JP2013021516A - Consumed quantity measurement system, radio communication center device and program for the same measurement system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a consumed quantity measurement system, a radio communication center device and a program for the same measurement system, capable of automatically setting a radio wave communication route.SOLUTION: Based on the position information of each measuring instrument to measure the consumed quantity of electricity, gas, water supply, etc., a communication route is selected in the following manner: for a measuring instrument communicable in one hop, a communication route of direct communication from a center device; for a measuring instrument communicable in one hop or two hops, a communication route of direct communication from the center device and a communication route relayed through a measuring instrument communicable in one hop; and for a measurement instrument communicable in two hops, a communication route relayed through a measuring instrument communicable in one hop or two hops.

Description

The present invention relates to a usage measurement system, a wireless communication center device, and a usage measurement system program for measuring usage of electric power, gas, water and the like of a system to be measured.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a usage measurement system that measures the usage of electric power, gas, water, etc. in ordinary households, factories, and offices has become widespread. The usage measurement system includes a measuring device that measures the usage of the system under measurement, a wireless slave that communicates usage data detected by the measuring device using a specific low-power radio, etc. And a wireless master device that receives usage data transmitted by electric power wireless or the like. (For example, Patent Document 1)

JP-A-6-291867 (page 7, FIG. 1)

In recent years, wireless and automatic meter reading of electricity, gas, and water has come to be performed. In particular, in the electric power field where energy saving is screamed, detailed measurement of the amount of power used is required, and a large amount of usage meter having a communication function is being introduced.

In addition, with the widespread use of solar cells, power is being bought and sold. There is a need for a usage meter having a communication function in the buying and selling of electric power.

The smart grid that has been screamed in recent years is to calculate the power consumption and generated power of each consumer for each load, household, and region in order to grasp the power consumption and generated power, and to exchange power. It is necessary to allow power to be exchanged between a load and the like that are insufficient. For this reason, the usage meter which measures electric power for every load, every household, and every area is needed. The usage meter is required to have a communication function in order to transmit the power consumption and power of the load through communication and to receive commands related to load control. Since a large amount of the usage meter is attached in the vicinity of an existing load facility or the like, using wired communication requires a new communication line and is cumbersome. For this reason, radio waves are often used as a communication medium for the usage meter.

However, the propagation distance of radio waves is limited, and communication is possible only with a usage meter installed within a certain distance from the center device that transmits and receives radio waves. For this reason, there exists a “multi-hop” communication method in which the usage meter measures and transmits the radio waves of other usage meter, and transmits them. A network using the “multi-hop” is called an “ad hoc network”, but the network does not have means for automatically determining a communication path by radio waves of the usage meter. There was a problem that the communication route had to be set manually.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a usage amount measurement system, a wireless communication center device, and a usage amount measurement system program capable of automatically setting a radio wave communication path.

In order to achieve the above object, the usage measurement system according to the present invention comprises a measuring means for measuring at least one of the electricity, gas, and water used by a consumer, and positional information indicating the current position of installation. A plurality of usage measuring devices comprising a first transmission means for transmitting
Each usage amount measuring device uses the wireless ad hoc network formed by the plurality of usage amount measuring devices and the location information transmitted from the first transmission means of the plurality of usage amount measuring devices forming the wireless ad hoc network. Communication distance calculation for calculating the communication distance between each usage measurement device and the wireless communication center device and between each usage measurement device based on the storage means stored for each and the position information stored in the storage means The communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculating means is referred to a communication path for directly communicating with the wireless communication center apparatus by radio waves for the usage measuring apparatus capable of communicating with the means in one hop. For the first communication path selection means to select and the usage measurement device capable of communicating in one hop or two hops, the wireless communication center device directly by radio waves The communication distance calculating means calculates a communication path for performing communication and a communication path for performing communication with the wireless communication center apparatus using radio waves relayed by the usage measuring apparatus capable of communication in one hop. For the second communication path selection means that selects with reference to the communication distance and the usage meter that can communicate in two hops, the usage meter that can communicate in one or two hops uses A wireless communication system comprising: a third communication path selection unit that selects a communication path for communicating with the wireless communication center device using a relayed radio wave with reference to the communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculation unit. And a communication center device.

In order to achieve the above object, a wireless communication center device according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores position information of a plurality of usage measurement devices forming a wireless ad hoc network for each usage measurement device, and the storage unit. Communication distance calculation means for calculating the communication distance between each usage measurement device and the wireless communication center device and between each usage measurement device based on the position information stored in For a quantity measuring device, a first communication path selection means for selecting a communication path for directly communicating with a wireless communication center apparatus by radio waves with reference to the communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculation means For a usage measuring device that can communicate in one or two hops, a communication path that communicates directly with the wireless communication center device by radio waves, and a usage that can communicate in the one hop. Second communication path selection means for selecting a communication path for communicating with the wireless communication center apparatus by radio waves relayed by the quantity measuring apparatus with reference to the communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculation means For the usage meter capable of communicating in two hops, the wireless communication center device communicates with the radio wave relayed by the usage measuring device capable of communicating in one or two hops. And a third communication path selection unit that selects a communication path to be performed with reference to the communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculation unit.

In order to achieve the above object, a usage measurement system program according to the present invention is based on the location information of a plurality of usage measurement devices forming a wireless ad hoc network stored in a storage means. For the first step of calculating the communication distance between the center devices for wireless communication and between each usage measurement device, and the usage measurement device capable of communication in one hop,
Communication is possible with the second step of selecting a communication path for directly communicating with the center device for wireless communication by radio wave with reference to the communication distance calculated in the first step, in one or two hops. For such a usage measurement device, a communication path for directly communicating with the wireless communication center device by radio waves, and a radio wave relayed by the usage measurement device capable of communication in one hop A third step of selecting a communication path for communicating with the wireless communication center device with reference to the communication distance calculated in the first step;
For a usage meter that can communicate in two hops, communication that communicates with the wireless communication center device using radio waves relayed by the usage meter that can communicate in one or two hops. And a fourth step of selecting a route with reference to the communication distance calculated in the first step.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the usage-amount measurement system which can set the communication path | route of a radio wave automatically, the center apparatus for wireless communication, and the program for a usage-amount measurement system can be provided.

The figure which shows the structure of the usage-amount measurement system concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the measuring device concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the concentrator concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the flow of the program concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the flow of the program concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the flow of the program concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the usage-amount measurement system concerning Example 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the measuring device concerning Example 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the concentrator concerning Example 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the flow of the program concerning Example 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the memory state of the memory | storage part 303 concerning Example 2 of this invention.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  A first embodiment of a usage measurement system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As an example, the usage amount measuring system is a measuring instrument 10 as a usage amount measuring apparatus in the present invention.
1 to 114, a wireless ad hoc network 150, a concentrator 151 as a wireless communication center device in the present invention, an existing network 152, and a center device 153.

The measuring device 101 corresponds to a watt-hour meter with communication function, a gas meter, a water meter, a so-called smart meter, etc., and measures the power consumption, gas usage, or water usage consumed by consumers, The usage data is transmitted by radio wave. The measuring instrument 101 has an internal configuration shown in FIG. The measuring instruments 102 to 114 have the same configuration.

A wireless ad hoc network 150 is configured by the measuring devices 101 to 114. An ad hoc network is defined as “a network that does not have a temporary and fixed infrastructure or a centralized management mechanism”, and is composed of terminals that can perform wireless communication. A network in which the optimum one is automatically selected according to changes in position and signal. In FIG. 1, as an example, the wireless ad hoc network 150 is configured by 14 measuring instruments, but is not limited to the number of measuring instruments.

The concentrator 151 is a line concentrator configured by a hub or the like, is connected to the wireless ad hoc network 150, and communicates with each measuring device by wireless radio waves. The concentrator 151 is connected to an existing network 152 configured by the Internet or the like, and mediates communication between the measuring devices 101 to 114 and the center device 153 connected via the existing network 152.

The center device 153 is configured by a personal computer, a minicomputer, or the like, receives usage data of each customer transmitted from the measuring devices 101 to 114, and calculates a usage fee for each customer. In addition, the center device 153 receives information on the usage status / power generation status of the power from each of the measuring devices 101 to 114, and for example, from the customer who can supply power to the customer having insufficient power. Select a customer located in a short distance, and give instructions such as consigning power. The center device 153 is usually installed in an electric power company, a gas company, an office of a water station, or the like.

Next, the internal configuration of the measuring instrument 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

The usage amount measuring unit 201 is configured by various sensors, analog-digital converters, and the like, and measures the power consumption, gas usage, water usage, and generated power generation consumed by consumers, Output as digital data.

The communication unit 202 includes a communication circuit that performs wired communication such as RS232C. When the measuring device 101 is installed in a consumer, the communication unit 202 is connected to a position information setting device (not shown in the figure) to be connected. To receive position information such as latitude, longitude and altitude indicating the installation position of the measuring instrument.

The storage unit 203 is configured by a semiconductor memory such as a non-volatile RAM, and is controlled by a control unit 206 (described later) and output by the usage measuring unit 201 and consumed by the consumer. The digital data concerning the usage amount, the water usage amount, and the generated power generation amount is stored. In addition, the storage unit 203 stores position information such as latitude, longitude, altitude, etc., indicating the installation position of the measuring device, received by the communication unit 202.

The wireless communication unit 204 is configured by a radio wave transmission / reception circuit such as a specific low-power radio,
It is controlled by the control unit 206 described later, and performs communication by wireless radio waves with the concentrator 151 and other measuring devices constituting the wireless ad hoc network 150.

The display unit 205 is configured by a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode, and the like, and displays usage data related to power consumption, gas usage, water usage, and generated power generation consumed by consumers. . Further, the display unit 205 displays position information such as latitude, longitude, altitude, etc., indicating the installation position of the measuring instrument, which is stored in the storage unit 203. The display unit 205 displays the communication status of the communication unit 202 and the wireless communication unit 204.

The control unit 206 includes a microcomputer and controls the communication operation of the communication unit 202, the storage operation of the storage unit 203, the communication operation of the wireless communication unit 204, and the display operation of the display unit 205.

Next, the internal configuration of the concentrator 151 will be described with reference to FIG.

The communication unit 301 includes a communication circuit that performs wired communication, and the existing network 15
2 to communicate with the center device 153.

The wireless communication unit 302 is configured by a radio wave transmission / reception circuit or the like such as a specific low power radio,
It is controlled by the control unit 305 described later, and performs communication using wireless radio waves with each measuring device constituting the wireless ad hoc network 150. Receives power usage, gas usage, water usage, and power generation generated by each measuring instrument 101-114, as well as position information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude of each measuring instrument. Then, a command or the like for instructing the measuring instruments 101 to 114 to perform power delivery is transmitted.

The storage unit 303 includes a semiconductor memory such as a nonvolatile RAM, and stores position information such as latitude, longitude, altitude, etc., indicating the installation position of each measuring device received by the wireless communication unit 302. . In addition, the storage unit 303 stores each measuring instrument 1 calculated by the control unit 305 described later.
Digital data related to the communication paths 01 to 114 is stored.

The display unit 304 is configured by a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode, or the like, and displays position information such as latitude, longitude, altitude, etc., indicating the installation position of each measuring device, stored in the storage unit 303.
The display unit 304 displays the communication status of the communication unit 301 and the wireless communication unit 302. The display unit 304 displays digital data regarding the communication path of the measuring instruments 101 to 114 calculated by the control unit 305 described later.

The control unit 305 is configured by a microcomputer or the like. The use amount measuring system program according to the present invention is built in the control unit 305. The control unit 305 is connected to the communication unit 3
01 communication operation, wireless communication unit 302 communication operation, storage unit 303 storage operation, display unit 304
In addition to controlling the display operation, the calculation described later is performed to create digital data related to the communication path of the measuring instruments 101 to 114 using radio waves.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 20 based on the program flowchart shown in FIG.

The program shown in FIG. 4 is a usage amount measurement system program according to the present invention, and is stored in the control unit 305 of the concentrator 151. When the measuring instrument 101 is newly attached to a consumer, position information is set in the measuring instrument 101 by a position information setting device (not shown in the figure) carried by the worker to the consumer. The position information setting device is composed of a GPS terminal or the like, and position information such as the current latitude, longitude, altitude, etc. of the position information setting device is acquired from a GPS satellite or the like. The position information such as latitude, longitude, altitude is the communication unit 2 of the measuring instrument 101.
02 is stored in the storage unit 203 as position information of the measuring instrument 101.

Position information such as latitude / longitude / altitude stored in the measuring instrument 101 is transmitted by radio waves from the wireless communication unit 204 in a test transmission by an operator's operation. The set position information such as latitude / longitude / altitude of the measuring instrument 101 is stored in the storage unit 303 of the concentrator 151 via the wireless ad hoc network 150 by wireless radio waves.

In addition, after position information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude is stored in the storage unit 203 of the measuring instrument 101, the position information setting device is removed from the measuring instrument 101 and taken home by the operator.

Also for the measuring instruments 102 to 114, position information such as latitude / longitude / altitude is set in the storage unit of each measuring instrument in the same procedure as described above. The set position information such as latitude / longitude / altitude of each measuring device is stored in the storage unit 303 of the concentrator 151 via the wireless ad hoc network 150 by wireless radio waves. As a result, the storage unit 303 of the concentrator 151
Stores position information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude of the measuring instruments 101-114.

In the above, position information such as latitude / longitude / altitude of each measuring device is temporarily stored in the storage unit 203 of each measuring device, and stored in the storage unit 303 of the concentrator 151 via the wireless communication unit 204 and the wireless ad hoc network 150. However, the position information setting device (not shown in the figure) composed of the above-described GPS terminal or the like is connected to the existing network 152 constituted by the Internet or the like at the place where each measuring device is installed, It may be stored in the storage unit 303 of the concentrator 151 via the existing network 152.

Based on the position information such as latitude / longitude / altitude of the measuring devices 101 to 114 stored in the storage unit 303 of the concentrator 151, the communication path for the radio waves of the measuring devices 101 to 114 is determined by the following procedure.

First, the distance between each of the measuring instruments 101 to 114 and the concentrator 151 is calculated and stored in the storage unit 303 (step 401). The storage format is stored in a coordinate format as shown in FIG. Note that it may be simply stored as a numerical value. The distance D between the measuring instrument and the concentrator is calculated by the following mathematical formula.

D ² = (Xc−Xm) ² + (Yc−Ym) ² + k (Zc−Zm) ²
Here, Xc, Yc, and Zc are the distance in the latitude direction, the distance in the longitude direction, and the distance (altitude) in the vertical direction of the concentrator 151, respectively. Xm, Ym, and Zm are the distance in the latitude direction of the measuring instrument and the longitude direction, respectively. Distance in the vertical direction (altitude). K is a weighting coefficient such that k ≧ 1. Since radio waves are more difficult to propagate in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, a certain proportion of weight is provided for the distance (altitude) in the vertical direction. The constant k is a constant obtained through experiments or the like, and is stored in the storage unit 303 of the concentrator 151 in advance. In addition,
The constant k may be set individually for each measuring instrument according to the installation environment.

  Next, communication path candidates as viewed from the concentrator side are selected.

A measuring device located at a distance (one hop area) that can be directly communicated by radio waves from the concentrator 151 is selected and stored in the storage unit 303 as a group A (step 402). In this embodiment, the measuring instruments 101, 102, and 103 shown in FIG. 6 are stored as measuring instruments of the A group.

Next, when the state of the radio wave deteriorates, the radio wave is relayed by another measuring device, thereby selecting a measuring device located at a distance (2 hop area) where communication with the concentrator 151 is possible. A group is stored in the storage unit 303 (step 403). In this embodiment, FIG.
The measuring instruments 104, 105, 106, and 107 shown in FIG.

Next, distance that can communicate with the concentrator 151 directly by radio waves (one hop area)
If the radio wave condition deteriorates, the radio wave is relayed by another measuring device, so that a measuring device other than the measuring device located at a distance (2 hop area) communicable with the concentrator 151 is selected. , C group is stored in the storage unit 303 (step 404). In this embodiment, the measuring instruments 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114 shown in FIG.
Stored as a group measuring instrument.

Next, when the path (1 hop) that can be communicated directly with the concentrator 151 by radio waves and the state of the radio waves deteriorate, the radio waves are relayed by another measuring device, so that communication with the concentrator 151 is possible. A simple route (2 hops) is selected for each measuring instrument and stored in the storage unit 303 (step 405). For example, for the measuring instrument 104, a one-hop communication path from the measuring instrument 104 directly to the concentrator 151, a two-hop communication path via the measuring instrument 102, and two communication paths are stored. Similarly, a communication path is selected for each measuring instrument, and a path as shown in FIG.

Next, communication path candidates are selected as viewed from each measuring instrument side of the A group.
First, a measuring device located at a distance (one hop area) that can be directly communicated by radio waves from the measuring device 101 is selected and stored in the storage unit 303 as a one-hop area measuring device group of the measuring device 101 (step 406). . As shown in FIG. 7, measuring instruments 102, 103, and 106 are stored as a one-hop area measuring instrument group of measuring instrument 101.

Next, when the state of the radio wave deteriorates, the radio wave is relayed by another measuring device, so that a measuring device located at a distance (2 hop area) communicable with the measuring device 101 is selected.
The data is stored in the storage unit 303 as a 2-hop area measuring device group of the measuring device 101 (step 407).
). As shown in FIG. 7, measuring instruments 104, 105, 108, and 112 are stored as measuring instruments of the two-hop area measuring instrument group of measuring instrument 101.

Next, when the distance (one hop area) that can be directly communicated with the measuring device 101 by radio waves and the state of the radio waves deteriorate, the radio waves are relayed by other measuring devices, thereby the measuring device 101. Is selected and stored in the storage unit 303 (step 408). As shown in FIG.
9, 110, 111, 113, 114 are stored.

Next, when the path (1 hop) that can be directly communicated with the measuring instrument 101 by radio waves and the state of the radio waves deteriorate, the radio waves are relayed by other measuring instruments, A communicable route (2 hops) is selected for each measuring instrument and stored in the storage unit 303 (step 409). For example, for the measuring device 105, a one-hop communication path from the measuring device 105 directly to the measuring device 101, a two-hop communication path via the measuring device 102, and two communication paths are stored. Similarly, a communication path is selected for each measuring instrument, and a path as shown in FIG.

Steps 406 to 409 are repeated in the order closer to the concentrator 151 for each measuring instrument of group A.

As a result, the result shown in FIG. 8 is obtained for the measuring instrument 102 and the result shown in FIG. 9 is obtained for the measuring instrument 103.

Next, communication path candidates are selected as viewed from each measuring device side of the group B.
First, a measuring device located at a distance (one hop area) that can be directly communicated by radio waves from the measuring device 104 is selected and stored in the storage unit 303 as a one-hop area measuring device group of the measuring device 104 (step 410). . As shown in FIG. 10, measuring instruments 102 and 109 are stored as measuring instruments of the one-hop area measuring instrument group of measuring instrument 104.

Next, when the state of the radio wave deteriorates, the radio wave is relayed by another measurement device, so that a measurement device located at a distance (2 hop area) communicable with the measurement device 104 is selected.
The data is stored in the storage unit 303 as a 2-hop area measuring device group of the measuring device 104 (step 411).
). As shown in FIG. 10, measuring devices 101, 103, 105, 107, and 111 are stored as measuring devices in the two-hop area measuring device group of the measuring device 104.

Next, when the distance (one hop area) that can be directly communicated with the measuring device 104 by radio waves and the state of the radio waves deteriorate, the radio waves are relayed by another measuring device, thereby the measuring device 104. Is selected and stored in the storage unit 303 (step 412). As shown in FIG.
08, 110, 112, 113, 114 are stored.

Next, when the path (1 hop) that can be directly communicated with the measuring instrument 104 by radio waves and the state of the radio waves deteriorate, the radio waves are relayed by other measuring instruments, A communicable route (2 hops) is selected for each measuring instrument and stored in the storage unit 303 (step 413). For example, for the measuring device 105, a 1-hop communication path from the measuring device 105 directly to the measuring device 104, a 2-hop communication path via the measuring device 102, and two communication paths are stored. Similarly, a communication path is selected for each measuring instrument, and a path as shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the storage unit 303.

Steps 410 to 413 are repeated in the order closer to the concentrator 151 for the measuring device of the B group.

As a result, FIG. 11 shows the measuring instrument 105, FIG. 12 shows the measuring instrument 106, and the measuring instrument 1.
For 07, the result shown in FIG. 13 is obtained.

When the communication paths stored in the storage unit 303 are combined by the operations performed in steps 401 to 413, the result is as shown in FIG. The communication path is a concentrator 151.
Is a communication path that is primarily selected from each device to each measuring device, and is a candidate for a communication path that is finally selected.

Next, an operation of selecting a final route from the temporarily selected communication route candidates shown in FIG. 14 is performed.

First, in order from the concentrator 151, for each of the measuring devices of the A group, the B group, and the C group, the integer part represents the A group, the B group, and the C group, and the decimal part is a concentrator in each group. 15
A numerical value representing the distance from 1 is assigned as a rank and stored in the storage unit 303 (step 414). For example, the measuring unit 102 of group A is given a numerical value of “1.5” as a rank, with the real part being “1” and the decimal part being “0.5” corresponding to the distance from the concentrator. Is remembered. For example, the measuring unit 107 of group B is given a numerical value of “2.8” as a rank, with the real part being “2” and the decimal part being “0.8” corresponding to the distance from the concentrator. Stored in the unit 303. Further, for example, the measuring device 110 of the group C includes
The real part is “3” and the decimal part is “0.3” corresponding to the distance from the concentrator.
. A numerical value “3” is assigned as a rank and stored in the storage unit 303. Each measuring device indicates whether it belongs to A group, B group or C group of the concentrator 151 by the integer part, and the distance from the concentrator 151 in the A group, B group or C group is indicated by the decimal part. Number (
Rank).

Next, a path directly connecting each measuring instrument belonging to the A group and the B group and the concentrator 151 is stored in the storage unit 303 as a first path (step 415). As shown by the thick line in FIG.
For example, as the first path, a path directly connecting the measuring instrument 104 and the concentrator 151, a path directly connecting the measuring instrument 107 and the concentrator 151, and the like are stored in the storage unit 303.

Next, from each measuring instrument belonging to group B, the measuring instrument belonging to the nearest A group is selected as a measuring instrument that relays communication, and a route connecting the concentrator 151 via the measuring instrument that relays the communication is selected. The second route is stored in the storage unit 303 (step 416). As shown by a thick dotted line in FIG. 17, as the second route, for example, a route connecting the measuring device 104 to the concentrator 151 via the measuring device 102, or the concentrator 15 from the measuring device 106 via the measuring device 103.
A route connecting 1 and the like is stored in the storage unit 303.

Next, from the measuring devices belonging to the group A, the measuring device belonging to the nearest A group is selected as a measuring device that relays communication, and a route connecting the concentrator 151 via the measuring device that relays the communication is selected. The second route is stored in the storage unit 303 (step 417). As shown by a thick dotted line in FIG. 18, as the second path, for example, a path connecting the measuring device 102 to the concentrator 151 via the measuring device 101, or the concentrator 15 from the measuring device 103 to the concentrator 15.
A route connecting 1 and the like is stored in the storage unit 303.

Next, from each measuring device belonging to group C, the measuring device belonging to the nearest B group is selected as a measuring device that relays communication, and a route connecting the concentrator 151 via the measuring device that relays the communication is selected. The first route is stored in the storage unit 303 (step 418). As indicated by the thick dotted line in FIG. 19, the measuring instrument 108 is connected to the measuring instrument 105 from the measuring instrument 108 as the first path.
A route connecting the concentrator 151 via the storage unit 303 is stored in the storage unit 303.

Next, a measuring device having the smallest assigned rank is selected as a measuring device that relays communication within a range that can be communicated from each measuring device belonging to Group C, and the concentrator is connected via the measuring device that relays the communication. 151 is stored in the storage unit 303 as a second route (step 4).
19). Here, even if a measuring instrument close to the measuring instrument 108 is selected, if the measuring instrument 108 is far from the concentrator 151, the measuring instrument close to the concentrator 151 is considered in consideration of communication malfunction.
In other words, a measuring instrument with a low rank was selected. As shown by the thick dotted line in FIG. 19, for the measuring instrument 108, a path connecting the concentrator 151 via the measuring instrument 101 is stored in the storage unit 303 as the second path.

Further, a measuring device having the second lowest rank assigned within a range communicable from each measuring device belonging to group C is selected as a measuring device that relays communication, and the concentrator is connected via the measuring device that relays the communication. The route connecting 151 is stored in the storage unit 303 as a third route (step 420). As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 19, for the measuring instrument 108, a path connecting the concentrator 151 via the measuring instrument 102 is stored in the storage unit 303 as the third path.

Further, the upper two routes suitable for communication among the routes selected in step 418, step 419, and step 420 are stored in the storage unit 303 as the first route and the second route of the measuring instrument belonging to the group C. (Step 421). The selection of the top two routes suitable for the communication may be made by a program according to the total distance of the route or the like, or may be selected manually. As for the measuring instrument 108, a path connecting the measuring instrument 108 to the concentrator 151 via the measuring instrument 105 is a first path, and a path connecting the measuring instrument 108 to the concentrator 151 via the measuring instrument 101 is a second path. 303 is stored.

As shown in FIG. 20, the first path and the second path are stored for each measuring instrument by the processing so far. In addition, when there are not a plurality of measuring instruments that can be used for relay in a range where communication from the measuring instrument is possible, only the first path is stored.

The control unit 305 of the concentrator 151 instructs each measurement apparatus from the wireless communication unit 302 to perform communication based on the first route stored in the storage unit 303. Further, communication is performed on the first path of each measuring device, and when the transmission error occurrence rate becomes a certain value or more, an instruction is given to each measuring device to perform communication on the second path.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a usage amount measurement system, a wireless communication center device, and a usage amount measurement system program capable of automatically setting a radio wave communication path.

If this embodiment is used, the radio wave communication path selected based on the position information can be obtained, so that it is possible to provide a usage measurement system with high communication reliability. In addition, since the first path and the second path are set for each measuring device, when the frequency of occurrence of communication errors is high, the frequency of occurrence of communication errors can be lowered by changing the communication path. Is possible.
In particular, it is assumed that the frequency of radio wave communication errors will increase when there is a radio wave shield such as a tree or building after each measuring instrument is installed on site. A communication path with a low error frequency can be selected.

If this embodiment is used, the measuring device for radio wave relay is selected from both the measuring device side and the concentrator side to be communicated and stored as a plurality of communication paths. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a usage amount measuring system, a wireless communication center device, and a usage amount measuring system program capable of performing high-quality communication by selecting a communication path.

If this embodiment is used, the position information of the measuring instrument is three-dimensional information consisting of latitude, longitude, and altitude, so the distance between the concentrator and the measuring instrument can be calculated accurately and an appropriate communication path is selected. Is possible.

Since radio waves are less likely to propagate in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, in this embodiment, a weighting factor is used to weight the vertical distance (altitude) at a certain ratio, and the distance from the concentrator and measuring instrument is set. Calculated. By using this calculation method, it is possible to provide a usage measurement system that can cope with communication across floors of high-rise buildings and the like and can perform high-quality communication. Further, if the above-described weighting coefficient can be freely changed in the program, it is possible to cope with a case where radio wave propagation is good due to, for example, a condominium atrium.

The position information data of the measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment and the data related to the communication path of the radio wave are transferred to a computer managing the measuring instrument and displayed on the screen of the measuring instrument to maintain and manage the measuring instrument and the wireless ad hoc network. Can be useful.

In this embodiment, the distance between the measuring instrument and the concentrator is calculated from the distance in the latitude direction, the distance in the longitude direction, and the vertical distance (altitude) multiplied by the weighting coefficient k. The distance between the measuring instrument and the concentrator may be calculated from the distance in the longitude direction or from the distance in the latitude direction, the distance in the longitude direction, and the distance in the vertical direction (altitude).

In this embodiment, the control unit 305 of the concentrator 151 is provided with a control usage measurement system program, but may be provided in the center device 153.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the usage-amount measurement system which can set the communication path | route of a radio wave automatically, the center apparatus for wireless communication, and the program for a usage-amount measurement system can be provided.

A second embodiment of the usage measuring system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about each part of this Example 2, the same part as each part of the usage-amount measurement system of Example 1 shown in FIG. 1 is shown with the same code | symbol.
The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, the measuring devices 101 to 114, the wireless ad hoc network 150, the concentrator 151, the existing network 152, and the center device 153 constitute a usage amount measurement system. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the usage measuring system is configured by the measuring devices 161 to 174, the wireless ad hoc network 150, the concentrator 181, the existing network 152, and the center device 153.

Further, the measuring device 161 of the second embodiment is different from the measuring device 101 of the first embodiment in that the strength of radio waves transmitted from other measuring devices that are not included in the measuring device 101 as shown in FIG. It is the point which comprises the intensity | strength measurement part 210 which measures this.

Further, the concentrator 181 according to the second embodiment is different from the concentrator 151 according to the first embodiment in that an intensity measurement for measuring the intensity of a radio wave transmitted from a measuring instrument, which is not included in the concentrator 151 as shown in FIG. The point is that the portion 310 is provided.

The operation of the usage amount measurement system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The program shown in FIG. 24 is a program for the usage measurement system according to the present invention, and is stored in the control unit 311 of the concentrator 151 together with the program shown in FIG.

The intensity measuring unit 210 of the measuring device 161 measures the intensity of the radio wave transmitted from another measuring device and received by the wireless communication unit 204. Data relating to the measured radio wave intensity is stored in the control unit 21.
1 is transmitted by radio waves via the wireless communication unit 204 under the control of 1. The data relating to the intensity of the transmitted radio wave includes a code for identifying the measuring instrument, and it is possible to identify which measuring instrument is the intensity of the radio wave transmitted. Similarly, measuring instruments 162 to 17
4 also transmits data relating to the strength of radio waves transmitted from other measuring instruments by radio waves. The data related to the intensity of the transmitted radio wave is transmitted via the wireless ad hoc network 150,
The data is received by the concentrator 181 and stored in the storage unit 303 in the concentrator 181 (step 501).

Further, the intensity measuring unit 310 of the concentrator 181 measures the intensity of the radio wave transmitted from the measuring devices 161 to 174 and received by the wireless communication unit 302. Data relating to the measured radio wave intensity is stored in the storage unit 303 under the control of the control unit 311 (step 502).

Next, based on the position information of each measuring device stored in the storage unit 303, the theoretical radio wave intensity between each measuring device (or concentrator) and the measuring device is calculated (step 503). For example, the theoretical radio wave intensity of the measuring device 164 observed by the measuring device 162 is expressed as P (162-164).
).

Next, the control unit 311 of the concentrator 181 determines the difference between the theoretical radio wave intensity P (mn) calculated in step 503 and the actually measured radio wave intensity S (mn), as the radio wave propagation. It is calculated as a loss L (mn), and it is determined whether the propagation loss L (mn) of the radio wave is larger than a preset constant value Q (step 504). Specifically, L (mn) = P (mn) -S (mn)
To determine whether L (mn) is larger than a predetermined value Q set in advance. Where P (m
-N) is the theoretical radio wave intensity between the measuring instrument (or concentrator) m and the measuring instrument n, S
(Mn) is the intensity of the actually measured radio wave between the measuring instrument (or concentrator) m and the measuring instrument n, and L (mn) is the radio wave intensity between the measuring instrument (or concentrator) m and the measuring instrument n. Propagation loss.

If L (mn), which is a propagation loss of radio waves, is greater than a preset constant value Q, it is determined that there is an obstacle between the measuring instrument (or concentrator) m and the measuring instrument n and stored. The data is stored in the unit 303 (step 505).

For example, the control unit 311 of the concentrator 181 determines the theoretical radio wave intensity P between the two measuring devices based on the positional information on the latitude / longitude / altitude of the measuring device 162 and the measuring device 164 stored in the storage unit 303. (162-164) is calculated. The theoretical radio wave intensity P (162
-164) and the intensity S (162-164) of the radio wave of the measuring device 164 received by the measuring device 162
) To calculate the propagation loss L (162-164) of the radio wave.

L (162-164) = P (162-164) -S (162-164)
When the radio wave propagation loss L (162-164) is larger than a predetermined constant value Q, the fact that an obstacle is present is stored in the storage unit 303 as shown in FIG.

For example, the control unit 311 of the concentrator 181 determines the theoretical radio wave intensity P (181) between both devices based on the position information on the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the concentrator 181 and the measuring device 164 stored in the storage unit 303. -164). The theoretical radio wave intensity P
A propagation loss L (181-164) of the radio wave is calculated from (181-164) and the intensity S (181-164) of the radio wave of the measuring device 164 received by the concentrator 181.

L (181-164) = P (181-164) -S (181-164)
If the radio wave propagation loss L (181-164) is larger than a predetermined constant value Q, the fact that an obstacle is present is stored in the storage unit 303 as shown in FIG.

Similarly, the propagation loss L of radio waves between other measuring device (or concentrator) m and measuring device n
(Mn) is calculated, and when the radio wave propagation loss L (mn) is larger than a predetermined constant value Q, the fact that there is an obstacle is stored in the storage unit 303.

The obstacle distribution may be estimated by connecting the pinpoint three-dimensional distribution with a smooth Pezier surface.

Information on the obstacle obtained in this way is transmitted from the concentrator 181 to each measuring device and stored in the storage unit 203 of each measuring device.

The control unit 311 of the concentrator 181 preferentially selects a communication path in which no obstacle exists based on the information regarding the obstacle stored in the storage unit 303 (step 506).

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a usage amount measurement system, a wireless communication center device, and a usage amount measurement system program capable of automatically setting a radio wave communication path.

The radio wave signal between the concentrator 181 and the measuring device is relayed and transmitted by another measuring device. The measuring device that relays the radio wave has position information of the measuring device, and the position information of the obstacle can be used for selection of the measuring device that becomes a communication path of the radio wave.

In addition, the wireless communication unit 204 of each measuring device may be configured such that the output intensity of the radio wave is controlled by the control unit 211. The concentrator 181 instructs each measuring instrument to perform data transmission by radio wave at the maximum output, and estimates the position of the obstacle by the program shown in FIG. 24 and determines the communication path by radio wave. If a communication error occurs, the control unit 211 can control the wireless communication unit 204 of each measuring device to increase the output intensity of radio waves. It is possible to perform communications that are not easily affected. In addition, when it is determined that there is a surplus in the radio wave intensity, the measuring instrument is instructed to reduce the output of the radio wave. It is possible to save extra transmission power by reducing the output intensity of the radio wave.

By using this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a radio wave communication path selected based on the position information of the measuring instrument and the position information of the obstacle, so that it is possible to provide a usage measurement system with high communication reliability. it can. In addition, since the first communication path and the second communication path are set for each measuring device, when the frequency of occurrence of communication errors is high, the frequency of occurrence of communication errors is lowered by changing the communication path. It is possible. In particular, it is expected that the frequency of radio wave communication errors will increase when a radio wave shield such as a tree or building is created after installing each measuring instrument on site. An infrequent communication path can be selected.

By using this embodiment, the radio wave relay measuring instrument is selected from both the measuring instrument side and the concentrator side to be communicated and stored as a plurality of communication paths. Thus, it is possible to provide a usage amount measuring system, a wireless communication center device, and a usage amount measuring system program capable of performing high-quality communication by selecting a communication path.

If this embodiment is used, the position information of the measuring device is three-dimensional information consisting of latitude, longitude, and altitude, so the distance between the concentrator and the measuring device can be calculated with high accuracy and high-quality communication is performed. It is possible to provide a usage amount measuring system, a wireless communication center device, and a usage amount measuring system program.

Since radio waves are less likely to propagate in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, in this embodiment, the distance from the vertical direction (altitude) is weighted at a constant ratio to calculate the distance from the concentrator and measuring instrument. . By using the calculation method, it is possible to provide a usage measurement system capable of performing high-quality communication that can be used for communication across floors of high-rise buildings and the like. Also, if the above-mentioned weighting of the constant ratio can be changed freely in the program, it is possible to cope with the case where radio wave propagation is good due to, for example, an atrium in an apartment. .

Maintaining the measuring instrument and the wireless ad hoc network by transferring the position information data of the measuring instrument according to the present embodiment and the data relating to the communication path of the wireless radio wave to a computer managing the measuring instrument and displaying them on the screen of the computer. Can be used for management.

In this embodiment, the control unit 305 of the concentrator 181 is provided with the control usage amount measuring system program program, but may be provided in the center device 153.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a usage amount measuring system, a wireless communication center device, and a usage amount measuring system program capable of automatically setting a radio wave communication path.

101 to 114 Measuring device 150 Wireless ad hoc network 151 Concentrator 152 Existing network 153 Center device 161 to 174 Measuring device 181 Concentrator 201 Consumption measuring unit 202 Communication unit 203 Storage unit 204 Wireless communication unit 205 Display unit 206 Control unit 210 Strength measurement unit 301 Communication unit 302 Wireless communication unit 303 Storage unit 304 Display unit 305 Control unit 310 Strength measurement unit

Claims (15)

A weighing means for weighing at least one of electricity, gas, and water used by a consumer;
A plurality of usage measuring devices comprising first transmission means for transmitting position information indicating the installed current position;
A wireless ad hoc network formed by the plurality of usage measuring devices;
Storage means for storing the position information transmitted from the first transmission means of the plurality of usage measurement devices forming the wireless ad hoc network for each usage measurement device;
Based on the position information stored in the storage means, communication distance calculation means for calculating the communication distance between each usage measurement device and the wireless communication center device and between each usage measurement device;
For a usage measuring device capable of communication in one hop, a communication path for directly communicating with a wireless communication center device by radio waves is selected with reference to the communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculating means First communication path selection means for
For a usage measurement device that can communicate in one or two hops, a communication path that communicates directly with the wireless communication center device by radio waves, and a usage measurement device that can communicate in the one hop A second communication path selection means for selecting a communication path for communicating with the wireless communication center device using the radio wave relayed by referring to the communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculation means;
For a usage meter that can communicate in two hops, communication that communicates with the wireless communication center device using radio waves relayed by the usage meter that can communicate in one or two hops. A usage measurement system comprising: a wireless communication center device including a third communication route selection unit that selects a route with reference to the communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculation unit. The second communication path selection unit and the third communication path selection unit are a communication path relayed to another usage amount measuring device that forms a wireless ad hoc network close to the wireless communication center device, and a usage amount measuring device. 2. The usage measurement system according to claim 1, wherein a communication path relayed to another usage measurement device forming a wireless ad hoc network is selected. The usage amount measuring device includes a first measuring means for measuring the intensity of radio waves transmitted from a wireless communication center device and a plurality of usage amount measuring devices forming the other wireless ad hoc network, Second transmission means for transmitting data relating to the intensity of the radio wave measured by the measurement means,
The wireless communication center device includes second measuring means for measuring the strength of radio waves transmitted from a plurality of usage measuring devices forming the wireless ad hoc network;
An arithmetic operation using a difference between the calculated radio wave intensity and the data relating to the radio wave intensity measured by the second measuring means and the radio wave intensity transmitted by the second transmitting means. And when the calculation result is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that there is an obstacle to the radio wave, and there is provided a means for preferentially selecting a communication path without the obstacle. The usage amount measuring system according to claim 1. 4. The usage measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the position information is information on latitude and longitude and information on altitude. The usage measurement system according to claim 4, wherein the information about the altitude is a value obtained by multiplying an actual altitude by a weighting coefficient. Storage means for storing position information of a plurality of usage measurement devices forming a wireless ad hoc network for each usage measurement device;
Based on the position information stored in the storage means, communication distance calculation means for calculating the communication distance between each usage measurement device and the wireless communication center device and between each usage measurement device;
For a usage measuring device capable of communication in one hop, a communication path for directly communicating with a wireless communication center device by radio waves is selected with reference to the communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculating means First communication path selection means for
For a usage measurement device that can communicate in one or two hops, a communication path that communicates directly with the wireless communication center device by radio waves, and a usage measurement device that can communicate in the one hop A second communication path selection means for selecting a communication path for communicating with the wireless communication center device using the radio wave relayed by referring to the communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculation means;
For a usage meter that can communicate in two hops, communication that communicates with the wireless communication center device using radio waves relayed by the usage meter that can communicate in one or two hops. 3. A wireless communication center apparatus comprising: a third communication path selection unit that selects a path with reference to the communication distance calculated by the communication distance calculation unit. The second communication path selection unit and the third communication path selection unit are a communication path relayed to another usage amount measuring device that forms a wireless ad hoc network close to the wireless communication center device, and a usage amount measuring device. 7. The wireless communication center device according to claim 6, wherein a communication path that is relayed to another usage measurement device that forms a wireless ad hoc network that is close to is selected. Data acquisition means for acquiring data related to the intensity of radio waves between each usage measurement device and the wireless communication center device and between each usage measurement device measured by a plurality of usage measurement devices forming the wireless ad hoc network Comprising
When the calculation result is a difference between the calculated radio wave intensity and the data related to the radio wave intensity acquired by the data acquisition means, and the calculation result is a certain value or more, 8. The wireless communication center device according to claim 6, wherein it is determined that there is an obstacle, and a communication path that does not have an obstacle is selected preferentially. 9. The wireless communication center device according to claim 6, wherein the position information is information on latitude and longitude and information on altitude. 10. The wireless communication center device according to claim 9, wherein the information about the altitude is a value obtained by multiplying an actual altitude by a weighting coefficient. Based on the location information of a plurality of usage measurement devices forming the wireless ad hoc network stored in the storage means, the communication distance between each usage measurement device and the wireless communication center device and between each usage measurement device is calculated. The first step,
For a usage measurement device that can communicate in one hop, a communication path for directly communicating with a wireless communication center device by radio waves is selected with reference to the communication distance calculated in the first step. The second step to
For a usage measurement device that can communicate in one or two hops, a communication path that communicates directly with the wireless communication center device by radio waves, and a usage measurement device that can communicate in the one hop A third step of selecting a communication path for communicating with the wireless communication center device by a radio wave relayed by the reference with reference to the communication distance calculated by the first step;
For a usage meter that can communicate in two hops, communication that communicates with the wireless communication center device using radio waves relayed by the usage meter that can communicate in one or two hops. And a fourth step of selecting a route with reference to the communication distance calculated in the first step. The third step and the fourth step include a communication path that is relayed to another usage measurement device that forms a wireless ad hoc network that is close to the wireless communication center device, and a wireless ad hoc network that is close to the usage measurement device. 12. The program for use amount measurement system according to claim 11, wherein a communication path relayed to another use amount measuring device forming the network is selected. Fifth to obtain data on the intensity of radio waves between each usage measurement device and the wireless communication center device and between each usage measurement device measured by a plurality of usage measurement devices forming the wireless ad hoc network Has steps,
When the calculation result is a difference between the calculated radio wave intensity and the data related to the radio wave intensity acquired in the fifth step, and the calculation result is equal to or greater than a certain value, The use amount measuring system program according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein it is determined that there is an obstacle to the communication path, and a communication path without an obstacle is preferentially selected. The program for a usage measurement system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the position information is information on latitude and longitude and information on altitude. 15. The use amount measuring system program according to claim 14, wherein the information about the altitude is a value obtained by multiplying an actual altitude by a weighting coefficient.

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