JP2004212214A - Apparatus, system, and method for radio communication - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide apparatuses, a system, and a method for radio communications capable of performing optimum observation and analysis according to each environment. <P>SOLUTION: The radio communication system is provided with both a plurality of the radio communication apparatuses for floating in the air, imaging at their floating locations, detecting the state of environment at the floating locations, and transmitting the results of execution of either function of imaging or detection and a maser station 20 for controlling the radio communication apparatuses. The radio communication apparatuses 10 communicate with one another to intensively execute the function in a region in the air which more highly requires at least either function of imaging or detection and transmit the results of execution of the function to the master station 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, a wireless communication system, and a wireless communication method for performing wireless communication.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a sensing network system configured by connecting a large number of sensors to a network has attracted attention. For example, see Nikkei Electronics July 15, 2002, p. 99-129, some sensing network systems are introduced. For example, use a large number of sensors is interspersed within the forest, oxygen generation amount and the CO ₂ absorbing amount of forests, the temperature of the forest, early detection of forest fires by grasp in detail the humidity, the emissions trading CO ₂ Examples are described.
[0003]
In addition, the sensor module named Mote of the University of California, Berkeley (University of California, Berkeley) has a small but wireless communication function using an optical signal and a power generation function using a solar cell. This sensor module can exchange information between a plurality of Motes using optical signals by using electric power obtained by solar cells. In addition, a new use method has been proposed in which the material is extremely small and inexpensive, and is mixed with a paint and applied to a wall.
[0004]
As a specific example, a sensor has been developed in which an acceleration sensor and an optical sensor are integrated, necessary power can be obtained using a solar cell, and bidirectional wireless communication using an optical signal is possible.
[0005]
On the other hand, in cities, atmospheric environmental analysis is required. For example, the concentration distribution of carbon dioxide caused by traffic congestion, the concentration distribution of chemicals in the atmosphere due to the distribution of toxic substances in the air in industrial areas, and the need to change and predict such changes over time . In addition, there is a need to be able to grasp the congestion state of cars in traffic congestion in a planar manner from the sky and to enable control of traffic signs and the like to prevent congestion.
[0006]
[Non-patent document 1]
Nikkei Electronics July 15, 2002 Issue 99-129
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, for the analysis of the environment in the atmosphere and the observation of traffic congestion, the optimum analysis and observation cannot be performed by simply dispersing the sensors as described above. That is, it is necessary not only to disperse the sensors but also to arrange the sensors themselves at desired positions so that the sensors can be arranged according to the environmental conditions.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has a wireless communication system capable of performing optimal observation and analysis according to each environment by enabling imaging and environmental state detection to be performed at a required space position. It is an object to provide a communication device, a wireless communication image system, and a wireless communication method.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The wireless communication device of the present invention detects a flying means for floating in the air, an imaging means for performing imaging at a position in the air floating in the flying means, and an environmental state in a position in the air floating in the flying means. It has a detecting means, and wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting an output result from at least one of the imaging means and the detecting means to the outside.
[0010]
The wireless communication system of the present invention includes the plurality of wireless communication devices, and a parent base that controls the wireless communication devices. Each of the wireless communication devices communicates with each other, and the imaging and the environmental status are controlled. The present invention is characterized in that the function is intensively performed in an air region where the need for at least one of the detection functions is high, and an execution result of the function is transmitted to the parent base.
[0011]
The wireless communication method of the present invention floats in the air, detects an image at a floating position and detects an environmental condition at the floating position, and transmits an execution result of at least one of the functions of the imaging and the detection to the outside. A wireless communication method in a wireless communication system having a plurality of wireless communication devices and a parent base that controls the wireless communication device, wherein the wireless communication devices communicate with each other, and at least one of the imaging and the detection. The present invention is characterized in that the function is intensively executed in an air space where the necessity of one of the functions is high, and an execution result of the function is transmitted to the parent base.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a wireless communication device, a wireless communication system, and a wireless communication method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the wireless communication system of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system of the present invention includes a wireless communication device 10 floating in the air and a parent base 20 communicating with the wireless communication device 10. The wireless communication device 10 includes a flight guide line 5 and various types of sensing elements at the end of the flight guide line 5. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a sensing element including an imaging element 1, a temperature sensing element 2, and a gas sensing element 3. Hereinafter, an example of a wireless communication device including the above-described sensing element will be described. An umbrella that spreads radially like a dandelion fluff is attached to the flight guide line 5 of the wireless communication device 10. By spreading this umbrella radially in the air, it becomes possible to float in the air like a dandelion seed flying.
[0014]
The wireless communication device 10 floating in the air captures an image of the state of the ground with the imaging device 1, detects the surrounding temperature with the temperature sensing device 2, and detects a gas such as carbon dioxide with the gas sensing device 3. . These sensing data are transmitted to the parent base 20 by radio. The weight of the wireless communication device 10 floating in the air is preferably 100 g or less, preferably 50 g or less, and more preferably 10 g or less. This is because the weight can be easily floated.
[0015]
The parent base 20 is provided with an antenna 21 and can receive information from the wireless communication device 10 wirelessly. In addition, a function of displaying a captured image from the wireless communication device 10 on the display 22 and displaying and recording temperature and gas data is provided, and a ground image viewed from the air from the wireless communication device 10 can be checked. And obtain environmental data over the sky.
[0016]
In addition, by flying a large number of wireless communication devices 10, even if the captured image from each wireless communication device 10 is a coarse image, a high-definition image is displayed by combining the captured images at the parent base 20. be able to. In addition, the temperature distribution in the air can be displayed three-dimensionally.
[0017]
When such a large number of wireless communication devices 10 are used, it is necessary to provide the wireless communication device 10 with a simple structure so that it can be provided at a low price. For this purpose, for example, the number of pixels of the image sensor 1 in one wireless communication device 10 may be reduced to, for example, about 10,000 pixels, and images from a large number of wireless communication devices 10 may be combined in the parent base 20. Here, the image synthesized by the parent base 20 can obtain a fine image of 1,000,000 pixels or more. At the same time, since a large number of wireless communication devices 10 are located at scattered positions, it is possible to obtain images viewed from different angles by combining images from them, and to measure the concentration distribution of chemical substances. There is an advantage that can be.
[0018]
Further, when the number of pixels is set to about 10,000 pixels, the load of signal processing of the imaging system is reduced, and the weight can be reduced. Thus, by simplifying the structure, the weight can be reduced to 10 grams or less, and it is easy to float in the air.
[0019]
Here, as shown in FIG. 8, a wireless communication method in the wireless communication system of the present invention will be described.
First, in step S1, a control signal and power energy are supplied from the parent base 20 to the wireless communication device 10. Subsequently, in step S2, each wireless communication device 10 performs imaging and sensing in its environmental state. Subsequently, in step S3, the captured image and sensing information are transmitted from each wireless communication device 10 to the parent base 20 by wireless communication. Subsequently, in step S4, the parent base 20 synthesizes the images transmitted from the respective wireless communication devices 10 and records the temperature and gas data. Further, the result can be displayed on the display 22.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the wireless communication device 10 in more detail. The parent base 20 is not omitted in the drawings including the following drawings. The flight guide line 5 is configured to include a floating portion 51 serving as an umbrella for floating without immediately falling, and a connection line 52 connecting the floating portion 51 and the sensing element. The floating portion 51 may have any structure as long as the wireless communication device 10 can fly in the air. For example, a fibrous light-weighted one whose volume is expanded so as to be easy to fly, a one having an umbrella-like structure, and the like are given.
[0021]
The flight guide line 5 plays a role of floating in the air and also plays a role of an antenna. For example, in order to function as a monopole antenna, the length L of the connection line 52 may be represented by the following equation (1), where λ is the frequency of wireless communication.
L = λ / 4 Expression (1)
Here, for example, when performing wireless communication at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, the distance is set to about 3 cm. In order to function as a dipole antenna, the length of the connection line 52 may be set to λ / 2.
[0022]
The wireless communication devices 10 of the present invention also have a function of communicating with each other.
Various applications can be achieved by the wireless communication devices 10 communicating with each other. For example, in a place where the temperature changes drastically, each wireless communication apparatus 10 performs sensing, and in a place where the change is gentle, it performs sensing every two or three pieces, and the wireless communication apparatus 10 during that operation interrupts the sensing. Becomes possible. Thus, by operating only the necessary wireless communication device 10 among the many wireless communication devices 10, the overall energy efficiency can be improved.
[0023]
-Other forms of wireless communication device-
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another mode 1 of the wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the wireless communication device 11 according to the first aspect, a sensing element is provided at the center, and a plurality of flight guide lines 5 are provided around the sensing element. These flight guide lines 5 also function as radio communication antennas at the same time as the purpose of flight, as in the example of FIG.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another mode 2 of the wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention. A parachute 121 is provided in the wireless communication device 12 according to the second embodiment, and an imaging element 1, a temperature sensing element 2, and a gas sensing element 3, which are sensing elements, are provided below the parachute 121.
[0025]
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another mode 3 of the wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication device 12 according to the third embodiment is a ball-type wireless communication device. In the wireless communication device 13, an imaging device 1, a temperature sensing device 2, and a gas sensing device 3, which are sensing devices, are provided in a ball 131.
[0026]
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another mode 4 of the wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication device 14 according to another aspect 4 is a balloon-type wireless communication device. This wireless communication device 14 is provided with an imaging device 1, a temperature sensing device 2, and a gas sensing device 3, which are sensing devices, below a balloon 141. A guide line 142 is provided below the guide line 142. The guide wire 142 also plays the role of an antenna, and its length is defined by Expression (1). The balloon 141 contains helium gas, air, and the like, and is designed so that the wireless communication device 14 floats on the wind. Further, a person can hold the root of the guide line 142.
[0027]
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another form 5 of the wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication device 15 according to another aspect 5 is formed on a weight 151, and the weight 151 is hung by a hanging line 152 and moved like a pendulum. Above the weight 151, an imaging device 1, a temperature sensing device 2, and a gas sensing device 3, which are sensing devices, are provided.
[0028]
Next, there are several modes as an application of the wireless communication device of the present invention.
For example, the wireless communication device of the present invention is scattered on a forest or a high-traffic road to detect temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) gas concentration, etc. It can be applied to the investigation of environmental problems caused by gas, the monitoring of road congestion, etc. The wireless communication device 10 in FIG. 1, the wireless communication device 11 in FIG. 3, the wireless communication device 12 in FIG. 4, and the wireless communication device 13 in FIG.
[0029]
In addition to this, there is sensing in an area that is inaccessible to humans. For example, there are disaster sites such as fires, tunnel accidents and collapses, nuclear facilities, and sites for setting up hazardous materials such as waste. In addition, there are ecological surveys of birds, insects, plants, etc. The space for flying the wireless communication device includes a large space such as an outdoor space, a medium space such as an indoor space, and a small space such as an inside of a device and a pipe.
[0030]
Further, as the type of the wireless communication device of the present invention, there are a non-control type that rides on the flow of wind, a controllable type such as an unmanned light aircraft, a helicopter, and the like, and a semi-control type such as a hand-held balloon in the middle. . Further, the wireless communication device of the present invention is characterized in that it is small, light, and fine. Therefore, it is possible to easily fly in the air without complicating the flight mechanism.
[0031]
Examples of embodiments of the present invention are listed below.
[0032]
[Embodiment 1] Flight means for floating in the air,
Imaging means for imaging at a position in the air floating in the flying means,
Detecting means for detecting an environmental condition at an aerial position floating in the flying means,
A wireless communication unit for wirelessly transmitting an output result from at least one of the imaging unit and the detection unit to the outside.
[0033]
[Embodiment 2] The wireless communication apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the flying means also serves as the wireless communication means.
[0034]
[Embodiment 3] The flying means includes a floating portion radially extending with respect to the ground, and a connecting line connecting the floating portion, the imaging means, and the detecting means, and a length of the connecting line is reduced. The wireless communication device according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the wavelength is も し く は or の of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used for wireless communication.
[0035]
[Embodiment 4] The wireless communication device according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the flying means is a parachute or a balloon.
[0036]
[Embodiment 5] The wireless communication apparatus according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the flying means is formed of a spherical ball, and the ball flies in the air when the ball bounces.
[0037]
[Sixth Embodiment] A plurality of wireless communication devices according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments,
Having a parent base for controlling the wireless communication device,
The wireless communication devices communicate with each other to perform the function intensively in an air region where the need for at least one of the imaging and the detection of the environmental state is high, and the execution of the function A wireless communication system for transmitting a result to the parent base.
[0038]
[Seventh Embodiment] A plurality of radios that float in the air, detect an image at a floating position and detect an environmental state at the floating position, and transmit an execution result of at least one of the imaging and the detection to the outside. A wireless communication method in a wireless communication system having a communication device and a parent base controlling the wireless communication device,
The wireless communication devices communicate with each other, the function is performed intensively in the air area where the need for at least one of the imaging function and the detection function is high, and the execution result of the function is determined. A wireless communication method for transmitting to a parent base.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the apparatus has the flying means floating in the air, it is possible to perform imaging from a position in a necessary space and detect environmental conditions such as temperature and gas concentration. This makes it possible to perform optimal observation and analysis according to each environment.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a wireless communication device in more detail;
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another mode 1 of the wireless communication device.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment 2 of the wireless communication device.
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment 3 of the wireless communication device.
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment 4 of the wireless communication device.
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment 5 of the wireless communication device.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a wireless communication method in the wireless communication system of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image sensor 2 Temperature sensing element 3 Gas sensing element 5 Flight guide line 10-15 Wireless communication apparatus 20 Parent base 51 Floating part 52 Connecting line 121 Parachute 131 Ball 141 Balloon 142 Guide line 151 Weight 152 Hanging line

Claims (7)

Flying means for floating in the air,
Imaging means for imaging at a position in the air floating in the flying means,
Detecting means for detecting an environmental condition at an aerial position floating in the flying means,
A wireless communication unit for wirelessly transmitting an output result from at least one of the imaging unit and the detection unit to the outside. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the flying unit doubles as the wireless communication unit. The flight means includes a floating portion radially extending with respect to the ground, and a connecting line connecting the floating portion, the imaging means, and the detecting means, and the length of the connecting line is an electromagnetic wave used for wireless communication. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength is も し く は or の of the wavelength. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the flying means is a parachute or a balloon. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the flying means is formed of a spherical ball, and the ball floats in the air when the ball bounces. A plurality of wireless communication devices according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Having a parent base for controlling the wireless communication device,
The wireless communication devices communicate with each other to perform the function intensively in an air region where the need for at least one of the imaging and the detection of the environmental state is high, and execution of the function A wireless communication system for transmitting a result to the parent base. A plurality of wireless communication devices that float in the air, detect an imaging at a floating position and an environmental state at the floating position, and transmit an execution result of at least one of the imaging and the detection to the outside, A wireless communication method in a wireless communication system having a parent base that controls a wireless communication device,
The wireless communication devices communicate with each other, the function is performed intensively in the air area where the need for at least one of the imaging function and the detection function is high, and the execution result of the function is determined. A wireless communication method for transmitting to a parent base.

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