JP2004248078A - Gap filler device, gap filler device monitoring system and level attenuating device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technology for preventing even an oscillation phenomenon that is caused by steep time change in a gap filler device. <P>SOLUTION: This gap filler device 1 does not require time corresponding to a time constant like an integrating circuit until an attenuation amount of a signal level by attenuators 28 becomes large because sample and hold circuits 26 control the attenuation amount of the signal level by the attenuators 28, and can increase the attenuation amount of the signal level by the attenuators 28 at a high speed. In addition, clock pulses to be supplied to the respective sample and hold circuits 26 respectively have a phase difference of 1/2 period. Since one sample and hold circuit 26 performs sampling while the other sample and hold circuit 26 outputs a control signal, the one sample and hold circuit 26 can suppress abnormal amplification of the signal level resulting from an oscillation phenomenon even when the oscillation phenomenon occurs while the other sample and hold circuit 26 outputs the control signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gap filler device that retransmits a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station to a radio wave insensitive zone.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, retransmission of a broadcast signal received in a zone where a broadcast signal can be directly received has been performed in a zone where radio signals cannot be received directly from a broadcast station. .
[0003]
For such an application, a device for receiving a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station by a receiving antenna, amplifying the signal level of the received broadcast signal, and transmitting the amplified signal by a transmitting antenna, a so-called gap filler. The device is being used.
In this type of gap filler device, when a broadcast signal retransmitted by a transmitting antenna is received by a receiving antenna, an oscillation phenomenon occurs due to positive feedback, and the peak level of a specific frequency component increases as noise. As a result, there is a possibility that a normal broadcast signal cannot be retransmitted. Therefore, the broadcast signal is installed in a positional relationship such that the retransmitted broadcast signal including the reflected wave due to the surrounding environment is not received by the receiving antenna.
[0004]
However, even after the gap filler device is installed, there is a possibility that the retransmitted broadcast signal may be received by the receiving antenna. As a countermeasure, it is general that the gap filler device is configured to attenuate the signal level of the broadcast signal input to the amplifier more largely by the attenuator as the peak level of the broadcast signal amplified by the amplifier increases, Thereby, the oscillation phenomenon can be prevented (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
In order to operate the attenuator by detecting the peak level of the broadcast signal as in such a gap filler device, it is usually necessary to detect the peak level (peak value) of the signal level in the broadcast signal. And an integrating circuit (second time constant circuit) for outputting a signal of a signal level corresponding to the peak level detected by the peak detector to the attenuator as a signal for operating the attenuator (output signal). (Amplifier with automatic gain controller) is used (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-09-098130
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 60-32860
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as described above, when the attenuator is operated by the configuration including the integrator circuit, the operation of the integrator circuit takes place after the peak level is detected by the peak detector until the attenuation of the attenuator actually increases. It takes time according to the constant.
[0008]
Therefore, if the oscillation phenomenon occurs with a steep time change, the oscillation phenomenon continues until the attenuation of the attenuator becomes large, and the broadcast signal cannot be normally retransmitted temporarily. I will.
The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preventing an oscillation phenomenon caused by a sharp time change in a gap filler device.
[0009]
Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
To solve the above problem, the gap filler device according to claim 1 receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station by a receiving antenna, and amplifies the received broadcast signal with a first amplifier. After that, the gap filler device retransmits the broadcast signal to the dead zone by using a transmission antenna, and includes a first attenuation unit, a first peak detection unit, and a first attenuation control unit. In this gap filler device, first, the first peak detecting means detects the peak level of the signal level in the broadcast signal amplified by the first amplifier. Subsequently, the first attenuation control means samples the peak level detected by the first peak detection means at a predetermined cycle, and outputs a signal of the sampled peak level to the first attenuation means as a first control signal. Incidentally, the first attenuation control means comprises a sample-and-hold circuit. Then, the first attenuating means attenuates the signal level of the broadcast signal input to the first amplifier to a level corresponding to the signal level of the first control signal input from the outside.
[0010]
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, the amount of attenuation of the signal level by the first attenuation unit is controlled by the first attenuation control unit including the sample and hold circuit. Therefore, it does not take a time corresponding to the time constant, unlike the integration circuit, from the detection of the peak level by the first peak means to the increase of the signal level attenuation by the first attenuation means.
[0011]
Therefore, the amount of attenuation of the signal level by the first attenuating means can be increased at a higher speed than in a configuration in which the first attenuating means is controlled by a configuration including an integrating circuit. Therefore, even when the oscillation phenomenon occurs with a steep time change, the oscillation phenomenon does not continue, and it is possible to prevent the normal broadcast signal from being unable to be retransmitted.
[0012]
Further, the gap filler device according to the second aspect is configured such that the broadcast signal received by the receiving antenna is sequentially amplified by the first amplifier and the second amplifier connected in series, and then the broadcast signal is transmitted by the transmitting antenna. It is configured to transmit, and includes a second attenuation unit, a second peak detection unit, and a second attenuation control unit. In this gap filler device, the second peak detecting means detects the peak level of the signal level in the broadcast signal amplified by the second amplifier. Subsequently, the second attenuation control unit outputs a signal having a signal level corresponding to the peak level detected by the second peak detection unit to the second attenuation unit as a second control signal. Then, the second attenuating means attenuates the signal level of the broadcast signal input to the second amplifier to a signal level corresponding to the signal level of the second control signal input from the outside.
[0013]
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, the signal level of the broadcast signal can be attenuated not only by the first attenuating means but also by the second attenuating means.
As long as the first and second amplifiers described above are connected in series, any one of the first and second amplifiers may be in the preceding stage (receiving antenna side) or the subsequent stage (transmitting antenna side).
[0014]
By the way, since the above-mentioned first attenuation control means comprises a sample-and-hold circuit, sampling of the peak level is performed during the period when the first attenuation control means outputs (holds) the first control signal. Absent. Therefore, if an oscillation phenomenon occurs during this period, the amount of attenuation by the first attenuation means is not changed until the next peak level sampling is performed, and the oscillation phenomenon may continue. As a countermeasure, the second attenuation control means may be configured to output the second control signal during a period in which the first attenuation control means outputs the first control signal. Even in the case where the oscillation phenomenon occurs during the period when the control means is outputting the first control signal, abnormal amplification of the signal level due to the oscillation phenomenon can be suppressed by the second attenuation means.
[0015]
More specifically, the second attenuation control means may be configured to include an integrating circuit, an average value detection circuit, or the like, and may be configured to change the signal level of the second control signal linearly with time. . According to this structure, the second attenuation control means can output the second control signal regardless of whether the first attenuation control means is outputting the first control signal.
[0016]
Further, the second attenuation control means may be configured in the same manner as the above-mentioned first attenuation control means. In this case, it is preferable to configure the second attenuation control means as described in claim 3.
In the gap filler device according to claim 3, the second attenuation control means samples the peak level detected by the second peak detection means at a predetermined period, and uses the signal of the sampled peak level as a second control signal. 2. A sampling and holding circuit for outputting to the attenuating means, wherein the sampling of the peak level is performed at the timing when the first attenuating control means outputs the first control signal.
[0017]
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, the second attenuation control unit can output the second control signal at a timing at which the first attenuation control unit outputs the first control signal. Since the second attenuation control means comprises a sample-and-hold circuit, like the first attenuation control means, the oscillation phenomenon is sharp during the period when the first attenuation control means is outputting the first control signal. Even if the change occurs with time, the amount of signal level attenuation by the second attenuation means can be increased at high speed.
[0018]
Further, the gap filler device according to claim 4 includes a level detection unit that detects a peak level or an average level of a signal level in a broadcast signal amplified by an amplifier (a first amplifier or a second amplifier), and the level detection unit. Notification means for notifying at a predetermined timing that the level has decreased after the detected peak level or average level has decreased to a predetermined level.
[0019]
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, the notification unit can notify that the peak level or the average level of the signal level in the broadcast signal amplified by the amplifier has decreased to the predetermined level.
Here, if the peak level or the average level that triggers the notification by the notification unit is set to a level that is assumed to be attenuated by the attenuation unit due to the oscillation phenomenon, the user (management of the gap filler device) The person) can confirm that the oscillation phenomenon has occurred or is about to occur by the notification by the notification means. Since the gap filler device is generally installed so that the oscillation phenomenon does not occur, the notification that the level has been reduced by the notification means is performed after the installation of the gap filler device. It indicates that the environment has changed. Therefore, after confirming the notification by the notification means, the user can take measures such as changing the positional relationship of each antenna in the gap filler device.
[0020]
Note that the above-described notification means is a means for notifying at a predetermined timing that the level has been lowered, and the timing for performing the notification is not particularly limited. For example, the level detected by the level detection means may be a predetermined level. What is necessary is just to comprise so that a notification may be performed immediately after it falls to a level. Further, the notification may be performed at a timing when a predetermined operation by the user is received.
[0021]
Also, the level that triggers the notification by the notification means may be a predetermined level, but may be set arbitrarily by a user operation. Specifically, a configuration as described in claim 5 can be considered.
The gap filler device according to the fifth aspect includes a registration unit that registers a peak level or an average level detected by the level detection unit in response to a user operation. Further, in this gap filler device, the notifying means has the level decreased after the peak level or the average level detected by the level detecting means has been reduced by a predetermined level from the level registered by the registering means. Is notified at a predetermined timing.
[0022]
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, a level lower than the level registered by the registration unit by a predetermined level can be set as a level that triggers the notification unit to perform notification. The level registered by the registering means is the one for which the peak level or the average level detected by the level detecting means is designated by the user. Therefore, for example, by registering the level detected by the level detecting means in a state in which the present gap filler device is operating normally by the registering means, when an oscillation phenomenon occurs, for example, It is possible to notify that the operation state is such that the peak level or the average level is greatly attenuated from the normal state.
[0023]
Note that the above-described notification means is a means for notifying that the level has decreased, and a specific configuration for performing the notification is not particularly limited. For example, the notification may be performed by displaying a character or an image including a message indicating that the level is lowered on a display device or by printing on a printing device. Further, the notification may be performed by outputting the above-mentioned message as sound using a speaker.
[0024]
Further, as a more specific example, when the present gap filler includes a lamp, the notification means may be configured to perform the notification by lighting the lamp, as described in claim 6. .
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, it is possible to notify that the level has been reduced by turning on the lamp.
[0025]
Further, when the gap filler device is connected to a telephone line which is a kind of communication line, the notification means may call a predetermined notification destination via the telephone line. May be configured to perform the notification.
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, by calling the user of the notification destination, it is possible to notify the user that the level has decreased.
[0026]
Note that, in this configuration, after the notification destination is called, if the notification destination responds to the call, a message indicating that the level has decreased may be output to the notification destination. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the notification destination that the level has been lowered by a message.
[0027]
Further, when the present gap filler device is configured to be capable of data communication via a communication line, the notifying means sends, via the communication line, notification data for notifying a decrease in level, as described in claim 8. What is necessary is just to comprise so that notification may be performed by transmitting to a predetermined notification destination.
[0028]
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, it is possible to notify that the level has decreased by transmitting the notification data to the notification destination.
Further, in this configuration, as described in claim 9, a recording means for recording various data, and notification data for notifying a decrease in the peak level or the average level when the peak level or the average level has decreased to a predetermined level. Recording command means for recording in the recording means, the notifying means, when receiving request data requesting the notification data via a communication line from a predetermined notification destination, the notification data recorded in the recording means The notification may be performed by sending back a reply.
[0029]
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, the broadcast data can be transmitted only when the request data is received via the communication line.
By the way, the sampling period of the above-mentioned attenuation control means (first and second attenuation control means) by the sample-and-hold circuit is not particularly limited, but, for example, as described in claim 10, when an oscillation phenomenon occurs, noise is generated. The time period may be shorter than the time period required for the peak level of the frequency component to reach the predetermined signal level.
[0030]
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, the sample and hold circuit of the attenuation control unit performs sampling at a time period shorter than the time required for the peak level of the frequency component serving as noise to reach the predetermined signal level. Do. Therefore, even if an oscillation phenomenon occurs in the gap filler device, the amount of attenuation of the signal level by the first attenuating means can be increased at least before the frequency component serving as noise reaches a predetermined signal level. In addition, there is no possibility that the oscillation phenomenon is continued for a long time.
[0031]
In this configuration, the “time required to reach a predetermined signal level” is, for example, a case where the peak level of a frequency component that causes an oscillation phenomenon to be noise is saturated for a fixed time (or a fixed cycle). For example, the time required to reach the peak level may be set as "the time required to reach a predetermined signal level".
[0032]
The sampling time by the sample and hold circuit of the attenuation control means (first and second attenuation control means) is not particularly limited. For example, as described in claim 11, when an oscillation phenomenon occurs, noise occurs. The time may be set to be equal to or longer than one cycle of the assumed frequency component.
[0033]
According to the gap filler device configured as described above, the sample and hold circuit of the attenuation control unit performs sampling over a period of one cycle or more of a frequency component that becomes noise. Therefore, even if an oscillation phenomenon occurs in the gap filler device, it is possible to reliably sample the largest signal level while at least the peak level of the frequency component that becomes noise changes over one cycle.
[0034]
If an oscillation phenomenon occurs in the gap filler device and the sample-and-hold circuit cannot sample the largest signal level in one cycle of a frequency component that becomes noise, the amount of attenuation of the signal level by the first attenuation means is increased until the next sampling. And the oscillation phenomenon may be continued. Therefore, it is preferable that the sample-and-hold circuit be configured to perform sampling over a period of one cycle or more of a frequency component serving as noise in order to converge the oscillation phenomenon in a short time.
[0035]
In the gap filler device monitoring system according to a twelfth aspect, the gap filler device according to the eighth aspect and a monitoring device for monitoring an operation state of the gap filler device are connected via a communication line. This is a gap filler device monitoring system. In this system, the gap filler device is configured to transmit broadcast data to a monitoring device via a communication line, and the monitoring device uses a recording unit for recording various data and a gap filler device via a communication line. Recording command means for causing the recording means to record the notification data when the transmitted notification data is received.
[0036]
According to the gap filler device monitoring system configured as described above, the notification data transmitted from the gap filler device to the monitoring device is recorded on the monitoring device side. Therefore, by confirming the content indicated by the notification data, it is possible to confirm that the level has been reduced on the monitoring device side. In addition, even if the monitoring device is far from the gap filler device or the gap filler device is installed at a position where it is difficult for a user to visually recognize, as long as the monitoring device is connected via the communication line. The notification data is received from the gap filler device, and the monitoring device can confirm that the level has decreased.
[0037]
In this configuration, the gap filler device includes the recording unit and the recording command unit according to the ninth aspect, and the monitoring device transmits the requested data to the gap via a communication line. It is preferable to have a requesting means for transmitting to the filler device.
[0038]
According to the gap filler device monitoring system configured as described above, the monitoring device can acquire the notification data from the gap filler device by transmitting the request data by the request unit. Therefore, the notification data can be collected according to the operation state of the monitoring device, the convenience of the user of the monitoring device, and the like. Therefore, for example, when the monitoring device is not ready to receive the notification data, such as when the monitoring device is not activated, performing another process, or the like, the notification data is transmitted from the gap filler device side. Therefore, there is no possibility that the notification based on the notification data transmitted in such a situation cannot be performed.
[0039]
In this configuration, the monitoring device is connected to the plurality of gap filler devices via a communication line, and the request data is sequentially transmitted to the plurality of gap filler devices by the request means. May be transmitted.
[0040]
According to the gap filler device monitoring system configured as described above, it is possible to sequentially acquire the notification data from each of the plurality of gap filler devices.
It should be noted that the notification data in this configuration only needs to be able to notify a decrease in the level, and for example, a date and time when the level has decreased, an identification code for identifying each of the gap filler devices, and the like may be added.
[0041]
A level attenuation device according to a fifteenth aspect includes the first attenuation means, the first peak detection means, and the first attenuation control means according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects. The level attenuating device thus configured can constitute a part of the gap filler device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.
[0042]
A level attenuator according to a sixteenth aspect includes the second attenuator, the second peak detector, and the second attenuation controller according to any of the second to eleventh aspects. The level attenuation device configured as described above can constitute a part of the gap filler device according to any one of claims 2 to 11.
[0043]
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a level attenuating device including the level detecting means and the notifying means according to any one of the fourth to eleventh aspects. The level attenuation device configured as described above can constitute a part of the gap filler device according to any one of claims 4 to 11.
[0044]
Further, a level attenuating device according to claim 18 includes the registration unit according to claim 5. The level attenuation device configured as described above can constitute a part of the gap filler device according to claim 5.
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a level attenuating device including the recording means and the recording instruction means according to the ninth aspect. The level attenuation device configured as described above can constitute a part of the gap filler device according to claim 8.
[0045]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gap filler device 1 constitutes a gap filler device monitoring system together with a monitoring device 200 connected so as to be able to perform data communication via a communication network 100.
[0046]
The monitoring device 200 is a well-known computer system, and is connected to a plurality (m; 0 <m) of gap filler devices 1.
The gap filler device 1 receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station by a receiving antenna 12 and converts the received broadcast signal into a signal level by first and second amplifiers 14 and 16 connected in series. This is a device for amplifying and then re-transmitting to a dead zone of a radio wave by a transmitting antenna 18, and controls the entire operation of the level attenuator 20 and the gap filler device 1 provided in parallel with each of the amplifiers 14 and 16. The control unit 30 is provided.
[0047]
The level attenuator 20 is a directional coupler 22 for branching a part of the broadcast signal output from the amplifiers 14 and 16, and a detector for detecting the peak signal level of the component branched by the directional coupler 22. A sample and hold circuit (24) that samples the peak level detected by the detector 24 based on the cycle of the clock pulse supplied from the control unit 30, and outputs the peak level control signal to the outside (attenuator 28). S / H) 26, and an attenuator 28 that attenuates the signal level of the broadcast signal input to the amplifiers 14 and 16 to a level corresponding to the signal level of the control signal input from the sample hold circuit 26.
[0048]
The level attenuator 20 operates so that the peak level of the signal level in the broadcast signal amplified by the amplifiers 14 and 16 is set to a constant level L0. For example, when the peak level of the signal level in the broadcast signal amplified by the amplifiers 14 and 16 becomes a level L1 higher than a certain level L0 due to the occurrence of the oscillation phenomenon (see FIG. 2A). The signal level of the broadcast signal input to the amplifiers 14 and 16 is attenuated by the attenuator 28 (see FIG. 2B). As described above, the signal level is attenuated over the entire frequency band of the broadcast signal, thereby preventing occurrence of an oscillation phenomenon.
[0049]
The control unit 30 includes a communication control unit 31, a user interface unit (hereinafter, referred to as a user I / F) 32, an averaging circuit 33, a microcomputer 34, a memory 35, and the like.
Among them, the communication control unit 31 is an interface for connecting the gap filler device 1 to the communication network 100.
[0050]
The user I / F 32 includes an input key 32a, a display lamp 32b, and the like. Among these, the input keys 32a are composed of character keys and numeric keys, as well as setting keys and enter keys used in a threshold level setting process (FIG. 4) described later.
[0051]
The averaging circuit 33 converts the peak level signal detected by the detector 24 of the level attenuator 20 disposed at the subsequent stage (on the side of the transmitting antenna 18) into an averaged average level signal. 33a, an analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as A / D) 33b for converting an average level analog signal converted by the conversion circuit 33a into a digital signal.
[0052]
Further, the microcomputer 34 controls the operation of the entire gap filler device 1 by inputting and outputting various signals to and from each component of the level attenuator 20 and the controller 30. For example, by supplying a clock pulse to the sample and hold circuit 26 of each level attenuator 20, sampling of the peak level detected by the detector 24 and output of the control signal to the attenuator 28 are performed.
[0053]
The clock pulse supplied from the microcomputer 34 to each of the sample-and-hold circuits 26 has a phase difference of 周期 cycle, so that the period during which one of the sample-and-hold circuits 26 outputs the control signal is controlled. During that time, the other sample and hold circuit 26 performs sampling.
[0054]
The clock pulse is a pulse having a pulse width corresponding to one cycle of a frequency component which is assumed to be noise when an oscillation phenomenon occurs in the gap filler device 1. This is repeated at a time period assumed to be required for the peak level of the component to be saturated. With this clock pulse, the sample-and-hold circuit 26 of the level attenuator 20 samples a time period required for the peak level of the frequency component that becomes noise to be saturated, which is equivalent to one cycle of the frequency component that becomes noise. Will be.
[0055]
[Operation state monitoring processing by microcomputer 34]
Hereinafter, a processing procedure of the operation state monitoring processing executed by the microcomputer 34 will be described with reference to FIG. This operation state monitoring process is repeatedly executed after the gap filler device 1 is started.
[0056]
First, the process waits until the signal level (average level) of a signal input from the level attenuating unit 20 via the averaging circuit 33 becomes lower than a predetermined threshold value (s110: NO). In the memory 35, a “threshold variable” in which a value indicating a signal level serving as a threshold (hereinafter, referred to as a threshold level) is set is recorded in advance. The average level input from the conversion circuit 33 is compared with the threshold level set in the threshold variable. This threshold level is defined as a signal level lower than the average level in the state where the gap filler device 1 is operating normally by a certain level (-6 dB in the present embodiment) (FIG. 2 ( This is a level that is assumed to be attenuated by the attenuator 28 due to the oscillation phenomenon.
[0057]
In this “threshold variable”, a value indicating a specific threshold level is set as an initial value, but this value can be changed in a threshold level setting process (FIG. 4) described later. is there.
If the average level falls below the predetermined threshold value in the process of s110 (s110: YES), it is notified that the average level has become lower than the threshold level (s120). In this process, the notification is performed by turning on the display lamp 32b of the user I / F 32 for a fixed time (one minute in this embodiment).
[0058]
Then, the notification log is recorded in the memory 35 (s130). The “reporting log” is data that can specify the identification code assigned to the gap filler device 1 and the date and time when the process of s130 is performed, and that the average level is lower than the threshold level. Is the data indicating
[0059]
After the process of s130 is completed, the process returns to the process of s110.
[Threshold level setting processing by microcomputer 34]
The procedure of the threshold level setting process executed by the microcomputer 34 will be described below with reference to FIG. This threshold level setting process is started when a setting key constituting the input key 32a of the user I / F 32 is pressed.
[0060]
First, the process waits until the enter key is pressed (s210: NO).
When the enter key is pressed in the process of s210 (s210: YES), the average level of the signal input from the level attenuator 20 via the averaging circuit 33 is checked (s220).
[0061]
Then, the threshold level is determined based on the average level checked in the process of s220 (s230). In this process, a signal level lower by a certain level (-6 dB) than the average level checked in the process of s220 is determined as a "threshold level", and a value indicating this level is set as a threshold variable.
[0062]
[Request response processing by microcomputer 34]
The procedure of the request response process executed by the microcomputer 34 will be described below with reference to FIG. The request response process is started when request data is input from the monitoring device 200 via the communication network 100 and the communication control unit 31. The “request data” is data transmitted from the monitoring device 200 in a polling process (FIG. 6) described later.
[0063]
First, the notification log is read from the memory 35 (s310). This “notification log” is data recorded in the memory 35 in the process of s130 in FIG.
Next, notification data is generated based on the notification log read in the process of s310 (s320). In this process, text data describing the contents (date and identification code) of the notification log read in the process of s310 is generated as “notification data”. When the notification log is not recorded in the memory 35, text data in which only the identification code assigned to the gap filler device is described is generated as “report data”.
[0064]
Then, the notification data generated in the process of s320 is transmitted to the monitoring device 200 (s330).
[Polling process by monitoring device 200]
Hereinafter, a processing procedure of the polling process executed by the monitoring device 200 (CPU incorporated therein) will be described with reference to FIG. This polling process is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals (one hour in the present embodiment) after the monitoring device 200 is started.
[0065]
First, a variable N is initialized (s410). In this process, “1” is set to the variable N (1 → N). Note that “n” described hereinafter indicates a value set to the variable N.
Next, request data is transmitted to the n-th gap filler device 1 (s420). The first data table in which the position information of each of the plurality of gap filler devices 1 is registered in order from “1” to “m” is recorded in (the storage device built in) the monitoring device 200. Request data is transmitted to the n-th gap filler device 1 based on the n-th position information in one data table. This request data is data that triggers the microcomputer 34 to start the request response process (FIG. 5). In the process of s420, counting by a timer is started.
[0066]
Next, it is checked whether or not the notification data has been received from the gap filler device 1 (s430). This “report data” is transmitted from the gap filler device 1 in the process of s330 in FIG.
If the notification data has not been received in the process of s430 (s430: NO), it is checked whether or not a timeout has occurred for the requested data (s440). In this process, when the count value of the timer whose counting has been started in the process of s420 exceeds a predetermined value (10 seconds in the present embodiment), it is determined that a time-out (that is, time-out) has occurred.
[0067]
If a timeout has not occurred in the process of s440 (s440: NO), the process returns to s430.
If the notification data has been received in the process of s430 (s430: YES), the content indicated by the notification data is recorded (s450). In this process, a second data table for registering the identification code indicated by the notification data and the date and time in association with each other is recorded in the monitoring device 200 (storage device built in the monitoring device). Then, each data (identification code and date and time) is registered in the second data table.
[0068]
Thus, after the process of s450 is completed, or when a timeout occurs in the process of s440 (s440: YES), “1” is added to the variable N (n + 1 → N) (s460). In this process, the timer that started counting in the process of s420 is stopped and reset.
[0069]
Then, it is checked whether or not the n-th gap filler device 1 exists (s470). In this process, when the n-th position information is registered in the first data table, it is determined that the n-th gap filler device 1 exists.
[0070]
In the process of s470, if the n-th gap filler device 1 exists (s470: YES), the process returns to the process of s420, while if it does not exist (s470: NO), the polling process ends. .
[effect]
According to the gap filler device 1 configured as described above, the amount of signal level attenuation by the attenuator 28 is controlled by the sample and hold circuit 26. Therefore, it does not take a time corresponding to the time constant unlike the integration circuit from when the peak level is detected by the detector 24 to when the attenuation of the signal level by the attenuator 28 increases.
[0071]
Therefore, as compared with a configuration in which the attenuator 28 is controlled by a configuration including an integrating circuit, the amount of signal level attenuation by the attenuator 28 can be increased at high speed. Therefore, even when the oscillation phenomenon occurs with a steep time change, the oscillation phenomenon does not continue, and it is possible to prevent the normal broadcast signal from being unable to be retransmitted.
[0072]
Further, the signal level of the broadcast signal can be attenuated by each of the two level attenuators 20.
Further, since the clock pulses supplied to the respective sample-and-hold circuits 26 have a phase difference of そ れ ぞ れ cycle, while one of the sample-and-hold circuits 26 is outputting the control signal, the other is different. Sample and hold circuit 26 performs sampling. The sample and hold circuit 26 does not perform sampling of the peak level while the control signal is being output (held). Therefore, if an oscillation phenomenon occurs during this period, the amount of attenuation by the attenuator 28 is not changed until the next sampling of the peak level, and the oscillation phenomenon may continue. Therefore, the configuration in which one performs the sampling while the other is outputting the control signal means that the oscillation phenomenon occurs during the period when the one sample and hold circuit 26 outputs the control signal. In such a case, the other sample and hold circuit 26 is preferable because abnormal amplification of the signal level due to the oscillation phenomenon can be suppressed.
[0073]
Further, in the processing of s120 in FIG. 3, it is notified that the signal level (average level) of the signal input from the level attenuating unit 20 via the averaging circuit 33 to the microcomputer 34 has dropped to a level below a predetermined threshold value. Can be notified by turning on the display lamp 32b. Since this lowered level is a level that is assumed to be attenuated by the attenuator 28 due to the oscillation phenomenon, the user (the administrator of the gap filler device 1) is likely to cause the oscillation phenomenon by the notification in the process of s120. It can be confirmed that it has become. Since the gap filler device 1 is generally installed so as not to cause an oscillation phenomenon, the notification that the level has been lowered is performed in this manner after the gap filler device 1 is installed. Suggests that has changed. Therefore, the user can take measures such as changing the positional relationship between the antennas 12 and 18 in the gap filler device 1 after confirming the notification by the processing of s120.
[0074]
In the processing from s210 to s230 in FIG. 4, among the average levels of the signals input from the level attenuating unit 20 via the averaging circuit 33 to the microcomputer 34, the average level when the determination key is pressed is shown in FIG. Can be re-determined as a "threshold level" which triggers the notification in the operation state monitoring processing of the above. Therefore, for example, by re-determining the average level in a state in which the gap filler device 1 is operating normally to the “threshold level”, the average level of the broadcast signal becomes higher, such as when an oscillation phenomenon occurs. It is possible to notify that the operation state has been greatly attenuated from the latest threshold level.
[0075]
In addition, by transmitting the notification data to the monitoring device 200 in the process of s330 in FIG. 5, it is possible to notify that the level has decreased.
Further, the request response process of FIG. 5 is executed only when the request data is received via the communication network 100, so that the broadcast data can be transmitted only at this timing.
[0076]
Further, according to the monitoring device 200 described above, the content indicated by the broadcast data received from the gap filler device 1 via the communication network 100 can be recorded in the process of s450 in FIG. Therefore, by confirming the content indicated by the notification data, it can be confirmed that the level has decreased on the gap filler device 1 side. Further, the monitoring device 200 is connected via the communication network 100 even when the distance from the gap filler device 1 is large or when the gap filler device 1 is installed at a position where it is difficult for a user to visually recognize the gap filler device 1. As long as it is performed, the notification data can be received from the gap filler device 1 and the content indicated by the notification data can be confirmed on the monitoring device 200 side.
[0077]
In addition, by repeating the processing from s420 to s460 in FIG. 6, the request data can be transmitted to the plurality of gap filler devices 1 in order and the notification data can be obtained. Therefore, notification data can be collected according to the operation state of the monitoring device 200, the convenience of the user of the monitoring device 200, and the like. Therefore, for example, when the monitoring device 200 is not ready to receive the notification data, such as when the monitoring device 200 is not running or performing another process, the notification data is sent from the gap filler device 1 side. Is not transmitted, so that the notification data transmitted in such a situation cannot be recorded.
[0078]
Further, the sample hold circuit 26 of the level attenuator 20 performs sampling at a time period that is assumed to be necessary for the peak level of a frequency component that becomes noise when the oscillation phenomenon occurs to be saturated. Therefore, even if an oscillation phenomenon occurs in the gap filler device 1, the amount of attenuation of the signal level by the attenuator 28 can be increased at least before the frequency component serving as noise saturates. There is no danger of continuing.
[0079]
Further, the sample hold circuit 26 of the level attenuator 20 performs sampling over a period corresponding to one cycle of a frequency component that becomes noise when an oscillation phenomenon occurs. Therefore, even if an oscillation phenomenon occurs in the gap filler device 1, the largest signal level can be reliably sampled while at least the peak level of the frequency component that becomes noise changes over one cycle.
[0080]
If an oscillation phenomenon occurs in the gap filler device 1 and the sample-and-hold circuit 26 cannot sample the largest signal level in one cycle of a frequency component that becomes noise, the signal level attenuation by the attenuator 28 is increased until the next sampling. And the oscillation phenomenon may be continued. Therefore, it is preferable that the sample-and-hold circuit 26 be configured to perform sampling over a period of time corresponding to one cycle of a frequency component serving as noise in order to converge the oscillation phenomenon in a short time.
[0081]
[Modification]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and can be implemented in various other modes.
For example, an example in which each processing of FIGS. 3 to 5 is executed by the microcomputer 34 is illustrated. However, functions similar to part or all of these processes may be realized by a logic circuit. With this configuration, processing can be performed at a higher speed than when the microcomputer 34 is used.
[0082]
In the above embodiment, the level attenuator 20 including the sample and hold circuit 26 is provided in parallel with each of the first and second amplifiers 14 and 16. However, a level amplifying unit including a circuit other than the sample-and-hold circuit 26 may be provided in parallel with any of the first and second amplifiers 14 and 16. As a specific example, for example, a level attenuator provided with an integrating circuit may be provided in parallel with the first amplifier 14 instead of the sample-and-hold circuit 26. Further, as in the gap filler device 2 shown in FIG. 7, a level attenuator 40 having an average detector 46 instead of the detector 24 and the sample hold circuit 26 may be provided in parallel with the first amplifier 14. Good. With this configuration, the level attenuator 40 in the preceding stage (on the side of the receiving antenna 12) outputs the control signal regardless of whether or not the subsequent level attenuator 20 is outputting the control signal. Can be output. Therefore, even when an oscillation phenomenon occurs while the sample and hold circuit 26 is outputting the control signal in the subsequent level attenuating section 20, the average detecting circuit 46 ( Alternatively, an abnormal amplification of the signal level due to the oscillation phenomenon can be suppressed by the integration circuit).
[0083]
Further, in this configuration, since the average detection circuit 46 detects the average signal level in the broadcast signal, the control signal output from the average detection circuit 46 is output to the broadcast signal detected via the averaging circuit 33. May be configured to be used instead of the average level. In this case, since the control signal is at a level before being amplified by the second amplifier 16, the microcomputer 34 may preferably be configured to handle the control signal as a value in consideration of the amplification degree of the second amplifier 16. With this configuration, a configuration for detecting the average level in the control unit 30 is not required, so that the configuration as the gap filler device can be simplified.
[0084]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the notification is performed by turning on the display lamp 32b in the process of s120 in FIG. 3 is illustrated. However, in the process of s120, the notification data may be generated and transmitted to the monitoring device 200. Further, the notification may be performed by another method. For example, when the gap filler device 1 is provided with a display device, the display device may be configured to display a character or an image including a message indicating that the level has decreased. In the case where a printing device is provided, a configuration may be adopted in which characters and images including the above-described message are printed by the printing device. In the case where a speaker is provided, the above-described message may be output as sound by the speaker.
[0085]
In addition, as a configuration for performing notification in the process of s120 in FIG. 3, the configuration is such that notification is performed by calling a predetermined call destination such as a user's mobile phone via the communication network 100. Is also good. According to this configuration, by calling the user, the user can be notified that the level has been reduced. In this configuration, after the call is made, if the callee answers, a message indicating that the level has decreased may be output to the callee. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the call destination that the level has been lowered by a message.
[0086]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the notification by the display lamp 32b is performed immediately after the average level becomes equal to or lower than the threshold level in the process of s120 in FIG. However, the notification may not be performed in the process of s120, and the notification may be performed at a timing when some operation is performed by the input key 32a of the user I / F 32. With this configuration, when the average level falls below the threshold level, even if there is no user near the gap filler device 1, the user can set the average level to the threshold level at an arbitrary timing. You can check whether it was below.
[0087]
Further, in the above embodiment, one of the sample and hold circuits 26 outputs a control signal by giving a clock pulse supplied to each of the sample and hold circuits 26 a phase difference of 周期 cycle. In the illustrated example, the other sample and hold circuit 26 is configured to perform sampling during the period. However, the clock pulse supplied to each sample and hold circuit 26 is not particularly limited as long as the other sample and hold circuit 26 can perform sampling while the one sample and hold circuit 26 is outputting the control signal. .
[0088]
In the above-described embodiment, the gap filler device 1 is configured to amplify the signal level of the broadcast signal using the two amplifiers 14 and 16 connected in series. However, the gap filler device 1 may be configured to amplify the signal level of the broadcast signal by three or more amplifiers connected in series. In this case, if the level attenuating unit 20 is provided for each amplifier, Good. Further, the gap filler device 1 may be configured to amplify the signal level of the broadcast signal using a single amplifier.
[0089]
[Correspondence with the present invention]
In the embodiment described above, the attenuator 28 is the first or second attenuating means in the present invention, the detector 24 and the sample and hold circuit 26 are the first or second peak detecting means in the present invention, the sample and hold circuit 26, and the microcomputer 34. Is the first or second attenuation control means in the present invention, the averaging circuit 33 is the level detecting means in the present invention, and the memory 35 is the recording means in the present invention.
[0090]
In addition, the process of s120 in FIG. 3 is a notification unit in the present invention, and the process of s130 is a recording instruction unit in the present invention.
Further, the process of s230 in FIG. 4 is a registration unit in the present invention.
Further, the process of s330 in FIG. 5 is a notification unit in the present invention.
[0091]
In addition, the process of s420 in FIG. 6 is a request unit in the present invention, and the process of s450 is a recording instruction unit.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of a gap filler device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how a level attenuator attenuates the signal level of a broadcast signal.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation state monitoring process;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a threshold level setting process;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a request response process;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of polling processing;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of a gap filler device according to another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Gap filler apparatus, 12 ... Receiving antenna, 14 ... 1st amplifier, 16 ... 2nd amplifier, 18 ... Transmission antenna, 20 ... Level attenuation part, Reference numeral 22: directional coupler, 24: detector, 26: sample and hold circuit, 28: attenuator, 30: control unit, 31: communication control unit, 32 ... User interface unit, 32a: input key, 32b: display lamp, 33: averaging circuit, 33a: conversion circuit, 33b: analog-digital conversion unit, 34: microcomputer, 35 ... memory, 200 ... monitoring device.

Claims (19)

A broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station is received by a receiving antenna, and the received broadcast signal is amplified by a first amplifier, and then retransmitted to a dead zone of the broadcast signal by the transmitting antenna. A gap filler device,
First attenuating means for attenuating a signal level of a broadcast signal input to the first amplifier to a level corresponding to a signal level of a first control signal input from the outside;
First peak detection means for detecting a peak level of a signal level in the broadcast signal amplified by the first amplifier;
A first attenuating circuit comprising a sample hold circuit for sampling a peak level detected by the first peak detecting means at a predetermined period and outputting a signal of the sampled peak level to the first attenuating means as the first control signal; And a control unit. The broadcast signal received by the receiving antenna is configured to be sequentially amplified by the first amplifier and the second amplifier connected in series, and then transmitted by the transmitting antenna,
Second attenuating means for attenuating a signal level of a broadcast signal input to the second amplifier to a signal level corresponding to a signal level of a second control signal input from the outside;
Second peak detection means for detecting a peak level of a signal level in the broadcast signal amplified by the second amplifier;
And a second attenuation control means for outputting a signal of a signal level corresponding to the peak level detected by the second peak detection means to the second attenuation means as the second control signal. The gap filler device according to claim 1. The second attenuation control means samples the peak level detected by the second peak detection means at a predetermined period, and outputs a signal of the sampled peak level to the second attenuation means as the second control signal. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, comprising a sample and hold circuit, wherein said peak level is sampled at a timing at which said first attenuation control means outputs said first control signal. A gap filler device as described. Level detection means for detecting the peak level or the average level of the signal level in the broadcast signal amplified by the amplifier,
And a notifying means for notifying, at a predetermined timing, that the level has decreased after the peak level or the average level detected by the level detecting means has decreased to a predetermined level. The gap filler device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In response to a user's operation, the apparatus further comprises a registration unit that registers a peak level or an average level detected by the level detection unit,
After the peak level or the average level detected by the level detecting unit has become a level lower than the level registered by the registering unit by a predetermined level, the notifying unit notifies a predetermined level that the level has decreased. The gap filler device according to claim 4, wherein the notification is made at a timing. The gap notification device according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit performs the notification by turning on a lamp. 6. The gap filler device according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit performs the notification by calling a predetermined notification destination via a telephone line. 6. The gap filler according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit performs notification by transmitting notification data for notifying a decrease in level to a predetermined notification destination via a communication line. 7. apparatus. Recording means for recording various data;
When the peak level or the average level decreases to a predetermined level, the recording means for recording the notification data for notifying the reduction of the level in the recording means,
The notifying unit, when receiving request data for requesting the notifying data via a communication line from a predetermined notifying destination, performs notifying by returning the notifying data recorded in the recording unit. The gap filler device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The attenuation control means may be configured such that a sampling period by the sample-and-hold circuit is shorter than a period that is assumed to be necessary for a peak level of a frequency component that becomes noise when an oscillation phenomenon occurs to reach a predetermined signal level. The gap filler device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the attenuation control means is configured so that a sampling time of the sample-and-hold circuit is equal to or longer than one cycle of a frequency component which is assumed to be noise when an oscillation phenomenon occurs. The gap filler device according to any one of the above. A gap filler device monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the monitoring device for monitoring an operation state of the gap filler device is connected via a communication line,
The gap filler device is configured to transmit the notification data to the monitoring device via a communication line,
The monitoring device is a recording unit that records various data, and when receiving the notification data transmitted from the gap filler device via a communication line, a recording command unit that records the notification data in the recording unit. And a gap filler device monitoring system. The gap filler device includes a recording unit and a recording instruction unit according to claim 9,
The gap filler device monitoring system according to claim 12, wherein the monitoring device includes a request unit that transmits the request data to the gap filler device via a communication line. In the monitoring device,
A plurality of the gap filler devices are connected via a communication line,
The gap filler device monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein the requesting means in the monitoring device transmits the request data to each of the plurality of gap filler devices in order. A level attenuator comprising a first attenuator, a first peak detector, and a first attenuator controller according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A level attenuator according to claim 15, comprising a second attenuator, a second peak detector, and a second attenuator controller according to any one of claims 2 to 11. 17. The level attenuating device according to claim 15, comprising the level detecting means and the notifying means according to any one of claims 4 to 11. 18. The level attenuating device according to claim 17, comprising the designation means according to claim 5. A level attenuating device according to claim 17, comprising the recording means and the recording command means according to claim 9.

Images