JP2016092677A - Communication system and communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system and a communication device that can transmit long data without altering conventional communication standards.SOLUTION: A communication device comprises: means of determining whether data to be transmitted to one or a plurality of other apparatuses connected to the other communication device; and means of generating a plurality of packets each having fragmented data, generated by fragmenting the data to a data length equal to or less than a predetermined length, and information, regarding the fragmentation, added to a data part, the plurality of generated packets being transmitted to the one or the plurality of apparatuses through the other communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system and a communication device that transmit usage amounts of water, gas, and the like measured by a meter to a communication device on a center side using a wireless network.

  Conventionally, in a wireless telemeter system developed for meter reading of water, gas, etc., a wireless master unit is connected to a center side device equipped with a host computer and a center network control device via a wide area wireless network such as a PHS network and a FOMA network. Connected (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, a plurality of wireless slave devices are connected to the wireless master device, and a meter for meter reading is connected to each of the wireless slave devices. Data such as a meter reading value obtained from the meter is transmitted from the wireless slave unit to the wireless master unit, and further transmitted from the wireless master unit to the center side device.

  In addition, there is a standard called a U bus that specifies the specifications of a next generation communication line that is a communication interface mounted on a terminal device used in a new version of a communication system (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-249166 A

“Standardization of new telemetering communication methods (U bus / U bus air)”, [online], NPO Telemetering Promotion Council, [October 1, 2014 search], Internet <URL: http: // www .teleme-r.or.jp / u-bus /〉

  In the above-mentioned U-bus communication standard, it is possible to perform communication between a wireless device (wireless master device or wireless slave device) and a device connected to the U bus by using a subaddress. However, when the sub address is used, the communication specification is such that the packet cannot be divided, so that there is a problem that long data cannot be transmitted.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system and a communication apparatus capable of transmitting long data without modifying conventional communication standards.

  The communication system of the present application includes a plurality of communication devices that are communicably connected to each other, and a header portion that includes information on a destination and a transmission source between the plurality of communication devices, and a data portion that includes data to be transmitted In the communication system for transmitting and receiving packets having at least one communication device, at least one of the plurality of communication devices includes means for connecting one or more devices via a bus, and each communication device is connected to another communication device. Or means for determining whether or not the data length of data to be transmitted to a plurality of devices is longer than a predetermined length; and if it is determined that the data length of the data is longer than a predetermined length, the data is less than or equal to the predetermined length Means for generating a plurality of packets in which fragmented data fragmented in length and information relating to fragmentation are added to the respective data sections, and the generated plurality of packets are routed through the other communication device. Characterized in that you have to transmit to the one or more devices Te.

  The communication system of the present application is characterized in that each communication device adds information relating to fragmentation to the data part of one packet and omits addition of the other packet to the data part.

  In the communication system according to the present application, the device includes a meter that measures a usage amount of a supply target supplied to a supply destination, and the meter receives a packet addressed to another device connected to the same bus as the own device. And means for transferring a packet received by the means to the other device.

  In the communication system of the present application, the device includes a conversion adapter having a port for connecting a device that transmits / receives a packet of another communication standard, and the conversion adapter fragments the data portion of the packet received through the bus. Means for determining whether or not information relating to fragmentation is included, and if it is determined that information relating to fragmentation is included, specified by a header portion of the packet based on the information relating to fragmentation Means for restoring data to be transmitted to the destination device and means for generating a packet in accordance with the communication standard based on the restored data, and transmitting the generated packet to the destination device. It is characterized by being.

  The communication device of the present application is connected to another communication device via a bus in a communication device that transmits and receives a packet having a header portion including information on a destination and a transmission source and a data portion including data to be transmitted. Means for determining whether or not the data length of data to be transmitted to the device is longer than a predetermined length; and when determining that the data length of the data is longer than a predetermined length, the data is fragmented to a data length equal to or shorter than the predetermined length Means for generating a plurality of packets in which the fragmented data and the information related to the fragmentation are added to the respective data sections, and the generated plurality of packets are transmitted to the device via the other communication device It is characterized by the above.

  In the present application, long data can be transmitted without modifying the conventional communication standard.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of a radio telemeter system. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a host computer. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a wireless main | base station. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a wireless subunit | mobile_unit. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a meter. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of an apparatus. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a packet transmitted and received in the radio telemeter system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a divided packet according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production | generation procedure of a packet. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a transmission procedure of a divided packet according to the first embodiment. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fragmented packet according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a connection example of a conventional meter in the third embodiment. 12 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a transmission procedure of a divided packet according to the fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, as an example of a communication system according to the present invention, a mode applied to a radio telemeter system will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the radio telemeter system. The wireless telemeter system according to the present embodiment includes a host computer 11 and a center-side network control device 12 as a configuration on the center side, and a wireless master device 21, wireless slave devices 22, 22,. 22 and a wireless slave unit 22 are provided with a meter 23 and a device 24 connected to each other via a U bus (hereinafter also simply referred to as a bus). The meter 23 is a measuring instrument that is installed for each consumer, measures the amount of supply medium such as water and gas supplied from a supplier, and outputs a measurement result (meter reading value). The device 24 is an alarm device such as a fire alarm device, a facility device, or the like. The wireless telemeter system according to the present embodiment is such that data indicating the meter reading value of the meter 23, data such as an alarm output from the device 24, data indicating the operation status of the wireless master device 21 and the wireless slave device 22, and the like from the terminal side. A packet including various data to be output is transmitted to the center side using wireless communication, and commands for controlling operations of the wireless master device 21, the wireless slave device 22, the meter 23, and the device 24 are provided. Various included packets are transmitted from the center side to the terminal side.

  The center-side network control device 12 and the terminal-side wireless master device 21 are connected to a wide-area wireless network N1 such as a PHS network or a FOMA network, and perform wireless communication via the wide-area wireless network N1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the number of the wireless master devices 21 connected to the wide area wireless network N <b> 1 is one, but it goes without saying that a plurality of wireless master devices 21 may be connected. .

  The center-side network control device 12 is provided, for example, in a public network of a communication carrier and has a function of controlling communication with the terminal side via the wide area wireless network N1. When a packet to be transmitted from the host computer 11 to the terminal side is input from the host computer 11, the center side network control device 12 transmits the packet to the terminal side by a communication method compliant with the communication standard of the wide area wireless network N1. Further, when the data transmitted from the terminal side is received via the wide area wireless network N1, the center side network control device 12 is configured to transmit the received packet to the host computer 11.

  The wireless master device 21 is connected to the center side via the wide-area wireless network N1, and forms, for example, a mesh-type narrow-area wireless network N2 with the plurality of wireless slave devices 22, 22,. The wireless master device 21 performs wireless communication with the host computer 11 on the center side via the wide area wireless network N1 and wireless communication with the wireless slave devices 22, 22,..., 22 via the narrow area wireless network N2. It is configured.

  When it is necessary to transmit data from the host computer 11 to the wireless slave unit 22 or the meter 23, a packet in which the destination address is specified as the ID (address) of the wireless slave unit 22 or the meter 23 is generated, and the wide area wireless network N1 To the destination wireless handset 22 or meter 23. When the host computer 11 needs to transmit data to the device 24, the host computer 11 designates the address of the meter 23 connected to the same bus as the destination device 24 as the destination address, and uses the sub address to identify the device 24. Generate and send the specified packet. This packet is transmitted to the device 24 via the meter 23 connected to the same bus as the transmission destination device 24.

When the wireless slave device 22 receives a packet through the narrow-area wireless network N2, the wireless slave device 22 determines whether the packet is a packet addressed to itself. When the ID of the own device is specified as the destination address of the received packet, the wireless slave device 22 determines that the received packet is a packet addressed to the own device, and based on the content of the data included in the packet Perform various processes. On the other hand, when the ID of the meter 23 connected to the own device is designated as the destination address of the received packet, the wireless slave device 22 transfers the packet to the meter 23 connected to the own device.
Further, when the wireless handset 22 receives a packet including data such as a meter reading value from the meter 23 connected to the own device, or when receiving a packet including data indicating an alarm or the like output from the device 24, The packet is transmitted to the wireless master device 21 directly or via one or more other wireless slave devices 22. When receiving the packet transmitted from the wireless slave device 22, the wireless master device 21 transmits the packet to the host computer 11 by wireless communication via the wide area wireless network N1.

When the meter 23 receives a packet addressed to itself from the wireless slave device 22 connected via the bus, the meter 23 executes various processes based on the content of data included in the packet. Further, when the meter 23 receives a packet designated as a packet addressed to the device 24 by the subaddress, the meter 23 sets the transmission source address and destination address of the packet to the address of the own device (meter 23) and the device 24, respectively. The address is rewritten and transferred to the device 24.
When it is necessary to transmit data from the device 24 to the host computer 11, the device 24 generates a packet in which the destination address and the sub address are set to the address of the meter 23 and the address of the host computer 11, respectively. Is transmitted to the meter 23. The meter 23 rewrites the destination address of the packet received from the device 24 with the address of the host computer 11 and transfers it to the host computer 11.

  In the U bus standard, it is possible to transmit a packet designating a device 24 connected to the wireless slave device 22 via a bus as a transmission destination by using a subaddress. However, the U-bus standard has a problem that when a subaddress is used, it is a communication specification that cannot divide a packet, so that data (long data) longer than a predetermined length cannot be transmitted / received. It was. In order to solve such problems, in the present application, by adding information (fragment information) related to packet division to the data portion of the packet, long data can be transmitted and received without modifying the conventional U bus standard. It is configured as possible.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, each of the wireless slave units 22 is connected to one meter 23 and one device 24, but the number of devices 24 connected to each wireless slave unit 22 is limited to one. Is not to be done. For example, the wireless slave device 22 to which only the meter 23 is connected may be included, or the wireless slave device 22 to which the meter 23 and two or more devices 24, 24,... Are connected may be included.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the host computer 11. The host computer 11 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 111, a communication unit 112, a display unit 114, an operation unit 115, and the like.

  The control unit 110 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control program stored in advance in the ROM is read into the RAM, and the CPU executes the control program, whereby the entire device is used as the communication device according to the present invention. Make it work.

  The storage unit 111 is configured by a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), for example, information on terminal-side devices such as the wireless master device 21, the wireless slave device 22, the meter 23, and the device 24, a wide area wireless network Data and the like transmitted from the device on the terminal side via N1 are stored.

  The communication unit 112 includes an interface for connecting to the wide area wireless network N1 via the center side network control device 12. The host computer 11 receives the data transmitted from the terminal side by the communication unit 112 via the center side network control device 12 and sends information to be notified to the terminal side from the communication unit 112 to the center side network control device 12. By sending it, it is sent to the terminal side via the center side network control device 12.

The display unit 114 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and displays information to be notified to a manager on the center side based on data output from the control unit 110.

  The operation unit 115 includes various input interfaces such as a keyboard and a mouse, and accepts various operations by an administrator on the center side. Based on various operations received through the operation unit 115, the control unit 110 performs an operation for displaying information on the display unit 114, an operation for storing information in the storage unit 111, and an operation for transmitting information through the communication unit 112.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the wireless master device 21. The wireless master device 21 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 211, a wide area wireless communication unit 212, a narrow area wireless communication unit 213, a display unit 214, an operation unit 215, and the like. Each component of the hardware provided in the wireless master device 21 is configured to operate with electric power supplied from the battery 219.

  The control unit 210 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, reads a control program stored in advance in the ROM into the RAM, and the CPU executes the control program, whereby the entire device is used as a communication device according to the present invention. Make it work.

  The storage unit 211 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), for example, and information necessary for setting information regarding the operation of the own device and communication via the wide area wireless network N1. Information necessary for communication via the narrow-area wireless network N2 is stored.

  The wide area wireless communication unit 212 performs wireless communication via the wide area wireless network N1 by transmitting or receiving radio waves through the antenna 212a. For example, when the wireless master device 21 acquires the meter reading value of the meter 23 through the wireless slave device 22 connected to the wireless device itself, the wireless master device 21 transmits data indicating the meter reading value to the host computer 11 on the center side. When the wide-area wireless communication unit 212 acquires data to be transmitted through the control unit 210, the wide-area wireless communication unit 212 transmits a packet in a format compliant with the communication standard of the wide-area wireless network N1 by driving the antenna 212a to emit radio waves. Process.

  In addition, when the radio wave is received by the antenna 212a, the wide area wireless communication unit 212 acquires a packet in a predetermined format by decoding the received radio wave. The received radio wave received by the antenna 212a includes various control commands such as an activation command from the host computer 11, for example. Wide area wireless communication unit 212 outputs a packet obtained by decoding to control unit 210. When acquiring a packet output from the wide area wireless communication unit 212, the control unit 210 performs various controls based on the packet.

  The narrow area wireless communication unit 213 communicates with a plurality of wireless slave units 22, 22,..., 22 by a predetermined wireless communication method by transmitting or receiving radio waves through the antenna 213a. As the wireless communication method, for example, a specific low power wireless method is adopted. The narrow area wireless communication unit 213 of the wireless master device 21 intermittently transmits a beacon as a search signal for searching for the wireless slave device 22 having a packet to be transmitted. This beacon includes a wireless device number as identification information for identifying the wireless master device 21 in the narrow area wireless network N2. In addition, the narrow-area wireless communication unit 213 receives a beacon transmitted from the wireless slave unit 22, and when the own device has a packet to be transmitted, the wireless communication unit 213 specifies the wireless number specified by the wireless device number included in the beacon. A packet is transmitted to the slave unit 22.

  The display unit 214 includes an LED lamp, a liquid crystal display panel, and the like, and displays information to be notified to a worker or the like who performs maintenance work based on a control signal output from the control unit 210.

  The operation unit 215 includes various switches such as dip switches and buttons, and accepts various setting operations by, for example, a worker performing maintenance work. The control unit 210 performs various controls based on the setting content input from the operation unit 215 and stores the setting content in the storage unit 211 as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless master device 21 has been described as having an NCU function. However, a network control device having an NCU function is prepared as an individual device, and the wireless master device 21 is connected to the network control device. It may be configured to. In this case, the wireless master device 21 may be configured to include a connection interface for connecting the network control device and to communicate with the center side via the network control device connected to the connection interface.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the wireless slave unit 22. The wireless slave device 22 includes a control unit 220, a storage unit 221, a narrow-area wireless communication unit 222, a connection IF 223, a display unit 224, an operation unit 225, and the like. Each part of the hardware included in the wireless slave device 22 is configured to operate with electric power supplied from the battery 229.

  The control unit 220 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, reads a control program stored in advance in the ROM into the RAM, and the CPU executes the control program, whereby the entire device is used as a communication device according to the present invention. Make it work.

  The storage unit 221 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, for example, and stores setting information related to the operation of the own device, information necessary for communication via the narrow-area wireless network N2, and the like.

  The narrow area wireless communication unit 222 communicates with the wireless master device 21 and other wireless slave devices 22 by a predetermined wireless communication method by transmitting or receiving radio waves through the antenna 222a. As the wireless communication method, for example, a specific low power wireless method is adopted. The narrow area wireless communication unit 222 of the wireless slave device 22 intermittently transmits a beacon as a search signal for searching for the wireless master device 21 or another wireless slave device 22 having a packet to be transmitted. This beacon includes a wireless device number as an identifier for identifying each wireless slave device 22 in the narrow area wireless network N2. In addition, the narrow-area wireless communication unit 222 receives a beacon transmitted from the wireless master device 21 or another wireless slave device 22, and when the own device has a packet to be transmitted, the wireless device included in the beacon Data is transmitted to the wireless master device 21 or other wireless slave device 22 specified by the device number.

  The connection IF 223 is an interface for connecting a device 23 such as a meter 23 and an alarm device that measures the amount of water and gas used through, for example, a U bus. The wireless slave device 22 transmits and receives packets to and from the meter 23 and the device 24 connected to the bus through the connection IF 223.

  The display unit 224 includes an LED lamp, a liquid crystal display panel, and the like, and displays information to be notified to a worker or the like performing maintenance work based on a control signal output from the control unit 220.

  The operation unit 225 includes various switches such as dip switches and buttons, and accepts various setting operations by, for example, a worker performing maintenance work. The control unit 220 performs various controls based on the setting content input from the operation unit 225 and stores the setting content in the storage unit 221 as necessary.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the meter 23. The meter 23 includes a control unit 230,
A storage unit 231, a connection IF 232, a meter reading unit 233, and the like are provided.

  The control unit 230 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and reads out a control program stored in advance in the ROM into the RAM, and the CPU executes the control program, whereby the meter 23 functions as a device according to the present invention. Let

  The storage unit 231 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, for example, and stores an ID or the like for identifying itself or others in the wireless telemeter system.

  The connection IF 232 includes an interface for connecting to a bus, for example. The meter 23 transmits and receives packets to and from other devices connected via the bus through the connection IF 232.

  The meter-reading part 233 measures the usage-amount of supply media, such as water supply and gas supplied from a supply business entity, and outputs the measurement result (meter-reading value) to the control part 230. The control unit 230 generates a packet including the meter reading value as data, and transmits the generated packet to the wireless slave device 22 through the connection IF 232.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the device 24. The device 24 includes a control unit 240, a storage unit 241, a connection IF 242, a detection unit 243, and the like.

  The control unit 240 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control program stored in the ROM is read into the RAM, and the CPU executes the control program, whereby the device 24 functions as a device according to the present invention. Let

  The storage unit 241 is configured by, for example, a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, and stores an ID or the like for identifying itself or others on the bus.

  The connection IF 242 includes an interface for connecting to a bus, for example. The device 24 transmits and receives packets to and from other devices connected via the bus through the connection IF 242.

  For example, the detection unit 243 detects a change in some state such as the occurrence of a fire and outputs data indicating the detection result to the control unit 240. The control unit 240 generates a packet including data indicating the detection result, and transmits the generated packet to the wireless slave device 22 through the connection IF 242.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a packet transmitted and received in the radio telemeter system according to the first embodiment. A packet transmitted and received in the radio telemeter system according to the present embodiment includes a header part including a control code (CC), a source address (SADR), and a destination address (DADR), a data part including data to be transmitted, And a block check code (BCC). FIG. 7A shows a configuration example of a packet when a subaddress is not used. When the sub address is not used, for example, any one of the addresses of the host computer 11, the wireless master device 21, the wireless slave device 22, and the meter 23 is designated as the transmission source address and the destination address. Transmission / reception is performed. If the sub address is not used and the data needs to be divided (fragmented) and transmitted, a flag indicating that it is a divided packet, the number of the divided packet, and the total number of divided packets in the control code Is defined.
When each device receives a packet, it takes a transition time to move from the standby state to the reception operation. Therefore, data (mark) for delaying the reception of the packet by the time length corresponding to the transition time is included in each packet. It is given at the beginning.

  The device 24 such as an alarm device is given an ID (address) for identifying itself / others on the bus to which the own device is connected, but is not given an ID for identifying itself / others in the system. There are many cases. For this reason, in this embodiment, a sub-address is used when communicating with the device 24 that does not have a unique ID in the system. For example, when the center side transmits a packet to the device 24, the address of the meter 23 connected to the same bus as the destination device 24 is designated as the destination address, and the packet in which the ID of the device 24 is designated as the subaddress. Generate and send. When receiving the packet in which the address of the meter 23 is specified as the destination address, the wireless slave device 22 transfers the packet to the meter 23. Further, when the sub-address is included in the packet received from the wireless slave device 22 and the ID of the device 24 is specified by the sub-address, the meter 23 transfers the packet to the device 24 specified by the sub-address. Such a gateway function of the meter 23 makes it possible to connect a device 24 that does not have a unique ID in the communication system as one of the communication devices in the wireless telemeter system.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of a packet configuration when a subaddress is used. When the sub address is used, the sub address information is added to the data portion of the packet. The data portion of the packet has a data property (DP), a sub-address (SUBA), an opcode (OPC), and an operand (OPR). The use / non-use of the sub-address is defined in the data property. An ID is specified. If the sub address is not used, the sub address (SUBA) information is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fragmented packet according to the first embodiment. As described above, when a subaddress is not used and a packet is divided, it is specified that the packet is a divided packet in the control code of the header part. On the other hand, when subaddresses are used, fragment information is added in the data portion of the packet in order to define packet division without modifying the conventional U bus standard. Specifically, a flag indicating that the packet is a fragmented packet, a fragment number indicating what number the packet is, and the total number of divided packets are added as fragment information. FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration when the total number of divided packets is 3, and shows three divided packets designated as fragment numbers 1 to 3, respectively.

  Although FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of a packet in which fragment information is added immediately after the operand, the position where the fragment information is added is not limited to immediately after the operand.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a packet generation procedure. The example of FIG. 9 shows a procedure for generating a packet to be transmitted from the host computer 11 to the device 24. When there is data to be transmitted from the host computer 11 to the device 24 connected to the wireless slave device 22 via the bus, the control unit 110 of the wireless master device 21 has a data length of the data to be transmitted longer than a predetermined length. Whether or not (step S11). When the data length of the data to be transmitted is longer than the predetermined length (S11: YES), the control unit 110 is connected to the same bus as the transmission destination device 24 with the transmission source address as its own ID and the transmission destination address. The ID of the meter 23 and the sub address specify the ID of the device 24, and generate a plurality of divided packets with fragment information added to each data part (step S12).

  On the other hand, when the data length of the data to be transmitted is equal to or shorter than the predetermined length (S11: NO), the control unit 210 is connected to the same bus as the transmission destination device 24 with the transmission source address as its own ID and the destination address. The ID of the meter 23 and the sub address of the device 24 are specified, and a packet having no fragment information is generated (step S13).

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the packet generation procedure in the host computer 11 has been described. However, when a packet is generated from the device 24 to the host computer 11, the packet is generated in the same procedure. Is possible. When generating a packet to be transmitted from the device 24 to the host computer 11, the device 24 uses the source address as its own ID, the destination address as the ID of the meter 23 connected to the same bus as its own device, and the subaddress as the host computer. 11 is generated, and the generated packet is transmitted to the meter 23. When the meter 23 receives a packet transmitted from the device 24, the meter 23 rewrites the transmission source address of the packet with its own ID, rewrites the destination address with the ID of the host computer 11, and rewrites the packet after rewriting the address to the wireless slave device 22. And transmitted to the host computer 11 through the wireless master device 21.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a divided packet transmission procedure according to the first embodiment. When the wireless slave device 22 receives a packet through the narrow-area wireless communication unit 222, the wireless slave device 22 confirms the transmission source and the destination by referring to the header portion and the data portion of the packet, and transfers the packet to the meter 23 Whether or not the packet is a divided packet. In the example shown in FIG. 10, a state in which the divided packets with the division number 3 transmitted from the host computer 11 to the device 24 is sequentially received is shown.

  When the wireless slave device 22 receives the first divided packet addressed to the device 24 through the narrow-area wireless communication unit 222, the wireless slave device 22 is connected to the host device 11 as the transmission source address and the host computer 11 ID (center ID). The packet including the ID of the meter 23 (meter ID) and the ID of the device 24 (device ID) as a subaddress is transmitted to the meter 23 (step S101).

  When the meter 23 receives a packet transmitted from the wireless slave device 22, the meter 23 transmits ACK to the wireless slave device 22 (step S102). Further, the control unit 230 of the meter 23 can determine that the received packet is a packet addressed to the device 24 by confirming the subaddress of the received packet. Therefore, the transmission source address of the packet is the meter ID and the destination address is the device address. The ID and sub address are changed to the center ID, and the packet after the address change is transmitted to the device 24 through the connection IF 232 (step S103).

  When receiving the packet transmitted from the meter 23, the device 24 transmits ACK to the meter 23 (step S104) and transmits response data addressed to the host computer 11 (step S105). The response data is transmitted to the wireless slave unit 22 via the meter 23 connected to the same bus (step S106), and is transmitted to the host computer 11 through the wireless slave unit 22.

  Further, when the wireless slave unit 22 receives the second divided packet addressed to the device 24 through the narrow area wireless communication unit 222, the packet including the center ID as the transmission source address, the meter ID as the destination address, and the device ID as the sub address. Is transmitted to the meter 23 through the connection IF 223 (step S107).

  When the meter 23 receives the packet transmitted from the wireless slave device 22, the meter 23 transmits ACK to the wireless slave device 22 (step S108). Further, the control unit 230 of the meter 23 can determine that the received packet is a packet addressed to the device 24 by confirming the subaddress of the received packet. Therefore, the transmission source address of the packet is the meter ID and the destination address is the device address. The ID and sub address are changed to the center ID, and the packet after the address change is transmitted to the device 24 through the connection IF 232 (step S109).

  When receiving the packet transmitted from the meter 23, the device 24 transmits ACK to the meter 23 (step S110) and transmits response data addressed to the host computer 11 (step S111). The response data is transmitted to the wireless slave unit 22 via the meter 23 connected to the same bus (step S112), and is transmitted to the host computer 11 through the wireless slave unit 22.

  Further, when the wireless slave device 22 receives the third divided packet addressed to the device 24 through the narrow-area wireless communication unit 222, the packet including the center ID as the transmission source address, the meter ID as the destination address, and the device ID as the subaddress. Is transmitted to the meter 23 through the connection IF 223 (step S113).

  When the meter 23 receives a packet transmitted from the wireless slave device 22, the meter 23 transmits ACK to the wireless slave device 22 (step S114). Further, the control unit 230 of the meter 23 can determine that the received packet is a packet addressed to the device 24 by confirming the subaddress of the received packet. Therefore, the transmission source address of the packet is the meter ID and the destination address is the device address. The ID and sub address are changed to the center ID, and the packet after the address change is transmitted to the device 24 through the connection IF 232 (step S115).

  When receiving the packet transmitted from the meter 23, the device 24 transmits ACK to the meter 23 (step S116) and transmits response data addressed to the host computer 11 (step S117). The response data is transmitted to the wireless slave unit 22 via the meter 23 connected to the same bus (step S118), and is transmitted to the host computer 11 through the wireless slave unit 22.

  In this way, the device 24 can receive the divided packets sequentially transmitted from the host computer 11 through the meter 23 connected to the same bus as its own device. Further, the control unit 240 of the device 24 can restore the original data based on the fragment information of the received divided packet.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the procedure in the case where the device 24 receives the divided packet transmitted from the host computer 11 is described. However, the same procedure is applied to the case in which the device 24 transmits the divided packet. can do.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, by providing the meter 23 with the gateway function, the device 24 having no unique ID (address) in the communication system is connected as one of the communication devices in the wireless telemeter system. Even when long data longer than a predetermined length is transmitted / received, it is possible to cope with the divided packet.

(Embodiment 2)
In Embodiment 1, the fragment information is added to the data portion of each fragmented packet. However, the fragment information is added only to the first fragmented packet, and the fragment information is added to the second and subsequent fragmented packets. It is good also as a structure which omits.
In the second embodiment, a configuration in which adding fragment information to the second and subsequent fragmented packets is omitted will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a divided packet according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, when subaddresses are used, and when a packet is divided, information (fragment information) related to division is added to the data part of the first divided packet. Specifically, a flag indicating that the packet is a divided packet and the total number of divided packets are added as fragment information. FIG. 11 shows a configuration example when the total number of divided packets is three.

  In the second embodiment, the fragment information is not added to the second and subsequent fragmented packets. However, in general, since the sequence number exists in the control code (CC) of the packet, this sequence number is used. By doing so, it is possible to determine the number of the divided packet, and it is possible to restore the original data from the determined divided packet. For example, when the total number of fragments is 3 and the sequence number of a divided packet to which fragment information is added is N, the original data is restored by acquiring packets with sequence numbers N, N + 1, N + 2. Can do.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to omit adding fragment information to the second and subsequent divided packets, so that the amount of data that can be attached to one divided packet can be increased.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first and second embodiments, the meter 23 is connected to the wireless slave unit 22 via the U bus. However, a conventional meter (hereinafter referred to as a conventional meter) that does not have a connection interface to the U bus is used. You may enable it to connect via a conversion adapter.
In the third embodiment, a configuration in which a conventional meter is connected to a U bus via a conversion adapter will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a connection example of a conventional meter according to the third embodiment. As described in the first embodiment, the wireless slave device 22 includes the connection IF 223 that connects the meter 23 via the U bus. In the third embodiment, the conventional meter 31 is further connected to the U bus via the conversion adapter 30.

  The conversion adapter 30 includes a control unit 301, a connection IF 302, and a port 303. The connection IF 302 is a connection means for connecting to the U bus. When a packet is input through the U bus, the connection IF 302 transmits the input packet to the control unit 301 and also from the control unit 301 to the outside via the U bus. When a packet to be transmitted is input, the input packet is transmitted to the wireless slave unit 22 via the U bus.

  On the other hand, when the conventional meter 31 is connected to the port 303 and a packet to be transmitted to the outside is input from the conventional meter 31 via the U bus, the input packet is sent to the control unit 301, and When a packet to be transmitted from the control unit 301 to the conventional meter 31 is input, the input packet is transmitted to the conventional meter 31.

  The control unit 301 includes, for example, a calculation unit and a storage unit. The control unit 301 converts a packet from the wireless slave unit 22 input through the connection IF 302 into a packet that can be interpreted by the conventional meter 31, and a conventional input through the port 303. The packet from the type meter 31 is converted into a packet that can be interpreted by the wireless slave unit 22 or the like.

When the host computer 11 needs to transmit data to the conventional meter 31 connected via the conversion adapter 30 on the U bus, for example, the destination address is the ID of the meter 23 and the subaddress is the conversion adapter 30. A packet designated by the ID is generated and transmitted. When the meter 23 receives a packet transmitted from the host computer 11, the meter 23 can determine that the packet is addressed to the conversion adapter 30 based on the sub-address, so that the source address of the packet is the ID and destination address of its own device. Is converted to the ID of the conversion adapter 30 and the sub-address is replaced with the ID of the host computer 11 and transferred to the conversion adapter 30. When the conversion adapter 30 receives the packet transferred from the meter 23, the conversion adapter 30 converts the packet into a packet interpretable by the conventional meter 31, and sends the converted packet to the conventional meter 31 through the port 303.

  Conversely, when it is necessary to transmit data from the conventional meter 31 to the host computer 11 or the like, the ID of the conventional meter 31 is set as the source address, the ID of the meter 23 is set as the destination address, and the ID of the host computer 11 is set as the subaddress. The set packet is generated, and the generated packet is transmitted to the transmission destination such as the host computer 11 via the conversion adapter 30 and the meter 23.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, even when the conventional meter 31 is connected to the U bus via the conversion adapter 30, by using the subaddress, as one of the communication devices in the wireless telemeter system, Can be connected. Further, when transmitting / receiving long data, it is possible to cope with it by adding fragment information to the data portion of the packet, as in the first and second embodiments.

(Embodiment 4)
When long data can be transmitted and received by the above-described conventional meter 31, the conversion adapter 30 may restore the original data from the divided packets and transfer the restored data to the conventional meter 31.
In the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which original data is restored from a divided packet by the conversion adapter 30 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a divided packet transmission procedure according to the fourth embodiment. When the wireless slave device 22 receives a packet through the narrow-area wireless communication unit 222, the wireless slave device 22 confirms the transmission source and the destination by referring to the header portion and the data portion of the packet, and whether the packet is a divided packet. Judge whether or not. The example shown in FIG. 13 shows a state in which the divided packets with the division number 3 transmitted from the host computer 11 to the conventional meter 31 are sequentially received.

  When the wireless slave device 22 receives the first divided packet addressed to the conventional meter 31 through the narrow-area wireless communication unit 222, the wireless slave device 22 receives the ID (center ID) of the host computer 11 as the transmission source address and the own device as the destination address. A packet including the ID (adapter ID) of the connected conversion adapter 30 and the ID (meter ID) of the conventional meter 31 as a sub-address is transmitted to the conversion adapter 30 (step S401).

  When the conversion adapter 30 receives the packet transmitted from the wireless slave device 22, the conversion adapter 30 transmits ACK to the wireless slave device 22 (step S402). Further, the control unit 301 of the conversion adapter 30 can determine that the received packet is a packet addressed to the conventional meter 31 by confirming the subaddress of the received packet. The data is saved (step S403). After storing the extracted data, the conversion adapter 30 transmits response data addressed to the host computer 11 (step S404). This response data is transmitted to the host computer 11 via the wireless slave unit 22.

  In addition, when receiving the second divided packet addressed to the conventional meter 31 through the narrow area wireless communication unit 222, the wireless slave device 22 receives the center ID as the transmission source address, the adapter ID as the destination address, and the meter ID as the sub address. The included packet is transmitted to the conversion adapter 30 (step S405).

When the conversion adapter 30 receives the packet transmitted from the wireless slave device 22, the conversion adapter 30 transmits ACK to the wireless slave device 22 (step S406). Further, the control unit 301 of the conversion adapter 30 can determine that the received packet is a packet addressed to the conventional meter 31 by confirming the subaddress of the received packet. Data is saved (step S407). After storing the extracted data, the conversion adapter 30 transmits response data addressed to the host computer 11 (step S408). This response data is transmitted to the host computer 11 via the wireless slave unit 22.

  Further, when the wireless slave unit 22 receives the third divided packet addressed to the conventional meter 31 through the narrow-area wireless communication unit 222, the center ID as the transmission source address, the adapter ID as the destination address, and the meter ID as the sub address. The included packet is transmitted to the conversion adapter 30 (step S409).

  When the conversion adapter 30 receives the packet transmitted from the wireless slave device 22, the conversion adapter 30 transmits ACK to the wireless slave device 22 (step S410). Further, the control unit 301 of the conversion adapter 30 can determine that the received packet is a packet addressed to the conventional meter 31 by confirming the subaddress of the received packet. The data is saved (step S411). After storing the extracted data, the conversion adapter 30 transmits response data addressed to the host computer 11 (step S412). This response data is transmitted to the host computer 11 via the wireless slave unit 22.

  The conversion adapter 30 restores the original data from the data saved in steps S403, S407, and S411, and transmits the restored data to the conventional meter 31 (step S413). When the conventional meter 31 receives data transmitted from the conversion adapter 30, the conventional meter 31 transmits response data addressed to the host computer 11 (step S414). The response data is transmitted to the wireless slave device 22 via the conversion adapter 30 (step S115), and is transmitted to the host computer 11 through the wireless slave device 22.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when long data can be transmitted and received by the conventional meter 31, the conversion adapter 30 restores the original data from the divided packets and transfers the restored data to the conventional meter 31. Therefore, communication according to the communication environment of the conventional meter 31 is possible.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the meanings described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  Regarding the above embodiment, the following additional notes are disclosed.

  The communication system of the present application includes a plurality of communication devices (11, 21, 22) that are communicably connected to each other, and transmits information on destinations and transmission sources between the plurality of communication devices (11, 21, 22). In a communication system for transmitting and receiving a packet having a header portion including data and a data portion including transmission target data, at least one of the plurality of communication devices (11, 21, 22) is one or a plurality of devices via a bus Means for connecting (23, 24, 30), and each communication device (11) transmits to one or a plurality of devices (23, 24, 30) connected to other communication devices (21, 22). Means (S11) for determining whether the data length of the power data is longer than a predetermined length; and when determining that the data length of the data is longer than the predetermined length, the data is fragmented into a data length equal to or shorter than the predetermined length Fragmentation de And a means (S12) for generating a plurality of packets in which data relating to fragmentation are added to the respective data portions, and the generated plurality of packets are transmitted through the other communication devices (21, 22). It is characterized by transmitting to one or a plurality of devices (23, 24, 30).

  In the present application, a device that does not have a unique ID (address) in the communication system can be connected as one communication device in the communication system. Even when a packet cannot be divided due to communication specifications, long data longer than a predetermined length can be transmitted and received by adding information relating to fragmentation to the data portion of the packet.

  The communication system of the present application is characterized in that each communication device (11) adds information related to fragmentation to the data part of one packet and omits addition of the other packet to the data part. To do.

  In the present application, since it is possible to omit adding fragment information to the second transfer fragmented packet, the amount of data that can be attached to one fragmented packet can be increased.

  In the communication system of the present application, the device (23) includes a meter (23) that measures the amount of supply to be supplied to a supply destination, and the meter (23) is connected to the same bus as the own device. And a means (232) for receiving a packet addressed to another device and a means (232) for transferring the packet received by the means (232) to the other device.

  In the present application, when communicating with a device that does not have a unique ID (address) in the communication system, the meter can be operated as a device having a gateway function.

  In the communication system of the present application, the device (30) includes a conversion adapter (30) having a port for connecting a device (31) that transmits and receives packets of other communication standards, and the conversion adapter (30) Means (300) for determining whether or not information relating to fragmentation is included in a data part of a packet received through the bus; and if it is determined that information relating to fragmentation is included, the fragment Means (300) for restoring the data to be transmitted to the destination device specified by the header of the packet based on the information relating to the conversion, and generating a packet conforming to the communication standard based on the restored data Means (300) for transmitting the generated packet to the destination device (31).

  In this application, even if the conventional meter is connected to the bus through the conversion adapter, the conventional meter can be connected to the system by setting the sub-address in the data part of the packet transmitted and received in the communication system. It can be connected as one of the devices. Further, when long data is transmitted and received, it can be dealt with by adding fragment information to the data portion of the packet.

  The communication device of the present application is a communication device (11) that transmits and receives a packet having a header portion including information on a destination and a transmission source and a data portion including data to be transmitted, and is connected to another communication device (22). Means (S11) for determining whether or not the data length of the data to be transmitted to the devices (23, 24, 30) connected via the terminal is longer than a predetermined length, and if the data length of the data is longer than the predetermined length If it is determined, a means (S12) for generating a plurality of packets in which the fragmented data obtained by fragmenting the data into the data length equal to or less than the predetermined length and the information related to the fragmentation are added to the respective data portions (S12), A plurality of generated packets are transmitted to the device (23, 24, 30) via the other communication device (22).

  In the present application, even when a packet cannot be divided due to communication specifications, long data longer than a predetermined length can be delivered by transmitting and receiving a packet in which information related to fragmentation is added to the data portion.

11 Host computer 12 Center side network control device 21 Wireless master unit 22 Wireless slave unit 23 Meter 24 Equipment 110, 210, 220, 230, 240 Control unit 111, 211, 221, 231, 241 Storage unit 112 Communication unit 212 Wide area wireless communication Unit 213, 222 narrow area wireless communication unit 114, 214, 224 display unit 115, 215, 225 operation unit 219, 229 battery 223, 232, 242 connection IF
233 Meter reading section 243 Detection section

Claims (5)

A plurality of communication devices connected to be communicable with each other, and a packet having a header portion including information on a destination and a transmission source and a data portion including data to be transmitted is transmitted and received between the plurality of communication devices. In a communication system,
At least one of the plurality of communication devices comprises means for connecting one or more devices via a bus;
Each communication device
Means for determining whether or not the data length of data to be transmitted to one or a plurality of devices connected to other communication devices is longer than a predetermined length; and when determining that the data length of the data is longer than a predetermined length, Means for generating a plurality of packets in which the fragmented data obtained by fragmenting the data into a data length equal to or less than the predetermined length and the information relating to the fragmentation are added to the respective data portions;
A communication system, wherein a plurality of generated packets are transmitted to the one or more devices via the other communication device. Each communication device
2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein information relating to fragmentation is added to a data portion of one packet, and addition of another packet to the data portion is omitted. The device includes a meter that measures the amount of supply to be supplied to a supply destination,
The meter
Means for receiving packets addressed to other devices connected to the same bus as the own device;
The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit configured to transfer a packet received by the unit to the other device. The device includes a conversion adapter having a port for connecting a device that transmits and receives packets of other communication standards,
The conversion adapter is
Means for determining whether or not information relating to fragmentation is included in a data portion of a packet received through the bus;
If it is determined that the information related to the fragmentation is included, based on the information related to the fragmentation, means for restoring data to be transmitted to the destination device specified by the header part of the packet;
Means for generating a packet conforming to the communication standard based on the restored data,
The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the generated packet is transmitted to the destination device. In a communication device that transmits and receives a packet having a header portion including information on a destination and a transmission source and a data portion including data to be transmitted,
Means for determining whether or not the data length of data to be transmitted to a device connected to another communication device via a bus is longer than a predetermined length; and when determining that the data length of the data is longer than a predetermined length, Means for generating a plurality of packets in which the fragmented data obtained by fragmenting the data into a data length equal to or less than the predetermined length and the information relating to the fragmentation are added to the respective data portions;
A communication apparatus characterized in that a plurality of generated packets are transmitted to the device via the other communication apparatus.

Images