JP2015076838A - Radio module and radio device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio module and a radio device that are able to perform efficient setting work of device information necessary to enter a radio network.SOLUTION: A radio device 11 is configured by dividing it into a device body 20 and a radio module 30. The radio module 30 comprises: a communication unit 31 that transmits and receives signals; a radio communication unit 32 that transmits and receives radio signals via a radio network; a storage unit 34 that stores provisioning information P1 necessary to enter the radio network; and a control unit 35 that makes the storage unit 34 store the provisioning information P1 received by the communication unit 31 or the radio communication unit 32 on the basis of a setting instruction if the communication unit 31 or the radio communication unit 32 has received the setting instruction on the provisioning information P1.

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless module and a wireless device.

  In recent years, in plants and factories, field devices (measuring instruments, operating devices) capable of wireless communication called wireless field devices have been installed and obtained with control signals and wireless field devices for controlling wireless field devices. A wireless communication system that communicates measurement signals and the like via a wireless network is realized. Examples of communication standards used in such a wireless communication system include industrial wireless communication standards such as ISA100.11a and WirelessHART (registered trademark).

  Here, in order for wireless devices such as the above-mentioned wireless field devices to enter the wireless network, it is necessary to perform setting work of device information (network parameters and security parameters) called “provisioning” for the wireless devices. is there. This "provisioning" method is a communication means (for example, wired) that is different from OTA (Over The Air) provisioning for setting device information by performing wireless communication via a wireless network and wireless communication via a wireless network. It is roughly classified into OOB (Out-Of-Band) provisioning in which device information is set by performing communication by communication or infrared communication.

  When the provisioned wireless device enters the wireless network, the wireless device transmits a join request (request to join the wireless network) to the management apparatus of the wireless communication system. The management device that has received the join request performs authentication processing using information included in the join request (specifically, a join key), and if the authentication is successful, the wireless device that has transmitted the join request Entry is permitted, and entry is denied if authentication fails. In this way, entry processing to the wireless network is performed.

  Patent Document 1 below discloses an example of a technique for performing provisioning for a wireless device to enter a wireless network by the above-described OTA provisioning. Patent Document 2 below discloses an example of a technique for performing the above-described OOB provisioning using a provisioning device (apparatus information setting tool) for a wireless device that is to be entered into a wireless network.

JP 2013-78107 A JP 2012-142842 A

  By the way, since the OOB provisioning described above is performed in a state where the provisioning device is connected to or close to the work target wireless device, it is difficult for the operator to mistake the work target wireless device, and the work itself is easy. I think it can be done. However, when the wireless device to be operated is installed in a place where explosion protection is required (explosion-proof area), it is difficult to connect or bring the provisioning device to the wireless device, so provisioning is performed easily. There is a problem that can not be.

  Here, before installing the wireless device in the explosion-proof area, perform provisioning in a place where explosion prevention is not required (non-explosion-proof area), or remove the wireless device installed in the explosion-proof area and transport it to the non-explosion-proof area. If provisioning is performed, it is considered that the above problem does not occur. However, provisioning in the non-explosion-proof area requires a large-scale work of transporting the wireless device to the non-explosion-proof area, which requires a large number of workers and increases the work time. There is a problem that workability is extremely poor.

  On the other hand, since the OTA provisioning described above is performed by wireless communication via a wireless network, provisioning can be performed regardless of whether or not the wireless device is installed in the explosion-proof area. Here, when performing OTA provisioning, it is necessary to identify a wireless device to be worked from wireless devices existing in an area where wireless communication is possible.

  However, before provisioning is performed, it is necessary to identify the wireless device using identification information preliminarily assigned to the wireless device (for example, “EUI64” which is 64-bit identification information). As described above, in OTA provisioning, wireless devices cannot be specified using information (for example, tag information) that is easy for the operator to understand. is there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless module and a wireless device capable of efficiently performing a setting operation of device information necessary for entering a wireless network. To do.

In order to solve the above problems, a wireless module according to the present invention receives a signal from the outside and transmits a signal to the outside in the wireless module (30) that transmits and receives a wireless signal via the wireless network (N1). A communication unit (31) that transmits to the outside, and a signal received by the communication unit is converted to a wireless signal and transmitted to the wireless network, and a wireless signal transmitted through the wireless network is received to receive the external signal A wireless communication unit (32) that outputs the signal to the communication unit, a storage unit (34) that stores device information (P1) required to enter the wireless network, and the communication unit or the wireless unit When a setting instruction for the device information is received by the communication unit, the device information received by the communication unit or the wireless communication unit based on the setting instruction It is characterized in that a control unit that stored in the storage section (35).
According to the present invention, when a device information setting instruction is received by the communication unit or the wireless communication unit, the device information received by the communication unit or the wireless communication unit is stored in the storage unit under the control of the control unit.
In the wireless module of the present invention, the control unit reads the device information stored in the storage unit from the wireless communication unit when there is an instruction to enter the wireless network. It is characterized by having it transmit to.
In the wireless module of the present invention, the control unit reads the device information stored in the storage unit from the communication unit when the request for reading the device information is received by the communication unit. It is characterized by sending it to the outside.
The wireless module of the present invention includes an antenna (33) that transmits a wireless signal from the wireless communication unit to the wireless network and receives a wireless signal transmitted through the wireless network. It is said.
Further, the wireless module of the present invention is characterized in that the device information includes at least unique identification information pre-assigned to each of the wireless modules in order to uniquely identify the wireless module, and authentication used when entering the wireless network. It is characterized by including information.
The wireless device according to the present invention is a wireless device (11, 12, 13a, 13b) that transmits and receives a wireless signal via a wireless network (N1). And a device main body (20) for transmitting a signal to be transmitted to the network toward the wireless module and receiving a signal transmitted from the wireless module.
Alternatively, the wireless device according to the present invention transmits the first signal from the field device (FD) as a wireless signal to the wireless network (N1), and transmits the wireless signal to the field device via the wireless network. In the wireless device (11a, 11b) that receives the second signal, the wireless module (30) according to any one of the above, the field device, and the wireless module are connected to the first signal from the field device. And an interface module (50, 60) for receiving the second signal from the wireless module and outputting the second signal to the field device.
In the wireless device of the present invention, the device body or the interface module includes an information storage unit (41) that stores setting identification information set for identifying the device body or the field device. The setting identification information stored in the information storage unit is transmitted to the wireless module.
In the wireless device of the present invention, the device body or the interface module includes an external interface (24) to which an external device is connected, and the device from the external device is input via the external interface. An information setting instruction and the device information to be set in the wireless module are transmitted to the wireless module.

  According to the present invention, the device information necessary for entering the wireless network can be stored in the wireless module, and the device information can be set by the wireless module alone, so that the device enters the wireless network. It is possible to efficiently perform the device information setting operation required for the operation.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a wireless communication system in which a wireless device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the radio | wireless device as a radio | wireless apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for allowing a new wireless device to join a wireless network in the first embodiment of the present invention. In 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the mode of the setting operation | work of the provisioning information performed in a non-explosion-proof area. In 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the procedure which makes an existing wireless device enter a wireless network anew. In 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the mode of the setting operation | work of the provisioning information performed in an explosion-proof area. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the radio | wireless device as a radio | wireless apparatus by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the radio | wireless device as a radio | wireless apparatus by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the radio | wireless device as a radio | wireless apparatus by 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, wireless modules and wireless devices according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Overall configuration of wireless communication system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a wireless communication system in which a wireless device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system 1 includes a wireless device 11 (wireless device), a wireless router 12 (wireless device), backbone routers 13a and 13b (wireless devices), a system manager 14, a gateway 15, a monitoring control device 16, The terminal device 17 is provided, and wireless communication by a TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) system via the wireless network N1 is possible. The wireless communication system 1 is constructed in, for example, a plant, a factory, or the like (hereinafter simply referred to as “plant” when collectively referred to).

  Here, the plant in which the wireless communication system 1 is constructed is provided with a wireless network N1, a backbone network N2, and a control network N3. The wireless network N1 is a network managed by the system manager 14 realized by the wireless device 11, the wireless router 12, and the backbone routers 13a and 13b installed at the plant site. Note that the number of wireless devices, wireless routers, and backbone routers forming the wireless network N1 is arbitrary.

  The backbone network N2 is a wired network serving as the backbone of the wireless communication system 1, and the backbone routers 13a and 13b, the system manager 14, and the gateway 15 are connected to the backbone network N2. The control network N3 is a wired network positioned above the backbone network N2, and is connected to the gateway 15, the monitoring control device 16, and the terminal device 17.

  The wireless device 11 is a field device (wireless field device) that is installed at a plant site and performs at least one of measurement and operation necessary for controlling an industrial process under the control of the monitoring control device 16. Specifically, the wireless device 11 includes, for example, a sensor device such as a flow meter and a temperature sensor, a valve device such as a flow control valve and an on-off valve, an actuator device such as a fan and a motor, and a camera for photographing a situation and an object in the plant. Imaging devices such as video and video, acoustic devices such as microphones and speakers that collect abnormal sounds in the plant and generate alarm sounds, position detection devices that output position information of each device, and other devices.

  The wireless device 11 performs a power saving operation (for example, an intermittent operation) using a battery as a power source, and can perform wireless communication by a TDMA method in conformity with ISA100.11a. Although details will be described later, the wireless device 11 transmits and receives wireless signals via the wireless network N1 and the device body 20 (equipment body) that performs at least one of the measurement and operation necessary for the control of the industrial process described above. The wireless module 30 is configured separately (see FIG. 2).

  The wireless router 12 performs wireless communication based on ISA100.11a between the wireless device 11 and the backbone routers 13a and 13b, and relays data transmitted and received between the wireless device 11 and the backbone routers 13a and 13b. The wireless router 12 is divided into a router body provided with a circuit for performing processing such as routing processing, and a wireless module similar to the wireless module 30 shown in FIG. 2, and uses a battery as a power source to save intermittent operation and the like. Perform power operation.

  The backbone routers 13a and 13b connect the wireless network N1 and the backbone network N2, and relay data transmitted and received between the wireless network N1 and the backbone network N2. The backbone routers 13a and 13b operate continuously with, for example, DC power supplied from the backbone network N2 or DC power supplied via a path different from the backbone network N2, and the wireless communication standards ISA100. Wireless communication conforming to 11a is performed. The backbone routers 13a and 13b are also divided into a router body provided with a circuit for performing processing such as routing processing and a wireless module similar to the wireless module 30 shown in FIG. Is done.

  The system manager 14 operates continuously with power supplied from, for example, a commercial power source, and controls wireless communication performed via the wireless network N1. Specifically, communication resources (time slots and channels) are assigned to the wireless device 11, the wireless router 12, the backbone routers 13a and 13b, and the gateway 15 to perform wireless communication using TDMA via the wireless network N1. To do. In addition, the system manager 14 performs processing for causing the wireless device 11, the wireless router 12, and the backbone routers 13a and 13b (to be precise, wireless modules forming a part of these) to enter the wireless network N1.

  The gateway 15 connects the backbone network N2 and the control network N3, and relays various data transmitted and received between the wireless device 11, the system manager 14, and the like, and the monitoring control device 16 and the terminal device 17. By providing the gateway 15, the backbone network N2 and the control network N3 can be connected to each other while maintaining security.

  The monitoring control device 16 monitors and manages the wireless device 11 and the like. Specifically, the monitoring control device 16 monitors the wireless device 11 and the like by collecting measurement data (for example, a flow rate value) from the wireless device 11 via the gateway 15. In addition, the monitoring control device 16 obtains a control amount (for example, valve opening degree of the valve device) of the wireless device 11 based on the collected measurement data, and sets the wireless device 11 via the gateway 15, thereby setting the wireless device 11. 11 is controlled.

  The terminal device 17 is operated by a plant operator, for example, and is used for monitoring and controlling the wireless device 11. Specifically, the terminal device 17 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a pointing device, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays the monitoring result of the wireless device 11 obtained by the monitoring control device 16 on the display device. The instruction input by the operator by operating the input device is output to the monitoring control device 16, and the monitoring control device 16 performs control based on the instruction.

<Configuration of wireless device>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a wireless device as a wireless device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, in order to facilitate understanding, the wireless device 11 will be described as a sensor device that measures the flow rate of fluid. As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless device 11 is configured by being divided into a device body 20 and a wireless module 30. Under the control of the monitoring controller 16, the flow rate of the fluid is measured and the measurement result is monitored and controlled. Transmit to the wireless network N1 toward the device 16.

  The device body 20 includes a sensor unit 21, a sensor interface (I / F) 22, a communication unit 23, an external interface 24, a control unit 25, and a power supply unit 26. The device body 20 having such a configuration measures the flow rate of the fluid based on the control signal (control signal from the monitoring control device 16) transmitted from the wireless module 30, and transmits the measurement result to the wireless module 30. .

  The sensor unit 21 includes a sensor 21 a attached to a flow path through which the fluid to be measured flows, and measures the flow rate of the fluid under the control of the control unit 25. For example, an ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the fluid to be measured, and the flow rate of the fluid is obtained from the received signal obtained by receiving the ultrasonic signal via the fluid. 2 shows a state in which the sensor 21a is provided inside the device main body 20 for simplicity of explanation, the sensor 21a is provided outside the device main body 20. Also good. The sensor interface 22 is an interface that is interposed between the sensor unit 21 and the control unit 25 and connects the sensor unit 21 to the control unit 25.

  The communication unit 23 transmits and receives signals to and from the communication unit 31 provided in the wireless module 30 under the control of the control unit 25. Specifically, the communication unit 23 performs serial communication with the communication unit 31 of the wireless module 30 in accordance with, for example, RS-422 or RS-485. Further, the communication unit 23 supplies power supplied from the power supply unit 26 to the wireless module 30. The external interface 24 is an interface for connecting an external device (for example, a provisioning device) to the control unit 25.

  The control unit 25 controls the overall operation of the device body 20. Specifically, the control unit 25 controls the sensor unit 21 in accordance with a control signal from the monitoring control device 16, and measures the fluid flow rate at a predetermined cycle. In addition, the control unit 25 controls the communication unit 23 to transmit the flow rate measurement result to the wireless module 30 at a predetermined timing and to receive a signal transmitted from the wireless module 30.

  In addition, the control unit 25 performs processing according to a signal from an external device input via the external interface 24. For example, a provisioning information (device information) setting instruction necessary for the wireless module 30 to enter the wireless network N1, a provisioning information to be set in the wireless module 30, or a provisioning information read request set in the wireless module 30 Are input via the external interface 24, the control unit 25 controls the communication unit 23 to transmit them to the wireless module 30. The control unit 25 controls each unit of the device main body 20 to perform a power saving operation in order to reduce power consumption in the power supply unit 26.

  The power supply unit 26 includes a power supply (not shown) that supplies power, and a power supply circuit (not shown) that converts power from the power supply into power suitable for the power used by the device body 20 and the wireless module 30. Under the control of the unit 25, power is supplied to each unit of the device body 20 and the wireless module 30. Here, the power source includes a battery (for example, a primary battery or a secondary battery such as a thionyl lithium chloride battery that has very little self-discharge), a fuel cell, a capacitor, or energy harvesting (so-called energy harvest such as a solar cell). It is possible to use a power generation circuit that performs the above.

  The wireless module 30 includes a communication unit 31, a wireless communication unit 32, an antenna 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35. The wireless module 30 having such a configuration is operated by power supplied from the outside (for example, the communication unit 23 provided in the device main body 20), and receives a signal from the communication unit 23 (external) provided in the device main body 20. The wireless signal is transmitted to the wireless network N1, and the wireless signal transmitted via the wireless network N1 is received and transmitted to the communication unit 23 (external) of the device body 20.

  The wireless module 30 is attached to the device body 20 by, for example, screwing or fitting with a connector (not shown) provided in the device body 20, and can be detached from the device body 20 as necessary. The wireless module 30 can be directly attached to the device body 20 or can be connected to the device body 20 via a cable. Here, if the wireless module 30 is an elongated cylindrical or polygonal column (for example, a quadrangular prism) module, it can be handled in the same manner as an antenna (sleeve antenna or whip antenna) attached to a conventional wireless device. Is possible.

  The communication unit 31 performs serial communication with the communication unit 23 provided in the device body 20 in accordance with, for example, RS-422, RS-485, or the like. That is, the communication unit 31 receives a signal from the communication unit 23 (external) and transmits a signal to the communication unit 23 (external) to the communication unit 23 (external). Further, the communication unit 31 receives power supplied from the communication unit 23 of the device body 20 and supplies the received power to each unit of the wireless module 30.

  The radio communication unit 32 converts the signal received by the communication unit 31 and output from the control unit 35 into a radio signal and transmitted from the antenna 33 to the radio network N1, and is transmitted via the radio network N1 and transmitted from the antenna 33. The received radio signal is processed and output to the control unit 35. Although details will be described later, the signal output from the wireless communication unit 32 to the control unit 35 is output to the communication unit 31 or stored in the storage unit 34 under the control of the control unit 35.

  The antenna 33 is an antenna provided in the wireless module 30 and transmits a wireless signal from the wireless communication unit 32 to the wireless network N1 and receives a wireless signal transmitted through the wireless network N1. The data is output to the wireless communication unit 32. The antenna 33 may be a small antenna accommodated in the wireless module 30. For example, a microstrip antenna formed on a substrate can be used.

  The storage unit 34 stores provisioning information P1 (device information) necessary for the wireless module 30 to enter the wireless network N1. The storage unit 34 is realized by a non-volatile memory such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM). Here, the provisioning information P1 stored in the storage unit 34 is “EUI64” (unique identification information), “join key” (authentication information), “network ID”, and “tag information” (see FIG. 2). Setting identification information).

  The “EUI 64” is 64-bit information assigned in advance to each wireless module in order to uniquely identify the wireless module. The “join key” is information corresponding to a password required when entering the wireless network N1. The “network ID” is an identifier assigned in advance to the wireless network N1 in order to identify the wireless network N1. The “tag information” is an ID for identifying a wireless device, and is information set for each wireless device so that an operator operating the monitoring control device 16 can easily identify the wireless device. Note that the same information as the provisioning information stored in the storage unit 34 of the wireless module 30 is stored in the system manager 14 and used in the entry process for causing the wireless module 30 to enter the wireless network N1.

  The control unit 35 controls the overall operation of the wireless module 30. Specifically, the control unit 35 outputs to the wireless communication unit 32 a signal (for example, a signal indicating the flow rate measurement result) that needs to be transmitted to the wireless network N1 among the signals received by the communication unit 31. Of the signals output from the wireless communication unit 32, a signal that needs to be transmitted to the device body 20 (for example, a control signal from the monitoring control device 16) is output to the communication unit 31.

  Here, when the communication unit 31 or the wireless communication unit 32 receives the provisioning information setting instruction, the control unit 35 receives the provisioning information received by the communication unit 31 or the wireless communication unit 32 based on the setting instruction. Is stored in the storage unit 34. Note that the control unit 35 causes the wireless communication unit 32 to output the setting instruction and provisioning information received by the communication unit 31, or causes the communication unit 31 to output the setting instruction and provisioning information received by the wireless communication unit 32. There is nothing.

  The setting instruction and the provisioning information are received by the communication unit 31 when OOB provisioning is performed, and are received by the wireless communication unit 32 when OTA provisioning is performed. The OOB provisioning is performed by connecting a provisioning device to the external interface 24 of the device body 20 or by directly connecting the provisioning device to the communication unit 31 of the wireless module 30. The OTA provisioning is performed when the system manager 14 and the wireless module 30 perform wireless communication via the wireless network N1.

  In addition, after storing the provisioning information described above in the storage unit 34, the control unit 35 reads the provisioning information P <b> 1 stored in the storage unit 34 when there is an instruction to cause the wireless module 30 to enter the wireless network N <b> 1. The wireless communication unit 32 performs control to be transmitted to the system manager 14. Note that the instruction to cause the wireless module 30 to enter the wireless network N1 is, for example, power-on of the wireless module 30 or restart processing of each unit.

  When the communication unit 31 receives a provisioning information read request, the control unit 35 reads the provisioning information P1 stored in the storage unit 34 according to the read request, and transmits the provisioning information P1 from the communication unit 31 to the outside. . The provisioning information read request is transmitted from the provisioning device connected to the external interface 24 of the device body 20 or the provisioning device directly connected to the communication unit 31 of the wireless module 30. The provisioning information P1 transmitted from the communication unit 31 to the outside is received by the provisioning device connected to the external interface 24 of the device body 20 or the provisioning device directly connected to the communication unit 31 of the wireless module 30.

  Further, like the control unit 25 of the device main body 20, the control unit 35 controls each unit of the wireless module 30 to reduce power consumption in the power supply unit 26 provided in the device main body 20. To do. For example, the communication unit 31 and the wireless communication unit 32 are set in an active state (operating state) when it is necessary to transmit and receive wireless signals via the wireless network N1, and basically the communication unit 31 and the wireless unit are otherwise used. Control is performed to place the communication unit 32 in a sleep state (non-operating state).

  The wireless module that forms part of the wireless router 12 and the backbone routers 13a and 13b is the same as the wireless module 30 described above. That is, the wireless router 12 and the backbone routers 13a and 13b can store the provisioning information P1 necessary for entering the wireless network N1, and can be attached to and detached from the router main body or a router using a cable. A wireless module that can be connected to the main body is provided.

<Procedure for entering the wireless network>
Next, a procedure for causing the wireless device 11 to enter the wireless network N1 in the wireless communication system 1 having the above configuration will be described. In the following, a procedure for entering a new wireless device 11 into the wireless network N1 (new entry procedure) and a procedure for causing the wireless device 11 entering the wireless network N1 to enter the wireless network N1 again (re-entry procedure) will be described. These will be described in order. In the following description, it is assumed that the wireless device 11 to be entered into the wireless network N1 is installed in the explosion-proof area.

《New entry procedure》
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for allowing a new wireless device to join a wireless network in the first embodiment of the present invention. First, an operator on site performs an operation of installing the device main body 20 excluding the wireless module 30 among the new wireless devices 11 at a predetermined position in a predetermined explosion-proof area (step S11). That is, the operator performs the work of transporting and installing the device body 20 with the wireless module 30 removed in the explosion-proof area.

  Next, in the non-explosion-proof area, a plant operator or a manager (hereinafter referred to as an operator or the like) performs an operation of setting provisioning information for the wireless module 30 attached to the device main body 20 (step). S12). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a setting operation of provisioning information performed in the non-explosion-proof area in the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the rectangular area | region which attached | subjected code | symbol A1 in FIG. 4 has shown the non-explosion-proof area.

  When the provisioning information setting work is started, as shown in FIG. 4, the work to connect the wireless module 30 to be worked to the other end of the cable CB1 whose one end is connected to the provisioning device PD in the non-explosion-proof area A1. Is done. Here, the provisioning device PD is a device that is operated by an operator or the like and sets provisioning information in the wireless module 30 in accordance with an instruction from the operator or the like.

  Specifically, the provisioning device PD has a communication function capable of serial communication compliant with RS-422, RS-485, etc., and a computer (for example, a program for realizing a function for setting provisioning information) (for example, Notebook computer having portability). The provisioning device PD can also supply power necessary for the operation of the wireless module 30 via the cable CB1.

  When an operator or the like gives a provisioning start instruction to the provisioning device PD after connecting the work target wireless module 30 to the provisioning device PD, provisioning (OOB provisioning) to the wireless module 30 is started. When provisioning is started, a provisioning device PD first outputs a request for reading provisioning information P1 (specifically, “EUI64” stored in the wireless module 30) to the wireless module 30.

  When the read request is received by the communication unit 31 of the wireless module 30, the provisioning information P1 (“EUI 64”) stored in the storage unit 34 is read by the control of the control unit 35 of the wireless module 30. It is transmitted from the communication unit 31 toward the provisioning device PD. This provisioning information P1 (“EUI64”) is received and stored by the provisioning device PD via the cable CB1.

  Next, provisioning information P1 (specifically, “join key”, “network ID”, and “tag information”) and setting instructions thereof are output from the provisioning device PD to the wireless module 30. When the setting instruction is received by the communication unit 31 of the wireless module 30, the provisioning information P1 (“join key”, “network ID”, and the network ID) received by the communication unit 31 is controlled by the control unit 35 of the wireless module 30. “Tag information”) is stored in the storage unit 34. In this manner, provisioning information P1 including “EUI 64”, “join key”, “network ID”, and “tag information” is set in the wireless module 30 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the provisioning with respect to the wireless module 30 is completed.

  Here, the provisioning device PD uses the “EUI 64” read and stored from the wireless module 30 and the “join key”, “network ID”, and “tag information” transmitted to the wireless module 30. The same provisioning information P1 set in the module 30 is created. This provisioning information P1 is stored in the system manager 14 and used in entry processing for causing the wireless module 30 to enter the wireless network N1. Note that when there are a plurality of wireless modules 30 for which provisioning information needs to be set, the above operations are repeated by the number of the wireless modules 30.

  When provisioning for the wireless module 30 is completed, the provisioned wireless module 30 in which provisioning information is set is transported to the explosion-proof area by the operator. Then, the worker performs the work of attaching the provisioned wireless module 30 to the device main body 20 installed in the explosion-proof area in the work of Step S11 (Step S13).

  When the installation work of the wireless module 30 is completed, the wireless device 11 is turned on and an entry process for the wireless network N1 is performed (step S14). Specifically, the wireless module 30 of the wireless device 11 that is powered on receives an advertisement transmitted from the wireless router 12. Then, the control unit 35 of the wireless module 30 reads the provisioning information P1 stored in the storage unit 34, controls the wireless communication unit 32, and receives a join request (request to enter the wireless network N1) including the provisioning information P1. ) To the wireless router 12 that is the transmission source of the advertisement. This join request is transmitted to the system manager 14 via the wireless router 12 and the backbone router 13a.

  Upon receiving a join request from the wireless module 30 provided in the wireless device 11, the system manager 14 performs an authentication process of the wireless module 30 provided in the wireless device 11 using the provisioning information P1 included in the received join request. Do. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the transmitted provisioning information P1 is stored in itself. When the authentication is successful, the system manager 14 permits entry of the wireless module 30 (wireless device 11) that transmitted the join request, and when authentication fails, the system manager 14 enters the wireless module 30 (wireless device 11). To refuse. In this way, entry processing to the wireless network N1 is performed.

《Reentry procedure》
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for causing an existing wireless device to enter the wireless network again in the first embodiment of the present invention. First, the worker on site performs the work of removing the wireless module 30 from the wireless device 11 installed in the explosion-proof area and collecting it in the non-explosion-proof area A1 (step S21). Next, in the non-explosion-proof area A1, an operation for newly setting provisioning information for the collected wireless module 30 is performed by an operator or the like (step S22). Since this operation is the same as the operation described with reference to FIG. 4, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When provisioning for the wireless module 30 is completed, the provisioned wireless module 30 in which provisioning information is set is transported to the explosion-proof area by the operator. Then, the operator performs the work of attaching the provisioned wireless module 30 to the original device body 20 (step S23). When the installation work of the wireless module 30 is completed, the wireless device 11 is turned on and an entry process for the wireless network N1 is performed (step S24). The process performed in step S24 is the same process as the process performed in step S14 in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the wireless device 11 is configured to be divided into the device body 20 and the wireless module 30, and the provisioning information P1 necessary for entering the wireless network N1 is included in the wireless module 30. Can be stored. For this reason, in this embodiment, the wireless module 30 can be removed from the device body 20 installed in the explosion-proof area, and provisioning (OOB provisioning) for the wireless module 30 can be performed in the non-explosion-proof area. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently perform the setting operation of the provisioning information P1 necessary for entering the wireless network N1.

  In the present embodiment, since the wireless device 11 is divided into the device main body 20 and the wireless module 30, only a device main body 20 is replaced when a failure or the like occurs in the device main body 20. Can do. Here, since the conventional wireless device has a configuration in which the device body 20 and the wireless module 30 are integrated, when the wireless device is replaced, the wireless device is provisioned after provisioning for the replaced wireless device. It was necessary to enter the network N1. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, only the device body 20 can be exchanged while the wireless module 30 is allowed to enter the wireless network N1, and provisioning for the wireless module 30 is not necessary.

  Here, provisioning for the wireless module 30 can be performed with the wireless module 30 removed from the device body 20 as shown in FIG. 4, but even when the wireless module 30 is attached to the device body 20. It can be carried out. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a provisioning information setting operation performed in the explosion-proof area in the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the rectangular area | region which attached | subjected code | symbol A2 in FIG. 6 has shown the explosion-proof area. However, the setting operation shown in FIG. 6 is based on the premise that the provisioning device PD can be brought into the explosion-proof area A2.

  In order to provision the wireless module 30 with the wireless module 30 attached to the device body 20, the provisioning device PD is connected to the external interface 24 of the device body 20 using the cable CB2 as shown in FIG. Here, the control unit 25 provided in the device main body 20 controls the communication unit 23 when provisioning information P1 and its setting instruction or a provisioning information P1 read request is input via the external interface 24. These are transmitted to the wireless module 30. For this reason, provisioning with respect to the wireless module 30 can be performed by a procedure similar to the procedure described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, not only OOB provisioning using the provisioning device PD but also OTA provisioning can be performed. When OTA provisioning is started, provisioning information P1 and its setting instruction are transmitted from the system manager 14 to the wireless module 30 provided in the wireless device 11 via the wireless network N1. When the setting instruction is received by the wireless communication unit 32 of the wireless module 30, the provisioning information P1 received by the wireless communication unit 32 is stored in the storage unit 34 under the control of the control unit 35 of the wireless module 30. In this way, OTA provisioning is performed.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a wireless device as a wireless device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, blocks corresponding to the blocks shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the wireless device 11 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which a device main body 40 (apparatus main body) is provided instead of the device main body 20 in FIG. The wireless device 11 having such a configuration stores “tag information” included in the provisioning information P1 used in the wireless module 30 in the device main body 40 in advance, and sets the “tag information” to the wireless module 30 at the time of provisioning. It is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the device body 40 includes a storage unit 41 (information storage unit) in addition to the sensor unit 21 to the power supply unit 26. The storage unit 41 stores “tag information” in the provisioning information P1 necessary for the wireless module 30 to enter the wireless network N1. This “tag information” is stored in the storage unit 41 by, for example, connecting the provisioning device PD to the external interface 24 and instructing the storage unit 41 from the provisioning device PD to the control unit 25 of the device body 40. Is done.

  In the present embodiment, the procedure for causing the wireless device 11 including the device main body 40 and the wireless module 30 to newly enter the wireless network N1 is performed in the same procedure as the flowchart shown in FIG. Specifically, the device main body 40 in which “tag information” is stored in the storage unit 41 is installed at a specified position in the explosion-proof area (step S11), and provisioning for the wireless module 30 is performed in the non-explosion-proof area (step S12). However, only “EUI 64”, “join key”, and “network ID” are stored in the storage unit 34 as the provisioning information P1, and the setting of “tag information” is omitted.

  When the above operations are completed, the provisioned wireless module 30 in which the provisioning information P1 is set is transported to the explosion-proof area and attached to the device main body 40 installed in the explosion-proof area (step S13). When the installation work of the wireless module 30 is completed, the wireless device 11 is turned on and an entry process for the wireless network N1 is performed (step S14).

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the power of the wireless device 11 is turned on, first, processing for transferring “tag information” stored in the storage unit 41 of the device body 40 to the wireless module 30 is performed. Specifically, “tag information” stored in the storage unit 41 is read out and transmitted from the communication unit 23 toward the wireless module 30 under the control of the control unit 25 provided in the device main body 40. When the “tag information” from the device body 40 is received by the communication unit 31, the control unit 35 of the wireless module 30 stores the “tag information” received by the communication unit 31 in the storage unit 34.

  As a result, as in the first embodiment, provisioning information P1 including “EUI 64”, “join key”, “network ID”, and “tag information” is set in the storage unit 34 of the wireless module 30. When the above processing is completed, as in the first embodiment, a join request including provisioning information P1 is transmitted to the system manager 14, and processing for causing the wireless device 11 to enter the wireless network N1 is performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the wireless device 11 is configured to be divided into the device main body 40 and the wireless module 30, and the wireless module 30 includes provisioning information P1 necessary for entering the wireless network N1. Can be stored. For this reason, also in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the wireless module 30 is removed from the device main body 40 installed in the explosion-proof area, and provisioning (OOB provisioning) to the wireless module 30 is performed in the non-explosion-proof area. Can do. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently perform the setting operation of the provisioning information P1 necessary for entering the wireless network N1. In the present embodiment, OOB provisioning and OTA provisioning in the explosion-proof area can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the “tag information” included in the provisioning information P1 is stored in advance in the device main body 40, and the “tag information” is transferred to the wireless module 30 attached to the device main body 40. . Thereby, since the setting of “tag information” can be omitted at the time of provisioning for the wireless module 30, the wireless module 30 can be easily replaced when a failure or the like of the wireless module 30 occurs.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a wireless device as a wireless device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to blocks corresponding to the blocks shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the wireless device 11a (wireless device) of the present embodiment includes a wireless module 30 and an interface module 50, and a signal (first signal) from the field device FD is used as a wireless signal to generate a wireless network N1. And receives a signal (second signal) to the field device FD transmitted as a wireless signal via the wireless network N1.

  That is, the wireless device 11a of the present embodiment separates the device main body 20 shown in FIG. 2 into the field device FD and the interface module 50, and connects the wireless module 30 to the field device FD via the interface module 50. Is. The wireless device 11a having such a configuration is configured to allow the field device FD to perform wireless communication via the wireless network N by being connected to the field device FD that does not have a wireless communication function.

  The field device FD includes a sensor unit 21 similar to the device body 20 illustrated in FIG. The field device FD measures the flow rate of the fluid based on a control signal from the interface module 50 (control signal from the monitoring control device 16), and outputs the measurement result to the interface module 50.

  The interface module 50 includes a sensor interface 22, a communication unit 23, an external interface 24, a control unit 25, and a power supply unit 26 included in the device main body 20 illustrated in FIG. The interface module 50 configured as described above is connected to the field device FD and the wireless module 30, and outputs a signal from the field device FD to the wireless module 30, and outputs a signal from the wireless module 30 to the field device FD. This interface module 50 can be said to be a relay module that relays various signals exchanged between the field device FD and the wireless module 30. The interface module 50 can also supply power to the wireless module 30 and the field device FD.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the wireless device 11a is configured to be divided into the interface module 50 (part of the function of the device main body 20 shown in FIG. 2 as a module) and the wireless module 30. The module 30 can store provisioning information P1 necessary for entering the wireless network N1. For this reason, also in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the wireless module 30 is removed from the interface module 50 installed in the explosion-proof area, and provisioning (OOB provisioning) to the wireless module 30 is performed in the non-explosion-proof area. Can do. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently perform the setting operation of the provisioning information P1 necessary for entering the wireless network N1. In the present embodiment, OOB provisioning and OTA provisioning in the explosion-proof area can be performed.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a wireless device as a wireless device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, blocks corresponding to the blocks shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the wireless device 11b (wireless device) of the present embodiment includes a wireless module 30 and an interface module 60, and a signal (first signal) from the field device FD is converted into a wireless signal to the wireless network N1. And receives a signal (second signal) to the field device FD transmitted as a wireless signal via the wireless network N1.

  That is, the wireless device 11b of the present embodiment separates the device body 40 shown in FIG. 7 into the field device FD and the interface module 60, and connects the wireless module 30 to the field device FD via the interface module 60. Is. Similarly to the wireless device 11a shown in FIG. 8, the wireless device 11b having such a configuration is connected to a field device FD that does not have a wireless communication function so that the field device FD can perform wireless communication via the wireless network N. It is to make. The field device FD is the same as that shown in FIG.

  The interface module 60 includes a sensor interface 22, a communication unit 23, an external interface 24, a control unit 25, a power supply unit 26, and a storage unit 41 included in the device main body 40 illustrated in FIG. The interface module 60 having such a configuration can be said to be a relay module that relays various signals exchanged between the field device FD and the wireless module 30, similarly to the interface module 50 shown in FIG. 8. The interface module 60 also performs processing of transferring “tag information” (setting identification information) stored in the storage unit 41 to the wireless module 30 when the power is turned on, for example, as in the device main body 40 shown in FIG. The interface module 60 can also supply power to the wireless module 30 and the field device FD, similarly to the interface module 50 shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the wireless device 11b is configured to be divided into the interface module 60 (part of the function of the device main body 40 shown in FIG. 7 as a module) and the wireless module 30. The module 30 can store provisioning information P1 necessary for entering the wireless network N1. For this reason, also in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the wireless module 30 is removed from the interface module 60 installed in the explosion-proof area, and provisioning (OOB provisioning) to the wireless module 30 is performed in the non-explosion-proof area. Can do. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently perform the setting operation of the provisioning information P1 necessary for entering the wireless network N1. In the present embodiment, OOB provisioning and OTA provisioning in the explosion-proof area can be performed.

  In this embodiment, the “tag information” included in the provisioning information P1 is stored in the interface module 60 in advance, and the “tag information” is transferred to the wireless module 30 connected to the interface module 60. . As a result, as in the second embodiment, since the setting of “tag information” can be omitted at the time of provisioning for the wireless module 30, the wireless module 30 can be replaced when a failure or the like of the wireless module 30 occurs. It can be done easily.

  The wireless module and the wireless device according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be freely changed within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the wireless device 11 enters the wireless network N1 has been described. However, the wireless router 12 and the backbone routers 13a and 13b also enter the wireless network N1 in the same procedure as described in the above-described embodiment. You can enter.

  Further, the wireless module 30 described in the above embodiment includes the antenna 33 inside, but the antenna 33 may be provided outside the wireless module 30. In the above-described embodiment, the wireless communication system that performs wireless communication conforming to ISA100.11a has been described as an example. However, the present invention is also applicable to a wireless communication system that performs wireless communication conforming to WirelessHART (registered trademark). can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Wireless device 11a, 11b Wireless device 12 Wireless router 13a, 13b Backbone router 20 Device main body 23 Communication part 24 External interface 25 Control part 30 Wireless module 31 Communication part 32 Wireless communication part 33 Antenna 34 Storage part 35 Control part 40 Device main body 41 Storage unit 50, 60 Interface module FD Field device N1 Wireless network P1 Provisioning information

Claims (9)

In a wireless module that transmits and receives wireless signals via a wireless network,
A communication unit that receives an external signal and transmits an external signal to the outside,
A radio signal which is received by the communication unit as a radio signal and transmitted to the radio network, and a radio signal transmitted via the radio network is received and output to the communication unit as a signal to the outside A communication department;
A storage unit for storing device information necessary for entering the wireless network;
When a setting instruction for the device information is received by the communication unit or the wireless communication unit, the device information received by the communication unit or the wireless communication unit based on the setting instruction is stored in the storage unit. A wireless module, comprising:   The said control part reads the said apparatus information stored in the said storage part, when there is an instruction | indication to the said wireless network, and makes it transmit to the said wireless network from the said wireless communication part. Item 2. A wireless module according to Item 1.   When the communication unit receives a request to read the device information, the control unit reads the device information stored in the storage unit and transmits the device information to the outside from the communication unit. The wireless module according to claim 1 or 2.   4. The antenna according to claim 1, further comprising an antenna that transmits a wireless signal from the wireless communication unit to the wireless network and receives a wireless signal transmitted through the wireless network. The wireless module according to one item.   The device information includes at least unique identification information assigned in advance to each of the wireless modules in order to uniquely identify the wireless module, and authentication information used when entering the wireless network. The radio | wireless module as described in any one of Claims 1-4. In a wireless device that transmits and receives wireless signals via a wireless network,
The wireless module according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A wireless device comprising: a device main body that transmits a signal to be transmitted to the wireless network toward the wireless module and that receives a signal transmitted from the wireless module. In the wireless device that transmits the first signal from the field device as a wireless signal to the wireless network and receives the second signal to the field device that is transmitted as the wireless signal through the wireless network.
The wireless module according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An interface module that is connected to the field device and the wireless module, transmits the first signal from the field device to the wireless module, receives the second signal from the wireless module, and outputs the second signal to the field device. A wireless device comprising:   The device main body or the interface module includes an information storage unit that stores setting identification information set for identifying the device main body or the field device, and the setting identification information stored in the information storage unit The wireless device according to claim 6, wherein the wireless device is transmitted toward the wireless module.   The device main body or the interface module has an external interface to which an external device is connected, and the device information setting instruction from the external device input via the external interface and the wireless module should be set The wireless device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the device information is transmitted toward the wireless module.

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