JP2004280715A - Setting confirmation device and setting confirmation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To determine whether or not the cause of communication failure between a microcomputer and a center is present on a protocol conversion adaptor side by confirming the normality of communicating function of a network terminal side. <P>SOLUTION: A setting confirmation device 1 is adapted so as to acquire address (IP address) information of the protocol conversion adaptor 3 retained in a function 301 for retaining a variety of information from the extension terminal part 32 or meter terminal part 31 of the protocol conversion adaptor 3, performing communication with the protocol conversion adaptor 3 from a LAN terminal part 33 by use of the address information, and displaying, on a display part 16, whether or not the communication function including transfer of the protocol conversion adaptor 3 by use of the address information of the protocol conversion adaptor 3 is normal based on this communication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a data terminal such as a microcomputer meter, and a protocol conversion adapter connected to the data terminal and converting a communication protocol to transfer a signal transmitted and received between the data terminal and a predetermined center. The present invention relates to a setting confirmation device and a setting confirmation method used in a system to be performed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various setting confirmation devices and the like are already commercially available. For example, information of a setting device for a common NCU (Network Control Unit) can be browsed by a WWW (World Wide Web) server (see Non-Patent Document 1). According to the browsing screen information, the common-type NCU setting device can set the common-type NCU, can set the initial setting of the meter at the time of NCU installation work, and can set, request, and control the meter at the time of maintenance. It is characterized by that.
[0003]
The common-type NCU setting device includes an NCU ID number setting, an NCU address number setting, a notification destination telephone number setting such as a NCU battery voltage drop, a 5-bit port ID number setting, and an alarm information notification destination telephone. It has various functions such as number setting, report destination telephone number setting of meter reading value, contact port ID number setting, contact port report destination telephone number setting, collective setting of these eight items, and NCU communication test.
[0004]
Patent Literature 1 discloses a meter that measures the amount of gas, electricity, or water used, and an interface unit that communicates with a plurality of types of adapter units that introduce additional functions other than the metering function originally provided in the meter. An adapter type meter provided with: The meter here is a so-called microcomputer meter.For example, a microcomputer meter for gas not only measures the amount of gas used, but also a shut-off valve for stopping gas supply and a seismic sensor that detects earthquakes. , A pressure sensor that detects a drop or a rise in gas supply pressure, a judgment unit that activates the security function based on the sensor input from those sensors, a shut-off signal output unit that shuts off the shut-off valve, so that it can be externally confirmed in the event of an abnormality. It is described that a display unit or the like for displaying is provided.
[0005]
[Non-patent document 1]
“TG Information NETwork Co., Ltd. Common NCU Measuring Instrument”, [Searched on February 21, 2003], Internet <URL: http: // www. tg-inet. co. jp / amr / 3_9. html>
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-150459
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, there are various construction examples of a microcomputer meter side system in a remote monitoring system constructed by connecting a microcomputer meter side system and a center side system using an NCU or the like. In some cases, a microcomputer meter is connected to an NCU or the like via an adapter.
[0008]
The protocol conversion adapter has a meter terminal connected to a microcomputer meter, such as RS-232C, and a LAN (Local) connected to a public communication network via an NCU and connected to a center via the public communication network. An area network (Area Network) terminal and a converter that converts between a communication protocol on the meter terminal side and a communication protocol on the LAN terminal side in order to transfer signals transmitted and received between the microcomputer meter and the center.
[0009]
In this case, the LAN terminal has, for example, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) function and a DCE (Data Circulation) function having a NAT (Network Address Translation) function for converting a local IP (Internet Protocol) address to a global IP address. terminating Equipment). Then, the protocol conversion adapter performs communication on the LAN terminal side using, for example, a preset global IP address of the center, a local IP address assigned from the DCE, and a preset ID of the protocol conversion adapter. Will be.
[0010]
However, in the configuration in which the protocol conversion adapter is used, communication between the microcomputer meter as the data terminal and the center may not be possible for some reason.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and at least the normality of the communication function on the network terminal side can be confirmed, and the cause of the inability to perform communication between the data terminal and the center is as follows. It is an object of the present invention to provide a setting checker and a setting checking method capable of determining whether or not the setting is on the protocol conversion adapter side.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data terminal for obtaining predetermined information, a data terminal terminal connected to the data terminal, and a predetermined center connected to a communication network via the communication network. A protocol that includes a network terminal to be connected and converts between a communication protocol on the data terminal terminal side and a communication protocol on the network terminal side for transferring signals transmitted and received between the data terminal and the center. A setting checker used in a system including a conversion adapter, and using the address information of the protocol conversion adapter used for communication on the network terminal side, obtained from the protocol conversion adapter, and using the address information of the protocol conversion adapter. Communication from the terminal according to the communication protocol of this network terminal, and based on this communication Te, the communication function of the protocol conversion adapter and wherein the indicating whether the normal with the address information.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the setting checker according to the first aspect, the protocol conversion adapter includes a protocol conversion unit configured to convert a communication protocol on the data terminal terminal side and a communication protocol on the network terminal side. Holding means for holding address information of the protocol conversion adapter used for communication on the network terminal side, and address information held by the holding means, which is the same or different terminal as the data terminal terminal Output means for outputting the data.The setting checker communicates from the output means of the protocol conversion adapter in accordance with the communication protocol of the output means, and the communication is held by the holding means from the output means. And obtaining address information of the protocol conversion adapter.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the setting checker according to the second aspect, immediately before communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side, address information of the protocol conversion adapter is acquired. I do.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the setting checker according to the second or third aspect, if the address information of the protocol conversion adapter is obtained, the setting checker automatically sets itself for communication according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side. After that, the communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side by using the address information.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the setting checker according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the holding means holds internal information including the address information, and the setting checker includes: Communication is performed from the output means of the protocol conversion adapter in accordance with the communication protocol of the output means, and by this communication, the internal information held in the holding means is obtained from the output means. Communicate according to a protocol, acquire the internal information held by the holding means from the network terminal by this communication, and compare the two pieces of internal information to indicate whether or not the inconsistency of the internal information has occurred; It is characterized by.
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the setting checker according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, further comprising a display unit, connected to a data terminal terminal or an output unit of the protocol conversion adapter. According to a communication protocol of the means, initialization communication is performed with the protocol conversion adapter, and the success or failure of the initialization communication is displayed on the display means.
[0018]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the setting checker according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a display means, connected to a network terminal of the protocol conversion adapter, and according to a communication protocol on the network terminal side. Meter reading communication with a microcomputer meter for acquiring a meter reading value is performed, and the success or failure of the meter reading communication is displayed on the display means.
[0019]
The invention according to claim 8 is a setting confirmation method executed by the setting confirmation device according to claim 2, wherein communication is performed from an output unit of the protocol conversion adapter according to a communication protocol of the output unit, and the communication performs The address information of the protocol conversion adapter held by the holding means is obtained from the output means, and communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side by using the address information of the protocol conversion adapter. It is characterized by indicating, based on the communication, whether or not the communication function of the protocol conversion adapter using the address information is normal.
[0020]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the setting confirmation method according to the eighth aspect, the address information of the protocol conversion adapter is acquired from the network terminal immediately before performing communication according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side. I do.
[0021]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the setting confirmation method according to the eighth or ninth aspect, if the address information of the protocol conversion adapter is acquired, the setting is automatically performed to perform the communication according to the communication protocol of the network terminal side. After that, the communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side by using the address information.
[0022]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the setting confirmation method according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the holding means holds internal information including the address information, and the output means of the protocol conversion adapter. The communication is performed according to the communication protocol of the output unit from this, the internal information held in the holding unit is obtained from the output unit by the communication, and the communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side. The internal information held by the holding unit is acquired from the network terminal by communication, and by comparing the two pieces of internal information, the presence / absence of inconsistency of the internal information is indicated.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a setting checker and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the setting checker and the like, and FIG. 3 is the construction of a remote monitoring system to be used by the setting checker. FIGS. 4 and 5 show examples of display of the setting checker. FIGS. 6 to 10 show meter terminal communication, automatic address information setting, LAN terminal communication, and initialization communication by the setting checker. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the meter reading.
[0024]
First, a remote monitoring system using the setting checker 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. This remote monitoring system includes a microcomputer meter 2 as a data terminal, as shown in FIG. It is constructed by the protocol conversion adapter 3, the DCE 4, and the center 5. However, the DCE 4 is connected with a plurality of protocol conversion adapters 3 to which the microcomputer meter 2 is connected.
[0025]
The microcomputer meter 2 is, for example, a conventional one for gas, electricity or water, and in the example of FIG. 2, is a gas microcomputer meter.
[0026]
Returning to FIG. 3, the protocol conversion adapter 3 converts the communication protocol between the microcomputer meter 2 and the center 5 in order to transfer signals transmitted and received between the microcomputer meter 2 and the center 5. It includes a meter terminal unit 31 (data terminal terminal), an extension terminal unit 32, a LAN terminal unit 33 (network terminal), communication interface units 34 and 35, and a control unit 30.
[0027]
The meter terminal unit 31 is configured by a terminal conforming to a serial communication standard such as RS-232C, and is connected to the microcomputer meter 2. The extension terminal unit 32 is configured by a terminal conforming to a serial communication standard such as RS-232C, and is connected to the setting checker 1.
[0028]
The LAN terminal unit 33 is configured by a terminal conforming to a LAN standard (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, etc.) such as IEEE802.3, and is connected to the public communication network N1 via the DCE4. It is connected to the center 5 via the Internet N2 and the public communication network N3 on the center 5 side.
[0029]
The communication interface unit 34 is an interface conforming to a serial communication standard such as RS-232C, and is connected to the meter terminal unit 31 and the extension terminal unit 32. The communication interface unit 35 is an interface conforming to a LAN standard such as IEEE802.3, for example, and is connected to the LAN terminal unit 33.
[0030]
The control unit 30 includes, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU and a storage device, and has various processing functions for performing processes such as control of the entire protocol conversion adapter 3.
[0031]
For example, a protocol conversion function 300 for converting between the communication protocol on the meter terminal unit 31 side and the communication protocol on the LAN terminal unit 33 side, the address information (global IP address) of the center 5 set in advance, the LAN terminal unit 33 side And a various information holding function 301 for holding various kinds of information such as its own address information (local IP address) used for the communication and the ID (ADP-ID) of the protocol conversion adapter 3. In addition, according to an output request from the meter terminal unit 31, the extension terminal unit 32, or the LAN terminal unit 33, various information as internal information held by the various information holding function 301 is transmitted to the communication interface unit which has received the output request. A processing function is provided for outputting from the meter terminal unit 31, the extension terminal unit 32, or the LAN terminal unit 33 via the communication interface unit 34 or the communication interface unit 35. Further, according to the initialization instruction from the meter terminal unit 31 or the extension terminal unit 32, the initialization is performed and the initialization information is transmitted via the communication interface unit 34 via the communication terminal unit 34. A processing function for outputting from the unit 32 is provided.
[0032]
In the example of FIG. 3 (also FIG. 1), an extension terminal unit 32 is provided separately from the meter terminal unit 31 as an output unit for outputting the address information held by the various information holding functions 301. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the extension terminal section 32 is also used as the meter terminal section 31 may be used. Or, conversely, a communication interface dedicated to the extension terminal 32 may be provided separately from the communication interface 34.
[0033]
The DCE 4 is a data line terminating device having, for example, a DHCP function and a NAT function. Note that the DCE 4 may be an integrated device or a system in which some functions are separated.
[0034]
The center 5 includes, for example, an NCU 51 and a center device 50, and is connected to the microcomputer meter 2 via the communication network N, the DCE 4, and the protocol conversion adapter 3 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.
[0035]
Next, the setting checker 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The setting checker 1 used in the system on the microcomputer meter 2 side in the remote monitoring system includes, as shown in FIG. A terminal unit 12, a LAN-side terminal unit 13, communication interface units 14, 15, a display unit 16, and a control unit 10 are provided.
[0036]
The input unit 11 is for inputting an operation, and includes a keyboard, a pointing device (for example, a track pad), and the like.
[0037]
The extension-side terminal section 12 is configured by a terminal conforming to the same serial communication standard as the extension terminal section 32, and is connected to the meter terminal section 31 or the extension terminal section 32 via a predetermined serial communication cable. In this embodiment, since the meter terminal 31 and the extension terminal 32 are not separately used but provided separately, the extension side terminal 12 is basically connected to the extension terminal 32.
[0038]
The LAN-side terminal unit 13 is configured by a terminal conforming to the same LAN standard as the LAN terminal unit 33, and is connected to the LAN terminal unit 33 via a predetermined LAN cable.
[0039]
The communication interface unit 14 is an interface conforming to the same serial communication standard as the communication interface unit 34, and is connected to the extension-side terminal unit 12. The communication interface unit 15 is an interface conforming to the same LAN standard as the communication interface unit 35, and is connected to the LAN-side terminal unit 13.
[0040]
The display unit 16 displays various information, and is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display device.
[0041]
The control unit 10 includes, for example, a CPU and a storage device, and has various processing functions for performing an inspection of the entire system of the microcomputer meter 2 and the like. For example, a login screen shown in the example of FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 16 as an initial screen of the display unit 16, and an ID and a password stored in advance in a storage device or the like of the control unit 10 are input via the input unit 11. When input, as shown in the example of FIG. 5, a processing function for displaying buttons such as “meter terminal communication”, “LAN terminal communication”, “initialization communication”, and “meter reading” on the display unit 16 is provided. Can be
[0042]
In addition, a meter terminal communication function 100, an automatic address information setting function 101, a LAN terminal communication function 102, an initialization communication function 103, a meter reading function 104, a display processing function 105, and the like are provided. Among these, the display processing function 105 is a function of executing processing for displaying the success or failure of communication by each of the functions 100 and 102 to 104 on the display unit 16 in cooperation with the function. Hereinafter, each of the functions 100 to 104 will be sequentially described together with the operation thereof.
[0043]
When the operation input for pressing the “meter terminal communication” button is obtained from the input unit 11, the meter terminal communication function 100 performs “R” communication with the protocol conversion adapter 3 via the communication interface unit 14 (to the various information holding functions 301). This is a function of making a request to output all information of all items held) and displaying the success or failure of this communication on the display unit 16.
[0044]
The operation at the time of successful communication will be further described with reference to FIG. 6. First, the meter terminal communication function 100 sends the activation message “W” to the control unit 30 via the communication interface units 14 and 34 and the like. ₁ In response to this, a response message including the ADP-ID is returned from the various information holding function 301 to the meter terminal communication function 100 via the communication interface units 34 and 14 and the like. As a result, the ID (ADP-ID) of the protocol conversion adapter 3 is acquired by the control unit 10 of the setting checker 1. After that, the meter terminal communication function 100 issues an all item request “R” to the control unit 30 via the communication interface units 14 and 34 and the like. Response to the meter terminal communication function 100 via ₁ Is made. Then, after acquiring all information (internal information) of all items, an end message “E” is transmitted from the meter terminal communication function 100 to the control unit 30 via the communication interface units 14 and 34 and the like.
[0045]
If the communication function on the extension terminal unit 32 (meter terminal unit 31) side in the protocol conversion adapter 3 is normal, all information held in the various information holding functions 301 from the protocol conversion adapter 3 as shown in FIG. Since the information is transmitted to the setting checker 1, a process of displaying all the information or the success of the communication on the display unit 16 is performed to indicate the success of the communication. On the other hand, for example, if there is no response from the protocol conversion adapter 3 within a predetermined time, a process of displaying the communication failure on the display unit 16 is executed. According to the meter terminal communication function 100, it is possible to know whether or not the communication function of the extension terminal unit 32 (meter terminal unit 31) in the protocol conversion adapter 3 is normal.
[0046]
When the address information automatic setting function 101 acquires the address information of the protocol conversion adapter 3, the function automatically changes itself to a setting for performing communication according to the communication protocol of the LAN side terminal unit 13 and the LAN terminal unit 33 side. It is.
[0047]
The operation by this function will be further described with reference to FIG. However, it is assumed that the setting checker 1 is provided with a switching setting means for switching the address information automatic setting function 101 between valid and invalid.
[0048]
When the address information of the protocol conversion adapter 3 is obtained (S1), it is determined based on the address information whether or not communication with the protocol conversion adapter 3 is possible using the current address information of the setting checker 1 (S2). ).
[0049]
If communication is possible (“communication is possible” in S2), the process of address information automatic setting ends, and the process can proceed to, for example, the process of checking the normality of the LAN terminal of the protocol conversion adapter 3 (S6).
[0050]
If communication is not possible ("communication disabled" in S2), it is confirmed whether or not the switching has been switched to valid ("On") by the switching setting means (S3).
[0051]
If it is valid (“On” in S4), a process of automatically changing itself to a setting for performing communication according to the communication protocol of the LAN side terminal unit 13 and the LAN terminal unit 33 is executed (S4). For example, the address is changed to an address in the same network that is different from the address information acquired from the protocol conversion adapter 3. Thereafter, the address information automatic setting process is completed, and the process can proceed to, for example, a process of confirming the normality of the LAN terminal of the protocol conversion adapter 3 (S6).
[0052]
If the setting is invalid (“Off” in S4), the address information automatic setting process ends, and the mode is changed to a mode for manually changing to a setting for performing communication according to the communication protocol of the LAN side terminal unit 13 and the LAN terminal unit 33 side. Transition. In this mode, the address information of the setting checker 1 is manually changed to address information that can communicate with the protocol conversion adapter 3 (S5). Thereby, for example, it is possible to shift to processing such as confirmation of the normality of the LAN terminal of the protocol conversion adapter 3 (S6).
[0053]
When an operation input for pressing a “LAN terminal communication” button is obtained from the input unit 11, the LAN terminal communication function 102 uses the address information obtained from the protocol conversion adapter 3 to transmit a protocol via the communication interface unit 15. This function performs “R” communication with the conversion adapter 3 and displays the success or failure of this communication on the display unit 16. If the meter terminal communication function 100 is not executed before the execution of the LAN terminal communication function 102, the LAN terminal communication function 102 performs the same operation as the meter terminal communication function 100 immediately before the execution of the LAN terminal communication function 102. The communication is executed to acquire the address information from the protocol conversion adapter 3. In this case also, the automatic address information setting function 101 operates.
[0054]
The operation at the time of successful communication by the LAN terminal communication function 102 will be further described with reference to FIG. 8. First, by using the address information obtained from the protocol conversion adapter 3, the LAN terminal communication function 102 , 35, etc., a request for all items “R” is issued to the control unit 30. In response to this, all items are responded from the various information holding functions 301 to the LAN terminal communication function 102 via the communication interface units 35, 15, etc. "D ₁ Is made. Then, after all the information of all the items is obtained, an end message “E” is transmitted from the LAN terminal communication function 102 to the control unit 30 via the communication interface units 15 and 35 and the like.
[0055]
If both the communication function on the extension terminal section 32 (meter terminal section 31) side and the communication function on the LAN terminal section 33 side in the protocol conversion adapter 3 are normal, as shown in FIG. Since all information (internal information) held in the holding function 301 is transmitted to the setting checker 1, a display unit indicating that all the information or the success of the LAN terminal communication is displayed to indicate the success of the LAN terminal communication. 16 is executed. On the other hand, if there is no response from the protocol conversion adapter 3 within a predetermined time, for example, a process of displaying on the display unit 16 that the LAN terminal communication has failed is executed. According to the LAN terminal communication function 102, it is possible to know whether the communication function on the LAN terminal unit 33 side of the protocol conversion adapter 3 is normal. In this case, by comparing the internal information acquired from the extension terminal unit 32 (meter terminal unit 31) side with the internal information acquired from the LAN terminal unit 33 side, the presence / absence of inconsistency of the internal information is indicated on the display unit. 16 may be displayed.
[0056]
The initialization communication function 103 performs initialization communication with the protocol conversion adapter 3 via the communication interface unit 14 and issues an initialization instruction when an operation input for pressing the “initialization communication” button is obtained from the input unit 11. This function displays the success or failure of the initialization communication on the display unit 16.
[0057]
The operation at the time of successful communication will be further described with reference to FIG. 9. First, the initialization communication function 103 sends the activation message “W” to the control unit 30 via the communication interface units 14 and 34. ₁ In response to this, a response message including the ADP-ID is returned from the various information holding functions 301 to the initialization communication function 103 via the communication interface units 34 and 14 and the like. As a result, the ID of the protocol conversion adapter 3 is acquired by the control unit 10 of the setting checker 1. Thereafter, the initialization communication function 103 transmits an initialization message “S” of the initialization instruction to the control unit 30 via the communication interface units 14 and 34 and the like, and in response thereto, the control unit 30 transmits the initialization message “S”. , 14 through the initialization communication function 103, the initialization response “D ₂ Is returned. Thereafter, an end message “E” is transmitted from the initialization communication function 103 to the control unit 30 via the communication interface units 14 and 34 and the like.
[0058]
When the initialization communication is successful, a process of displaying the initialization information obtained from the protocol conversion adapter 3 or the success of the initialization communication on the display unit 16 is performed. On the other hand, if there is no response from the protocol conversion adapter 3 within a predetermined time, for example, a process of displaying on the display unit 16 that the initialization communication has failed is executed. According to such an initialization communication function 103, it is possible to know whether the communication function of the extension terminal unit 32 (meter terminal unit 31) in the protocol conversion adapter 3 is normal, and to initialize the protocol conversion adapter 3. Can be
[0059]
When an operation input for pressing the “meter reading” button is obtained from the input unit 11, the meter reading function 104 uses the address information obtained from the protocol conversion adapter 3 to transmit the information from the communication interface unit 15 via the protocol conversion adapter 3. This is a function of performing meter reading communication for issuing a request to return a meter reading to the microcomputer meter 2 and displaying the success or failure of the meter reading communication on the display unit 16. If the meter terminal communication function 100 is not executed before the execution of the meter reading function 104, the meter reading function 104 executes the same communication as the meter terminal communication function 100 immediately before the execution of the meter reading function 104. Then, the address information is obtained from the protocol conversion adapter 3. In this case also, the automatic address information setting function 101 operates.
[0060]
The operation at the time of successful communication by the meter reading function 104 will be further described with reference to FIG. 10. First, by using the address information acquired from the protocol conversion adapter 3, the communication interface unit 15 and the protocol For example, a start message “W including a request for returning a meter reading value to the microcomputer meter 2 via the conversion adapter 3 or the like. ₂ In response to this, the response message “D” including the meter reading value from the microcomputer meter 2 to the meter reading function 104 via the protocol conversion adapter 3 and the communication interface unit 15 is transmitted. ₃ Is returned. Thereafter, an end message “E” is transmitted from the meter reading function 104 to the microcomputer meter 2 via the communication interface unit 15 and the protocol conversion adapter 3.
[0061]
If the meter reading response function of the microcomputer meter 2 is normal and the transfer function of the protocol conversion adapter 3 using the address information of the protocol conversion adapter 3 is normal, the protocol conversion from the microcomputer meter 2 is performed as shown in FIG. Since the meter reading value is returned via the adapter 3, a process of displaying the meter reading value or the success of the meter reading communication on the display unit 16 is performed to indicate the success of the meter reading communication. On the other hand, if there is no response from the microcomputer meter 2 within a predetermined time, for example, a process of displaying that the meter reading communication has failed on the display unit 16 is performed. According to such a meter reading value return function, it is possible to know whether the meter reading value returning function of the microcomputer meter 2 is normal and the transfer function of the protocol conversion adapter 3 using the address information is normal.
[0062]
In this embodiment, the data terminal is provided with a microcomputer meter. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An alarm device that monitors smoke and fire and obtains the monitoring result as predetermined information, various types of information in the house Information panel, a human sensor (infrared sensor) for detecting the presence or absence of a person, a security device that obtains a video signal as predetermined information from a surveillance camera, or a gas device (including a remote control unit) that obtains operating state information. A configuration may be used.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
As apparent from the above description, the invention according to claim 1 provides a data terminal for obtaining predetermined information, a data terminal terminal connected to the data terminal, and a predetermined terminal connected to the communication network and connected to the communication network. A network terminal connected to a center, and converting a communication protocol on the data terminal terminal side and a communication protocol on the network terminal side in order to transfer a signal transmitted and received between the data terminal and the center. A setting confirmation device used in a system including a protocol conversion adapter to perform, obtained from the protocol conversion adapter, using the address information of the protocol conversion adapter used for communication on the network terminal side, The communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol of the network terminal, and the communication is performed. It indicates whether the communication function of the protocol conversion adapter using the address information is normal on the basis of the address information, so that the normality of the communication function on the network terminal side can be confirmed at least. It is possible to determine whether or not the cause of the inability to perform communication is on the protocol conversion adapter side.
[0064]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the setting checker according to the first aspect, the protocol conversion adapter includes a protocol conversion unit configured to convert a communication protocol on the data terminal terminal side and a communication protocol on the network terminal side. Holding means for holding address information of the protocol conversion adapter used for communication on the network terminal side, and address information held by the holding means, which is the same or different terminal as the data terminal terminal Output means for outputting the data.The setting checker communicates from the output means of the protocol conversion adapter in accordance with the communication protocol of the output means, and the communication is held by the holding means from the output means. Since the address information of the protocol conversion adapter is acquired, the protocol conversion From descriptor, it is possible to acquire the address information of the protocol conversion adapter that is used for communication network terminal side.
[0065]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the setting checker according to the second aspect, the address information of the protocol conversion adapter is obtained immediately before communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side. Using the information, the communication can be promptly performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side.
[0066]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the setting checker according to the second or third aspect, if the address information of the protocol conversion adapter is obtained, the setting checker automatically sets itself for communication according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side. Since the communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side using the address information after the change, the manual setting of the address information in the setting checker can be omitted.
[0067]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the setting checker according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the holding means holds internal information including the address information, and the setting checker includes: Communication is performed from the output means of the protocol conversion adapter in accordance with the communication protocol of the output means, and by this communication, the internal information held in the holding means is obtained from the output means. It communicates according to the protocol, acquires the internal information held by the holding means from the network terminal by this communication, and compares the two pieces of internal information to indicate whether or not the inconsistency of the internal information has occurred. Of both the communication function on the data terminal terminal or output means side and the communication function on the network terminal side Can see the gender, cause no longer able to communicate between the data terminal and the center can be determined whether in the protocol conversion adapter side.
[0068]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the setting checker according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, further comprising a display unit, connected to a data terminal terminal or an output unit of the protocol conversion adapter. According to the communication protocol on the means side, initialization communication is performed with the protocol conversion adapter, and the success or failure of the initialization communication is displayed on the display means, so that the communication function on the data terminal terminal or the output means side in the protocol conversion adapter is normal. You can know if there is.
[0069]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the setting checker according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a display means, connected to a network terminal of the protocol conversion adapter, and according to a communication protocol on the network terminal side. The meter reading communication with the microcomputer meter for obtaining the meter reading value is performed, and the success or failure of the meter reading communication is displayed on the display means. Can be.
[0070]
The invention according to claim 8 is a setting confirmation method executed by the setting confirmation device according to claim 2, wherein communication is performed from an output unit of the protocol conversion adapter according to a communication protocol of the output unit, and the communication performs The address information of the protocol conversion adapter held by the holding means is obtained from the output means, and communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side by using the address information of the protocol conversion adapter. Based on the communication, it indicates whether or not the communication function of the protocol conversion adapter using the address information is normal. Therefore, the normality of both the communication function of the data terminal terminal or the output means and the communication function of the network terminal side Communication between the data terminal and the center. Cause of impossible Rukoto can determine whether there protocol conversion adapter side.
[0071]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the setting confirmation method according to the eighth aspect, the address information of the protocol conversion adapter is obtained from the network terminal immediately before performing communication according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side. Using the information, the communication can be promptly performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side.
[0072]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the setting confirmation method according to the eighth or ninth aspect, if the address information of the protocol conversion adapter is acquired, the setting is automatically performed to perform the communication according to the communication protocol of the network terminal side. Since the communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side using the address information after the change, the manual setting of the address information in the setting checker can be omitted.
[0073]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the setting confirmation method according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the holding means holds internal information including the address information, and the output means of the protocol conversion adapter. The communication is performed according to the communication protocol of the output unit from this, the internal information held in the holding unit is obtained from the output unit by the communication, and the communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side. By acquiring the internal information held in the holding means from the network terminal by communication and comparing the two pieces of internal information to indicate whether or not the inconsistency of the internal information has occurred, the data terminal terminal or the output means It is possible to check the normality of both the communication function on the network side and the communication function on the network terminal side. Cause no longer able to communicate between the data terminal and the center can be determined whether in the protocol conversion adapter side.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a setting checker and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a setting checker and the like.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a remote monitoring system to be used by the setting checker.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the setting confirmation device.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the setting confirmation device.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of meter terminal communication by the setting checker.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of automatic setting of address information by the setting checker.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of LAN terminal communication by the setting checker.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of initialization communication by the setting checker.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of meter reading by the setting checker.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Setting checker
100 Meter terminal communication function
101 Address information automatic setting function
102 LAN terminal communication function
103 Initialization communication function
104 Meter reading function
2 Microcomputer meter
3 Protocol conversion adapter

Claims (11)

A data terminal for obtaining predetermined information;
A data terminal terminal connected to the data terminal; and a network terminal connected to a communication network and connected to a predetermined center via the communication network, and transmits and receives signals transmitted and received between the data terminal and the center. A setting checker used in a system including a protocol conversion adapter for converting between a communication protocol on the data terminal terminal side and a communication protocol on the network terminal side for transferring,
Using the address information of the protocol conversion adapter used for communication on the network terminal side obtained from the protocol conversion adapter, communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side, and communication is performed. A setting checker for indicating whether a communication function of the protocol conversion adapter using the address information is normal based on the address information. The protocol conversion adapter includes a protocol conversion means for converting between the communication protocol on the data terminal terminal side and the communication protocol on the network terminal side, and an address of the protocol conversion adapter used for communication on the network terminal side. Holding means for holding information, and output means for outputting the address information held by the holding means, the output terminal being the same or another terminal as the data terminal terminal,
The setting checker communicates from an output unit of the protocol conversion adapter according to a communication protocol of the output unit, and obtains the address information of the protocol conversion adapter held by the holding unit from the output unit by the communication. The setting checker according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The setting checker according to claim 2, wherein address information of the protocol conversion adapter is obtained immediately before communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side. If the address information of the protocol conversion adapter is obtained, after automatically changing itself to a setting for performing communication according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side, using the address information, the network terminal is switched from the network terminal to the network terminal. 4. The setting checker according to claim 2, wherein communication is performed in accordance with a communication protocol of the side. The holding means holds internal information including the address information,
The setting checker communicates from the output means of the protocol conversion adapter in accordance with the communication protocol of the output means, acquires the internal information held by the holding means from the output means by this communication, and From the network terminal side, and obtains the internal information held by the holding means from the network terminal, and compares the two pieces of internal information to thereby determine whether the internal information is correct. The setting checker according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the setting checker indicates presence or absence of occurrence of a match. Display means,
The protocol conversion adapter is connected to a data terminal terminal or output means, and performs initialization communication with the protocol conversion adapter according to the communication protocol of the data terminal terminal or output means side. The setting checker according to claim 2, wherein the setting is displayed. Display means,
Connected to the network terminal of the protocol conversion adapter, performs meter reading communication with the microcomputer meter for reading the meter reading according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side, and displays the success or failure of the meter reading communication on the display means. The setting checker according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: It is a setting confirmation method performed by the setting confirmation device of Claim 2, Comprising:
Communication from the output means of the protocol conversion adapter in accordance with the communication protocol of the output means, to obtain the address information of the protocol conversion adapter held in the holding means from the output means by this communication,
Using the address information of the protocol conversion adapter, communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side, and based on this communication, the communication function of the protocol conversion adapter using the address information is normal. A setting confirmation method characterized by indicating whether the setting is successful or not. 9. The setting confirmation method according to claim 8, further comprising acquiring address information of the protocol conversion adapter immediately before performing communication from the network terminal according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side. If the address information of the protocol conversion adapter is obtained, after automatically changing itself to a setting for performing communication according to the communication protocol on the network terminal side, using the address information, the network terminal is switched from the network terminal to the network terminal. 10. The setting confirmation method according to claim 8, wherein communication is performed according to a communication protocol on a side. The holding means holds internal information including the address information,
Communication is performed from the output unit of the protocol conversion adapter according to the communication protocol of the output unit, and the communication acquires the internal information held by the holding unit from the output unit,
The communication is performed from the network terminal according to the communication protocol of the network terminal side, the communication obtains the internal information held by the holding unit from the network terminal, and compares the two pieces of internal information to obtain the internal information. 11. The setting confirmation method according to claim 8, wherein the setting confirmation method indicates whether or not information inconsistency has occurred.

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