JP2015115647A - Meter reading apparatus, communication method, program, management apparatus and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a meter reading apparatus from accessing to an unintended network and to prevent increase of communication traffics in a network.SOLUTION: A meter reading apparatus 31-1 is included in at least one of plural networks which are logically different from each other. The meter reading apparatus 31-1 receives a scan request signal transmitted from a communication apparatus intending to access to the one of the plural network. When the network which the communication apparatus intending to accesses is the network in which the meter reading apparatus 31-1 is included, the meter reading apparatus 31-1 transmits a beacon signal.

Description

  The present invention relates to a meter reading device having a communication function. The present invention also relates to a communication method and program for a meter-reading device. The present invention also relates to a management device that manages at least one meter-reading device. The present invention also relates to a communication system including at least one meter-reading device and a management device that manages the meter-reading device.

  In recent years, a metering device for electric energy (so-called “smart meter”) having a communication function is being introduced (see Patent Documents 1 to 5). The communication path between the meter-reading device and the electric power company is called “A route”. The direct communication path between the meter-reading device and the home device is called “B route”. A communication path between the meter-reading device and the in-home device, and a communication path via an external network such as the Internet is called a “C route”. Home appliances are distribution boards or other power management devices.

  A meter-reading apparatus communicates with an electric power company using power line communication (PLC) or radio | wireless as a communication medium. At this time, a management device (concentrator) for managing a plurality of meter reading devices may be provided between the meter reading device and the electric power company. The management device collects the power consumption of the house or dwelling unit provided with the meter-reading device from a plurality of meter-reading devices and sends it to the power company.

JP 2013-2111815 A JP 2013-183001 A International Publication No. 2009/130905 Pamphlet JP 2012-119749 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-082602

  At least one meter-reading device and management device that perform A-route communication constitute a network for A-route communication, and a meter-reading device and home equipment that perform B-route communication constitute a network for B-route communication. When the meter-reading apparatus enters the network, it transmits a scan request signal and receives a beacon signal sent back in response to the information to acquire information on the network that is about to enter. Since the beacon signal does not include the identification information of the A route and the B route, the following problem occurs when the same communication medium (PLC or wireless) is used for the A route communication and the B route communication. First, there is a possibility that a meter reading device attempting to enter the A route communication network may enter the B route communication network based on a beacon signal returned from the meter reading device or home device of the B route communication network. is there. When a meter reading device transmits a scan request signal, a beacon signal is returned from the meter reading device and management device of the A route communication network, and a beacon signal is returned from the meter reading device and home device of the B route communication network. The Therefore, communication traffic increases due to the beacon signal.

  A meter-reading device may be able to communicate with a plurality of management devices. In this case, for example, a first network for A route communication including the first management device and a second network for A route communication including the second management device are configured. Since the beacon signal does not include the identification information of the first and second networks, the meter-reading device attempting to enter the first network is based on the beacon signal returned from the meter-reading device or management device of the second network. , There is a possibility of entering the second network.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a meter-reading device that prevents the meter-reading device from entering an unintended network and suppresses an increase in network communication traffic. Moreover, the objective of this invention is providing the communication method and program of such a meter-reading apparatus. Moreover, the objective of this invention is providing the management apparatus which manages such at least 1 meter-reading apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication system including at least one meter-reading device and a management device that manages the meter-reading device.

  According to the meter-reading device concerning the 1st mode of the present invention, the meter-reading device provided with the communication function is provided with the following composition. The meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication method, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a wireless communication method, a power line communication circuit, and And a control circuit for controlling the wireless communication circuit. The meter-reading device belongs to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks. The meter-reading apparatus receives a scan request signal transmitted from a communication apparatus that intends to enter one of a plurality of networks. The meter-reading device transmits a beacon signal when the network to which the communication device intends to enter matches the network to which the meter-reading device belongs.

  According to the meter-reading apparatus concerning the 2nd mode of the present invention, the meter-reading apparatus concerning the 1st mode is provided with the following composition. A different range of identifiers is assigned to each of the plurality of networks. The scan request signal includes a range of identifiers assigned to the network to which the communication device intends to enter. The meter-reading device transmits a beacon signal when the range of identifiers included in the scan request signal matches the range of identifiers assigned to the network to which the meter-reading device belongs.

  According to the meter-reading apparatus concerning the 3rd mode of the present invention, the meter-reading apparatus concerning the 2nd mode is provided with the following composition. The meter-reading apparatus transmits a scan request signal including a range of identifiers assigned to one of the plurality of networks that is going to join. When the meter-reading device receives a beacon signal from at least one communication device included in the network to be entered, the meter-reading device enters the network.

  According to the meter-reading apparatus concerning the 4th mode of the present invention, the meter-reading device concerning the 1st mode is provided with the following composition. A different range of identifiers is assigned to each of the plurality of networks. The scan request signal includes any one identifier within a range assigned to the network to which the communication device intends to enter. The meter-reading device transmits a beacon signal when the identifier included in the scan request signal is included within the range of identifiers assigned to the network to which the meter-reading device belongs.

  According to the meter-reading apparatus concerning the 5th mode of the present invention, the meter-reading device concerning the 4th mode is provided with the following composition. The meter-reading apparatus transmits a scan request signal including any one identifier within a range assigned to one of the plurality of networks to be entered. When the meter-reading device receives a beacon signal from at least one communication device included in the network to be entered, the meter-reading device enters the network.

  According to the meter-reading apparatus which concerns on the 6th aspect of this invention, the meter-reading apparatus provided with the communication function was provided with the following structures. The meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication method, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a wireless communication method, a power line communication circuit, and And a control circuit for controlling the wireless communication circuit. The meter-reading device can belong to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks. A different range of identifiers is assigned to each of the plurality of networks. The meter-reading apparatus transmits a scan request signal including a range of identifiers assigned to one of the plurality of networks that is going to join. When the meter-reading device receives a beacon signal from at least one communication device included in the network to be entered, the meter-reading device enters the network.

  According to the meter-reading apparatus which concerns on the 7th aspect of this invention, the meter-reading apparatus provided with the communication function was equipped with the following structures. The meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication method, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a wireless communication method, a power line communication circuit, and And a control circuit for controlling the wireless communication circuit. The meter-reading device can belong to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks. A different range of identifiers is assigned to each of the plurality of networks. The meter-reading apparatus transmits a scan request signal including any one identifier within a range assigned to one of the plurality of networks to be entered. When the meter-reading device receives a beacon signal from at least one communication device included in the network to be entered, the meter-reading device enters the network.

  According to the management device of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the management device that manages one or a plurality of communication devices including at least one meter-reading device having a communication function has the following configuration. Features. The management device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication method, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a wireless communication method, a power line communication circuit, and And a control circuit for controlling the wireless communication circuit. The management device belongs to one of a plurality of logically different networks. The management apparatus receives a scan request signal transmitted from a communication apparatus that intends to enter one of a plurality of networks. The management device transmits a beacon signal when the network to which the communication device intends to enter matches the network to which the management device belongs.

  According to the management device of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the management device according to the eighth aspect includes the following configuration. A different range of identifiers is assigned to each of the plurality of networks. The scan request signal includes a range of identifiers assigned to the network to which the communication device intends to enter. The management device transmits a beacon signal when the range of identifiers included in the scan request signal matches the range of identifiers assigned to the network to which the management device belongs.

  According to the management device of the tenth aspect of the present invention, the management device according to the eighth aspect includes the following configuration. A different range of identifiers is assigned to each of the plurality of networks. The scan request signal includes any one identifier within a range assigned to the network to which the communication device intends to enter. The management device transmits a beacon signal when the identifier included in the scan request signal is included within the range of identifiers assigned to the network to which the management device belongs.

  The communication system according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of meter-reading devices according to the third aspect and at least one management device according to the ninth aspect.

  The communication system according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of meter-reading apparatuses according to the fifth aspect and at least one management apparatus according to the tenth aspect.

  According to a communication system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the communication system according to the eleventh aspect includes the following configuration. The communication system includes a first management device and a second management device. A 1st management apparatus comprises a 1st network with the meter-reading apparatus under the management of a 1st management apparatus. A 2nd management apparatus comprises a 2nd network with the meter-reading apparatus under the management of a 2nd management apparatus. Each meter-reading device transmits a first scan request signal to other meter-reading devices and the first management device included in the first network. The meter-reading device receives a first beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or first management device included in the first network. The meter reading device transmits a second scan request signal to another meter reading device and a second management device included in the second network. The meter-reading device receives a second beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or second management device included in the second network. The meter-reading apparatus compares the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network with each other, and selects a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks. The said meter-reading apparatus enters into the selected 1st or 2nd network.

  According to a communication system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the communication system according to the thirteenth aspect includes the following configuration. Information on available network capacity is the ratio of the number of meter reading devices that can enter the network to the maximum number of meter reading devices that can enter the network, the number of meter reading devices that can enter the network, or the network. Including the number of meter-reading devices already in use.

  The communication system according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the communication system according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect has the following configuration. Each meter-reading apparatus performs the following operations after entering the first or second network. The meter-reading device transmits a third scan request signal to other meter-reading devices and the first management device included in the first network. The meter-reading device receives a third beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or first management device included in the first network. The meter reading device transmits a fourth scan request signal to another meter reading device and the second management device included in the second network. The meter-reading device receives a fourth beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or the second management device included in the second network. When the available capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device is entered is less than a predetermined lower limit, the meter-reading device leaves the network in which the meter-reading device has entered and enters another network.

  The communication system according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the communication system according to the fifteenth aspect includes the following configuration. Each meter-reading device is located when the available capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device is entered is less than a predetermined lower limit, and the meter-reading device is located at the end node in the network in which the meter-reading device is entered. If there is, the meter reading device leaves the network in which it enters and enters another network.

  According to the meter-reading apparatus which concerns on the 17th aspect of this invention, in the communication method of the meter-reading apparatus provided with the communication function, the following structures were provided. The meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication method, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a wireless communication method, a power line communication circuit, and And a control circuit for controlling the wireless communication circuit. The meter-reading device belongs to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks. The communication method includes a step of receiving a scan request signal transmitted from a communication device attempting to enter one of a plurality of networks in the meter-reading device. The communication method includes a step of transmitting a beacon signal from the meter-reading device when the network to which the communication device intends to enter matches the network to which the meter-reading device belongs.

  According to the meter-reading apparatus concerning the 18th aspect of the present invention, the program of the meter-reading apparatus having a communication function is provided with the following configuration. The meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication method, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a wireless communication method, a power line communication circuit, and And a control circuit for controlling the wireless communication circuit. The meter-reading device belongs to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks. The program includes the following steps executed by the meter-reading device. The meter-reading device receives a scan request signal transmitted from a communication device that intends to enter one of a plurality of networks. A beacon signal is transmitted from the meter-reading device when the network to which the communication device intends to enter matches the network to which the meter-reading device belongs.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a meter-reading device that prevents the meter-reading device from entering an unintended network and suppresses an increase in network communication traffic.

1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the management apparatus 21 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the meter-reading apparatus 31-1 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the household equipment 41-1 of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement of the network of A route communication, and the network of B route communication when the meter-reading apparatus 33 enters the communication system of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the modification of operation | movement of the network of A route communication, and the network of B route communication when the meter-reading apparatus 33 enters the communication system of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement of the network of two A route communication when the meter-reading apparatus 33 enters the communication system of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the modification of the operation | movement of the network of two A route communications when the meter-reading apparatus 33 enters the communication system of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement when the meter-reading apparatus 33 enters the communication system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation after meter-reading device 33 enters a communications system concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The communication system of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3, 32-1 to 32-3 and a plurality of in-home devices 41-1 to 41-3, 42- receiving power supply from the power company facility 11. 1-42-3 and a plurality of management devices 21 and 22. The management device 21 is communicably connected to the meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3, and manages the meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3. The management device 21 together with the meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3 under management constitutes a network (personal area network) for A route communication. The management device 21 operates as a coordinator of this network. The management device 21 may directly communicate with the meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3, or may communicate by multi-hop. The management device 22 is communicably connected to the meter-reading devices 32-2 to 32-3, and manages the meter-reading devices 32-2 to 32-3. The management device 22 forms a network (personal area network) for A route communication together with the meter-reading devices 32-2 to 32-3 under management. The management device 22 operates as a coordinator of this network. The management device 22 may communicate directly with the meter-reading devices 32-1 to 32-3, or may communicate by multi-hop. Each meter-reading apparatus 31-1 to 31-3, 32-1 to 32-3 is provided in, for example, a different house or dwelling unit, and consumption of corresponding in-home devices 41-1 to 41-3 and 42-1 to 42-3. Measure information such as electric energy. The meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3, 32-1 to 32-3 and in-home devices 41-1 to 41-3, 42-1 to 42-3 of each house or dwelling unit are connected to a B-route communication network (personal area Network). In each B route communication network, any one communication device (for example, a meter reading device) operates as a coordinator. The management device 21 communicates with the electric power company facility 11 and notifies the electric power company of information on the amount of power consumption measured by each of the meter reading devices 31-1 to 31-3. The management apparatus 22 communicates with the electric power company facility 11 and notifies the electric power company of information on the amount of power consumption measured by each of the meter-reading apparatuses 32-2 to 32-3.

  The communication system of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of logically different networks. The meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3, 32-1 to 32-3, the management devices 21 and 22, and the in-home devices 41-1 to 41-3 and 42-1 to 42-3 are logically different from each other. It belongs to at least one of the networks. Different ranges of identifiers are assigned to each of the plurality of networks, for example, as follows.

(1) Network ID of first A route communication: 100 to 199
(2) Network ID of second A route communication: 200 to 299
(3) Network ID of first B route communication: 300 to 309
(4) Second B route communication network ID: 310 to 319
(5) Network ID of third B route communication: 320 to 329
(6) Fourth B route communication network ID: 330 to 339
(7) Network ID of fifth B route communication: 340 to 349
(8) Network ID of the sixth B route communication: 350 to 359

  As shown in FIG. 1, any identifier within the range is assigned to each of the management device, meter-reading device, and home device (collectively referred to as “communication device”) belonging to each network.

  The identifier assigned to each communication device may be an arbitrary identifier unique to each communication device. Instead, the identifier assigned to each communication device is a combination (terminal address + network address) of an arbitrary identifier unique to each communication device and an arbitrary identifier unique to each network (for example, personal area network ID). It may be.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 21 of FIG. The management device 21 includes a communication circuit 51, a control circuit 52, and a communication circuit 53. The communication circuit 51 has functions of power line communication and wireless communication, and has a network ID: 100 of the first A route communication. The communication circuit 53 communicates with the power company facility 11. The control circuit 52 communicates with the meter-reading apparatuses 31-1 to 31-3 using the communication circuit 51, and communicates with the power company facility 11 using the communication circuit 53. The management device 22 is also configured similarly to the management device 21.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the meter-reading device 31-1 in FIG. The meter-reading device 31-1 includes a power measuring device 61, a control circuit 62, a communication circuit 63, and a communication circuit 64. The power measuring device 61 measures the power consumption of the home device 41-1. The communication circuit 63 has functions of power line communication and wireless communication, and has a network ID: 101 of the first A route communication. The communication circuit 64 has functions of power line communication and wireless communication, and has a network ID: 300 of the first B route communication. The control circuit 62 communicates with the management device 21 and the meter-reading devices 31-2 to 31-3 using the communication circuit 63, and communicates with the home appliance 41-1 using the communication circuit 64. The other meter-reading devices 31-2 to 31-3 and 32-1 to 32-3 are also configured similarly to the meter-reading device 31-1.

  Although FIG. 3 shows a configuration in which the power measuring device 61 and the communication circuit (communication circuits 63 and 64) are integrated, the power measuring device 61 and the communication circuit may be provided as separate modules.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the home device 41-1 in FIG. The home appliance 41-1 includes a load device 71, a control circuit 72, and a communication circuit 73. The load device 71 consumes power supplied from the power company facility 11. The communication circuit 73 has functions of power line communication and wireless communication, and has a network ID: 301 of the first B route communication. The control circuit 72 communicates with the meter-reading apparatus 31-1 using the communication circuit 73. The other home devices 41-2 to 41-3 and 42-1 to 42-3 are also configured in the same manner as the home device 41-1.

  The communication circuit 51 of the management devices 21 and 22, the communication circuit 63 and 64 of the meter reading device 31-1, and the communication circuit 73 of the home appliance 41-1 and the like are a single module having functions of power line communication and wireless communication. Although shown, it may be provided as a separate PLC circuit and a wireless communication circuit. Further, the communication circuit 51 of the management devices 21 and 22, the communication circuit 63 and 64 of the meter reading device 31-1, and the communication circuit 73 of the home appliance 41-1 have only one function of power line communication and wireless communication. You may do it.

  The operation of the communication system of FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the operation of the A route communication network and the B route communication network when the meter-reading device 33 enters the communication system of FIG. The meter-reading apparatus 33 can belong to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks. The meter-reading device 33 is pre-assigned ID: 104 within the range assigned to one of a plurality of networks to be entered, for example, the first A route communication network.

  The meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits a scan request signal including the range of identifiers 100 to 199 assigned to the network of the first A route communication to be entered. When the same communication medium (PLC or wireless) is used for the A route communication and the B route communication, the scan request signal is received by both the communication circuits 63 and 64 of the meter reading device 31-1. Further, at this time, the scan request signal is also received by the home device 41-1. The meter-reading device 31-1 transmits a beacon signal when the network to which the meter-reading device 33 intends to enter matches the network to which the meter-reading device 31-1 belongs. Specifically, the meter-reading device 31-1 has the identifier range included in the scan request signal coincide with the identifier range assigned to the first A route communication network to which the meter-reading device 31-1 belongs. , Send a beacon signal. Therefore, the meter-reading apparatus 31-1 transmits a beacon signal to the scan request signal received by the communication circuit 63 (ID: 101), while the scan request signal received by the communication circuit 64 (ID: 300). In contrast, a beacon signal is not transmitted. In-home device 41-1 (ID: 301) does not transmit a beacon signal in response to the received scan request signal. The meter-reading devices 31-2 to 31-3 also transmit beacon signals in the same manner as the meter-reading device 31-1, and the home devices 41-2 to 41-3 do not transmit beacon signals.

  The scan request signal transmitted from the meter reading device 33 is also received by the management device 21. The management device 21 transmits a beacon signal when the network to which the meter-reading device 33 intends to enter matches the network to which the management device 21 belongs. Specifically, the management device 21 sends a beacon signal when the range of identifiers included in the scan request signal matches the range of identifiers assigned to the first A route communication network to which the management device 21 belongs. Send.

  When the meter-reading device 33 receives a beacon signal from at least one communication device (meter-reading device 31-1 to 31-3, management device 21) included in the first A route communication network to be entered, the network To enter. The meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits an entry request signal to the management apparatus 21, receives the entry permission signal returned thereto, and enters the first A route communication network. When a plurality of meter-reading devices communicate by multi-hop, an entry permission signal may be transmitted to the meter-reading device closest to the meter-reading device 33 in the selected network.

  FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a modified example of the operation of the A route communication network and the B route communication network when the meter-reading device 33 enters the communication system of FIG. As described above, the meter reading device 33 is pre-assigned ID: 104 within the range assigned to the first A route communication network. The meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits the scan request signal containing ID: 104 of the meter-reading apparatus 33 instead of the scan request signal containing the identifier range 100-199 of FIG. The meter-reading device 31-1 receives a beacon signal when the identifier included in the scan request signal is included within the range of identifiers assigned to the first A route communication network to which the meter-reading device 31-1 belongs. Send. Therefore, the meter-reading apparatus 31-1 transmits a beacon signal to the scan request signal received by the communication circuit 63 (ID: 101), while the scan request signal received by the communication circuit 64 (ID: 300). In contrast, a beacon signal is not transmitted. In-home device 41-1 (ID: 301) does not transmit a beacon signal in response to the received scan request signal. The meter-reading devices 31-2 to 31-3 also transmit beacon signals in the same manner as the meter-reading device 31-1, and the home devices 41-2 to 41-3 do not transmit beacon signals. The management device 21 transmits a beacon signal when the identifier included in the scan request signal is included within the range of identifiers assigned to the first A route communication network to which the management device 21 belongs. When the meter-reading device 33 receives a beacon signal from at least one communication device (meter-reading device 31-1 to 31-3, management device 21) included in the first A route communication network to be entered, the network To enter.

  When the communication device (for example, the meter-reading device 31-1 or the home device 41-1) enters the B-route communication network (for example, the first B-route communication network), it operates in the same manner as in FIG. To do. Hereinafter, a case where the home device 41-1 enters the first B route communication network will be described as an example. ID: 301 within the range assigned to the first B route communication network to be entered is assigned in advance to the home device 41-1. The in-home device 41-1 includes a scan request signal including an identifier range 300 to 309 assigned to the first B route communication network to be entered, or a scan request including the ID: 301 of the in-home device 41-1 Send a signal. The meter-reading device 31-1 transmits a beacon signal when the network to which the in-home device 41-1 intends to enter matches the network to which the meter-reading device 31-1 belongs. Specifically, the meter-reading device 31-1 has the identifier range included in the scan request signal coincide with the identifier range assigned to the first B route communication network to which the meter-reading device 31-1 belongs. , Send a beacon signal. As an alternative, when the meter reading device 31-1 includes the identifier included in the scan request signal within the range of the identifier assigned to the first B route communication network to which the meter reading device 31-1 belongs, Send a beacon signal. Therefore, the meter-reading apparatus 31-1 does not transmit a beacon signal in response to the scan request signal received by the communication circuit 63 (ID: 101), while the scan request signal received by the communication circuit 64 (ID: 300). In response to this, a beacon signal is transmitted. Similarly, the meter-reading devices 31-2 to 31-3, the home devices 41-2 to 41-3, and the management device 21 also do not transmit beacon signals. The home device 41-1 enters the network when receiving a beacon signal from at least one communication device (meter-reading device 31-1) included in the first B route communication network to be entered.

  5 and 6, when the same communication medium (PLC or wireless) is used for the A route communication and the B route communication, the meter reading device 33 can be prevented from entering an unintended network. Furthermore, according to the operations of FIGS. 5 and 6, an increase in communication traffic due to the beacon signal can be suppressed.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of two A-route communication networks when the meter-reading device 33 enters the communication system of FIG. In FIG. 7, the meter-reading device 33 can communicate with a plurality of management devices 21 and 22, and a first A route communication network including the management device 21 and a second A route communication network including the management device 22 are provided. The case where the same communication medium (PLC or wireless) is used is shown. For simplification of illustration, the home devices 41-2 to 41-3 and 42-1 to 42-3 are omitted. The meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits a scan request signal including the range of identifiers 100 to 199 assigned to the network of the first A route communication to be entered. The meter-reading device 31-1 transmits a beacon signal when the network to which the meter-reading device 33 intends to enter matches the network to which the meter-reading device 31-1 belongs. Specifically, the meter-reading device 31-1 has the identifier range included in the scan request signal coincide with the identifier range assigned to the first A route communication network to which the meter-reading device 31-1 belongs. , Send a beacon signal. The meter-reading devices 31-2 to 31-3 and the management device 21 also transmit beacon signals similarly to the meter-reading device 31-1, and the meter-reading devices 32-1 to 32-3 and the management device 22 do not transmit beacon signals. When the meter-reading device 33 receives a beacon signal from at least one communication device (meter-reading device 31-1 to 31-3, management device 21) included in the first A route communication network to be entered, the network To enter.

  The meter-reading apparatus 33 may transmit a scan request signal including, for example, the identifier range 100 to 299, as long as it can enter either the first or second A route communication network. When the meter reading device 33 receives a beacon signal from any of the communication devices (meter reading devices 31-1 to 31-3, 32-1 to 32-3, management devices 21 and 22), the communication device belongs. Enter the network.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a modified example of the operation of the two A-route communication networks when the meter-reading device 33 enters the communication system of FIG. The meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits the scan request signal containing ID: 104 of the meter-reading apparatus 33 instead of the scan request signal containing the identifier range 100-199 of FIG. The meter-reading device 31-1 receives a beacon signal when the identifier included in the scan request signal is included within the range of identifiers assigned to the first A route communication network to which the meter-reading device 31-1 belongs. Send. The meter-reading devices 31-2 to 31-3 and the management device 21 also transmit beacon signals similarly to the meter-reading device 31-1, and the meter-reading devices 32-1 to 32-3 and the management device 22 do not transmit beacon signals. When the meter-reading device 33 receives a beacon signal from at least one communication device (meter-reading device 31-1 to 31-3, management device 21) included in the first A route communication network to be entered, the network To enter.

  7 and 8, when a plurality of A route communication networks use the same communication medium (PLC or wireless), the meter reading device 33 can be prevented from entering an unintended network. Furthermore, according to the operations of FIGS. 7 and 8, an increase in communication traffic due to a beacon signal can be suppressed.

Second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading device 33 enters the communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. When the meter-reading device 33 can belong to a plurality of A route communication networks, the meter-reading device 33 may compare the free capacity of the network before entering any of the networks.

  The management device 21 periodically or irregularly transmits a notification signal including information on the free capacity of the first A route communication network within the first A route communication network. Notify the meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3 included in the network. The management device 22 periodically or non-periodically transmits a notification signal including information on the free capacity of the second A route communication network within the second A route communication network. Notify the meter reading devices 32-1 to 32-3 included in the network. Information on the free capacity of the network includes, for example, the ratio of the number of meter-reading devices that can further enter the network and the maximum number of meter-reading devices that can enter the network, the number of meter-reading devices that can further enter the network, or the network Including the number of meter-reading devices that have already entered the market. The management device 21 and the management device 22 generate free capacity information based on the number of meter-reading devices under management.

  The notification signal may be, for example, a Hello packet that is periodically broadcast for routing. In this case, the Hello packet includes information on the free capacity of the network in addition to the adjacent link information for routing. Alternatively, the notification signal may be any other packet (for example, a packet that is periodically transmitted to notify meter reading information) that is transmitted and received periodically or irregularly in each network. . In this case, the free space information is inserted into a packet transmitted and received in the network so as not to affect the communication band of the network.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the meter-reading device 33 newly enters either the first A route communication network or the second A route communication network. The meter-reading device 33 transmits a first scan request signal to the meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3 and the management device 21 included in the first A route communication network. That is, the meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits the 1st scan request signal containing the range 100-199 of the identifier allocated to the network of 1st A route communication. The meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3, 32-1 to 32-3 and the management devices 21 and 22 assign the range of the identifier included in the first scan request signal to the network to which the meter-reading device belongs. A beacon signal is transmitted when the specified identifier range is matched. The meter-reading device 33 includes information on the free capacity of the first A-route communication network from at least one meter-reading device 31-1 to 31-3 or the management device 21 included in the first A-route communication network. 1 beacon signal is received.

  Next, the meter-reading device 33 transmits a second scan request signal to the meter-reading devices 32-1 to 32-3 and the management device 22 included in the second A route communication network. That is, the meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits the 2nd scan request signal containing the range 200-299 of the identifier allocated to the network of 2nd A route communication. The meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3, 32-1 to 32-3 and the management devices 21 and 22 assign the range of identifiers included in the second scan request signal to the network to which the meter-reading device belongs. A beacon signal is transmitted when the specified identifier range is matched. The meter-reading device 33 includes information on the free capacity of the second A-route communication network from at least one meter-reading device 32-1 to 32-3 or the management device 22 included in the second A-route communication network. 2 beacon signals are received.

  The meter-reading device 33 compares the free capacity of the first A route communication network and the free capacity of the second A route communication network with each other, and is larger than the first and second A route communication networks. Select a network with free space. The meter-reading apparatus 33 enters into the selected first or second A route communication network. FIG. 9 shows a case where the meter-reading device 33 enters the first A route communication network.

  When the meter-reading device 33 enters the second A route communication network, the management device 22 assigns the second A route communication network instead of the first A route communication network ID: 104. An ID within the specified range may be assigned to the meter reading device 33.

  According to the operation of FIG. 9, when the meter-reading device 33 can belong to a plurality of A route communication networks, it is possible to automatically select a network to join so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. it can. Thereby, the deviation of the number of meter-reading apparatuses which have entered the first A route communication network and the second A route communication network can be reduced, and traffic can be distributed.

Third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an operation after the meter-reading device 33 enters the communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. After entering the first A route communication network or the second A route communication network, the meter-reading device 33 enters the other network having the larger free space when the free space of the entered network is small. Also good.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the meter-reading device 33 transmits a third scan request signal to the meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3 and the management device 21 included in the first A route communication network. That is, the meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits the 3rd scan request signal containing the range 100-199 of the identifier allocated to the network of 1st A route communication. In the meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3 and 32-1 to 32-3, the range of identifiers included in the third scan request signal is the range of identifiers assigned to the network to which the meter-reading device belongs. When they match, a beacon signal is transmitted. The management devices 21 and 22 also transmit a beacon signal when the range of identifiers included in the third scan request signal matches the range of identifiers assigned to the network to which the management device belongs. The meter-reading device 33 includes information on the free capacity of the first A-route communication network from at least one meter-reading device 31-1 to 31-3 or the management device 21 included in the first A-route communication network. 3 beacon signals are received.

  Next, the meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits a fourth scan request signal to the meter-reading apparatuses 32-1 to 32-3 and the management apparatus 22 included in the second A route communication network. That is, the meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits the 4th scan request signal containing the range 200-299 of the identifier allocated to the network of 2nd A route communication. In the meter-reading devices 31-1 to 31-3 and 32-1 to 32-3, the range of identifiers included in the fourth scan request signal is the range of identifiers assigned to the network to which the meter-reading device belongs. When they match, a beacon signal is transmitted. The management apparatuses 21 and 22 also transmit a beacon signal when the identifier range included in the fourth scan request signal matches the identifier range assigned to the network to which the management apparatus belongs. The meter-reading device 33 includes information on the free capacity of the second A-route communication network from at least one meter-reading device 32-1 to 32-3 or the management device 22 included in the second A-route communication network. 4 beacon signals are received.

  When the free capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device 33 has entered is less than a predetermined lower limit, the meter-reading device 33 leaves the network in which the meter-reading device 33 has entered and enters another network. FIG. 10 shows a case where the meter-reading device 33 leaves the first A route communication network and enters the second A route communication network. The meter-reading device 33 transmits a withdrawal request signal to the management device 21, receives the withdrawal permission signal returned thereto, and leaves the first A route communication network. Subsequently, the meter-reading apparatus 33 transmits an entry request signal to the management apparatus 22, receives the entry permission signal returned thereto, and enters the second A route communication network.

  When the meter reading device 33 performs the operation of FIG. 10, if the meter reading device 33 is located at the terminal node in the network in which the meter reading device 33 has entered, the meter reading device 33 has left the network in which the meter reading device 33 has entered. You may enter one network. The meter-reading apparatus 33 judges the presence or absence of a lower node based on the adjacent link information contained in the Hello packet broadcast for routing, for example. Thereby, when there exists a lower-order node than the meter-reading apparatus 33, the detachment | leave from the network which has entered can be suppressed. Further, in place of whether or not the meter-reading device 33 is located at the terminal node, whether or not the number of lower-order nodes of the meter-reading device 33 is less than a predetermined threshold value in the network in which the meter-reading device 33 has entered. It may be judged.

  According to the operation of FIG. 10, when the meter-reading device 33 enters the first or second A route communication network, the entering network is automatically changed so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. can do.

  Each step related to the operation of FIGS. 5 to 10 may be implemented as hardware of the meter reading devices 31-1 to 31-3, 32-1 to 32-3 and 33, and is executed by their control circuit. It may be implemented as a program.

  In the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the meter reading device is not limited to a metering device for electric energy, but is a gas, water, or other meter reading device that can operate in a plurality of communication methods including power line communication and wireless communication. May be. Existing meter-reading devices that measure other than the amount of electric power often operate on batteries, but by configuring the meter-reading device to perform power line communication, power can also be supplied from the power line.

11 ... Electricity company facilities,
21, 22 ... management device,
31-1 to 31-3, 32-1 to 32-3, 33 ... meter-reading device,
41-1 to 41-3, 42-1 to 42-3 ... in-home equipment,
51, 53 ... communication circuit,
52. Control circuit,
61 ... Power meter,
62 ... Control circuit,
63, 64 ... communication circuit,
71 ... load device,
72. Control circuit,
73: Communication circuit.

Claims (18)

In the meter reading device having a communication function, the meter reading device is:
A power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication scheme;
A wireless communication circuit that communicates with the one or more communication devices using a wireless communication scheme;
A control circuit for controlling the power line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit,
The meter reading device belongs to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks,
The meter reading device is
Receiving a scan request signal transmitted from a communication device attempting to enter one of the plurality of networks;
A meter reading device that transmits a beacon signal when a network to which the communication device intends to enter matches a network to which the meter reading device belongs. Each of the plurality of networks is assigned a different range of identifiers;
The scan request signal includes a range of identifiers assigned to a network to which the communication device intends to enter,
The meter reading device transmits a beacon signal when a range of identifiers included in the scan request signal matches a range of identifiers assigned to a network to which the meter reading device belongs. 1. The meter reading device according to 1. The meter reading device is
Sending a scan request signal including a range of identifiers assigned to one of the plurality of networks to join,
3. The meter-reading device according to claim 2, wherein when a beacon signal is received from at least one communication device included in the network to be entered, the meter-reading device enters the network. Each of the plurality of networks is assigned a different range of identifiers;
The scan request signal includes any one identifier within a range assigned to a network to which the communication device intends to enter,
The said meter-reading apparatus transmits a beacon signal, when the identifier contained in the said scan request signal is contained in the range of the identifier allocated to the network to which the said meter-reading apparatus belongs. The meter reading device described. The meter reading device is
Transmitting a scan request signal including any one identifier within a range assigned to a network to which one of the plurality of networks intends to enter;
5. The meter-reading device according to claim 4, wherein when a beacon signal is received from at least one communication device included in the network to be entered, the meter-reading device enters the network. In the meter reading device having a communication function, the meter reading device is:
A power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication scheme;
A wireless communication circuit that communicates with the one or more communication devices using a wireless communication scheme;
A control circuit for controlling the power line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit,
The meter-reading device can belong to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks,
Each of the plurality of networks is assigned a different range of identifiers;
The meter reading device is
Sending a scan request signal including a range of identifiers assigned to one of the plurality of networks to join,
When a beacon signal is received from at least one communication device included in the network to be entered, the meter-reading device enters the network. In the meter reading device having a communication function, the meter reading device is:
A power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication scheme;
A wireless communication circuit that communicates with the one or more communication devices using a wireless communication scheme;
A control circuit for controlling the power line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit,
The meter-reading device can belong to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks,
Each of the plurality of networks is assigned a different range of identifiers;
The meter reading device is
Transmitting a scan request signal including any one identifier within a range assigned to a network to which one of the plurality of networks intends to enter;
When a beacon signal is received from at least one communication device included in the network to be entered, the meter-reading device enters the network. In a management device that manages one or more communication devices including at least one meter-reading device having a communication function, the management device comprises:
A power line communication circuit that communicates with the one or more communication devices using a power line communication method;
A wireless communication circuit that communicates with the one or more communication devices using a wireless communication scheme;
A control circuit for controlling the power line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit,
The management device belongs to one of a plurality of logically different networks,
The management device
Receiving a scan request signal transmitted from a communication device attempting to enter one of the plurality of networks;
A management apparatus that transmits a beacon signal when a network to which the communication apparatus intends to enter matches a network to which the management apparatus belongs. Each of the plurality of networks is assigned a different range of identifiers;
The scan request signal includes a range of identifiers assigned to a network to which the communication device intends to enter,
The management apparatus transmits a beacon signal when a range of identifiers included in the scan request signal matches a range of identifiers assigned to a network to which the management apparatus belongs. 8. The management device according to 8. Each of the plurality of networks is assigned a different range of identifiers;
The scan request signal includes any one identifier within a range assigned to a network to which the communication device intends to enter,
The management device transmits a beacon signal when an identifier included in the scan request signal is included in a range of identifiers assigned to a network to which the management device belongs. The management device described. A plurality of meter-reading devices according to claim 3;
A communication system comprising: at least one management device according to claim 9. A plurality of meter-reading devices according to claim 5;
A communication system comprising at least one management device according to claim 10. The communication system includes a first management device and a second management device,
The first management device, together with the meter-reading device under the management of the first management device, constitutes a first network,
The second management device constitutes a second network together with the meter-reading device under the management of the second management device,
Each of the meter reading devices is
A first scan request signal is transmitted to another meter-reading device and the first management device included in the first network;
Receiving a first beacon signal including information on free space of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or the first management device included in the first network;
A second scan request signal is transmitted to another meter reading device and the second management device included in the second network;
Receiving a second beacon signal including information on free space of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or the second management device included in the second network;
Comparing the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network with each other, and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks;
The communication system according to claim 11, wherein the communication system enters the selected first or second network. The network free space information is:
The ratio between the number of meter reading devices that can further enter the network and the maximum number of meter reading devices that can enter the network,
The number of meter reading devices that can further enter the network, the number of meter reading devices that have already entered the network,
The communication system according to claim 13, comprising: After each of the meter reading devices has entered the first or second network,
A third scan request signal is transmitted to another meter reading device and the first management device included in the first network;
Receiving a third beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or the first management device included in the first network;
A fourth scan request signal is transmitted to another meter-reading device and the second management device included in the second network;
Receiving a fourth beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or the second management device included in the second network;
When the free capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device is entered is less than a predetermined lower limit, the meter-reading device leaves the network in which the meter-reading device enters and enters another network. The communication system according to 13 or 14.   Each meter-reading device is located in a terminal node when the available capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device is entered is less than a predetermined lower limit, and in the network in which the meter-reading device is entered. The communication system according to claim 15, wherein the communication system is separated from a network in which the meter-reading device has entered and enters another network. In the communication method of the meter reading device having a communication function,
The meter reading device is
A power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication scheme;
A wireless communication circuit that communicates with the one or more communication devices using a wireless communication scheme;
A control circuit for controlling the power line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit,
The meter reading device belongs to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks,
The communication method is:
In the meter-reading device, receiving a scan request signal transmitted from a communication device that intends to enter one of the plurality of networks;
And a step of transmitting a beacon signal from the meter-reading device when a network to which the communication device intends to enter matches a network to which the meter-reading device belongs. In the program of the meter reading device with communication function,
The meter reading device is
A power line communication circuit that communicates with one or more communication devices using a power line communication scheme;
A wireless communication circuit that communicates with the one or more communication devices using a wireless communication scheme;
A control circuit for controlling the power line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit,
The meter reading device belongs to at least one of a plurality of logically different networks,
When the program is executed by the meter-reading device,
In the meter-reading device, receiving a scan request signal transmitted from a communication device that intends to enter one of the plurality of networks;
And a step of transmitting a beacon signal from the meter-reading device when a network to which the communication device intends to enter matches a network to which the meter-reading device belongs.

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