JP2009010799A - Radio communication system, and radio communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio communication system wherein adoption processing of a master unit and a slave unit can be carried out and a transmission strength can be adjusted utilizing the adoption processing. <P>SOLUTION: The present invention relates to the radio communication system including a plurality of slave units and a master unit for performing radio communication with each of the plurality of slave units and also having an adoption processing for carrying out processing (adoption processing) which performs adoption by causing each of the slave units and the master unit to acquire ID information each other, wherein the adoption processing includes: first processing where any one (target slave unit) of the plurality of slave units transmits by radio its own ID information to the master unit with a predetermined transmission strength; second processing where the master unit receives by radio the ID information of the target slave unit and detects a reception strength in the radio reception; and third processing where the master unit sets the transmission strength in the radio transmission to the target slave unit based on a result of the detection. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication system and a wireless communication device used for an automatic meter reading system of a gas meter, for example.

  Conventionally, wireless communication systems that perform wireless communication with each other have been applied in various fields. As an example, an automatic meter reading system of a gas meter can be cited as described in Patent Document 1, for example. According to such a system, it is considered that the meter reader can perform the meter reading without looking around the gas meter in each household, which is greatly useful for improving the efficiency of the meter reading work.

Further, according to Patent Document 1, there is described a wireless communication output (transmission intensity) in a wireless communication system that is not fixed, a communication environment is estimated by detecting reception intensity, and the transmission intensity is adjusted accordingly. . According to this, the transmission intensity is adjusted so as not to be excessive or deficient as much as possible, and wasteful power consumption can be suppressed while realizing wireless communication.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-217027 JP-A-4-92518 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-92838

  However, according to the wireless communication system described above, it is considered that transmission intensity adjustment is not assumed until wireless reception is performed during normal use. Therefore, until then, wireless transmission is performed in a state where the transmission intensity is not adjusted, and there is a possibility that power is wasted. From the viewpoint of system stability and the like, it is desirable that the adjustment of the transmission intensity is completed before normal use is started.

  By the way, in a wireless communication system, a matching process is normally performed prior to normal use in order to make a master unit and a slave unit recognize each other. This matching process is realized by acquiring each other's ID information through, for example, wireless communication. If the transmission strength adjustment described above is executed during the execution of the margin processing, the transmission strength adjustment can be realized prior to normal use. Furthermore, if the communication environment is estimated using wireless communication performed by the matching process, an improvement in processing efficiency can be expected.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention provides a wireless communication system and a wireless communication apparatus that are capable of executing edge processing between a parent device and a child device and capable of adjusting transmission intensity using the edge processing. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, a wireless communication system according to the present invention includes a plurality of slave units and a master unit that performs radio communication with each of the plurality of slave units. A wireless communication system that also includes an embedment means for executing a process of performing framing by acquiring each other's ID information (referred to as “framing process”), wherein the framing process is performed by the plurality of child devices. Any one (referred to as “target child device”) wirelessly transmits its own ID information to the parent device at a predetermined transmission strength, and the parent device has the target child device The second process of receiving the ID information wirelessly and detecting the reception strength in the wireless reception, and the base unit setting the transmission strength in the wireless transmission to the target slave unit based on the detection result (“ A third process that performs “parent side setting”). And configuration).

  According to this configuration, a process in which the master unit acquires ID information on the slave unit side, which is necessary for the matching process, is realized by each of the first process to the third process. Also, by these processes, setting of transmission intensity in wireless transmission from the parent device to the child device according to the state of the wireless communication path between the parent device and the child device is realized. As a result, it is possible to adjust the transmission strength in wireless transmission using the edge processing.

  In the first configuration, the edge processing includes a fourth process in which the master unit wirelessly transmits its ID information to the target slave unit at a predetermined transmission strength, and the target slave unit. And wirelessly receiving the ID information of the parent device and detecting the reception strength in the wireless reception, and the target child device in wireless transmission to the parent device based on the detection result A configuration (second configuration) further including a sixth process for setting the transmission intensity (referred to as “child side setting”) may be adopted.

  According to this configuration, a process in which the parent device and the child device acquire each other's ID information, which is necessary for the matching process, is realized by the first to sixth processes. In addition, by these processes, setting of transmission strength in the wireless transmission between the parent device and the child device according to the state of the wireless communication path between the parent device and the child device is also realized. As a result, it is possible to adjust the transmission strength in wireless transmission using the edge processing.

  In the second configuration, the target slave unit wirelessly transmits a predetermined first signal to the master unit at the transmission intensity according to the slave side setting after executing the sixth process. On the other hand, when the master unit wirelessly receives the first signal, the master unit wirelessly transmits a predetermined second signal to the target slave unit, and the target slave unit further wirelessly transmits the first signal. If the second signal is not wirelessly received from the parent device within a predetermined time later, wireless transmission of the first signal again to the parent device with a higher transmission strength than the previous time (“child side re-transmission”). (Transmission) ”(third configuration).

  More specifically, in the third configuration, when the target slave unit wirelessly receives the second signal from the master unit within a predetermined period after the retransmission on the slave side, It is good also as a structure (4th structure) which updates the content of a child side setting to the transmission strength in this child side retransmission.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to verify the validity of the transmission intensity related to the child-side setting through the exchange of the first signal and the second signal by wireless transmission. Furthermore, under predetermined conditions, when the slave side is retransmitted at a transmission strength higher than the previous time, and the second signal is wirelessly received by the target slave unit, the contents of the slave side settings are updated. Is done. For this reason, if the transmission intensity is insufficient with the contents of the child side setting up to now (before update), it is possible to appropriately correct the contents of the child side setting.

  In the third or fourth configuration, the target slave unit includes a storage unit that stores information, and the second unit from the master unit within a predetermined period after the slave-side retransmission is performed. When the signal is not wirelessly received, information indicating that may be stored in the storage unit (fifth configuration).

  According to this configuration, since information indicating that the second signal is not wirelessly received from the base unit is stored, this information is later investigated as a wireless communication status (problem occurrence status, etc.). It can be useful for.

  In any one of the first to fifth configurations, the master unit performs the third process, and then sends a predetermined third signal to the target slave unit at the transmission intensity according to the master side setting. On the other hand, when the target slave unit wirelessly receives the third signal, the target slave unit wirelessly transmits a predetermined fourth signal to the master unit, and the master unit transmits the third signal. If the fourth signal is not wirelessly received from the target slave unit within a predetermined time after the signal is transmitted wirelessly, the third signal is again transmitted to the base unit at a higher transmission intensity than the previous time. A configuration (sixth configuration) may be employed (which is referred to as “parent-side retransmission”).

  More specifically, with respect to the sixth configuration, when the base unit receives the fourth signal from the target slave unit within a predetermined period after the retransmission on the parent side, It is good also as a structure (seventh structure) which updates the content of the parent-side setting to the transmission strength in the parent-side retransmission.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to verify the validity of the transmission intensity according to the parent-side setting through the exchange of the third signal and the fourth signal by wireless transmission. Furthermore, under the predetermined condition, when the parent side retransmission is performed with a transmission strength higher than the previous time, and the wireless reception of the fourth signal is performed on the parent unit side, the contents of the parent side setting are updated. The Therefore, when the transmission intensity is insufficient with the contents of the parent side setting up to now (before update), it is possible to appropriately correct the contents of the parent side setting.

  In any one of the third to fifth configurations, the target slave unit wirelessly transmits a predetermined fourth signal to the master unit when the second signal is wirelessly received. If the fourth signal is not wirelessly received from the target child device within a predetermined time after the second signal is wirelessly transmitted, the device transmits again to the parent device at a transmission strength higher than the previous time. A configuration for performing wireless transmission of the second signal (eighth configuration) may be employed.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as that of the seventh configuration. Furthermore, since the second signal is used as the third signal in the seventh configuration, the processing efficiency can be improved.

  The communication system according to the sixth or seventh configuration, further comprising an information receiving device capable of receiving information from the parent device, wherein the parent device is a predetermined time after the retransmission on the parent side. In addition, when the fourth signal is not wirelessly received from the target slave unit, information indicating that may be transmitted to the information receiving apparatus (ninth configuration).

  According to this configuration, since the information indicating that the fourth signal from the target slave unit has not been wirelessly received is transmitted to the information receiving device (for example, the center device), the information receiving device side is in a state of wireless communication. It becomes easy to understand (such as the occurrence status of defects).

  The wireless communication system according to the present invention includes a first communication device and a second communication device that are capable of wireless communication with each other, and these devices acquire each other's ID information through the wireless communication. A communication system including an embedment means for executing a process of performing framing, wherein the first communication device detects a reception strength in wireless reception of the ID information from the second communication device, and the detection result Based on this, a configuration (tenth configuration) is set for setting transmission intensity in wireless transmission to the second communication device.

  According to this configuration, a process for acquiring the ID information of the second communication apparatus by the first communication apparatus, which is necessary for the matching process, is realized. Further, setting of transmission intensity in wireless transmission from the first communication device to the second communication device according to the state of the wireless communication path in both devices is also realized. As a result, it is possible to adjust the transmission strength in wireless transmission using the edge processing.

  The wireless communication device according to the present invention performs wireless communication with a predetermined communication device (referred to as “the other party”), and acquires mutual ID information from the other party through the wireless communication. In a communication apparatus that executes a process of matching by matching (referred to as “matching process”), a detection unit that detects reception intensity in wireless reception of the ID information from the counterpart, and a result of the detection And a setting unit (11th configuration) for setting the transmission intensity in the wireless transmission to the other party.

  According to the wireless communication apparatus of this configuration, it becomes easy to realize the parent device and the child device in the first or second configuration.

  In the eleventh configuration, after the transmission strength is set, a predetermined fifth signal is wirelessly transmitted to the counterpart at the set transmission strength, and the predetermined fifth signal is transmitted after wireless transmission. If the predetermined sixth signal is not wirelessly received from the partner in time, the fifth signal is again transmitted to the partner at a higher transmission strength than the previous time (referred to as “retransmission”). ) May be configured (a twelfth configuration).

  According to this configuration, it becomes easy to realize the parent device or the child device in the third or sixth configuration.

  In the twelfth configuration, when the sixth signal is wirelessly received from the other party within a predetermined period after the retransmission, the setting content is updated to the transmission strength in the retransmission. It is good also as a structure (13th structure) to do.

  According to this configuration, it becomes easy to realize the parent device and the child device in the fourth or seventh configuration.

  An automatic meter-reading system for a plurality of measuring instruments to which the wireless communication system according to any one of the first to ninth configurations is applied, wherein the slave unit is provided for each of the plurality of measuring instruments. In addition, an automatic meter reading system that grasps the measurement result of the corresponding measuring instrument and wirelessly transmits it to the master unit is also useful.

  Specifically, as the fourteenth configuration, the meter may be any one of a gas meter, an electric meter, and a water meter. According to this automatic meter reading system, it is possible to realize various automatic meter readings while enjoying the advantages of the above configuration.

  As described above, according to the wireless communication system according to the present invention, the process of acquiring the ID information on the slave unit by the master unit, which is necessary for the matching process, is realized by each process from the first process to the third process. The Also, by these processes, setting of transmission intensity in wireless transmission from the parent device to the child device according to the state of the wireless communication path between the parent device and the child device is realized. As a result, it is possible to adjust the transmission strength in wireless transmission using the edge processing.

  Further, according to the wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to easily realize the parent device and the child device in the wireless communication system according to the present invention.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below by taking an automatic meter reading system of a gas meter (hereinafter simply referred to as “automatic meter reading system”) as an example. First, the configuration of the automatic meter reading system will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the automatic meter reading system has a center device 3 and an automatic meter reading gas meter 4 in addition to the master device 1 and the slave device 2 which are wireless communication devices. Note that there are actually a plurality of slave units 2 and automatic meter-reading gas meters 4, but here, one by one is given as a representative.

  The base unit 1 includes a wireless antenna 11, a wireless reception unit 12, a wireless transmission unit 13, a reception intensity detection unit 14, a control unit 15, a telephone line interface 16, a frame start switch 17, a confirmation lamp 18, a storage unit 19, and the like. I have.

  The wireless antenna 11 functions as an antenna for performing wireless communication with the handset 2. The wireless reception unit 12 wirelessly receives information transmitted from the child device 2 through the wireless antenna 11. The wireless transmission unit 13 wirelessly transmits information transmitted from the control unit 15 through the wireless antenna 11.

  The reception intensity detection unit 14 detects the amplitude of the signal wirelessly received by the wireless reception unit 12. Thereby, it is possible to detect the reception intensity in wireless reception. Note that the reception intensity detecting unit 14 may generate a signal obtained by digitally converting the wireless analog signal input to the wireless receiving unit 13, and based on this, the control unit 15 may determine the intensity of the received signal. .

  The control unit 15 controls various processes executed in the parent device 1. Note that this process includes a matching process in which ID information is acquired between the parent device 1 and the child device 2. More specific contents of the processing will be described again. Note that “ID information” is information that allows the device to be identified from other devices, and includes, for example, a manufacturing number, but the content is not particularly limited.

  The telephone line interface 16 enables connection with an external device through a telephone line. The edge group start switch 17 is configured as a push button switch, for example, and can be operated by the user at an arbitrary timing. Normally, the edge start switch 17 is in an OFF state, but when the edge start switch 17 is turned ON, the control unit 15 starts an edge process described later.

  The confirmation lamp 18 is configured by an LED or the like, and lights up in a visible manner from the outside in response to an instruction from the control unit 15. The storage unit 19 is composed of a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and can store various information. In particular, it plays an important role as one that stores various types of information related to transmission intensity settings, which will be described later.

  On the other hand, the handset 2 includes a radio antenna 21, a radio reception unit 22, a radio transmission unit 23, a reception intensity detection unit 24, a control unit 25, a meter interface 26, an edge start switch 27, a confirmation lamp 28, a storage unit 29, and the like. It has.

  The wireless antenna 21 functions as an antenna for performing wireless communication with the parent device 1. The wireless reception unit 22 wirelessly receives information transmitted from the parent device 1 through the wireless antenna 21. The wireless transmission unit 23 wirelessly transmits information transmitted from the control unit 25 through the wireless antenna 21.

  The reception intensity detection unit 24 detects the amplitude of the signal wirelessly received by the wireless reception unit 22. Thereby, it is possible to detect the reception intensity in wireless reception. The reception intensity detection unit 24 may generate a signal obtained by digitally converting the wireless analog signal input to the wireless reception unit 23, and based on this, the control unit 25 may determine the intensity of the reception signal. .

  The control unit 25 controls various processes executed in the child device 2. Note that this process includes a matching process in which ID information is acquired between the parent device 1 and the child device 2.

  The meter interface 26 enables connection with the automatic meter-reading gas meter 4. Thereby, the subunit | mobile_unit 2 can acquire the information (meter-reading information) which shows the measurement result of the gas usage-amount by the gas meter 4 for automatic meter-reading.

  The edge group start switch 27 is configured as a push button switch, for example, and can be operated by the user at an arbitrary timing. Normally, the edge setting start switch 17 is in an OFF state, but when the edge setting switch 17 is turned ON, the control unit 25 starts an edge setting process described later.

  The confirmation lamp 28 is constituted by an LED or the like, and lights up so as to be visible from the outside in response to an instruction from the control unit 25. The storage unit 29 is configured by a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and can store various information. In particular, it plays an important role as one that stores various types of information related to transmission intensity settings, which will be described later.

  The center device 3 is connected to the parent device 1 through the telephone line 5. Thereby, the center apparatus 3 can acquire each information from the main | base station 1, and can acquire the meter-reading information which concerns on gas usage through the main | base station 1 and each subunit | mobile_unit 2 by extension. .

  In addition, the automatic meter-reading gas meter 4 is installed in each home or business office, and continuously measures the amount of gas used in these. That is, it has a function as a general gas meter. Further, in order to enable automatic meter reading, meter reading information can be transmitted to the corresponding slave unit 2.

  Next, an outline of a method of using the automatic meter reading system will be described step by step with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that the above-described automatic meter-reading gas meter 4 is installed in advance in each home or business office.

  First, the master unit 1 and the plurality of slave units 2 are arranged at appropriate positions and a predetermined connection state is secured (step S1). More specifically, the base unit 1 is connected to the center device 3 through the telephone line 5. In addition, each slave unit 2 is arranged and connected so as to be able to communicate with each automatic meter-reading gas meter 4. Note that the distance between the parent device 1 and each child device 2 is at least within a range where mutual wireless communication is possible.

  When the work in step S1 is completed, the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 are caused to execute a predetermined margin process (step S2). This association process enables the mutual communication targets to be determined by acquiring at least the mutual ID information between the parent device 1 and each child device 2, and is generally performed conventionally. Is. As a result, for example, interference with other communication systems can be avoided.

  In the matching process, a process for setting the transmission strength in the wireless transmission between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 so as not to be excessive or insufficient and a process for verifying the validity of the setting contents are also executed. It has become so. More specifically, it will be described again.

  When the margin processing (step S2) is completed, the automatic meter reading system is ready in advance, and thereafter, the system is used as usual (automatic meter reading is executed) (step S3). ). The details of this automatic meter reading will be described again. Further, when a new slave unit is added to the system (step S4), it can be dealt with by performing an association process between the slave unit and the master unit 1 each time.

  Next, the contents of the first half of the above-mentioned “margin processing” will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following, the edge processing for any one of the plurality of slave units will be described. However, each of the plurality of slave units can be sequentially executed for the same parent unit.

  The master unit 1 is set to an edge mode in which a series of edge processing is executed when the edge start switch 17 is turned on (step S11). First, after the match start switch 17 is turned on, the parent device 1 monitors whether or not the ID information of the child device 2 is wirelessly received from the child device 2 side (step S12). When such reception is made (Y in step S12), the ID information of the parent device 1 is wirelessly transmitted to the child device 2 with the maximum transmission strength (predetermined strength) on the parent device 1 side (step S13). .

  Master device 1 registers the communication device specified by the ID information obtained in step S12 as a slave device. On the other hand, on the basis of the detection result of the reception strength in the process of step S12, an appropriate transmission strength for performing wireless transmission to the child device 2 is calculated, and then the calculation result is used as the child device. Is set as the transmission intensity for (step S14). This setting content is stored in the storage unit 19, and wireless transmission from the parent device 1 to the child device 2 during normal use of the present system (step S3) is performed with the set transmission intensity.

  On the other hand, the handset 2 is in the edge mode in which a series of edge processing is executed when the edge start switch 27 is turned ON (step S21). First, when the edge group start switch 27 is turned on, the ID information of the handset 2 is wirelessly transmitted to the base unit 1 with the maximum transmission strength (predetermined strength) on the handset 2 side (step S22).

  Thereafter, the slave unit 2 monitors whether or not the ID information of the master unit 1 is wirelessly received from the master unit 1 side (step S23). When such reception is made (Y in step S23), the communication device specified by this ID information is registered as the parent device.

  On the other hand, on the basis of the detection result of the reception strength in the process of step S23, an appropriate transmission strength for performing wireless transmission to the base unit 1 is calculated, and this calculation result is then sent to the base unit 1. The transmission strength is set (step S24). This setting content is stored in the storage unit 29, and wireless transmission from the child device 2 to the parent device 1 during normal use of the present system (step S3) is performed at the set transmission intensity.

  At the stage where the processes of steps S11 to S14 and steps S21 to S24 described above have been performed, both the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 can acquire each other's ID information and register each other as a regular communication target. It is possible. In addition to this, it is possible to set the transmission intensity when performing wireless transmission with each other.

  Note that in the calculation of the transmission strength in step S14 and step 24, the transmission strength with as little excess or deficiency as possible (transmission strength as small as possible within a range in which normal communication can be secured) is calculated. That is, since the transmission intensity and reception intensity of the ID information in wireless communication are known, it is possible to estimate the degree of attenuation of the communication wave in the wireless transmission path between the two machines. Therefore, by using this, a transmission intensity as small as possible is calculated to the extent that wireless communication is not hindered even when communication waves are attenuated in the wireless transmission path.

  Various specific calculation methods can be considered. For example, first, the detected reception intensity is compared with two threshold values (from the smaller one, “first level” and “second level”). If the reception strength is lower than the first level (reception strength “weak”), and if it is between the first level and the second level (reception strength “medium”), the second level is also applied. If it is above (reception strength “strong”), it is divided into three stages.

  When the reception strength is “weak”, a predetermined transmission strength (transmission strength “strong”) that is assumed that wireless communication is not hindered even when the communication wave is attenuated on the communication path estimated from the result. Is calculated. Similarly, when the reception strength is “medium”, the predetermined transmission strength (transmission strength “medium”) is smaller than the transmission strength “strong”, and when the reception strength is “strong”, the predetermined transmission strength is smaller than the “medium”. The transmission strength (transmission strength “weak”) is calculated. The transmission strength is set to be within the range of transmission power determined by the specific low power radio.

  As described above, the parent device 1 and the child device 2 calculate an appropriate transmission strength using wireless communication in the process of transmitting ID information executed in the matching process. For this reason, for example, processing efficiency is realized as compared with a method for calculating transmission intensity separately from the edge processing. Further, since the calculation and setting of the transmission intensity is executed in the matching process, it is possible to complete the setting of the transmission intensity prior to normal use in the automatic meter reading system.

  Next, the contents of the latter half of the “engagement process” will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  After the process of step S14 (A in FIGS. 3 and 4), base unit 1 monitors whether or not an edge confirmation signal (to be described later) has been received from the side of slave unit 2 (step S31). When the match confirmation signal is received (Y in step S31), the confirmation lamp 18 is turned on (step S32), and a predetermined response signal (second signal) is transmitted with the transmission intensity set in step S14. , The third signal) is wirelessly transmitted to the slave unit 2 (step S33). For example, if no match confirmation signal is received for a certain period of time (N in step S31), the fact is notified to the center device 3.

  After step S33, the base unit 1 determines whether or not a response reception signal (to be described later) has been received from the handset 2 within a predetermined time from the execution of the wireless transmission (step S34). As a result, when there is a response reception signal within the predetermined time (Y in step S34), the base unit 1 ends the series of edge processing.

  However, if there is no response reception signal within the predetermined time (N in Step S34), the base unit 1 increases the transmission strength by a predetermined amount from the previous time (the transmission strength set in Step 14), and sends a response signal. Wireless transmission is performed again (step S35). Then, it is determined whether or not a response reception signal has been received from the slave unit 2 within a predetermined time from the execution of the retransmission (step S36).

  As a result, if the response reception signal is received within the predetermined time (Y in step S36), the base unit 1 updates the transmission strength setting content to the transmission strength in the transmission in step S35. (Step S37), a series of edge processing ends. However, if no response reception signal is received within the predetermined time (N in step S36), a signal indicating that no response has been received from the slave unit 2 is transmitted to the center device 3 (step S38), The matching process ends.

  On the other hand, after the process of step S24 (B in FIGS. 3 and 4), handset 2 wirelessly transmits a predetermined edge confirmation signal (first signal) to base unit 1 with the transmission intensity set in step S24. Transmit (step S41). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a response signal has been received from the parent device 1 within a predetermined time from the execution of the wireless transmission (step S42).

  As a result, if a response signal is received from the parent device 1 within a predetermined time (Y in step S42), the child device 2 turns on the confirmation lamp 28 (step S43), A response reception signal (fourth signal) is transmitted to base unit 1 (step S44), and a series of edge processing ends.

  However, if no response signal is received from the parent device 1 within a predetermined time (N in step S42), the child device 2 has a transmission strength that is a predetermined amount higher than the previous time (the transmission strength set in step 24). The frame confirmation signal is wirelessly transmitted again (step S45). Then, it is determined whether or not a response signal has been received from base unit 1 within a predetermined time from the time of execution of the retransmission (step S46).

  As a result, if a response signal is received from the parent device 1 within a predetermined time (Y in step S46), the child device 2 transmits the transmission strength setting content in the transmission in step S45. The strength is updated (step S47). Then, the processes of steps S43 and S44 described above are executed, and a series of edge processing is finished. However, if no response signal is received within the predetermined time (N in Step S46), information indicating that there is no response from the main unit 1 is stored in the storage unit 29 (Step S48), and a series of frames The process ends.

  By performing the processes of steps S31 to S39 and steps S41 to S48 described above, wireless transmission based on the transmission intensity set in the parent device 1 and the child device 2 is experimentally performed, and wireless communication with the transmission intensity is performed. It is possible to confirm whether or not. That is, when the confirmation lamp 18 on the parent device 1 side is lit (step S32), it can be confirmed that wireless transmission from the child device 2 to the parent device 1 is possible, and the confirmation lamp 28 on the child device 2 side is When lit (step S43), it can be confirmed that wireless transmission from the parent device 1 to the child device 2 is possible.

  Also, if wireless transmission is difficult depending on the initially set transmission strength (by steps S14 and S24) (N in step S34, N in S42), the wireless transmission is increased after increasing the transmission strength. If this is successful, the setting content of the transmission strength is changed (steps S37 and S47). For this reason, in the processes of steps S14 and S24, even if the transmission intensity is set too low due to some factor, the setting content can be automatically corrected.

  In the present embodiment, when there is no wireless reception, the process of increasing the transmission strength and performing retransmission (steps S35 and S45) is executed only once, but this process is performed until wireless reception is performed. May be repeated several times. That is, it is possible to try retransmission while gradually increasing the transmission intensity until wireless reception is performed.

  On the other hand, when the wireless transmission is still not performed despite the increase in the transmission strength on the base unit 1 side (N in step S36), such a situation is notified to the center device 3. (Step S38). Therefore, it is easy for the center device 3 to grasp the wireless communication status (problem occurrence status, etc.).

  Further, when the transmission intensity is increased on the side of the slave unit 2 and wireless transmission is not yet performed (N in step S46), information indicating such a situation is stored in the storage unit 29. (Step S48). For this reason, it is possible to use this information later for investigating the status of wireless communication (such as the status of occurrence of defects).

  Here, specific examples relating to the execution of the matching process will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In this example, each of the center device 3 and the gas meters A to C (4A to 4C) is present as shown in FIG. 6, and the master unit 1 and the slave units A to C (2A to 2C) are shown in FIG. Suppose that they are arranged and connected as shown in (Step S1).

  In this state, the worker first turns on the edge group start switches (17, 27) of the parent device 1 and the child device A (2A). As a result, the edge processing between the two machines is automatically performed. When this margin processing is completed, the margin processing is executed between the parent device 1 and the child device B (2B), and then the margin processing is executed between the parent device 1 and the child device C (2C).

  In these matching processes, the reception strengths in the above-described steps S12 and S23 are “weak” for handset A (2A), “medium” for handset B (2B), and for handset C (2C). If it is “strong”, the content shown in FIG. 7 (P) is stored in the storage unit 19 of the parent device 1, and the content shown in FIG. 7 (A) is stored in the storage unit 29 of the child device A (2A). Similarly, the contents shown in FIG. 7B are stored in the storage unit 29 of the slave unit B (2B), and the contents shown in FIG. 7C are also stored in the storage unit 29 of the slave unit C (2C). .

  That is, on the base unit 1 side, the detected reception strength and the transmission strength set in accordance with this are stored for each type of handset 2. On the handset 2 side, the detected reception intensity and the transmission intensity set according to this are stored.

  Thereby, suitable transmission intensity without excess and deficiency as much as possible is realized for each type of slave unit. That is, each of the child devices A to C (2A to 2C) is disposed at a different position from each other, and as a result, the wireless communication environment (distance, presence / absence of obstacles, etc.) with the parent device 1 is also different. Thus, the transmission strength according to this environment is realized. In wireless communication, if the transmission strength is too low, communication will be hindered.On the other hand, if the transmission strength is excessive, more power will be consumed than necessary. It is important to employ no (minimum required) transmission strength.

  Next, the automatic meter reading (step S3) by this system will be described in more detail. Although various modes can be adopted as automatic meter reading, as an example, the center device 3 instructs the master unit 1 to transmit meter reading information every other month, and the master unit 1 receives the slave unit in response to this instruction. 2 and the automatic meter-reading gas meter 4 to acquire meter-reading information and transmit it to the center device 3. Thereby, in the center apparatus 3, it becomes possible to grasp | ascertain regularly the gas usage-amount concerning each gas meter 4 for automatic meter-reading.

  The flow of processing performed by the automatic meter reading in this mode will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the center device 3 needs to acquire meter reading information, the center device 3 instructs the master unit 1 to transmit meter reading information (information on the measurement result by the gas meter) (step S51). On the other hand, base unit 1 continuously waits for a meter reading information transmission instruction (step S61), and if there is a transmission instruction (Y in step S61), at the transmission intensity that has already been set, A predetermined instruction signal is wirelessly transmitted to the handset 2 (step S62). Thereafter, the base unit 1 monitors whether the meter reading information is received from the handset 2 within a predetermined time from the transmission (step S63).

  On the other hand, the slave unit 2 continuously waits for reception of the instruction signal from the master unit 1 (step S71). When the instruction signal is received (Y in step S71), the gas meter 4 is accessed to read the meter reading information. Is acquired (step S72). Thereafter, the slave unit 2 wirelessly transmits meter reading information to the master unit 1 with the transmission intensity that has already been set (step S73), and returns to the process of step S71.

  If the base unit 1 receives the meter reading information from the handset unit 2 in the process of step 63 (Y in step S63), the base unit 1 transmits the meter reading information to the center device 3 (step S64). The process returns to step S61. However, if the meter reading information is not received (N in step S63), the base unit 1 retransmits the instruction signal after increasing the transmission intensity by a predetermined amount (step S65).

  Next, if the meter reading information is received from the slave unit 2 within a predetermined time after the retransmission (Y in step S66), the master unit 1 updates the transmission strength setting content to the transmission strength in the retransmission. (Step S67), the process proceeds to Step S64. However, if the meter reading information is not received even after re-transmission (N in step S66), the center device 3 is notified that there is no response.

  According to the automatic meter reading process described above, meter reading information is transmitted to the center device 3 via the parent device 1 and the child device 2 in accordance with an instruction from the center device 3. As a result, the center device 3 can charge the gas user for a gas charge for use based on the meter reading information.

  Further, as in the case of the above-described matching process, even if the master unit 1 cannot receive the meter reading information (N in Step S63), the transmission signal is increased and the instruction signal is retransmitted (Step S65). . Therefore, even if the currently set transmission strength is too low due to some circumstances, this can be automatically improved. If the meter reading information is not received even after re-transmission (N in step S66), the fact is notified to the center device 3 and appropriate measures can be taken.

  As described above, the automatic meter reading system according to the present embodiment includes the plurality of slave units 2 and the master unit 1 that performs wireless communication with each of the plurality of slave units, and each of the slave units. 2 and a master unit 1 are also provided with an association means for executing a process for performing an association (an association process) by acquiring mutual ID information. Also, in this matching process, one of the plurality of slave units 2 (target slave unit) wirelessly transmits its own ID information to the master unit 1 with a predetermined transmission strength (maximum communication strength of the slave unit 2). The first process and the master unit 1 wirelessly receive the ID information of the target slave unit and detect the reception intensity in the radio reception. The second process and the master unit 1 are based on the detection result. And a third process for setting the transmission intensity in the wireless transmission to the target slave unit.

  Further, the matching process includes a fourth process in which the parent device 1 wirelessly transmits its own ID information to the target child device at a predetermined transmission strength (maximum communication strength of the parent device 1), and the target child device. However, while receiving ID information of the main | base station 1 wirelessly, the 5th process which detects the receiving intensity in this radio | wireless reception, and transmission in the radio | wireless transmission to the main | base station 1 by the object subunit | mobile_unit based on this detection result And a sixth process for setting the intensity.

  As a result, a process in which the parent device 1 and the child device 2 acquire the mutual ID information necessary for the matching process is realized by each of the first to sixth processes. In addition, by these processes, setting of transmission intensity in the wireless transmission between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 according to the state of the wireless communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 is also realized. As a result, it is possible to adjust the transmission intensity in wireless transmission using the edge processing.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this content, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. In this embodiment, an automatic meter reading system for a gas meter (a device that measures the amount of gas used) is taken up. However, an electric meter (a device that measures the amount of electricity used) or a water meter (use of tap water) An automatic meter reading system such as an apparatus for measuring the amount can be realized in the same manner.

  The present invention can be used, for example, in the field of an automatic meter reading system of a gas meter.

It is a block diagram of the automatic meter-reading system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which concerns on the use procedure of the automatic meter-reading system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart regarding the first half of the edge process in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart regarding the second half of the margin process in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the automatic meter-reading in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the edge group process in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the edge group process in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Master unit (wireless communication device)
2, 2A-2C Slave unit (wireless communication device)
3 Center device (information receiving device)
4, 4A-4C Gas meter for automatic meter reading (meter)
5 Telephone line 11, 21 Wireless antenna 12, 22 Wireless reception unit 13, 23 Wireless transmission unit 14, 24 Reception strength detection unit 15, 25 Control unit 16 Telephone line interface 17, 27 Relative start switch 18, 28 Confirmation lamp 19, 29 storage unit 26 meter interface

Claims (15)

And having a plurality of slave units and a master unit that performs wireless communication with each of the plurality of slave units,
A wireless communication system including an embedment means for executing a process (referred to as an “embedding process”) in which each of the slave units and the parent unit perform matching by acquiring mutual ID information,
The matching process is
Any one of the plurality of slave units (referred to as “target slave unit”) wirelessly transmits its ID information to the master unit at a predetermined transmission intensity;
A second process in which the master unit wirelessly receives the ID information of the target slave unit and detects reception intensity in the wireless reception;
A third process in which the parent device performs transmission intensity setting (referred to as “parent-side setting”) in wireless transmission to the target child device based on the detection result;
A wireless communication system characterized in that the process includes: The matching process is
A fourth process in which the master unit wirelessly transmits its own ID information to the target slave unit at a predetermined transmission strength;
A fifth process in which the target child device wirelessly receives the ID information of the parent device and detects reception intensity in the wireless reception;
A sixth process in which the target child device performs setting of transmission intensity (referred to as “child-side setting”) in wireless transmission to the parent device based on the detection result;
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: The target slave unit is
After performing the sixth process, while transmitting the predetermined first signal wirelessly to the parent device at the transmission intensity according to the child side setting,
The base unit is
When the first signal is wirelessly received, a predetermined second signal is wirelessly transmitted to the target slave unit,
Furthermore, the target slave unit is
When the second signal is not wirelessly received from the parent device within a predetermined time after the first signal is wirelessly transmitted,
3. The wireless communication system according to claim 2, wherein the first signal is wirelessly transmitted again (referred to as "child-side retransmission") to the parent device at a transmission intensity higher than the previous time. The target slave unit is
When the second signal is received wirelessly from the parent device within a predetermined period after the child side retransmission,
The wireless communication system according to claim 3, wherein the content of the child side setting is updated to a transmission strength in the child side retransmission. The target slave unit is
It has a storage unit that stores information,
When the second signal is not wirelessly received from the parent device within a predetermined period after the re-transmission on the child side, information indicating that is stored in the storage unit. A wireless communication system according to claim 3 or claim 4. The base unit is
After executing the third process, a predetermined third signal is wirelessly transmitted to the target slave unit at the transmission intensity according to the parent side setting,
The target slave unit is
When the third signal is wirelessly received, a predetermined fourth signal is wirelessly transmitted to the parent device,
The base unit is
When the fourth signal is not wirelessly received from the target slave unit within a predetermined time after the third signal is wirelessly transmitted,
6. The wireless transmission of the third signal again to the parent device (referred to as “parent-side retransmission”) at a higher transmission strength than the previous time. Wireless communication system. The base unit is
When wireless reception of the fourth signal from the target child device is made within a predetermined period after the retransmission on the parent side,
The wireless communication system according to claim 6, wherein the content of the parent side setting is updated to a transmission strength in the parent side retransmission. The target slave unit is
When the second signal is wirelessly received, a predetermined fourth signal is wirelessly transmitted to the parent device,
The base unit is
When wireless reception of the fourth signal is not made from the target slave unit within a predetermined time after wireless transmission of the second signal,
The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the second signal is wirelessly transmitted again to the parent device at a transmission intensity higher than the previous time. The communication system according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising an information receiving device capable of receiving information from the master unit.
The master unit
When wireless reception of the fourth signal from the target slave unit is not performed within a predetermined time after the retransmission on the parent side, information indicating that is transmitted to the information receiving device, Wireless communication system. Having a first communication device and a second communication device capable of wireless communication with each other;
These devices are wireless communication systems that also include an embedment means for executing a process of performing framing by acquiring mutual ID information through the wireless communication,
The first communication device is
A wireless communication system, wherein a reception strength in wireless reception of the ID information from the second communication device is detected, and a transmission strength in wireless transmission to the second communication device is set based on the detection result . It performs wireless communication with a predetermined communication device (referred to as “the other party”),
In the wireless communication device that executes a process of performing matching by acquiring the mutual ID information through the wireless communication (referred to as “matching process”) with the other party,
A detection unit for detecting reception intensity in wireless reception of the ID information from the counterpart;
A wireless communication apparatus comprising: a setting unit that sets transmission intensity in wireless transmission to the other party according to the detection result. After setting the transmission strength, wirelessly transmit a predetermined fifth signal to the other party at the set transmission strength,
When the predetermined sixth signal is not wirelessly received from the other party within a predetermined time after wireless transmission of the fifth signal,
12. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the fifth signal is wirelessly transmitted again (referred to as "retransmission") to the other party at a transmission intensity higher than the previous time. When the sixth signal is wirelessly received from the other party within a predetermined period after the retransmission,
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the content of the setting is updated to a transmission strength in the retransmission. An automatic meter reading system for a plurality of measuring instruments to which the wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is applied,
An automatic meter-reading system characterized in that the slave unit is provided for each of the plurality of measuring devices, and grasps the measurement result of the corresponding measuring device and wirelessly transmits it to the master unit.   The automatic meter reading system according to claim 14, wherein the meter is any one of a gas meter, an electric meter, and a water meter.

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