JP2018186485A - Communication system, communication method, and terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system or the like that can easily switch between multiple data collection devices as a communication partner of a terminal device.SOLUTION: In a communication system, a wireless transmitter transmits a first signal including information on an address of a data collection device and information on a first channel of wireless communication used by the data collection device to a terminal device wirelessly by using a second channel different from the first channel. The terminal device receives the first signals wirelessly transmitted from a plurality of wireless transmitters, selects and adopts a first signal by a predetermined method from among the plurality of received first signals, and wirelessly transmits a second signal including data detected by the terminal device to the data collection device at predetermined intervals by using the first channel on the basis of the information on the address included in the adopted first signal and the information of the first channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a communication method, and a terminal device.

  In recent years, with the spread of IoT (Internet of Things) technology, various things have come to be connected to the Internet. For example, in Japan, the use of electricity can be visualized with smart meters. In order to realize such IoT, it is indispensable to construct a wireless sensor network that combines sensors and wireless.

As the sensor, for example, an environmental sensor that detects values such as temperature, humidity, illuminance, acceleration, or atmospheric pressure is often used.
As radio, for example, 920 MHz or 2.4 GHz, which is a specific low-power radio that does not require a license, is often used. Examples of the radio using 920 MHz include Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Utility Network), LoRa, and SIGFOX. As radio using 2.4 GHz, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is available.

The network topology includes a star type topology, a tree type topology, a mesh type topology, and the like. For example, in a smart meter, a star type and a mesh type are used.
Here, these topologies are generally known and include, for example, a coordinator and an end device, and may further include a router. The coordinator is called, for example, a gateway, a concentrator, or a master unit. The end device is called, for example, a node, a terminal, or a slave unit.

  In a star topology, a network can be configured in a 1-to-N star configuration using one gateway and a plurality of nodes (N is an integer that represents an integer of 2 or more, and N is used). . The gateway stores the address information of all nodes in the memory of the gateway. In a star topology, a gateway takes the initiative to send a request to a node, and the node sends an acknowledgment (ACK) and data in response to the request, thereby communicating between the gateway and the node. Established.

For this reason, in the star type topology, when the number of nodes increases, there is a case where a time for polling all nodes by the gateway becomes longer. The polling refers to inquiring a plurality of devices (for example, nodes) in order at a certain timing.
In the star topology, since the gateway is a hub, when the gateway fails, communication of all nodes connected to the network is interrupted. On the other hand, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 disclose a technique for switching a failed gateway (see Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2).

Further, in the star topology, it is possible to cope with a fixed node and a mobile node (without replacement), but it is difficult to cope with a mobile node (with replacement). In particular, if the nodes entering the communication area of the gateway are indeterminate (random), in a star topology, the gateway needs to poll all nodes (including nodes outside the communication area). Yes, it is very inefficient.
The mobile node (without replacement) represents that the node moving in the communication area of the gateway does not change and the node existing in the communication area does not change, and the mobile node (with replacement) is This indicates that the node moving to the communication area of the gateway is switched and the node existing in the communication area is changed.

Here, a P2P (Peer to Peer) type topology (Node Up type topology) is effective for the mobile node.
In the P2P type topology, all nodes store the address information of one gateway in their respective memories. In the star topology, the gateway takes the lead, whereas in the P2P topology, the node takes the initiative to send data to the gateway, and the gateway sends an ACK to the data. Communication with the node is established. For this reason, in the P2P type topology, the gateway does not need to poll, and there is no problem even if the node entering the communication area of the gateway is indeterminate.
In the initial state of the star topology, the gateway is a talker, whereas in the initial state of the P2P topology, the gateway is a listener.

When there are a plurality of gateways, the node needs to switch the gateway for communication. For example, it is efficient for a moving node to communicate with the nearest gateway.
The technique described in Patent Document 1 or the technique described in Patent Document 2 is a technique for switching a failed gateway or a gateway in a standby mode, and is different from a technique for switching a gateway between active modes (patent). Reference 1 and Patent Reference 2).

Here, in Patent Document 1, in a wireless network having a star topology, the first central node and the second central node that are functionally equivalent, and the central node is in an active mode or in a standby mode. Depending on whether there is a configuration comprising a set of leaf nodes configured to communicate with either the first central node or the second central node via a wireless link (claim 1). (Refer item 1 etc.).
In the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is attempted to improve the reliability against the failure of the central node (see the abstract of Patent Document 1).

In Patent Document 2, in the data collection system, a plurality of sensor nodes, a plurality of gateway devices that transfer data output from the connected sensor nodes to the data management server via the network, and the network A monitoring server that monitors each gateway device to detect the occurrence of a failure, and a target sensor node that is connected to the gateway device in which the occurrence of the failure is detected when the occurrence of the failure is detected by the monitoring server; A configuration including an adjacent information management server that extracts a connectable gateway device as a proxy gateway device and transmits an instruction to perform connection control to connect the proxy gateway device and the target sensor node to the proxy gateway device (See claim 1 of Patent Document 2) .). Further, in such a data collection system, a star topology can be applied.
In the technique described in Patent Document 2, even when the gateway device fails, it is possible to continue providing the service without increasing the cost and without making complicated settings on the sensor side. (Refer to the abstract of patent document 2 etc.).

Patent Document 3 discloses that a mobile node wirelessly connects to an access gateway, which is a connection point to a network other than the home network, and performs packet communication with a partner node based on a care-of address. Comprising: a radio unit that receives a beacon signal to be transmitted; and a care-of address generation unit that generates a new care-of address using a network prefix included in the beacon signal received from the access gateway of the handover destination and its own terminal identification information (See claim 1 of Patent Document 3).
In the technique described in Patent Document 3, the time taken for the handover process is shortened by efficiently acquiring the new care-of address at the destination of the mobile node while ensuring its uniqueness (patent) (Refer to the abstract of Reference 3.)

Here, the technique described in Patent Document 1 and the technique described in Patent Document 2 are configured in the same way as the communication system 1 according to an embodiment described later (for example, refer to FIG. 1 in the embodiment described later). Is different.
The technique described in Patent Document 3 relates to a mobile communication network system, and is a communication system 1 according to an embodiment described later (for example, refer to FIG. 1 in the embodiment described later). However, the configuration for realizing the system is also different.

JP 2010-157999 A JP 2014-64121 A JP 2010-103745 A

As described above, conventionally, when the address information of a data collection device such as a gateway device is unknown or there are a plurality of data collection devices, communication between the terminal device and the data collection device can be established. It was difficult.
For example, in a conventional star type or P2P type network in which a beacon signal is not used, it is difficult to switch between data collection devices in the active mode as a communication partner of the terminal device.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system, a communication method, and a terminal device that can easily switch a plurality of data collection devices as communication partners of the terminal device. And

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a movable terminal device, a plurality of data collection devices, and a wireless transmitter corresponding to the data collection device, wherein the wireless transmitter includes address information of the data collection device and A first signal including information on a first channel of wireless communication used by the data collection device is transmitted to the terminal device wirelessly using a second channel different from the first channel. The terminal device receives the first signal transmitted wirelessly from a plurality of the wireless transmitters, and outputs the first signal by a predetermined method among the plurality of received first signals. The second signal including the data detected by the terminal device based on the address information and the first channel information included in the selected first signal is selected and adopted. Use one channel Then, wirelessly transmits to the data collection device every predetermined period, the data collection device receives the second signal transmitted wirelessly from the terminal device, and receives the received second signal It is a communication system which collects the data contained in.

One aspect of the present invention may be configured in a communication system to include one or more wireless transmitters corresponding to each of the data collection devices.
One embodiment of the present invention includes a data storage device in a communication system, wherein each of the data collection devices transmits the collected data to the data storage device, and the data storage device includes a plurality of the data It may be configured to receive and accumulate the data transmitted from the collection device.
One embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that, in a communication system, the data collection device and the wireless transmitter corresponding to each other are arranged in the vicinity or integrated.
According to an aspect of the present invention, in the communication system, the wireless transmitter that is a transmission source of the first signal received by the terminal device, or the transmission destination that transmits the second signal by the terminal device Based on a data collection device, an area specifying unit that specifies an area where the terminal device exists may be provided.
One aspect of the present invention may be configured such that in the communication system, the wireless transmitter transmits the first signal wirelessly by multicast.
One aspect of the present invention may be configured such that, in the communication system, the multicast destination information is stored in the storage unit of the wireless transmitter.
According to one aspect of the present invention, in the communication system, the communication information wireless reception unit that receives the first signal and the data wireless transmission / reception unit that transmits the second signal in the terminal device are common wireless communication hardware. You may be set as the structure provided with wear.
One embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that communication is not performed between the plurality of data collection devices in the communication system.
One aspect of the present invention may be configured such that, in the communication system, the predetermined method is a method of selecting the first signal having the maximum reception intensity.

One embodiment of the present invention is a communication method in a communication system including a movable terminal device, a plurality of data collection devices, and a wireless transmitter corresponding to the data collection device, wherein the wireless transmitter includes the data The first signal including information on the address of the collecting device and information on the first channel of wireless communication used by the data collecting device is wirelessly transmitted using a second channel different from the first channel. To the terminal device, the terminal device receives the first signal transmitted wirelessly from the plurality of wireless transmitters, and a predetermined technique among the plurality of received first signals And selecting and adopting the first signal, and including the data detected by the terminal device based on the address information and the first channel information included in the adopted first signal. A second signal is transmitted wirelessly to the data collecting device at predetermined intervals using the first channel, and the data collecting device transmits the second signal transmitted wirelessly from the terminal device. A communication method for receiving a signal and collecting the data included in the received second signal.
One aspect of the present invention may be configured such that in the communication method, the wireless transmitter transmits the first signal wirelessly by multicast.
One aspect of the present invention may be configured such that, in the communication method, the multicast destination information is stored in the storage unit of the wireless transmitter.
One aspect of the present invention may be configured such that, in the communication method, the predetermined method is a method of selecting the first signal having the maximum reception intensity.

One aspect of the present invention is a mobile terminal device, which includes a first signal including information on an address of a data collection device and information on a first channel of wireless communication used by the data collection device. Receiving the first signal transmitted by radio from a plurality of radio transmitters using a second channel different from the first channel, and receiving the plurality of first signals received; And selecting and adopting the first signal by a predetermined method, and detecting the detected data based on the address information and the first channel information included in the adopted first signal. A communication information wireless reception unit that transmits the second signal including the wireless signal to the data collection device at predetermined intervals using the first channel and receives the first signal in the terminal device And said Data radio transceiver for transmitting a signal comprises a common wireless communication hardware is a terminal device.
One aspect of the present invention may be configured such that, in the terminal device, the predetermined method is a method of selecting the first signal having the maximum reception intensity.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of data collection devices can be easily switched as communication partners of a terminal device.

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the communication system which concerns on embodiment (1st Embodiment) of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the radio | wireless transmitter which concerns on embodiment (1st Embodiment) of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the terminal device which concerns on embodiment (1st Embodiment) of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a data collection device according to an embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the procedure of the process performed in the communication system which concerns on embodiment (1st Embodiment) of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the process performed in the terminal device which concerns on embodiment (1st Embodiment) of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the location management evaluation system which concerns on embodiment (2nd Embodiment) of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the wafer environment monitor system which concerns on embodiment (3rd Embodiment) of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
[Outline of communication system]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention.
The communication system 1 includes a plurality of wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2, a plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2, a plurality of terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2, a network 21, A data storage device 31 is provided.

The wireless transmitter 11-1 and the data collection device 12-1 are connected via a wired line. A wireless line may be used instead of this wired line. As a line connecting the wireless transmitter 11-1 and the data collection device 12-1, an arbitrary line may be used, for example, a UART interface line may be used.
The wireless transmitter 11-2 and the data collection device 12-2 are connected via a wired line. Instead of this wired line, a wireless line may be used. As a line connecting the wireless transmitter 11-2 and the data collection device 12-2, an arbitrary line may be used, for example, a UART interface line may be used.
The plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 and the data storage device 31 are each connected to a wired network 21. A wireless network may be used instead of the wired network 21.

Each of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 can transmit a signal wirelessly.
Each of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 communicates signals with the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 connected to the own device (the respective data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2). It is possible to communicate with each of the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 wirelessly, and to communicate with the data storage device 31 via the network 21. Is possible.
The plurality of terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 can receive signals transmitted from the respective wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 by radio, and each data collection device. It is possible to communicate signals with 12-1 to 12-2 wirelessly.

Here, in the present embodiment, each of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 is, for example, information (identification information) for identifying its own device (the respective wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2). May be configured using a device that wirelessly transmits a signal including the signal.
In the present embodiment, each of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 receives, as an example, a gateway device that receives and collects data transmitted from each of the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 by radio. May be used.
Moreover, in this embodiment, each terminal device 13-1 to 13-2 is used as a node which can move.

  Each of the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 may be moved by being driven by a driving unit included in the own device (the respective terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2), for example. When the other device is driven by the drive unit of the device, the device may be transported and moved by the other device, or may be carried by the user (person) and move as the user moves. May be allowed.

In the example of FIG. 1, the wireless transmitter 11-1 and the data collection device 12-1 are installed in the vicinity, and the wireless transmitter 11-2 and the data collection device 12-2 are installed in the vicinity. Moreover, the terminal device 13-1 exists in the vicinity of the wireless transmitter 11-1 and the data collection device 12-1, and shows the case where it communicates with these by radio | wireless. The terminal device 13-2 is present in the vicinity of the wireless transmitter 11-2 and the data collection device 12-2, and shows a case where they communicate with these wirelessly.
In addition, each of the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 that communicate with each other by wireless (wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2) is, for example, wireless communication. It may be determined based on the intensity of the radio wave. In the example of FIG. 1, there is no obstacle, and it is assumed that the radio wave intensity is higher when the distance between two devices that perform wireless communication is closer. However, as another example, when there is an obstacle, Even when the distance between two devices that perform wireless communication is close, the radio field intensity may be small.

Here, the positional relationship between the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 corresponding to each other may be arbitrary, and as an example, the terminal device 13-1. For .about.13-2, an arrangement may be used in which the wireless transmitter with the maximum reception strength and the data collection device with the maximum reception strength correspond to each other.
In addition, regarding the positional relationship between the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 that correspond to each other, for example, it is preferable that a strictly ideal arrangement is preferably realized. However, if there is no practical problem, an arrangement slightly deviated from the ideal arrangement may be used.
As another example, the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 corresponding to each other are integrated and configured as a common device (wireless communication device). May be.

[Overview of wireless transmitter]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the wireless transmitter 11-1 according to the embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the plurality of wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 have the same configuration except for information stored or transmitted by the respective wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2. Yes. For this reason, the plurality of radio transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 will be described together with one radio transmitter 11-1 as a representative.
The wireless transmitter 11-1 includes a storage unit 111, a communication information reception unit 112, and a communication information wireless transmission unit 113.

  The storage unit 111 is configured using a memory, for example, and stores information. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 111 stores communication information (communication information) related to the data collection device 12-1 connected to the wireless transmitter 11-1. The communication information is information used for wireless communication between the data collection device 12-1 and the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2. In the present embodiment, the communication information includes address information (address information) assigned to the data collection device 12-1 and wireless communication channel information (channel) assigned to the data collection device 12-1. Information). The channel information includes, for example, information on the frequency of wireless communication assigned to the data collection device 12-1. For example, the channel information may or may not include information other than the frequency.

The storage unit 111 stores identification information assigned to the wireless transmitter 11-1. The identification information is information for identifying each of the plurality of wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2, and is different for each of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2, for example.
In addition, the storage unit 111 stores information (destination information) indicating the destination of the signal from the wireless transmitter 11-1. In the present embodiment, a PAN ID (Personal Area Network ID), which is multicast destination information, is used as the destination information.
As another example, as such destination information, for example, information for identifying individual terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 may be used.

The communication information receiving unit 112 receives communication information output from the data collection device 12-1 connected to the wireless transmitter 11-1 and stores the received communication information in the storage unit 111.
The communication information is communication information regarding the data collection device 12-1.

Here, as the communication information stored in the storage unit 111, for example, predetermined communication information may be stored in advance in the storage unit 111 in an initial state, or at any timing, the communication information reception unit The communication information received by 112 may be stored in the storage unit 111.
Further, as the communication information stored in the storage unit 111, for example, the communication information may be used without being changed (updated), or the communication information received by the communication information receiving unit 112 at an arbitrary timing. May be changed (updated).

  The communication information wireless transmission unit 113 uses an antenna to send a signal including destination information stored in the storage unit 111 and communication information stored in the storage unit 111 (in this embodiment, to notify communication information). Is a signal used for communication, and is referred to as a “notification signal”). In this case, the communication information wireless transmission unit 113 may wirelessly transmit the notification signal at an arbitrary timing. For example, the communication information wireless transmission unit 113 wirelessly transmits the notification signal at a timing for every predetermined period (a fixed cycle timing). As the predetermined period, an arbitrary period may be used. For example, 0.5 seconds may be used.

Here, in the present embodiment, address information itself and channel information itself are used as communication information included in the notification signal.
As another configuration example, information for identifying one or both of the address information itself and the channel information itself (herein, also referred to as “data communication identification information”) may be used as the communication information. In this case, data communication is performed in advance between the transmitting device (in this example, the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2) and the receiving device (in this example, the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2). The correspondence between the identification information and predetermined information (here, one or both of address information itself and channel information itself) is stored. Then, the data communication identification information is transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device. Further, the receiving-side apparatus obtains the predetermined information (here, one or both of the address information itself and the channel information itself) based on the received data communication identification information and the stored correspondence. Identify and use. The data communication identification information may be transmitted for both the address information and the channel information, or the information itself is transmitted for one information and the data communication identification information is transmitted for the other information. Also good.
As described above, arbitrary information may be used as communication information as long as necessary information is transmitted.

  In the present embodiment, the notification signal includes identification information of the wireless transmitter 11-1 stored in the storage unit 111. For example, when the wireless transmitter 11-1 is configured using a device that wirelessly transmits a signal including identification information of the device itself, the communication information wireless transmission unit 113 further adds destination information and communication information to the signal. May be used as a notification signal.

Here, in the present embodiment, the communication channel used when the notification signal is transmitted wirelessly by the wireless transmitter 11-1 and the signal is transmitted wirelessly to the terminal device 13-1 by the data collection device 12-1. Different channels are assigned depending on the communication channel used.
Further, in the present embodiment, the communication channel used when the notification signal is transmitted wirelessly by the arbitrary wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the arbitrary data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2. The communication channel used when wirelessly communicating signals with the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 is a different channel.
Note that the communication channels used when the notification signals are transmitted wirelessly by the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 may be the same or different.
Also, the communication channels used when the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 communicate signals with the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 wirelessly may be the same, or May be different.

[Overview of terminal equipment]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the terminal device 13-1 according to the embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the plurality of terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 are the same except that the information detected, stored, or transmitted by the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 may be different. It has a configuration. Therefore, the plurality of terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 will be described together with one terminal device 13-1 as a representative.
The terminal device 13-1 includes an environment data detection unit 211, a storage unit 212, a communication information setting unit 213, and a wireless communication unit 214.
The wireless communication unit 214 includes a communication information wireless reception unit 231 and a data wireless transmission / reception unit 232.

The environment data detection unit 211 detects a value related to a predetermined environment (referred to as “environment data” in the present embodiment). As the value related to the predetermined environment, a value related to an arbitrary environment may be used. For example, an environmental value such as temperature, humidity, illuminance, acceleration, or atmospheric pressure may be used. The environmental data detection unit 211 is configured using, for example, a sensor (in this embodiment, an environmental sensor).
Here, other information may be added to the environmental data. For example, information indicating the time when the environmental data is detected, a sensor that detects the environmental data (in this example, the environmental data detection unit 211 At least one of information identifying the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 including the sensor that detects the environmental data (in this example, the sensor included in the environmental data detection unit 211). It may be added. In this case, in the present embodiment, the environmental data and the added information (additional information) are transmitted, received, stored, and the like together.

The storage unit 212 is configured using a memory, for example, and stores information. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 212 stores the environmental data detected by the environmental data detection unit 211.
Further, the storage unit 212 is information on a channel used when receiving a notification signal transmitted wirelessly from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 (referred to as “notification channel information” in the present embodiment). Remember. When there are a plurality of such channels, the storage unit 212 stores, for example, information on all channels (all notification channel information).
The notification channel information includes, for example, information on the frequency of radio communication assigned to the radio transmitters 11-1 to 11-2. For example, the notification channel information may or may not include information other than the frequency.

In addition, the storage unit 212 stores communication information used when wirelessly communicating with the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2.
Further, the storage unit 212 stores address information (address information) assigned to the terminal device 13-1.
The storage unit 212 also stores destination information used to determine whether or not to receive notification signals transmitted wirelessly from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 212 stores the same destination information as the destination information included in the notification signal.

  The communication information setting unit 213 sets the communication information by storing, in the storage unit 212, communication information that is used when wirelessly communicating with the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2. In the present embodiment, the communication information setting unit 213 sets communication information received from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2. In this case, the communication information setting unit 213 sets the latest communication information received from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2.

The wireless communication unit 214 has a function of performing wireless communication using an antenna.
The communication information wireless reception unit 231 receives a notification signal transmitted wirelessly from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 using a channel specified by the notification channel information stored in the storage unit 212. . The notification signal includes communication information regarding the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 connected to the respective wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2.
Here, in the present embodiment, the communication information wireless reception unit 231 receives a notification signal including the same destination information as the destination information stored in the storage unit 212 and discards the notification signal including other destination information. To do.

  The data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 uses the address information and channel specified by the communication information stored in the storage unit 212 and wirelessly communicates with the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 corresponding to the communication information. connect. In the present embodiment, the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 wirelessly transmits a signal including environmental data detected by the environmental data detection unit 211 to the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2. The address information is included in the signal. In addition, the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 includes the address information of the terminal device 13-1 stored in the storage unit 212 in the signal and performs wireless communication. Further, the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 receives an acknowledgment (ACK) signal transmitted wirelessly from the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2.

In the example of FIG. 1, in the terminal device 13-1, the communication information wireless reception unit 231 uses the channel specified by the notification channel information stored in the storage unit 212 to wirelessly transmit from the wireless transmitter 11-1. The notification signal transmitted by is received. Then, the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 communicates wirelessly with the data collection device 12-1 corresponding to the communication information using the address information and the channel specified by the communication information included in the notification signal.
On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 1, the terminal device 13-2 receives the notification signal transmitted wirelessly from the wireless transmitter 11-2, and receives the address information specified by the communication information included in the notification signal and The channel is used to communicate wirelessly with the data collection device 12-2 corresponding to the communication information.

Here, the notification signal transmitted by radio from the plurality of radio transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 may be received by one terminal device 13-1.
Therefore, when a notification signal transmitted wirelessly from the plurality of wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 is received, the communication information wireless reception unit 231 selects one of the plurality of notification signals. Select and adopt the notification signal. In this case, for example, the communication information wireless reception unit 231 selects and employs one notification signal having the maximum radio wave reception intensity among a plurality of received notification signals. In addition, the communication information wireless reception unit 231 may be determined randomly or in advance when, for example, two or more notification signals having the maximum radio wave reception intensity are present among the plurality of received notification signals. One notification signal may be selected and adopted based on any given condition. As the reception strength, for example, RSSI (Received Signal)
(Strength Indicator) may be used.
The communication information setting unit 213 sets communication information included in one notification signal selected by the communication information wireless reception unit 231.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 214 operates only one of the communication information wireless reception unit 231 and the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232. That is, the wireless communication unit 214 does not operate the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 when operating the communication information wireless reception unit 231, and conversely when operating the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232. Control not to operate.

Here, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 214 includes common wireless communication hardware for the communication information wireless reception unit 231 and the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232, and the channel used in the hardware is determined. By switching, the function of the communication information wireless reception unit 231 and the function of the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 are switched.
That is, in the example of FIG. 2, the communication information wireless reception unit 231 and the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 are separately shown to easily understand that they have two functions. The data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 is one functional unit that can be switched between two types of communication methods (in this embodiment, a communication method for receiving a notification signal and a communication method for performing data communication). It can also be regarded as.
As another configuration example, the wireless communication unit 214 may include separate wireless communication hardware for the communication information wireless reception unit 231 and the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232.
Note that the wireless communication unit 214 may operate both the communication information wireless reception unit 231 and the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 at the same time.

  In addition, any timing may be used as a timing for wirelessly transmitting the environmental data by the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232. For example, the environmental data is wirelessly transmitted at a timing for every predetermined period (a fixed cycle timing). To do. In this case, the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 transmits the environment data stored in the storage unit 212 from the time when the environment data was previously transmitted wirelessly to the present time wirelessly. That is, the environmental data detected by the environmental data detection unit 211 is sequentially stored in the storage unit 212, and the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 wirelessly transmits untransmitted environmental data at a timing for each predetermined period. . As the predetermined period, an arbitrary period may be used. For example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes may be used.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 executes carrier sense processing in advance when wirelessly communicating with the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 using the set communication information. In response to determining that the corresponding frequency is not used by another device (that is, the frequency is free), wireless communication with the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 is started. . When it is determined that the corresponding frequency is being used by another device (that is, the frequency is not available), the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232 waits until the frequency is available.

Further, in the terminal device 13-1, for example, when the communication information wireless reception unit 231 attempts to receive the notification signal at the timing of each predetermined period and the notification signal is not received, the power saving state (this In the embodiment, after transitioning to “sleep state”) and waiting for the next timing (timing for each predetermined period), the normal state (state that consumes more power than the sleep state) is entered. It may be activated. In such an operation, in the terminal device 13-1, for example, when a notification signal is received, the environmental data is wirelessly transmitted by the data wireless transmission / reception unit 232, and then, the terminal device 13-1 shifts to the sleep state and the next time. You may wait for timing (timing for every predetermined period mentioned above).
Here, the sleep state in the terminal device 13-1 may be realized using software, for example, or until the predetermined period is counted by a timer external to the processing unit to be in the sleep state. It may be realized by turning off the power of the processing unit.

As the power source of the terminal device 13-1, for example, a battery power source may be used. In particular, when a configuration in which the terminal device 13-1 is in a sleep state is used, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery in terms of saving power consumption.
Further, as the battery, for example, a battery that can be repeatedly charged may be used.
As another example, as a power source of the terminal device 13-1, for example, an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC: Electric Double Layer Capacitor), a non-contact power feeding (WLP: Wireless Power) that feeds power sent from the outside in a non-contact manner
A power source by Transfer) or a power source by energy harvesting such as a solar cell may be used.

[Outline of data collection device]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the data collection device 12-1 according to the embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 are different from each other in that communication information (address information and channel information) of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 may be different. Have the same configuration. Therefore, the plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 will be described together with one data collection device 12-1 as a representative.
The data collection device 12-1 includes a storage unit 311, a communication information transmission unit 312, a wireless communication unit 313, and a collected data transmission unit 314.
The wireless communication unit 313 includes a data wireless transmission / reception unit 331.

  The storage unit 311 is configured using a memory, for example, and stores information. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 311 stores environment data received from the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2. The storage unit 311 stores channel information (channel information) and address information (address information) allocated to the data collection device 12-1.

  The communication information transmission unit 312 transmits communication information including channel information and address information of the data collection device 12-1 stored in the storage unit 311 to the wireless transmitter 11-1. Here, the communication information transmitting unit 312 may transmit the communication information to the wireless transmitter 11-1 at an arbitrary timing. As an example, the communication information transmitting unit 312 may transmit the communication information to the wireless transmitter 11-1 at a timing (a predetermined cycle timing) for each predetermined period. As another example, the communication information transmitting unit 312 transmits communication information to the wireless transmitter 11-1 at a timing when the data collection device 12-1 and the wireless transmitter 11-1 are initially connected. May be. As another example, the communication information transmitting unit 312 sends the communication information to the wireless transmitter 11-1 at the timing when the communication information (address information and channel information) stored in the storage unit 311 is changed. You may send it.

The wireless communication unit 313 has a function of performing wireless communication using an antenna.
The data wireless transmission / reception unit 331 receives a signal transmitted wirelessly from the terminal device 13-1, and acquires environmental data included in the signal. In this case, the data wireless transmission / reception unit 331, when the address information of the own device (in this example, the data collection device 12-1) is included in the signal arriving wirelessly from the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2, It is determined that the signal is a signal addressed to its own device, and environmental data included in the signal is acquired. Further, the data wireless transmission / reception unit 331 transmits an ACK signal to the terminal device 13-1 wirelessly in response to receiving the signal transmitted wirelessly from the terminal device 13-1.
The data wireless transmission / reception unit 331 stores the environmental data acquired from the received signal in the storage unit 311. Thereby, the data collection device 12-1 collects environmental data.

  Here, the data wireless transmission / reception unit 331 temporarily stores and holds the address information of the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 in communication in the storage unit 212 and uses the address information to perform the communication in progress. Wireless communication is performed between the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2.

  In the present embodiment, the data wireless transmission / reception unit 331 performs carrier sense processing in advance and is assigned to the data collection device 12-1 when communicating wirelessly with the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2. The wireless communication with the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 is started in response to the determination that the frequency is not used by another device (that is, the frequency is free). When it is determined that the corresponding frequency is being used by another device (that is, the frequency is not available), the data wireless transmission / reception unit 331 waits until the frequency is available.

The collected data transmission unit 314 transmits a signal including environmental data stored in the storage unit 311 to the data storage device 31 via the network 21.
Here, any timing may be used as the timing at which the collected data transmission unit 314 transmits the environmental data. For example, the environmental data is transmitted at a timing for every predetermined period (a fixed cycle timing). In this case, the collected data transmission unit 314 transmits the environmental data stored in the storage unit 311 this time from the previous transmission of the environmental data to the present time. That is, the environmental data acquired by the data wireless transmission / reception unit 331 is sequentially stored in the storage unit 311, and the collected data transmission unit 314 transmits untransmitted environmental data at a predetermined timing.

[Overview of network and data storage device]
The network 21 may be an arbitrary network.
The data storage device 31 receives signals transmitted from the respective data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 via the network 21. Then, the data storage device 31 stores the environmental data included in the received signal in the storage unit of the data storage device 31. The storage unit may be a database, for example.
As a result, the data storage device 31 collectively stores environmental data collected by the plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2.

[Outline of operations performed in communication system]
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of a processing procedure performed in the communication system 1 according to the embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a terminal device 13-1, a wireless transmitter 11-1, a data collection device 12-1, a wireless transmitter 11-2, and a data collection device 12-2.
Note that the timing chart shown in FIG. 5 shows an example of processing timing, and other timings may be used.

(Process T1)
The terminal device 13-1 sets a wireless communication channel used for receiving notification signals from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2.
(Process T11)
For example, the wireless transmitter 11-1 repeatedly transmits a notification signal wirelessly. The terminal device 13-1 receives the notification signal transmitted wirelessly from the wireless transmitter 11-1.
(Process T21)
For example, the wireless transmitter 11-2 repeatedly transmits a notification signal wirelessly. The terminal device 13-1 receives the notification signal transmitted wirelessly from the wireless transmitter 11-2.

(Process T2)
In the terminal device 13-1, one notification signal having the maximum reception intensity is selected from the plurality of received notification signals, and communication information (address information and channel information) included in the selected notification signal is selected. Set. In this example, the terminal device 13-1 selects the notification signal from the wireless transmitter 11-1, and sets communication information used for wireless communication with the data collection device 12-1.
(Process T3)
The terminal device 13-1 transmits the environment data to the data collection device 12-1 wirelessly using the set communication information.
(Process T31)
In response to the reception of the environmental data transmitted from the terminal device 13-1, the data collection device 12-1 transmits an ACK signal to the terminal device 13-1 wirelessly.
(Process T32)
The data collection device 12-1 transmits the environmental data received from the terminal device 13-1 to the data storage device 31 via the network 21.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed in the terminal device 13-1 according to the embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention.
(Step S1)
The terminal device 13-1 sets a wireless communication channel used for receiving notification signals from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2.
(Step S2)
The terminal device 13-1 receives notification signals transmitted wirelessly from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2.
(Step S3)
The terminal device 13-1 sets communication information (address information and channel information) included in one notification signal based on one or more received notification signals.
(Step S4)
The terminal device 13-1 uses the set communication information to transmit environment data wirelessly to the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 corresponding to the communication information.
(Step S5)
The terminal device 13-1 receives the ACK signal transmitted by radio from the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 that have received the environment data.

[Summary of First Embodiment]
As described above, in the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 and the data collection are used as channels for wirelessly transmitting notification signals from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2. A channel different from the channel for wireless communication with the devices 12-1 to 12-2 is used. The wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 are communication information (address information and channel information) of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 corresponding to their own devices (the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2). ), And the communication information is included in the notification signal and transmitted wirelessly. The terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 that have received the notification signal wirelessly transmit the environmental data using the communication information included in the notification signal. Thereby, the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 are, for example, when the address information or channel information of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 is unknown, or a plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-12. -2 exists, wireless communication with the specific data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 can be established based on the communication information from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2. .

Each of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 is, for example, at a position adjacent to the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 corresponding to the respective wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2. Has been placed. As another example, each of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 may be integrated with the data collection device 12-1 corresponding to each of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2.
When each of the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 receives notification signals from the plurality of wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2, the received signal strength (for example, RSSI) of the plurality of notification signals. Are compared, and the notification signal of the largest RSSI is selected, so that it is possible to selectively communicate with the nearest data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2.
In this way, the method of selecting the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 by comparing the sizes of RSSIs is, for example, data collection even when a failure occurs in the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2. It can be applied to help quick switching of the devices 12-1 to 12-2, and is advantageous.

  In the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, traffic is improved because different channels are used for the notification signal channel and the data communication channel. Further, in the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, communication using address filtering for designating each other's address is performed to prevent crosstalk. Accordingly, in the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, communication is stable and high-quality communication can be realized.

In the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 are connected to the PAN.
By transmitting the notification signal by multicast using the ID, only the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 to which the same PAN ID is set receive the notification signal, and the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-13 -2 does not receive a notification signal that does not include the set PAN ID. In the communication system 1 according to this embodiment, such address filtering further stabilizes communication without receiving communication data or noise in other systems.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 corresponding to the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 are respectively Connected directly through the interface. Accordingly, the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 can directly communicate with each other, and in these, the data collection devices 12-1 to 12- 2 address information and channel information can be shared. In this case, the storage unit 111 of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 may not necessarily store communication information in advance, and the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection device It is possible to eliminate the work of associating (relating) 12-1 to 12-2 in advance. That is, for example, by connecting the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2, it is possible to associate them. Thereby, maintainability is also improved.

In the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, identification information included in the notification signals from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2, address information included in the communication information of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2, The area can be specified based on one or more of the channel information included in the communication information of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2.
For example, the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment may further include an area specifying unit that specifies an area where the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 exist. For example, the area specifying unit can specify the area associated with the identification information included in the notification signal, that is, the notification signal received by the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2. It is possible to identify the area where the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 exist based on the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 of the transmission source. Moreover, the said area specific | specification part can specify the area matched with it based on the address information or channel information contained in the information for communication, for example, ie, the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2. Thus, it is possible to specify the area where the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 exist based on the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 that are transmission destinations that transmit signals including environmental data. Note that the area specifying unit may be provided in any place in the communication system 1, for example, the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2, the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2, the data storage device 31, Alternatively, one or more of other devices connected to the network 21 may be provided. When the area specifying unit is provided in the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2, for example, the correspondence between the area and predetermined information (identification information, address information, or channel information) is stored, Identify areas according to information. Further, when the area specifying unit is provided in the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2, for example, the area corresponding to the own device (the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2) is stored, Identify the area. When the area specifying unit is provided in a device such as the data storage device 31 (a device other than the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2), for example, the terminal device 13-1 ~ 13-2 or information that can specify an area (for example, identification information, address information, or channel information described above) is received from the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2, and the area is determined based on the information. Is identified.
In the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, communication is not performed and information is not shared between the plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2.

In the present embodiment, in the wireless communication between the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2, control using the notification signals from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 is performed. The P2P topology (star topology) to be performed is used.
And in this embodiment, since the terminal device 13-1 to 13-2 takes the lead and starts the process which transmits environmental data to the data collection device 12-1 to 12-2 by radio | wireless, polling is unnecessary. be able to.
Each of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 can wirelessly communicate with the plurality of terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 without performing polling, for example. Here, in the present embodiment, when one data collection device 12-1 to 12-2 and a plurality of terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 perform wireless communication, the plurality of terminal devices 13-1 to 13-13. -2 is wirelessly connected to the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 in the order in which the notification signals are received from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 corresponding to the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2. connect. For this reason, in this embodiment, wireless communication with the plurality of terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 is not always performed in the order determined by the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 as in polling. However, the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 can asynchronously communicate with the plurality of terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 asynchronously.

  As described above, in the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, by using the notification signals transmitted from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2, as communication partners of the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2. The plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 can be easily switched. Thereby, for example, in the communication system 1 having a plurality of terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 and a plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2, the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 and the data collection device 12 are included. Stable and high-quality data communication can be realized between -1 and 12-2. Furthermore, in the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to further stabilize the communication and improve the quality by using address filtering or by making the channel of the notification signal different from the channel of the data communication. .

  In the case of providing n (n represents an integer of 2 or more) data collection devices, for example, wireless transmission corresponding to the i-th (i represents an integer of 1 to n) data collection device. The machine always transmits a notification signal including communication information related to the data collection device wirelessly on a predetermined channel. Then, for example, the terminal device periodically receives the radio wave of the predetermined channel, and selects the notification signal to be received and selected by the RSSI circuit (the circuit that receives the radio wave having the stronger reception intensity). Data is communicated wirelessly with the m-th data collection device corresponding to the communication information, using the communication information included in the m-th notification signal (m represents an integer of 1 to n).

Here, in the example of FIG. 1, two combinations are shown as combinations of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2. However, the number is not limited to this. . As another example, the communication system 1 may include one or any combination of three or more (a combination of a wireless transmitter and a data collection device).
In the example of FIG. 1, the case where the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 correspond one-to-one is shown, but the configuration is not limited to this. As another example, one data collection device may correspond to a plurality of wireless transmitters, and in this case, each of the plurality of wireless transmitters may have communication information (addresses) of the one data collection device. Information and channel information) are transmitted wirelessly. In this case, the plurality of wireless transmitters are disposed at different positions, for example.
In the example of FIG. 1, two terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 are shown, but the number is not limited to this. As another example, the communication system 1 may include one or three or more arbitrary number of terminal devices.

  In the present embodiment, in the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2, when notification signals from a plurality of wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 arrive, one notification is made based on the reception strength. Although a method for selecting a signal is used, the present invention is not limited to this. As another example, when notification signals from a plurality of wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 arrive at the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2, one notification signal detected first is selected. A technique may be used.

In addition, each device (wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2, data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2, terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2, data storage device 31) provided in the communication system 1 or a network The configuration of 21 is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment.
For example, in the example of FIG. 1, environmental data is collected and stored from the plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 by the network 21 and the data storage device 31. However, this is not necessarily required. The environmental data collected by the plurality of data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 may be arbitrarily used.

  In the present embodiment, environment data is used as data to be transmitted wirelessly from the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 to the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2. May be used. The terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 may not include the environmental data detection unit 211 when it is not necessary to detect environmental data.

Also, between the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2, notification signals transmitted wirelessly from the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 are transmitted to the terminal device 13-. 1 to 13-2, but as another configuration example, signals transmitted from the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 by radio are wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 (in this case). And a wireless communication device having a wireless transmission function and a wireless reception function).
In the present embodiment, when signals are transmitted from the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 to the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 by radio, for example, the data collection devices 12-1 to 12- 2 transmits the ACK signal by radio to the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2. Note that other signals may be wirelessly transmitted from the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 to the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2. As the signals, for example, the terminal devices 13-1 to 13- A signal for giving an operation instruction to 2 (also referred to as an “operation instruction signal” in the present embodiment) may be used. The operation instruction signal may be, for example, a signal instructing the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 to perform an operation for shifting to the sleep state, or to the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2. It may be a signal for instructing (requesting) transmission of environmental data.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in the wireless communication performed between the two devices, for example, unidirectional wireless communication may be performed, or bidirectional wireless communication may be performed.
In this embodiment, in communication performed between two devices, for example, a signal to be communicated includes address information of a transmission source device and address information of a transmission destination (destination) device. . By using both pieces of address information in communication performed by two apparatuses, security can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, each of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 wirelessly transmits a signal (notification signal) including identification information of the own device (the respective wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2). The communication information (address information and channel information) of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 corresponding to the own device is included in the notification signal. As another configuration example, each wireless transmitter 11 Signals (notification signals) that include communication information (address information and channel information) of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 corresponding to the own device without including the identification information of the own device. May be transmitted wirelessly.

(Second Embodiment)
In this embodiment, the example at the time of applying the communication system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment to a location management evaluation system is shown.

[Outline of location management evaluation system]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a location management evaluation system 401 according to the embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention.
The location management evaluation system 401 includes a terminal unit 511-1 including a terminal device 532, two wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 having a function of wirelessly transmitting a notification signal and a function of wirelessly communicating data, A network 521 and an area specifying unit 571 are provided. In the example of FIG. 7, the area specifying unit 571 is connected to the network 521. Further, terminal units 511-2 to 511-6 shown in FIG. 7 represent a state in which the terminal unit 511-1 moves, and are the same as the terminal unit 511-1.

In the example of FIG. 7, a room 411 such as a warehouse is shown. A partition 412 is provided in the room 411, and two areas 413-1 and 413-2 are formed. The partition 412 is provided with an opening, and the terminal 511-1 can move from the one area 413-1 to the other area 413-2 through the opening.
In the example of FIG. 7, one area 413-1 is provided with an opening in a wall other than the partition 412, and the terminal 511-1 is externally connected to the one area 413 through the opening. 1 can be entered.
In the example of FIG. 7, the other area 413-2 is provided with an opening on a wall other than the partition 412, and the terminal 511-1 is connected to the other area 413-2 through the opening. It is possible to go outside.
In addition, one wireless communication device 512-1 is installed in one area 413-1, and one wireless communication device 512-2 is installed in the other area 413-2.
The network 521 is disposed outside the room 411.

  Here, in the example of FIG. 7, the terminal unit 511-1 enters the area 413-1 from the outside, moves to the position of the terminal unit 511-2, the position of the terminal unit 511-3, and then moves to the area 413-2. It is shown that the terminal moves to the position of the terminal unit 511-4, the terminal unit 511-5, the terminal unit 511-6, and then goes outside.

The terminal unit 511-1 includes an environment maintenance box 531 and a terminal device 532. The terminal device 532 includes an antenna 541. The terminal device 532 is disposed inside the environment maintenance box 531. The antenna 541 is disposed outside the environment maintenance box 531.
In the present embodiment, the terminal device 532 is configured using a sensor node.
The sensor node includes, as environment sensors, for example, a temperature / humidity sensor that detects temperature and humidity, and an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration of the own device (terminal device 532).
Each of the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 receives data transmitted wirelessly from the antennas 551-1 to 551-2 that wirelessly transmit the notification signal and the terminal device 532 of the terminal unit 511-1. The antennas 552-1 to 552-2 are provided as separate antennas. As another example, a common antenna may be used as these antennas (antennas 551-1 to 551-2 and antennas 552-1 to 552-2).

Here, the terminal device 532 in the terminal unit 511-1 in the example of FIG. 7 corresponds to the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 in the example of FIG. 1, that is, the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-1 in the example of FIG. It has the same function as the function 13-2.
Further, the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 in the example of FIG. 7 correspond to the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 in the example of FIG. 1 has the same function as that of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 in the example of FIG. 1 and the same function as the function of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 in the example of FIG. That is, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 integrate the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 in the example of FIG. Device.
Further, the network 521 in the example of FIG. 7 corresponds to the network 21 in the example of FIG. 1, that is, has a function similar to the function of the network 21 in the example of FIG.
Although not shown in the example of FIG. 7, a device (data storage device) having a function similar to the function of the data storage device 31 in the example of FIG. 1 may be further provided.

[Outline of operations performed in the location management evaluation system]
In the location management evaluation system 401 according to the present embodiment, environmental data in the environmental maintenance box 531 is detected (measured) using the terminal device 532 installed in the environmental maintenance box 531 and collected. The environmental data thus transmitted is wirelessly transmitted to the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2. Then, the environment data is transmitted (uploaded) from the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 to a device (for example, a data storage device serving as a cloud device) connected to the network 521. As a result, the location management evaluation system 401 according to the present embodiment can manage an appropriate state of the environment inside the environment maintenance box 531.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the terminal unit 511-1 detects the environment data inside the environment maintenance box 531 by the terminal device 532 while moving by the mechanism for moving the environment maintenance box 531, and wirelessly transmits the detected environment data. It transmits to the communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 by radio.

First, when the terminal unit 511-1 enters the area 413-1 from the outside, the terminal device 532 receives a notification signal from the wireless communication device 512-1 and a notification signal from the wireless communication device 512-2. The terminal device 532 compares the RSSIs of the plurality of notification signals, and selects the notification signal that has the largest RSSI. Here, the terminal device 532 selects the notification signal from the wireless communication device 512-1. Then, the terminal device 532 specifies address information for the wireless communication device 512-1 corresponding to the selected notification signal based on the communication information (address information and channel information) included in the selected notification signal. In addition, the wireless communication channel is changed from the notification signal channel to the data communication channel, and the environmental data is transmitted wirelessly.
After the environmental data communication is completed, the terminal device 532 changes the wireless communication channel from the data communication channel to the notification signal channel.
In the example of FIG. 7, at the positions of the terminal units 511-1 to 511-3, the terminal device 532 communicates wirelessly with the wireless communication device 512-1 having the maximum RSSI.

Next, the terminal unit 511-1 exits from the area 413-1 and enters the area 413-2. The terminal device 532 receives the notification signal from the wireless communication device 512-1 and the notification signal from the wireless communication device 512-2. Receive. The terminal device 532 compares the RSSIs of the plurality of notification signals, and selects the notification signal that has the largest RSSI. Here, the terminal device 532 selects the notification signal from the wireless communication device 512-2. Then, based on the communication information (address information and channel information) included in the selected notification signal, the terminal device 532 specifies address information for the wireless communication device 512-2 corresponding to the selected notification signal. In addition, the wireless communication channel is changed from the notification signal channel to the data communication channel, and the environmental data is transmitted wirelessly.
Thereafter, the terminal unit 511-1 exits from the area 413-2.
After the environmental data communication is completed, the terminal device 532 changes the wireless communication channel from the data communication channel to the notification signal channel.
In the example of FIG. 7, at the positions of the terminal units 511-4 to 511-6, the terminal device 532 communicates wirelessly with the wireless communication device 512-2 having the maximum RSSI.

In the present embodiment, the notification signal transmitted wirelessly from the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 does not reach the terminal device 532 when the terminal unit 511-1 leaves the room 411. .
In the present embodiment, when the notification signal is not received, the terminal device 532 repeatedly switches between the reception mode (the mode for performing notification signal reception processing) and the sleep mode (the mode for entering the sleep state) at predetermined intervals. Do it. Thereby, power saving can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the address information of the wireless communication device 512-1 and the address information of the wireless communication device 512-2 are different, and address filtering is executed. For example, the channel of the wireless communication device 512-1 Even if the information and the channel information of the wireless communication apparatus 512-2 are the same, crosstalk is prevented.

In the present embodiment, the area specifying unit 571 determines the position (location) where the terminal device 532 exists based on the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 to which the terminal device 532 belongs. The function for performing this determination (in the example of FIG. 7, the function of the area specifying unit 571) is provided in, for example, a device connected to the network 521 (for example, a data storage device serving as a cloud device). An apparatus may be provided.
In the area specifying unit 571, for example, when the terminal device 532 belongs to the wireless communication device 512-1 (when wirelessly communicating with the wireless communication device 512-1), the terminal device 532 is present in the area 413-1. judge. In the area specifying unit 571, when the terminal device 532 belongs to the wireless communication device 512-2 (when wirelessly communicating with the wireless communication device 512-2), the terminal device 532 is present in the area 413-2. judge.

[Summary of Second Embodiment]
As described above, the location management evaluation system 401 according to the present embodiment uses the notification signal transmitted from the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 having the function of the wireless transmitter, thereby As communication partners, the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 having the function of the data collection device can be easily switched. As a result, the location management evaluation system 401 according to the present embodiment can achieve stable communication and high quality.

(Third embodiment)
In the present embodiment, an example in which the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment is applied to a wafer environment monitoring system is shown.

[Outline of Wafer Environmental Monitoring System]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a wafer environment monitoring system 601 according to the embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention.
The wafer environment monitor system 601 includes a plurality of terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6, two wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2 having a function of wirelessly transmitting a notification signal and a function of wirelessly communicating data. , A network 751 is provided.
Further, the wafer environment monitor system 601 includes a stocker 611, a semiconductor device 621 and a load port 622, a semiconductor device 631 and a load port 632, a buffer station 641, a transfer rail 651, and gripping portions 652-1 to 652-3. Prepare.
The wafer environment monitor system 601 processes the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6.

In the present embodiment, one terminal device 711-1 to 711-6 is added to each of the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6.
In the example of FIG. 8, the respective terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 are added to the bottom surfaces (lower surfaces toward which gravity is directed) of the respective wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6.
Each of the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6 is a container for storing a predetermined plurality of (for example, 25) wafers, and protects the wafers from dust or the like existing outside the container.

The stocker 611 has a plurality of regions, and includes non-contact power feeding units 721-1 to 721-2 in each region.
Each non-contact electric power feeding part 721-1-721-2 supplies electric power non-contact with respect to the terminal device 711-1-711-6.
In the example of FIG. 8, in the stocker 611, one terminal device 711-1 is placed on the upper side of the non-contact power feeding unit 721-1 provided in one region, and the terminal device 711-1. Is added to the lower side of one wafer pod 712-1. In addition, one terminal device 711-2 is placed on the upper side of the non-contact power feeding unit 721-2 provided in another region, and the terminal device 711-2 includes one wafer pod 712. -2 is added below.

The semiconductor device 621 is a device that processes the wafers accommodated in the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6.
The load port 622 takes in and out the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6 between the semiconductor device 621 and the outside.
A non-contact power feeding unit 721-3 is provided outside the load port 622. In the example of FIG. 8, one terminal device 711-3 is placed on the upper side of the non-contact power feeding unit 721-3, and the terminal device 711-2 is located on the lower side of one wafer pod 712-3. Has been added.

The semiconductor device 631 is a device that processes the wafers accommodated in the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6.
The load port 632 loads and unloads the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6 between the semiconductor device 631 and the outside.
A non-contact power feeding unit 721-4 is provided outside the load port 632. In the example of FIG. 8, one terminal device 711-4 is placed on the upper side of the non-contact power feeding unit 721-4, and the terminal device 711-4 is below the one wafer pod 712-4. Has been added.

The buffer station 641 includes a non-contact power feeding unit 721-5. In the example of FIG. 8, one terminal device 711-5 is placed above the non-contact power feeding unit 721-5, and the terminal device 711-5 is below the one wafer pod 712-5. Has been added.
The transport rail 651 is a rail that transports the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6.
In a state where the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6 are gripped by the gripping portions 652-1 to 652-3 provided on the transport rail 651, the gripping portions 652-1 to 652-3 are moved along the transport rail 651. By moving, the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6 are moved. In the example of FIG. 8, the wafer pod 712-6 to which the terminal device 711-6 is added is gripped and transported by the gripping unit 652-2. The terminal device 711-6 is added below the wafer pod 712-6.
In the example of FIG. 8, the plurality of gripping portions 652-1 to 652-3 are shown, but for example, the transport rail 651 may be provided with only one gripping portion.

Each terminal device 711-1 to 711-6 has an antenna (not shown).
In addition, each of the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 can be supplied with electric power from an external non-contact power feeding unit 721-1 to 721-5 in a non-contact manner.
In addition, each terminal device 711-1 to 711-6 and each non-contact electric power feeding part 721-1 to 721-5 may be provided with the antenna for exclusive use used in order to transmit electric power, for example, non-contact. Good.

In the present embodiment, each terminal device 711-1 to 711-6 is configured using a sensor node. The sensor node includes, as environment sensors, for example, a temperature / humidity sensor that detects temperature and humidity, and an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration of the device itself (terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6). In the present embodiment, the degree of impact on the wafer can be detected by the acceleration sensor.
Each of the wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2 receives antennas 761-1 to 761-2 that transmit notification signals by radio and data transmitted from the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 by radio. Antennas 762-1 to 762-2 are provided as separate antennas. As another example, a common antenna may be used as these antennas (antennas 761-1 to 761-2 and antennas 762-1 to 762-2).

Here, the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 in the example of FIG. 8 correspond to the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 in the example of FIG. 1, that is, the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-1 in the example of FIG. It has the same function as the function 13-2.
Further, the wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2 in the example of FIG. 8 correspond to the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 in the example of FIG. 1 has the same function as that of the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 in the example of FIG. 1 and the same function as the function of the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 in the example of FIG. That is, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2 integrate the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2 and the data collection devices 12-1 to 12-2 in the example of FIG. Device.
The network 751 in the example of FIG. 8 corresponds to the network 21 in the example of FIG. 1, that is, has the same function as the function of the network 21 in the example of FIG.
Although not shown in the example of FIG. 8, a device (data storage device) having a function similar to the function of the data storage device 31 in the example of FIG. 1 may be further provided.

[Overview of operations performed in the wafer environment monitoring system]
In the wafer environment monitor system 601 according to the present embodiment, the environment data of the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6 is used using the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 added to the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6. Detected (measured) and collected, and the collected environmental data is wirelessly transmitted to the wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2. Then, the environment data is transmitted (uploaded) from the wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2 to a device connected to the network 751 (for example, a data storage device serving as a cloud device). Thereby, in the wafer environment monitoring system 601 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to manage an appropriate environmental state in each of the wafer pods 712-1 to 712-6.

  In the example of FIG. 8, the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 are in contact with the non-contact power feeding units 721-1 to 721-5 in a state where the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 are arranged at the non-contact power feeding units 721-1 to 721-5. The battery is charged with electric power supplied in a non-contact manner. In addition, the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 use the charged power in a state where the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 are not arranged at the non-contact power feeding units 721-1 to 721-5, for example, When being held and transported by 652-3, the charged power is used (consumed).

In the example of FIG. 8, the terminal device 711-6 added to the wafer pod 712-6 detects environmental data while being held and moved by the holding portion 652-2, and the detected environmental data is transmitted to the wireless communication device. Wirelessly transmit to 741-1 to 741-2.
Here, for the two wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2, the gripping unit 652-2 moves from a position close to one wireless communication device 741-1 to a position close to the other wireless communication device 741-2. The case where it is moved will be described.

First, the terminal device 711-6 receives the notification signal from the wireless communication device 741-1 and the notification signal from the wireless communication device 741-2 when it exists near the wireless communication device 741-1. The terminal device 711-6 compares the RSSIs of the plurality of notification signals, and selects the notification signal having the largest RSSI. Here, the terminal device 711-6 selects the notification signal from the wireless communication device 741-1. The terminal device 711-6 then transmits address information to the wireless communication device 741-1 corresponding to the selected notification signal based on the communication information (address information and channel information) included in the selected notification signal. , And the wireless communication channel is changed from the notification signal channel to the data communication channel, and the environmental data is transmitted wirelessly.
The terminal device 711-6 changes the wireless communication channel from the data communication channel to the notification signal channel after the environmental data communication ends.

Next, the terminal device 711-6 is moved close to the wireless communication device 741-2, and receives the notification signal from the wireless communication device 741-1 and the notification signal from the wireless communication device 741-2. The terminal device 711-6 compares the RSSIs of the plurality of notification signals, and selects the notification signal having the largest RSSI. Here, the terminal device 711-6 selects the notification signal from the wireless communication device 741-2. The terminal device 711-6 then transmits address information to the wireless communication device 741-2 corresponding to the selected notification signal based on the communication information (address information and channel information) included in the selected notification signal. , And the wireless communication channel is changed from the notification signal channel to the data communication channel, and the environmental data is transmitted wirelessly.
The terminal device 711-6 changes the wireless communication channel from the data communication channel to the notification signal channel after the environmental data communication ends.

In the example of FIG. 8, at the positions of the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-3, the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-3 communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication device 741-1 having the maximum RSSI.
In the example of FIG. 8, at the positions of the terminal devices 711-4 to 711-6, the terminal devices 711-4 to 711-6 communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication device 741-2 having the maximum RSSI.

In the present embodiment, since the address information of the wireless communication device 741-1 and the address information of the wireless communication device 741-2 are different and address filtering is executed, for example, the channel of the wireless communication device 741-1 Even if the information and the channel information of the wireless communication device 741-2 are the same, crosstalk is prevented.
In the present embodiment, based on the wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2 to which the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 belong, positions (locations) where the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6 exist. Is determined. The function of performing this determination may be provided in, for example, a device connected to the network 751 (for example, a data storage device serving as a cloud device).

[Summary of Third Embodiment]
As described above, in the wafer environment monitoring system 601 according to the present embodiment, the terminal device 711-is used by using the notification signal transmitted from the wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2 having the function of the wireless transmitter. The wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2 having the function of the data collection device can be easily switched as communication partners 1 to 711-6. Thereby, in the wafer environment monitoring system 601 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize stabilization of communication and high quality.

(Summary of the above embodiments)
As one configuration example, in a communication system (communication system 1 in the example of FIG. 1, location management evaluation system 401 in the example of FIG. 7, wafer environment monitor system 601 in the example of FIG. 8), a movable terminal device (in FIG. In the example, the terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2, in the example of FIG. 7 the terminal device 532, in the example of FIG. 8 the terminal devices 711-1 to 711-6) and the data collection device (in the example of FIG. 12-1 to 12-2, in the example of FIG. 7, the corresponding function units included in the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2, and in the example of FIG. 8, the corresponding functions of the wireless communication devices 741-1 to 741-2 And wireless transmitters corresponding to the data collection device (in the example of FIG. 1, the wireless transmitters 11-1 to 11-2, and in the example of FIG. 7, the wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2 have corresponding functions. In the example of FIG. 1-1～741-2 having the corresponding functional unit) having the. The wireless transmitter includes a first signal (in the embodiment, a notification signal) including address information of the data collection device (address information) and information of the first channel of wireless communication (channel information) used by the data collection device. ) Is transmitted wirelessly using a second channel (notification signal channel) different from the first channel. The terminal device receives the first signal, and includes data (in the embodiment, environmental data) based on the address information and the first channel information included in the received first signal. The signal is transmitted wirelessly using the first channel. The data collection device receives the second signal transmitted wirelessly from the terminal device, and collects data included in the received second signal.

As one configuration example, the communication system includes a plurality of data collection devices, and each data collection device includes one or more wireless transmitters.
As a configuration example, in a communication system, when a terminal device receives a plurality of first signals, the terminal device selects one first signal having the maximum reception strength (RSSI in the embodiment).
As one configuration example, the communication system includes a data storage device (data storage device 31 in the example of FIG. 1). Each data collection device transmits the collected data to the data storage device. The data storage device receives and stores data transmitted from a plurality of data collection devices.
As an example of the configuration, in the communication system, the data collection device and the wireless transmitter corresponding to each other are arranged in the vicinity or integrated.
As one configuration example, in a communication system, a terminal based on a wireless transmitter that is a transmission source of a first signal received by a terminal device, or a data collection device that is a transmission destination that transmits a second signal by a terminal device An area specifying unit (an area specifying unit 571 in the example of FIG. 7) that specifies an area where the device exists is provided.

Moreover, the thing of the other category which has the summary similar to the above communication systems may be implemented.
As one configuration example, a communication method in a communication system having a movable terminal device, a data collection device, and a wireless transmitter corresponding to the data collection device, the wireless transmitter includes information on an address of the data collection device and A first signal including information on a first channel of wireless communication used by the data collection device is transmitted wirelessly using a second channel different from the first channel. 1 signal is received, a second signal including data is wirelessly transmitted using the first channel based on the address information and the first channel information included in the received first signal. The data collection device receives the second signal transmitted wirelessly from the terminal device, and collects data included in the received second signal (communication system in the example of FIG. 1). The communication method performed in beam 1, which is carried out the method of communication is) in a wafer environment monitoring system 601 communication method, in the example of FIG. 8 is executed in the location management evaluation system 401 in the example of FIG.
As one configuration example, a mobile terminal device is configured to transmit a first signal including information on an address of a data collection device and information on a first channel of wireless communication used by the data collection device to the first channel. The first signal transmitted by radio is received from the radio transmitter that transmits by radio using a second channel different from the first channel, and the address information included in the received first signal and the first A terminal device (terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2 in the example of FIG. 1, terminal devices 13-1 to 13-2, FIG. 7) transmits a second signal including data based on the channel information by radio using the first channel. In the example of FIG. 8, it is the terminal device 532, and in the example of FIG.

Each apparatus (for example, radio transmitters 11-1 to 11-2, data collection apparatuses 12-1 to 12-2, terminal apparatuses 13-1 to 13-2, 532, 711-1) according to the embodiments described above. 711-6, wireless communication devices 512-1 to 512-2, 741-1 to 741-2, etc.) are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (storage medium). Processing may be performed by causing a computer system to read and execute a program recorded on a recording medium.
Here, the “computer system” may include an operating system (OS) or hardware such as a peripheral device.
The “computer-readable recording medium” means a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a writable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), A storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system.
Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (DRAM)) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Dynamic Random Access Memory)) that holds a program for a certain period of time is also included.
The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Further, the above program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system, 11-1 to 11-2 ... Wireless transmitter, 12-1 to 12-2 ... Data collection device, 13-1 to 13-2, 532, 711-1 to 711-6 ... Terminal device, 21, 521, 751... Network, 31... Data storage device, 111, 212, 311 ... storage unit, 112 .. communication information receiving unit, 113 .. communication information wireless transmission unit, 211. Information setting unit, 214, 313 ... Wireless communication unit, 231 ... Communication information wireless reception unit, 232, 331 ... Data wireless transmission / reception unit, 312 ... Communication information transmission unit, 314 ... Collected data transmission unit, 401 ... Location management Evaluation system, 411 ... room, 412 ... partition, 413-1 to 413-2 ... area, 511-1 to 511-6 ... terminal unit, 512-1 to 512-2, 741-1 to 741-2 ... none Communication device, 531 ... Environmental maintenance box, 541, 551-1 to 551-2, 552-1 to 552-2, 761-1 to 761-2, 762-1 to 762-2 ... Antenna, 571 ... Area specifying unit 601 ... Wafer environment monitoring system 611 ... Stocker 621 631 Semiconductor device 622 632 Load port 641 Buffer station 651 Transport rail 652-1 to 652-3 Gripping unit 712-1 712-6 ... Wafer pod, 721-1 to 721-5 ... Non-contact power feeding unit

Claims (16)

A mobile terminal device, a plurality of data collection devices, and a wireless transmitter corresponding to the data collection device,
The wireless transmitter transmits a first signal including address information of the data collection device and information of a first channel of wireless communication used by the data collection device to a second signal different from the first channel. To the terminal device by radio using the channel of
The terminal device receives the first signal transmitted wirelessly from a plurality of the wireless transmitters, and selects the first signal by a predetermined method from the plurality of received first signals And adopting a second signal including data detected by the terminal device based on the address information and the first channel information included in the adopted first signal. Using the channel, and wirelessly transmitting to the data collection device every predetermined period,
The data collection device receives the second signal transmitted by radio from the terminal device, and collects the data included in the received second signal;
Communications system. One or more radio transmitters corresponding to each of the data collection devices;
The communication system according to claim 1. A data storage device;
Each of the data collection devices transmits the collected data to the data storage device,
The data storage device receives and stores the data transmitted from the plurality of data collection devices;
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 and 2. The data collection device and the wireless transmitter corresponding to each other are arranged in the vicinity or integrated.
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Based on the radio transmitter of the transmission source of the first signal received by the terminal device or the data collection device of the transmission destination that transmits the second signal by the terminal device, the terminal device Provided with an area identification unit that identifies an existing area,
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The wireless transmitter transmits the first signal wirelessly by multicast;
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. In the storage unit of the wireless transmitter, the multicast destination information is stored,
The communication system according to claim 6. The communication information wireless reception unit that receives the first signal and the data wireless transmission / reception unit that transmits the second signal in the terminal device include common wireless communication hardware,
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. No communication is performed between the data collection devices.
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The predetermined method is a method of selecting the first signal having the maximum reception intensity.
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A communication method in a communication system having a movable terminal device, a plurality of data collection devices, and a wireless transmitter corresponding to the data collection device,
The wireless transmitter transmits a first signal including address information of the data collection device and information of a first channel of wireless communication used by the data collection device to a second signal different from the first channel. To the terminal device by radio using the channel of
The terminal device receives the first signal transmitted wirelessly from a plurality of the wireless transmitters, and selects the first signal by a predetermined method from the plurality of received first signals And adopting a second signal including data detected by the terminal device based on the address information and the first channel information included in the adopted first signal. Using the channel, and wirelessly transmitting to the data collection device every predetermined period,
The data collection device receives the second signal transmitted by radio from the terminal device, and collects the data included in the received second signal;
Communication method. The wireless transmitter transmits the first signal wirelessly by multicast;
The communication method according to claim 11. In the storage unit of the wireless transmitter, the multicast destination information is stored,
The communication method according to claim 12. The predetermined method is a method of selecting the first signal having the maximum reception intensity.
The communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 13. A mobile terminal device,
The first signal including the information on the address of the data collection device and the information on the first channel of the wireless communication used by the data collection device is wirelessly transmitted using a second channel different from the first channel. Receiving the first signal transmitted by radio from a plurality of radio transmitters, and selecting the first signal by a predetermined method from among the plurality of received first signals Adopted
Based on the address information and the first channel information included in the adopted first signal, the second signal including the detected data is wirelessly transmitted using the first channel. Send to the data collection device every predetermined period,
The communication information wireless reception unit that receives the first signal and the data wireless transmission / reception unit that transmits the second signal in the terminal device include common wireless communication hardware,
Terminal device. The predetermined method is a method of selecting the first signal having the maximum reception intensity.
The terminal device according to claim 15.

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