuth / distance detector
53a: Tag ID collection unit
53b Search result notification control unit
61: Self-orientation detector
62a... Search result notification control unit
C1, C2, C3, C4 ... cable
H1, H2, H3 ... hub

Claims (11)

In a wiring route management system for managing a wiring route of a communication network,
A tag attached to each of the communication facilities constituting the communication network and having a function of wirelessly transmitting unique ID information;
Equipment information storage means for storing the ID information of each of the tags in association with predetermined equipment information for identifying communication equipment to which the tag is attached,
First ID receiving means for receiving ID information wirelessly transmitted from a tag existing within a predetermined first communication range;
Based on the ID information received by the first ID receiving means and the equipment information stored in the equipment information storage means in association with the ID information, the user is made to recognize the communication equipment existing within the communication range. And a notifying means for performing a predetermined notifying operation for the wiring route management system. A connection information storage unit that stores connection information indicating a connection relationship between communication facilities configuring the communication network,
The notifying unit performs a predetermined notifying operation for causing a user to recognize a connection relation of communication facilities existing in the first communication range based on the connection information stored in the connection information storage unit. The wiring route management system according to claim 1. When a plurality of the tags are attached to the same communication equipment, the equipment information storage means stores serial number information for identifying the continuity of the attachment positions of the tags,
3. The wiring according to claim 2, wherein the notifying unit performs a predetermined notifying operation for allowing the user to recognize the continuity of the connection relationship of the communication facilities existing within the first communication range from the serial number information. Route management system. The tag is
ID storage means for storing ID information;
Write instruction receiving means for receiving a write instruction for ID information;
Writing means for writing the ID information indicated in the write instruction received by the write instruction receiving means into the ID storage means;
ID transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting the ID information stored in the ID storing means,
Generating means for generating unique ID information;
Writing instruction transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting the writing instruction indicating the ID information generated by the generating means;
Acquisition means for acquiring the equipment information relating to communication equipment to which a tag for writing ID information is attached according to the write instruction transmitted by the write instruction transmission means,
2. A facility information registering means for associating the facility information acquired by the acquiring means with ID information indicated by the write instruction transmitted by the write instruction transmitting means and storing the information in an equipment information storage means. 3. The wiring route management system according to 1. A search for a wiring route of a communication network including a communication facility equipped with a tag having a function of wirelessly transmitting the unique ID information. The ID information of each of the tags and a communication to which the tag is attached. In a wiring route search device capable of accessing equipment information storage means that stores in association with predetermined equipment information for identifying equipment,
First ID receiving means for receiving ID information wirelessly transmitted from the tag existing within a predetermined first communication range;
Based on the ID information received by the first ID receiving means and the equipment information stored in the equipment information storage means in association with the ID information, the user is made to recognize the communication equipment existing within the communication range. And a notifying means for performing a predetermined notifying operation for the wiring route. A receiving means for receiving designation of communication equipment is provided,
And the notifying means, based on the connection information stored in the connection information storage means, a communication facility indicated by the designation received by the receiving means, and a communication facility having a predetermined association with the communication equipment. And performing a predetermined notification operation for allowing the user to recognize which of the communication facilities is within the first communication range among these communication facilities. The wiring route searching device according to claim 5. A second ID receiving unit that receives ID information wirelessly transmitted from a tag existing within a predetermined second communication range;
7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the receiving unit acquires the ID information received by the second ID receiving unit as the information for specifying the communication equipment when the specification for specifying the information for specifying the communication equipment is performed. Wiring route search device. 7. The wiring route according to claim 6, wherein the receiving unit displays a list of communication facilities based on the facility information stored in the facility information storage unit, and accepts a selection of a communication facility from the displayed list. Searching device. Detecting means for detecting the position of the tag which has transmitted the ID information received by the first ID receiving means,
The wiring route searching device according to claim 5, wherein the notifying unit performs a predetermined notifying operation for causing a user to recognize the position detected by the detecting unit. The notification means displays, as the notification operation, an image indicating that communication equipment is present at a position corresponding to a position detected by the detection means in a drawing of a place where the communication network is provided. 10. The wiring route searching device according to 9. An ID writing device used in the wiring route management system according to claim 1,
Generating means for generating unique ID information;
Writing instruction transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting a writing instruction indicating the ID information generated by the generating means;
Acquisition means for acquiring the equipment information relating to communication equipment to which a tag for writing ID information is written by the write instruction transmitted by the write instruction transmission means,
An ID writing device comprising: equipment information registration means for storing the equipment information acquired by the acquisition means and the ID information indicated by the write instruction transmitted by the write instruction transmission means in association with the equipment information storage means. .

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